We had an excellent turnout at the Columbus SWUGN Summit, 105 attendees according to Richard Doyle. Jeff Sweeney, from 3DVision Technologies also gave it a thumbs up! I agree with both of them, the Columbus Summit was a hit and those that missed it lost an opportunity to learn from some of the best. My favorite presentations were Weldments by Richard Wand of MJ Engineering and COSUG, and Sheet Metal by Bill Hall of Fisher/Unitech. Thanks to everyone that presented and attended!
I did a Hands On session about External Input Devices at the end of the day, and that is the topic of this post. There are several types of devices that work in harmony with a mouse to create an efficient modeling environment. Some of these include:
There are many reasons for adding an input device for your non-mouse hand when using SolidWorks:
1. It balances your desktop interface… mouse in one hand, 6-axis controller in the other, keyboard in the middle.
2. Most are programmable and reduce keystrokes.
3. It looks really cool…
4. A motion controller enables easy model manipulation during feature creation & editing.
5. All your friends want one…
Seriously, an additional input device can really increase your productivity. Whether your reducing keystrokes with a programmed keypad like the Logitech G13 or flying your model with a 3DConnexion device, you WILL increase your modeling speed and efficiency.
My favorite layout is a 6-axis controller, with a couple of programmed buttons, and a 5-button optical mouse with buttons specifically programmed for SolidWorks functions.
I can’t stress enough the importance of using the proper driver with each device. Using the correct mouse drive will enable application specific button programming. If you use the basic 2-button mouse driver with a 5 button mouse, you’re wasting time and money!
Mouse Button Setup
Space Traveler Button Setup
Whatever device you’re considering, try to get a test drive before you buy. Form-Fit-Function are extremely important when choosing tools as these. Function is the only aspect that can be considered without trying one.
Choose your device with caution! Once you get started, you’ll be hooked, and will be toting your SpacePilot PRO along with your laptop!!





Posted by solidan 
Posted by solidan
Posted by solidan 





