Carl Burns

Thanks! Overzealous upgrading,irrational exuberance, you can please some of the people all the time.... quote: Originally posted by SeanFlaherty: Carl, This looks like overzealous upgrading of the specs on our part. Windows 95 is still supported by the version that you have. Regards, Sean

The User's Guide and the 9.0 disk jacket call for W95 or better. To my surprise, the 9.0.1 version disk jacket calls for W98 or better. I'm still using W95...Is there an issue (it installed ok)? Thanks, Carl VA 9.0.1, W95, PII w/ 224MB RAM

I'm using the 430 (b&w, 24",w/ roll-feed) and am happy with it. It can be finicky to load, so sheet-feed could be a headache. Otherwise it just runs. quote: Originally posted by CARMELHILL2: Does VWA 9.0.1 have any problems with the HP Design Jet 430 24" roll plotter or with using the windows drive to plot with it? Thank you.

Possibly related?...About a year ago using VW 8.xx / W95, I updated the driver for my HP 4M printer and the VW leader lines became disoriented, rotated from the desired position. I returned to the slightly older version of the driver and everything printed properly again. Carl

How about layer, class, sheet in a related matrix...default window/palette opens to a layer/class matrix, but going UP the organization leads to sheet list, returning back down, to layer/class by sheet or to default...much like attributes as current, or default, versus controlled by class. They seem so closely related (layer, class, sheet) it seemed odd, when learning VW, to access them so differently.

GRAPHIC INTERFACE ON TOP OF NUMERICAL: In various areas, the ability to design by creating and / or manipulating a drawing (sort of like the much-maligned hatch / dashed line controls, but more flexible and more control)would I think make the program far more intuitive and in line with architectural goals and thinking. For many kinds of work and professions, controlling objects by plugging in numbers may be perfect, but for architects(generalizing wildly) it's the longest way around. The roof tool, window / door PIO's, etc. would all benefit I believe.

I've taught myself to use VW and suspect that the vast majority do also. Use any resources you can afford, though! Take classes. Learning about computers at the same time increases your work a bit, but it's doable. I don't know of a separate forum for beginners..I've never seen any question here or in the discussion group, no matter how simple, responded to except with respect and helpfulness. So, probably the separate forum is unnecessary. Just ask away. I got started with J. Kent's Works Tutorial and Works Manual (for VW8)(See "Improbability Press")and recommend them. There are many resources: explore this site throoughly, try the discussion group; mostly struggle along using the program and learning the basic concepts, many of which are shared across most CAD programs. There are seminars, user groups, a CD (all on this site I believe) and also U. of Penn offers some sort of online courses in VW (directed @ landscape design I think, but probably useful nontheless). If you are truly starting out with computers, you won't be using VW productively for some time; it just takes a while. Carl quote: Originally posted by Lyle Barnes: I am a contractor who is basically computer illiterate, but that can see the advantages of Cad drawings. Is there anyone out there that self-taught themselves how to use this program, and could offer any insights as to joys/frustrations? Is there a separate forum for newcomers?

Thanks for the thoughts. I'll check into that. In case your interested: a respondent from the VW discussion group suggested changing the nested symbols to groups and checking orientations in 3DEdit. Carl quote: Originally posted by Geoff Briggs: Carl, most WGR alignment errors are caused by different origins between the two files, something supposedly fixed in VW9. Because symbols are involved there may be issues of where the origin was located at the time the symbol was created. Geoff Briggs I & I Design iandidesign@home.com

As you say: plans, elevations of the model can be linked and updatable. I don't believe there's any way to link/update a model section in VW8.5.2 or VW/VA9.0. Carl

As you say: plans, elevations of the model can be linked and updatable. I don't believe there's any way to link/update a model section in VW8.5.2 or VW/VA9.0. Carl

Search archive @: VECTORWORKS-L@PEACH.EASE.LSOFT.COM It's a big topic, continually changing. I'm a PC user of VW; currently use an HP 430 and an HP 4M, also considering some kind of color output. Epson (I think) 1520 and 3000 are usual suspects. User opinion of HP varies widely (My experience has been great). I'll be interested to hear what you choose. Carl

