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.
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