The spaceball rotates in any other mode apart from when switched to Sketcher mode. In this mode it only zooms in and out or moves around the screen but does not rotate.
There might be an option that prevents rotation while in sketcher. I know other programs have options like sketch in 3d that you can turn on or off. This might prevent rotation even if your space ball has it enabled.
This is a known problem.
I've contacted 3D connexions and they are aware of it.
It is on Dassaults plate to fix since they caused the problem with a change that they made.
Hopefully this will be resolved in the next service pack of R12.
Currently I'm on V5R12 Service pack 3 and the issue still exists.
Here is the official APAR with IBM - which is still open for V5R11:
APAR NUMBER: HD16211 RESOLVED AS: (still open)
ABSTRACT:
HD16211: NO ROTATE IN SKETCHER WITH 3D MOTION CONTROL DEVICE
ORIGINATING DETAILS:
No rotate in Sketcher with 3D Motion control device
Scenario:
When in sketcher can not rotate off sketch plane
with a Spaceball 4000FLX or a Magellan XT. The
latest drivers for the device are installed. This
works in R10. Rotation with the mouse is ok.
.
LOCAL FIX AS REPORTED BY ORIGINATOR:
RESPONDER SUMMARY:
(This APAR does not yet have a Responder Section)
RESPONDER CONCLUSION:
TEMPORARY FIX:
COMMENTS:
APAR INFORMATION:
Reported to correct a PTF in error: NO
Reported as a highly pervasive problem: NO
Reported as a duplicate problem: NO
PE Apar?: NoPE
HIPER Apar?: NoHIPER
DUP Apar?: NoDUP
Status: OPEN
Component Name: CATIA V5/NT/200
Version: 511
Component ID: 569151000
Submitted: 04/01/14
Closed:
Last Modified: 04/01/20
Change Team: FR3751
A workaround is to pres the number 3 button On the spacemouse( if you use the standard settings for spacemouse).
This will enable the rotating in sketch for CATIA.
Best Regards