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rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

(OP)
I've been thinking about the new SpaceNavigator since seeing how affordable it is relative to the other Spaceball/SpaceExplorer devices.  If someone could verify if the following is possible I might buy one on my own dime, just so I could eliminate the issue I constantly fight:

I know that I can set a temporary center of rotation of my model by MMB clicking on a vertex and rotating the model by holding down MMB and rotating to my heart's content.  While working in a section view of an assembly, however, this doesn't appear to work.  I can MMB select a "temporary" vertex (one that's created by the section plane), but the rotation is about the edge intersecting the section plane at my area of interest.  If I try to MMB select a vertex that lies off the section plane, I can't.

Would I be able to set the rotation center while working in a sectioned assembly if I had a SpaceXXX device?  I'd appreciate hearing from those of you with these devices.

Happy holidays to all!!!!

 

RE: rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

I have, for review, 3Dconnexion's two newest offerings (the SpaceExplorer and the SpaceNavigator) and neither of them, from what I can tell, will do that. I also have a SpacePilot, which I've used for over a year, and it doesn't do that either.
However, Spatial Freedom's Astroid 6000 will. It has a moveable "handle" that allows you to set center of rotation. You can check out my blog for the review I did on it. The reviews for the two new controllers will be out early next year.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
CAD Administrator
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

RE: rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

3DConnexion's SpaceBall will set the center of rotation very easily. I assume all their devices use the same (or a device-specific version of) software. I have one of my SpaceBall buttons set to: SETS CENTER POINT. I LMB the point & then press my SpaceBall button & poof... just that easy. I hate to dissagree with Jeff... but setting the center point of rotation is a fundamental bell-&-whistle of one of these devices. IMHO... the useability of the device drops to the point of a cool looking paperweight without this functionality. I just has to be possible...! Jeff... if you still have that Explorer handy... maybe we can figure this out. But I could be wroung... it happend once before.


Windows XP / Wireless Intellimouse Explorer
SolidWorks 2007 SP1.0 / SpaceBall 5000
Lava Lamp
www.Tate3d.com

RE: rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

Tate,
I found no such option on the SpaceNavigator. I'm on vacation right now and don't have the Explorer with me. I will check it out when I return next week. I'll look for the same option on my SpacePilot. Thanks for the heads up.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
CAD Administrator
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

RE: rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

I could be wrong him since I'm pulling from memory but I believe the Space traveler, Space Explorer and Space navigator all have an option to set the center point of rotation.  It's a toggle on the 3D toolbar (which installs with the device).  The toggle allows you to set a center point of rotation.

I'll check this later.

Rob Rodriguez CSWP
www.axiscadsolutions.com
www.robrodriguez.com
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/rob_rodriguez/
President: www.nvtswug.com
SW 2007 SP 2.0

RE: rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

(OP)
OK, now can you set this center of rotation while working in a section view of an assembly?  I figured you could set a center of rotation with a Spacedevice.

RE: rotation centers w/ spaceball-type devices

Rob, you are correct (like you needed me to tell you that). You can select a point and toggle "Center Point" on the SpacePilot as well.
I really should start reading instructions...

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
CAD Administrator
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

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