Subject: Re: ACLT - PLOTTING TO HP330 PLOTTER
From: waiwhite@zip.com.au (Ian A. White)
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 06:46:19 GMT
On 18 Jan 1997 15:32:07 GMT, copls@aol.com (CoPLS) wrote:
>I'm unable to plott!!
>
>I'e tried differant drivers supplied for the 330, I've tried system
>printer, I've tried 350C, HP/GL within LT, N O N E work...
What happens or does not happen?
What messages (if any) are displayed?
I have a 350C, and it plots without problems. I first had it running
under Win 3.1, and now under Win 95.
Regards,
Ian A. White, CPEng
waiwhite@zip.com.au
WAI Engineering
Sydney 2000
Australia
Junk e-mail will be returned, as is, to the sender or the sender's host system.
Subject: Re: 21 inch monitor.... which one?
From: John Goffredo
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 08:37:25 -0800
novak@nuc.net wrote:
>
> >>That problem and hearing that the .22mm dot pitch of the Hitachi is
> >>really only comparable to .27 or .28mm measured in the "classical" way
> >>is what turned me away from the Hitachis. I don't have any problems
> >>with color or brightness bleeding.
> >
> >Sorry, I think I lost your previous post re the .22/.27mm question.
> >I believe from all the literature that I've seen that the .22mm
> >horizontal pitch measurement is really a .25mm/.26mm, not .27 or
> >28mm. I really do wish Hitachi wouldn't muddy the waters with this
> >kind of marketing crap though. It's confusing enough as it is. And
> >they have too good a product to have to resort to this kind of junk.
> >I've seen the tube and it certainly looked very sharp.
>
> I don't know. Other people seem to think it is really equivalent to a
> .27 or .28 dot pitch. The way Hitachi describes it makes it very
> ambiguous.
>
> >Hitachi tubes are considered to be amongst the best. If Nanao FX2-21
> >OEM's it, it can't be all bad. Right? :) Just like my 91TXM tube -
> >since the new NEC P1150 OEM's the Mitsubishi tube, it can't be too bad
> >either. :)
>
> One of Viewsonic's new models is supposed to be coming out that uses
> the new Mitsubishi tube also.
>
> >>I don't have a video card that supports 1600x1200 so I don't know.
> >>All I can say is that the Mitsubishi looks sharper to me than the S21
> >>(which uses the same tube as the P815 you had, AFAIK) at
> >>1280x1024x16bit@75hz. Someone else posted he liked his 91TXM also and
> >>that his also has sharp text (even at 1600x1200 after switching to a
> >>BNC cable). I think I'm going to buy a BNC cable to see if I can
> >>notice any difference like he did.
> >
> >Well, for me, I noticed the degradation at 1280x1024 when I upped it
> >from 75hz to 85hz. At 1600x1200@75, it was obvious. But if you can't
> >do 1600 with your card, and you're happy with 1280 at 75hz, why waste
> >money on BNC? I don't think you'll see any difference between a 75
> >and 85hz picture.
>
> It would be interesting to see if a BNC cable can make a noticeable
> difference, and I'll eventually be using a video card that supports
> 1280x1024x85hz and 1600x1200x75hz anyway.
>
> >>For those interested, Nokia's monitor test utility can be gotten from:
> >>
> >>http://www.nokia.com/products/monitors/monitor_test.html
> >>
> >
> >Ah yes. I use that too. Thank god it's free. Great stuff.
> >
> >>
> >>I'm very happy with the Mitsubishi, but I've never seen the Hitachi.
> >>As you already know, getting a good monitor is a crap shoot. The
> >>geometry of my 91TXM is very good overall, but it isn't perfect. The
> >>sharpness, richness of color, and brightness of the monitor is
> >>Excellent. I'm happy, and I'd like to think the 91TXM would be
> >>better, but that's really only because I own one =).
> >
> >Actually, I was surprised I stayed with the first 91TXM I got. I'm a
> >perfectionist. :) You see, my old monitor was an NEC 4FG. I swapped
> >monitor twice, before I was happy with the third one. One thing I'll
> >say for NEC was the no question asked, NEC prepaid shipping policy.
> >It didn't cost me a dime to ship back the two monitors. It was fedex
> >from Canada to the US, pre-paid by NEC, picked up at my place. Can't
> >argue with that! I wanted to buy the P1150, but couldn't get to see
> >one in the flesh and so ended up with the Mitsubishi. No regrets so
> >far.
