Hi Larry (cc Fred & Sundial List):
The great thing about Delta Cad is that it is MUCH easier to use than those
other expensive CAD programs. I know, because I've tried some of them and
just gave up. They are too hard to learn (for me). Delta Cad just doesn't
have all the bells and whistles that make the other CAD programs so
difficult to learn to use; but it gets the job done and does everything that
a dialist needs to make a sundial 2D drawing. I think that there are other
dialists who would greatly benefit from learning how to use Delta Cad. To
make a sundial drawing that you use to construct a sundial, you just need a
2 dimensional drawing and not a 3D drawing.
The best way to begin learning Delta Cad is to read the instruction manual
that comes as a printed booklet with the CD. In the manual is a tutorial
that walks you through a simple drawing. It really is not that hard! If I
can do it, you can!
To begin your sundial drawing you can either use the wonderful easy to use
DC macros or you can import the basic sundial lines from Zonwvlak. It's all
very easy. The more you use it the easier it gets.
I will bring my laptop and if we can find some spare time I will show you.
Maybe Fred would let me hold a Delta Cad workshop? He might have a full
schedule for the conference and it might not be possible.
John
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry McDavid" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "John Carmichael" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 7:32 PM
Subject: Re: Virtual Sundial Models and Google SketchUp
John, I'd love to hear you talk on DeltaCAD; I own it but have never used
it. Basically, I'm CAD-impaired! Gee, I seem to be on this computer all
day; I do a lot in Photoshop and now some in Illustrator and everything
seems to end up in PowerPoint. But, I've never broken the CAD barrier.
You'd think that since I retired I'd have the time, but--in fact--I'm sure
I'm busier now than when I was working!
I hear a lot about DeltaCAD and the availability of sundial macros for it.
I'd sure like to know more...
Funny thing is that, when I was working as engineering manager, I spent
really big bucks on keeping a large team of CAD engineers happy. I
researched CAD software and always selected the most capable solids
modeling 3D software. I bought the fastest desktop workstations
available--with $2800 graphics cards. But... I never learned to use CAD
myself! I drove this department to use solids modeling first and to do
design reviews on these models--before any detailed 2D drawings were done;
this was extremely effective! Still, I never used those systems myself!
I don't know what you are speaking on in Vancouver. I'm sure it will be
hands-on, practical and very interesting. But, I'd love to hear you speak
on CAD we can all use. We did a CAD workshop in Chicago, but it was taught
on the college's big-bucks CAD software; I would not use it often enough
to justify buying that.
I'm sure CAD is like Photoshop and Illustrator: steep learning curve and
high refresh-rate required lest one forget all he learned!
When I asked about your rocks, I also said: "Yes, I did get the
submission. But, I'm deep into finishing the PP presentation. I try to do
the Registry entries in a batch so it may be a while but it'll get there."
No doubt your thinking colorful PictureRock thoughts outshone this brief
statement. :) I won't forget you!
Now, put that rock in your suitcase...
Larry
John Carmichael wrote:
I almost told Fred that I would do a talk on Delta Cad 2D designing
because I use it a lot and am very familiar with it...
Larry, on another subject, did you happen to receive the NASS sundial
registry update I submitted on my painted wall dial?
--
Best wishes,
Larry McDavid W6FUB
Anaheim, CA (20 miles southeast of Los Angeles, near Disneyland)
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