More grief with AS8!

[Anonymous]

OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for tomorrow which
just happens to require importing some drawings made with AutoCAD LT2000.

I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell, I'm only
trying to make a living.

I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep count of the
number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import AutoCAD
drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a false sense
of security allowing you to import two or three drawings faultlessly, then
kapow!

At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery to
work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.

I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond to this?

Happy Cadding

Barry
YORK, England

[Anonymous]

Barry,
Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you go back to
using a previous version or is there something that restricts you from doing so
?

I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts and giggles"
that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have since just
made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good. Might even be a
full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.

I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do not want to
start over with a different program for some of the work I do along the lines of
Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous work would
need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One thing I hate is
when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do not need it
that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.

I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of Prodesktop
express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the best thing
going and its free !

Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good demonstrations.
If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to take anything
away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.

Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day since their last
attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we rate??

Chris L

Barry Higginbottom wrote:

> OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for tomorrow which
> just happens to require importing some drawings made with AutoCAD LT2000.
>
> I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell, I'm only
> trying to make a living.
>
> I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep count of the
> number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import AutoCAD
> drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a false sense
> of security allowing you to import two or three drawings faultlessly, then
> kapow!
>
> At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery to
> work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
>
> I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond to this?
>
> Happy Cadding
>
> Barry
> YORK, England

[Anonymous]

Chris

Thanks for your interest.

I have several thousand drawings in 'CAD' format so to start to change
everything to native 'SKF' is not a prospect that fills me with much joy.

I have available Drafix 4.10, Drafix 4.11, AutoSketch 6.01, QuickCad 7 and
now AutoSketch 8.

My problem is that the DXF outputs from QC7 do not work with my main sub
contractors copy of 'RADAN', his proprietary CADCAM software package for the
Amada CNC sheet metal punches.

I like some of the features post V7, such as 'autosnaps'

I have found that the DXF outputs from AS8 will work with my subbies CADCAM
and by tweaking the registry (thanks Paul) AS8 will work seamlessly with all
my CAD files, I don't have to worry about SKF.

In the main DWG import is not an every day occurrence, but hell, its really
irritating when I need to import a batch of LT2000 dwg files on a Sunday
afternoon for a Monday deadline and the software proceeds to crash all about
me!

Just for the record RADAN can import all the LT2000 drawings that I can't
without a problem, so AutoDesk's earlier argument about file filters is, to
me, rather weak.

I know that Stephen had to 'get heavy' with AutoDesk to get a response and
it seemed to work for a while, but it's disappointing that since Grieg's
interest then, it has subsequently faded.

It would be nice if we could get some sort of response from AutoDesk on this
newsgroup, and I still think that AutoDesk should seriously get a proper
beat test program organised with people like me that have to use the
software in earnest.

Barry

Patiently waiting for a response from AutoDesk.

"Chris L" wrote in message
news:3C4CE0B0.740D35F@lakefield.net...
> Barry,
> Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you go back
to
> using a previous version or is there something that restricts you from
doing so
> ?
>
> I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts and
giggles"
> that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have since
just
> made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good. Might
even be a
> full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.
>
> I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do not want
to
> start over with a different program for some of the work I do along the
lines of
> Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous work
would
> need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One thing I hate
is
> when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do not need
it
> that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.
>
> I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of Prodesktop
> express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the best
thing
> going and its free !
>
> Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good
demonstrations.
> If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to take
anything
> away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.
>
> Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day since their
last
> attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we rate??
>
> Chris L
>
> Barry Higginbottom wrote:
>
> > OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for tomorrow
which
> > just happens to require importing some drawings made with AutoCAD
LT2000.
> >
> > I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell, I'm only
> > trying to make a living.
> >
> > I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep count of
the
> > number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import AutoCAD
> > drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a false
sense
> > of security allowing you to import two or three drawings faultlessly,
then
> > kapow!
> >
> > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery to
> > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> >
> > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond to
this?
> >
> > Happy Cadding
> >
> > Barry
> > YORK, England
>

[Anonymous]

Chris

I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the answer
from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its versions doesn't
like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough, AS8 *is* a 2D product
after all.

In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase recommends
selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the "Ignore 3D
Data" item.

I have also selected the "Map SHX to True Type" option and now every one of
the files I was having trouble with the other day opened without a problem.

I have two questions for AutoDesk.

1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by default, in
fact why is it there at all?
AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items anyway.

2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't someone
from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have saved me
a whole load of grief!

I hope this short report may help somebody else.