Perhaps re-stating what others have said: 1 - Create model (3d). Work largely in plan. Use VW "layers", horizontal slices of space, to organize the model by floors and roof. 2 - Typical situation, with elements on different layers: To view the model one does a "layerlink", basically referencing in all desired layers into a new layer, where they can be seen in the right relationship to each other and the Z=0 plane. Layerlinks can be any scale, can be drawn upon further, can be added together...similar to paperspace in ACAD. 3 - The model is live and can be viewed from any angle, producing elevations, roof plans, "worm's eye" views. Changes will update. I don't know of any limits to size or height of the model itself. There are no live sections available. The Plan view is the unique section which is available and updatable, really the driver for the model. Note though that the elevations, etc. are not necessarily finished drawings...just depends. The sections are simply cut from the model and may be useful just as cut, or more likely need to be worked on to be useful. They become line or (polyline?)polygon drawings. I think that's about right. Carl

Perhaps re-stating what others have said: 1 - Create model (3d). Work largely in plan. Use VW "layers", horizontal slices of space, to organize the model by floors and roof. 2 - Typical situation, with elements on different layers: To view the model one does a "layerlink", basically referencing in all desired layers into a new layer, where they can be seen in the right relationship to each other and the Z=0 plane. Layerlinks can be any scale, can be drawn upon further, can be added together...similar to paperspace in ACAD. 3 - The model is live and can be viewed from any angle, producing elevations, roof plans, "worm's eye" views. Changes will update. I don't know of any limits to size or height of the model itself. There are no live sections available. The Plan view is the unique section which is available and updatable, really the driver for the model. Note though that the elevations, etc. are not necessarily finished drawings...just depends. The sections are simply cut from the model and may be useful just as cut, or more likely need to be worked on to be useful. They become line or (polyline?)polygon drawings. I think that's about right. Carl

VW (and VWA, VectorWorks Architect) are both hybrid CAD programs...there are very good 2d drafting tools and there is the capacity to create 3D models with some ease. Some observations from someone still learning the program, though using it now for 1-2 years: - 3D models are created and can be viewed / rendered as plan, or any perspective or othogonal view (Elevations, Roof/Site Plans, etc.). Sections can be derived from the model. They require work to make them useful drawings, and are not updated. (The positive way of stating this is that the software gives the designer the precise guidelines for the sections / elevations; the designer then fine tunes) - Models are created via PLAN. I haven't felt much ease in designing or modifying designs in SECTION with VW. This, for an architect used to thinking / working in section as much as plan, is a challenge; a classic case of having to adapt one's thinking / work habits to the software rather than visa / versa. - People seem to use VW/VWA many ways, some strictly as 2D drafting, others for 3D modeling and rendering, and everywhere inbetween. I LIKE this aspect of the program a lot: It doesn't require the construction of a 3D model, but is developing along those lines. For architectural additions/alterations and work involving more complex or atypical structures, the 3D model paradigm seems unworkable to me. VW/VWA provides traditional tools to work in 2D as well as 3D. - There is a pretty large architectural user base, lots of architecturally useful features (worksheets, rendering, dtm, redlining, notes...etc) and related software, various kinds of support and discussion. I suggest checking in on the discussion, and checking archives for: <VECTORWORKS-L@PEACH.EASE.LSOFT.COM> Carl quote: Originally posted by tom_k: thinking of starting using VectorWorks for my architectural work. One thing is unclear to me - is it model-centric software, like in other software - you first design 3D model, from which you get plans, sections, elevations. Or in VW you work separately on 2D and 3D. Is there advantages using VW, compared to high-end 2D program for 2D, and 3D modeler/ renderer for 3D? Thanks for your reply.. Tom

