Just thinking...

tspco

Instead of a mouse to walk, drive, or fly through a model, could one use a computer joystick?
That way you control speed, altitude and direction better, just a thought.

mitcorb

Hi, tspco:

check out 3dconnexion.com I tried to insert a link but the damn thing was a mile long in plain text?? This is one I am inclined to acquire, as soon as my new equipment arrives.
Also, someone posted in the last couple of days about a new mouse with a built in thumb lever. Look back a couple pages in Active Topics.

baz

Alan Chapham is developing a FPS plugin which you might find interesting.

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=39606

Baz

tspco

Already played with it, looks good, but I had a problem making smooth curves, when turning with it. That may come with more practice.
The plug worked as advertised, but don't forget to turn it off when you are done, things get really strange.

wozabee

I've used 3DConnexion's "Space Navigator" for close to 3 years now exclusively with Sketchup.

It's literally "become" my left hand!

There may be a few occasions where I need to zoom into a part of a model very precisely, but for the most part it makes my whole Sketchup experience totally fluid (well... except for Bugsplats, GRRR!).

Just got one for work too. Its brilliant for flying clients through a presentation up on the big screen.
Wouldn't be anywhere without it

Trogluddite

@wozabee said:

it makes my whole Sketchup experience totally fluid (well... except for Bugsplats, GRRR!).

Are you suggesting that your BugSplats are related to using the Space Navigator - or just referring to the random Splats that we all get from time to time?
Just that I was thinking of getting one, but have this little niggling fear that simultaneous zoom/rotate/translate might be a bit too good to be true!

Thanks,
The Luddite.

pbacot

I've always thought foot petals would be the trick. Then maybe the whole desk-keyboard moves in and out like airplane controls.