So, is Vex Assembler still considered a viable tool? I feel like it’s silently being abandoned…
I have learned enough quirk-fu to get something done in that and if you skimp on pins and only do a small part of the robot at a time, it can even stay a little responsive (I’m talking Gen3 Core-i7 with plenty of ram, though no dedicated GPU), but it needs a lot of patience, pieces are missing (worm bracket, game pieces), …
I still plan to try LDraw/MLCad, just haven’t got there yet, but I would extect clear position on VEX Assembler.
This is great news, looking forward to SnapCAD. Some students on my team are very proficient in and enjoy LDD (Lego Digital Designer) and while they started with VEX Assembler, it wasn’t much fun. I have so far tried (on Linux) leocad and LDCad and while the former worked, no snapping is a big deal-breaker for VEX parts. LDCad does support snapping, but I couldn’t get it to recognize custom (VEX) parts (according to the log, it parsed them, I just can’t find them in the bins). I also have SR3D next on the list, as it has advanced snapping features, but haven’t got to that one yet.
So hopefully SnapCAD will nail it, any preview available? Beta to test and report back or something of that kind?
I have some news to input here. I will say that a Public-Beta SnapCAD VEXperience will be open soon’ish. We are working to complete the Help material now and will announce the Beta is open here in the forums and elsewhere. Please, wait for SnapCAD…it may minimize your frustrations.
Regarding “Snapping” virtual parts…
“Snapping” has been a deep desire of many users of these types of CAD programs for a long time. However, many software implementations have hindered the purpose by being too bloated or difficult to use. Some programs have strictly used snapping of parts and that has many undesirable drawbacks for some of the veteran users. An on/off snapping function would be the best method for some specific reasons. So, SnapCAD compromises to aid beginner users and satisfy veteran users by utilizing an adjustable grid which positions parts being moved into and around a virtual model. Movements of parts in an adjustable grid is like snapping but will also enable users to position parts in a more flexible way when needed and that need would be evident when users build their own real-world model in any CAD program. I will explain…
Problems arise when virtually rendering a real model with a CAD program using a locked true-snapping function. The main reason is that it is common for real VEX IQ constructions to have parts that were connected under some stress or flexed condition (“off-pitch”). Real VEX IQ parts (and every other brand) have a bit of flexibility which none of these CAD programs can replicate perfectly. So, if you have a flexed part in the real world…the same cannot be rendered perfectly in the virtual CAD environment…especially, if the program uses only true-snapping functionality. This is why we chose a method utilizing an adjustable movement grid while still offering the greater ability for users to create (and complete) their virtual model even if an off-pitch alignment exists in their real-life model. True-Snapping will not allow misalignments to be achieved and that could prevent you from completing a virtual rendering. SnapCAD will allow you to complete building instructions with an accurate part list for a rendered model. Even if some 'fudging" is hiding visually.
This is not the only reason why SnapCAD is a great option across a large and diverse user demographic. More insight will be discussed later.
If anyone wants to ask me something off-line…my email is: the.littlehorn (at) gmail.com
Thanks for the details, Chris. Yes, snapping is at the same time the reason Lego builders fled to LDraw based tools as well as what they missed there
LDCad has snapping as an advanced mode, working primarily with the grid and I agree that local grid is a very powerful tool. I am personally old school when it comes to CADs and even these days I need a command line inside the CADs I use (e.g. Eagle) so I can quickly run commands, enter exact coordinates and easily do repeated sequences.
But “snapping” can also mean better physical models, moving one part with a gear does turn the gears throughout the rest of the model, for example.
Amyway, we’ll see what can our little engineers do with that…
I still plan to try LDraw/MLCad, just haven’t got there yet
Before attempting big projects I suggest that you wait for SnapCAD: during development of SnapCAD we made a few changes to the library (for more details see warning here) so models created with the old library will need some rework in SnapCAD.
LDCad does support snapping, but I couldn’t get it to recognize custom (VEX) parts (according to the log, it parsed them, I just can’t find them in the bins).
The good thing is that LDCad and SnapCAD can share the same parts library and generate models that are fully compatible… Indeed LDCad doesn’t support snapping of VEX parts “out of the box”, but as LDCad specifications are public, it’s quite feasible to add VEX parts support in LDCad. I have already done very promising experiments…
I also have SR3D next on the list, as it has advanced snapping features, but haven’t got to that one yet.
Sadly, Sergio Reano, the author of SR3D builder, passed away ealier this year. So while the program is still available and working, no future improvements and bug fixes can be expected.
But “snapping” can also mean better physical models, moving one part with a gear does turn the gears throughout the rest of the model, for example.
This kind of physical simulation needs more than mere snapping. SR3D builder had some capabilities there. LDCad also has some animation features but it relies on LUA scripts. Very powerful but rather involved…
Sorry to hear the SR3D story.
I haven’t planned any big projects, rather learning the tools myself so I can support my students.
I have seen the SR3D demo showing the “simulation”, that’s why I have brought it up.
