Use 3D Mouse in Remote Desktop (Proven Working Method)

Richard Oakley — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:07:51 +0000

Use 3D Mouse in Remote Desktop: 100% Working Guide

Contents

What is a 3D mouse?
The problem of redirecting 3d mouse to an RDP session
How to redirect a 3D mouse to a remote desktop
What are the advantages of using a 3D mouse?

With the exponential growth of 3D technology, many new tools and products are entering the market. These tools are designed and created with the various industry players in mind, enabling them to do their jobs more efficiently.

This is especially prevalent in industry sectors that encompass creative tasks. Engineers, animators, and architects are some of the professionals that have the opportunity to make use of the 3D mouse or CAD mouse.

What is a 3D mouse?

Similar to a traditional computer mouse, a 3D mouse is a handheld pointing device but it gives the user access to an additional virtual plane. This allows them to efficiently access, and control the object in a virtual 3D environment. With multi-axis sensors, accelerometers, infrared lights sensors – the operator can experience a more realistic and immersive three-dimensional work environment.

One very popular tool in this arena is the 3DConnexion SpaceNavigator. A firm favorite amongst professionals in architecture, CAD, 3D design, and modeling; it features a controller cap, which allows the user to intuitively move the object or camera angle around. The main advantage over a regular keyboard and mouse is the ability to rotate, pan, and zoom a 3d model at the same time without being distracted by the inconvenient keyboard shortcuts or software interface.

Other models of the 3D mouse are also available from 3DConnexion like SpaceExplorer, SpacePilot, and SpaceMouse Pro. Which you choose depends on how much functionality you want or need.

The problem of redirecting 3d mouse to an RDP session

Up until this day 3D mouses that are USB-connected to a computer and redirected over RDP to a remote server are not functioning correctly. There are hundreds of CAD designers and 3D modelers that are not able to utilize their 3D mouses on the remote machine over Microsoft remote desktop protocol. E.g. a common complaint is that the only functionality of a SpaceNavigator 3D mouse that is accessible inside the RDP sessions is the ability to zoom.

That is due to the fact that Microsoft RDP does not correctly redirect complex USB devices like 3D mise. However, you can still rely on the software that will facilitate forwarding USB devices over your network.

How to redirect a 3D mouse to a remote desktop

USB over Network is one such software solution that allows the redirection of a 3D mouse pad while preserving all of its functionality. With FlexiHub you can share and grant access to a SpaceMouse inside a remote desktop irrespective of your preferred operating system, as FlexiHub is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

To use FlexiHub, follow these steps:

Register a free FlexiHub account by entering a valid email address and a password.
Select a subscription plan and then click Continue. This includes a free 7-day trial. You will only be charged if you do not cancel your subscription before the end of the trial period.
Download and install the appropriate version of the software for your operating system. Remember to install on both the machine with the connected 3D mouse as well as the machine where the Microsoft RDP server will be running. Once the installation is complete, log in using the credentials you entered in step 1.
Connect the 3D mouse pad to the local computer. Then, on the computer running the RDP server, click the connect button next to the 3D mouse.

Once the connection is successful, you will be able to access and use the USB for remote desktop as if it was connected directly to the remote computer.

What are the advantages of using a 3D mouse?

Working with a traditional mouse over long hours is very taxing on the hand. Having to scroll, click, and hold down buttons, this often results in repetitive stress injuries or RSI. A 3D mouse helps to eliminate this by allowing the operator to use both hands to manipulate and edit the objects on the screen. Zooming and panning are isolated from the point and click functions of a regular mouse.

The 3D mouse also streamlines the operator’s work by having customizable mouse buttons and programmable shortcuts. This eliminates the need to use a keyboard as well.

A 3D mouse gives the operator a more realistic 3D experience, where they can move the object around as if they are actually holding it in their hands.

iOS remote debugging - a how-to guide

Richard Oakley — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 12:06:03 +0000

iOS remote debugging - a how-to guide

When it comes to testing and debugging of iOS applications, the emulator cannot fully replace testing them on actual devices. Well, if you have the possibility to connect iPhone, iPad, etc. directly to your development machine, you don’t have to worry. But what if you needed to inspect an app running on a device which couldn’t be physically connected to your Mac?

Wireless debugging

Apple has added an option for wireless debugging in Xcode 9. But before you start, you should bear in mind several conditions:

Mac computer and iOS device should share the same network.
You should use Xcode 9.0 or later, macOS 10.12.4 or later, and iOS 11.0 or later.

Okay, now lets proceed to the actual steps that will help you enable a remote debugging:

Open your project on Xcode.
Select Window > Devices and Simulators.
In the window that appears, click “Devices”.
Link your device to your Mac via a USB cable.
In the left column, choose the device, and in the detail area, check the box “Connect via network”.

Now, Xcode will pair with your device. If Xcode can connect with the device over the network, a network icon will appear next to the device in the left column and you can safely disconnect your device.

How to debug iOS apps on remote devices

If the first condition is not met and the device does not share the same network as Mac or even located miles away from the machine, remote debug with the help of Xcode will not be possible.

However, there is a workaround! You will still be able to debug such device with the help of USB over Ethernet redirection software, e.g. FlexiHub. It is designed to virtualize USB devices, (like iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.) and redirect them over the network. The software works across LAN, Ethernet, and the Internet.

To establish a remote connection to the iOS device, download and install Flexihub on both the local machine running the debugger and a remote computer with the iOS device physically attached.
Launch FlexiHub on the local machine and register an account - click ‘Sign up’ link and follow the instructions. Sign into the account.
Start the software on the remote computer and log into FlexiHub account using the same credentials.
In the software interface on the local Mac, you’ll see iPhone/iPad available for connection. Click “Connect”.

That’s it. Now you can access the remote iOS device from your local computer and start the debugging process as though the device was directly connected to your machine.

DEV Community: Richard Oakley

Use 3D Mouse in Remote Desktop (Proven Working Method)

Use 3D Mouse in Remote Desktop: 100% Working Guide

What is a 3D mouse?

The problem of redirecting 3d mouse to an RDP session

How to redirect a 3D mouse to a remote desktop

What are the advantages of using a 3D mouse?

iOS remote debugging - a how-to guide

iOS remote debugging - a how-to guide

Wireless debugging

How to debug iOS apps on remote devices