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Use of 3D input devices
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Use of 3D input devices // Roundtable
Post by MadMouse // Jul 2, 2007, 9:49pm
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MadMouse
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My one should be here tomorrow so I'll be able to make a more educated comment after that.
Paul...have you tried this yet???:- http://www.3dconnexion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=336
Steve |
Post by splinters // Jul 2, 2007, 10:02pm
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splinters
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Yes I did steve, it is more powerful and has potential but I had difficulty binding to any workspace functions (read no luck at all)....AND it caused conflicts with the trueball.tsx. Strange things started to happen.
As I could not get it to bind with workspace navigation, I uninstalled and kept on using the trueball.tsx but that is only for model side where it works well. If you are a model side kinda guy then you are fine.
What we need here is someone with a Spacenavigator and either;
a: A great knowledge of the LE and how to link the program you mention with the workspace navigation tools and/or widget functions.
b: A tS SDK so that a new trueball.tsx (but workspace based) can be written.
c: A proper config file and support in trueSpace from Caligari.
At least you can use it for model side and other apps while you wait for one of the above to happen (fingers crossed and all that). Be sure to get the office and Photoshop plug ins from the 3Dconnexion site too.
Good luck...another recruit...:D |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 2, 2007, 10:13pm
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MadMouse
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I am most definitely a model side kinda guy so I should be OK with TS but I was hoping to use this driver to run my Space Navigator in Silo1.42. Only time will tell I guess.
I hate waiting for deliveries. I'm such a kid when it comes to new toys ;) |
Post by splinters // Jul 2, 2007, 11:06pm
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splinters
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It'll be worth it...just admire the build quality...;) :D |
Post by weaveribm // Jul 2, 2007, 11:46pm
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weaveribm
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built like a piece of Nasa equipment
Taking your word for it splinters :)
I'd like to order a Space Navigator but can you tell me please if when I plug it into a USB port I will be able to navigate with 6DOF in Modelspace in 7.11/7.51 please?
I ask this because you show a TS video that you made which looks very excellent thanks - but then you wish later for more active Caligari support. Do you mean that it works fine for viewing with 6DOF in TS: but if Caligari could add more TS-type functions the device would be even more useful to us in TS? Or do you mean that there are awkward problems with using the device in TS7.11/7.51 that you can't sort out without Caligari's support?
If I could plug the device in (TS7.11/7.51) and control my viewpoint in Modelspace with my left hand while still having the normal mouse controls at my right hand that would be very good. Workspace action I can wait for :)
For flight-sim headcases we have the Naturalpoint TIR (USB) device which has transformed quite a few simulations... so this 6DOF device sounds fairly amazing. It's not as if it's 300 quid yes good point
Peter |
Post by splinters // Jul 3, 2007, 12:59am
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splinters
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Ok, for those who have not tried this yet;
The device works perfectly in model side using the trueball.tsx. Gives your the 6DOF you mention...end of...no problem there.
There is no support (at the moment) for workspace either for navigating through a scene (like the model side) or for direct manipulation of objects; in other packages the device can rotate, scale, move etc. the object you are working on but this is not something I particularly want.
Maybe it can be done through the LE somehow but this is where I ask for support. I can't mention names or details but while on beta I mentioned this and a dev told me it would not be hard to implement but that time was tight so I have no doubt it can be done.
I am pretty sure that once you use it in model side and become fluent with it, you will imagine all sorts of possibilities for navigating in realtime in workspace...just think-architectural walkthroughs that you can then record and send to clients... |
Post by splinters // Jul 3, 2007, 1:02am
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splinters
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[B]If I could plug the device in (TS7.11/7.51) and control my viewpoint in Modelspace with my left hand while still having the normal mouse controls at my right hand that would be very good. Workspace action I can wait for :)
And this is exactly what you will get out of the box...you should be well happy with it...;) |
Post by Steinie // Jul 3, 2007, 1:18am
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Steve, let me know if you get Space Navigator in Silo1.42 working. I'd buy the device in a second if it did. Silo is not listed in the "Supported Software" list.
