What software are you guy's using?

[NormS]

	Quote: Originally Posted by esc
	Hi Norm, 2-D is much easier to recommend - the world leader without a doubt is AutoCAD. Nothing else comes close. In fact it says it all when you know that the accepted de-facto file standard is AutoCAD ".dwg" and ".dxf" . . . . Dave

I'm an engineer and I've actually played around a little with AutoCAD; the problem I've got with it is its cost. However, I understand that there's a free version of TruboCAD floating around, and there were also some other good sounding 2D programs on the freeCAD site.

I've got Andy Lennon's book and I've also read Martin Simons' book "Model Aircraft Aerodynamics" and "The Simple Science of Flight" by Henk Tennekes, which was interesting but not very useful. I really liked Simons' book didn't need to buy it because I can always get it at the library. I was thinking about buying Carlos Reyes' new book ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982261322/ref=cm... )
based on the recommendation in MA, but I'll certainly check out the two you mentioned before I do anything.

A loooong time ago I designed a flying wing for schoolyard CL combat, but that doesn't really count much towards RC design experience where planes have three-axis maneuverability. I'm a long way from trying an RC design, but if I do one and it flies reasonably well I'll be sure to post it on FG.

Thanks a lot for the tips and insights.
-NormS

[rcpilot82]

Norm, if you are computer saavy, download a torrent program such as utorent and search there for acad. you will find many free copies In case you were wondering, no I didn't get mine there, but I have used it for other programs.

[esc]

Hi Norm,

There are two versions of both AutoCAD and Inventor - 32 bit (referred to as x86) and 64 bit (referred to as x64). Make sure you find the right one for your PC operating system. The 32 bit version will not run on a 64 bit operating system, it should but it won't!

The book you give a link to - "RCadvisor's Model Airplane Design Made Easy" - sounds as if it might be worth investing in.

Rob and I are engineers too. I have no doubt your first design will be a great success and I cannot wait to see it.

Dave

[NormS]

Dave/Rob, thanks a lot for the info and encouragement. It could be a while before I've got a prototyped design to publish but I'll post status, if there is any.
Thanks a lot.
NormS

[classclown]

Am learning Solidworks right now.

[esc]

Good for you Classclown. How are you finding the learning curve?

Are you planning on designing any models when you have come to grips with the software or do you have another use in mind?

Good luck,

Dave

[classclown]

Thanks Dave. So far so good. I'm learning it quite well. I work for a small UAV outfit here in Virginia, and my boss is pushing this on me, and I am not complaining. He's already asking me to come up with ideas. He's all about me playing with the program and designing stuff for myself, so that I can learn the program in my own way, with his help. Really excited about it!!! One of my projects is a set of wings for my 50cc Aeroworks 260. Its got an 85" wingspan. I plan on giving it an 87 or 88" wingspan by drawing up a completely new set of wings. But its gonna be a while. Right now, I have a half built Trex 600 helicopter, which I plan on making parts for. I figured on a conversion kit to swap out the .50 OS Hyper to an OS 70 Hyper. Nice little exercise. Designing the main gear is kicking my ass. The tail is no problem as I will be cheating by swapping out the 600 tail boom and tranny with one from the Trex 700, torque tube and all. Outta be fun to fly!!! Wish me luck! Steve

[esc]

Hi Steve,

You sound to have a lot going on at once. All new software, in particular solid modellers, have a steep learning curve at the start but it soon begins to level out once you have got past the basics. You can reckon on about 3 months before you will feel nicely comfortable with it, and then 6-12 months to be really competent.

The initial curve can seem to be incredibly steep because you have the pressures of a commercial environment to meet. Your need to master the software quickly, and of course you have the personal challenge of not wanting to let anyone down.

You are definitely going about it the right way though - having specific goals in mind will spur you on to experiment and you will learn faster because of it. Just playing around with non-specific models will only reinforce what you already know. Yours is the fastest route to competency.

Your UAV outfit sound like a good interesting job - combining your hobby with work, how good is that! I am jealous.

It's obviously early days for you yet but please come back and post some of your work, I would love to see what you are doing.

We do have some very good people on this forum that have years of experience with SolidWorks - not me unfortunately. You will find that they will have faced similar or identical prolems to yourself in the past and can probably offer solutions.

