3DConnexion Space Mouse Diary From A Complete Noob #1

This diary entry will be followed by a video once I have the device set up and running, but for now, I’d like to share my learning journey with the device for anyone who is new to it.

I have been given a 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless Kit 2 to test out with FreeCAD! 3Dconnexion reached out and asked if I’d like to try it, provide feedback, and incorporate it into my channel. My channel focuses on teaching FreeCAD, and I typically use a standard input device since it’s the norm for most viewers. However, I’ve always wanted to create a dedicated space to explore more professional tools and alternative input methods, like trackballs, graphics tablets, and now the SpaceMouse. When you reach the stage of using FreeCAD regularly for work or complex designs, it’s helpful to have coverage on tools that can enhance the experience. Additionally, with my other channel, MJ3D Solutions, which focuses on other 3D tools (currently Blender and CAD Sketcher), I think this device could be a worthwhile experiment in both areas.

What is a SpaceMouse?

A SpaceMouse is a 3D navigation tool used in CAD, 3D modeling, and VR. Unlike a standard mouse, it offers 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) with a control cap that moves in all directions, enabling smooth, simultaneous control in 3D spaces. This allows for control over multiple movements, such as moving forward, backward, up, down, left, and right, as well as rotating along each axis.

It’s ergonomic and often includes programmable buttons, making it ideal for professionals in design and engineering who need precise 3D control.

What does it look like?

The kit I received is the SpaceMouse Wireless Kit 2. Its main components are an ergonomic mouse and the SpaceMouse itself.

The mouse, called the CADMouse Compact Wireless, is a well-weighted, programmable mouse with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port, which I assume is for charging; I’m curious if it also allows for tethered use—I’ll have to check into that.

The SpaceMouse Wireless Bluetooth Edition is a heavy control knob with multiple degrees of freedom. Compact yet sturdy, its weight keeps it from sliding around on the desk. Both components feel high-quality.

Installation

To install the device, visit 3Dconnexion’s driver page and download the driver for your operating system. Here, I’ll be installing it for Windows.

One thing I noticed during installation was that an extension was added to Chrome, which my Gener8 browser alerted me to. I use a Chrome-based browser, Gener8, which allows me to control the information I share online and awards me points for purchases. The extension was added to both Chrome and Gener8, so it will be interesting to see what features this might bring in the future.

That completes the installation process! The website did prompt me to register, but I’ll save that for another time.

After installation, I noticed that three programs were added to my Start menu: the Viewer, Pairing, and 3DxWare.

Setup

The box doesn’t contain detailed instructions, but there is a quick start guide with basic steps.

1. Enable Bluetooth on Your Computer: Since the SpaceMouse has a USB port, it might also work in tethered mode. My first challenge was figuring out Bluetooth on my laptop, as I’ve never had to use it and wasn’t sure if it was even available.

2. Insert the Universal Connector: Plug in the supplied universal connector for wireless connection.

3. Turn on the SpaceMouse: It briefly glows blue before fading, which I assume is a good sign. It’s nice that both devices came pre-charged.

4. Turn on the Mouse: There are two indicator lights on the bottom: one for Bluetooth and one for the universal connector. A blue light appeared by the universal connector, so Bluetooth setup wasn’t necessary. Out of curiosity, I checked the bottom of the SpaceMouse to see if it had a similar setup.

Turning the SpaceMouse upside down actually triggered it to start working while I was writing this blog post, which gave me a feel for how it functions.

Initial Impressions on Using Both Devices

Initially, I had some concerns about managing multiple input devices. Usually, I keep one hand on the keyboard and the other on the mouse, so adding the SpaceMouse made me wonder how I’d quickly switch between them—especially since I rely heavily on shortcuts. However, I discovered that pressing the buttons on either side of the SpaceMouse activates a "pie menu," allowing me to select options directly with the SpaceMouse.

Back to installation! The next step is to install the software. Here’s where I realized my mistake—I didn’t start with the quick start guide but jumped straight to the website. Classic! Like many, I didn’t think to check the instructions until later. Oh well, hopefully, it’ll be smooth sailing from here.

The next step appears to involve some kind of trainer program I need to open. Looking around, I noticed a 3Dconnexion icon in the taskbar, so I’ll start there.

Clicking on the 3Dconnexion icon opens a utility to configure the device. It displays the current connection method and shows the device’s battery level.

In the Start menu, I noticed an option for Start 3DxWare. When I clicked it, a message appeared stating it was already running. I tried opening the viewer, but that wasn’t it either, and I still couldn’t find the trainer program.

Time for a quick Google search, which led me to a knowledge base article from 3Dconnexion:

How to Get Started with Your 3D Mouse.

According to the article:

'After installing your 3Dconnexion Software, you will find a new Icon on your desktop representing the 3Dconnexion CAP – this is your link to 3Dconnexion Home.

Available from 3Dconnexion Home, some fun demo applications provide extra assistance in getting to know your SpaceMouse. These include a Trainer and the 3Dconnexion Viewer.'

I finally spotted the icon on the desktop and double-clicked it. Sure enough, a popup appeared.

Clicking on the trainer opened a window that appeared for just a few seconds before disappearing. The video within was showing the connection process, but then the app seemed to shut down unexpectedly.

This might have been due to my distance from the wireless internet connection, which prevented it from connecting in time. So, I moved closer to the router instead of trying to connect through solid brick walls. As soon as I did, the app connected immediately instead of shutting down.

What follows is a series of practice exercises designed to help you familiarize yourself with the controls, including a game that teaches you how to use the device effectively.

I need to set up my long network cable, so for now, I’m leaving that aside and playing with the controls in the viewer app. I was able to pan, rotate, and tilt a jet engine, which was quite an interesting experience. It’s intriguing to use my non-dominant hand for precise control, and I’m impressed by how much control I have with minimal effort. I think that's enough for today. I’ll switch off the SpaceMouse and continue with some YouTube work using just the mouse. I’ll reconvene after exploring their website further.