If someone spent time writing the code they could sell the driver for $5-10 each. In the end they would end up with a free Space Navigator at least. |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 3, 2007, 1:24am
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No problem Bob. I just hope the bloody thing gets here before I have to go to work tomorrow :( |
Post by weaveribm // Jul 3, 2007, 2:26am
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weaveribm
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Thanks for confirming splinters that sounds good will order one later, in London here
Peter |
Post by splinters // Jul 3, 2007, 2:33am
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splinters
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Good luck Peter, ships from Germany I believe and cost me about £45 all in. Still, only took two days and the UPS tracking shows you exactly where it is...:D
Forgot to mention that I managed to get this to work in 7.1 using the crane scene-it moved the crane across the track and up and down in height. Also there was a plane simulator and I was able to steer the plane...no idea how I did it now though.
Wasn't good for much else back then (7.1) but you could see that with the right links (LE?) it could be made to work...:) |
Post by weaveribm // Jul 3, 2007, 6:03am
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weaveribm
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Thanks again for the heads-up on this kit splinters I've ordered that up. Bit worrying seeing-
Thank you for your order from 3Dconnexion shop of Outside Professional.
I might have ordered a lawnmower :)
Peter |
Post by splinters // Jul 3, 2007, 7:05am
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splinters
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Fear not, that is simply the distributor in Europe for these little beauties.
Aaah, the army of loyal users grows....muhahahaa....muhaha... |
Post by splinters // Jul 3, 2007, 10:15pm
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splinters
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Did you get it yet Steve? |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 3, 2007, 10:19pm
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MadMouse
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Not yet :(
Just checked the delivery tracker and it left Dartford Kent (about 20miles away) at 6:19 this morning so if the driver is heading this way it shouldnt be long now :D |
Post by W!ZARD // Jul 3, 2007, 11:05pm
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W!ZARD
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Not yet :(
Just checked the delivery tracker and it left Dartford Kent (about 20miles away) at 6:19 this morning so if the driver is heading this way it shouldnt be long now :D
Last time I was in England (about 20 years ago) I was doing delivery driving in and around the Dartford area - traffic could be a killer back then, I can only imagine what it's like now! |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 3, 2007, 11:19pm
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MadMouse
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Ah yes indeed. Which is why I paid the extra £1200 to have it air dropped from a helicopter :D |
Post by splinters // Jul 3, 2007, 11:20pm
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Throw a sickie...stay home...play with toy...:D |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 3, 2007, 11:23pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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Well I could of... right up until you suggested it, my boss visits these forums to, so thats put an end to that plan thanks :D |
Post by weaveribm // Jul 4, 2007, 1:06am
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weaveribm
Total Posts: 592
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Your 3Dconnexion order from Outside Professional has been dispatched
Sweet :)
Peter |
Post by splinters // Jul 4, 2007, 1:53am
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Well I could of... right up until you suggested it, my boss visits these forums to, so thats put an end to that plan thanks :D
Sorry...:o
Still, he should appreciate how important it is to a 3D designer and let you have the time to explore your new toy in order to increase productivity...
:rolleyes: |
Post by splinters // Jul 4, 2007, 2:06am
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splinters
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Guys, I may not have been the first to get one of these devices, but I feel that I may have ben instrumental in influencing your decision to get one.
All I can say is, I hope it meets your needs and improves your modelling/workflow. Remember that it takes a bit of practice, think back to when you first drove a car-how jerky and uncontrolled it was. Now compare that to how you now drive smoothly and almost subconsciously...(I hope!)
