========================================================================= (C) 1993 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. To sign up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt.Type XTX99437,GENIE and press [RETURN]. The system will prompt you for your information. ========================================================================== ************ Topic 7 Sun Aug 07, 1988 STEPHANIE.A (Forwarded) Sub: DynaCadd DynaCADD is THE Computer Aided Design and Drafting solution on the ST/TT platform. Ditek International proudly supports its professional CADD application here. 201 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 1 Fri Aug 20, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 21:25 EDT Thanks Sheldon. My reasoning goes something like this: Since I can't get a notebook (read STBook) in the near future, the next easiest way to carry drawings around is to buy a Falcon and another monitor to keep on various jobsites. Unplug the thing and put it under my arm and go to the office or home or whatever and plug it in to a monitor there. I hope this will work. Others actually DO the drawing and I jus C carry them around. Although, I am getting pretty good at drawing shop drawings and cabinetry though. Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 2 Fri Aug 20, 1993 M.PFEIFER [M.PFEIFER] at 21:48 EDT CBARRON, Thanks for the info on Dynacadd. It does sound really nice. As far as the MSDOS goes, I agree with you. If/when I buy an IBM machine, I would be running OS/2 on it. I like the idea of Multi-tasking. I have already purchased some games for the IBM that feature graphics far beyond any Atari game I have ever seen (X-Wing, Strike Commander). I plan on getting A-10 Tank Killer because that is my favorite fighter, but of course, nobody has written an Atari version. Since it will probably be about 2 years before I can even afford a new system, I will have plenty of time to see how Atari, IBM (Clones), and any other contenders are doing in the market place. REALM, I didn't know DynaCADD sold in DOS versions as well. I'll have to look into that. Thanks for the info on Cybersculpt and Phoenix, I'll check into them. Your metal cuttings sound interesting. Got any A-10 images??? Sheldon, Thanks for your input as well. I wasn't really trying to compare my 1985 ST with a 1993 486DX2. I was just saying that when I bought my ST, IBM graphics were miles behind. But today, I haven't seen any Atari software (Games mostly since my kids are about to enter their teens) that equals or exceeds IBM software. Like I said above, I bought X-Wing and Strike Commander for IBM and ran them on my neighbor's 486DX-33. They were the best looking simulators I have ever seen on a home computer. Being here in Nebraska seems to have me far away from anyplace where I could see software in action, but I don't think anyone is writing this level of games for Atari. If someone is, let me know and I would be extatic to check them out! Could I run Dynacadd on my Stacy 4/20? It is running at 8MHz, but I've been thinking of running it up to 16MHz. My main system is my old trusty 520ST (1-Meg Ram), 1 DSDD 3.5, and a Megafile-30. I'm running TOS 1.0. Anyone think I could sell it to the Smithsonian? Hehehe, just kidding. Mike ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 3 Fri Aug 20, 1993 DITEK [David] at 21:52 EDT Sheldon -- We've sent out about eight copies for testing. As soon as I hear that it is working under all hardware conditions it will be released and I will post a notice here. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 4 Fri Aug 20, 1993 J.LEMLEY [Jack] at 21:56 EDT Sheldon, I have a friend that does drafting and wants to get into CAD. He does a lot of work for a guy who is running AutoCad on a 486. Can my friend go with Dynacadd and a TT and interchange files with the AutoCad guy? What do you recommend? Thanks for your help :-) Jack ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 5 Fri Aug 20, 1993 S.WINICK at 23:22 EDT Jack, Most CADD programs can import and export industry standard DXF file formats, AutoCADD and DynaCADD included. DynaCADD and the TT030 make an awsome combination. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 6 Sat Aug 21, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 06:13 EDT Linda, I stand corrected on Falcon compatibility... thanks Dave!:-) Portability is one of the reasons I picked up a Falcon as well. It's a really nice machine. I think I'm one of the few people happy they made the first release one piece.:-) Mike, Don't have any A-10 images. Are you refering to your favorite tank killer again.:-) I can scan an image of something and auto trace it with SL then import that into DynaCADD. I haven't though as I want to be able to sell anything I set up and I'm not sure where the copyright laws come into play on altered scanned images. Plus I wouldn't want to use any one elses work without permission. Unless it was just for me personally.:-) If your interested in simulaters you might want to keep an eye on the Jaguar. I seriously doubt you'll find a PC with the same specs for $200. It looks really good on paper so far. Hopefully by next year they'll have some spify 3D simulators. I'd love to have a realtime 3D battletech game! Theres a topic around here somewhere if you have no idea what I'm talking about.:-) Jack, If your friend has never used CAD before, DynaCADD is the perfect program. I've taught several people to use it in just a day or two. Some of them still can't copy a disk but they can draft like crazy!:-) There is a limit to the DXF transfer though. I believe DynaCADD is compatible with version 10 and lower of AutoCAD's DXF files. I'm sure I'll get corrected if I'm wrong.:-) However this means AutoCAD v12 will load DynaCADD files OK but DynaCADD may have trouble loading v12 DXF files. If I remember correctly I think you can just avoid using certain things in AutoCADD and all is well. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 7 Sun Aug 22, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 23:25 EDT David, Does that mean I have to get the fixed upgrade to my 2D too? Regards Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 8 Mon Aug 23, 1993 DITEK [David] at 15:00 EDT Morgan -- The easiest way to test if the version you have has the problem is to attempt to hatch a small area. If the hatching works, then there is no problems, otherwise you will have to be upgraded when we release the latest. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 9 Tue Aug 24, 1993 M.PFEIFER [M.PFEIFER] at 23:36 EDT Joey, No A-10s, bummer! Oh well, it still sounds like something neat to have! Jaguar is the new Atari game machine (Great, Great, Great grandson of the 2600) I take it? I won't buy another machine for just games. I learned my lesson with Intellivision and Game Boy. I want games on my main computer. I also want something I can see with the Viewsonic 17" monitor I'm getting. Mike ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 10 Wed Aug 25, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:42 EDT Mike, Jaguar is not just another game machine.:-) Check out the AEO file, I'm sure you'll be interested if you like realtime texture mapped 3D simulators in 32bit color and 16 bit sterio sound. Not that I've seen it but thats what the specs say. Let me know how your monitor works, I almost bought one. DynaCADD woudl be great! <-(Obvious topic tie in attempt) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 11 Wed Aug 25, 1993 C.ALLEN17 [Cliff] at 20:02 EDT Joey, We just took possession of your Mitsubishi (sp?). It arrived with little in the tank so Sheldon and I took it for a test drive and filled it up for you before we ship on to you. One thing though, we would like you to send us your CyRel board so we can get the higher res on the dash board display. Handles real nice on the corners. Cliff (Ashevillite) omputer Studio ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 12 Wed Aug 25, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 21:43 EDT Buy your own Cyrel Sunrise, Cliff. ;-) Nathan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 13 Thu Aug 26, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 06:31 EDT Thanks Nathan!:-) Cliff, I can't spell it either.:-) Can't you pull one of those Screen Blasters out of the box and give it try on the Falcon while your test driving? BTW, Don't leave your McDonalds bags in it this time.:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 14 Thu Aug 26, 1993 C.ALLEN17 [Cliff] at 19:54 EDT Nathan, I'm saving, I'm saving. Joey, Unfortunately, we are out of Screen Blasters and Falcons again. (More to arrive this week). If I had read this message, I would of postponed UPSing your monitor today. Maybe I can get UPS to return it so I can play some more? :-) Cliff (Ashevillite) Computer Studio ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 18 Thu Sep 02, 1993 C.ALLEN17 [Cliff] at 09:30 EDT Joey, How long are you going to keep us in suspense about the new monitor. Weeelllllllll? When you get a chance, would you mind checking out the border I uploaded, and give me any suggestions. I plan on doing some more. I know I'm a little wierd using DynaCADD as an alternate DTP package. Cliff (Ashevillite) Computer Studio ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 20 Fri Sep 03, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:34 EDT Cliff, Sorry Cliff, I checked out your border the first night and forgot to say anything... opps.:-) I'll see if I can cut a small one out and drop it to you in the mail! I promised Sheldon a couple goodies to look at next week. Looks pretty good though! Ok heres the monitor review! Negatives: I've got a small problem I've been waiting for Sheldon to write me back. I'm assuming he's out of town skiing... I mean working.:-) It also takes a while to get used to the flat screen I'm so used the image being bowed outward. Thats the only draw backs to it so far. Positives: It's color matchs the TT's almost perfectly! Not only that but the base is just slightly smaller then the large raised portion of the TT. In other words it couldn't fit any better.:-) The back is rounded so the vents are mostly exposed and it's raised a little as well. It's has a crystal clear display and remembers the screen settings. Once you set TT Medium all the resolutions come up fine. I love it! The thing is incredible! You can adjust the Contrast, Brightness, Vertical Height, Horizontal Width, Vertical Position, Horizontal Position and then theres advanced adjustments. The advanced adjustments are PCC-AMP (Bows the ends of the screen in or out), PCC-PHASE (pivots the sides making the top smaller bottom bigger or vice versa), Key Balance (Skews the screen right or left), Pin Balance (Bows one end out and one end in) then you have Red Green and Blue color gain. Specs on the Mitsubishi TFS6705setk 17" Monitor: CRT: Size/Mask 17"/16"V Gun In-line, DQL Gun Deflection angle 90 degrees Phosphorous Red, Green, Blue P22 (Medium short persistence) Dot Trio 0.26mm Face Plate Anti-static&Silica coating, Dark tinted glass (42%) Focusing method Double focus wuth Dynamic Compensation Others VLMF coil (Standard) INPUT SIGNAL: Video 0.7Vp-p analog RGB sync Sync. on Green or separated H, V sync or Composite Sync INTERFACE: Input Connector 13W3/DB9-15 Input Impedance 75 Ohms (Video) SCANNING FREQ: Horizontal 30-64kHz Vertical 50-130Hz RESOLUTION (HxV): 1280 x 1024 pixels (typ) WARM-UP TIME: 30 minutes Optimum performance level BRIGHTNESS: 100cd/m^2; Standard full white video signal VIDEO AMPLIFIER 100MHz +/- 3db BLANKING TIME: Horizontal 53 - 64kHz < 4.0 usec (typ) 40 - 53kHz < 5.0 usec (typ) 30 - 40kHz < 6.0 usec (typ) Vertical < 600 usec (typ) DISPLAY SIZE: 300 x 255mm POWER SOURCE: AC100 - 120V/220-240V +/-10% 50/60Hz 130W Max OPERATING ENVIROMENT: Temperature 0 - 40 Deg C Humidity 10 - 95%RH (without condensation) CABINET DIMENSION: (W)410 x (H)407 x (D)440mm 16.14" x 16.02" x 17.32" WEIGHT: Abt. 21.5kg, 47lbs TILT/SWIVEL BASE: Tilt angle -5deg - 15deg Swivel angle +/-90deg Well... you asked!:-) I'm too happy if you couldn't tell! Also comes with a 15 pin cable that plugs right into the TT and works no problem. Works greta with the Cyrel card as well. DynaCADD in 1024x768x256 is great! Hopefully I'll get it up to 1280x960x256 shortly, just waiting on some updated monitor files. 800x600x16m isn't bad either.:-) Imagine a GEMview where you can keep loading pictures and they all show up in the right color. The Jaguar TGA files are most excellent as they only take up about a quarter of the screen.:- ) Sysop... You can move this message if you wish, it should probably be somewhere else. I promised to reply in the Cyrel topic as well but I know you guys hate repeat stuff.:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 21 Sat Sep 04, 1993 C.ALLEN17 [Cliff] at 09:12 EDT Joey, Stop it. Your making me drewl (southern accent) [drool]. I want one. Ooooo. DynaCADD in color. Cliff (Ashevillite) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 22 Sat Sep 04, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 18:06 EDT Cliff,:-) DynaCADD in 1280x1024x256 color!:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 23 Sun Sep 05, 1993 C.ALLEN17 [Cliff] at 10:55 EDT Joey, you keep this up and you better have people eating guard dogs, and neutron detenators protecting your system. ;-) Ditek, Any further word on an upgrade cost from 2D to 3D? Cliff (Ashevillite) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 24 Mon Sep 06, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 00:28 EDT Ditek, Any further word on the release of the latest edition of DCAD. Anyone, I still can't figure out how the folders and files in DCAD work. My drive is full of files spread all over the place. I try to put them in what looks like "Folders" but the darned thing just makes more of its own someplace else. Any help. LLinda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 25 Mon Sep 06, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 00:53 EDT Cliff, :-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 26 Mon Sep 06, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 01:22 EDT Linda, Files are pretty simple. PARTNAME.PRT - 3D Data is stored here and a folder is created with the same name for 2D data. - PARTNAME folder holds - DRAWNAME.DPT - 2D Data is stored here DRAWNAME.DWG - Drawing parameters for the .DPT file Each .PRT has it's own folder where the 2D drawings are placed. You can put as many 2D drawings you want under a single part. You can also just copy the .DPT and .DWG file from one parts folder to another parts folder. For instance you might have things organized by months and drawings by weeks. You would create a SEPTEMBR.PRT and then inside the SEPTEMBR folder you might have 4 2D drawings one for each week. For all four drawings you would choose the SEPTEMBR.PRT as the active part. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 27 Mon Sep 06, 1993 DITEK [David] at 02:25 EDT Cliff -- I'll check on whether an upgrade price has been established tomorrow and let you know. Linda -- I'm still waiting on word from the beta testers. I'll post here the second I have news. RE: Folders DynaCADD splits the 2D and 3D database apart to allow for multiple drawing access to the same 3D database. For instance, if I created a Part ( 3D database ) called 'test', DynaCADD would create a file called 'test.prt' and a folder called 'test' for all related drawings to be stored in. While this works out great for 3D design it does seem to be a little confusing for those who work in strictly 2D. One way that many people use this feature when working in 2D only is to use the 'part' name as a project name, either for seperating individual projects or for seperating work based on dates. An example of this would be a surveying project that is going to require 8 drawings. The part name would be given the project number such as 983453 and each drawing name would either be a descriptive name for that particular drawing or a date. If you require even less sorting of your drawings you could simply have a part called 'drawings' and give each drawing a unique name. Once the part is created you would always activate that same part for each session. This will stop the creation of extra folders for each drawing you work on. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 28 Mon Sep 06, 1993 S.WINICK at 09:43 EDT Linda, DynaCADD's file organization is only confusing because there still isn't any way to easily set up a 2D database from within DynaCADD itself. The program, unfortunately, does not offer a "SAVE AS" or "RENAME" option for individual drawings. To do this, you will have to exit the program, manually create your project folders and place all the individual drawings (DWG and DPT files) inside the project folder. Feel free to rename each set of DWG and DPT files to anything you choose. Each project folder must also have a similarly named *.PRT file. Once that is done, you can open a complete project file containing all your 2D drawings by merely selecting that prject's PART. You can load a new drawing within that project folder by merely selecting a new drawing (you don't have to reload the PART each time). Saving each drawing will automatically save the current drawing to the proper PART database using the current name. For example, one of my architectural project folders (a small remodeling project) is named "BROWN" (for the client's name). There is also a BROWN.PRT file in the same directory (the "PARTS" directory). Within the "BROWN" folder are the following drawing files: SITEPLAN.DPT SITEPLAN.DWG BASEMENT.DPT BASEMENT.DWG ELEV.DPT ELEV.DWG MAIN_LVL.DPT MAIN_LVL.DWG SECTION1.DPT SECTION1.DWG SPECS_01.DPT SPECS_01.DWG SPECS_02.DPT SPECS_02.DWG Obviously, for a larger project, my list of drawings within a project folder is considerably larger. Each of these files started off from one of my master sheets which is located in a BLANKPGS.PRT directory. I have a master page already laid out with my title block, border, etc. for each scale of drawing I regularly work with. Once the proper master page is loaded and the drawing started, I do a "SAVE AS" to create a separate PART for that drawing giving the partname I wish the drawing to have. The next step is to exit DynaCADD, manually change the name of the DWG and DPT files just saved and if a project folder already exists containing other drawings for the same project, manually move them into that project folder. Then delete the temporary original files/folders. An alternative way to accomplish the same thing is to do a COPY AND RENAME from your desktop to create your individual drawing files (DWP and DPT) by copying and renaming the proper scale drawing from the BLANKPGS folder over to the project folder. I know this may sound a little confusing at first, but once you've done it a couple of times, it becomes real easy. From that point, your database will seem much more logical. It's unfortunate that this cannot be done from within DynaCADD --- I keep hoping this feature will be added with the next major upgrade, but after waiting for so many years already, I'm not holding my breath any more. ;-] Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 29 Mon Sep 06, 1993 DITEK [David] at 15:24 EDT Sheldon - it has already been added. :-) We now have an active drawing seed that may or may not contain 2D entities. All drawing parameters are contained within the seed. Any 2D entities are grouped to a seperate database and become locked. They are also unaffected by changes in drawing scale. Combining this with textnodes and we finally have a truly advanced system for setting up drawing formats. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 30 Tue Sep 07, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 01:18 EDT Linda, Loading a "part", foumd in the "PARTS" folder on whatever partition you desire is 1st, then DYNACADD creates its own folder for that *particular* "part" and then it places two files in that part's folder with extensions ".DPT" and ".DWP". I have my "PARTS" folder on d:\ and the various part's subfolders within. DYNACADD knows how to "find" these files automatically once it finds the "PARTS" folder path. Hope this helps :^) Morgan (newuser) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 31 Tue Sep 07, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 23:56 EDT Thanks everyone. Your response was very helpful. I have been avoiding this problem for two years and as a consequence, I have a glut of useless folders cluttering up my hard drive. Can't wait to get the new version with the new file handling method. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 32 Wed Sep 08, 1993 DITEK [David] at 03:55 EDT Linda -- The file handling has been the same since day one. The methods discussed should be viable on your current version. Cliff -- The upgrade price to go from DynaCADD 2D to DynaCADD 3D has been set at US $199.00. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 33 Fri Sep 10, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:25 EDT Linda, Next time I want to get a slew of answers (complete and succinct) I'll ask you to ask it for me; given the response here it seems the best way to go! Best of luck ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 34 Fri Sep 10, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 01:22 EDT Can someone explain to me what purpose the three IMG drivers in Dynacadd are for. I'm trying to fax legal size Dyna dwgs and I can't seem to get past the 11" mark. I tried importing into Calamus and using the STFax driver, but I still get 11". Is this just a limitation of IMG files? Linda. By the way, for whomever asked, "Works" is working fine. Can't wait for the new version of Dyna. I have five Falcons sold to colleagues when it comes out. (That's five copies of Dyna, David). ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 35 Fri Sep 10, 1993 THOMPSON2 [STYVWERX] at 01:27 EDT I would like to know if the newest version of DynaCadd, if they ever release it for the Atari, will work properly in Multitasking mode, such as with Geneva. About the only way I can work it at all, in the present 2.0?? configuration, is to run Hotwire, and then DCAD_TT.Prg, through Hotwire. It then single tasks without too many freezeups. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 36 Fri Sep 10, 1993 DITEK [David] at 05:41 EDT Linda -- The 11 inches is just one of the limitations of the printer drivers. They were due for a complete overhaul but version 3.00 has taken much more of an effort that we expected. I am still waiting the go ahead from our beta testers for the update. I should hear by the beginning of the week. Styvwerx -- Version 3.00 currently in development under Windows, unlike version 2.0x, uses multiple windows as well as allocating and discarding memory on the fly. It is multitasking friendly. The big question is whether or not an Atari port is feasible. I wish I could give a definite answer either way, but for now we've taken a wait and see attitude. In either case, the current version of DynaCADD for the Atari will be fully supported and updated in the future. I've heard some good things about Geneva. I think it is time I got myself a copy to see if anything can be done to improve compatibility. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 37 Fri Sep 10, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 06:15 EDT Linda, The IMG drivers are setup in Dots Per Inch. The number tells how many DPI in each driver. To get Legal size click on the 14 in the Printer Dialogue box. Theres several numbers down the side that represent the length of your paper. You might try viewing the IMG file in something else before Faxing it. Maybe your Fax software is cutting it off? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 38 Fri Sep 10, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 06:29 EDT Dave, Got caught by Aladdin drag... After reading your last message I went and checked just to make sure I wasn't crazy.:-) You can set the 14 in the printer dialogue and end up with a legal size IMG file. I tried a 300IMG file in Calamus and it snapped to Legal size when I hit the fit to printer button. It also depends on your drawing. Keep in mind the width of the paper may effect the height since it uses BEST FIT. Some drawings may only fit on Letter size because the width versus height ratio won't allow it to fill a legal page. A square image isn't going to fill any rectangle page.:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 39 Fri Sep 10, 1993 C.ALLEN17 [Cliff] at 20:21 EDT DITEK [David], I knew it, I knew it. As soon as I get a little breathing space on the old plastic card, temptation. I will email you my update request when the breathing space grows a little more. Linda, I work with Sheldon at the Computer Studio and am constantly learning new things. If the price is right, I'll zerox you, your very own Sheldon Help clone. :-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 40 Fri Sep 10, 1993 DITEK [David] at 21:27 EDT Oops. Your right Joey . I forgot about the adjustments on the dialog. It still means you are limited to 14" IMG's, but I guess that's better than 11" ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 44 Sat Sep 11, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 16:08 EDT David, I have Ver. 2.04.06 and a "quirk". I have no idea when it began but as of the last boot-up I can't load a new "*.PRT" or "*.DWG" without clicking on the "DYNACADD" (Logo\Ver. information at the pull-down accessories menu) each time. After booting, if I say "no" and want to load a different "*.PRT" I lock- up at that initial step. Is there a "configuration" file I can delete so I can start clean without RE-INSTALLING (for the fouth time). Also is this the latest VERsion (I requested via this media that you hold-off sending me the "buggy" one if you recall) or am I in need of an update. Please advise as I can't even get started now. C'monnnnnnnnnnn DITEK! Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 45 Sat Sep 11, 1993 DITEK [David] at 18:44 EDT Morgan -- This is the first I've heard of this bug. The file you delete is inside the CONFIG folder and is called AUTO.INF. I will have a look and see if I can reproduce it. Has anyone else run into this problem? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 46 Sun Sep 12, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:12 EDT David, About the last post of mine: referring to Lock-UP. I went into the configuration Menu of Universal Item Selector V/3.3 and turned off the "banner" (for redraw memory as I recall) and all is now OK. This doesn't negate my question about a need to upgrade from a "buggy" DCAD version tho'. Please advise on that. Thanks Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 47 Sun Sep 12, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 00:25 EDT Morgan that sounds like an .RSC problem. Make sure you have the proper RSC files for the version of DynaCADD your using. I had a problem once because I just swapped the program with the new one and then skipped the .RSC file by accident. Of coarse if you've installed it from scratch 4 times you should be OK already. Also try disabling all your ACC's and Auto programs, one of them may be causing the problem. I've also noticed Warp9 causes the menu's to be scrambled on my TT. Dave, I talked to my cousin the other day and he was telling me they have a problem with DynaCADD's dimensioning numbers overlapping the Arrows. When the text is to long it doesn't flip the arrows to the outside like it should, instead the text is sqeezed in there. I've seen this myself but don't run in to it that often so I just manually force it to flip the arrows on the outside. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 48 Sun Sep 12, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 01:11 EDT David How does one measure an eliptical arc. I notice the "Measure perimeter" entry for "Elipse" is grayed out. I drew my first elipse today and went to measure the length and found there was no way of doing so, at least that I could find. Tsk...Tsk...! Any suggestions? Anyone? Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 49 Sun Sep 12, 1993 CBARRON at 01:12 EDT BUGGY DCad?? Miss'g features of 3.0, zero bugs with me.... ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 50 Sun Sep 12, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 02:12 EDT Joey, Thanks. What I notice when I set the page size to 14" and click on "print" with an Image driver loaded is that it returns (very quickly) to 11" before printing. Is this a problem with the drivers? David? Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 51 Sun Sep 12, 1993 DITEK [David] at 04:07 EDT Morgan -- If you are using DynaCADD 2D, then there were some problems with a new version of the compiler we were using. Since then it _appears_ the problems have been rectified. I am waiting word from some key people for the good ahead to release. Joey -- I have seen the dimension text overlap problem as well. It showed up in version 3.00 and a fix was done a couple of weeks ago. It will be ported back to 2.0x for the next major upgrade. Linda -- The current version of DynaCADD does not support the measurement of ellipses, elliptical arcs, bsplines or beziers. Guess which version supports all of these. :-) I'll have a look at the IMG driver. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 52 Sun Sep 12, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 23:23 EDT David, Sounds good! Linda, Nope mine prints correctly... I've got version 2.04.04 if I remember correctly. Do you have the 3D or 2D version? The 3D version isn't buggy at all. Theres a couple in there but nothing to serious. