SpacePilot Pro – New Drivers, New Look, New Review

When 3DConnexions’s SpacePilot PRO came out, I, like so many others, jumped on the bandwagon and regurgitated the info from 3DConnexion’s marketing people. I then received a physical specimen to try out and ended up writing an open letter to SolidWorks and 3DConnexion because the drivers were messed up. My settings weren’t being saved, preset buttons weren’t working. Calls to tech support were useless. Were it not for the fact that there were others having the same issues, I’d have figured it was just me. I was extremely disappointed in 3DConnexion, and I’ve been a fan for years.

Well, that’s all in the past now. 3DConnexion updated their drivers and not only fixed the issues, but they made improvements, too. Previously, the LCD screen would just show a list of commands by number. This wasn’t very helpful, especially while getting used to the new set-up. With 10 different commands available via the five buttons, you had to know that the function assigned to #6 was the secondary function under button 1 (1/6, 2/7, 3/8, 4/9, 5/10). For me, it wasn’t overly intuitive. That, though, could just be a mental limitation on my part…
Back to my point. The new driver changed the visual to this:

spacepilotpro

As you can easily see, the interface is much more intuitive. Props to the folks at 3DConnexion for hitting the nail on the head there. I believe I mentioned that I was having the same sort of settings issues with my SpacePilot. While I haven’t had a chance to check it, I suspect this latest driver version would fix them, too. Both the SpacePilot and the SpacePilot PRO use the same driver.

I like the look and feel of the SpacePilot PRO. I always had issues with the 6 buttons that run across the top of the SpacePilot. I just didn’t like the layout. This didn’t stop me from using them, but I found myself stumbling once in a while. With the positioning of the buttons on the SpacePilot PRO, this doesn’t happen. Once I was able to remember what function I’d programmed to what button, I was able to find the button with my pinky quite quickly. The same holds true for the view buttons. By having my ‘S’ key macro mapped to the SpacePilot PRO, and having the shortcut bar set up the way I want it, my hand hardly ever has to leave the SpacePilot PRO.

Aside from stumbling out of the gate with the bad drivers I’d say 3DConnexion has another success story on their hands, especially with how quickly they fixed the driver. Granted, at US$499, it’ll be out of reach for some, but if you can swing the cost I’d recommend it. Look around, you can sometimes get a demo device to give it a test drive.

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May 11, 2009 · Posted in Hardware Review, SolidWorks Community

Comments

max

Thank you for truth about the old space pilot. I own a space pilot now for 5 years and I too occasionally stumble on the top keys (1-6). Specifically I mix up keys 3 and 4 when working fast. You are the first reviewer I have heard of mention this about the old space pilot, you must actually use it! But seriously, after you have been using the space pilot PRO for months now are you having this same issue with any of the buttons? I look at photos and see how close keys 1-5 are and also the view keys are so tight! Are these distinguishable? Why don't they bevel the edges or put gaps between the keys? I looks cool but if you seriously use this thing you never actually look at it!
My space pilot is at the end of its life. At times it just spins randomly out of control and re-zeroing the device only works for a few minutes. After talking with support its a goner and way out of warranty. Jeff I think I will bury it in the back yard next to the family dog, I will miss it so. But should I be weary about going to the PRO version because buttons 1-5 are so badly spaced again? Or do you find no problem with this...?
I would very much appreciate your honesty on this one!
Thank you.
JeffMirisola

Without a doubt, it's worth it. You get used to the button locations. Also, with the 'S' key functionality being mappable to it, life becomes even better.
max

Hey I took your advice and got the Space Pilot Pro. I have only been using it a for a few days, still getting used to the new key layout, but i can say that you can tell which key (1-5) your are on because of the curved "hill" contour of them, even though they are nested together. I use the SPP with my left hand and have remapped and swapped the "1-5 keys" with the "view keys" because it is too much of a strain to reach back and press the original labled "1-5" keys with my pinky finger. I don't use the view keys at all I just select keys 1-5 with my thumb now on the right side of the SPP. My only gripe with the SPP is that at first the keys seem hard to press but I am getting used to this. I guess they are making this device ambidextrous with its symmetry and all but it renders the "pinky area keys" useless or at least very awkward due to placement and stiffness. All in all I thank you for your opinion on the SPP and think you're spot on. I just need a little more break in time to unlearn the SP and reprogram my mind to the SPP. Then it will once again be like an extension of my arm!!! ha thanks again.
JeffMirisola

Glad to hear it, Max! I left the view buttons alone as I mapped my 'S' key function to the '5' button. Basically, I eliminated the need for the other four buttons.
Lars Christensen

Great coverage of the SpacePilot PRO Jeff, Thanks to you I should be all good to install new drivers in the am.
http://cadcamstuff.com/
JeffMirisola

Glad to hear it, Lars. I contacted 3DConnexion and suggested that they figure out a way to notify users when driver updated are available. We'll see what happens.

Jeff
Rich Hall

Good news Jeff, I can't wait to get my hands on one.
JeffMirisola

You'll like it Rich. I hope you get one soon.
GabiJack

Hey, Jeff! This is great news! I'm downloading the driver right now to fix the issues with my demo unit! Thanks for posting this!
JeffMirisola

Anytime, Gabi! Let me know if things work out for you.

Jeff
Josh M

great news, man. makes me glad I haven't had a chance to deal with the problems yet. :) ha. I'll be referencing your post in my review for sure. thanks man.
JeffMirisola

To have you reference anything of mine would be an honor, Josh.
I think you'll enjoy the PRO, just be sure to download the latest drivers.

Jeff
fcsuper

The updated driver for the functions applet actually make the lcd useful. My opinion about the LCD has changed as a result.

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While most of what I write will be about SolidWorks, or partner products, from time to time I've been known to go off on random rants about whatever crosses my mind.

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