FreeCAD 8+ DOF Hyper Controller

[mnesarco]

Hi Friends,

I have created a little space controller for FreeCAD, it is an 8 DOF controller to manage: Pan(x,y,z), Rotation(x,y,z), Transparency and other customizable axis.

This is the video:

phpBB [video]

I will release it on github: Hardware design, electronics, arduino sketch, and FreeCAD python extension. So anyone can build its own for non-commercial purposes.

[chrisb]

Thanks for sharing! Now I finally understand what a space controller is good for. Is the interface very OS specific?

[mnesarco]

Thanks for sharing! Now I finally understand what a space controller is good for. Is the interface very OS specific?

Thanks. It is not OS specific. It uses an Arduino pro micro via USB so It can be used on any OS supported by Arduino.

[Kunda1]

Such a cool project! Thank you for sharing!

[mnesarco]

Such a cool project! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you Kunda1.

Features:

• Hand in rest position (Ergonomic)
• Panning X/Y/Z (zoom = Z panning)
• Rotation X/Y/Z
• Non modal controls (it means each axis movement is independent, no need to push buttons or modifier keys)
• No Mouse/Keyboard emulation, so I can use the device concurrently with the mouse and keyboard.
• USB connection
• Open Source / Open Hardware
• Customizable FreeCAD integration
• Affordable price (Parts are very cheap)
• Extensible: I have defined a very simple protocol to add more controls, easy to integrate with FreeCAD features.
• Easy to install / configure: Just a FreeCAD Addon (Mod).

Initially my intention was to 3D print the enclosure, but I don't have a 3D printer and the local provider was busy. So I made it with wood and I loved the final outcome. I will add a leather pad and make it very Steampunk style.

[watsug]

Cool project! Look forward to look at the python code. When will it be released?

[mnesarco]

Cool project! Look forward to look at the python code. When will it be released?

It is now on Github, two different projects actually: One for the Device and another for FreeCAD extensions (including HyperCotroller extension).

• FreeCAD Utils extension pack: https://github.com/mnesarco/FreeCAD_Utils
• HyperController: https://github.com/mnesarco/HyperController

[XiaoShiZiTwenty]

Dear Frank Martinez,

Nice to see this project.
Freecad 0.19
When installing your module in FreeCad by using the tool addon manager and installing them.
I get following error on opening the 3d Model base1.FCStd :
<string>(1)<class 'ModuleNotFoundError'>: No module named 'freecad.mnesarco'
Can you give some more info on how to install it?
Just ordered some parts.
The joysticks have a knob function to. Maybe it can be incorporated into your code later
Atmega32U4 5V/16MHZ Micro USB https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001335338291.html
Joystick (pack of 10) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001322090924.html
Knob(s) (pack of 180) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001322229238.html
Wondering for the potentiometer what resistance value would fit?

[mnesarco]

Dear Frank Martinez,

Nice to see this project.
Freecad 0.19
When installing your module in FreeCad by using the tool addon manager and installing them.
I get following error on opening the 3d Model base1.FCStd :
<string>(1)<class 'ModuleNotFoundError'>: No module named 'freecad.mnesarco'
Can you give some more info on how to install it?

Just ordered some parts.
The joysticks have a knob function to. Maybe it can be incorporated into your code later

Atmega32U4 5V/16MHZ Micro USB https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001335338291.html
Joystick (pack of 10) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001322090924.html
Knob(s) (pack of 180) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001322229238.html

Wondering for the potentiometer what resistance value would fit?

Thank you. As commented in Readme, to open base1.FCStd you need to have freecad 0.19_pre+, Assembly4 and Mnesarco Utils extensions installed.

How did you installed Mnesarco Utils? the easiest way is to download the repo as a zip file and extract it in .FreeCAD/Mod so the extension will be in .FreeCAD/Mod/FreeCAD_Utils, then restart FreeCAD. You know if the extension is properly installed if you see the new Toolbar added to freecad.

The potentiometer is optional, and I have not assigned a specific function to it yet. But the idea is that the user can map it to a custom action. I used a 50K Linear Pot, you can add more knobs if you want, there are some free analog inputs on the Arduino Pro Micro.

If you have problems installing Mnesarco Utils, let me know.

Cheers,
Frank.

EDIT: Clarification

What you call knobs are actually switches, so, what is optional is the knob (potentiometer), the device already uses the joystick switches.

[XiaoShiZiTwenty]

Dear Frank Martinez,

Thank you for the quick reply and helpfull answer. Now I installed your Utils by the Unzip method and it's ok now.
Thanks for the understanding of the button vs knob vs switch
Will try to build it more like the rmi-less (https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Repetit ... ion-Injury) mouse standing sideways.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/520300149.html
Been using this kind of mouse for a long time now and feeling the difference when catching a "regular" mouse.
Build is when parts are in, would be a fortnight or max a month. Once done I let you know how it turned out.
Thanks fer sharing this project!
Enjoy the documentation part