I'm not sure this is directly related, but it is at least necessary for creating things to build with the micRo and macRo. So I wonder,

running linux, and am in search of 3D Cad software. I would really prefer not to pay for it, as it goes against my grain, but I'm curious what other people use? I checked out a program called Archimedes, but it appears to only do 2D--no extrude,etc. There's a program called avoCADo, but it is in pre-alpha so not useable at all yet.

Ideas?

Here's a Google search to get you started: site:lumenlab.com 3D Cad software

There's also been some discussion of software recently in SamuraiJack's RoBLOG.

I did try to avoid the typical rtfm response, but i thought as there is a difference between the EMC2 software that seemed to be discussed heavily in that thread, and software for actually doing 3d design--ie Rhino is mentioned in that thread (though at $200 it defeats the purpose of a diy extremely cheap micRo), it seemed different enough. I suppose there's just no avoiding it these days...anyone else wanna pile on?

edit: also worth noting is that the links discussed in SamuraiJack's RoBLOG are mainly windows apps. I might be able to massage them into happiness on wine, but it still is not a great solution.

BRL-CAD is awesome for 3d CAD/solids. The best list I know of is on the EMC2 wiki:

http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Cam

(Scroll down for CADware.)

Thanks brainchild! I looked at BRL-CAD --produced by the US military I think?-- but having not as much mechanical design background it confused the heck out of me. I'm not looking for something with no learning curve at all, but it sure would be nice to be able to make a 2x2x2 cube within the first couple hours ;-)

Yes it is a comprehensive program, but the documentation is excellent. If you began now, you'd have a good foundation by the time you have a machine. Your cube would be simple to program directly with g-code, but when you want more....

You were right about the documentation--tutorials are the only way to go with this sort of thing. Within the first 1/2 hour you make a cheezy circa 1970's radio

I recommend in case anyone else has a similar question!

Google sketchup is free and has an Stl file type plugin. I bought a student version of ProE...it is what I use at work.

Hmmm . . . I consider myself a bit of an idiot but I rather took an immediate liking to BRL-CAD. This simple gizmo after the first 15 minutes of installing the program. It's from a dimensioned hand sketch I had sitting around for a projector OSD panel.

Click to view attachment

It's really an intriguing bit of software. But it may be that it just meshes with my odd thinking patterns?

Anyway, thanks for pointing it out Brain.

BRL-CAD is the future, no doubt. It is yet another incredible by-product of American investment (into blowing shit up); like the net, EMC2, NOAA, GPS etc etc etc. The OS community has rallied around this BRL-CAD piece, as well as Inkscape (vector), the GIMP (wub) and Ubuntu...

PS, you're still an idiot

Some things never change.

And it's "a bit" of an idiot!!!

Idiot here. I'm stymied by how to implement (hell - I can't even FIND it!) the g-dxf command in BRL-CAD. Anyone? Is it only implemented under some OS's or does it require some extension I haven't installed.

You made it that far? Incredible....

Thanks for the help.

Hmmm...I daresay you have been promoted to "Whippin Boy"....

Don't you dare pay a visit to the AdminCP!!!!!

I like Head Hang Fire.

Click to view attachment

Yah, I got that pdf. The command just ain't there though . . .

It's not in the command list. g-dxf don't exist insofar as my feeble mind is able to develop ways to search for it.

I admit maybe I'm just blind and stupid.

I'm just slow. All good now.

Edit:

Did you find your solution? BTW I have your' and Charlie's servos...

I'm going to use them for the next wave of testing unless you-all try to come here and kill me, OK?

Yeah. I'm just a freaking moron.


I have no problem with you using my servos for testing purposes. Just put a tag-line on the test video of them melting into oblivion that they are courtesy of Durachko.

Yea, I have no problem with you using D's servo' too.

no prob G.

I'm definitely not feeling the luv today.

feel better bud ?

What work flow did you settle on ?

I'm new to all of this, and am trying to figure out what software to use to get from an idea to the needed gcode for emc2 and the micRo. While I'm hopeful for a total Linux solution, I am realistic enough to use the best tool for the job, even if it means Windoze. I've looked at Inkscape with the gcode plugin or to save as a DXF and CamBam to convert the DXF to gcode.

I'm so green with this stuff I can't begin to make any suggestions. Like you I'm still up in the air regarding going total Linux or not. I'm such a Windows zombie anymore I may have trouble pulling myself out of that hole. I need a PC to dedicate to the RoGR. It'll be years until I'm up and running!!!

I'll just slowly and doggedly pursue various avenues until the day I can actually do something with my bot.

Nonsense! Any old PC running the latest EMC2 live/installed distro is ready-to-run practically anything.

Oh.

The truth is out there.

I know what I'll be trying out during my next lull . . .

Just an FYI to you OSX users out there:

http://community.irhino3d.com/


There is a Rhino version in dev for osx 10.5 (intel). Note these versions may not be stable, and *could* crash your machine. So be careful.