Barry

"Chris L" wrote in message
news:3C4CE0B0.740D35F@lakefield.net...
> Barry,
> Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you go back
to
> using a previous version or is there something that restricts you from
doing so
> ?
>
> I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts and
giggles"
> that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have since
just
> made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good. Might
even be a
> full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.
>
> I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do not want
to
> start over with a different program for some of the work I do along the
lines of
> Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous work
would
> need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One thing I hate
is
> when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do not need
it
> that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.
>
> I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of Prodesktop
> express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the best
thing
> going and its free !
>
> Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good
demonstrations.
> If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to take
anything
> away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.
>
> Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day since their
last
> attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we rate??
>
> Chris L
>
> Barry Higginbottom wrote:
>
> > OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for tomorrow
which
> > just happens to require importing some drawings made with AutoCAD
LT2000.
> >
> > I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell, I'm only
> > trying to make a living.
> >
> > I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep count of
the
> > number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import AutoCAD
> > drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a false
sense
> > of security allowing you to import two or three drawings faultlessly,
then
> > kapow!
> >
> > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery to
> > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> >
> > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond to
this?
> >
> > Happy Cadding
> >
> > Barry
> > YORK, England
>

[Anonymous]

You ask the best question of all.... Why would we want 3d entities considered
*at all* in a 2d program ??

Unless of course there is a future of 3d for Sketch ??? I'll take it !

I wonder if the knowledge base indicates why such an option exists.............

Chris

Barry Higginbottom wrote:

> Chris
>
> I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the answer
> from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its versions doesn't
> like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough, AS8 *is* a 2D product
> after all.
>
> In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase recommends
> selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the "Ignore 3D
> Data" item.
>
> I have also selected the "Map SHX to True Type" option and now every one of
> the files I was having trouble with the other day opened without a problem.
>
> I have two questions for AutoDesk.
>
> 1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by default, in
> fact why is it there at all?
> AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items anyway.
>
> 2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't someone
> from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have saved me
> a whole load of grief!
>
> I hope this short report may help somebody else.
>
> Barry
>
> "Chris L" wrote in message
> news:3C4CE0B0.740D35F@lakefield.net...
> > Barry,
> > Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you go back
> to
> > using a previous version or is there something that restricts you from
> doing so
> > ?
> >
> > I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts and
> giggles"
> > that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have since
> just
> > made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good. Might
> even be a
> > full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.
> >
> > I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do not want
> to
> > start over with a different program for some of the work I do along the
> lines of
> > Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous work
> would
> > need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One thing I hate
> is
> > when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do not need
> it
> > that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.
> >
> > I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of Prodesktop
> > express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the best
> thing
> > going and its free !
> >
> > Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good
> demonstrations.
> > If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to take
> anything
> > away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.
> >
> > Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day since their
> last
> > attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we rate??
> >
> > Chris L
> >
> > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> >
> > > OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for tomorrow
> which
> > > just happens to require importing some drawings made with AutoCAD
> LT2000.
> > >
> > > I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell, I'm only
> > > trying to make a living.
> > >
> > > I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep count of
> the
> > > number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import AutoCAD
> > > drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a false
> sense
> > > of security allowing you to import two or three drawings faultlessly,
> then
> > > kapow!
> > >
> > > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery to
> > > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> > >
> > > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond to
> this?
> > >
> > > Happy Cadding
> > >
> > > Barry
> > > YORK, England
> >

[Anonymous]

This doesn't always work. There are varying 3D complexities that will
depend on for example, if the original file is created in AutoCAD or (worse)
Architectural Desktop.

The number of layouts and or viewports that exist in the original also plays
a major part within the equation.

I had a file only last week that contained 6 layouts, with each layout
having 3 viewports of different sizes and showing a particular elevation
and/or perspective. Of course both QC7 & 8 and AS7 couldn't cope with
it....application error.

My only work-around at the time was to export out of ACAD LT what views I
wanted as a .WMF and them import the .WMF back into LT, scale accordingly
and save as a .DWG. The .DWG would then open fine in QC. A rather crude
approach but it did work and was suitable for the task at hand. It did
however result in a rather large file size.

Ric Norris.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/cavedrawings


"Barry Higginbottom" wrote in message
news:22AE5356EEF21E26F93E16263582FA59@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...

