Mike Puckett's Blog

Calling All Dummies.....

I'm an advocate of using how-to books to learn stuff.  My first educational exposure to Solidworks was the now famous and widely used Planchard & Planchard books (who hasn't modeled that flashlight by now?).  In the past few years, new offering have arisen from different authors, further expanding the field of available books.  A few years back Greg Jankowski wrote his first installment of the Solidworks for dummies book.  Greg is back for a Second Edition, and this time has teamed up with Solidworks User Group Community manager Richard Doyle.  Not to be forgotten of course is the Solidworks Bible expertly penned by the guru himself Matt Lombard.  Rumor has it Matt is working on a surfacing book due for release early next year!

When asked by attendees at our User Group meetings what books are good, this is the direction I send them.  So if you are looking for some good, well written how-to books, check out all four of those authors.  I'm starting to feel a little inadequate now, so if I disappear from here for a little while, I will be working on a book!

Why You Should Attend Solidworks World 2008 Reason 9: CAD Managers Boot Camp

We crack the top 10 list this week with an event like no other.  Greg Jankowski, co-author of Solidworks For Dummies, hosts this annual Sunday event.  Here is a description:

The boot camp will cover a wide variety of topics and issues related to effectively deploying and managing SolidWorks. The CAD Managers Boot Camp is geared to help system administrators and IT (Information Technology) personnel understand how a combination of IT and CAD best practices, tools, and methodologies can be used to help reduce the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and maximize your investment in SolidWorks.

Who has never had a problem installing Solidworks?  There is no better way to learn how to completely, accurately, and most efficiently deploy Solidworks.  The Solidworks CAD Managers Bootcamp takes place on Sunday January 20th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.  So plan to arrive early to attend this event!

Solidworks World Session Registration Going Live!!

With Solidworks World 2008 less than two months away, it's time to start selecting which breakout sessions you want to attend.  Here is a hint: the hands on sessions fill up very fast, so register early!  The current list of daily sessions can be found at the Solidworks World Agenda Site.  The agenda is broken down by days.  On Friday November 30th (no actual time stated yet, so start checking early a.m.), you will be able to go in and select your sessions and register for them.  Once at the conference, they will give you a handy little printout so you always know where your heading.

Good luck, registering for the sessions you want to attend!

Solidworks Viewer Section Update

Last week I Posted about the section feature in the Solidworks Viewer program.  Justin Burton pointed out that you can do the same in regular solidworks by unselescting the "Show Section Endcap" check box in the feature manager pane:

Unfortunately, once you click the checkmark, the endcap reappears, and you no longer have the look into the solid like you do in the viewer.  When I originally posted about this, I guess my intention was to be able to have the section act like the viewer.  So the functionality is similar, but I would still like to be able to have it work just like it does in the viewer.  That way you can have a section view where you can see into the solid.

Solidworks 2008 Service Pack 1.0 Available

Solidworks has released the first service pack to the 2008 release.  The file is approximately 140mb and is available in the download center via the customer portal.  The service pack is available for all three operating systems (X64, XP Pro, and Vista).  DWG editor is the only add-on product to have SP 1 at this time.

The first service pack normally is the jumping point for many customers to begin their upgrades from the previous version.

Tech Tidbit...

During my exploration of the Internet, I come across some pretty cool non-solidworks related stuff.  Now while this is primarily a Solidworks Blog, I think it will be fun to provide something new called Tech Tidbits.  Tech Tidbits will be a now and then feature that will highlight some of these little tidbits I come across on the Internet.  So lets try one out!

I by no means am an Apple fanboy, or iSheep as I like to call them.  Apple for the most part does not do anything revolutionary.  What they are good at is taking what Microsoft has done, and making it more simple to do.  While that again is not revolutionary, it is pretty smart.  If you have ever used a Mac computer, one of the things you would encounter would be their Dock.  This is Apples answer to the Windows Start Button.  I myself like the Dock idea.  Its simple, easy to access, and it pretty intuitive.  The folks over at StarDock have created a program called Object Dock.  This is a windows based program that will allow you to setup a 'dock-like' interface of your own.

