Member postings for David Jupp

You'll get any number of answers! What seems easy/logical to one person may seem obscure and complex to another. We'll all probably advocate for whatever system we each use.

I'd suggest that a lot depends on what you want to create - no point choosing a really capable, but complex program that'll take ages to learn, if you only need basic functions. On the other hand a very basic program will only frustrate you if you need sophisticated capabilities.

Consider if you'll need to produce 2D drawings from your 3D models (some systems are more limited). For 3D printing you'll need STL export, but really all systems should offer that.

If you expect to import and modify existing STL files, you'll be very limited for choices.

This might be a starting point for working out savings

Use the solar energy calculator - Energy Saving Trust

Maurice,

Nobody can guarantee what the weather will be like for the next year at your location (how much sunshine). The 'projected savings' I mentioned are all calculated using approved assumptions that are reasonably conservative.

You could get a free quote from one of the many providers, or I suspect that whoever sets out the calculation method probably makes it all available on line somewhere.

Cost very much depends upon, size of array, size of battery (if any) - conventional inverter or multiple micro inverters and any additional equipment. Also how much the installer wants the job.

Savings will depend on array size, geographic location, direction it points, angle of roof, any shading issues, then how much of the generated energy you use yourself, and what tariff you are on.

MCS registered installers all use the same set of assumptions and formula to give 'projected savings' as part of their quotations.

In short - it is fairly complicated.

Michael,

All the people that I spoke to about solar PV were agreed on one thing - that I should switch to Octopus once the system is installed as they pay a lot more per kWh for export (and can offer a low overnight price to top up the storage battery in Winter). I haven't done so yet as there are a couple of things to resolve with current supplier.

You do get best value by using the PV generated energy yourself, as it is then backing out full price imports.

The SEG is something the suppliers are forced to do, so is generally at a minimal per unit price.

A further complication that you may not be aware of - even if you have a smart meter which can measure the exports, you won't get paid for any until a new MPAN is assigned, your existing reference number it seems is just for consuming, not for supply! I've now been providing free electricity into the system for several weeks.

With any potential change of supplier - check unit costs and standing charges in relation to your own circumstance.

Michael,

Have recently been looking at heat pumps - a lot of mixed messages out there.

I'm comparing a 30+ year old mains gas boiler (non-condensing) with a new heat pump. Combining relatively low efficiency of current boiler with projected COP of new heat pump, the gas kWh that could be backed out could be replaced by roughly 1/4 of the amount of kWh of electricity. As 1kWh electricity is about 4 times the price of 1 kWh gas - there is little or no cost saving on the energy used. Figures might look a bit different if comparing against oil.

There is potentially some indirect saving as I could do away with the gas supply and the associated standing charge. If you have solar PV (and especially if supplemented by battery storage) things can look a bit better because the heat pump can help you to use more of the PV generated energy. Choosing best tariff to maximise benefit of the PV can help a bit too.

In broads terms, heat pumps still aren't a great financial investment - but in right circumstances can cut CO2 emissions (depends on how the electricity is generated).

Solar PV - shop around and ask awkward questions! A lot will depend on size and orientation of the array, we found that most providers wanted to just supply a small Inverter and avoid the paperwork of consulting the network operator. For our roof (16 panel array, facing almost due South with no shading issues) a larger inverter made sense. The inverters proposed by most providers wouldn't have made good use of the available energy, either for our use or for export.

Jason,

If you get steps then I absolutely see the logic of your approach.

It is possible to avoid steps, but may not always be practical to do so (I am aware of one possible flaw with the simple example shown, that would take some careful thought to get around).

The groove shown has slightly different width across the slot for the helical vs straight sections.

Edited By David Jupp on 26/09/2023 16:04:47

Jason beat me to it - whilst out of office I thought of the combination of revolves with helical cuts.

Not sure why you'd need to make grooves deeper, then fill in though - but whatever works for you.