>
> I agree with you about NEC. That is the way service should be. I had
> the same experience with NEC and was very impressed by their service.
>
> >So were you happy with your first monitor too? If so, I'll say the
> >Mitsubishi quality control must be good to have (at least) two
> >monitors almost perfect out of the box. Mine is not absolutely
> >perfect in geometry but close enough, especially for a 21". I've seen
> >the Nanao FX2-21 and the Hitachi Acuvue 49??. They were no better.
>
> My 91TXM is the same way in that the geometry isn't absolutely perfect
> but it is close enough. I'll need to go on medication if I'm going to
> get irritated over monitor geometry that isn't absolutely perfect :).
> Good monitor geometry is more important with a 21" monitor that
> someone just laid out $1600US for, but I feel that my 91TXM's geometry
> is very acceptable and actually quite good for a Trinitron monitor
> which often have geometry problems, and I think I might be hard
> pressed to find better without going through a lengthy and somewhat
> expensive process of exchanging 91TXMs until I got the "perfect" one.
> The other Mitsubishi "tubed" monitors that I've seen have all had
> above average geometry, especially compared to Sony Trinitron models,
> IMO.
>
> >>P.S. How about a review of the Hitachi concerning it's the controls,
> >>picture quality, and your impressions about it. I'd especially like
> >>to know how the claimed .22mm tube rates as far as sharpness goes; did
> >>you notice any difference in sharpness between the Hitachi and the
> >>Viewsonic for instance?
> >
> >I did see the Hitachi text quality, unfortunately not side by side the
> >91TXM. From memory, the Hitachi was very good in text. Logically,
> >the .25mm (dot pitch) should have given better text than the .28mm
> >(stripe pitch) of the 91TXM.
>
> Some people say that the Hitachi's dot pitch really isn't equal to .25
> and is closer to .27 or .28. Some people also say that .28mm with a
> Trinitron tube would actually be comparable to a .25 or .26mm shadow
> mask tube. I'd be interested to know which is sharper. IMO, the
> 91TXM is sharper than the .25mm shadow mask Panasonic tube in the S21
> I had which is the same tube used in the Panasonic E21, S21, and P21
> and the Viewsonic G810, P810, and P815, AFAIK.
>
> >But, I think the Mitsubishi makes up for
> >it with better contrast, color and brightness.
>
> The color and brightness of the 91TXM are EXCELLENT, IMO.
>
> >I'm perfectly happy
> >with the text at 1600x1200. And I saved a bundle in terms of money
> >and space. I really do think the 91TXM is the best general purpose
> >monitor, especially when you count price.
>
> Personally, I feel as though I couldn't have made a better choice,
> possibly at any price. Even if there are better monitors out there, I
> would think they're more expensive and I doubt the difference in
> picture quality could justify the price difference, IMO.
>
> >If anyone has seen the two at 1600 side by side, I would love to hear
> >your comments.
>
I'm running a 4 meg millenium and a Hitachi Superscan 21". It is drop
dead gorgeous and razor sharp. I am one of those customers who returns
crap if it doesn't do what it was advertised to do. I returned the
NEC XP21 because it was so grainy, even at higher resolutions. I
returned the second one they gave me because it looked exactly the same.
I returned the SONY SFII 21" because the resolution didn't hack it for
the money. I bought a Hitachi Superscan and was bummed out from the
drop in sharpness at all four corners. I returned it and took another
one. It had the same problem, so I returned it too. Then I was in
a different store and decided to try another Hitachi because they
looked better (same model...!!) and lo and behold...when I plugged
this baby in...it was razor sharp to all four corners and so drop
dead gorgeous......people are blown away by the color and resolution.
Go figure? But when I sit my but down in front of this thing for
four hours on the internet......it doesn't get any better!
The Hitachi quality varies from production run to production run...
I know it shouldn't, but the one I've got now...I wouldn't trade
it for anything. So don't be afraid.....buy one from the bigger
superstores (on their credit accounts..so returning things is much
easier and they don't make you wait two weeks to get your money
back by check in the mail!). Their return policies are really
liberal. If they don't have it....special order it from them and make
sure of the return policy.
Hope this helps....