As you can see, the interface runs fine in XP, and also runs fine in Vista.  As you move your mouse cursor along the dock, the icons increase in size.  One simple click and the application launches.  The interface has very good customizable options included.  Much like toolbar layouts in Solidworks, it will take you a few days to get the exact layout you like.  Just like Solidworks, once you have a layout you like, you can save it out as a back up!  When setting up mine, all I did was move my desktop shortcuts to a folder on my C: drive, then used the Stardock program to point to them.  Once complete, I have chosen to hide my windows taskbar completely.  In the picture above I have moved my mouse down to the bottom of my screen, and the dock has appeared from below the maximized program running.  This allows your monitor to have nothing but the current application showing.

The Stardock program offers a free version, and a full version priced at $19.99  My advise would be to give the freebie a shot, then upgrade if you like it.

Why You Should Attend Solidworks World 2008 Reason 10: Certification Exams

We start the top 10 with what is a great reason to go to Solidworks World.  The Solidworks Certification system has been completely redone.  Gone are the 8-hour long CSWP exam.  But new is an alphabet soup of new exams.  In this Blog post back in October I outlined all the new tests becoming available by Solidworks.  Take a look and see what fits you.  At Solidworks World, you will have the chance to take either the CSWPCORE or the CSWA exam FOR FREE!

Here is a break down of the schedule for Sunday January 20th:

12pm to 3pm : CSWP/CSWA Certification Exams - Complimentary session 1
Candidates are allowed to take either the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) or the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) examination.

4pm to 7pm : CSWP/CSWA Certification Exams - Complimentary session 2
Candidates are allowed to take either the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) or the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) examination.

8pm to 11pm : CSWP/CSWA Certification Exams - Complimentary session 3
Candidates are allowed to take either the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) or the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) examination.

Due to limited computer space, only the first 150 attendees to sign up cant participate in the free tests.  Also, your testing time will be preselected for you.  If you pass the CSWPCORE exam, you will be invited to attend the Offsite CSWP Event on Monday night.  So you can go as a Solidworks user, and return a Solidworks Professional!

Solidworks Viewer Sectioning...

After installing The Free Solidworks Viewer on one of the sales guys computers, I noticed a nifty feature.  I showed him how to section a model, and here was the resultant look:

Now we all know in Solidworks you cant section a surface model.  This was a solid model that he opened.  Whats nice is you can see inside the model, something you cant do in Solidworks to my knowledge.  I think it would be nice in Solidworks when you section something, you have an option to select something like 'surface section' that would cut the solid, but give you a look at the insides similar to what you get in the viewer.

The Solidworks Viewer is free, and is available at the link above.

Show Us Your Toolbars...

With the new shortcut menus in 2008, the user interface has completely changed.  I will admit that using the new shortcut menus takes some time to get used to.  The great part is that the menus are customizable.  I started out getting my drawing menu the way I like it first.  Then I worked on the assembly and part menus.  Here is what I have so far:

This is my drawing shortcut menu

Here is what I have while in an assembly

And here is what I get while in a part

Like I mentioned it takes a little time to get used to it.  This is a new way of working in Solidworks, but I will say it cuts down on time I spend moving my mouse to the tool bar.  My menus are about 80% done since I keep adding buttons to them on a normal basis.  I have noticed that while in a drawing, I really have no need to go to the command manager tool bar, and I have turned it off for the time being.  It takes some experimenting to get the exact layout and the buttons you will need.

Also, its a good idea to remember to export out your settings after you make some changes.  I have been bitten by that bug a few times in the past, so don't forget to save your settings!  The shortcut menu is accessed by simply pressing "s" on your keyboard.  That will bring up your menu at the point where your cursor is.  One thing I need to figure out next is how to map one of the buttons on my SpacePilot to bring up the menu.  If anyone knows how to assign a keyboard command to the buttons let me know.

To customize the tool bar, you do it just like any other toolbar.  Hit s, then right click on it and select customize.  From there you can reorder, add, or subtract any buttons you like.  One annoying thing is that while you are editing the toolbar, it keeps changing size from all in a row, to stacking the buttons.  You simply grab the edge of the toolbar, and it will resize it to your liking.

Anyhow, take a look at the new shortcut system.  Try it out, and give it a chance.  I think you will really like it.

Why You Should Attend Solidworks World 2008 Reason 11: Keynote Address

The keynote address at Solidworks World can be a tough sell to lots of attendees.  Most people attend the general sessions to see the new functionality of the upcoming release, or to be entertained.  So when they bring someone up on stage to talk for an hour, you have to be able to keep peoples attention.

