SpaceOrb FAQ What is the SpaceOrb 360? The SpaceOrb is a Six-Degees of Freedom (6-DOF) Game Controller made by Spacetec Corporation. With it, you'll move through your favorite 3D action games as if you were actually in the game itself. Simultaneous Six-Degees of Freedom Control (6D Control) technology allows gamers to STRAFE, ROTATE and FREELOOK on ANY AXIS and create complex moves like Circle Strafes and Barrel Rolls INSTANTLY & EASILY! What is "6D Control"? "6D Control" is the ability to interact with a computer-created 3D world exactly like we interact with our everyday world. This includes the ability to navigate through that world, as well as manipulate and interact with 3D objects in the world as if we were picking them up and holding them in our hands. To provide this "real life" 3D capability, Spacetec IMC has married a six axis optical & digital control technology, with advanced 3D software to create a Motion User Interface (MUI), that allows users of all types to interact with the 3D worlds on screen exactly like they do in the real world -- and the result is the first 3D game controller to support full simultaneous SIX DEGREE OF FREEDOM (6D) CONTROL -- techno-speak for the ability to move in ANY and EVERY direction in a game. You can move forward and backward (1st DOF), slide right and left (2nd DOF), jump up and down (3rd DOF), as well as look up and down (4th DOF), look left and right (5th DOF) and roll left and right (6th DOF). And what's really unique with the SpaceOrb 360 is that you can also simultaneously combine any of these to perform outrageous combination moves for the most realistic game play on the planet! For example, to perform a clean and quick Circle Strafe, you would pull the PowerSensor left or right while at the same time slightly twisting the ball - instant Circle Strafe! How Much Is The SpaceOrb 360? The SpaceOrb 360 sell for a standard retail price $99.00. Some retailers sell it for $99.00, and with any current special offers from Spacetec, you could get the SpaceOrb as low as $79.00!) The SpaceOrb 360 comes with shareware versions of Duke Nukem 3D and Descent II. What is the Spaceball PowerSensor? It's the unique SpaceOrb 360 ball -- a patented FORCE & TORQUE sensitive mechanism that lets you move in your game. You simply push, pull or twist it to move in ANY and EVERY direction in your game. You can also combine moves to perform outrageous combos like circle strafes, barrel-rolls or the incredible death blossom -- moves IMPOSSIBLE with other devices. The result is the fastest, smoothest, most realistic 3D gaming experience! The PowerSensor not only sense the DIRECTION of the pressure or twist applied (TORQUE) but also the AMOUNT of pressure (FORCE), enabling you to micro-adjust your speed and acceleration. A light push or twist and you'll creep along -- a harder push or twist and you'll fly. In fact, the SpaceOrb 360 supports up to 1,024 speed levels in a game -- as compared to the two typically provided with a joystick, mouse or keyboard. Some people are calling it a cheating tool. Is this true? NO! It's not a cheating tool or trick! The SpaceOrb 360 is the FIRST AND ONLY TRUE 3D game controller to take FULL advantage of all the moves already built into your games. There are no special hacks or run arounds used when playing with the SpaceOrb. And how does that compare with a mouse, joystick or keyboard? With a mouse you can move forward and backward (1st axis), and turn side to side (2nd axis) and with some games, a keystroke modifier will allow you to look up and down (3rd axis - 3DOF). Standard joysticks provide first two degrees of freedom and some of the newer ones add the ability to look up and down (3DOF's). These devices, however, DO NOT allow or take advantage of the moves available in a 3D games like Descent. Only the SpaceOrb 360 allows you COMPLETE 6D CONTROL in a game*, and allows you to move more naturally and intuitively and therefore more quickly. Games like Descent & Descent II allow for complete 6D Control, while games like Quake & Duke only allow for five axes (you can't "roll" left or right, no matter what device your using) Can I use the SpaceOrb as a normal joystick in non-supported games? Yes. You can use any of the generic joystick drivers supplied with the SpaceOrb for any non-supported Windows 95 game. You cannot, however, do the same with non-supported DOS games. Does the SpaceOrb 360 work with my lap top? Yes, the SpaceOrb 360 works with any lap top with an available serial port. However, some lap tops have irregular power off the serial port (something beyond our control). If this is the case with your laptop typically what happens is that you're able to fire in a game with the SpaceOrb 360 -- but NOT move. Sometimes, unplugging the SpaceOrb 360 and then replugging it in resets the serial port power and corrects the situation. If this does not work then you can order a Power Adapter from Spacetec IMC Technical Support at 508-970-0440 x603 or via email at spaceorb@spacetec.com. The cost is $20 which includes shipping and handling. In What Order Should I Install My Software? 