Subject: Re: digitizer and AutoCad LT
From: waiwhite@zip.com.au (Ian A. White)
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 06:46:21 GMT
On Sat, 18 Jan 1997 17:01:15 +0100, "A.C.M. SOL"
wrote:
>Hello,
>
>I'm having a problem with my digitizer and Autocad LT. I'm not able to
>get it working. I have a 1212 Trust digitizer connected on com port 2.
>Windows 95 is setup and working with the digitizer. I can use it as a
>absolut or relative mouse. There is even a new icon in my configuration
>window. I have disconneted my mouse and removed all drivers.
>But when I start up Autocad LT and go to preferences I am not able to
>click on the setting for tablet mode.
You need to have a WinTab driver installed for your digitiser. If
this is not done, then the tablet command will not work in LT3.
Regards,
Ian A. White, CPEng
waiwhite@zip.com.au
WAI Engineering
Sydney 2000
Australia
Junk e-mail will be returned, as is, to the sender or the sender's host system.
Subject: Re: Routine for adding line-length in a drawing.
From: "David E. Gonsalves"
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 01:49:55 GMT
Mauricio,
I have a routine that I wrote for something very similar to this, it gets
all the lines and circles on a certain layer (presently hardcoded, but that
could be changed to a prompt instead), adds up the total of their lengths,
and then prints it to the screen. If you're proficient in AutoLISP, you
can modify it yourself, if not, if you give me exact parameters, I'll
rewrite this one.
If you haven't found something yet, email me back, and we'll get you sorted
out.
David E. Gonsalves, LSIT
delliottg@olywa.net
Mauricio Dinamarca C. wrote in article
<32DFC4A9.736C@cmet.net>...
Hello,
I have the following question:
¿Is it possible to create an AutoLISP routine that can sum the length of
all the lines in a selected layer from an AutoCAD drawing and give a
single total?
If it can be done, maybe it has been programmed already: ¿where could I
look for this routine? ¿is there any "public library" of routines that
can be searched for this particular one?
Thanks for any help.
Mauricio Dinamarca
----------
Subject: Re: Autocad Liscenses
From: Lu
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 13:26:27 -0500
Dennis Shinn wrote:
>
> Lu wrote:
>
> >Darren Young wrote:
[snip...]
> There's no incentive any more to move on to bigger and better approaches to
> documentation, that is if we consider 3D modeling and documentation bigger and
> better. We've managed to replace the drafting board with an electronic tool and
> all the clients are satisfied that their designers are working on CAD so why
> bother to push the issue? From what little I've seen, the ArchT system from
> KETIV provides far more in the way of expanding on the promise of what CAD was
> supposed to deliver for the AEC market than R13. I'll inlclude Softdesk in that
> remark as well since I'm aware that they offer an AEC front end - I've just
> never seen it in operation.
>
> The question I would ask is .... what was anticipated in the conversion from
> hand drafting to automation and has any of it been realized.
>
> Sorry, Lu, I sorta got off topic here.
>
> > This is absurd. I am sure some yuppie who uses his bosses
> >equipment will say I need to spend another $2000 for something but this
> >is getting out of hand. I better watch out I am getting on my soap box
> >again. ;)
>
> Thanks for helping me make my point (grin)
>
> And for sharing some space on your soapbox.
>
> Dennis Shinn
> Seattle AutoCAD User Group
> SAUG-BBS [206] 644-7115 [PCGNet]9:517/215
> CAD Systems manager/GLY Construction
Based on the old saying, "What goes around, comes around", is it
possible that this push for windows and "easy to use software" could
lead to the fall of Autodesk? Back when they started, I imagine most
CAD programs cost a fortune. I won't go into detail because it's
probably not worth it but wouldn't it be funny if a $99 CAD program
became the standard. ;)
Cheers,
Lu
//------------------------------------------------------------------
// When all else fails, read the book.
// CAD\Tek Home Page: http://www.cad-tek.com
//------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Re: Tony's sortsort
From: (Reini Urban)
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 18:42:28 GMT
Serge Volkov wrote:
>sorry to mention (and repeat to Reini), but
> (< "-1" "-2")
>while
> (> -1 -2)
>thus _numeric_ comparison can't be simulated with _string_ one
>for negative numbers as suggested by Tony.
oops. Thought tony checked his code.
