Has anyone tried ViaCAD 2D/3D

[athomas]

I happened across this new cad program. It is produced by Punch, who is well known for consumer architectural programs, but apparently ventured into a more industrial side.

Here is the link: http://www.punchcad.com/products/viacad2d3d.htm

Has anyone tried this? I am curious if it would be a viable alternative for hobby people like myself, who can't afford the high priced software.

[Lemo]

Works like a charm. The 2D output for example is nicely digested by the LazyCam of Artsoft (Mach3).
Lemo

[Greolt]

If it is as good as the video demonstration makes it look then it should be exellent value at $100

[raverys12]

Well ... it looks like you folks are having better luck with it than I am. I loaded it on Vista .. it is suppose to be Vista compatiable. The screen isn't stable at all ... lines jumping all over the place, etc. I guess I'll have to give mister support a call ... worse thing is I have more memory in this machine than you can imagine .... who knows .. later, Bob

[ger21]

Sounds like a video card driver issue. Try updating your video drivers.

[Lemo]

I'm running XP and have no problems at all. I's a driver issue. Either Card or Vista. Also check that you are not running 64Bit and the app is only 32Bit. And yes, support will help you. It's a neat product and works nicely with Lazycam. The automatic's build in to show all sorts of possible allignments are just like Solidworks without the price tag. Good value for the money imho. And.... the best beveling functions I have ever seen.
Rainer

[raverys12]

Thanks Guys .. appreciate the comments .. I'll check out the card drivers .. did have that thought .. later,Bob

[athomas]

How does it compare to Alibre Express? I know its probably comparing apples to oranges, seeing that Alibre Express is a free program. I'm just trying to get a feel for the program and I do like the Alibre program as well. Are there things that Viacad can do that Alibre Express can't do to justify paying the $100.00 vs free?

[Lemo]

I cannot find any indication that there is a free Alibre version. Besides that, I never looked at that.
R

[raverys12]

Interesting question about Alibre, ... First off ... just got through sending a full version of Alibre back for a refund. Nice program, but isnt a drafting program per say. Thats from the horses mouth. If the 1000. job wont do it .. you can bet that free one won't. I have been trying to get the ViaCad to work and I also questioned the $100. price for a good program, but for what little I've seen ... Nice program. I just am having problems getting it to run on Vista. I have had some good suggestions .. but still no sale. I might just have to go back to XP ... have had several problems with Vista. MS has done it to us again. From what I have read so far .. Vista doesnt handle OpenGL graphics very well ... I think that is where my problem is. I did down load the Nividia updated drivers .. but still not working properly. Back to the drawing board .. Later, Bob

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Lemo I cannot find any indication that there is a free Alibre version.

http://www.alibre.com/xpress/softwar...ign-xpress.asp

just got through sending a full version of Alibre back for a refund. Nice program, but isnt a drafting program per say

Nope. It's a parametric solid modeling program, not a 2D CAD program.

If you want a good inexpensive CAD program, take a good look at DesignCAD.

[raverys12]

Thanks Gerry .. good info ... I should say it's a free demo version .. thanks for the correction. Not much free anymore .. How does the Design Cad like Vista ????? I just tryed downloading another new Nvidia driver and it says doesnt recognize my current hardware ???? might be my current video card needs upgrading ??? Oh well ... Later, Bob