SpaceExplorer vs. SpacePilot

homer2210 · Post by **homer2210** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 7:33 am

I am a CAD designer working on 1 workstation with multiple CAD apps. What would be the best option for me to purchase? What are the benefits of pilot vs explorer, I cannot see any that would be more beneficial to me.

homer2210 · Post by **homer2210** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 8:34 am

Are these new models similar to the way a spaceball was used? Should I just buy a spaceball 5000? Can you still buy them new? i cannot locate them anywhere but used on Ebay.

Smiler · Post by **Smiler** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 9:05 am

homer2210 wrote:Are these new models similar to the way a spaceball was used? Should I just buy a spaceball 5000? Can you still buy them new? i cannot locate them anywhere but used on Ebay.

To answer your first question, "which to choose", I would say if CAD is your job and you switch between apps then a SpacePilot is the way to go. I bought mine for working in Solidworks but I also have cause to use Solid Edge and Inventor as well as doodling in Sketchup. Having the key definitions right there on the LCD helps no end believe me and is worth the price difference over the Explorer IMO. If you can stretch to the extra cash, go SpacePilot.

2nd Q
As I remember it, the puck is used in the same way as the ball and I've seen Spaceball 5000's for sale on fleabay but I don't think they are listed as current products on the 3Dx site but if you can get a USB version, I'm sure it would work just fine but ooohhh the LCD on the SP would make me go for it every time

homer2210 · Post by **homer2210** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 9:58 am

What is it that the pilot has over the explorer? Just the LCD screen?
Doesnt the explorer do the same as the pilot, just without the LCD?

Smiler · Post by **Smiler** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 10:41 am

homer2210 wrote:What is it that the pilot has over the explorer? Just the LCD screen?
Doesnt the explorer do the same as the pilot, just without the LCD?

Have a look at:
http://www.3dconnexion.com/docs/SpaceEx ... asheet.pdf

There is a comparisson chart on the datasheet which will tell you all you need to know. Main differences I can see from it are Yes, the LCD, 21+ speed keys on the SP as against 15 on the SE, application auto switching on the SP.

You are correct that they do the same thing, you could say the same for the navigator or the traveller and then you have the potential for mega savings if you can live without the ergonomic wrist supports. They all do the same thing very well. Try to get a demo or a loan of the two from a reseller and see if the LCD makes the difference for you, certainly did for me as I can never remember what function I have saved to what button especially using muliple applications.

homer2210 · Post by **homer2210** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 12:17 pm

When I used to use spaceballs, I rarely used the buttons, maybe to re-center and re-zero the part once in awhile, that was about it. Therefore I think that the explorer would be the best for me. I like the ergonomic pad for your wrist, I had it on my spaceball 5000 and it was comfortable.