DISQUS

SolidSmack: Product Review: Hands-on With the 3DConnexion SpaceExplorer

  • Mike Puckett · 1 year ago
    I have used some sort of 'spaceball' product for about 5-6 years now, and I'm lost when I don't have one. Currently I have a Space Pilot at work, a Space Navigator at home, and I have a second Space Navigator that goes with my laptops when I travel.

    My biggest suggestion would be to give the product a chance before deciding it doesnt work. Once you get the work flow down, and get accustom to the feel, you will wonder how you ever worked without it. The 3DConnexion products are the only product demo's we do at our user group meetings.
  • Dustin · 1 year ago
    I have a SpaceNavigator at the office, and another one at home. I've been dying to get my hands on a SpaceExplorer but so far it's not in the budget.

    On my SN, I created a macro that just hits the 'S' key for the Shortcut Bar, and I have the other button set to 'Fit'. I could really use the extra keys the Explorer offers =)
  • Rick Stavanja · 1 year ago
    As have all that have used SpaceExplorer before, your culture will adapt. Resistance is futile.
  • Steve_Calvert · 1 year ago
    I have used a SpaceBall since my first days with 3D CAD way back in the mid '90s and cannot function without one. My current SpacePilot is a dream of a machine. I did just notice that in your close-ups of the Explorer that I see a molded marking 'Dot' on the ctrl key. My Pilot doesn't have one and I wish it did because I haven't been able to locate that key with any consistant results, yet.

    Steve Calvert
  • Marijn · 1 year ago
    To expensive for interns :(
    Every has one except me.
    But i wanted to say that you made a typo in the header Review is it.
  • Eric · 1 year ago
    i before e
    except after c
    or when sounding like a
    as in neighbor or weigh
    or on weekends and holidays and all throughout May
    and you'll always be wrong no matter what you say.

    Can you use two at a time? One in each hand.
  • Josh · 1 year ago
    Sounds like you all really like them, I used a spaceball ages ago that I really like to use. I've gotta say using this in SolidWorks 2008 is great. I would change some stuff (see my dislikes) but it provides better interaction with the environment, something I particularly like with SW2008. They're a good combo. I'm also finding it really useful in MoI (moment of inspiration) and sketchUp. It's SUPER Fun using it in Google Earth and just completely incapsulating with the stars moving all around you. I hope they are able to support the World Wide Telescope that will be coming out from Microsoft.
  • Josh · 1 year ago
    thanks of course to my kind brother and Marijn for correcting my spelling :) you both get a nickel and a bag of 2-month old corn chips.
  • Eric · 1 year ago
    I never got my corn chips. I was wondering if two of these could be used at once? Kind of like an etch-a-sketch meets the piloting chair from "Flight of the Navigator"...but for 3D CAD application...not time travel.
  • Josh · 1 year ago
    COMPLIANCE!! my brother! - actually when linking them together I did transport to the set of "Predator", had a muffin with that claw-faced dude and then split back to work, cause it's so dang exciting and there's less threat of a small atomic arm-band going off.
  • Ivan · 1 year ago
    Nice review Josh... so, how much better is the Explorer than the Navigator in your opinion? I like the small size of the Navigator. It says on their website that it has 2 programable buttons vs. the Explorer's 15. I love my keyboard shorts like you and wonder if I should just get the Navigator for pan/zoom/rotate or if it's worth it to go for 13 more buttons... does the Navigator really have 2 programable buttons? Should I just slap myself and get the explorer since company is paying for it :)
  • Josh · 1 year ago
    Hey Ivan, definitely go with the Explorer if you can, you'll get much better use out of it. the navigator does only have two programmable buttons on it.
  • Gabi · 1 year ago
    Hey, I've received my SpaceExplorer 2 days ago! i'm still trying to get used to it.
    I work in CATIA V5, but also have SolidWorks 2008 and the new betta 2009.
    I tried the space mouse in all of them and it works well.
    I just can't get enough of spinning every model and assembly. :) It's fun.
    I haven't noticed much ordinary mouse button click reducing, but maybe along the way, I will get to that too....
    Have fun!
  • Ivan · 1 year ago
    yes, yes, yes... wow, this thing is wizzy. Just got the Explorer and my boss even loves it. Hows that for product endorsement. I'm just having a slight problem with the 'S button' macro. Can't seem to record that or something.... sorry, I've never used 'em. Do you just hit record macro and hit the S on the keyboard, save, etc?... it doesn't work when I go to run it then. =(