Dave Parrish

Thanks, Chris... Unfortunately, however, that doesn't work either. Am I gonna have to re-do this sheet?

Hey, John... Thanks for the thought about Configurations... Unfortunately, there are no Configurations used in this scene. It is simply the assembly, consisting of 6 unique parts, 22 total parts. The problem part is one which we will get waterjet-cut, then machine select surfaces. So, there is a raw part drawing for the waterjet vendor. And, a machined part drawing for the machine shop. Sounds simple enough, and it was... until I want to make some slight changes to the machined part. Then, all the work of creating the machined part drawing went out the window when IC decided, somehow, for that drawing sheet to be associated with the waterjet-cut raw part instead of the machined part in the scene. Nuts, eh? Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 919-556-3952 919-556-3225 Fax dave@pai-design.com www.pai-design.com

OK, IronDudes... here is a challenge for you: I have a drawing that is linked to a scene. The scene is of an assemble of several parts. The drawing consists of several sheets, each for a different part of the assembly, which is the scene. When I changed a part in the scene and tried to update drawing views on the sheet for that part, IC changed the file it was linked to! This was most unexpected and I can not seem to get IC to use the correct file. Every time I try, I get the same results. The first sheet of the drawing is for one of the parts, but without machining. The second sheet is the machining for that part. That is the part I changed in the scene, but the drawing defaults to the unmachined version. No matter what I have tried, the unmachined part supercedes my drawing for the machining. And, its the machining that I changed. This is not good... Anyone got any ideas on how to fix this? Outside of the obvious "Delete and Re-do" of the sheet in question? Thanks, Dave Parrish

Thanks... My customer had already supplied the PDF document for the PC104 standard. So, I generated the models I needed from that form-factor. However, I now have two PC104-compatible cards modeled if anyone needs them. One is a Power Supply and the other has a Compact Flash slot on it. Thanks to all who replied. That's what makes this user community great! ---> Dave

I have a project to do an enclosure for a mobile computer of some sort... sorry, but I don't know what its for... honest. Anyway, to save some time, I am hoping that someone out there might have a generic PC104+ printed circuit board already modeled. My needs are basically for mounting points and clearances, so I don't need all the detail. Has anyone out there got such a model? Thanks, Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 919-556-3952 919-556-3225 Fax dave@pai-design.com www.pai-design.com

Great Stuff, Rick... Thanks for sharing that key analogy. Didn't realize that being an IC user could result in philosophy lessons as well. And, ain't Windows just loaded with "keys"? The 90/10 rule applies to most MS software... 90% of users only use 10% of the capability of the software. (ie. Word)

Thanks, Kevin... I'll give that route a try.

OOPS.... Sorry, folks... The customer file is not CATIA afterall... its UniGraphics, which is NOT on the list of import options. Is it possible to import UG files into IronCAD? Or, is it possible to take it through another system and on into IronCAD? Thanks... Dave

Has anyone tried importing a CATIA model into IronCAD? I see that that capability is on the option list for Import, but I have not tried it yet. We have a project that will be made much easier if we can import the customer's CATIA model. We can then simply build the machine around the part and off we go! Otherwise... big chore ahead. If you have imported a CATIA file, please let me know what kind of success you had. Thanks, Dave

FWIW... we use Adobe Acrobat Distiller to create PDF files. Works with any application, including IronCAD. It appears as a system printer under windows. Works great... ---> Dave

Good point, Dave... Here's a suggestion... an online Introductory Tour of V5.2. IronCAD would assign one of their resident techno-wizards, like Chris or IronKevin and we could all participate as viewers. Conference call would allow us to ask questions... or, use an online chat mode. To make things go smoothly, perhaps have a presentation outlined and hold questions 'til last. I have participated in one with AutoDesk's Inventor product a while back. The conference was set up by a 3rd party company. It worked really well. Almost like being right there except there were no free donuts or coffee.