> In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase recommends
> selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the "Ignore
3D
> Data" item.
>

[Anonymous]

In message <22AE5356EEF21E26F93E16263582FA59@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb>, Barry
Higginbottom writes
>I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the
>answer from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its
>versions doesn't like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough,
>AS8 *is* a 2D product after all.
Fortunately for me I use Autosketch as a basic 2d drawing tool for my
hobby. It's most redeeming feature, for me, is the way in which it
handles printing via the MS Windows interface. This brings me to my
point, Autosketch is a simple 2d drawing program which if pressed can
be used in business but there are much better drawing tools available
for professional use which enable migration into 3d etc. however the
down side is they are considerably more difficult to master. It is my
belief that 2d drawing programs like Autosketch are rapidly becoming
extinct. To extend their life traditional marketing practices are used
to promote new versions which add superficial changes only, usually of
little or no practical use (3d in AS7). I sympathise with anyone who
has devoted hours to mastering and exploiting Autosketch but it is
feature limited to 2d and times past. If I was wanting a 2d program for
business use I would not use Autosketch because of it's limitations and
invest instead in programs that offer the works including 2d use and be
assured that as needs arise there was a way forward to advanced drawing
practice. I have come to the conclusion that for the money it is
fantastic value but only if you are not too adventurous.
Just a view, I'm sure many will argue.
--
Graham Howe mail: (ghowe@mcb.net)
Home Web site: http://www.homepages.mcb.net/howe/

[Anonymous]

I knew it was too good to last!

Although I now admit defeat, I have found out that I can now tell when AS8
is going to crash when loading 'dwg' files.

In the file open dialog have the preview option checked.

If the file don't preview then crash time is coming!

Perhaps AS will respond?

Barry

"CL" wrote in message
news:3C51B307.9B53CFA9@lakefield.net...
> You ask the best question of all.... Why would we want 3d entities
considered
> *at all* in a 2d program ??
>
> Unless of course there is a future of 3d for Sketch ??? I'll take it !
>
> I wonder if the knowledge base indicates why such an option
exists.............
>
> Chris
>
> Barry Higginbottom wrote:
>
> > Chris
> >
> > I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the answer
> > from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its versions
doesn't
> > like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough, AS8 *is* a 2D
product
> > after all.
> >
> > In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase
recommends
> > selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the "Ignore
3D
> > Data" item.
> >
> > I have also selected the "Map SHX to True Type" option and now every one
of
> > the files I was having trouble with the other day opened without a
problem.
> >
> > I have two questions for AutoDesk.
> >
> > 1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by default,
in
> > fact why is it there at all?
> > AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items
anyway.
> >
> > 2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't
someone
> > from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have
saved me
> > a whole load of grief!
> >
> > I hope this short report may help somebody else.
> >
> > Barry
> >
> > "Chris L" wrote in message
> > news:3C4CE0B0.740D35F@lakefield.net...
> > > Barry,
> > > Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you go
back
> > to
> > > using a previous version or is there something that restricts you from
> > doing so
> > > ?
> > >
> > > I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts and
> > giggles"
> > > that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have
since
> > just
> > > made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good. Might
> > even be a
> > > full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.
> > >
> > > I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do not
want
> > to
> > > start over with a different program for some of the work I do along
the
> > lines of
> > > Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous work
> > would
> > > need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One thing I
hate
> > is
> > > when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do not
need
> > it
> > > that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.
> > >
> > > I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of
Prodesktop
> > > express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the
best
> > thing
> > > going and its free !
> > >
> > > Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good
> > demonstrations.
> > > If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to take
> > anything
> > > away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.
> > >
> > > Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day since
their
> > last
> > > attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we
rate??
> > >
> > > Chris L
> > >
> > > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> > >
> > > > OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for
tomorrow
> > which
> > > > just happens to require importing some drawings made with AutoCAD
> > LT2000.
> > > >
> > > > I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell, I'm
only
> > > > trying to make a living.
> > > >
> > > > I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep count
of
> > the
> > > > number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import
AutoCAD
> > > > drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a false
> > sense
> > > > of security allowing you to import two or three drawings
faultlessly,
> > then
> > > > kapow!
> > > >
> > > > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery
to
> > > > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> > > >
> > > > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond
to
> > this?
> > > >
> > > > Happy Cadding
> > > >
> > > > Barry
> > > > YORK, England
> > >
>

[Anonymous]

Why is CL listed as sender on my screen?
and Why does it stay as Unread?