So I have to repost my solution:
(defun function (x)(quote(x)))
;;; (GEO_ADSSORT (pts index)
;;; eg: (geo_adssort (pts 0) sorts on x
;;; sorts pts on index 0/1/2 (=x/y/z) with quicksort (acad_strlsort)
(defun GEO_ADSSORT (pts index / pt mpt)
;; Find minimum for each coord. If negative, add all coords with min
;; 'cause negative numbers are sorted backwards
(setq mpt (geo_mincorner pts))
;; add geo_minpt to all pts, to make them negative again
(mapcar (function (lambda (pt)(mapcar (function +) pt mpt)))
;; bring pt back to normal order
;; eg: sort on index 1 -> (y z x)
;; sort back on 2 -> (x y z)
;; 0|3->0; 1->2; 2->1
;; sort back
(mapcar (function (lambda (pt)(GEO_INDEX_SORT pt (- 3 index))))
;; convert string back to pt
(mapcar (function GEO_str2pt) (acad_strlsort ; actual sorting
;; convert point to string
(mapcar (function GEO_pt2str)
;; bring relevant index to front of pt
(mapcar (function (lambda (pt) (GEO_INDEX_SORT pt index)))
;; make pts non-negative, first point is 0,0,0
;; (=first loop)
(mapcar (function (lambda (pt)
(mapcar (function -) pt mpt)))
pts)
) ) ) ) ) )
)
;;;
;;; converts point to string
;;; right-justified, no beginning dots
;;; only for ADS_SORT! - wrong minus sign
(defun GEO_PT2STR (pt / s)
(setq pt (mapcar (function (lambda (s) (ur_rtos1 s))) pt)
s "")
(while pt
(setq s (strcat s " " (ur_strchg (car pt) "-" (chr 31)))
pt (cdr pt))
)
s
)
;;;
;;; convert string back to point
;;; only for ADS_SORT! - wrong minus sign
(defun GEO_STR2PT (s)
(read (strcat "(" (ur_strchg s (chr 31) "-") ")"))
)
;;;
;;; sorts pts on index 0/1/2 (=x/y/z)
;;; eg: (GEO_INDEX_SORT '(x y z) 0) -> '(x y z)
;;; eg: (GEO_INDEX_SORT '(x y z) 1) -> '(y z x)
;;; eg: (GEO_INDEX_SORT '(x y z) 2) -> '(z x y)
;;;of course you could do that with mapcar too, but this is faster...
(defun GEO_INDEX_SORT (pt index)
(cond
((= index 0) pt)
((= index 1) (list (cadr pt) (caddr pt) (car pt)))
((= index 2) (list (caddr pt) (car pt) (cadr pt)))
(t pt)
)
)
;;;
;;; lower left corner of pts
;;; (min) for all pts, pt not member of pts
(defun GEO_MINCORNER (pts / n i mpt)
(setq n (length (car pts)) ;2 or 3 dimensions
i 0 mpt nil)
(repeat n
(setq mpt (cons
(apply (function min)
(mapcar (function (lambda (pt) (nth i pt))) pts))
mpt)
i (1+ i))
)
(reverse mpt)
)
>BTW: can someone to explain me, please, why
> (ACAD_STRLSORT '("+A" "-A"))
> gives
> ("-A" "+A")
> whereas "-A" is greater than "+A" and
> ACAD_STRLSORT sorts in increasing order?
> Is this ACAD AutoLISP `implementation detail' :)
> real bug or intented feature?
Now this IS a real bug for the FAQ!
One should rely on the fact that (acad_strlsort) sorts on
#'(< (ascii x) (ascii y))
Thanks Serge!
---
Reini http://xarch.tu-graz.ac.at/autocad/
(defun tail (l n)
(cond ((zerop n) l)
(t (tail (cdr l) (1- n)))))
Subject: Re: Laptop Recomendations for R13
From: (Reini Urban)
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 18:42:23 GMT
hopltd@giasdl01.vsnl.net.in (G Rajesh) wrote:
>The best config is Pentium 120Mhz , 2 GB harddisk , Active matrix with 32MB
>RAM. There are lot of good models available on the market like Compaq,
>Toshiba , NEC etc.,
So I have to downgrade my new P200 Laptop with 64MB RAM, ... :)
(
No its not mine. I bought it for my boss of course. BTW: its from a
german company called GERICOM and really cheap. Half the price of
Toshiba and IBM's, but the battery runs only 60 minutes :(
Anway rendering with Accurender is almost realtime.
