Can't change units

Can't change units

JetForMe
Collaborator Collaborator
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Message 1 of 3

Can't change units

JetForMe
Collaborator
Collaborator

I've been having a hard time changing the units in Model and CAM (the only modes I usually use) in the latest veersion, 2.0.2938, macOS 10.12.4. Normally you have to hover over the units entry in the browser to reveal the button that you click to get a modal dialog that lets you choose the units (UGH, why can't I change the units at any time using a simple popup menu that's always accessible?).

 

But now, hovering over it, clicking on it, nothing reveals the button. Sometimes switching modes gets it unstuck and working again.

 

Anyone else seeing this? Is there a way to get it to work reliably? Is there another way to change units? I'm having to go back and forth a lot in this project.

MacBook Pro, PCNC1100 Series 3, Slant-PRO 15L Lathe, Custom AvidCNC-based 4x9' CNC Router w/24k 4.5 kW HSD Spindle & Teknic SDSK Servos
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Message 2 of 3

Phil.E
Autodesk
Autodesk

Would it help if Units could be included in the Toolbox? 

Have you tried entering "mm" or "in" while adding dimensions? When I have mixed units, I pick the predominant one as default, and then enter units manually for the exceptions.

 

Suggestions aside, you are describing a bug. Can you post a video showing this so I can work on it?

 

Thanks,

 





Phil Eichmiller
Software Engineer
Quality Assurance
Autodesk, Inc.


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Message 3 of 3

JetForMe
Collaborator
Collaborator

It's almost never about entering the values, because I can specify units then. It's about using the measurement tool, or verifying a value (e.g. in CAM) in another system.

 

A small step would be to have a contextual menu on the units entry in the browser that just pops open with available units to select (bypassing the separate window that appears).

 

A better step would be for such a control to exist in a more prominent location, like near the orientation cube in the upper-right corner.

 

In all cases, changing units should immediately update all displayed units, even if some info pane is open (e.g. you've got a setup or tool path open in CAM or a move dialog open).

 

The best thing would be to have all values displayed in two units at a time, selectable (e.g. I can specify mm as primary and inches as secondary). Then, all editable fields and numeric displays show the primary units, and next to that in a non-editable label show the secondary units. Editable fields would still behave as they do today (e.g. interpret unspecified values in the primary unit system). I realize this would be a significant UI change, especially where there's not much room next to a field.

 

A small start on this would be to do that in the measure dialog.

 

All of this is likely easier than getting the US to finally switch to metric. 😉

MacBook Pro, PCNC1100 Series 3, Slant-PRO 15L Lathe, Custom AvidCNC-based 4x9' CNC Router w/24k 4.5 kW HSD Spindle & Teknic SDSK Servos
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