3d connexion as a 6DOF gaming device?

[AdMan]

I've been contemplating for quite some time getting a http://www.3dconnexion.com/ 6dof mouse. Mostly for 3D modeling purposes but being able to use this in games as well (IL2/BoB particularly) would give me extra incentive to make the investment. Does anyone own one of these or know if it can be used as a 6DOF device in IL2 or the upcoming BoB???

[nearmiss]

I've used Kensington Trackball for over 12 years. The first one lasted 10 years, and it is still working just no currently drivers for it.

K64325 is the model I have now. One of the little ruby stands broke in the ball well and I called them about it. They replaced the complete unit at no cost to me, they even paid the UPS.

Don't know about 3D, since the only way we can even see 3d is with some special equipment.

The trackball is awesome. I move the ball with my fingers, no carpal tunnel problems ever. Before I went to freetrack I used it for viewing in IL2. I got pretty darn good at it. I just set one key for Front/center and anytime I got a bit disoriented I just hit the Front/Center key.

I paid $100 for my Kensington trackball, and that is what I paid for the first unit over 12 years earlier. I think it is a bargain, knowing it will last so long and work so well.

Don't think there is anyway I'd pay $300 for a mouse unless I had extremely good knowledge of what it would do to make it worth that much money.

[AdMan]

I use a trackball too, haven't owned a mouse since...ever?? works great with flight sims cause I just place it to the left of my flight stick and use my left hand to look around and right hand to fly.

But the 3dconnexions are a completely different device that you can pull, push, lift, rotate, & bend to manipulate objects in 3d space, it's design for CAD and 3d modeling but if it can work in conjunction with the TrackIR functionality in IL2 then you could use it like a trackball with 6DOF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJqb7...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fvgQ...eature=related

[nearmiss]

You and I have alot in common. I love my trackball with a love+++

I use my left hand to manuever the views and my right hand on the stick.

Injured my right wrist about 13 years ago. I was workind as an equities trader and had to use the computer for hours each day. I just bought a Trackball and gave it my best. It didn't take but a couple days to become proficient.

I'm not a graphics designer, and I don't necessarily think the trackball would be the best choice in 3D or 6DOF situations. I can't visualize how 6DOF couls be accomodated with it very well.

Anyway, good luck

[AdMan]

here, maybe this will show you what I mean. Imagine this in left hand, flight stick in right hand. This is how I already fly with a trackball, I use the mouse freelook to track planes as I'm dogfighting - works great. But a regular trackball only has two axis, so you only have "yes" and "no" head movements.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8Me8d9UZLA

[nearmiss]

Very nice.

I just don't see how I could manage such a device in air combat. I get alot carried away.

That is like delicate touchy feely.

I don't use trackball with Il2 anymore. I use the freetrack with an LED headset I built. It works very well. I might do better with 6DOF, but I can wait for that.

[AdMan]

yea, I hear ya. I simply cant keep still enough to use a head tracker.