SOFTWARE EXCHANGE
SEE HIDDEN LINES
Capability: DoubleCAD XT is an
AutoCAD LT work-alike. It features
a drafting palette that expedites the
drafting-to-detailing process. The
update, to version two, includes many
new features, such as viewports that
can be exploded to create two-dimensional geometry—including
hidden line views, multitext and text
tool enhancements, a new transform,
and selection tools. The tool includes
.SKP compatibility and is applicable
for Google SketchUp users.
Hardware: PC running Windows
2000, XP, NT, or Vista.
Developer: IMSI/Design, 25 Leve-roni Court, Novato, CA 94949;
(415) 483-8000; fax (415) 884-9023;
www.doublecad.com.
Cost: Free.
www.me.hotims.com/28787-70 or circle 70
CAD TRAINING
Capability: The Doc Walt Online
University includes training in how
to use the CAD applications Solid-Works and KeyCreator. General
math training is also available. The
lessons are formatted in the style used
by Walter Silva, author of the Doctor
Walt training manuals and Doc Walt
Tips and Tricks, and include step-by-step color-illustrated examples.
Hardware: PC with Internet access.
Developer: Conceptual Product
Development Inc., 623 Eagle Rock
Ave. #389, West Orange, NJ 07052;
(862) 520-4478; www.docwalt.com
Cost: $325 individual; $955 corporate; renewal fee $155 individual,
$455 corporate.
www.me.hotims.com/28787-71 or circle 71
AUTOMATE SKETCHES
Capability: SU Animate 3. 1 for
Google SketchUp 7 and 7. 1 is a
Ruby-based plug-in that automates
the process of creating SketchUp
animations by automatically creating
SketchUp scenes from camera and
object paths. New with the upgrade is
the ability to create animated objects
that include two motions, such as
a rotating wheel that also moves
forward. Multiple camera targets can
now be included in each animation.
This allows for walk-through presen-
tations in which the camera moves
forward and focuses on one target,
then another. Another new feature is
the ability to control the speed of the
animation during a preview.
Hardware: PC running Windows or
Macintosh and SketchUp 7 Free or Pro.
Developer: Cadalog Inc., 1448 King
St., Bellingham, WA 98229; (360)
647-2426; fax (360) 647-2890; www.
cadalog-inc.com.
Cost: $79. Free upgrade for current
SU Animate customers.
www.me.hotims.com/28787-72 or circle 72
VISUAL MODEL
Capability: The MapleSim Connector
add-on extends Maplesoft connection
to the hardware-in-the-loop products for LabView and NI VeriStand,
both from National Instruments.
The integration allows engineering
system models to be developed and
optimized in the MapleSim visual
modeling environment. The connect
product helps users manage complex
+submissions for software
exchange
Describe the software
program in detail, following
the format shown here. You
may include artwork. Send
your submissions to:
Software Exchange
Mechanical Engineering
Three Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016-5990
fax: (212) 591-7841
e-mail: memag@asme.org
ME does not test or endorse any software
program described in this section.
engineering models by enabling
them to export MapleSim models as
code blocks that can be included in
the LabView and VeriStand applications. Model code is optimized for
high-speed, real-time simulation.
MAPLESOFT
s The MapleSim Connector for LabView and
NI VeriStand lets engineers export MapleSim models as code blocks to be included in
LabView and NI VeriStand applications. This
example shows a double-wishbone suspension assembly model developed in MapleSim
and running in NI VeriStand.
Hardware: PC running Windows,
Linux, or Macintosh OS X.
Developer: Maplesoft, 615 Kumpf
Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1K8
Canada; (519) 747-2373; fax (519)
747-5284; www.maplesoft.com.
Cost: $995. Those with MapleSim
LabView Connector can upgrade to
the new connector at no extra cost.
www.me.hotims.com/28787-73 or circle 73
IPAD SKETCH
Capability: The Autodesk SketchBook
Pro App for iPad is a professional-grade paint and drawing application
designed for the iPad. It combines
digital pencils, pens, markers, and
airbrushes with a touch and gesture-based user interface and is geared to
both occasional doodlers and professional illustrators. It is available online
for download.
Hardware: iPad.
Developer: Autodesk, 111 McInnis
Pkwy., San Rafael, CA 94903; (800)
964-6432; http://usa.autodesk.com/.
Cost: $7.99, downloaded from the
Appstore at www.itunes.com/appstore.
www.me.hotims.com/28787-74 or circle 74