)
---
Reini http://xarch.tu-graz.ac.at/autocad/
(defun tail (l n)
(cond ((zerop n) l)
(t (tail (cdr l) (1- n)))))
Subject: Re: Dots lines printed in LT
From: "S. Yoder"
Date: 19 Jan 1997 20:02:00 GMT
Dennis Shinn wrote in article
<5bsn9r$tt3$10@brokaw.wa.com>...
> Fabrizio Croce wrote:
>
> >This is a description of the system:
> >I'm using postcript laser printers (HP and Lexmark) throught a NT
> >network. Autocad LT seems to have a good LTSCALE parameter as I'm able
> >to see the dotted line on my screen. The parameter PSLTSCALE was at Nil
> >(I don't know this parameter but I was asked in a mail to be more
> >accurate about this parameter) but I tried with a value of 1 (one) ...in
> >vain!!!
> >I also tried to print under DOS (w/ R12c4) on a local printer and it
> >worked fine. I tried also printing from LT on the same local printer
> >with no succes.
>
> I suspect that you need to use a larger setting for the pen that's
printing the
> dots, Fabrizio. I'd be willing to bet if you looked *real* close you'd
find
> them, only they're only 1/300th of an inch (or the equivalent metric
measurement
> in dpi) and probably invisible for all intents and purposes.
>
>
Actually, I remember this problem with LT 1 and 2. With LT1 it happened
no matter how you tried to print and it was in AutoDesk's faq about LT1.
With LT2, I recall it happening when I used a POSTSCRIPT driver to
print. It's been awhile since I've printed any dotted lines, but I believe
choosing a regular HP driver works. I.e.. a HP4V/MV vs. a HP4MV Postscript.
We tried the line thicking trick, and still no dots. Humm, I'll run a
couple of tests Monday and let you know. I can't even remember if this
cleared up with LT3, so I need the refresher. But I do remember that
Postscript was part of the problem.
Enjoy,
Stef
--
______ ( ) http://www.netcom.com/~yodersj/
| |-| (oo) mailto:yodersj@ix.netcom.com
| |-| \/ ------------
------- | | \ CAD
_____^ ------------| \ Cow
------ | | | * Aided
^ ^ ^ Drafting
Subject: Re: Tony's sortsort
From: Serge Volkov
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 23:38:08 +0300
Reini Urban wrote:
>..
> So I have to repost my solution:
>
> (defun function (x)(quote(x)))
This will not work in ACAD AutoLISP.
Consider to use more safe and correct form:
(if (/= (type quote) (type function))
(setq function quote) )
> ;;; (GEO_ADSSORT (pts index)
> ;;; eg: (geo_adssort (pts 0) sorts on x
> ;;; sorts pts on index 0/1/2 (=x/y/z) with quicksort (acad_strlsort)
> (defun GEO_ADSSORT (pts index / pt mpt)
> ;; Find minimum for each coord. If negative, add all coords with min
> ;; 'cause negative numbers are sorted backwards
> (setq mpt (geo_mincorner pts))
> ;; add geo_minpt to all pts, to make them negative again
> (mapcar (function (lambda (pt)(mapcar (function +) pt mpt)))
> ;; bring pt back to normal order
> ;; eg: sort on index 1 -> (y z x)
> ;; sort back on 2 -> (x y z)
> ;; 0|3->0; 1->2; 2->1
> ;; sort back
> (mapcar (function (lambda (pt)(GEO_INDEX_SORT pt (- 3 index))))
> ;; convert string back to pt
> (mapcar (function GEO_str2pt) (acad_strlsort ; actual sorting
> ;; convert point to string
> (mapcar (function GEO_pt2str)
> ;; bring relevant index to front of pt
> (mapcar (function (lambda (pt) (GEO_INDEX_SORT pt index)))
> ;; make pts non-negative, first point is 0,0,0
> ;; (=first loop)
> (mapcar (function (lambda (pt)
> (mapcar (function -) pt mpt)))
> pts)
> ) ) ) ) ) )
> )
Too many MAPCARs, Reini :)
Useful to mention that
(mapcar 'f1
(mapcar 'f2
(mapcar 'f3
some-list ) ) )
is equivalent to
(mapcar
'(lambda (e) (f1 (f2 (f3 e))))
some-list )
so you can rewrite GEO_ADSSORT to run faster and use less memory:
;;;** VSV 19/01/97 mapcars composition optimisation
(defun GEO_ADSSORT (pts index / pt mpt)
;; Find minimum for each coord. If negative, add all coords with min
;; 'cause negative numbers are sorted backwards
(setq mpt (geo_mincorner pts))
(mapcar
(lambda (pt) ; after sort conversion
;; add geo_minpt to every pt, to make it negative again
(pt+ mpt
;; bring pt back to normal order
;; eg: sort on index 1 -> (y z x)
;; sort back on 2 -> (x y z)
;; 0|3->0; 1->2; 2->1
(GEO_INDEX_SORT
;; convert string back to pt
(GEO_str2pt pt)
(- 3 index) )
) )
(acad_strlsort ; actual sorting
(mapcar
(lambda (pt) ; pre sort conversion
(GEO_pt2str ; convert point to string
(GEO_INDEX_SORT ; bring relevant index to front of pt
(pt- pt mpt) ; make pt non-negative
index ) )
)
pts ) ) )
) ; GEO_ADSSORT
;; Point arithmetic helpers
(defun pt- (p1 p2) (mapcar '- p1 p2))
(defun pt+ (p1 p2) (mapcar '+ p1 p2))
;====================================
Regards,
Serge Volkov
Subject: Re: AutoCad 12 HELP!
