Plug-In Reference

When used with a properly-installed 3D controller, this Plug-in brings up a dialog which allows users to customize various aspects of the device including the functionality of the buttons and the device's sensitivity. GibbsCAM supports the full line of 3D controllers produced by 3Dconnexion. To ensure that your 3D controller works correctly with GibbsCAM, please set up the device in the following manner (the 3D controller used for the example below is the SpaceBall 5000; the setup dialogs for your particular device may vary slightly). Please consult your 3D controller's user manual and/or online help should you need more details on its operation and application.

Install the necessary driver for your 3D controller. The driver may be found either on the CD that came with the product or you may check the manufacturer's web site for the latest version of the driver.

Make sure the driver has been loaded; if not, start the driver by selecting it from the Start menu. Double-click the driver's icon in the system tray to load the driver's dialog. The first step is to click the Restore Defaults button located at the bottom of the dialog. Click Yes to continue if when presented with the warning that restoring defaults will discard any changes made.

The Button Mapping tab should be selected by default; if not, switch to this tab. Click the plus sign next to Application Functions to expand the list. Assign the buttons by dragging the Button items under the Application Functions list on the left side of the dialog onto the corresponding buttons on the right side. Click Save and name this configuration "GibbsCAM." When finished, your dialog should resemble the one shown. Click Close to exit the dialog.

Start GibbsCAM. If your 3D controller is properly installed, the 3D Control Manager... item will appear in the Plug-ins menu. Select this item.

In this 3D Control Customization dialog, the user can assign View Commands, Modifier Keys, Device Control, and Centering Control functionality by dragging the items on the left onto the buttons located at the center of the dialog. Click each of the commands to view a description of that command; click each of the buttons to view the command currently assigned to that button. The user may choose to enable/disable the Translation, Rotation, and Dominant Axis functionality as well as adjust the sensitivity settings for both translation and rotation. Click Reset to restore the default settings.