Gerhard

Barry Higginbottom wrote:
>
> I knew it was too good to last!
>
> Although I now admit defeat, I have found out that I can now tell when AS8
> is going to crash when loading 'dwg' files.
>
> In the file open dialog have the preview option checked.
>
> If the file don't preview then crash time is coming!
>
> Perhaps AS will respond?
>
> Barry
>
> "CL" wrote in message
> news:3C51B307.9B53CFA9@lakefield.net...
> > You ask the best question of all.... Why would we want 3d entities
> considered
> > *at all* in a 2d program ??
> >
> > Unless of course there is a future of 3d for Sketch ??? I'll take it !
> >
> > I wonder if the knowledge base indicates why such an option
> exists.............
> >
> > Chris
> >
> > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> >
> > > Chris
> > >
> > > I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the answer
> > > from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its versions
> doesn't
> > > like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough, AS8 *is* a 2D
> product
> > > after all.
> > >
> > > In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase
> recommends
> > > selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the "Ignore
> 3D
> > > Data" item.
> > >
> > > I have also selected the "Map SHX to True Type" option and now every one
> of
> > > the files I was having trouble with the other day opened without a
> problem.
> > >
> > > I have two questions for AutoDesk.
> > >
> > > 1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by default,
> in
> > > fact why is it there at all?
> > > AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items
> anyway.
> > >
> > > 2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't
> someone
> > > from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have
> saved me
> > > a whole load of grief!
> > >
> > > I hope this short report may help somebody else.
> > >
> > > Barry
> > >
> > > "Chris L" wrote in message
> > > news:3C4CE0B0.740D35F@lakefield.net...
> > > > Barry,
> > > > Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you go
> back
> > > to
> > > > using a previous version or is there something that restricts you from
> > > doing so
> > > > ?
> > > >
> > > > I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts and
> > > giggles"
> > > > that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have
> since
> > > just
> > > > made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good. Might
> > > even be a
> > > > full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.
> > > >
> > > > I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do not
> want
> > > to
> > > > start over with a different program for some of the work I do along
> the
> > > lines of
> > > > Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous work
> > > would
> > > > need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One thing I
> hate
> > > is
> > > > when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do not
> need
> > > it
> > > > that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.
> > > >
> > > > I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of
> Prodesktop
> > > > express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the
> best
> > > thing
> > > > going and its free !
> > > >
> > > > Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good
> > > demonstrations.
> > > > If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to take
> > > anything
> > > > away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.
> > > >
> > > > Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day since
> their
> > > last
> > > > attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we
> rate??
> > > >
> > > > Chris L
> > > >
> > > > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for
> tomorrow
> > > which
> > > > > just happens to require importing some drawings made with AutoCAD
> > > LT2000.
> > > > >
> > > > > I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell, I'm
> only
> > > > > trying to make a living.
> > > > >
> > > > > I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep count
> of
> > > the
> > > > > number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import
> AutoCAD
> > > > > drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a false
> > > sense
> > > > > of security allowing you to import two or three drawings
> faultlessly,
> > > then
> > > > > kapow!
> > > > >
> > > > > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery
> to
> > > > > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> > > > >
> > > > > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond
> to
> > > this?
> > > > >
> > > > > Happy Cadding
> > > > >
> > > > > Barry
> > > > > YORK, England
> > > >
> >

[Anonymous]

Good question Gerhard, because I can't even see my original post let alone
have it plagierised by another!