You don't need to ask me to wish you luck - you know I do!

Regards,

Dave

[classclown]

Thanks Dave. Yes, I can't wait to get really fluid with the program. Too many ideas, too little time. I will post some stuff as soon as I get better on it. Stay tuned!!! Steve

[bob101]

Anyone want to recommend something really simple for simple 3d. I use AutoCad for a living and do 100% 2-D and am locked into a legacy version due to the proprietary software that I use that can't be replaced without spending about 5 years worth of income...

So already versed in CAD and have been using it now for 20 years.

But I would like a simple program to be able to extrude simple shapes and cut a section thru. I have a ton of plans that use foam wings etc...that give me a root and tip rib and I'd like to build them with traditional built up surfaces. I'd like to able to draw out the shapes (I can already do that) and extrude them into a wing and cut a section at a given point to get the intermediate ribs.

Not looking to do anything more elaborate like draw fuses out etc...

I can currently make the wings in 2d only mode but it would go much faster in 3d

[MODE 1]

Bob I dunno if 3DMax is something your interested in but its worth a try. You can animate cad drawings ...obviously you dont have to do that you can keep it simple. Cad can be imported so you would be comfortable with at least the starter part of the leaning curve.

[Mithrandir]

	Quote: Originally Posted by bob101
	Anyone want to recommend something really simple for simple 3d. I use AutoCad for a living and do 100% 2-D and am locked into a legacy version due to the proprietary software that I use that can't be replaced without spending about 5 years worth of income... So already versed in CAD and have been using it now for 20 years. But I would like a simple program to be able to extrude simple shapes and cut a section thru. I have a ton of plans that use foam wings etc...that give me a root and tip rib and I'd like to build them with traditional built up surfaces. I'd like to able to draw out the shapes (I can already do that) and extrude them into a wing and cut a section at a given point to get the intermediate ribs. Not looking to do anything more elaborate like draw fuses out etc... I can currently make the wings in 2d only mode but it would go much faster in 3d

did you look here... http://www.freecad.com/

and did you google "Free Cad Software".... might find good stuff

[esc]

Hi Bob101,

Unfortunately the simple answer is that there are no simple 3D package available - it's the nature of the beast, 3D is complicated. That said I think what you are really asking for is a program that is intuitive and relatively easy to come to grips with. Every 3D program has it's quirks and foibles and what I, or others think is intuitive, you may not.

My personal advice to you would be to stick with AutoDesk software. You have lots of experience with AutoCAD and I think that you will really appreciate AutoDesk's Inventor, and find the transition to be reasonably easy. I know that it is expensive, but like all of these programs it is available for very little if you search the internet. As a professional designer I cannot advocate software piracy, but it is a fact that it is possible to get hold of these programs for zero outlay.

I am going to stick my neck out and say that of the other leading professional 3D packages I would personally advise them in this order of ease of use (others may structure this list differently):

1) Inventor
2) SolidWorks
2) SolidEdge
3) Siemens NX
4) PTC Pro Engineer Wildfire
5) Catia

One serious advantage with sticking with these professional programs is the training, the web forums, the books and the advice available to users of them.

I hope this helps. Good luck with whatever you choose and please come back and let us know how you go on and share some of your thoughts and designs.

Regards all.

Dave

[papajay]

I have over 10 years with 3dsmax!!!!
Most professional software cost a lot, not worth it if you're not making income from these software.
Try Blender, its free and have a busy forum to ask for help.

[bob101]

Problem SOLVED.

$38 program CompuFoil will take a coordinate list off a .dxf or even if I do it by hand in AutoCad and create an airfoil. Do root and tip, set the wing sweep front and rear, set the number of ribs and presto a full plan for each rib. Even lets you do sheeting thickness, leading edge/trailing edge, spar cutouts, lightening holes, washout ,etc....even will put trailing edge tabs to build the wing level without a jig.

Also can plot a full size wing plan with ribs/spars on it so I can build the wing right over the plot.

Sure beats learning a whole new 3D system just to make simple wings. In 5 minutes in the demo I can already do everything I need it to.

Not bad for $38 and a 5 minute learning curve.