What software are you guy's using?

[esc]

Hi Guy's - as a professional designer I use AutoDesk Inventor Pro and AutoCAD to do my designs and drawings. What software are you using?

I recently designed the 3D plane in the attached picture but have taken it no further. I posted it on a couple of web sites to see if anyone wanted to take it on and build one - I have not the spare time to do it myself at the moment. I got no response primarily I think because I was only offering files in Inventor or AutoCAD format - hence the reason for my question.

As well as native Inventor and AutoCAD files I can output in IGES, SAT, STEP, STL plus 2 types of Pro/E and 2 types of Parasolid files.

I think this is going to be an interesting forum and one I shall keep an eye on.

Good luck.

Dave

[Vern Smith]

I'm using OneCNC, a CAM software that includes a CAD package as well as solid modeling capabilities. You only need CAM software if you are taking 2D drawings or 3D models or surfaces and creating CNC tool paths from them. My package will import and export STEP, IGES, DXF, PDF, and JPG. My experience has been if you handle STEP and IGES you can deal with 99% of the folks out there. I've been told that STEP and IGES are the two internationally recognized formats.

Not to make anyone mad but it looks to me like most of the guys on this forum are into ARF's and flying rather them scratch building. You might have better luck generating interest in your design at the main RC Groups web site.

Vern

[esc]

Hi Vern,

RC Groups was one of the first places I posted the design but without any more than a couple of interested people, and they would have wanted PDF files or similar. Unfortunately, as I said, my time is short at the moment.

I suppose I am going to have to prove it myself and get laser or CNC cut parts and build it myself. That's OK, it's just going to be a while before I can get round to doing that.

The main problem with both STEP and IGES files is the lack of a history tree. I have a feature recognition program that I downloaded from AutoDesk's lab. that recognises features and builds a history tree. Unfortunately it is fallable and not every model comes through without work. I have had errors on files exported from the same copy of Inventor in .igs format and brought back in using the feature recognition software - go figure!

With a new generation of solid modellers on the way that don't rely on a history tree this type of problem might become a thing of the past - I wish! AutoDesk are already previewing the next generation of software on their web site.

Dave

[rcpilot82]

I use AutoCad 2008, MasterCAM X3, Mach3 for my design, CAM, and CNC software. I love to scratch build everything. I am finishing up on a few projects and may have some time soon to give it a go. I have my own cnc router and access to a laser cutter. How about a few specs on the plane? Looks fun to me. PM me if intrested. Oh yeah, I have inventor 10 Pro but am still learing to use it. I have been doing acad for so long it's hard to break old habits.

[esc]

The change over to solid modelling will be a revelation for you. By preference I would use nothing else, however since I have been using AutoCAD since Rel. 2.6 I know the benefits of working both side-by-side. I wish you luck with your learning curve.

I will be more than glad to give you details of the plane and a set of the files as well, all I ask is that you don't sell the design to anybody or make money from it, and that you let me know how you get on with the build/flying so I can make any changes that may be necessary.

I have a minor alteration to the tailplane I want to make before I offer the files - if you notice in the photograph there is not a lot to attach the heat shrink covering to at the point where the tailplane meets the fuselage. It's a simple mod. and one I will do before offering the files. I may remove some weight and alter the wing tips as well.

In the mean time it is 30" span and has elements of several different planes. I have not fixed on a motor yet but probably something of the size of a Hacker A20 22L running a 10x4.7" APC slow fly prop, 910mAH 3 cell li-po pack and 20A esc. Hitec HS55's size and weight servos and lightweight Rx.

I will try to make time this week to complete the changes and I will post again when they are complete.

Happy landings,

Dave

[rcpilot82]

Yeah, the solid modelling curve has been intresting to say the least, but very cool. No problem with keeping the project to myself, I can understand that one. I have the exact setup above with the exception of using a axi vs hacker. I'll pm you my e-mail. This sounds like a cool project.

[Mithrandir]

Pro/E

Pro/E has some nice capabilities like the "Mechanism" application.... handy for designing mechanical systems....

here is a layout of a rudder linkage..... ready for detailing now!!

[rcpilot82]

nice, whats the slides going to be made from? delrin?

[Edge 540]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Vern Smith
	Not to make anyone mad but it looks to me like most of the guys on this forum are into ARF's and flying rather them scratch building. You might have better luck generating interest in your design at the main RC Groups web site. Vern

Somebody has to draw up your ARF's too....

[Mithrandir]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rcpilot82
	nice, whats the slides going to be made from? delrin?

There is a sizze of plastic tube from pushrods that has like a .007" clearance fit over 3/16" music wire.... very smooth with little friction....
two rails... one on each side of the sliding tray

[Wojcigitty]

I started in Autocad and moved to Solidworks...In my mind it can not be beat. The history tree is awesome, it's super easy and intuitive, it's parametric so it's easy to change a design or make multiple configurations of a design, I love it.

For a school project I designed and built (not finished yet) a formula-style racecar. We did everything in Solidworks. I designed, among other things, the chassis, and being able to tweak dimensions and drive things with equations and complex relations was key.

[Mithrandir]

I used Pro/E to develop this rudder rack mechanism and to setup the "Servo Motors" to drive the servos.... I am gonna use this setup in a 40% plane.....
I still need to detail it though.. but I got the basic layout done...
I used a skelaton model and "Top-Down" assy practices...




http://www.giantcircus.com/Videos/RUDDER_TRAY.mpg

[Pro1Foam]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Mithrandir
	Pro/E Pro/E has some nice capabilities like the "Mechanism" application.... handy for designing mechanical systems.... here is a layout of a rudder linkage..... ready for detailing now!! Attachment 184421 Attachment 184422 Attachment 184423

BTW, you do know that you are limited by your weakest servo. Are you going for throw or power?

[Mithrandir]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Pro1Foam
	BTW, you do know that you are limited by your weakest servo. Are you going for throw or power?

Look again... see how long the arm is on the tillar connection....
I have more available power with this then a traditional rudder rack

watch the below linked video.....look at the travel on the tillar.... same as all the rest.... plus'n'minus about 80 degrees....

http://www.giantcircus.com/Videos/RUDDER_TRAY.mpg

[Pro1Foam]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Mithrandir
	Look again... see how long the arm is on the tillar connection.... I have more available power with this then a traditional rudder rack watch the below linked video.....look at the travel on the tillar.... same as all the rest.... plus'n'minus about 80 degrees.... http://www.giantcircus.com/Videos/RUDDER_TRAY.mpg

Looks good. Just not seeing it being better.

Looks like you have short servo arms sending the same mechanical advantage (rotation in degrees) that a normal tray would have with the same tiller arm. It all computes out in the end.

Advantage: not matching servo travel.
Disadvantages: loosing efficency in over coming the sliding tray friction and redundancy.

Sry, I look at stuff like this for a living.