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+--- Thread: How to become a parts reviewer? (/thread-134.html)
How to become a parts reviewer? - Scott Classen - 2011-07-27
Hello
I'm very new to this Lego CAD stuff, but have general CAD experience from my work. I would like to contribute in some way to reviewing unofficial parts. What is involved? Do I need digital calipers to measure the original part and then compare to the digital version? Would I just be reviewing the part for appearance?
Cheers
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - Willy Tschager - 2011-07-27
http://www.ldraw.org/library/tracker/ref/reviewfaq/
w.
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - Philippe Hurbain - 2011-07-27
...and a few old timers (like me) hanging on Parts Tracker are there to help you if needed! I also think that trying to author some simple parts can help. It is good to see both sides of the mirror...
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - Orion Pobursky - 2011-07-27
I'll second Philo here and say that one of the best ways to learn how to review a part is to create a part and submit it for review. The comments and fixes made about your submissions will help you understand how to review other submissions.
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - Scott Classen - 2011-07-27
OK, my interest has been piqued.
Is there any know way to convert from more "standard" CAD file formats to the LDraw *.dat format? I'm quite adept with PTC CoCreate 3D CAD software. I can output in most 3D file formats (STEP, 3D IGES, and SAT).
I'm also sure I could figure out how to do it with various LDraw utilities too, but as with any new software there would be a learning curve. Are there any OS X programs that can be used to author parts?
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - Orion Pobursky - 2011-07-27
Unfortunatly, conversion programs are few and far between. As far as OSX, I think Bricksmith has everything you need to get started although I've never used it as a part authoring program (I only have 1 part left on the tracker and I submitted it in 2002). I do recommend LDView as well since it can be used to spot the more common errors. I also think Mike Heidemann's DATHeader can be used in OSX via Mono.
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - Philippe Hurbain - 2011-07-27
The best conversion program I know (Windows only unfortunately) is Stl2Dat. It's a command line program, but it is also included (along with several other tools) in LETGUI distribution.
FAQ Entry - Willy Tschager - 2011-07-31
Q: I would like to contribute in some way to reviewing unofficial parts. What is involved? Do I need digital calipers to measure the original part and then compare to the digital version? Would I just be reviewing the part for appearance?
A: First read the Reviewing Parts FAQ at the LDraw.org Parts Tracker. However one of the best ways to learn how to review a part is to create a part and submit it for review. The comments and fixes made about your submissions by old timers will help you understand how to review other submissions.
Q: Is there any know way to convert from more "standard" CAD file formats to the LDraw *.dat format? I'm quite adept with PTC CoCreate 3D CAD software. I can output in most 3D file formats (STEP, 3D IGES, and SAT).
A: The best conversion program known (Windows only unfortunately) is Stl2Dat. It's a command line program, but it is also included (along with several other tools) in LETGUI distribution.
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - Jim DeVona - 2011-07-31
I've only authored one part, 92579, but I did use SketchUp for most of it (here's an example screenshot). I don't think it's a common tool among part authors because it doesn't inherently know about subparts or primitive parts, but I found it easier to use than writing LDraw code for a new part from scratch. (No doubt the LDraw masters here can "see the Matrix directly".)
Anyway, more info on my Sketchup to LDraw conversion process here.
Re: FAQ Entry - Philippe Hurbain - 2011-08-01
These FAQ entry/discussion summary is an excellent idea. Do you intend to centralize them somewhere?
Re: FAQ Entry - Orion Pobursky - 2011-08-01
Yes, as soon as the new main site goes up. This may be a little bit though hence the FAQs here.
Re: How to become a parts reviewer? - johanmark - 2011-08-04
About the conversion to ldraw format, there is a program called AD3D which can open and save ldraw files and a lot of other 3D formats, so you could convert between formats with it. In addition, the program is very easy to work with, very intuitive. The problem is that it´s not freeware, but shareware. Anyway, it woths to take a look a it:
http://www.inivis.com/