This years keynotes should be interesting.  Here is an overview from the Solidworks site:

Dr. Don Norman: Emotional Design

Dr. Norman has written and coauthored 14 books, including his classic: The Design of Everyday Things, and his latest book, Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. “In the everyday world, we want to get on with the important things in life, not spend our time in deep thought attempting to open a can of food or dial a telephone number.” Cofounder of the Nielsen Norman Group, an executive consulting firm that helps companies produce human-centered products and services, Dr. Norman is a professor at Northwestern University; a professor emeritus at the University of California, San Diego; and the co-director of Northwestern University’s Segal Design Institute. He is a fellow of many organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a member of the Industrial Designers Society of America.

In 2006, Dr. Norman joined the ranks of Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and Thomas Edison by receiving the Benjamin Franklin Medal from the prestigious Franklin Institute, and a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from SIGCHI. Dr. Norman is an ideal model for this year’s theme of “Inspired to Design.”

Dr. Bob Ballard

Founder and President, Institute For Exploration of the Sea Research Foundation in Mystic;

Director, Center for Marine Exploration at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

Director of the Center for Marine Exploration at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Dr. Ballard is a marine explorer, engineer and geologist, who is most noted for the discovery of the legendary HMS Titanic, countless expeditions to uncover the ocean’s secrets, and designing the popular submersible camera “ANGUS.” Dr. Ballard perfected the technology used to locate the World War II German battleship, Bismarck, and the World War I passenger liner, Lusitania. He has also co-engineered “Jason” – a remotely operated vehicle that fits through small openings to see into a ship’s interior. We welcome you to explore the technology and secrets of the world’s oceans with Dr. Ballard.

Now much has been said about the selection of Dr. Don Norman.  After receiving a somewhat good punch in the arm from the event organizer (who knew Kerri had such strength?) I decided to do some research on him.  If you have some time, check out this YouTube video about him.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised about what he will have to say.

Off To The Islands...

Well I am heading out for some vacation.  I'm heading to Oahu for 7 days of sun, and diving.  I have never been, so this should be a good time.  But not to worry for those that like to read Solidworks tidbits from here.  I have a few posts (about 5) created and scheduled to post on a timely schedule!  My official first day back is the 26th which seems so far away, but I'm sure it will be here before I know!

Anyhow, I will post some pictures from time to time.  Aloha!

SW 2008 SP 1.0 & A New Download Center...

For those that are in the Early Visability program, Service Pack 1.0 for Solidworks 2008 32 & 64 bit Vista and XP Pro is available for download. 

While there check out the new look download center.  It has a much improved layout that makes it more clean and easy to navigate.

Of course, the download center and EV program is available to subscription customers only.  They can be accessed through the customer portal on Solidworks.com, or through the task pane inside Solidworks.

Buy AutoCad & Get Solidworks for Free???

Well not exactly.  But in a way, you can do just that.  First, lets throw out some numbers.   For ease of discussion, I will round off some costs.  If you are contemplating buying AutoCad, here is about what you can expect to pay:  Based on Internet sources, a seat of AutoCad 2007 will run you about $6,400 plus subscription of $725 for a grand total of about $7,125.

A base seat of Solidworks will run you about $5,000 plus subscription of $1,200 for a grand total of about $6,200.  But with Solidworks, you will also receive two seats of AutoCad.  Well technically not AutoCad, but you will receive DWG Editor.  What is DWG Editor?  Let me explain.

DWG Editor appeared a few years back as an alternative to AutoCad.  While it's not a direct copy of AutoCad, it is basically the same product, but dressed differently, and contains much needed user interface improvements over AutoCad.  Take for instance the printing interface.  Most users are accustom to a WYSIWYG interface (What You See Is What You Get).  Ever tried to plot in native AutoCad, its not an easy task.  DWG Editor simplifies it with a much more simple look and use.  Many other areas inside DWG Editor follow the thought that easier is better.  All keyboard commands and hotkeys are identical to AutoCad.  Trust me, this isnt just AutoCad LT, its is a complete replacement for stand alone AutoCad. 

So how do you get Solidworks for free with AutoCad, well, thats a somewhat twisted phrase used in the title.  Lets say you have a budget of $7,200 dollars to spend on a CAD package.  Well you can get both Solidworks and DWG Editor for about $1,000 less than your budget.  When you buy Solidworks, you get two seats of DWG Editor included in the user agreement.  That means that you can install it on two computers.  Now you have one seat of Solidworks, and two seats of AutoCad for $1,000 less than one seat of AutoCad alone!  Thats how you get Solidworks for free with AutoCad like software.  Not a bad deal if I say so myself.

