DBUG> Early Bird Editorial for Cheap Tricks Newsletter, May 2010

[Cheap Tricks Newsletter]

Early Bird Editorial for Cheap Tricks Newsletter, May 2010

From the Editor:

We got an up-close and personal look at the latest incarnation of
DataCAD X3 (Build Version1 135) this week at the April 27th meeting of
DBUG in Boston and found plenty to like about it. We got a thorough look
at scale-independent text where, for example, 1/8" text will print at
that same size no matter what scale you plot at. We saw an extremely
souped-up Object Viewer that will have your 3D models doing somersaults
under precise control. We saw the new smart arrows that will let you
lock their printed size as well and stretch them all over the place
while keeping their alignments in place and allow you to change
parameters (such as arrowheads) at any time. We saw the latest Sun and
Shadow tool (nicknamed in-house as "Son of Shader") that is now looking
very cool.

Furthermore, we saw a direct linking between GoTo Views and MSP details
that will make keeping your plotting sheets up-to-date a dream. We saw a
new Hide function for XREFs (to make symbols), as well as a multiple and
variable GoTo View display of the same XREF within a drawing file. We
also saw on the new combo 2D/3D symbols work to give you appropriate
views of the same symbol no matter what view you are in or scale you are
viewing at.

It was a lot to digest and, as usual at many DBUG meetings, there were
plenty of tangential offshoots into topics such as terrain modeling,
font type compatibility, bitmap backdrops to working drawings, text
match angle alignments, start angle adjustments, and more (see Quick
Tips and Q & A). But the bottom line is that the group came away with
their appetite whetted for DataCAD X3 as well as vowing to use DataCAD
more productively, especially in 3D.

It turns out we eager beavers will not have to wait too much longer.
DATACAD has decided that they will go ahead with an early adopters
program, "hopefully, within a month," said President and CEO Mark Madura
at the DBUG meeting. What this program means is that you will be able to
save $100 by being willing to use an Early Release Candidate of DataCAD
X3 (with free updates as issued) until the Final Release Candidate is
certified. So, impatience, in this case, will be rewarded as DataCAD
11/12 users will be able to this early adoption release for only $295.
If you prefer to wait, you will pay the standard $395 price. If you are
upgrading from DataCAD version 10 or earlier, it will cost $495. Look
for more details to be released from DATACAD in the coming month.

In this month’s issue, we have concentrated on all the new 3D resources
that have become available to all of us (much of it for free!). It’s
like being a kid in the candy store, where the only cost is the time it
takes to pick them out. Now is a great time to become familiar with
their use and to build up your 3D libraries.

We are now hearing anecdotal reports that work for architects is
starting to pick up a bit, although there is obviously still widespread
unemployment and architects looking for work. Surprisingly, some areas
are benefiting. One architect told us that his church work was going
strong (everybody’s gone back to church praying!) and that construction
bids have never been more competitive. So, there are definitely some
bright spots with hopefully more widespread sun to follow. Use this down
time wisely to get more productive both in 2D and in 3D — early adoption
of DataCAD X3 would be a great place to begin. +
— Evan H. Shu, FAIA

Also in the May 2010 Issue of Cheap Tricks (available to subscribers on
May 1, 2010 by 10 am EDT)::

* Bringing 3D into DataCAD: we look at the various 3D formats that can
be brought directly into DataCAD for use in your drawing files.

* COLLADA: this is a format that has enough big gun support that may
make it the universal object modeling format in coming years.

* DataCAD Tutor: the Insert Menu has become the central location for
bringing 3D objects and files into DataCAD. We trace its history, review
its expanding scope and tell you why you should get to know it better.

* Quick Tips on matching text alignment, adding 1 layer, changing north,
more great 3D resource sites, why Bing is better, and a free overhang
shadow utility.

* The Google 3D Warehouse: this incredible repository of 3D objects is
at your disposal and can be like Alice's restaurant to get you anything
you want. We show you how it works and how to use it.

* Q & A on bologna site models, combining Building Maker and SketchUp,
dynamic components, bringing SketchUp textures into DataCAD, and font
spacing adjustments for AutoCAD.

* Google Building Maker is a great tool for creating site context models
using photo-texturing.

* Plus all the news from the DataCAD community.

For more information, please go to http://CheapTricksNews.com or contact
<eva...@comcast.net>.
*******************************
To Join or view DBUG Bulletin Bd: http://www.tinyurl.com/DBUGforum
New Posts-> dataca...@googlegroups.com OR dataca...@world.std.com

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "DataCAD-DBUG" group.
To post to this group, send email to dataca...@googlegroups.com
OR dataca...@world.std.com (not BOTH)
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
datacad-dbug...@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://tinyurl.com/DBUGforum