VW (and VWA, VectorWorks Architect) are both hybrid CAD programs...there are very good 2d drafting tools and there is the capacity to create 3D models with some ease. Some observations from someone still learning the program, though using it now for 1-2 years: - 3D models are created and can be viewed / rendered as plan, or any perspective or othogonal view (Elevations, Roof/Site Plans, etc.). Sections can be derived from the model. They require work to make them useful drawings, and are not updated. (The positive way of stating this is that the software gives the designer the precise guidelines for the sections / elevations; the designer then fine tunes) - Models are created via PLAN. I haven't felt much ease in designing or modifying designs in SECTION with VW. This, for an architect used to thinking / working in section as much as plan, is a challenge; a classic case of having to adapt one's thinking / work habits to the software rather than visa / versa. - People seem to use VW/VWA many ways, some strictly as 2D drafting, others for 3D modeling and rendering, and everywhere inbetween. I LIKE this aspect of the program a lot: It doesn't require the construction of a 3D model, but is developing along those lines. For architectural additions/alterations and work involving more complex or atypical structures, the 3D model paradigm seems unworkable to me. VW/VWA provides traditional tools to work in 2D as well as 3D. - There is a pretty large architectural user base, lots of architecturally useful features (worksheets, rendering, dtm, redlining, notes...etc) and related software, various kinds of support and discussion. I suggest checking in on the discussion, and checking archives for: <VECTORWORKS-L@PEACH.EASE.LSOFT.COM> Carl quote: Originally posted by tom_k: thinking of starting using VectorWorks for my architectural work. One thing is unclear to me - is it model-centric software, like in other software - you first design 3D model, from which you get plans, sections, elevations. Or in VW you work separately on 2D and 3D. Is there advantages using VW, compared to high-end 2D program for 2D, and 3D modeler/ renderer for 3D? Thanks for your reply.. Tom

The general discussion group: VECTORWORKS-L@PEACH.EASE.LSOFT.COM seems to include several cabinet makers and related professions. Try a search on their archive for your specific interest. Carl

I have a symbol (A) of a piece of a building, a bay. It contains window symbols (B and C) each based on the window PIO. When a layer containing copies of Symbol A is referenced into another file, the positions of the individual window symbols B and C within the A symbol are altered...they are strewn about the plan. I can only manipulate the symbol in the original file...and there all is well. Thoughts? Carl

Trimmed line is actually deleted and redrawn in the active class (When using trim tool via icon / tool bar...trim command, contol+T (Win) is different; I'd have to check) -Carl quote: Originally posted by carch: can anyone answer this. when trimming a line to another line on a different layer the line that is being trimmed switches layer and color. It switches to the layer and color that is being trimmed too. is this normal? carch

Having read the VW mailing list on/off for a year or so, one observation: Questions on printing/plotting are never-ending. (I have lots of my own!) Why doesn't NNA take a more active position regarding the successful assembly of components in a system employing VW? I mean: Why not establish baseline criteria by which to assess any combination of components (such as sw, rip, driver, language, plotter, paper, ...)? Sounds like a potentially overwhelming task, but maybe can be simplified, reduced so that the simpler queries are addressed right off by NNA, rather than by hit or miss response to the mailing list, good as it is. This could be done in a way which doesn't stifle competition by sending users to particular manufacturers; it could simply report on basic criteria. Yes it would steer VW users more quickly towards system solutions which work. This would seem to have value all around.

Turns out that the new driver from HP is the problem. Everything is fine with the old driver. I don't see a way to address this to HP via their website. Can DG?

The problem seem related to the arrowhead style (round, filled). In fact both round styles seem to cause this, and the more typical arrowhead doesn't.

Leader lines flip in printed output, though appearing correct on screen. The second leader line pivots 180 degrees around the arrowhead, which remains in its correct spot. The first leader line prints correctly. Tried work-around of making two lines, then adding arrow-head with attributes palette. This works in some cases, not in others, i.e. sometimes the line flips. Just downloaded/installed new drivers from HP site. VW 8.5.1, W95, PII, 96 Meg, w/ HP 4M printer