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 53 Mon Sep 13, 1993 S.WINICK at 07:43 EDT Joey, I still have several dimensioning bugs in the version of DynaCADD I'm using (2.00.06), which may or may not have been corrected in recent updates: - Chained dimensions of small increments tend to locate the dimension text in an overlapping pattern so it has to be manually moved into the proper location (after releasing the dimension string subfigures). - Chained dimensions of small increments tend to overlap arrowheads as well, which also must be manually moved. - Architectural dimensioning still requires manual editing in order to get the traditional dash (-) and correct spacing between the feet and inch numbers. Example: 8'-6" instead of DynaCADD's 8' 6" Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 54 Mon Sep 13, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 20:26 EDT >Atari-ST RoundTable >Category 7, Topic 7 >Message 36 Fri Sep 10, 1993 >DITEK [David] at 05:41 EDT > >The big question is whether or >not an Atari port is feasible. I wish I could give a definite answer either >way, but for now we've taken a wait and see attitude. In either case, the >current version of DynaCADD for the Atari will be fully supported and updated >in the future. > I hope that DCadd 2.0 on the Atari can be upgraded to 3.0, that the port is fiscally possible. Why? because here we have the age old problem that pierces the juggler of Atari users we don't see a large enough mrkt so new product will not be available, since new product is not available new users are not created, old users are put on the spot of continuing on a platform that does not stir the developers purses or to leave it, therby creating fewer users (ad naseum) Gerald ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 55 Mon Sep 13, 1993 DITEK [David] at 22:49 EDT Gerald -- It is a cycle. Unfortuately, it is a cycle that only Atari themselves can break. They must create capable machines at an affordable price and let the world know about them. Without a steady stream of 'new blood' into a market, developers have no new customers and no one to sell product to. We are keeping an eye on Falcon sales and are also looking for a more powerful version to appear. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 56 Mon Sep 13, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 23:36 EDT Thanks David and Joey. I was quit suprised that I couldn't measure elipses, so I guess I'll have to wait for the new version. What's one little eliptical arc anyway. Any word on a release date? Re: 14" pages. I think the problem is with the Calamus Fax driver. DCadd seems to create the proper page but then the Cal fax driver switches to 11" and prints out 11" on a 14" page. I've changed it back to 14", but as soon as I hit "Print" I can see it jump back to 11". Strange. BTW. Charles just sent me some beta drivers for DCadd to STFax. 200x100dpi and 200x200 dpi. They work great. Scale on a fax is more closer. :>) Linda. Oh, Joey. I think I have ver.2.06.07. and love it. Faxing straight from DCadd just blows away my colleagues. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 57 Tue Sep 14, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 02:44 EDT Sheldon, Chained dimensioning does that in my version too. The - got added though! You do have Verify Text set don't you? Makes manual editing a lot easier.:-) I leave it on since we have to add OD, ID and (TYP) a lot. I'd rather do it before the thing gets placed! Dave, Would it help if we didn't want a Manual update and you could wait for all that Windows version cash to come in first?:-) I also don't mind paying for updates. A version 2.1 update or something would be nice. Maybe just add some of the easy stuff to the existing version.:-) Something like fractions to the calculator, a better Save As feature, the ability to load ASCII files into the editor. Some of those, one nighter additions.:-) I didn't forget about the metal figures... just been busy. I'm trying to get a few more things to cut out. I'd like to get some 3D'ish type things to go with the flat stuff. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 58 Tue Sep 14, 1993 S.WINICK at 07:11 EDT David, >> We are keeping an eye on Falcon sales and are also looking for >> a more powerful version to appear. Without any advertising or promotion, don't expect Falcon sales to bring much new blood into the Atari market. As for a more powerful version, we are DESPERATELY looking for that, especially since Atari seems in no rush to restock the TT030's. Without a high end product line, we can expect NO NEW BLOOD from business, DTP, or CADD users. Joey, Of course I have the "Verify Text" toggle turned on. But having to manually edit every dimension can get old -- you've seen some of my drawings. And, like you, I typically add a lot of "notes" to my dimension strings as well. ;- ] David (again), I agree with Joey re: the additional features that would be REAL NICE to have added with the next upgrade. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 59 Wed Sep 15, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:31 EDT Sheldon,:-) Dave, How about porting the 2D version to the Jaguar?:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 60 Thu Sep 16, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:46 EDT David, Looks as if I'll have to wait for that "Relaease" too. Did you get my UIS-III (3.3) post? Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 61 Thu Sep 16, 1993 THOMPSON2 [STYVWERX] at 01:15 EDT David, I heartily agree. I use DynaCadd on a sometimes daily basis, and integrate it into my job as a necessary basis. If I have to change platforms to continue to use the latest version of DynaCadd, I will also change Cadd Programs. DynaCadd, and the Atari TT030 are a mainstay of my professional and personal life. I want and need them both. Everyone who sees the power and ease of use of the hardware and software configuration is amazed. Please stay a VITAL part of that combination. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 62 Thu Sep 16, 1993 DITEK [David] at 03:33 EDT Morgan -- I saw the post in which you mentioned you had found a way around the problem. It sounds like a UIS-III bug. Is this the one you were referencing? Styvwerx -- DynaCADD has been an active part of the Atari ST market from the beginning. We plan to keep it that way. :-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 63 Thu Sep 16, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:33 EDT We use DynaCADD so much at work we bought TT's just for it. My cousin also bought two systems just to use the software. Today we ran one machine 8 hours the other 16. If it where to come to a DynaCADD versus the TT choice, we WILL be selling two TT's.:-) I think it's smart move to support Windows, MAC, Atari. DynaCADD deserves to be huge, it's an excellent package! ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 64 Thu Sep 16, 1993 DITEK [David] at 14:57 EDT Thanks Joey -- The support is appreciated. :-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 65 Thu Sep 16, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 21:47 EDT Gerald, Thats known as the "short end of the stick" and is financially justifiable and morally unjustifiable. However, if you are just an increment in a ledger there is no problem, if you are treated as a "person" therein lies the insult. So ultimately we get to find out how DITEK finds us. Real or incremental. Your guess is as good as mine althought I have my preferences I cannot impose them on a "person" who has no body (a corporation). Ans so we continue to comiserate to no avail... ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 66 Thu Sep 16, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 22:36 EDT David, Yes, the problem is in the screen redraw where UIS was when you no longer want it... clicking on the "Banner" of UIS 3.32 causes you to go to a CONFIG Menu and if you click on the "banner" there you indicate to UIS via this toggle that you eith want or do not want some memory reserved for the spot on screen where UIS is initially drawn. I toggled and the problem\bug disappeared... this was in reference to a post some time ago. Ah well... Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 67 Thu Sep 16, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 22:44 EDT David, I have a small problem with Dyna. Using a little known manager called XBoot, when I exit Dyna and crank up a SpeedoGdos prg, my machine locks up. Dyna is the only program this happens with causing me to have to do a cold boot. Any suddestions? Also, how is the Falcon version of Dyna coming? Using two computers is driving me nuts. (Falcon and Mega-STe). Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 68 Fri Sep 17, 1993 DITEK [David] at 03:23 EDT Morgan -- The fact that we are still here actively supporting our customers when virtually _every_ other CAD package on the Atari has thrown in the towel should tell you something about our corporation. Linda -- Does it only happen with XBoot or does any Speedo program fail after DynaCADD has finished running? The newest update of DynaCADD is already Falcon compatible. The early reports from our testers seem to indicate that the compiler problem has been fixed. :- ) _David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 69 Fri Sep 17, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 06:05 EDT Morgan, I know how you feel but it's not even close to the short end of the stick. I know from experience DITEK has always had excellent support. Unfortunately Atari has put them in a bad position... along with all their other developers, dealers and users. It doesn't look like they have any desire to change things either.:-( The only Moral question is: how can you help someone else if your dead yourself? If your looking for someone to blame try Atari. Even then, It's probably not fair to blame them for being poor business people. Still... They've sold more computers then me... I think.:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 70 Fri Sep 17, 1993 S.WINICK at 06:42 EDT David, >> The newest update of DynaCADD is already Falcon compatible. So, the inevitable question...... when will it begin shipping. My backorder for DCAD2D is no longer aging gracefully! ;-] Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 71 Fri Sep 17, 1993 DITEK [David] at 17:04 EDT Sheldon -- Everyone has the beta copy and so far none of the compiler bugs have showed up. If I hear on the last few things we should be able to ship on Tuesday. Sorry for the long wait, it was out of our hands. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 72 Sat Sep 18, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 00:21 EDT David re: Speedo problem. So far I have only noticed GDOS programs not loading after I exit Dyna and softboot to XBoot, make another selection, it starts to load, gets to GDOS, and either locks up or I get two bombs. This requires a cold boot to get SpeedoGDOS to load. Also, I stoped using UIS III with Dyna because of the above indicated problem. Thanks whomever for the explanation. It now works fine. Funny those redraw things. Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 73 Sat Sep 18, 1993 DITEK [David] at 07:15 EDT Linda -- Strange. Try it with the new update when it arrives and see if that takes care of it. I don't think it will but maybe we'll get lucky. :-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 74 Sat Sep 18, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 17:11 EDT David No big problem. I think SpeedoGDOS is the culprit. How do I get the new update? Since you don't have my name in your registration file. I need it soon as I'm sitting on five "Falcon" sales to colleagues, but must have Dyna installed. (I therefore need five more copies of Dyna. I presently have ver. 2.00.06 3D which I bought from Nathan back a couple of years.) Thanks. Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 75 Sat Sep 18, 1993 DITEK [David] at 17:39 EDT Linda -- Fill in the registration card and send it in to Ditek or you can send me Email with all the req'd info and I will pass it on to the office. To update to the latest version, send you original disks plus $10.00 S&H. The latest update is Falcon compatible and will be shipping this week. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 76 Sun Sep 19, 1993 L.CHANDLER [Linda] at 14:18 EDT Thanks, David. Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 77 Sun Sep 19, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 17:37 EDT >Atari-ST RoundTable >REALM [Joey] at 05:33 EDT > >If it where to come to a DynaCADD versus the TT choice, >we WILL be selling two TT's.:-) I think it's smart move to support Windows, >MAC, Atari. DynaCADD deserves to be huge, it's an excellent package! >---------- > As long as the Atari version keeps pace with the windows version we who use Ataris will not be cuaght in our catch 22 situation. Of course if the Atari version doesn't keep pace I suppose I would desert the Atari Platform and ask "What would a cross platform update cost ?" David Have you considered cost for cross platform updates, if Atari DCADD will not go to 3.0 ? Morgan, The only problem I have with aladdin is keeping my train of thought over a number of days between posts. Unfortunately I've lost the specifics of my post but I think Ditek may come through in the long run, especially if they can capture some windows markt. (they can use it as an IV for us Atari users) Joey, I think Atari is deaf. How many years have people been screaming at them. Morgan I would say our best bet for getting a 3.0 upgrade on the Atari platform is to hope Ditek sells thousands for Windows. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 78 Sun Sep 19, 1993 THOMPSON2 [STYVWERX] at 20:35 EDT David, I'd like to get the latest update too. My discs and check will be in the mail next week. I'm trying to talk the boss into outfitting one of the draftsmen with a new Falcon, the resolution expander, and Dyna 2d, but it might take a fit or two. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 79 Sun Sep 19, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 23:13 EDT GFN, Glad you quoted me because thats not exactly what I meant to say.:-) I meant, I think it's smart to support Windows first, then the MAC then maybe later on the Atari platform money willing. Now to be honest, if I didn't own an Atari computer and I was looking at it from a purely economical point of view, Atari would not even be considered. I hate to see the platform burn out but it doesn't make economical sense to develope for it. Especially complex programs that require a lot of support and overhead to maintain. I hate to speculate but since most developers including DITEK are waiting on Atari, I wouldn't hold my breath for major upgrades anytime soon. I'm not saying that to be anti-Atari but I think we need to be realistic. IF Atari does sell the Jaguar and IF they put some of the funds toward actually selling the Falcon and IF they create a big brother for it then we might see the platfom begin to grow again maybe two years from now. There's a lot of IF's in there though.... I hope they do but if they don't at least I'll have the Window's version of DynaCADD to fall back on. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 80 Mon Sep 20, 1993 DITEK [David] at 06:34 EDT Gerald -- I'll check on the cost of cross-platform upgrades with the office and let you know. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 81 Mon Sep 20, 1993 DITEK [David] at 06:49 EDT Styvwerx -- Shipping of the latest update looks good in the next couple of days. Unless a major bug crops up over the next 48 hours, I will be giving the OK to ship. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 82 Mon Sep 20, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 18:37 EDT David, Can I register my DCadd with you, or should I send in the card? Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 83 Tue Sep 21, 1993 DITEK [David] at 05:39 EDT Dennis -- It's better to send in the card. That way, if our database ever goes down, we always have the physical registration. Everyone -- It appears some new compiler bugs have cropped up during the last beta test. This will delay the release of the update. Sorry about the delay. We will work as quickly as possible to remedy the situation and post here and soon as we have an update to the compiler. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 84 Tue Sep 21, 1993 D.WALTER7 [Doug Walter] at 22:55 EDT Joey - well said! Doug7 ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 85 Tue Sep 21, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 23:58 EDT David, I wasn't casting aspersions on DITEK. I was looking at the genus "CORPORATION". I'm happy there is someone here to talk to :^) or complain to too, as the case may be. I OK with DITEK and DYNACADD. Morgan ----- Joey, Business will always be "bottom line" and it will always remain impersonal. I can't complain about a company (corporation) attempting to survive amidst a financial crisis. My comment wasn't about blame, it was about circumstances. Morgan ------ ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 86 Wed Sep 22, 1993 THOMPSON2 [STYVWERX] at 01:02 EDT I've never owned a computer that didn't have the FUJI on it. I know that DynaCadd didn't make a program that would take on AutoDesk on any other platform. I think that whatever they do for whomever they want to do it for is fine, but they shouldn't forget the platform that gave them the wherewithal. DOS will die a quiet death in a couple of years, and the NT will make virtually everything done for Windows obsolete in the same way that Windows made the DOS programs seem clunky. I'll still be using DynaCadd on my TT, and wishing they'd port DCadd 3.0 to TOS 3.xxxx. The "IF's" don't matter. What IS matters. The majority user base for DCadd, unless I'm mistaken, is still the Atari. Again, if I change platforms, I won't change to a DOS based platform while there's a pulse in these fingers. That means I'll change Cadd programs. Simple. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 87 Wed Sep 22, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:04 EDT Dave, hope you don't mind me helping in public...:-) If anyone has come across any bugs in the current version, now would be a good time to mention it. Plus you can blame me for helping find the current bugs. I'm trying to pinpoint the problem exactly so theres not much guess work involved. Should help speed things up! Morgan, Sorry, I thought you where laying blame.:-) I just wnated to make sure you laid it in the right place! I know what your saying though, sometimes it's hard being an Atari owner. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 88 Wed Sep 22, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 21:43 EDT David, Okay, Ill send in the card pronto. Thanks, Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 89 Fri Sep 24, 1993 DITEK [David] at 22:36 EDT Gerald -- The cost of transferring from one platform to another has been tentatively set at US$50.00 to exchange for compatible versions and at the normal upgrade price to jump up to the latest version. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 90 Sat Sep 25, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 10:57 EDT Joey, If Dynacadd on te Atari platform is sustained even if the platform as a viable computer dies I will be satisfied. When the last ounce of life has been wrung out of my MSTe I will go DOS and be looking at the cross platform upgrade. I hate to see Ataris' demise, but individuals can only hold on for so long. David, >Everyone -- It appears some new compiler bugs have cropped up during the last >beta test. This will delay the release of the update. Sorry about the delay. Does this relate to DCADD 2D or the Windows version of DCADD? Morgan, The circumstance could have easily been changed with some attention to the consumer and the developer by Atari Corp. Styvwerx, >The majority user base for DCadd, unless I'm mistaken, is still the >Atari. Again, if I change platforms, I won't change to a DOS based platform >while there's a pulse in these fingers. That means I'll change Cadd programs. >Simple. > Nice setiment but what company will develop a high end Cadd prg. for a system that is stagnant? There are no other cadd developers on the level of Ditek in the Atari market. Gerald ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 91 Sat Sep 25, 1993 L.MAZZERI [Cybey] at 13:58 EDT How can I get info about DynaCadd? Is it 3D? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 92 Sat Sep 25, 1993 DITEK [David] at 22:15 EDT Gerald -- My previous message was relating to the Atari version of DynaCADD. But thanks to Joey, who pinpointed the exact cause, a solution was found. A new copy is already being tested. Cybey -- Leave me your address in email and I will have the product literature sent out to you. While you're waiting there is a demo ( a slightly older version ) here on GEnie in the libraries that can be downloaded. You will also find quite a bit of info from a customers point of view in all of the old archives of this topic. DynaCADD ships in two version . A 2D version and an integrated 2D-3D version. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 93 Sun Sep 26, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 01:28 EDT It's being tested as you read!:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 94 Sun Sep 26, 1993 THOMPSON2 [STYVWERX] at 23:12 EDT Gerald, I think you missed my point. I can't fault the makers of Dynacadd for supporting other platforms, even to the exclusion of bringing the upgrades back to the Atari. There is unquestionably no better Cad system for the Atari than DynaCadd. The point is that if I switch from the Atari, it will NEVER be to a Dos based platform, and, since DCadd isn't supported on any of the other viable Motorola based platforms, I will have to change Cadd systems. I'm not saying I want to, God no, just the opposite, but if I HAVE to, some day, that's the way it will happen. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 95 Tue Sep 28, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 03:59 EDT I believe a MAC version is somewhere in the future. I would buy MAC before an IBM. I could buy a GCR cheaper then a MAC come to think of it.:-) I tend to shy away from systems that come with manuals thicker then 10". I still prefer TOS because I always use it, never read about it, seldom notice it and have never installed it.:-) I like it sleek and streamlined... form a users point of view. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 96 Sun Oct 03, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 12:03 EDT David, Have you set an update price from 2.* to 3.0 for windoze. This would give me an idea how much I may have to spend if/when I change platforms. Gerald ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 97 Sat Oct 09, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 11:31 EDT Thompson, Sorry if I went off course, I think that DOS or some version of it will probably be the standard over and above the gui's of the 680*. With the open hardware architecture of many systems a flexible operating system is probably necessary. I don't find DOS that attractive, but by and large it is more widely accepted than anything else. But as long as my Atari serves me I will get what updates of software that I have and continue computing with it till it dies. Joey, I think that as the dos systems develop, and from what I have seen, there is very little that has to be done anymore to get your clone up and running. I beleive it is usually installed on the harddrive that comes with every clone system, installed by the dealer. But hey it still isn't as elegant in many respects as TOS. My Atari and I till it dies, then something else. Gerald ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 98 Sun Oct 10, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 00:26 EDT GFN, I know the DOS box comes working fine but what happens when it stops working fine? Then you have 300 files on your drive and your not even sure what they do!:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 99 Fri Oct 22, 1993 L.CHANDLER [LINDA] at 01:54 EDT David. Any news on the Falcon upgrade yet. Sure has been quiet around here lately. Linda ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 100 Fri Oct 22, 1993 DITEK [David] at 04:42 EDT Hi Linda -- We've had a new version ready to be tested for the last week or so. I just haven't found the time to upload it. I expect to manage an upload sometime in the next 24 hours. Hopefully, this version will get a clean bill of health. :-) David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 101 Fri Oct 22, 1993 L.MAZZERI [Cybey] at 10:15 EDT At one point in time I tried downloading the "demo's" of DynaCadd. I couldn't seem to find BOTH of the ST versions. Could someone pwease let me in on where both of the real files are? cyb@y ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 102 Fri Oct 22, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 18:15 EDT Could someone explain why sometimes I do a copy of entities the 2-D redraws each line of the copy as much as three deep? I find myself deleting and deleting just to get to the base line. This increases my entity count tremendously and redraws are slowed. And also does the 2-D version tell you if the disk is full. Somehow I lost a lot of work. I was able to get a couple of the files back by using a disk editor and labeling them as not deleted, but of course the main file has been written over. Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 103 Sat Oct 23, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:59 EDT DYNACADs, I'm having great difficulty wrapping my mind around this "evidently simple" yet extremely evasive protocol that DYNACAD uses... This is my problematical situation: I want to use -D to make a floorplan layout with elevations of various walls... you know, where to place the furniture and built-ins and how do I make my planned room-space of 7.6' x 29.6' fit on an 8.5 x 14.0 legal size paper and actually print-out on my Deskjet 500+? Do I use a 3:1 ratio of feet to inches? Should that work out OK and my "major" increments will be what if I want to have every square foot shown? I know I'm working "backwards" (if I use the included tutorial for "details" but I'm not doing details and I have no idea where i'm missing the point...) Do I begin by making another "absolute X-Y" at the center of the paper and plot from there or use the existing option of "absolute" and plot from there? Needless to say I'm in a quandry and have nothing to look at (no floor-plan documents to "load" and modify\analyze to my hearts content) and at this moment am wodering if anybody would be so kind as to E-mail me one or two for my perusal. I'd be most appreciative... :^) Regards Morgan :^[ ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 104 Sat Oct 23, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:09 EDT Morgan you can change the scale of the drawing after you draw the project. I'm not exactly sure what your asking but see if any of this helps.:-) Heres what I do when drawing with 3D. First I would set up my 3D views. I would do this by drawing a line from the 0,0 corner to the 8.5x14.0 corner. I then divide that in half and mirror it about the center and an arbitrary IY value like 1. That gives you a 2D cross X'ing your paper with centers for your views. Note there divided into two pieces. You can now use the origin of the lines for your center and the ends for your two corners. Once I have that I place my views using snap to end of entity. I start with the TOP View, FRONT view, RIGHT View and maybe an ISO. Then delete your 2D lines and you have four views. It also helps to set up four ZOOM IMAGE's for each view. --------- | T | I | --------- | F | R | --------- After you have that set up switch to 3D and draw away. It's nice to have an ISO so you can make sure your lines are going where you want them too. Since text will change size if you alter your scale I always do all my drawing before adding any text. Just draw your floor plan like you would in 2D and don't worry about the scale. When your done with it you can change your drawing scale until you get it to fit on your paper as you wish. DynaCADD always knows the true length of the line no matter waht scale you use. Once you have that, add your text. The 3' = 1" sounds like a good place to start. BTW, I never use Absolute coordinates it's much easier to use Relative coordinates. I'm not sure if thats what your talking about though? I would start with the floor layout. Just pick one wall and work from there. Enter your line length for your Horizontal and Vertical lines. Then use OFFSET if you want to show wall thickness. You can also draw the tops of your walls on the floor and use the front/right view to TRANSLATE them to the proper height relative to the floor. Then connect the top and bottom. I seldom use the GRID and I never use Absolute coordinates. I've always found it easier to pick a starting point and work outward relative to the entire object. Then you don't have to worry about your 0,0 point and such. Any help? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 105 Sat Oct 23, 1993 S.WINICK at 10:27 EDT Morgan, You can work with DynaCADD just as you would using a conventional drawing board. Select your sheet size and scale of drawing before you start drawing, and drawing will print out exactly the size selected. If you want your drawing to fit on an 8.5" x 14" sheet of paper, merely select that as your sheet size. Then select a scale for your drawing that will fit on that size paper. Alternatively, if you just want to 'print' a larger size drawing so it will fit on an 8.5" x 14" sheet, you can merely place the drawing or portion of the drawing that you want printed on the screen and select 'PRINT VIEW' from the print options, once you have selected the printer driver for your Deskjet 500+. The disadvantage of using this method is that your drawing, while still proportionally to scale, will NOT be the actual scale selected for the drawing. By incorporating a drawn scale bar on your drawing, you will at least be able to see the actual scale of the drawing on your print though, regardless of the actual size of the printed sheet. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 106 Sat Oct 23, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 12:52 EDT Joey, I really don't want to change platforms, because beleive it or not I really like my Atari. I just don't want to miss out on some of the wizbangery because of it. Gerald ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 107 Sat Oct 23, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 15:27 EDT Gerald, I know exactly what you mean!:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 108 Sun Oct 24, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 00:00 EDT Gerald, You said exactly my own thoughts. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 109 Sun Oct 24, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 02:04 EDT Joey, I'm running only the 2D version. Question: Iset up the paper size to 14" and I still have the DeskJet cut me off at the 8.5" mark. Do I have to Save my config. and then reboot to get it to "take". When you say change my scale to it the paper size do you mean my 1 inch ='s 3 feet scale? Please advise... Morgan Sheldon, A drawn scale bar is OK but it precludes the grid scale I wanted to use in the 1st place. Needless to say the character of this application is getting obtuse and my left-brain is getting it's logic crossed by (buy?)my right-brain and I'm in between in a quandry. Isn't there a tutorial that will take me through this thing feature by feature? Hello DITEK are you listening... I hear all of these raving reviews and I'm wondering what my IQ really is when faced with this consensus of success that seems to elude\exclude me for the time being. :^[ Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 110 Sun Oct 24, 1993 DITEK [David] at 04:12 EDT Morgan -- We're always listening. :-) We have found over the years that the learning curve varies from person to person. One person's idea of intuitive may be cryptic to another. Thankfully, we have quite a few knowledgeable and outspoken DynaCADD users here on GEnie who have always been there to help out with hints, tips and gerneral information. Thanks guys! :-) David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 111 Sun Oct 24, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 21:38 EDT DCADD'ers, I'm having a problem with my DeskJET 500+: I lose the last 2 inches of my drawing no matter what... also when I load my "PNT" file for 150dpi\300dpi my "Drawing" and "Maximum" buttons are disabled leaving me with just the "Best Fit" button indicated... why no other selection? Please advise... do I _have_ to reset my printer dip-switches in order to use DYNACADD?! I can't get an answer from the Manual either. (no trouble-shooting Section... too bad 'cause it's a real saver.) I've DNLD'd the 1st four archived message strings and that shpould be some help; at least it'll save me from re-covering old issues that have become functionally inane. I'm also re-reading TFM for the fourth time. Data wise it's very inclusive, information-wise you guys need to hire Al Fasoldt to do a (Registered) User's Guide to DYNACADD; it would help your sales and potential "buyer's remorse" numbers greatly. Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 112 Mon Oct 25, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 02:27 EDT Morgan, when you go to print are you selecting the [ 14 ] in the printer Dialogue for page size? I just picked up a DJ500, I'll give it a try tomorrow and see what happens. My SLM804 only prints using Best Fit as well. Best Fit is to scale you just don't know which scale. If your using a grid though it won't matter. You'll know one square equals a foot or whatever. Things in DynaCADD work when you change them, you don't need to save and re-run. You should start right off by opening your page to the right size and setting your scale. You can go back and change the scale any time you wish and the drawing will automagically change to the new scale. Remember that text changes as well so it's good to have your final scale set before adding text. Chnaging the scale while your drawing won't effect your work. The computer always knows the proper size of the entity. Scale only changes your work in relation to the paper. I didn't realize you where drawing in the 2D version, I thought you where doing a 3D house. BTW, are you just starting out in DynaCADD? If so I can give you a couple quick pointers that might help. You can unselect just one entity by holding down the shift key and picking on it. You can undo your last action by hitting the Delete key. Say you put a circle on in the wrong place. Instead of throwing it in the garbage you can just hit the Delete key and it will be taken off. If you place six lines down you can take 4 off by hitting the delete key 4 times. I also uploaded some drawings for DynaCADD if you search by my address REALM. I think you can also find some under DynaCADD. I think the Enterprise and the Klingon ship is here somwhere? PS. Don't read the manual it's confusing.:-) I did better just experimenting and looking up certain things as I experimented. It's more of a reference book then an instruction guide. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 113 Mon Oct 25, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 20:49 EDT Morgan, I have a DeskJet 500C that at first I thought there was no driver for it, even David said there wasn't one, then this past friday I found the HP lazer driver so I tried it and WOW. Im impressed! Works great. I never knew I would see results that good. Figure now I dont need that A-B size plotter. But I saw what you meant about the best fit instead of the drawing. And the drawing is not to scale once drawn. I just checked my 1" dia. piston and on paper its about .940 thousands. So it is smaller. Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 114 Mon Oct 25, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 23:09 EDT Hum, I just tried changing the drawing size from 8.5 x 11 to 8 x 10.3 and it appears my HP 500C is now printing to scale. This is what I came up with as the actual drawing space inside the borders. So it seems I found the answer to that one for me. Anyone have any ideas on my message # 102? Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 115 Tue Oct 26, 1993 DITEK [David] at 03:08 EDT Dennis -- Glad you got the Deskjet working. I'll have to keep that in mind for the next person who asks. All versions report an error if the save fails for any reason including disk full. I'll check it out. I have no idea why you are getting copies of your entities unless of course, you have the Transform Copy turned on. It is one of the first icons in the top icon bar. If this is turned off and you are still getting copies, please post the exact steps I would take to reproduce the problem. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 116 Wed Oct 27, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:02 EDT David, After reading throught the last 350 pages of messages for the years 1989-90-91 I realize that I'm one of those people who have drafting experience to the point where the concpts get in the way of the protocol used by DYNACADD. I'm altering my contexual approach to this hummer; although there are still some unanswered questions I have that have nothing to do with me but do have to do with DYNACADD's options... ...I still don't know why when loading my drivers for my HPDeskJET 500+ I have 2 out of 3 buttons disabled and can't get the last 2-1/2 inches of my 8.5 x 14 inch paper to print out... what gives? MUST I go to the switches here or what? Please advise. Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 117 Wed Oct 27, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:50 EDT David, I don't have mine working yet (with the 8.5 x 14.0 legal size print- out, I still lose the last 2-1/2 inches no matter what I tell DYNACADD to do. Can you repeat this problem? Dennis can you? Please advise. Thanks Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 118 Wed Oct 27, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:24 EDT Morgan, Opps... knew I forgot to test something today!:-) I meant to try my DJ500 and see if it printed on legal paper. Dave, We have a need to background plot but can't get it to work properly. Our plotter won't work with Inquire off, it plots everything off center. Background plot won't work with Inquire on. The plotter is hooked up and ready to go so it will return the parameters if asked. Have any ideas? Don't say it's in version 3!:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 119 Wed Oct 27, 1993 DITEK [David] at 07:29 EDT Morgon -- Printing to a laser has reduced options. The multi-page printing does not support laser printers due to a limitation of the printer manager in DynaCADD. Printing to a 8-1/2 x 14 should work. I have an HP Laser I can test it on, so I see if I can get it going. Joey -- If the plotter does not center without inquire, then it means the bounds are not set properly in the driver. What driver and what plotter are you using? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 120 Wed Oct 27, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 20:27 EDT Morgan, I tried the 8.5 x 14 sheet size by drawing a horizontal line the length of the screen just to see if I would lose the last two inches. And yep it did, if not more. So I loaded up Monomon to see what was in the driver and the legal size printer command was not there. Just the command for the 300 dpi and for the printing to start in the upper left corner. Well this fine if you are printing on 11" paper only. So in the HP manual is the HEX codes for legal size paper. I entered them in, wrote them into the CAD driver on the HD. Rebooted DynaCadd and tried it and it worked. Hum, Im just a machinest and I no nothing about programming but I sometimes cant just wait for someone else to fix a problem. Now, what can I get from Dytek for writing printer drivers? (G) Anyway I tried loading the printer driver into my Flash so I could edit it and it was scrolled way off the screen, thats why I used a disk editor. You only need to add the command for "US Legal" paper. Thats it. Dennis PS Once this is done to the driver it may not work with 11" paper though. I haven't tried this yet. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 121 Wed Oct 27, 1993 J.DERNAR at 21:36 EDT Does dynacadd run on a Mega4 with a moniterm? Is there any way to add a FPU to this set up? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 122 Wed Oct 27, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 21:38 EDT >DITEK [David] at 07:29 EDT > >Morgon -- Printing to a laser has reduced options. The multi-page printing >does not support laser printers due to a limitation of the printer manager in >DynaCADD. Printing to a 8-1/2 x 14 should work. I have an HP Laser I can test >it on, so I see if I can get it going. David, You realize the HP DeskJet is not laser? I think since its not, Im gonna see what I can come up with as I did in the earlier message. I believe "maybe" I can delete the code that removes our options. Morgan, I tried the modified driver and it worked with the 11" paper as well. I also changed the name that comes up in the print screen to HP DeskJet. Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 123 Wed Oct 27, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 23:05 EDT David, Seems that the cascade of priorities (menu-wise) remains elusive... then I hear we are going to Ver 3.0 and the protocol is going to be altered. So am I just sweating-the-curve here so as to sweat-the-curve once again if I go to 3o, or is the protocol going to remain the same for all intents and purposes. I like the most results from my time-spent, so I really need to know whats up here. How soon now for 3o anyway? Thanks Morgan Architectural User's, Could somebody walk me through creating a 29.5' X 7.5' space that will printout on an 8.5 x 14 legal-size piece of paper using a 1:3 scale and a grid of 4.o and a Major interger of 3 (1=12inches) on a DeskJET 500+? I really need the help about now, everytime I turn around DYNACADD introduces another alternative to me or I find that, BTW, it'll all be different RSN! Arrrggggg, if I could byte these bits... ;-) This is humiliating after having all those years on the boards and Mfg. Engineering to boot. What has this done to my mind? Joey, is that draftsman still with you? You know the one who was tied in knots like I am? Did he survive the curve or what? Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 124 Thu Oct 28, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:21 EDT REALM, My background output is anemic. Seems not to care about the priority numbers either. Beats me. Morgan David, I'll try the 8.5 x 14. Thanks Morgan Dennis, WHAT A MACHINIST's MIND YOU HAVE THERE! Hello DITEK are you listening? Co'mon you Canadians can do better than this, aye? I know you can help me out on this one if Dennis can... Dennis, you're a rascal! Regards :-) Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 125 Thu Oct 28, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 03:56 EDT J.DERNAR, works great on a Moniterm'd Mega 4. Theres a spot on the Moniterm card for a 16Mhz 68881 Math Chip. Right next to the socket is a little silver Oscilator with 16Mhz written on it. If you want to get a faster Math Chip you can just change it to match the speed of the 68881 you get. Otherwise its just a plug and play deal. Morgan, Yeah he's with us and refuses to do anything by hand now.:-) Of coarse he had the best teacher money can't buy.:-) Be right back... Yeap my Deskjet does the same thing. Cuts off about 2" and prints it onto the next page. BTW, these things always print this slow. Seems like it takes 3 or 4 minutes to print. My SLM prints in 20 seconds or less.:-) I'm still not sure what your trying to draw. I know you want a 29.5' x 7.5' space divided into 1 foot squares at 1" = 3' scale.... sound right? You lost me on the grid of 4.0 Major Integer of 3 (1=12inches). make sure you set your scale and are set on FEET before oing the following. If I were drawing a box divided into a squares I would just use BOX. Pick your first location down somewhere in the lower left hand corner. Then choose LOCATE, IX 29.5, IY 7.5, Right Mouse Button. Theres a box the right size. Then go to TRANSFORM, ARRAY and enter an INCX value of 1 and NX as 30. Choose the left most side line and click your Right Button. It should make 30 copies across your box. Next choose ARRAY again and this time set your INCY to 1 and NY to 8, click the Right Button. Now you have a box divided into a grid with 1 foot squares at 1" = 3'. You can go to TRANSFORM, MODIFY, CHAPEN and edit your grid lines to Hidden or something if you want. I would probable use change ALL, then hold down the shift key and unselect the sides of the box. I'm doing that from memory so some of the commands might be incorrect. When you get good it shouldn't even take a minute.:-) Dave, We have a HP Draftmaster Plus plotter. I'll check out the plotter driver and see if I can figure out what to change. We've just been plotting with Inquire on since 87.:-) I think you where the one who said to do it, can you remember that far back?:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 126 Thu Oct 28, 1993 DITEK [David] at 08:49 EDT Dennis -- Glad you managed to find a workaround. I'll have to check the code to see if any memory is being overwritten with this option although it is unlikely. I'll send you email for the specifics. Undoing the code that disables the dialog buttons will not make them work. The code in the print manager is where the problem lies. DynaCADD treats the Deskjet as a laser and from the programs point of view there is no difference. Morgan -- No word on the fate of the Atari version of 3.00, although the port itself would take a least 8 months. Either way, while the interface may differ from CAD package to CAD package and even from different versions of the same package, there are many underlying concepts that are constant across all packages. Learning one package gives you a big headstart to learning any other. Joey -- Have the plotter print out the active plotting area and use these values for the bounds in the plot driver. The disadvantage of not using inquire is that the autosizing of paper that your plotter supports will not used. Let me know how it goes. David ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 128 Thu Oct 28, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 18:59 EDT David, Let me know if my "workaround" is gonna be okay. Your right about disabling the dialog buttons. I found how to do it but I decided to just leave it alone. If you dont see any problems with my adding the US Legal command then Ill leave it in. Im very happy with my printouts. Morgan, Did you give my temporary cure a try? If david finds that it is okay to leave it in the driver, and its okay with Ditek I will upload it for everybody. Ill of course change the name to HP DeskJetF.PNT Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 129 Fri Oct 29, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:38 EDT Dennis, Thanks to you I modified two legal size drivers for myself and uploaded them to DMC. Somebody can use'em, aye? Once again, Thanks Morgan DC'ers, Would it be prudent to work my 29.5'x7.5' figure (1"=1') on a 'D' ize drawing so I can utilize the scale and grids and then save all my work as a SubFigure and then import that SF to my legal size sheet for a printout on my HPDJ500? Or, is there an easier way to do this; I want all the items to fit inside the area, yes? Just one more please, ;-) how do I edit the DIM-size after I have already dimensioned a line... the little numbers don't respond to me or my mouse no matter what when I attempt to modify or edit text... Thanks Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 130 Fri Oct 29, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 02:15 EDT Joey, My HPDJ print-out delivers in about 12 seconds and then another 12 seconds for the print-out (legal size). Thanks for the tips, I'll get right on it. :^) My "curve" seems to be flattening out a little... I'm having to disengage my left-brain and let the right one do the "non-thinking" work intuitively. Still slo going tho' Regards Morgan Dennis, We're running parallel courses here; great fix tho' thanks for the tip and mine works too! I have a happy HPDJ-500. Hope I didn't step on your toes :-| ...but I sent my "PNT" to David last night. I apologize if I bummed you out on this. It just didn't occur to me to ask. Regards Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 131 Fri Oct 29, 1993 S.WINICK at 03:58 EDT >> ... how do I edit the DIM-size after I have already dimensioned a >> line... the little numbers don't respond to me or my mouse no >> matter what when I attempt to modify or edit text... Morgan, The dimensions are in effect a subfigure comprised of several entities, of which the text is one of them. To edit the text portion, just release the subfigure (which will leave you with separate entities such as the text, arrowheads, and lines). You can also set your toggles to VERIFY TEXT which allows you to edit the dimension text before it is placed onto the drawing. The various toggles available in the dimensioning area also allow you to selectively suppress arrowheads and extension lines, which is a very handy feature, especially for architectural drawings. Get familiar with them -- 'toggles are our friends!' ;-] Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 132 Fri Oct 29, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:40 EDT Morgan, Dimension lines are GROUPED together. If you want to edit them just fine the UNGROUP command and select them. You can also go into the dimensioning setup dialogue, hit Global and turn on the Verify button. Then it'll let you edit the dimensions before it puts them on the sheet. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 133 Fri Oct 29, 1993 DITEK [David] at 09:20 EDT Dennis -- I checked on the printing code and it looks like the change you made will not cause any problems. The print manager allocates the largest block available and repeatedly bands the page until the size has been finished. It would be great if you could upload the new drivers into the GEnie libraries. Thanks. Everyone - It appears that we finally have the update for DynaCADD 2D. The master disks will be made this weekend and the backorders will go out this Monday. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 134 Fri Oct 29, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 21:50 EDT David and Morgan, I uploaded the two drivers. If all went well they will be file number 30552 (HPDJ_PNT.ARC) I enjoyed it. Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 135 Sat Oct 30, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 03:58 EDT Thanks Dennis! ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 136 Sat Oct 30, 1993 S.WINICK at 05:32 EDT David, Any release date set yet for DynaCADD Windows? I'm going to have to make sure I have a DOS cludge ordered for the store that is up to the task of handling it so I will be able to demo the program to shoppers. What with new technology and prices changing almost weekly, I don't want to order a machine too soon. Besides, I really can find no other redeeming social value for having such a beast at the store. ;-] Here's a technical question I hope you can answer: can a Syquest platter be used to transport data between the Atari and a DOS cludge? In other words, are the formats compatible?. I know it can be done via floppy, but I'd like to be able to transport some large CADD files easily and quickly -- and many of my CADD files won't fit on a floppy without compression. And.... since I intend to install a Syquest 105 in the tower case anyway........ Lastly, does DynaCADD Windows work properly under OS/2's capability to run Window software? I really would rather run a true 32-bit operating system than a patched up dinosaur from Microsoft, if at all possible. (Of course, what I'd REALLY prefer, would be to run it on the TT030 -- but the reality for both of us is we can't sell what we can't get!). Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) p.s. Glad to hear that DynaCADD 2D will finally begin shipping again. I have a backorder for a bunch of them that goes back..... forever! ;-] ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 137 Sat Oct 30, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 10:22 EDT Sheldon, Yes, ICD's software will read and write to DOS-formatted SyQuests. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 138 Sat Oct 30, 1993 S.WINICK at 10:50 EDT Al, >> Yes, ICD's software will read and write to DOS-formatted SyQuests. Does that mean Atari's HDX won't recognize DOS-formatted SyQuests? Or, how about going the other way..... will a DOS machine recognize SyQuests formatted on the Atari? Of course, I guss I'll find out eventually anyway once I add that .... ughhh.... IBM/Compatible workstation for DynaCADD 3/Windows. The SyQuests are definitely the best method I've found to store CADD files, and the 3.5" 105mb platters are large enough to hold ALL job related files as well as the drawings themselves. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 139 Sat Oct 30, 1993 DITEK [David] at 14:01 EDT Sheldon -- No final release date is set but the core engine is complete and is going full beta in about 2 weeks. After all these years it's hard to grasp that it may soon be over. :-) Good thing Al popped in with the ICD sysquest answer. I tried everything to get the sysquest on my Atari and PC to speak together. I never could. I ended up using a Null modem to transfer all the data. The current version of DynaCADD does not work under OS/2's window emulation mode. This goes for all Windows 32 bit programs that use the Watcom compiler including AutoCAD. Once we ship we will be producing a 32 bit version using the Win32s libraries so we'll have to wait and see if that works. I'm pushing for a true OS/2 port. David PS. I'll give you a call ( voice ) in about a week ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 140 Sat Oct 30, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 21:48 EDT Sheldon, I went through all the latest documentation for the HDX utilities and found nothing in the latest versions to indicate HDX has been changed to recognize DOS-formatted and -partitioned SyQuest platters. I suppose there may be some sort of driver available for PCs that would recognize ANY formatting and partitioning scheme, but I haven't seen it yet, at least on the consumer level. DOS users have a much harder time than we do, by the way, when it comes to disk formats, hard and floppy. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 141 Sun Oct 31, 1993 S.WINICK at 10:54 EST Al, >> DOS users have a much harder time than we do, by the way, when it comes to disk formats, hard and floppy. I fully agree with you on that, but what I really concerned with right now is finding the easiest way to transfer a lot of large DynaCADD files from my TT030 to a DOS/Windows cludge. I hate to even think that I might have to DEF them all out and ZIP them to floppy for the transfer. Arghhhhhhhh...... Even null-modeming them over would mean I would have to 'learn' how to use a DOS based telecomm program. More wasted non-productive time. Oh, well...... I guess I'd better get used to that if I have to start using a DOS cludge. :-( Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 142 Sun Oct 31, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 15:16 EST No waste, Sheldon. You can certainly use a Syquest cartridge to transfer your files. I take an external Syquest back and forth from our TT to a 486 all the time. Nathan Potechin - DMC Publishing ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 143 Sun Oct 31, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 23:14 EST Sheldon, Luckily, DOS Windows users DO have the best telecomm program in the world (apart from Flash, Flash II, STalker, STorm and the rest ) ... MicroLink, which is something like $40. I can e-mail you a copy of MicroLink, which is shareware - and despite the snooty look-down-the-nose attitude of the Big Mags toward shareware, PC Mag gave MicroLink its highest recommendation when it reviewed packages that ran up to $500. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 144 Mon Nov 01, 1993 S.WINICK at 04:37 EST Nathan, Thanks; glad to hear that both the TT030 adn PC/clone can share data on Syquest carts. Does it matter which machine the Syquests were formatted on? All my CADD files are currently backed up on Syquests which were obviously formatted on the TT030 using Atari's HDX hard drive utilities. Al, Thanks for the information on MicroLink. I'll take you up on that kind offer to E-mail me a copy of that shareware program if I can't find it on one of the local boards. I'll let you know later in E-mail. Thanks. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 145 Mon Nov 01, 1993 DITEK [David] at 07:26 EST Nathan -- I could never get it to go. What HD software are you using on you Atari? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 146 Mon Nov 01, 1993 DITEK [David] at 07:38 EST Al -- I've been playing with MicroLink ( version 1.04 ) for the last little while. It's a great package but it does seem to have some bugs with the Carrier Detect when using high speed modems. Do you know what the latest version is or whether the registered version has fixed the problems. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 147 Mon Nov 01, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 09:51 EST Mario is using the latest Atari software on his TT, David. Hmm. Maybe I mispoke myself. Let me do some testing to see what came from what. It could be that we read IBM formatted Syquests on the TT but not the other way around? I'll test this. Nathan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 148 Mon Nov 01, 1993 A.PAGE3 at 20:07 EST I want to know how to do that as well! I have an Adaptec board on the PC. It completely refuses to recognize Syquests formatted with Atari's HDX 5.0 software. - Alan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 149 Mon Nov 01, 1993 EXPLORER.1 [] Ron [] at 21:43 EST Looks like MicroLink is available over in the Windows Roundtable. -- Ron >Windows RoundTable >Number: 773 Name: MLK104.ZIP >Address: D.OLIVER4 Date: 930116 >Approximate # of bytes: 245504 >Number of Accesses: 979 Library: 7 >Description: >MicroLink v1.04 has Zmodem with auto download and crash recovery >plus 7 other protocols. Scroll back buffer, icon button bar, modem >status lights, dialing directory, easy set-up. Shareware; most >functions work except scripts in this trial version. >Keywords: >mlink,microlink,zmodem,modem,comm,commo,communications,terminal,procomm >---------- ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 150 Tue Nov 02, 1993 DITEK [David] at 00:28 EST Ron -- Yep, that's the version I'm currently playing with. If they manage to get the high speed C/D cleaned up, it's a definite keeper. Alan -- Welcome to the DynaCADD topic. :-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 151 Tue Nov 02, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 22:59 EST Sheldon, OK! Release the text subfigure... got it! Actually I realized that -D is designed to be used right-brained and I was attempting to use it left- brained and continually got in my own way... I'm getting ____er! (R-Brained comment!) One more question, since I'm on a roll here! Can I scan Architectural symbols, save them as IMG files and import them into -D as subfigures to insert into my new drawings? Thanks Morgan :^) ---------- Dennis, from here... Thanks Morgan :^) ---------- David, Does this mean I should be looking for an upgrade in my mail-box too? Thanks Morgan :^) ---------- ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 152 Wed Nov 03, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:25 EST Morgan, Subfigures are just minature DynaCADD drawings. An IMG file is a raster drawing while a DynaCADD subfigure is a Vector drawing. In other words, no.:-) what you could do is scan your symbols and convert them to CVG using a Raster to Vector tracing program such as Speedline for Calamus SL. Then use the .TTP program that comes with DynaCADD to translate the CVG into a DEF file. Load that into DynaCADD and create symbols from it. I think it would be much better to create the Symbols from scratch though. Then you would know they where all they same size and cirrectly drawn. You may also want to ask S.GUBER about his libraries, he offers quite a few if I remember correctly. I know he offers DynaCADD fonts. Send him E-Mail he's on Genie regularly. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 153 Wed Nov 03, 1993 DITEK [David] at 10:45 EST Morgan -- Send in your original disks and US$10.00 S&H to get the update. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 154 Thu Nov 04, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 00:12 EST Joey, Already asked GUBER about a listing of the contents of the ANSI pages he uploaded. No response as yet (over 10 days?) Do U have any info on those ANSI pages? I'd appreciate 'em. Thanks Morgan :^) ---------- ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 155 Thu Nov 04, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 03:37 EST Morgan, Can't help on the ANSI pages... Sol is usually pretty good about responding. You may want to leave him a another letter just to make sure. I'm sure if he reads it, he'll respond as soon as possible. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 156 Thu Nov 04, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 10:15 EST Morgan ... Try again using SGUBER which is Sol's email address. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 157 Thu Nov 04, 1993 SGUBER at 20:06 EST Morgan Sorry about not replying. I cannot telephone much any more. I have a 16 year old daughter. :-(. ANSI is the American national Institute standards. Leave me an address, and I will send you an index and several pages. Thses are all figures to be used in standard constuction documents. I now have about 500 symbols for the chemical procesisng industry, and will try to have an index and samples up within a few days. Sol ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 158 Sat Nov 06, 1993 J.HICKEY6 at 03:09 EST Is there a driver for the HPLJ-IV(600dpi) laser printer? And, Nathan, about that Syquest cross-platform compatibility. I seem to remember reading that it requires SYDOS formatting on the PC. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 159 Sat Nov 06, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 09:56 EST Thanks Jack. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 160 Sat Nov 06, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 12:43 EST >J.HICKEY6 at 03:09 EST > >Is there a driver for the HPLJ-IV(600dpi) laser printer? J.Hickey, Its possible you can edit the HPLJ driver that already exists by removing the 300dpi printer command and entering your 600dpi command. This is just a thought. Last week I found that I could add the "US Legal" printer command into the driver and it resulted in no problems. Your printer commands are located in the back of your printer manual. I used a disk editor to add it to the driver. Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 161 Sat Nov 06, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 22:45 EST Sol, How wondeful for you to have a 16 year old daughter! (regardless of her urgent need to "compare notes by phone"), AND THANK YOU FOR THE OFFER! BTW, I take it that these are repro-pages and you need to send them snail-mail so please send them to me at your earliest. My address will be up to you E-Mail. Thanks Morgan :^) ---------- ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 162 Thu Nov 11, 1993 FRED.U at 21:05 EST I recently spoke with someone looking for a cad program and I suggested Dynacadd, thinking that it is ready for the PC world. My quick browse through the messages leads me to believe otherwise. Can you clarify this for me? He was insistent on a PC platform for the typical reasons. He has a jewelry business and wants to attempt the following: Digitize or scan an image, probably digitize into a PC standard format like PCX or some appropriate one. Convert the image into the right format for a cad program. Is there such a critter in the world that will take a bitmap image and convert it to a DXF or appropriate format? I know one can take a .PCX from Touch-Up and convert it to a .GEM file for Easy-Draw. Does anyone know of a similar concept in Dynacadd? Along the same lines, he wants to take these 2d files and combine them into the 3d image they were when they started (in the camera and digitizer) and make them a 3d file for use with a computer controlled milling machine. If I have enough ammo, maybe I can convert him to a TT and DynaCadd. If someone out here feels that all of the above can be done, I would appreciate knowing as much as possible how to do so. I know the object to image file is easy with any one of the many video digitizers out in the world for the PC, but from there I get lost. Going backwards, can DynaCadd output a file suitable for use with a milling machine? Next step backwards, can one take a series of 2d files and combine them into a 3d file? I'm afraid to ask a PC question on the next reverse engineering step, but is there a program to convert a bitmap file like .PCX into a DynaCadd compatible format? I am hoping to get him into the DynaCadd part of the equation, since I feel it is the best cad program for his purposes. If it means waiting for the PC release (when is that?) that's ok too. fred ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 163 Fri Nov 12, 1993 P.NEREO [Philip] at 01:19 EST Fred - I have scanned drawings, then auto traced them with Convector, saved them as .CVG and converted them to .DEF files with an auxilliary program that comes with DCadd. The .DEF files can be loaded into DCadd. The images are not perfect, but they provide a framework around which to redraw a perfect representation of the object. The drawing could then be exported as a .DXF file, which most programs for controlling milling machines will probably accept and convert into their own proprietary format. The weak link seems to be the autotracing and the accuracy and fine detail of the original image. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 164 Fri Nov 12, 1993 S.WINICK at 04:03 EST Fred, DynaCADD _IS_ available for the PC world. I have sold the DOS version to local customers already. The version you've been reading about that isn't yet available is the 'Windows' version. The DOS version is also considerably cheaper than the Atari version. Drop me E-mail if you need pricing. I'm not that familiar with the other DOS software that will be necessary to do the other things you've asked about. Perhaps someone here who is more 'into' the DOS world can make some recommendations. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 165 Fri Nov 12, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:30 EST Fred, From what I understand DynaCADD version 3 for Windows is being worked on night and day. I'm told if it doesn't do what you need you can make it! I had a brochure a while back and it does have a full 3D rendering Engine for turning 3D shapes into photo realistic images. It also has it's own programming language and the ability to add third party modules. It's no available just yet a DOS version of DynaCADD is if he wants an IBM version. He should be able to upgrade. He won't find a better CAD program anywhere. As far as turning 2D into 3D that would be a pain but somebody could write a module for DynaCADD to do it automatically. I'm guessing if it's fully programable you could also write a module to control the machine itself. Thats a lot of if's though.:-) Basically as of today you can get a DOS version of DynaCADD v2. It should export 2D and 3D DXF files. The milling machine should come with IBM software to drive it. I would be willing to bet it'll support DXF files as well. Thats a lot of assuming on my part however. Dave would know what the current DOS version can do exactly. Hope that helps some. We currently use DynaCADD to create 2D images that we cut out on a computer controlled Plasma. I've scanned images into Calamus SL and converted them using Speedline, then saved them as a CVG and converted that to a DEF file, imported that into DynaCADD and saved it as a DXF. That sounds like a lot of work but compared to laying something out and cutting it by hand it's nothing.:-) A couple weeks ago I made a 4 foot long Copper Dinosaur Skeleton by cutting out flat pieces and putting them together to make it 3D. Got the patterns from an $8 wooden kit about 8" long. It ended up weighing 120 lbs.:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 166 Fri Nov 12, 1993 FRED.U at 18:42 EST Thanks for the encouraging words, I hope David has something to add in as well. I am sure everybody knows how hard it is to market an Atari based system to clone zone users. I don't know how much work this guy is willing to put into the effort, but I think I know who will be teaching him to use DynaCadd! 8^) On the 2d vs 3d side, can I take a 2d drawing and rotate it into place on a 3d space? I am not sure if I am asking this properly, but I envision scanning/digitizing an object, converting it as described above and creating a 2d drawing for each face of the object. I would do the same for the other faces and put them together in a gingerbread house manner and then connect any missing lines and edit as needed. Whatcha think? fred ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 167 Fri Nov 12, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 23:46 EST Joey, hen what'd you do with that little 120 pound dinosaur? Just curious! Thanks Morgan :^) ---------- ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 168 Sat Nov 13, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:37 EST Morgan, Right now it's sitting outside on the back porch. I've been putting coats of Polyurethane on it since the copper changes color if you don't. It looks a lot better out of 3/8" copper then does out of balsa wood.:- ) It's not copper color though as I left it burnt and peeled. All together I had about 36 hours of labor and used about 200 lbs of copper. It looks like it's worth about $6000 though.:-) I'm not sure what this one cost probably around $500. I did it on my own time and was given the scrap. I'm planning on designing my own creature from scratch. I wouldn't mind selling some there really cool! Theres no company name on the box though so I'm not sure how to get permission to use their patterns. My brother wants to do a Praying Mantis about 6 feet long.:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 169 Sun Nov 14, 1993 L.CHANDLER [LINDA] at 21:40 EST Joey, You just do some of the most interesting things....:>) Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 170 Mon Nov 15, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 00:19 EST Linda, :-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 171 Wed Nov 17, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 22:28 EST Joey, I've seen those balsa wood 'sours' at my local meuseum I think. The idea of generating them via -D and a plasma-cutter is great! Thanks for the augmentation on your initial message. Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 172 Thu Nov 18, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:17 EST Morgan, No problem! I like augmenting.:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 173 Sat Nov 20, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 10:23 EST >REALM [Joey] at 15:27 EDT > > Gerald, I know exactly what you mean!:-) >---------- > >A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 00:00 EDT > >Gerald, > >You said exactly my own thoughts. > >Al > >---------- > You know, when I first saw these messages I said to myself "What did I say?" I know now and it still holds true. By the way Joey I ordered an Albert TT and will probably match it with a 17" AOC monitor.. The monitor isn't what would be considered superior, but it was decent and the price is at about 750.00. It has been little over a week since I ordered it. Well it has been even longer since I have been on GEnie but I am now looking at Aladdin in 1024x768 and this is marvelous. A whole new enthusiasm for my Atari is flowing. By the way I opted for the limit of my budget and bought a Mitac m1740 it isn't the smallest dot pitch being only .31 but it is clear and the price was 597.00 which was the major factor. Dynacadd is incredible in Hi Rez. But one question. Is their a way to have freehand drawing? Sometimes I would like to introduce organic shapes (such as trees and shrubs) but am unable to bring in the randomness associated with these objects. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 174 Sat Nov 20, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 15:19 EST Gerald, Could you tell us about your AlberTT? Have you run into any compatibility problems? How much did it run you? Questions! Questions! I'm wondering about grapic upgrades - Do I need a ga-jillion colors, or will the AlberTT suit me for telecomm, DTP, database work & spreadsheeting (99% of what I do)? John ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 175 Sun Nov 21, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 03:18 EST Gerald, What did I say?:-) The only way to freehand draw in DynaCADD is using B-Spline curves. You can also take something from your basic art type program and Vector Trace it. Then if you can get it into a CVG file you can use the CVGtoDEF.TTP program to convert it to a DEF file. That will import into DynaCADD. It's easy, I use Speedline inside Calamus SL all the time and import the results. John, The AlberTT is $299 and offers 16 colors at a 1024x768 resolution or 800x600 if you change a chip on it. It's great for everything but heavy duty color artwork. If you do most your DTP in black and white then it would probably be fine. In other words if you don't need more then 16 colors onscreen it works great. It's really a giant ST low screen with aout 3.5 times the area. Anything that runs in TT Medium runs on it pretty good. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 176 Sun Nov 21, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 10:37 EST I think AlberTT only does 16 colors. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 177 Sun Nov 21, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 21:14 EST Joey, Thanks, I'm thinking that TT resolutions are all I'll be needing. I've been searching the for sale area for a used AlberTT, but I may have to bite the bullet. Al, what do you think about all this? How much value do you place on the extended colors you have with the CDII? What do you do with all of those colors? John ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 178 Mon Nov 22, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 07:47 EST John G., I know that a 16-color graphics board would not be the way to go. This is nearly the mid-point of the 1990s, and a computer than cannot show at least 256 colors at a time is crippled in the graphics sense. As for 32k colors and more, that's just a nice extra, and pure fluff for most of us. But 256 colors is a necessity. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 179 Tue Nov 23, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 00:06 EST Oh Al, Al, Al, how did I know you were going to be bearing me bad tidings? So I have to go for the $599 card instead of the $299! Well, it's something to think about! John ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 180 Tue Nov 23, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:16 EST AL, Hate to differ but nobody NEEDs color for Word Processing, Data Basing, CAD or Spreadsheets.:-) Personally, on this platform, I think the higher resolution is a lot more important then color. Basically because there are very few programs that actually benefit from 256 colors plus. Now if your doing animation, 3D rendering or just like to be visual creative then the more colors the better. If your writing a letter, balancing your checkbook, doing B&W DTP or keeping track of your address's... mono can handle the task. BTW, We use DynaCADD at work at least 10 hours a day on two TTM194/5. It's the same two colors we had with a pencil.:-) John, just figure out what YOU need. If you can get a 256color board for $599 then it might be a better buy. I do know it won't be as compatible as the AlberTT. The AlberTT has 1 Auto folder program and it's Screen memory is setup in the same interleave format as other Atari resolutions. It also won't be s compatible as a monochrome card. Most cards are setup with a VDI replacement system plus the the pallette is often stored in a different order then Atari's. They will however offer a lot more resolutions and colors but you'll lose some compatibility with your less expensive programs. Figure out what programs you can't do without and ask somebody with a card if they'll run on the card before you buy it. You can ask me in E-Mail if you wish, I had a Matrix card which used the AMCGDOS VDI driver system, my cousin has two AlberTT's and we still have a Mega 4ST at work with a 24" Moniterm system and I currently have a Cyrel card after selling my Matrix. I might already know if your software works or not. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 181 Tue Nov 23, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:17 EST John G., No, not the $599 card, the $799 one. Gulp! Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 183 Wed Nov 24, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:24 EST Joey, Good point. But once anyone has enjoyed full color AND high resolution, plain b/w is not likely to be satisfactory. That's why monochrome SVGA is all but dead. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 184 Wed Nov 24, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 06:15 EST Al, I know what you mean about enjoying full color.:-) I still use a 19" TTM at work and it really doesn't bother me that much. I think it just depends on what your doing and what you may want to do later. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 185 Wed Nov 24, 1993 J.DERNAR at 21:28 EST Any one know where I might find a cad digitizer? Recently while looking for a spare Viking monitor I ended up buying an older AT system that has the exact same monitor, the 19" one. Anyhow the screen pop up menu are not supported on moniterm. BTW, is there any way yo use a digitizer with DC? ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 186 Thu Nov 25, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 21:11 EST Joey, What is a TTM194/5 and what does it run with? Can you augment? Thanks Morgan :^) ---------- ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 187 Thu Nov 25, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 22:12 EST Morgan ... The TM194 and the TM195 are the two, more or less identical monitors that Atari released for the TT. One was manufactured by Moniterm, the other by Phillips. They are 1280 x 960 19" monochrome monitors that plug directly into the TT. The driver for them comes with the TT, TT High. Naturally DynaCADD is totally compatible with either of these monitors, as is Calamus. ;-) Nathan @ DMC ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 188 Fri Nov 26, 1993 L.CHANDLER [LINDA] at 03:06 EST Al & Joey Is it not easier to read on a monochrome screen? Seems to me that even at high rez, color screens seem to have a dull, washed out black. This makes reading more difficult for me. I quite like the TTM194. The black is black and the white is white. Linda ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 189 Fri Nov 26, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:01 EST Sorry Morgan, Nathan already augmented for me.:-) The TTM195 seems to be the better of our two. It's much crisper! They are really nice monochrome monitors. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 190 Fri Nov 26, 1993 S.WINICK at 06:40 EST John, Could you rephrase your last message (#185). I'm not quite sure what you were trying to say or exactly what you're asking for. Brain cells moving faster than the typing fingers again? ;-] Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 191 Fri Nov 26, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 07:43 EST Linda, My experience has been the opposite. On a really good color monitor, my blacks are deep black. We use professional Philips monochrome monitors at the office (21-inch); the whites are light gray and the blacks are dark gray. The point of the whole thing is the resolution of the monitor. If two monitors have the same resolution, the monochrome monitor will have a sharper image. But because modern color displays use a sophisticated way of enhancing edge sharpness (something not needed in b/w monitors), and because their whites are usually brighter, black text on a white screen often is cleaner on a GOOD color monitor than on the same-size monochrome screen. On the other hand, a truly fine b/w display, one with maybe twice the resolution of the already excellent TTM194/195, is awesome and can't be approached by a color display of the same size. All this ignores another advantage of a good color display. It can show grayscales very handily, which a monochrome screen can't. Al ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 192 Thu Dec 02, 1993 M.SHANNON [Morgan] at 23:05 EST Stephanie, Please post the current DITEK mailing address so I can send for my latest upgrade OK? Thanks Morgan ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 193 Fri Dec 03, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 10:07 EST Ditek's current mailing address is: Ditek International 2800 John Street, Unit 15 Markham, Ontario Canada L3R 0E2 Tel: (905) 479-1990 Fax: (905) 479-1882 ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 194 Sun Dec 05, 1993 DF.WATSON [Dennis] at 11:04 EST I know this has probably been covered, but I now have a 486 and I was wondering is the DOS DynaCadd the same in the menu structure as it is for the ST? And also, could I ask how much the retail price is for the DOS version? I understand there is a Windows version very close to completion, will it be simular to the ST. Reason I ask, is I really like the way it is for my Atari. Thanks, Dennis ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 195 Sun Dec 05, 1993 S.WINICK at 11:34 EST Dennis, The current DOS version of DynaCADD is basically IDENTICAL to the Atari version. The upcoming Windows version is actually quite different. The DOS version of DynaCADD is about half the cost of the Atari version (I couldn't figure that one out either ;-). Drop me E-mail or better yet, drop by the store, if you need exact pricing or are ready to order. Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 196 Sun Dec 05, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 11:34 EST >Atari-ST RoundTable >Category 7, Topic 7 >Message 174 Sat Nov 20, 1993 >GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 15:19 EST > >Gerald, > > Could you tell us about your AlberTT? Have you run into any > compatibility problems? How much did it run you? Questions! > Questions! > > I'm wondering about grapic upgrades - Do I need a ga-jillion colors, > or will the AlberTT suit me for telecomm, DTP, database work & > spreadsheeting (99% of what I do)? > > John > > > >---------- > The Albert TT is a single resolution card that slips into the VME slot on the TT and Mega STe. Jay configures the card for either 800x600 or 1024x768 and they support 16 colours. They are $299 and probably the best upgrade that can be done with the least amount of expense. There are some compatibility problems but it is with older software. Of course since my MSTe has a 68882 FPU in it I get wierd responses from som programs sso my compatibility problems may not be yours. For the software I use most the card functions perfectly. If you are primarily into drafting/design 16 colours are more than adequate to meet your needs. DynaCadd allows you to set and create the palette that you can use and it is a wonderful addition to defining various parts of a drawing. But the greatest aspect is that the Albert drives large screen monitors and DynaCadd in a 17" display is phenomenal. Spreadsheets can reveal cells A0- O39 nice amount of cells. I am responding to you in Aladdin . DTP can provide 2 pages on a 17" screen or a full page zoomed to 130%. Are you salivating yet? GIFs well you really only have sixteen colours but hey I don't need photorealism since GIfs are amusement every now and then. For Design work, DTP, Spreadsheeting the Albert TT is all that is necessary. If you want a ga-jillion colours so your Gifs are photo perfect get the Nova, Cyrell, or Crazy Dots. Bottom line on my cost ALBERT TT $300.00 (I gave Jay the extra dollar) Mitac 17" .31 dot pitch $632.00 (includes tax) monitor Total Damage: $932.00 (almost as much as my Mega STe Joey, How can we convert EPSF files from DynaCadd? I wouldn't say it a giant low rez screen exactly. I think the screen fonts are much more elegant than on the SM124. I am getting spoiled. >Atari-ST RoundTable >Category 7, Topic 7 >Message 178 Mon Nov 22, 1993 >A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 07:47 EST > >John G., > >I know that a 16-color graphics board would not be the way to go. This is >nearly the mid-point of the 1990s, and a computer than cannot show at least >256 colors at a time is crippled in the graphics sense. As for 32k colors and >more, that's just a nice extra, and pure fluff for most of us. But 256 colors >is a necessity. > >Al > >---------- > I have to disagree with Al. I think that extended colours are fluff for CAD work and most other Business applications. But if you are into animation and graphics sixteen is limiting. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 197 Mon Dec 06, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 01:24 EST GFN, Technically speaking, it is a giant ST LOW screen as far as the computer is concerned. It's exactly like ST LOW in every way except the resolution is 1024x768. It's the most compatible thing you'll find outside TT Medium or the Falcons 16 color modes. I agree, if you want it primarly for DynaCADD, 16 colors are plenty since thats all the program supports anyway.:-) I'm not sure on the EPS thing, never use them. What exactly did you want to convert them too? I think Outline 3 supports EPS when saving but I'm not sure if it will load them. Congrates on the card!:-) ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 198 Mon Dec 06, 1993 THOMPSON2 [STYVWERX] at 21:41 EST Joey, Does Dynacadd know, or care, that it's being asked to run in a version of a low rez screen? Does this care work on a TT with a PTC1426?, or is a larger screen required, to run DCadd in Color. I don't care for the looks in TT medium, after running in 19" mono, but the color has some useful aspects. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 199 Mon Dec 06, 1993 L.CHANDLER [LINDA] at 23:08 EST David and/or others, I have an "Entity" on my page that I cannot get rid of using the trash can or any delete procedures. While trying to mark the four "line-ends" of rectangle for "solid fill", I got to the third line-end and the cursor snapped to a line adjacent to the one I wanted. Foolishly, I pressed the "delete" key thinking I could go back one step and try again to get the right line. This did not work. The incorrect rubber-band line became a fixed diagonal line across the rectangle and I cannot delete it nohow. After spending six hours drawing a complex object with nice fills and lettering and rushing to fax it off to a client(STFax,BTW), I see this awful zig-zag line coming out of nowhere and making a mess of one of my objects. I had to send it anyway, since I could find no way to remove it. The bell would ring every time I tried one of the many avenues. Generally, these rubber-band lines go away with a right-mouse click and the resultant function is performed. This is the second time I have encountered this problem. Any ideas? Linda. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 200 Tue Dec 07, 1993 CBARRON at 02:04 EST Linda does a def export and a def import remove the unwanted line? Just wondering. If nothing else the bad line could be edited out, with a text editor, once found. Grasping at straws. ------------ Category 7, Topic 7 Message 201 Tue Dec 07, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:07 EST STYVWERX, DynaCADD doesn't care what resolution it's in as long as it's greater then 640x400. Your correct, the 19" screen is much better then TT Medium.:-) TT Medium isn't that bad though you just lose some of your area. Now 1280x960 in 256 colors is really nice!:-) Linda, Did you try deleting ALL to get rid of it? If delete ALL works then group everything but it and then DESELECT your group. This should get rid of everything but what you want. You might also try Ungrouping by ALL. It's very possible it's somehow part of group or fill object. If you want E- Mail me a copy and I'll see if I can get rid of it.:-) ------------