Zoom problems with SpacePilot

[DPerk]

For no apparent reason, while I was out to lunch today and my computer was locked, my SpacePilot decided to switch the zoom from "into/out of desk" to "towards/away from monitor"... and now it won't let me switch back. This was while SolidWorks was up and running...

I closed out of SolidWorks, switched TO the "towards/away" option (it was still on the "in/out" zoom option, even though it wasn't working), and then opened SW -> no good, same response. Then I closed SW, changed the option back to the "in/out" zoom, opened SW again and that still didn't fix it.

My next step was uninstalling and re-downloading the drivers from the 3dconnexion website - again, no luck. Still can't get the zoom to work right.

I even went and installed a bunch of Windows updates that I was behind on, hoping that maybe that was the problem... it wasn't.

To be completely honest with you, trying to re-train my brain/hand to work together with the directions all different like this actually makes me a little nauseated when looking at the screen, so I've stopped using it until I find a solution. I'll probably try the uninstall/reinstall a few more times, but I can't spend all of my work day ruining all of my productivity just trying to get my SpacePilot to work to make me 20% more efficient....

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Dave

[Bryan]

Dear DPerk,

The configuration settings are context sensitive and switch automatically to match the context within which you are working. So if a different user is logged in, the configuration settings will be those of that user. Likewise if that user switches between applications, the applicable configuration will be switched for that application. And even within an application, different modes may have their own configuration settings.

It sounds like you are making your changes outside the context of where you want them to take effect. So when you switch back to your original context, you are finding you have the same settings. So try making your adjustments within the same configuration.

(You will also want to make sure you have 'Automatically Save Configurations' checked on under the Options Menu in the 3Dconnexion Control Panel.)

Sincerely,
Bryan

[DPerk]

Dear DPerk,

The configuration settings are context sensitive and switch automatically to match the context within which you are working. So if a different user is logged in, the configuration settings will be those of that user. Likewise if that user switches between applications, the applicable configuration will be switched for that application. And even within an application, different modes may have their own configuration settings.

It sounds like you are making your changes outside the context of where you want them to take effect. So when you switch back to your original context, you are finding you have the same settings. So try making your adjustments within the same configuration.

(You will also want to make sure you have 'Automatically Save Configurations' checked on under the Options Menu in the 3Dconnexion Control Panel.)

Sincerely,
Bryan

How do I change those settings while SolidWorks is open? Whether I go to the config panel thru the button on my SpacePilot, or if I go through the icon next to my clock in the start menu, I only get the button configuration menu, not the ability to switch axes, etc.

[jwick]

Use the icon on the desktop, or the entry in the start menu.

[DPerk]

Use the icon on the desktop, or the entry in the start menu.

That works... but why aren't all those tabs available from the Application Panel button that's right there on the device?

Upgrade idea?!

Thanks a lot guys!!!

[jwick]

We're trying to keep you from using the driver GUI when there is a better GUI in the application. There can be compatability problems when users try to do the same thing in two different places (as you saw). The application panel should always be used if it can do what you want. The driver GUI does things behind the back of the app. Sometimes that works well, sometimes it causes problems. Sometimes you have to know too much about how it is implemented to make it do what you want, when you use both panels. The next major release will make it more clear (we hope).

[DPerk]

Understandable. I'll just need to make a Quick Launch shortcut for the application, rather than using the driver menu. Making it clear that the application menu should be used for configuring your directional controls for pan/zoom would be extremely helpful.

I happened to ask one of my co-workers about it today and, apparently, he has always used the application menu, thus, never encountering the same problem.

Thanks for the feedback and additional info. You guys responding to all these posts are really helpful, and quick to respond, which is great. Thanks again, and take care. With any luck you won't be hearing from me again.

[christo76]

I have been having the same issues at the OP, except when I try to change and save the Zoom settings in the config it doesn't seem to last.

I went through each config (really just Solidworks and the default Any Application) in the pull down and made sure they were all set to zoom up/down. I made sure the Auto save was on, and hit ok.

If I go back in to the control panel, the config I left it on will be correct but if I pull down to Any Application (if I left it on Solidworks, or vice versa if left on Any App) it has front/back zoom selected.

I even tried going through each config and doing a "save as" for the settings. However you can't save over the default "Any Application" and it keeps reverting.

Is there any way to make 'up/down' zoom the default instead of front/back?

[christo76]

Additional info:

Sometime the zoom direction changes to an odd angle, while still being performed by pulling up/down on knob.

Right now, when I try to zoom in, it moves closer but to the upper left. Zooming out, moves it farther away but to the lower right.

[UtaSH]

Hi christo76,

all settings are saved with the active application. If you tweak any settings in the "Any Application" configuration and save it, the drive will note that this settings are for the last active application. And the configuration "Any Application" will be used only for applications that do not yet have their own applications. Not to make settings for all apps.

If you want to change any settings within you application you have to open it and then make you changes.

What application(s) do you use?