While we are at it... can we PLEASE get standardized numbered thread sizes (ie. #8, #10, etc.) and standardized couner-bored holes (ie. for standard english and metric socket head cap screws)? PLEASE!

Thanks, Dallas... I appreciate your help. Unfortunately, the MasterCAM version involved is apparently an older one. Customer says he can't export as Parasolids. Its MasterCAM v6.3 or somesuch. Anyway, the customer is now trying to bring the MasterCAM wire frame file into SolidWorks. If that is successful, we are home-free. If not...

Anyone know how to import an IGES file from MasterCAM? Inquiring minds want to know how to do it... all I get is the wireframe of the object. Since its a whole assembly (why anyone in their right mind would design this thing in MasterCAM is beyond me...) and, due to the fact that I am so used to the Wonderful World of 3D Solids (OK, I admit it, I'm spoiled)... it drives me crazy. Sure would like to know the magic combination of settings on the IGES Import dialog box. Or, whatever... Thanks Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 919-556-3952 919-556-3225 Fax dave@pai-design.com www.pai-design.com

Thanks for the comprehensive listing, Chris... sound like this next release is a good one... Two questions, though... 1. When is 5.2 due for release? 2. What is the price of the Granite One add-on? Thanks, Dave Parrish

We design and build custom, automated machinery for industrial applications. These machines are typically assembly or test stations. Occasionally, we need mechanical design assistance for these projects. We would be interested in speaking with experienced machine designers in the Raleigh, NC area. Experience in the design of automated machinery, jigs and fixtures is required. Knowledge of current automation components and applications is also desired. Interested persons should contact me via email or phone. Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 919-556-3952 919-556-3225 Fax dave@pai-design.com www.pai-design.com

Hi, Nick... As an alternative for you to consider, Dell also offers what they call "Refurbished" units. You can really get some great buys and they come with full factory warranty. Plus, since you already have a great monitor, they come without the monitor, thus saving a bit of unnecessary expense. Apparently, the "Refurbished" units are actually overstock items and are new, not used. Dell does not build to stock, except for customers with blanket orders. Then, they build ahead for those customers. If the machines are not delivered for one reason or another, they are sold as "Refurbished" units. We have bought the last few machines from Dell this way and are absolutely pleased with the deals. Its worth considering. Here is a link: http://www.dell.com/us/en/dfb/default.htm ----> Dave

In the Enhancement Request forum, there is some discussion about a viewer for IC, which I think would be great to have. FWIW, as an alternative, we have started using Microsoft NetMeeting to do design review meetings with customers. With NetMeeting, we can display the IC scene on the customer's screen and talk them through the design... live. If necessary, we can even give them control and they can manipulate the model. (Gotta be careful to lock all positions first, though. Don't want any inadvertant displacement of parts.) A machine we are currently building is a great example. The customer is in Houston, the machine is going to Michigan and we are in North Carolina. The design review was done with everyone in their respecitve offices (in TX, MI and NC). Although NetMeeting can carry video and voice, we opted to do a conference call for the voice part in order to minimize the bandwidth required. In fact, we have done several design reviews for this project, each done with NetMeeting... Its great, saving both time and money for everyone involved. Plus, its quick... if a question comes up that can't be answered by words alone, we start a netmeeting. And, best of all... its free. It is bundled with Windows 2000 and I think with Windows XP. For Win95 and Win98 users, there is a free download available from Microsoft. Hate to give away our secret, but thought you might like to hear of an alternative solution to the viewer. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 www.pai-design.com

Rick... Along with learning lessons, particularly the "hard" way, trying to "make it up on the next job" hardly ever seems to work out. Wish it did, but the lesson just gets driven home even more firmly when it does not. And, as the company accountant can attest, we have had our share of "lessons". We ARE learning, though. At least we don't repeat the same mistakes... we just find new ones to make. ----> Dave