But is it as good?  Some will argue yes, some will argue no.  For the limited use of 2D I require, DWG Editor is everything I need and more.  DWG Editor is so much more than just a 2D Cad program.  Over at the DWG Series Page on the Solidworks site, they list a number of DWG tools, including some free ones.  One handy tool is the DWG Gateway.  This utility allows you open, and save back to most versions of AutoCad up to 2006 currently.  Its a free downlad available to AutoCad users that plugs itself right into AutoCad.  That means if you are using R14, and get a 2006 drawing, you can easily open it:

This is a screen shot that shows you inside AutoCad, the ability to open, and save different versions of DWG files.  Not to shabby!

Inside DWG Editor itself, you can save all the way back to AutoCad 2.5!

So thats how you can get Solidworks and two seats of AutoCad for less than one seat of AutoCad alone.  Also, I'm being generous with the rounding.  The $7,125 price for AutoCad was on the low end.  I was able to find a price on the Autodesk site as high as $8,830!  So save your company some money, and your engineering team some headaches, it may be time to rethink those AutoCad subscriptions!

Update: Solidworks 2008 Drawing Backrounds...

Last week I wrote about the custom backrounds in Solidworks 2008 drawings.  Well its has gone one step further now!  In a follow up post, the Solid Smack blog has posted some actual backround files to choose from.  Head on over, Josh even gives you more information about creating your own.  Could we see a trend where users can visit a site to choose from tons of custom made backronds?  Why not, who said 3DCAD cant be fun?

I Wish I Could Just Show You...

How many times have you said that when trying to explain a computer issue over the phone?  Well there is a very nifty utility out there to help you out.

I recently ran across this thread over at Solidmentor.  To help diagnose the problem, it was suggested that the user visit the Jing Project site.  The site provides a free video screen capture utility.  This allows you to record your actions, and then to upload that video file to their site if you wish.  You can then share that video with whoever you need to.  There you have it, they can now see what you see!

Why You Should Attend Solidworks World 2008 Reason 12: User Group Summit

The Solidworks User Group Network is a worldwide network composed of well over 125 Solidworks User Groups.  Each group is headed by at least one hard working individual, and sometimes supported by members in smaller roles.  As thanks for helping to organize meetings, and all the other hard work they do, the group leaders are given a complimentary pass into Solidworks World. 

While there they are 'asked' to attend the User Group Summit.  The summit started out as a means for all the leaders to gather to discuss group issues, and to get a report from the regional reps as well as from Richard Doyle who is the Solidworks User Group Manager.  The past two I have attended have been that, and also more.  More and more users are attending to see what a user group is all about.  So the summit is turning into part showcase for the other attendees.

If you do decide to attend the summit, you can almost always be assured of a special guest attending (John McEleney has stopped by the past two years).  There are also the participating partner, and VAR of the year awards, and also the User Group leader of the year.

The summit is a great event to sit in a room with what are basically Solidworks fanatics that don't get paid to do what they do.  So because of that you can get exposure to some really informative people.  If you want to attend, the 9th annual summit will take place on Monday from 4:30-6:00, and hopefully the long winded regional reports will be kept to a minimum!

2008 Drawing Backrounds...

In Solidworks 2008, the drawing back rounds have been changed.  Users are now shown what appears to be a crinkly paper back round.  Now while the back round doesn't bother me one bit, some may find the change a bit beyond their liking.  So in the spirit of trying to keep as many people happy as possible here is a way to change it.

Here is a shot of the new look.  You can see the back round has the paper look

Now if you want to change it, here is what you do:

If all you want to do is get rid of the paper look, its just a setting in the options.  Go to Tools > Options > Color and check the box shown in the picture.  That will get rid of the crinkly back round I'm sure lots of people are going to be bent out of shape about.

Now if you are the type of person that likes to customize everything, you can change that crinkly look, and replace it with something of your own.  Navigate to your solidworks install directory, then look for this sub-directory:

\Solidworks\data\Images\drawings\sheetbackground1.bmp

You will want to replace the sheetbackround1.bmp with your own bitmap file.

So there you have it, a quick and easy way to feel more like your in 2007 inside 2008.  Thanks to the guys over at Solid Mentor for giving me the file location.  For the record, I like the new back round.  Change can be fun too!