From: "Sergei M. Komarov"
Date: 19 Jan 1997 23:37:47 +0200
> I have upgraded an Intel 486 DX-2 to an AMD 486 DX4-133 MHZ and
> everything seems to work fine except AutoCad will not load. I get an
> error message stating "Phar lap fatal sys err 10025: Unexpected
> processor exception occurred Error occurred in protected mode,
> exception/interrupt number 000DH".
>
> AutoCad is working just fine on a similar machine and with AutoDesk not
> supporting the program, except with a lot of $$$$$, I don't where to
> turn. If anyone has any ideas, please respond!
>
> Thank you
>
> Dean W. Jonasen
>
Hi Dean,
it seems that there is something wrong with protected mode on your system.
You gave too few information, but try this:
1. First of all test your system with some test software (Checkit,
WinCheck etc.) to be sure, that your hardware is OK.
2. Start AutoCAD DOS R.12 from MS Windows (The 3.1x and 95 also
use protected mode). If Windows hang your system - maybe you have a faulty
processor or memory.
3. Try to disable all resident drivers and programs from CONFIG and
AUTOEXEC.
Maybe it helps, but if you email me detailed information about your
hardware and soft environment, I could be more helpful.
Regards,
Dr. S.Komarov
Subject: Re: What is the BEST PCB DESIGN SOFTWARE fro the Windows 95 !!!!!!!!!
From: andi
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 16:04:47 +0000
In article <32DF936E.70A9@multidyne.com>, "James G. Jachetta"
writes
>We are about to make a decision on Printed Circuit Design software. We
>are P-CAD users and would like to switch to the next generation of PC
>based software running under Windows 95. We have had a bad experience
>getting PADS Power PCB to operate on our machines. What systems is the
>easiest to learn and is the best value? We are looking into
>P-CAD/Tango, Protel, PADS and Orcad. Any assistance or advice would be
>greatly appreciated.
>
What is your reasoning in not using PCAD for Dos? My ex-boss forced
me to upgrade from Protel for Dos to Protel for windows because he
thought it would 'look better'! My experience with PFW is two years of
loss of productivity, loss of data, loss of hair, increased stress, and
a resentment for management not listening to the engineers. We are now
using PCAD for dos. IMHO you will not find a more flexible program.
The ability of PCAD to add layers, exchange aperture files and drill
files, and WYSIWYG padstack viewing is such an advantage that the
productivity is high under all your manufacturing requirements. It is
not an easy system to learn but is is certainly better and faster than
any windows system available (although I have not used them but have
seen the demos by the sales staff, and have a bias against Windows).
This may change with the introduction of the MMX pentium with increased
capability for screen drawing but that requires yet another operating
system doesn't it?
I have not tried Win95 yet but cannot see why you can't run PCAD in a
dos window. It works fine with WIN3.1, and win3.11. If it came to the
crunch, you could set up the system as a dual boot system choosing which
operating system you want. Bit of a pain, I know.
PCAD/Tango for windows requires a fast machine (p60 min), I have seen
the demo CD and am not impressed. The same mistakes that Protel made
are present in the windows systems. Speed of redraw is slow and is
inherent in all windows CAD systems. This is one of my soap boxes and
have said all this before in other threads.
