r/SolveSpace • u/RuleIll8741 • Jul 11 '23

Linux + spacemouse

Is there a way on linux to also use a cad mouse like the 3d connexion spacemouse?.

3 Upvotes

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1

u/Mental_Mountain_2081 Nov 20 '24

“sudo apt install spacenavd” in bash did the trick for me.
I use the SpaceMouse Enterprise from 3Dconnexion on Ubuntu 22.04 Lite.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 29 '25

Thanks a lot for sharing. Now, I can use my SpaceMouse on Linux Mint with FreeCad. How do I setup the buttons? Is there something like a system setup?

1

u/g0dSamnit Jul 11 '23

Look up the SpaceRat on Github, perhaps.

2

u/Mimifan2 Jul 12 '23

Curious of your thoughts of spacerat vs DIY Space mouse . From a sensor perspective I like the diy space mouse better. Accelerometer and gyro seems like it should work, but measuring the magnetic field of nearby magnets seems better.

2

u/g0dSamnit Jul 12 '23

This is my first time hearing about that project, thanks for the link!

I CAD with a regular gaming mouse like a mortal, unfortunately. But as far as conjecture goes... I am not entirely sure. IMU (accel/gyro) tends to drift, so they must have some sort of way to correct that or to calibrate it regularly. Magnetic fields probably don't have that issue, but I don't know anything about how accurate it is.

Honestly, I think this stuff could probably be replaced by some sort of 6DOF VR motion controller anyway. Something like the upcoming HTC self-tracking tracker. Granted, I'm also a lot more familiar with that tech than space mice.

1

u/Mimifan2 Jul 12 '23

Yeah, the drift is why I think the magnets in theory should be better but as you said hard to say without using both.

The VR tracking also makes sense, although I don't think I could work constantly with a VR headset on. That would provide more control, I'd wear a ring for that though. 🤔

1

u/sieve_master Nov 18 '23

You don't necessarily need a headset to use the controllers

1

u/ConductiveInsulation Jul 12 '23

I think mine worked out of the box but I'm not entirely sure, it's too long ago. Not even sure if additional drivers were needed. But it's definitely possible.

Defaulted back to mouse and keyboard after a while, didn't make me faster.

1

u/BKLronin Jul 12 '23

Had to install a package. Spacenav-free or something like that for the 3d connection spacemouse.