Barry

"Gerhard Selzer" wrote in message
news:3C52C019.AE11CA44@bellsouth.net...
> Why is CL listed as sender on my screen?
> and Why does it stay as Unread?
>
> Gerhard
>
> Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> >
> > I knew it was too good to last!
> >
> > Although I now admit defeat, I have found out that I can now tell when
AS8
> > is going to crash when loading 'dwg' files.
> >
> > In the file open dialog have the preview option checked.
> >
> > If the file don't preview then crash time is coming!
> >
> > Perhaps AS will respond?
> >
> > Barry
> >
> > "CL" wrote in message
> > news:3C51B307.9B53CFA9@lakefield.net...
> > > You ask the best question of all.... Why would we want 3d entities
> > considered
> > > *at all* in a 2d program ??
> > >
> > > Unless of course there is a future of 3d for Sketch ??? I'll take it
!
> > >
> > > I wonder if the knowledge base indicates why such an option
> > exists.............
> > >
> > > Chris
> > >
> > > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> > >
> > > > Chris
> > > >
> > > > I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the
answer
> > > > from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its versions
> > doesn't
> > > > like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough, AS8 *is* a 2D
> > product
> > > > after all.
> > > >
> > > > In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase
> > recommends
> > > > selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the
"Ignore
> > 3D
> > > > Data" item.
> > > >
> > > > I have also selected the "Map SHX to True Type" option and now every
one
> > of
> > > > the files I was having trouble with the other day opened without a
> > problem.
> > > >
> > > > I have two questions for AutoDesk.
> > > >
> > > > 1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by
default,
> > in
> > > > fact why is it there at all?
> > > > AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items
> > anyway.
> > > >
> > > > 2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't
> > someone
> > > > from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have
> > saved me
> > > > a whole load of grief!
> > > >
> > > > I hope this short report may help somebody else.
> > > >
> > > > Barry
> > > >
> > > > "Chris L" wrote in message
> > > > news:3C4CE0B0.740D35F@lakefield.net...
> > > > > Barry,
> > > > > Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you
go
> > back
> > > > to
> > > > > using a previous version or is there something that restricts you
from
> > > > doing so
> > > > > ?
> > > > >
> > > > > I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts
and
> > > > giggles"
> > > > > that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have
> > since
> > > > just
> > > > > made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good.
Might
> > > > even be a
> > > > > full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.
> > > > >
> > > > > I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do
not
> > want
> > > > to
> > > > > start over with a different program for some of the work I do
along
> > the
> > > > lines of
> > > > > Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous
work
> > > > would
> > > > > need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One
thing I
> > hate
> > > > is
> > > > > when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do
not
> > need
> > > > it
> > > > > that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.
> > > > >
> > > > > I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of
> > Prodesktop
> > > > > express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the
> > best
> > > > thing
> > > > > going and its free !
> > > > >
> > > > > Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good
> > > > demonstrations.
> > > > > If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to
take
> > > > anything
> > > > > away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.
> > > > >
> > > > > Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day
since
> > their
> > > > last
> > > > > attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we
> > rate??
> > > > >
> > > > > Chris L
> > > > >
> > > > > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for
> > tomorrow
> > > > which
> > > > > > just happens to require importing some drawings made with
AutoCAD
> > > > LT2000.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell,
I'm
> > only
> > > > > > trying to make a living.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep
count
> > of
> > > > the
> > > > > > number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import
> > AutoCAD
> > > > > > drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a
false
> > > > sense
> > > > > > of security allowing you to import two or three drawings
> > faultlessly,
> > > > then
> > > > > > kapow!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash
recovery
> > to
> > > > > > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to
respond
> > to
> > > > this?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Happy Cadding
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Barry
> > > > > > YORK, England
> > > > >
> > >

[Anonymous]

Look at the last six or so messages.
All the post names are messed up.
Must be the V7 & V8 syndrome.
Graham's note was not even afforded the reduced
dignity to be buried in Take5 and just replaced
by something else.