Using 'project to sketch' from flat face of one end of cut can give starting sketch for next section.

Wrap was introduced with v25, ah but sorry NOT in Atom3D.

Apologies for not spotting that earlier.

John,

To save time, and make it easier to edit later, I'd suggest just use straight lines in the sketch. Use 3D fillets afterwards to smooth changes of direction, and to round the sharp corners at bottom of the groove.

Atom3D Help has a non-text example (just a simple rectangle), but it gives the basic idea. The sketch to wrap can be more complex.

The Framework of Wrap (alibre.com)

Anything like

That is just a wrap of a sketch around the cylinder, can be tidied up by adding fillets to smooth out corners.

Edited By David Jupp on 26/09/2023 11:36:19

Edited By David Jupp on 26/09/2023 11:37:16

John,

I'm not really clear what you want to achieve. Do you have pictures of a similar part??

The Wrap tool in Atom3D will work with any sketch (text or otherwise) - but be careful of getting too close to the edge of the target.

Depending upon exactly what you need to achieve, 3D sketches might be needed (not supported in Atom3D).

You might get further by posting a query on the Alibre user forum (do mention that you are restricted to Atom3D) or even by submitting a support request to Alibre.

Based on your title, you can't wrap a swept profile, only a sketch.

Edited By David Jupp on 26/09/2023 11:16:30

Edited By David Jupp on 26/09/2023 11:16:49

Edited By David Jupp on 26/09/2023 11:18:26

Nigel,

I was about to say that unless you select otherwise, Atom3D adds a desktop shortcut at the end of the install - but, looks as though you eventually spotted the result.

Because Atom3D allows you to choose whether to install a new version to replace previous one, or to run 'side-by side', each version has its own unique shortcut.

The default update check period appears to be every 2 days - if you haven't altered the setting you'll probably be prompted again today or tomorrow.

I'd also add that keeping software up to date does help should you need detailed support at any time.

Easier for support to replicate/test your issue if they are running same version as you, and you'll be able to open any example files that support might provide.

Nigel,

It probably will offer the update again (in line with whatever update settings you have set) - you can choose whether or not to accept.

You can also do a manual 'check for updates', or as previously indicated simply download the installer directly from Alibre and run that.

C++ , there are many different editions of this, if it said one was needed it almost certainly was.

You can check what changes of additions are included in v27 before deciding whether to install, see Version 27 - Alibre

Nigel,

If having problems with Atom3D, Alibre Support or your reseller is best placed to assist.

Most common issue for very long update time is that there is a UAC dialogue (from Windows) either hiding behind another window, or minimised on taskbar, or on another monitor (which could be turned off). It's probably waiting for you to give permission to proceed.

Because of UAC, you can't just leave the computer to get on with it - some user interaction is necessary.

If still having issues, then manually download the v27 installer from Alibre web site and run it - you'll still have to give permission at various steps.

Edited By David Jupp on 21/09/2023 09:20:11

What will you do if the boiler inspector demands to see the material certificate?

It's worth finding out in advance if this is an issue - I still come across commercial projects where people end up scrapping expensive finished equipment because they didn't get the paperwork sorted out at material purchase.

To answer the question asked, I've purchased MS Office (and indeed Windows) keys for a price much lower than the MS list price. The keys activated without any problem.

Being somewhat sceptical myself, I purchased through Amazon Marketplace thinking that at least I had somewhere to go back and complain if there was any issue. I also checked the feedback for the seller beforehand as has already been suggested.

I'm sure there are 'dodgy' sellers around still, so I deliberately did not search exhaustively around the internet for the absolute lowest price. And at the 'sensible' prices Office is now available for, there isn't much incentive to spend hours searching to perhaps save an extra pound or two.

There are many slightly different versions of Office available, so check exactly which products are included with any particular option/price.

As you say - also be clear on if the key is OEM or 'standard'.  If seller doesn't answer questions, don't buy.

Edited By David Jupp on 14/09/2023 08:56:45