1. Install all your games first. 2. Install Spaceware off the CD in the box. 3. Install any SpaceWare upgrades from floppies in the box. 4. Install the latest upgrades and game drivers from our web site. 5. Go to the Add/Remove Games, Auto-detect, add All Games and allow SpaceWare scan your disk for all installed games. 6. If you buy and install a new game, please use the Auto-detect function instead of a Manual add in order to ensure that the correct supporting files are properly configured. If you have more than one drive which has installed games, rerun the Add/Remove utility and tell it to scan the other hard drive. So, the SpaceOrb 360 plugs into my serial port? Yes, the SpaceOrb 360 requires a serial port because it is a true digital device, meaning that it communicates with the computer via a digital data stream. A normal joystick, which is an analog device, connects to the system via the gameport, and communicates with the computer in analog mode. For the system to get information from the joystick, it has to go to the port, wait for joystick to tell the computer when it is ready to send new data, and then get the new data. The result is the computer wastes a lot of time waiting for the joystick to present data, and the game slows down. With the SpaceOrb 360 working in true digital mode, all data is presented to the system in digital format via the serial port. The system doesn't have to wait for any data, it just gets notified when the new data is ready, and grabs it as soon as it can. The result is no system waiting, no overhead, and a MUCH FASTER game experience. I don't have an available serial port. Serial port adapters can be purchased at any computer store to add additional serial ports to your computer. They're really inexpensive (generally under $50). OR if one of your serial ports is taken up by your mouse, consider buying a PS2 mouse (if you have a PS2 port), to replace of your serial mouse. When will the USB version be available? The USB (or Universal Serial Bus) version of the SpaceOrb will be available through retail possibly in early 1998. Does the SpaceOrb support Windows NT? There are currently no plans for NT support. How many buttons does the SpaceOrb 360 have? The SpaceOrb 360 has six Rapid Action Buttons that can be used to perform quick repeat actions like firing, changing weapons, opening doors or auto forward. You can customize or reassign your most commonly used gaming functions to these buttons using the SpaceOrb 360 Customizer program. Now you have everything you need in a single hand-held device -- the SpaceOrb 360 PowerSensor for moving and the Rapid Action Buttons for repeat actions. Can I change the Rapid Action Button functions? Yes. The SpaceOrb 360 includes a special Customizer program which enables you to customize or reassign the Rapid Action Button actions to suit your playing style for most DOS games and some Windows 95 games. Can I cycle weapons using the Rapid Action Buttons? Only if your game supports it. What games does the SpaceOrb 360 work with? The SpaceOrb 360 supports all Windows 95 games (via DirectInput), as well as most of the popular 3D DOS games, like Duke Nukem 3D, Descent I & II and Quake, through optimized game drivers (shipped on the SpaceOrb 360 SpaceWare CD). New or updated game drivers are added all the time and are posted on our web site (www.spaceorb.com) for download. For a complete list of currently supported games as well as upcoming games, see our SpaceOrb Supported Games page. I don't have a CD ROM drive. How about diskettes? Spacetec IMC can provide diskettes. Contact Spacetec IMC Technical Support at 508-970-0440 x603 or via email at spaceorb@spacetec.com. There is a nominal charge -- due to the number of diskettes. Is the SpaceOrb 360 compatible with Quake & QuakeWorld? Yes! New Quake drivers for both versions are available on Spacetec IMC's