Gerhard, V6.01

Barry Higginbottom wrote:
>
> Good question Gerhard, because I can't even see my original post let alone
> have it plagierised by another!
>
> Barry
>
> "Gerhard Selzer" wrote in message
> news:3C52C019.AE11CA44@bellsouth.net...
> > Why is CL listed as sender on my screen?
> > and Why does it stay as Unread?
> >
> > Gerhard
> >
> > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> > >
> > > I knew it was too good to last!
> > >
> > > Although I now admit defeat, I have found out that I can now tell when
> AS8
> > > is going to crash when loading 'dwg' files.
> > >
> > > In the file open dialog have the preview option checked.
> > >
> > > If the file don't preview then crash time is coming!
> > >
> > > Perhaps AS will respond?
> > >
> > > Barry
> > >
> > > "CL" wrote in message
> > > news:3C51B307.9B53CFA9@lakefield.net...
> > > > You ask the best question of all.... Why would we want 3d entities
> > > considered
> > > > *at all* in a 2d program ??
> > > >
> > > > Unless of course there is a future of 3d for Sketch ??? I'll take it
> !
> > > >
> > > > I wonder if the knowledge base indicates why such an option
> > > exists.............
> > > >
> > > > Chris
> > > >
> > > > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Chris
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the
> answer
> > > > > from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its versions
> > > doesn't
> > > > > like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough, AS8 *is* a 2D
> > > product
> > > > > after all.
> > > > >
> > > > > In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase
> > > recommends
> > > > > selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the
> "Ignore
> > > 3D
> > > > > Data" item.
> > > > >
> > > > > I have also selected the "Map SHX to True Type" option and now every
> one
> > > of
> > > > > the files I was having trouble with the other day opened without a
> > > problem.
> > > > >
> > > > > I have two questions for AutoDesk.
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by
> default,
> > > in
> > > > > fact why is it there at all?
> > > > > AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items
> > > anyway.
> > > > >
> > > > > 2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't
> > > someone
> > > > > from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have
> > > saved me
> > > > > a whole load of grief!
> > > > >
> > > > > I hope this short report may help somebody else.
> > > > >
> > > > > Barry
> > > > >
> > > > > "Chris L" wrote in message
> > > > > news:3C4CE0B0.740D35F@lakefield.net...
> > > > > > Barry,
> > > > > > Sorry to hear that there are these re-occouring issues. Could you
> go
> > > back
> > > > > to
> > > > > > using a previous version or is there something that restricts you
> from
> > > > > doing so
> > > > > > ?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I will agree that back when my version decided to work in "spurts
> and
> > > > > giggles"
> > > > > > that the Crash Recovery DID work. That I was happy for too. I have
> > > since
> > > > > just
> > > > > > made sure I do not change much on that computer. So far so good.
> Might
> > > > > even be a
> > > > > > full year without any Crashes. Just the same old issues.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I just ordered another copy of v7. I admit, I gave in. I just do
> not
> > > want
> > > > > to
> > > > > > start over with a different program for some of the work I do
> along
> > > the
> > > > > lines of
> > > > > > Cad that gets used for CAM. It would mean that all of my previous
> work
> > > > > would
> > > > > > need to be brought up to date and match with everything. One
> thing I
> > > hate
> > > > > is
> > > > > > when you have numerous varieties of CAD formats if you really do
> not
> > > need
> > > > > it
> > > > > > that way. I have kept all of my Sketch drawings in the native SKF.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I am going to spend much more time with PTC's free release of
> > > Prodesktop
> > > > > > express. Lot's of individuals are claiming it to be absolutely the
> > > best
> > > > > thing
> > > > > > going and its free !
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Gerhard, That may be the ticket for you for 3d work. Very good
> > > > > demonstrations.
> > > > > > If you need a link, Send me an E-mail. I sure would not want to
> take
> > > > > anything
> > > > > > away from my favorite 2d cad program by posting it here.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day
> since
> > > their
> > > > > last
> > > > > > attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we
> > > rate??
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Chris L
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Barry Higginbottom wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > OK, it's Sunday afternoon I'm trying to finish my project for
> > > tomorrow
> > > > > which
> > > > > > > just happens to require importing some drawings made with
> AutoCAD
> > > > > LT2000.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I know that I'm a fool to take on such a huge task, but hell,
> I'm
> > > only
> > > > > > > trying to make a living.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I didn't realise that I could have so much fun trying to keep
> count
> > > of
> > > > > the
> > > > > > > number of different ways that AS8 could crash trying to import
> > > AutoCAD
> > > > > > > drawings. The really cool thing is the way it draws you into a
> false
> > > > > sense
> > > > > > > of security allowing you to import two or three drawings
> > > faultlessly,
> > > > > then
> > > > > > > kapow!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash
> recovery
> > > to
> > > > > > > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to
> respond
> > > to
> > > > > this?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Happy Cadding
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Barry
> > > > > > > YORK, England
> > > > > >
> > > >

[Anonymous]

Gerhard and All -

Our apologies for the newsgroup server problems this past week.
If you are still having problems with your newsgroup reader and
are seeing scrambled messages or missing messages you know should
be there, remove your cache and reload the groups you watch. I
had to do so with my newsgroup reader and all seems to be
straightened out and running quickly and well.

This occured throughout the newsgroups and was not limited to
AutoSketch.
--
Anne Brown
Manager, Moderator
Autodesk Product Support Discussion Groups
Discussion Q&A: http://www.autodesk.com/discussion

Gerhard Selzer wrote:
>
> Look at the last six or so messages.
> All the post names are messed up. (snip)

[Anonymous]

Barry,

Please let me first note that I have read your posts and will continue to do my
best to stay more current on the issues involved here on the Autosketch
discussion group.
>Your looking for an AD reply ?? Its almost 1 month to the day since their last
> attempt to answer any questions. Might be an indication of how we rate??

I have two questions for AutoDesk.

1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by default, in
fact why is it there at all?
AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items anyway.

It is important to note that not all drawings or drafters are alike. Certainly
having some flexibility about how to import DWG files can be important. When
importing a dwg file being able to map SHX text to True Type font makes the text
come into Autosketch as text and not as a group of entities.
I found the following information in the Autosketch help files
Index : Importing Drawing files
Topics Found: Autocad Conversions.

I hope this helps!

