Motor control - Spaceball

I'm running into motor control problems (Parkinson's). Would the Spaceball
facilitate some functionality? Which one is best?. I need usb. Serial not an
option on my notebook.

Thanks

 

Naturally, you're looking for anecdotal evidence, someone who's been through
exactly what you're going through and can ease the way for you with some
experience and advice. Hopefully, someone like that shows up. In the mean time,
it's amazing how much good info is available by googling "parkinson's spaceball".
Seems like the problem is strength and they recommend some settings.

 

A co-worker recently won the latest/greatest spaceball product at a
regional Pro/USER conference. It works with very little tactile
effort, and is very adjustable. Much softer feel than the old
spaceball I used when learning Pro/E v20. Sorry, that's all I know
about it, but if you have specific questions I'm sure he'd be happy to
contribute answers.

Dave

 

my Pro/E seat is equipped with a Spaceball 3003 and it allows to
adjust sensitivity for all 6 DOF. Can´t say if this is of help
to movement-impaired users, but IMO this way of computer control
with fingertips is superiour to the whole-arm-approach aka mouse.

Another great input device I´d like to suggest is the optical
(unfortunately out-of-production) Logitech Trackman Marble FX.

Once you get accustomed to it - that happens fast - you won´t
want to miss it. No pain in under arm from RSI syndrome any more.

There are always a lot of these at ebay, newer models are USB
and only have a little USB-to-PS/2 adaptor.

Walther

 

I have one of the new spacepilot controllers. Very easy to move and
adjust the software to fit your needs. It is also USB driven and has a
smaller hand controller than the Spaceball. The downside to the
controller is the cost and application refresh. The spacepilot has
programable menus for the different modes, assy or part mode. You have
to wait a few seconds when switching between windows before you can
input anything. Overall I really love it.

Eric Mills

 

Hallo Eric,
I think also that this is a nice tool.
If you get the newest driver from them the switching while be faster.


Ingo Hochmuth