Well... none of us certainly INTEND to work for free. Sometimes it seems like the company is "Not For Profit", though. I can assure you that its not part of the business plan, that's for sure. Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 www.pai-design.com

I don't see any debate or question that IronCAD is not a fine product. And, for the most part, the users discussing this issue are long-term users, who have been with the product through thick and thin. My company is small, perhaps unlike some other users whose company is large and has bags of loot stacked all around. The two situations result in different responses to the problem of licensing. While I totally agree that proper licensing is essential, I am struggling with what appears to be a requirement to pay more money so that I can have two installations of IronCAD. If that is what I need to do, I will do it. However, I just don't like having someone else's hand in my pocket all the time. As it is, I pay my AA subscription fee every year. However, that, along with paying payroll taxes. is like pulling teeth. It doesn't come easy, but it has to be done. I do it because I want to keep up with the latest software so that I can do a better, faster job. I know that paying that AA fee allows that to happen. I'm just trying to avoid paying more... and more... and more. Sorry for the rant, but it just bugs me...

FWIW... I've been doing some research and am concerned about what I have read. Since this new IC license scheme is based on Windows XP product code identification number, I thought I'd have a look and see what was involved. Windows XP bases the unique number on the specific hardware and configuration of your computer. In doing so, it bases this number on, among other things: 1. The Processor type and speed 2. RAM quantity 3. Graphic Card 4. Network Card 5. CD ROM 6. SCSI or IDE drive 7. etc. No, I am not making this up. So, when you want to change something, like add RAM, you generate a new number. MS Windows XP allows you to do that 3 times. On the 4th, you have to call MicroSoft to get authorization for another group of (probably) 3 numbers. (I think this means you have to get some sort of special dispensation from Bill Gates, hisself!) So, how does this apply to IronCAD, you might ask. Well, it looks like the IC license is either tied to or closely emulates the Windows XP thing. Which, if I read this right, means it will behave the same way. Which means we are in trouble... right here in River City. Why? Well, as technical folks, wanting the latest in speed and flash, we are constantly upgrading. Myself, I just installed a new SCSI drive two weeks ago and more RAM a week or so before that. And, graphics card upgrades are always foremost in our "want list". If we change any of those items, fellow IC users, we CHANGE THE NUMBER! Will our installation run after a hardware change? I dunno... Will IC run after a change of network card, I dunno... How about after installing that new CD burner? I don't mean to foretell doom and gloom, but I see this whole scenario as a potential disaster. What techno-geek doesn't constantly want to change hardware and/or software to get the ultimate speed? What trouble is that going to bring when dealing with IC license issues and/or Windows XP issues? For me, for the immediate future... I am sticking with Windows 2000 and IC 4.2. I've got my v5.0 sitting in the file, waiting for later install. Need to finish a major project first, then carefully evaluate what to do next. Best of luck to all... and to all, a Good Night... Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 www.pai-design.com

A small voice, perhaps, but I need to weigh-in on this topic. I have been using the IC product since it was TriSpectives. Over the years, it has evolved into a pretty darn good design tool. It has taken a while, though and I have stuck with it through thick and thin... yes, there were some very trying times. Every year, I ante-up my AA premium. However this year is different. It seems that there is a new wrinkle in the licensing scheme that prevents me from installing on my two machines unless I add a new "commuter" license fee. It seems I am being punished for being a loyal, faithful user and promoter of IronCAD. The punishment is in the form of this extra fee for wanting to install IC on the extra computer that I use. And, what, heaven forbid, would it take to also install it on my laptop so that I could take it to the customer's site for a meeting? Should I be allowed to run more than one installation of IC under my existing license? I would certainly hope so... Other software, ie. SolidWorks and others, apparently allows this. Is there anyone else in this boat with me? I'd like to hear from you, if you find yourself in similar situation. Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. www.pai-design.com Dave Parrish Parrish Associates, Inc. Wake Forest, NC 27588-0972 www.pai-design.com