Where Do I Get Help???

Back in 1998-1999 when I was first discovering what a Solidworks was, there wasn't much information out there.  My savior at the time was the Planchard and Planchard books I bought off Amazon.  As fun as the flashlight was to create, I always wished I could find more information.  At that time, Solidworks wasn't as popular as it is now, so the education resources we not as plentiful as they are today.

One of the main reasons for starting the Los Angeles user group was to give an avenue to those that find themselves in the position I was.  I want to be able to help them find the resources they need to learn Solidworks and to join the community of users.  Today, it's much easier then it was then.

I could list um teen sources for you to go check out, but there is one in particular that has potential to become one of the best.  Solid Mentor is an on line Solidworks Forum.  With just over 500 members, the community there is starting to grow.  So what is an on line forum?

On line forums are a throwback of sorts to the old bulletin board days of the Internet.  Imagine having a question about Solidworks.  You write down your question and pin it to a cork board.  Sometime soon, someone comes along, and pins a reply to your question.  Pretty soon, another person comes along and adds their advice too.  This is what an on line forum can do for you.  Furthermore, these forums are moderated and monitored to keep content on topic, and to keep the riff-raff out, unlike certain Google groups out there.  This site in particular is moderated by some very big names in the Solidworks Industry.  Whats more, you will find that even Solidworks developers and employees chime in to answer questions. 

I currently visit and post to about 4 or 5 forums daily.  From them I have been able to repair my motorcycle, add third party applications to my iPhone, complete complicated network tasks, and update the navigation maps on my Pioneer Navigation Unit.

The Internet is a vast source of information.  It's true when it's said you can find anything on the Internet.  Solidmentor offers a unique source for for those looking to get some answers.  I encourage everyone to head over and join today.  Look through the solid forum, and see if you can help someone with a problem you solved.

Why You Should Attend Solidworks World 2008 Reason 13: CSWP Event

Each year at Solidworks World all CSWP's in attendance are treated to some special stuff.  T-shirts, books, special badges, and an off site event all to them self's name a few.  Last years event was held at a local bar called The Foundry.  The theme was Casino Night.  Lots of Vegas style gaming tables were set up, and everyone was given a set amount of chips to try to be the high roller by the end of the night.  Delicious food, and a fully stocked open bar made the night complete.

Next years event is shaping up to be as good if not better.  In 2008 CSWP's will be treated to a trip to one of San Diegos hot spots.  Nicknamed The Royal Palace of Youth Culture, The Wave House in San Diego is sure to be a hit with attendees.  The Wave House sits on a pristine stretch of historic Mission Beach and features multiple bars, and wave surfing simulators.  Knowing how the certification team like to treat their guests as best as they can, the 2008 event is sure to be a memorable one.

What is a surfing simulator?  Take a look at this picture:

This is a screen shot taken yesterday afternoon from the live webcam at The Wave House.  Look like fun?  Somehow I get the feeling there will be plenty of wipeouts on that night if this thing is going!

Attending Solidworks World as a CSWP sets you apart from all the other in attendance.  So if you are going, make sure to stop by the CSWP booth in the partner pavilion to sign up to join us all at the Wave House.  Don't forget to bring a swim suit!

Solidworks 2008 Instalation Notes:

Well just two days after receiving our disc's in the mail, I went ahead and installed it on my station to start using it on new products.  Here are a couple of notes for those getting ready to install:

1. Transfer your license in 2007 before uninstalling it.  I uninstalled all 2007 products before installing 2008.  During the un-install of SW 2007, SW cautioned me that I should transfer my current license back before continuing the removal of 2007.  I had to exit the un-install, go into SW 2007, click Help then Transfer Licenses.  That checked my current license back into the SW server.  Upon activating SW 2008, I was able to grab that license.
2. The Disc you get is 0.0 Service Pack.  The current Service Pack level for SW 2008 is 0.1  which you can download and install once installation of 2008 is complete.  The file is 48 meg, and should self install with the installation manager, but I didn't have much luck.  It kept wanting to download 971mb of files from SW.  I went the old school way and cancelled out of the instalation manager, and downloaded the file seperatly.

Basically it looks as if the instalation manager wants to download every single update possible.  But what doesnt make sense is that for some of the products, it wants to download a file thats bigger than the original instalation file?