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Volume IV Issue 34 |  |
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Ascon, a Russian software firm, has thrown their hat into the ring with a 3D mechanical software, called Kompass-3D. The software is priced mid-range, with a full-seat set at $3,200...additional modules for rendering and animation, and kinematic analysis are also available for $450 to $640 (All prices are US dollars, not sure what the cost is in Russian currency.) There is also a 2D version of sofware available for $1530 This is more than what a seat of AutoCAD LT will cost, and considerably more than a seat of ProgeCAD or IntelliCAD costs. Given that ProgeCAD and IntelliCAD are less money and use the same engine available from ODA, they would be better choices if you want to go that route. You can download free trials of the software. There is a free LT version for student use that allows you to create drawings and save. However, the LT version only allows you to create single parts, not assemblies...a major drawback. I would prefer an LT version that would allow assemblies, but maybe lose some functionality (like surfacing or content). If you are a teacher or student who just wants to put your toe into the 3D waters, this software may be a good way for you to stretch your CAD skills with no investment, other than time. You can then move over to a different more mainstream package...like Inventor. Who knows? You may love this software so much, you may decide to stick with it.
AUGI has announced the winners of the recent elections to the board...Chris Lindner and Mike Perry are both returning board members, along with Mark Kiker and Stephen Stafford. Only four people ran for the four open seats...this was disappointing as it costs NOTHING to run for a seat and the benefits are huge (a free ride to AU, meetings with top Autodesk execs, and a better understanding of how Autodesk works). So, mark your calendars and plan to throw your hat in the ring for the next election. At the bare minimum, join AUGI and start garnering some of those benefits...discounts on software and hardware, free training opportunities, and more...membership is free, so you have no excuse not to join.
As some of you know, I live in a rural area...if you use GoogleEarth on my address (if you haven't already), you see trees, a large patch of cleared area east of my house (which is a winery) and more trees. You can't even zoom in to see the road because of all the trees. On the one hand, this is somewhat comforting as nobody comes knocking on my door without an invitation and detailed directions. On the other hand, it means that for almost twenty years I have been my own phone, electric, water, and Internet provider...which means I have not had high-speed Internet. Enter a small company called Surfnet, which has set up a high speed wireless network in the Santa Cruz Mountains that allows those of us who live "off the grid" to get on the Internet super-highway without the need for cables, phone lines, DSL cables, satellite, etc. Up until a few months ago, my residence didn't even qualify for Surfnet due to the heavy foliage, but newer technology now allows me to hook up to a T1 network. My 10-year old is near beside himself in ecstasy...in his mind, this means he will have access to on-line gaming with his Xbox. I have explained to him that I have absolutely no intention of letting him play on the Internet with no supervision and I have no interest in paying a monthly fee for game sites. Hopefully, my other son can set something up for him so he can game with his friends without accessing a fee-based site.
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