In another thread it was asked for a tool that shows the related parts and also the required parts for a library file.
I have so far a working result. The only thing I need now to implement is storing the results for the next use.
If someone is already interested in testing the current build, please drop me a note.
Just uploaded the latest build that should be error free. Thanks to all that help to make it error free.
Please download from my new webspace at ldraw.heidemann.org
To all that has already LDStructure installed: I have changed the place where the database is stored (under Win8 it is "C:\ProgramData", a hidden folder!)
Hej guys,
while building the roof of 10224-1 Town Hall, I run into a problem with both mentioned parts. It seems, that they are not long enough (between the connectors).
In LDD it seems to be exaktly 20 LDU, for the Townhall I need 20.17 LDU. But our parts are only 19 LDU between the connectors. This seems wrong to me. Also the name seems to be wrong, because there is no b-part.
Unfortunately I don't own this to correct it. And I don't really trust LDD in such things.
So if you own these parts please have a look onto it. Thanks.
in this new tutorial: Advanced digital building with MLCad, you'll hopefully find answers to everything you always wanted to know about Buffer-Exchange and MPD - Multipart Documents (but were afraid to ask).
A special thank you goes to all those people who helped out proof-reading and giving advice.
Took me awhile but here's the first test version of LDCad 1.2.
It's major new features are templates and highly configurable flexible parts.
Do note this is an Alpha version, meaning it is not jet feature complete. Although all core functionality is working I'm still working on some additional support features I'm hoping to offer in the next version.
As a result working with the new flexible parts requires some expertise for now. I'll try to give some quick pointers here to get you started:
Start a new model like in previous versions.
Locate the 'templates' group in the bin and navigate around in it to select a template (e.g. pneumatics/hose)
Drag the part to your model like any other part.
A dialog will ask if you want to create a submodel (mpd) or new file (ldr), choose one.
The template will be copied into the target model and a reference to that new model will be added to the current model.
You can now move it around like any other part/submodel and edit by double clicking it.
When editing the tube itself you can bend it's path by moving and or adding points around. The simplest way to do this is by selecting a point and pressing the insert key. A new point will be added AFTER the one you selected, but also always before the last point on the path.
While editing a path there are some general guidelines which should make things easier (until the support features I mentioned above are ready).
Keep track of the #1 point it should remain at 0,0,0 for ease of use.
When shaping the part, you are working blind for now. So use the 'end' key to swap between models to see the path in relation to the higher model.
Generally you want to position the start of the path using the reference in the higher model using it, when that's done move the last point of the path to the destination location using the paths own session.
When start and end points are positioned correctly, select the first point again and start inserting extra points to guide the path to it's goal.
Rotate a point to change direction and shape bends using the green and red spheres.
Use ortho mode whenever possible, it offers much better insight about direction and makes using the grid easier.
Use 'p' (show/hide editing pin), 'g' (show hide grid for selection), 'o' (change grid orientation to match the selection), 'i' (show hide the info panel), 'r' (rotate mode) and 'm' (move mode) instead of the mouse whenever needed.
I think this should get you started, I could probably write a book about the path options themselves, but for now I'm limiting this novel to using template based paths. If you're brave enough to try and create a custom part, you can do so via 'file/new...' and the special 'path' group in the special parts folder. I'll write a better guide if needed, just ask.
Ok, here are the downloads. They are all archive (standalone/portable) versions and I recommend you use them separately from any other LDCad installation.
Some caution, I haven't had time to really test the Linux versions, but they should work ok. Please let me know if they act especially weird or something.
Some screenshots:
I've also attached the mpd shown in these screenshots, to prove any LDraw renderer should be able to show the flexible parts.
In closure please remind this is a test/alpha version so any comments and bug reports are welcome ether here or by direct email (see www.melkert.net/LDCad for my email address )
I'm especially curious about what experienced part authors have to say / think about the collection templates / path options, because they are in many ways just like official parts.
nominations for the 2013/2014 LDraw.org Steering Committee election will close
in 2 weeks, at 11:59 PM GMT on 28 February 2013 and elections will start the 1st
of March. Only those candidates that have been nominated, seconded, and have
accepted as outlined, will be eligible for election. So if you are a candidate
that has not yet accepted or declined, please consider deciding. The list with
the candidates as well as their status can be found here:
![[Image: 10224-12_zpsca586784.png]](http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/MMR88/LDraw/10224-12_zpsca586784.png)
![[Image: ldstructure.png]](http://ldraw.heidemann.org/uploads/images/ldstructure/ldstructure.png)
![[Image: 59344.jpg]](http://smages.com/?v=59344.jpg)
![[Image: 5934.png]](http://smages.com/?v=5934.png)
![[Image: 5934upu.png]](http://smages.com/?v=5934upu.png)
![[Image: 973px107.jpg]](http://media.peeron.com/pics/inv/custpics/973px107.jpg)
![[Image: 1-2-PA-1-a.png]](http://www.melkert.net/img/mel/1-2-PA-1-a.png)
![[Image: 1-2-PA-1-b.png]](http://www.melkert.net/img/mel/1-2-PA-1-b.png)
![[Image: 1-2-PA-1-c.png]](http://www.melkert.net/img/mel/1-2-PA-1-c.png)