AutoCAD Conversions
AutoSketch imports and exports AutoCAD DXF and DWG files. The DXF filter reads
all versions through AutoCAD 2000 and AutoCAD LT 2000. When saving a file, three
DXF filters and two DWG filters are provided so you can create either Release
12/LT 2 or 2000 files. Entities are converted as follows:

Entity conversions

From AutoSketch Into AutoCAD
arc arc
circle circle
ellipse ellipse
line line
marker block or point (No-plot diamond is
ignored)
symbol block
text text
irregular polygon polyline
polyline polyline
sketch polyline polyline
fitted curve polyline
spline curve polyline
OLE Object cannot be exported
pictures cannot be exported

The following conversions occur when exporting to DXF or DWG:

Pixel width is ignored.
Layer and block names are modified to conform to AutoCAD naming conventions.
Only alphanumeric characters, "$", "_", and "-" are allowed. Invalid characters
are converted to underscores.
Text borders are lost.
Only database fields associated with symbols are exported as AutoCAD
attributes.
UIDs and hyperlinks are lost.
Polygons with holes are exported as multiple polygons.

The following limitations should be observed when creating files in AutoSketch
if you plan to export them to AutoCADespecially if you plan to re-open the file
in AutoSketch.

Limit names to alphanumeric characters without blanks for layers, fields,
symbols, and so on.
Do not use pixel width for entities.
Do not use fields assigned to entity types other than symbols.
Dimensions are exported as the subentities that make up the dimension.

AutoCAD R12 Specifics:

Bitmap fills are not exported.

The following limitations occur when exporting from AutoSketch to AutoCAD
Release 12.

All TrueType fonts are exported as standard text styles. For best results, use
the following AutoSketch fonts:

AutoCAD Font AutoSketch Font
TXT TXT.ttf
COMPLEX Complex.ttf
ITALIC Italic.ttf
SIMPLEX Simplex.ttf
The following conversions occur when importing DWG into AutoSketch:

Entity conversions

From AutoCAD Into AutoSketch
3D face irregular polygon
arc arc
circle circle
dimension dimension (Range and +/- tolerancing only)

ellipse ellipse
group group
hatch group
block symbol (see Symbol Note)
leader polyline/curve and optional marker
line line
Minsert grouped, multiple symbols
Mline grouped lines (endcaps and fills are
lost)
Mtext text (see Text Note)
point point marker
polyline (2D) and lwpoline polyline, spline curve, or fitted curve
polyline (3D) polyline or fitted curve
ray Line (drawn 10 units in one
direction from the basepoint)
solid filled irregular polygon
spline spline curve
text text (see Text Note)
trace segment filled irregular polygon
x-line Line (drawn 10 units in either
direction from the basepoint)
Notes

Paper space is ignored when importing AutoCAD drawings which utilize model
space. If no entities exist in model space, AutoSketch will translate all
entities from paper space.
AutoSketch automatically performs an autofit operation when importing AutoCAD
files. This may result in a repositioning of the drawing origin.
Layer information within a block is lost on import into AutoSketch. Entities
within an AutoSketch symbol are placed on the same layer as the symbol instance.
It is suggested that you explode blocks before import to maintain best visual
integrity.

ATTDEFs are converted to fields with the field name from the Tag applied. A
formula is inserted at the location of the ATTDEF in the form of
<%db("TAGNAME")> if the ATTDEF is visible. When an instance of a block which
contains an ATTDEF is placed, the attribute is forced to the default position.
Custom position of attributes within an instance is not supported.
Only line styles that are already defined in AutoSketch can be imported. All
standard AutoCAD line styles are included in AutoSketch Release 7, however
custom line styles must be added manually. Complex lines styles are ignored and
mapped to solid. For information on creating custom styles in AutoSketch see
Creating Custom Pen Styles.

Hatches are imported as polygons with hidden edges and a fill pattern that
corresponds to the hatch pattern. If AutoSketch does not have a hatch pattern
that matches the AutoCAD pattern, the hatch is broken into groups of individual
lines and/or point markers. AutoSketch has no by-layer fills, so when importing
an entity from AutoCAD that contains a solid hatch with by-layer fill, it
assigns the entity's layer pen color to the fill. By-block fills are not
supported and become black. Associative hatches loose their associations.

SHX text is imported as polygons and polylines when importing AutoCAD drawings.
Note that the Map to TrueType check box in the DWG Import options dialog must be
selected. If Mtext contains a mix of TrueType and SHX text, the SHX text is not
converted to polygons and is instead converted to a TrueType match.

When you import DXF or DWG files, AutoSketch ignores most objects it does not
recognize (that is, objects that have no equivalent in AutoSketch). However, in
the case of 3-dimensional objects, AutoSketch also gives you the option to
"flatten" 3D objects. When a 3D object is flattened, it is first translated into
facets, which, in turn, are translated into 2-dimensional polygons.

