3Dx SpacePilot PRO

The key to SpacePilot PRO's smooth and intuitive 3D navigation is the patented six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) sensor. With four times the precision of previous sensors it can detect input as small as 4 micrometers (that's about 1/25 of a human hair!).

Simply push, pull, twist or tilt the 3Dconnexion Cap to pan, zoom and rotate. It's like reaching into the screen and holding the model in your hand. This unparalleled level of control encourages model exploration leading to improvements in error detection and design quality.

The second generation QuickView Navigation Keys extend the power of the controller cap by providing one-touch access to 32 standard views enabling users to instantly view models from any angle for improved error detection, design review and design presentation.

ISO1 shows the model with the top/front/right sides facing front. ISO2 shows the model withthe top/back/left sides facing front.

A short press rotates the view by 90 degrees clockwise. A long press rotates the view by 90 degrees counter-clockwise.

The full-color LCD provides visual feedback on the function keys, navigation setting status and workflow applets ensuring quick access to important information without interrupting the users workflow.

The SpacePilot PRO LCD is based on an open software architecture that encourages the development of customized applets.

Applets are mini applications, specific to SpacePilot PRO that run on your computer and display on the LCD. Applets range in functionality from office productivity tools to feedback on function key assignment. The following applets are supplied by default: Function Keys, Outlook® Mail, Outlook® Calendar, Outlook® Tasks, RSS Feeds.

The mail applet retrieves information from Microsoft® Outlook® and displays the most recently received e-mails including the sender's name and the e-mail subject line. Pressing the LCD OK key on a selected e-mail opens the e-mail in Outlook on your main computer screen. You can also view information on tasks and calendar entries.

During the course of developing 3D models, designers may want to restrict navigation to certain planes or axis. For example, when creating 2D sketches of 3D profiles, it is useful to be able to pan and zoom but not rotate the view. The SpacePilot PRO navigation setting keys allow users to personalize how the controller cap works by restricting navigation to certain axis. The status of each navigation settings key is displayed in the LCD Function Key Applet.

Dominant mode filters out all motion except for data coming from the axis that is being actuated the most.

Turn off translation motion along the three primary axes so the model can only be rotated.

By turning rotation off, users can focus on smooth, simultaneous pan-and-zoom navigation only. This is ideal for work modes such as sketching or for quickly inspecting standard views of your model.

Adjusting the SpacePilot PRO navigation speed, changes the amount of force or torque that needs to be applied to the controller to move a model or environment. Lower the speed for detailed, close-up work and increase the speed for design reviews and presentations.

Each MCAD application environment, such as sketch, part or assembly has its own set of tools and processes. SpacePilot PRO automatically recognizes the active application and environment and assigns 10 relevant application commands to its dual-function Intelligent Function Keys. Visual feedback on function key assignment is provided by the color LCD. This seamless process ensures the right tools are available at the right time and as there's no need to use the standard mouse or keyboard to select the commands, users experience a significantly streamlined workflow.

Users can easily customise the SpacePilot PRO Intelligent Function Keys to their own preference. In addition, all other function keys (excluding the LCD keys) can be customised giving users the opportunity to assign up to 31 commands.

The convenient Ctrl, Shift, Alt and Esc keys allow users to simultaneously navigate their 3D model while accessing special application functionality or editing capabilities. This significantly reduces the need to move the hand from SpacePilot PRO to the keyboard, resulting in a more optimized workflow.

The FIT key instantly restores the active model to the center of the screen while the MENU key opens the 3DxWare™ or application specific control panel for accessing essential SpacePilot PRO settings.

The soft coated, sculpted wrist rest guides the hand into a natural, comfortable position, while the symmetrical design means SpacePilot PRO is equally suitable for left or right handed users.