Trouble clicking w/ foot switch

[bmcnaboe]

I'm running into some trouble left clicking with a foot pedal (I'm using the dual pedal from natural point). For one, double clicking is extremely difficult because I find that my head moves slightly in between clicks-which voids the action. So I have my right foot pedal set up to activate the SmartNav and what I often do is hover over some applicable object and release my right foot and click with the left. This seems to work fairly well because after I release with my right foot the cursor stays in one place. However, clicking with the left foot seems to require a very quick and deliberate movement-more deliberate than the left click on a mouse would require. If the click isn't fast enough (and I am only referring to single clicks at this point) then it is like the button is stock in a down position even though it's not.

Has anybody else run into a problem left clicking with the foot pedal? Any suggestions for how to work around this issue or are there software updates on the way that will fix this? Is this possibly a problem with the foot switch (I do find that the left click requires more foot pressure than it probably should)?

Thanks.

[bmcnaboe]

Thanks for the response, Donald!

I should point out right off that the "quick and deliberate" movement required to single click with the left pedal only exists when the SmartNav is deactivated (in my case by releasing the right foot pedal) and the "double click delay" feature is selected in the Advanced Settings for the cursor. This to me seems like a software bug considering that single clicking works like I would expect when the SmartNav is activated (clicking w/ left while holding the right).

Although, my left pedal IS actually stickier. It makes a grinding noise when clicked (by hand or foot) - there's actually some mechanical interference between the pedal and the platform it rests on. Not the case w/ the right pedal. I suppose this is a quality issue and I do plan on exchanging it.

That aside, both springs do indeed seem to be too firm. For me it would be better to allow for a delicate click to activate, but these pedals require a much firmer attack. This actually causes my upper body to move a bit in between clicks, thus moving the cursor. How about a spring tension adjustment for each pedal?

You suggest that I simply slide my right foot over, and I've tried. However, there is an (unneccessary?) ridge in between the pedals and the pedals are too far apart, so this prevents a smooth transition from one side to the other. Also, I don't think it would matter because this isn't a problem of foot dominance (I've even reversed the pedal functionality - and had similiar problems, although saw some improvement because the right pedal has smoother action).

"Gravity", although a nice idea, seems a bit annoying in practive. Instead of gravity, how about pausing the cursor movement (for some configurable) amount of time after a single click and release - allowing time for a possible double click.

Also, I've had some luck w/ using "precision" mode when double or even single clicking small targets, but it can only be activated w/ a pedal and both of mine are in use. How about support for modal pedals (or just up to 4 switches say) or at the very least a hot-key for precision mode?

You say that left clicking w/ a foot pedal is a common problem. Sounds like a good opportunity for improvement. I'm sure you would agree that it's better for the tool to be adjusted to the user rather than the other way around.

All of that said, I really think the SmartNav is a fantastic device and you guys are doing a great job - really! The dual pedal and clicking support could however use some improvements to help make selecting easier and more flexible.

Thanks for listening!

[Donald]

Hello Sir,

This is actually a fairly common response to the use of the foot pedals. These products are meant to withstand the pressure of a person using their feet so the springs inside are fairly stiff. Add to this that most people are right hand dominant, the appearance that the left pedal is stronger is a common thread.

Here are a few things to try:
You said that when you release your right foot the cursor stays in place. Why not also then user your right foot to do the double click on the left pedal?

You can also try activating the Gravity Feature. This function will pull the cursor to the middle of the icon and hold it there to give you time to double click.

[Donald]

I have listened to all of your comments and we will try to see what improvements can be made.

As for the ridge, I had one customer take his Dremel Tool and cut the ridge down.

In the next release of the Smart-NAV, Precision Mode is supposed to be able to be activated via a hotkey.