MultiAxis: 3D Mouse Device (e.g, 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator)

3D mice (aka 3D motion controllers, 3D navigation devices, or 6 DOF devices) are input devices similar to typical computer mice, but enabling control of position and orientation.

They are commonly used to operate CAD, 3D modeling, and animation applications.

Supported devices:

  • 3Dconnexion
    • The SpaceNavigator is tested, other models are expected to work.

Dependencies:

  • Linux: No requirements.
    • If experiencing difficulties:
      1. check the udev rules
        • By default, regular users on most Linux systems DO NOT have the permissions necessary to access the multi-axis controller devices on their system. Fortunately, the permissions that are set on those devices are usually relatively easy to configure using udev rules.
        • To allow all users direct access to various 3DConnexion devices, you can simply copy the rules file from the udev-rules directory into the system directory /etc/udev/rules.d. (You will need administrative privileges to do so.) For example, on many systems you can run: sudo cp SurgSim/Devices/MultiAxis/udev-rules/90-3dconnexion.rules /etc/udev/rules.d
        • For other devices, or to set up the privileges differently, you will need to set up your own rules file.
      2. try the drivers provided by 3Dconnexion http://www.3dconnexion.com/service/drivers.html
  • Windows: Drivers from 3Dconnexion http://www.3dconnexion.com/service/drivers.html