efficient setup for space mouse? 1

[cmm]

I just got a SpaceExplorer and I was wondering if anyone out there has figured out an efficient/powerful way to use it in SolidWorks. Right now I just use the Esc and Ctrl keys and I use the "controller cap" to rotate and zoom. However, in order for it to replace my keyboard shortcuts I need to at least be able to rotate and move components within an assembly, not just fly around the assembly. Anyone know how to do this? Thanks, Chris

Chris Montgomery
Mechanical Engineer

 

[Theophilus]

Sure--there's a toolbar for my SpaceNavigator (in an assembly) which has a button that toggles part movement off/on. Hit that, and the part you select will be moved by your 3D space widget instead of your view of the assembly.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

What did you dream? It's all right--we told you what to dream.
--Pink Floyd, Welcome to the Machine

 

[cmm]

Can you assign a hotkey or space mouse button to that command?

Chris Montgomery
Mechanical Engineer

 

[Theophilus]

I'm not sure. In SolidWorks, go to 3DControl > Properties. In there you can set the mode to be typically that of moving parts in an assembly (instead of moving the view), but I don't see a way of mapping that button to toggle part/view movement.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

What did you dream? It's all right--we told you what to dream.
--Pink Floyd, Welcome to the Machine

 

[Theophilus]

Just found it--yes, you can do this, but the interface is a bit tricky.

Click on the Show Mapping Panel button on the 3DControl toolbar (looks like a section of a loaf of bread). This will bring up the assignment area for motion/buttons. Double-click the 3Dcontrol option and you'll see a list of options beneath--drag Toggle Sub-Part Movement to whichever button you want mapped.

My buttons are (L) Normal To and (R) Sets Center Point.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

What did you dream? It's all right--we told you what to dream.
--Pink Floyd, Welcome to the Machine

 

[cmm]

Thank you theophilus! We now have 3 engineers using that toggle command.

Chris Montgomery
Mechanical Engineer

 

[Theophilus]

You're welcome--I might switch mine, too, just to shake things up.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

What did you dream? It's all right--we told you what to dream.
--Pink Floyd, Welcome to the Machine