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
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?
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Best wishes,
Larry McDavid W6FUB
Anaheim, CA (20 miles southeast of Los Angeles, near Disneyland)
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