Hardware developer and Maker Salim Benbouziyane has created an open-source, fully functional 6-DoF (six degrees of freedom) navigation controller, offering a DIY alternative to commercial SpaceMouse devices used in CAD and 3D modeling workflows. Designed for tools like Fusion 360, Blender, and KiCad, the controller allows users to pan, zoom, and rotate 3D objects simultaneously using a single hand-controlled knob, bringing professional-grade spatial control to the maker community at a fraction of the cost.
At the core of the design is a custom 3D-printed flexure mechanism made from PETG, which acts as a multi-axis spring system to return the knob to center. Instead of traditional encoders, the device uses a magnetic sensing approach with three Infineon TLV493D 3-axis sensors arranged beneath embedded neodymium magnets. This setup produces nine-axis magnetic data, which is processed by an RP2040 (Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040). By implementing standard HID descriptors, the device emulates a commercial SpaceMouse, enabling plug-and-play compatibility with official drivers on Windows and macOS.
The project also tackles several engineering challenges, including resolving I2C address conflicts by sequentially powering sensors during startup and implementing calibration algorithms to stabilize noisy magnetic data. Custom math models translate sensor readings into accurate 3D motion, though minor axis bleed remains an area for improvement. Future updates aim to introduce a full pose-solver algorithm for precise motion isolation. Overall, the project stands out as a polished example of combining mechanical design, sensor fusion, and firmware engineering into a practical, open-source tool for creators.