ftp site with the current SpaceWare Software version at: ftp://ftp.spacetec.com/pub/spaceorb/. They will also be shipped with future versions of the SpaceOrb 360 software. Does the SpaceOrb 360 work with flight sims? Yes, any Windows 95 flight sim and some DOS sims like X-Wing. How long will it take to learn how to use it? Like any new device (you may recall it took you a bit to get used to using a mouse the first time) the SpaceOrb 360 takes a little practice because IT IS A WHOLE NEW WAY TO MOVE in your 3D games. To help you get started we've provided an interactive trainer to help you get the basic moves down. With about 1/2 hour of practice you'll be flying down hallways, doing some combo moves. After a few days of practice you could be playing BETTER and FASTER than you ever have with the keyboard, mouse or any joystick. What if I already have an Spaceball Avenger? Trade up to the new SpaceOrb 360 for just $50 -- a $49 savings off the suggested retail price. Click here for more details! Is it the same as the Spaceball Avenger? Simply put, the SpaceOrb 360 is better! It's less expensive, the PowerSensor now moves slightly when you push, pull or twist it which gives you immediate feedback as to your intended move, the base is also more ergonomically designed and it's smaller, lighter and better suited to a wider array of hand sizes. For a complete comparison between the two devices, Click Here. To upgrade from the Avenger to the SpaceOrb, Click Here. Can I use the SpaceOrb 360 for network play? Yes! The SpaceOrb 360 is great for network play! It's supported for some games over Mplayer, Kali and T.E.N. Click here for more details. Does the SpaceOrb 360 work in DOS? Yes, the SpaceOrb 360 is supported in a whole host of DOS-based games, including Quake, Duke Nukem and Descent. Click here for a complete list of DOS supported games. Does the SpaceOrb 360 work in Windows 95? Yes, the SpaceOrb 360 will work in any game designed for Windows 95 as a DirectInput supported device. Any game or title that supports DirectInput (part of the DirectX standard from Microsoft), supports the SpaceOrb 360. Game optimization is provided through the latest SpaceWare Windows 95 software. Does the SpaceOrb 360 work with a MAC? Not yet! But stay tuned! Can I use the SpaceOrb 360 as a mouse? The SpaceOrb 360 is not intended to replace your mouse for typical applications like word processing, but it can be used in DOS games that support a mouse for control. It cannot be used in Windows 95 games as a mouse substitute, but that functionality may be available with the next Windows release in 1997. DirectInput, although, does allow the SpaceOrb 360 to work with any Windows 95 game that supports a joystick for control. Is there a desktop version or a stand? There currently is no desktop version of the SpaceOrb 360. A stand for the SpaceOrb 360 is being considered. Is there a LEFTY version of the SpaceOrb 360? No, but most left-handed people we've spoken to have found the SpaceOrb 360 VERY easy to use. Here is an excerpt from a GamesMania review of the SpaceOrb concerning left-handed use... Southpaws Too We gave the SpaceOrb to Stephanie Janko, one of our graphic artists, and Dark Forces fan. She's not a rabid gamer like some of us, but after only a few minutes of using the Orb with Dark Forces, she was "doing better than I usually do." She liked the Orb's handling, and found it easier and more efficient than the keyboard. This is interesting to note because not only is Stephanie a novice gamer, she's also left-handed. A lot of the fancier controllers on the market often give you a nice, comfortable grip with contours you can snugly wrap your hand around-provided that the hand in question is a right hand. But Stephanie's example seems to indicate that left-handed folks can comfortably use the Orb, too. Is there a version for Sega, Nintendo or Sony? Spacetec IMC recently announced a deal with ASCII Entertainment Software to develop their own 6D controller utilizing SpaceOrb 360 core technology and software for the Sony Playstation. The new ASCII Entertainment controller for the PlayStation is expected to be available in 1997. Stayed tuned for additional console game system and platform announcements in the near future. How Reliable is the SpaceOrb 360? The SpaceOrb 360 is a sophisticated electro-optical device. With no moving mechanical parts, it will not suffer from the friction based fatigue and breakdown associated with other devices. The result is an extremely