AutoCAD entity AutoSketch Import Options
3D Solid flattened or ignored
Body flattened or ignored
Feature control frames ignored
OLEframes ignored
Region flattened or ignored
PolyFaceMesh flattened or ignored
PolygonMesh flattened or ignored
Proxy ignored
Viewport ignored
Shape ignored
Raster image ignored
Similarly, custom application objects, elevation, extrusion direction,
thickness, XDATA, and XRECORDS are ignored on import.
The Import Options dialog box, which is only available when importing a DWG or
DXF file, allows you some control of the way AutoSketch imports AutoCAD
drawings. The Import Options dialog box allows you to assign a default
measurement system to the existing units in an AutoCAD drawing. For instance,
you can assign a value of 1 inch to each unit in an AutoCAD drawing. The Import
Options dialog box also allows you to control whether some 3D entities imported
from AutoCAD are flattened or ignored (see table above).

Copyright 2002 Autodesk, Inc.

2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't someone
from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have saved me
a whole load of grief!

See above. Info.


--
Melissa Leggee
Autodesk Product Support, Americas
WW Support and Services, Autodesk
Discussion Q & A: <>



Barry Higginbottom wrote:

> Chris
>
> I'm coming back to this post because I think I have found out the answer
> from the AS Knowledge Base. It appears that AS in all its versions doesn't
> like 3D entities in ACAD drawings, that's fair enough, AS8 *is* a 2D product
> after all.
>
> In view of this when importing AutoCad files the knowledgebase recommends
> selecting from the options available in the file open dialog the "Ignore 3D
> Data" item.
>
> I have also selected the "Map SHX to True Type" option and now every one of
> the files I was having trouble with the other day opened without a problem.
>
> I have two questions for AutoDesk.
>
> 1. If this is a known issue why is not this option selected by default, in
> fact why is it there at all?
> AS only has 3D pretensions so I presume can't handle dwg 3D items anyway.
>
> 2. If there is an article on the knowledgebase why on earth didn't someone
> from AutoDesk say so when I first posted the problem? It would have saved me
> a whole load of grief!
>
> I hope this short report may help somebody else.
>
> Barry
>
>
> > > At least I can thank you at AutoDesk for allowing the crash recovery to
> > > work, cause I can't hit CTRL-S often enough to beat this baby.
> >



> >>>
> > > I wonder if anyone from AutoDesk will have the courtesy to respond to
> this?
> > >
> > > Happy Cadding
> > >
> > > Barry
> > > YORK, England
> >

[Anonymous]

Melissa

Thank you for your interest, a rare and welcomed event on this forum!

> Please let me first note that I have read your posts and will continue to
do my
> best to stay more current on the issues involved here on the Autosketch
> discussion group.

Good.

> I hope this helps!

So do I

> The following conversions occur when importing DWG into AutoSketch:

> SHX text is imported as polygons and polylines when importing AutoCAD
drawings.
> Note that the Map to TrueType check box in the DWG Import options dialog
must be
> selected. If Mtext contains a mix of TrueType and SHX text, the SHX text
is not
> converted to polygons and is instead converted to a TrueType match.

Paul may put me right here but I thought that pre V8 that SHX text was
imported as text entities

Why change it if it wasn't broken?

> When you import DXF or DWG files, AutoSketch ignores most objects it does
not
> recognize (that is, objects that have no equivalent in AutoSketch).
However, in
> the case of 3-dimensional objects, AutoSketch also gives you the option to
> "flatten" 3D objects. When a 3D object is flattened, it is first
translated into
> facets, which, in turn, are translated into 2-dimensional polygons.

> See above. Info.

Melissa, my problem is not with the principles of the import filters, I too
can read help files and have done over the many years of the use of this
product in all its incarnations. (AutoDesk, Softdesk, Foresight Resources)

It seems to me that V8, which has some nice features, is just not ready for
the end user. It's just too flaky and crashes at the most inconvenient
times, not just importing dwg files, although that is relevant to me at the
moment, but any for any reason it just seems to give up. I've never had so
many IPFs in kernel32, unknown, sketch.exe, etc. since installing V8.

V6.01 was and probably still is the most stable platform and if wasn't for
the fact that 601 can't read 7 or 8 files I'd still be using it.

I still have a copy of DrafixCad 4.11 on my system for the jobs that V8
can't do! (Macros is particular, but I've given up on any hope of ever
seeing that in AS)

I have on my system a very simple 2D drawing created by LT2000 that AS8 will
NOT open without crashing but QC7 opens it without any problem at all.

Is that progress?

I hope that you continue to follow all posts on this forum with interest and
that the People at AutoDesk who make the decisions finally listen to the
people that actually use this product to make a living.

Barry Higginbottom
YORK, England.