Member postings for David Jupp

Some VFDs have built in RFI filters, but these are typically only rated for 'industrial use' (where there might be more tolerance of some noise on the mains). Some of these filters can be switched out of circuit !

If you fit an input filter, it should be on the metal backplane that the VFD is mounted to for best performance (I've seen them located using Velcro strips !).

Earth connections and screen connections (not the same thing) are important. Screen on power connections should be bonded directly to the metal backplane.

Metal cabinet door should be bonded to cabinet body/backplane.

There is lots of good information on line - also lots of people contradicting that good advice. The installation manual for the specific VFD can often be a very good source of advice.

OK - a bug was recently discovered in the auto-update code in the product (it fails to correctly check your maintenance expiry date, very embarrassing !). Unfortunately this can't be fixed unless you update to the just released 2019.0 release.

If you purchased as a one off, the best thing to do is to disable the 'check for updates' option, so you don't get offered the 'update' that you aren't entitled to.

If you are stuck without access to the software as a result of this issue, contact Alibre support or your reseller (even without purchasing updates you will be assisted if the software doesn't run for you).

Basically you need to uninstall the new version and re-install the previous version - if you don't have the previous installer available, support/reseller can assist.

I tried saving a file from FreeCAD - Alibre won't open it. I'm very puzzled as to how Ivan achieved what he describes.

Ivan,

I'm not aware how Atom3D could offer that format. Can you share a screenshot showing this, and a description of how you reached that...? Seems like there may be something very odd with your installation. PM me if you'd prefer.

If your electrical knowledge is weak - I suggest you stop and get help from somebody that knows what they are doing.

In 1990 OilDrive was acquired by Dinamic Oil - might be worth contact Dinamic Oil via the web site

**LINK**

Colin - a bit late I know, but looks like 304L aka 1.4307 aka X2 CrNi 18-9 though none of the specs will be exact equivalents for each other.

Nigel - you can use Atom3D as a Viewer if you wish (without a licence) - but note you'll have to follow the instructions previously linked to remove the reference to the 6 month trial to unlock that possibility. Obviously it's only useful as a viewer if you have some files to view - so there may not be any value to you.

Nigel - if you wish to re-install Atom3D so that you can then uninstall it correctly, you can download the installer from

**LINK**

NO Nigel - David had released his purchased licence from his Desktop computer (so he could use it on laptop). BUT the expired trial licence was still installed on laptop. Because the 6 month trial is a 'special' it is managed differently from a standard 30 day trial, it therefore requires some intervention to remove it after expiry (as explained in the article I linked to) - slightly annoying no doubt, but a small inconvenience in exchange for the 6 month trial period. After removing the trial licence, David should be able to use his permanent licence on the laptop, and he'll be able to switch the activation between computers as needed.

Please try not to spread confusion by speculating on matters that you don't have knowledge of. By all means ask if you'd like to know more about how licensing (or anything else) works.

For information - uninstalling Alibre leaves the licence file behind on the computer (that makes updates simpler). The server at the licensing provider also keeps a record of the computer ID. A 'User Profile' is also not removed by a normal uninstall - the actual program files themselves are removed by uninstalling.

Answered in this article

Whether it was an extended trial, an ordinary trial or something else - the same /bat file will remove the local licence files which allows you to re-start the activation process.   If still having difficulties contact reseller or Alibre support.

Edited By David Jupp on 25/06/2019 10:36:07

Quite a bit of information around the internet regarding how critical the cable and how it is used can be for 1-wire. If not all sensors are working, that already suggests a problem. Noise on top of that won't help.

Another option (depends on the specific model) might be to add a chamfer to a straight edge to get an angled face - then use that to sketch on.

The key points are

• You can only 2D sketch on planes, or on planar faces of existing solids.
• You can add your own reference planes to help in creation of features.

Jason's method is very similar to how you might actually drill the holes - first set work up at desired angle, then drill.

The nice thing with CAD is that if the angle wasn't quite right, you can go back and change it without wrecking anything.

Alibre is similar in approach to Fusion - though user interface and terminologies will differ in places.

Alibre is a 'Solids' modeller. It uses the ACIS geometry kernel (but user never 'sees' that), as do some other products. Most 3D CAD actually combines 'behind the scenes' technology components from more than one provider

Fusion has a lot in common with AutoCAD Inventor - and may even compete with it.

Whilst many 3D CAD packages share the same basic approach to modelling, there are exceptions. Some work very differently. One major division is between 'history based' and 'non-historic', another is Solids Modelling vs Surface Modelling. All have pros and cons.

If access to zero cost training is a prime consideration the options are either on-line videos and user forums, or choose a system that somebody you know already uses.

Sometimes possible to get free (or very low cost) training in specific CAD packages - but tends to be funded by schemes linked to creating or protecting jobs, not really for hobbyists. It's usually the big name, expensive packages.

Universities/Colleges at least already have the computers and get very attractive deals on the software. If provided on a proper commercial basis the cost of training is likely to run into hundreds of pounds per person. Realistically a couple of full days is required to cover all the basics. Numbers in class best kept low so individual attention is possible (which doesn't help with cost per person).

Graham,

Alibre has several built in colour schemes, you can edit these and also set up you own custom colour schemes. I get that you aren't going to try again with Alibre, I just mention it for the benefit of others who may have restricted colour vision (or just don't like the standard choices).

Surely you don't drive the car at peak power all the way to work ?

If you look at some of the 'fast charge' systems - the power ratings for those are very high, which limits where they can be installed.

Nigel - if when taking the Alibre trial something got mis-typed, that could explain why I can't find you (this is in the master licensing system where everything ends up, regardless of where it originated).

If you should change your mind and want to have another go - PM me your trial code (if you took the extended trial), or the e-mail address that you used when activating the trial.

Nigel - the PDF exercises for Alibre products are on the Alibre web site (Help & Learning area).

For Alibre Design

For Alibre Atom3D

I'm not able to find any record of a trial for you in the licensing system (searching by Nigel, or by Graham) - so am not able to renew or extend trial (PM me some details if you'd like me to search again).

Nigel,

If the Mintronics web site doesn't display correctly for you, consider trying a different web browser.

As an alternative, I will happily provide e-mail address & phone number for Mintronics by PM if you wish - or get these from the Mintronics ad in the paper MEW.