reliable device, guaranteed to hold up under the rigors of intense game play. Is there a warranty? Yes, a one year hardware warranty. Where can I get one? The SpaceOrb 360 is availabe a major computer and game retailers. Click here for a current list of US retailers, and click here for availability outside the US. What is the Customizer and what does it let me do? The Customizer enables you to re-assign SpaceOrb 360 Rapid Action Button functions and and to adjust sensitivity to suit your playing style. You can also install the GameMaster's software to completely custimize your SpaceOrb with single-axis sensitivity adjustments. What is the GameMaster Software? The GameMaster software takes the Customizer one step further allowing you to fine-tune the sensitivity of each individual axis and actually change the way the axes operate. Use extreme caution though -- this software is for the experienced gamer. What is SpaceWare? What is a Spaceball? SpaceWare is Spacetec IMC's trademark name for all of our software techology, including drivers, optimization software, applications and utilities. Spaceball is the trademark name for all of our hardware technology. The Orb shows up in the Win95 Joystick panel, but when I select it to be an active joystick, it comes up blank? The SpaceOrb requires a "Gameport Joystick" driver (vjoyd.vxd) to work. Go to the Device Manager (right-click on the "My Computer" icon and pick properties, then pick the Device Manager tab). Once there, find the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" branch and expand it. If "Gameport Joystick" is not there, then you need one. To install it, do the following: 1. In the Control Panel, choose "Add New Hardware". 2. Pick "No" for auto-detecting hardware. 3. Pick "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" 4. Click on the "Have Disk" button and find where you have our installer (where you installed from), or Pick Microsoft under Manufacturers and "Gameport Joystick" from Models. It will then be installed. When Win95 starts, it prompts me for a driver. Where can I get this driver? The necessary Win95 INF driver file is located on the Spaceware CD. Browse the CD to locate the sball.inf file. I upgraded to Spaceware v4.8, but now the Orb buttons don't respond in some of my Win95 games? We have verified this problem with the SpaceOrb software v4.8 and Win98 build 1681. There have been a number of reported problems with this build and DX5. The reason 4.75 works and 4.8 doesn't is that 4.8 uses DX5 where 4.75 uses DX3 (meaning the underlying calls, not what you have on your system). Given your results, it's likely that the problem in DX5 that causes the buttons to stop working with 4.8 have persisted into build 1687. Until those problems are resolved by Microsoft, the only workaround we can suggest is to continue using 4.75. Since the problem is caused by the underlying DX5 code, you may want to file a bug report with Microsoft. I installed Quake2 CTF v1.02 but the Orb doesn't work with it? It works fine with regular single/multi player though... Yes Q2 1.02 CTF works with the Orb, but due to a change in the way Quake2 calls the .cfg files, you will need to copy your quake2\baseq2\autoexec.cfg to your quake2\baseq2\ctf directory. The way it (and Q1) used to work was that if you were running an add-on (CTF for example) it would look for an autoexec.cfg in your root directory (quake2\baseq2) if you didn't have one in the game directory (quake2\baseq2\ctf). Just another programming change to throw unsuspecting users off track :-) What is all that stuff in the Orb .SCG (configuration) files? The settings that you see are all of the necessary parameters to make a particular game respond correctly to the Orb's input. For a detailed explanation of every entry (Spaceware v4.8 or higher), click here. After upgrading to Spaceware 4.8 (or higher) I can't do that cool 180 flip in Descent 2! How can I get it back without downgrading my software! For those wanting to use the 180 turn in 4.81, you can _still_ use the old spwdcnt2.exe and corresponding old spwdcnt2.scg file to run Descent 2 wiith the 4.81 dos drivers. Put both the old EXE and SCG file in the D2 directory. Then, just run "spwdcnt2 -exe descent2.exe" NOTE: You won't be able to configure the SCG file since it is an older version...in fact, it won't even show up in the 4.8 or 4.81 customizer. So if you're not familiar with how to edit the SCG files, sorry. By the way, this is an unsupported feature :)