Use the SpaceBall device as a simple input device to manipulate cameras and selected objects in the Viewer window.
In order to use the SpaceBall device in MotionBuilder, the SpaceBall device and its driver must be installed.
SpaceWare software is installed with the SpaceBall driver and has settings that can override MotionBuilder. Be sure that the SpaceWare settings do not conflict with the SpaceBall device settings in MotionBuilder.
Manipulating Objects with a SpaceBall Device
Hold the SpaceBall in your left hand, select an object in the Viewer window with your mouse in your right hand, then rotate
the object using the SpaceBall device. When no objects are selected, you can move the camera freely in the Viewer window.
Consult the SpaceBall documentation for more information about configuring the SpaceWare software.
Playing Recorded Spaceball data
To play data recorded with Spaceball as a device:
- Disable Live.
- Create a new Relations constraint using the SpaceBall device box.
- Connect the connectors to your other boxes in the relation.
- Click Play to preview the animation.
- Select Animation > Plot All (All Properties) from the menu bar to apply the animation to the constrained objects.
To play data recorded with SpaceBall as a manipulator:
- Disable Live.
- Select the object or camera to receive the recorded data.
- Click the “Constrain selected object with recorded data” button.
This is the same as creating a new Relations constraint and connecting the connectors of the selected object with the SpaceBall
connectors. Clicking this button again removes the constraint.
- Click Play to preview the animation.
- Select Animation > Plot All (All Properties) from the menu bar to apply the animation to the constrained object.
Recording with a SpaceBall
To record as a device:
- Make sure the SpaceBall device is Online, and activate Live and Recording.
- Disable Use SpaceBall to manipulate the camera and objects in the viewer options.
- Click Record, then click Play to start recording.
- Move the SpaceBall, and click Stop to end the recording.
To record as a manipulator:
- Activate the Online, Live, and Recording options.
- Activate either Use SpaceBall to manipulate camera in Viewer, or Use SpaceBall to manipulate objects in Viewer
- Select an object. Select none if you want to manipulate the current camera.
- Make sure there are no constraints connected to the selected object or camera.
- Click Record, then click Play to start recording.
- Move the SpaceBall, and click Stop to end recording.
