This isn't so much a question of installation, but of existence. I am looking for an input device that has controls for 3d graphics... i.e. x,y,z,zoom dials, or similar, that is support by linux. Anyone know of anything that might do the job? It is for molecular modeling, and moving and manipulating objects in 3d space. I know Sun used to make some, that were supported by the Sparks... but, not anymore.

Anything this cool and specific isn't going to be a standard "part of the kernel" type of deal. If you're looking for older, pseudo-discontinued kit, I'de put the odds at rather slim, and if its current gear the only drivers would probably be from the manufacturer, but in this day and age I can't see what manufacturer wouldn't have linux drivers. Have you got an example of the kit?

Cheers,

Finegan

I never actually believed there would be native support in the kernel for that kind of device... rather, I figured that if there were such a device that there would be special driver installation.

As for an example... unfortunately, I am only going from what my boss has told me (for whom I am doing the research) and from what I have seen of the old device. I work in an x-ray crystallography lab, and we do a lot of molecular modeling with 3d programs. The tool is needed for manipulating the molecules in that 3d space. I.e. shifting on x, y, z axis, zoom, etc.

I couldn't tell you the name of the device they are using on the old Spark system, but, it is essentially a panel that stands vertically, that have a series dials for controlling x,y,z,zoom, etc. I know Sun manufactured the device way back when, but no longer. Obviously, it isn't a main stream type of item that you can go and get at Best Buy.

Obviously, because such a device is so obscure, I really don't expect to find anything exactly like the old, or even really close. I figured my best bet might be a special mouse that was designed for 3d applications (be it games, graphic design, etc.)

Sorry for being so obscure... but, that is even all I have been given to work with. (other than that I work there, and have an idea of what they are looking for).

You might be able to get away with one of those new(ish) multi-button trackballs, which would be supported in the kernel but would probably need some specialist tweaking to get it to work with your program.

For example, a 4 button job with a scrolly-wheel could conceivably be used as:
Button 1 = X axis
Button 2 = Y axis
Button 3 = Z axis
Button 4 = Zoom
Scrollyjob= Alters the factor by which things will move. I.e. scroll up to mean that button 1 moves the x axis faster, scroll down to slow down x axis movement, etc.

Just a thought since I don't think you're likely to have an easy time with 'other' inputs. I suppose the keyboard could potentially be OK, but you'd get a smoother feel using a mouse/trackball.

That sounds reasonable. I am looking at the Kensington Turboball 4bttn mouse. Is it possible to program the mouse to react differently based on what button is being held down? For example, if you held down button 1, and move the mouse up it moves on the x-axis in the positive direction, or, if you hold down button 1 and move the mouse down it will move on the x-axis in the positive direction. What are the chances of getting something like this to work in Linux?

This sounds more like a programming question, so I'm affraid I can't help. I would have thought that it would be more than possible to get it to work under Linux...lots of people that use Linux (in one shape or another) do programming, so it's always worth asking. Good luck.