The video I posted was like the first few lessons and nowhere near ready for a test...:D |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 4, 2007, 6:42am
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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Still, he should appreciate how important it is to a 3D designer and let you have the time to explore your new toy in order to increase productivity... Somehow I cant see that he'll think a space navigator helps my productivity driving my forklift.:D
Guys, I may not have been the first to get one of these devices, but I feel that I may have ben instrumental in influencing your decision to get one. Dont worry Paul, I wont blame you if its total pants!!! ;) :D I'll find out soon anyway because I just had a txt from my otherhalf to let me know its waiting for me at home (the space navigator that is, before anyone get any ideas:D ). I can feel a long night coming on!!!!!!! |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 4, 2007, 9:58pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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OK then.... Got mine installed last night (GMT) and I like it..... I like it a lot.... but I'd like it a lot more if I could get the bloody thing to work with TS!!!!:(
As Splinters has said before the thing itself is very nicely made and has a real feel of quality about it. It works fine with the demos that come with it, and also with the picture viewer and window explorer but try as I might I cant get it to talk to TS (I've got the matchsticks holding up my eyelids this morning to prove the point).
So Paul... HELP!!!!
first some questions.
Did you install from the CD or download the latest driver from their site and install from them. Or maybe start installing from the CD and then update from the wed update during installation??
What version of trueball are you using (V0.7beta) ????
Which .scg file did you use post 3.5.15 or pre 3.5.15???
When it is working with TS what comes up on the screen because when I start up trueball from scratch I see a very brief flash of a small window pop up, but its too fast to see what it says. If you open the driver panel while in TS what application does it show? all I get is any application and any application mad mouse design?
Any ideas Paul?? I followed the instructions to the letter (twice in-fact) but to no avail. Any help would be really appreciated mate.
Please don't let this put anyone else off (well not just yet) as its probably me missing something. And when it is working it works really well and I can see lots of potential with this product.
Steve |
Post by splinters // Jul 4, 2007, 10:03pm
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Right then Steve.
Download the drivers from the net and plug the thing in etc. If the LED's are on and it works in other programs then fine.
Now open tS and while in model side, load the trueball tsx using the plug in icon, R-Click (I think) on the trueball.tsx and there are various options-one of which is to choose the plug in to be active each time tS opens. That is all I did...maybe messed with the trueball settings (R-button on navigator).
Let me know how you get on...at work all day but near a PC...:D
Oh yeah, nearly forgot; make sure the 3Dconnexion icon is showing in your system tray toolbar (near the system clock). Mine loads automatically at windows boot but maybe yours is not configured to do this. Also, DO NOT use the custom driver you mentioned earlier until you have checked the thing works in tS using trueball. Sounds like the unit is working OK though...:D |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 4, 2007, 10:08pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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so you didnt copy the .scg file into SN's profile folder as per the truball instructions?????? |
Post by splinters // Jul 4, 2007, 10:34pm
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Aha, yes I probably did but I remember putting it in the wrong file to start with-pretty important that you follow the instructions there exactly. Worth double checking them in your haste.
Patience Steve, I am sure it will be worth it...:D |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 4, 2007, 10:38pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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Patience Steve, I am sure it will be worth it...
I certainly hope so :( :mad: :(
At the moment I'm totally stuck I've tried everything in the instructions more than once and still no joy. The only thing I havnt tried yet is that other 3rd party driver. |
Post by splinters // Jul 4, 2007, 10:45pm
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splinters
Total Posts: 4148
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Really scratching my head here Steve, got kids in the class so can't really concentrate but if the device works in other apps, the LED's are on and the icon is in the system tray I see no real problem. Try stopping the 3Dx software and restarting the PC. Load tS and make sure trueball.tsx loads-activate it and try the device-ensure grid lock is not on...otherwise I am stumped.
I must admit that I cannot remember using the device since I loaded 7.51 but it has worked with every other version....:o
I know it does not help but it just sort of...works for me, I don't need to mess with anything-just load tS and make sure model side is active... and I am not at my home PC either... |
Post by MadMouse // Jul 4, 2007, 10:53pm
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MadMouse
Total Posts: 1069
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OK Paul I'm sorry to be a pain I'm just REALLY fustrated right now.
I must admit that I cannot remember using the device since I loaded 7.51 but it has worked with every other version....
Now he tells us:rolleyes: :D I hope thats not it. Do you mean it worked in TS 7.0 and below or 7.5 aswell?? |
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