Your primary concerns when choosing a tool is the efficiency of using
it to achieve the task and the ability to integrate with the rest of the
company. PCAD files are easy to convert to your own formats simply by
writing a small program (forth, C, pascal etc). All integration from
the CAD system to the auto insertion machines, and the stock system is a
very simple process. Compared with the windows programs, it does not
seem a simple process to create a program to convert without being a
windows programmer. I have programmed in Visual basic but find it
limited and slow (VB is good but not as good as DOS environment and my
programming skills are minimal). You will still have to support the
pcbs and schematics that you have done previously, thus all your
libraries have to be converted. Simply changing CAD systems is not the
issue, learning curves, libraries, support, integration for manufacture,
pcb supplier problems... they all add up and cause long term headaches.
View the demos of the programs but bear in mind the corperate structure
that will be affected.
If I were you, I would stick with the PCAD Dos program, it is still
supported (although expensive) unlike other manufacturers that have
dropped support for their dos based packages (protel has anyway..) Of
course the decision is yours. Ask your CAD operator what specific
problems he/she has with PCAD, I doubt that they would have serious
misgivings with the program. Even if they have, suggestions for
implementation of the system are available from the SCI.ELECTRONICS.CAD
group. Dumping a high productivity tool just to keep up with the new
toys is the road to disaster. I've been there.
Andi@apmawds.demon.co.uk
--
Andrew Mawdsley \ No email adverts please
Electronic design, \ 'Reply-to' in header disabled
production engineer \
PAC International LTD. \ Pride prevents learning
Manchester, England. \ from mistakes
AndrewM@pac-intl.mhs.compuserve.com \......................
My views are not those of my employers: http://www.pac.co.uk
Subject: Re: 3d elements to 2d elements?
From: jeeper@halcyon.com (Dennis Shinn)
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 1997 06:01:59 GMT
jeff@work.com wrote:
>I need to strip out the 3d info of a set of objects and make them simple
>2d objects (take out the "z" data). It's a large set of objects, so
>using the the change entity command isn't real apropriate.
Here's a routine posted recently by Jon Shapiro. Any kudos belong to him!
;-------------------------------------------------------
(Princ "\nFlatten ver 1.0 by Jon Shapiro 10-20-96")
;-------------------------------------------------------
;This program processes the entire drawing data base
;looking for any entities with either a start/insert
;point with a "Z" value other than 0 or end point, where
;applicable, with "Z" value other than 0. It reports
;each entity type found, the insert/start point, and
;the total number. It changes the "Z" value back to
;0 thus flattening the drawing back to 2D. The routine
;handles complex entities such as Polylines and Blocks
;which may contain sub-entities such as Attributes
;with an elevation value.
;-------------------------------------------------------
(defun c:flatten (/ ename ctr total ent etype x10 y10 z10
x11 y11 z11)
(setq ename (entnext)
ctr 0
total 0
)
(while (/= nil ename)
(setq
ent (entget ename)
etype (cdr (assoc 0 ent))
x10 (cadr (assoc 10 ent))
y10 (caddr (assoc 10 ent))
z10 (cadddr (assoc 10 ent))
x11 (cadr (assoc 11 ent))
y11 (caddr (assoc 11 ent))
z11 (cadddr (assoc 11 ent))
);setq
(if (= nil z10)
(setq z10 0.0))
(if (= nil z11)
(setq z11 0.0))
(if (or (/= Z10 0.0) (/= Z11 0.0))
(progn
(if (/= z10 0.0)
(setq ent (subst (list 10 x10 y10 0.0) (assoc 10 ent) ent))
)
(if (/= z11 0.0)
(setq ent (subst (list 11 x11 y11 0.0) (assoc 11 ent) ent))
)
(entmod ent)
(setq total (1+ total))
(if (= total 1)
(progn
(princ "\n\nEntity Insert Point")
(princ "\n------ ------------")
);progn
);if
(princ (strcat "\n\t\t" (rtos x10) ", "
(rtos y10) ", " (rtos z10) "\r" etype
)
)
);progn
);if
(setq ctr (1+ ctr)
ename (entnext ename)
)
);while
(Princ (strcat "\n\nFlattened " (itoa total) " total."))
(princ)
);defun
(princ)
;------------------------------------------------------------------
Dennis Shinn
Seattle AutoCAD User Group
CAD Systems manager/GLY Construction
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