Re: New Cad site?
 

I don't know if that is quite enough space or not. We can see. If it isn't, is there a way to augment the storage. Some with a server could have the models on their computer and have the sevaa site have the graphical part. That part could access the server (doesn't need a domain name, just IP adress) and pull the models off. Sevaa could also act as a place to upload models to (so they could be latter added to the list) and download from (to review them). That is if we need more space. Oh, and did you mean frccadvault.com or did the "o" mean something that I didn't grasp?

Re: New Cad site?
 

yea, i did mean frccadvault.com. also i talked to the owner of sevaa. we will have ample space for this project. I have also asked the folks at wdtp.com if they would donate a copy of there sharing program which is designed for sharing cad and other designs, similar to what we are trying to accomplish. you can check out there demo here. MSRP is $500 so hopefully they will, but at the same time its good to have a backup plan.

Re: New Cad site?
 

As a back up plan for uploading a file to be reviewed/posted, it might be possible to have a file upload system like here on CD. We might want a simple login system to do so because we don't want people (random people who find the site, not necessarly FIRST people) to upload stupid stuff. The files could be accessed by someone who can manage the site and review the files (accuracy, repetition, stupidity, ect) and they could then post them in the proper format and in the right place.

Or we could just set up a gmail account for people to email their files to...

Re: New Cad site?
 

Hi all,

I like to let everyone know that I've not given up on the FirstCADLibrary even though it seems so since I haven't posted any parts in a while. It's just been one of those years where I'm hyper-swamped with other issues. I currently write software for the '06 Dodge Ram Truck 4WD systems and I've been busy traveling to support that effort. We (Team 34) lost half of our technical mentors this year so I've doubled my efforts there.

The bottom line is that I have the interest and will have time to add to the library after the championship. I know that for many of you, it's too late for this years efforts and for that I apologize.

I'd like to find a way to get the "ultimate" library in place. Here are some of the issues that I've struggled with (many have already been mentioned):

Accuracy - Every model needs to be verified. Some may actually use the model to cut parts and it would be expensive and uncool if the model were off. Some governing body needs to be responsible for this.

Version - I choose to use an oldie but goodie (Inventor V5) because Autodesk handed out a bunch of copies some years ago. In fact, It's the only copy I officially own. If the library is built on various recent versions of Inventor, many designers using older copies will be excluded. I suppose they could use an ACIS or SAT translation of the model but since Inventor files are upward compatible I think using an early version is the better thing to do.

Multiple Formats - This is mandatory to keep my ProE, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, etc .... friends happy.

Virus Control - I'm so haunted by this. The very idea that someone could accidentally (or otherwise) upload an infected file that spreads throughout the FIRST community makes me loose sleep. The service provider must also share some responsibility for hacker protection and virus control. Those who are offering hosting need to sign up to this.

Anyhow,
I'll work on the library soon and I'll support any other effort as much as possible. I've always believed that the only chance that most of the teams have to actually use Inventor to design a robot is to have a library of common parts available, otherwise, too much time is spent drawing parts instead of modeling ideas. This is my motivation for the FirstCadLibrary.

Re: New Cad site?
 

I understand, I can get very busy, too. I can't decide which would be better: to help Ed out and try to keep FCL going strong, or to support Ed but do our own site. FCL is great, but Ed needs help. And maybe, two sites are better than one.

The quaility and accuracy of the models must be very high. I wouldn't want a part that wasn't the right size, shape, dimentions, ect. Someone or some group of someones should review all models for accuracy. The best way would be to compare it to the real thing. If it matches, it's good. If not, fix it.

The mutiple versions would be so that people with Inventor 1 might (if someone has Inventor 1 to port it to) download it and someone with <latest version of Inventor that FIRST gives us> could get that version, too. I would want to have it in as many formats as possible. That way someone could have all the features that their version supports. We also need to have all the other CAD formats (STEP, IGES, DXF, DWG, ect) for everyone that doesn't have Inventor.

I hadn't though of viruses, but, yes, that needs to be controlled. Part of the upload-and-check of files might be to scan it for viruses

If you have an opinion on the New site v. Old site debate (that I am starting right now) please tell me.

Ed, if you need help, you can always ask. I'm sure that someone out here will be more than willing to help.

Re: New Cad site?
 

I'm not sure how a model submitted in R8 can be usable to those using R1 - R7. The files are not backward compatible and I know of no utility that makes this translation. I suppose you could accept multiple versions of a model from the community but that has it's own boatload of issues. :cool:

Re: New Cad site?
 

You could make in any version and export to STEP (which, for assemblies is hard because it looses constraints) and open in any version of Inventor. Then save. Viola! I had to do that when I wanted to show the mentors a model they had me make before I brought my computer, but after I had Inventor 8. I ended up having to reconstrain everything in the assembly, which was a minor pain, but the best thing I can think of is make it in an early version first or convert it to the oldest version you want first and then save in all the newer versions. I had Inventor 4. The school has mostly Inventor 5 and a copy of Inventor 5.2 (Which seems like it is suppost to be different) and 25 licenses of Inventor 8. We might get 9 if we get money. I don't do much with iParts, so I don't know if they will work right.

Re: New Cad site?
 

i need to know if you guys want to start the new site or fix up the old so i can buy the domain. please let me know asap.

Re: New Cad site?
 

i have registered www.frccadvault.com. we can start work on it or on eds after nats.

Re: New Cad site?
 

I know it has been a while but I think we are ready to do whatever we have to do to get this thing moving. Ed just sent me this PM:

I feel that if FCL can be fix up, It would be great again. People are already fimilar with FCL and so it could be updated and everyone would be happy. I know I would be willing to try and help you, Ed, just tell me how.

Babyhueyhnx (aka Phil) does have somthing (but what I can't say lol) on his FCV (FRC cad vault) site. FCV might be able to augment FCL. It might be possible that one would host FIRST files (like our own VKoP) while the other would have more generic files that FIRST uses a lot of (like gears, cylenders, bolts, ect). Or maybe one could host AutoCAD and the other host Inventor. I don't know how it would be best.

Re: New Cad site?
 

Don't forget that there are many useful generic things (such as I-parts) at the cbliss site:
http://www.cbliss.com/inventor/index.htm

Re: New Cad site?
 

how do you get the free service, i want in!

Re: New Cad site?
 

to make an account at sevaa.com click here fill in all the info and where it says "promo code" enter "cheifdelphi". you will need a domain if you do not already have one.

Re: New Cad site?
 

do they also supply the domain? or is that the only thing i need to pay for? what kind of service we get?

Re: New Cad site?
 

you will have to buy the domain that is all. you will get basic service but if you talk to randy (he owns sevaa) im sure you guys can work out some sort of arragement as have i with the firstgallery.net site.

EDIT: i spelled ChiefDelphi wrong on my last post.