By The Time This Update Has Loaded... (Alibre)

It'll be time for the next issue!

It has been about 6 weeks since I last opened Alibre Atom so I was not surprised this evening to find it started to install big up-dates, First was Visual C++ I thought already part of MS-WIN 11, and is listed in the PC's programme index.

So instead of opening a drawing, or much else, I let the system have its way.

I started at about 8.15pm. It took all of the rest of The Moral Maze and now all of The Media Show, and is still "Installing update Alibre Atom 3D V27", so it tells me.

Over an hour and a half for first, C++ and now the additions to the CAD programme itself, and not finished? I want to go to bed! There will come a point when I have to just stop it and turn the computer off for the night.

This slowness just to modify an installed programme can't be right, surely?

What might be wrong?

I never moved beyond V25

I have just turned it off.

It had been running for almost exactly three hours and was still allegedly "installing" Atom V27!

It had such a hold on the computer I had to use Task Manager to close it.

As an experiment I then tried opening Alibre and a drawing, and it did so without question. I twiddled the model round a couple of times; then closed the lot easily with the normal 'X' sign.

Strange.

I'd have stopped it after 20 minutes and asked Alibre whether it's normal behaviour (and if so, they should be warning their users ahead of time).

My V27 update which I did a few weeks ago took about 5mins that is for Pro but would expect the same for Atom. All previous updates have been a similar time and only seem to load the new version not anything else.

It generally loads a complete version rather than update the previous but does not take long unless you have a very slow connection

Edited By JasonB on 21/09/2023 07:20:04

I updated Alibre Atom to the latest version V27 a couple of weeks ago and as Jason says it loads a complete new version then deletes the old version, mine was all done start to finish in about 15 minutes.

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

Peter -

I'd expect Alibre to say not it's normal, and I had realised it isn't.

.

Jason, Baz -

Given that it decided it needed first install the language already in the computer too, I'd have thought 15-20 minutes about right. A slow connection might stretch it a bit but not to over 3 hours!

It may be something in my computer that held things up, not a broadband speed problem and certainly not with Alibre's software.

Only time will tell, by trying to use it again. Either it will try to repeat the re-installing or it will not, but if it does I hope it succeeds this time! What matters to me is it still operates

Up-dates on software like CAD are usually to add very arcane features for very advanced users. That doesn't worry me as, like 'Excel' and 'Word', I do not expect using CAD at more than a very simple level. I still want it to work though!

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

Actually Nigel there are only 5 features that the latest version covers but it also fixes 60bugs so not just adding things you think you won't want.

Two of those new features I have already used as I am working on a model where placing text to follow a curve and then wrapping that text onto a cylindrical surface was needed.

Also see david's reply which may have appeared while you were typing

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.

What else did Task Manager show was running at the same time? If it happens again, look in Task Manager for any process or applications using 100% CPU or 100% disc, or a lot of memory. For example, there's a long unfixed bug in Microsoft's sysmain program that causes it to eat all the computers resources. Everything else grinds to a halt. Other programs can run amok and choke Windows too. If you find a task persistently guzzling resources, kill it.

Running two or more anti-virus programs will delay installations massively if they gridlock. Turn all but one of the AVMs off before starting, and - if needed at all - only turn them back on after the install has finished.

Before starting, make sure the disc is less than 80% full and don't run anything else during the install. Manually update Windows first. This ensures big Microsoft upgrades won't collide with your install, and reduces the chance of the application installer finding Windows is out-of-date and having to stop and wait until a mass of other updates have been applied. Could be a long list! Windows updates are dependency stacked, that is applying one can require many others to be upgraded first, and they all have deeper dependencies. And the computer may have to be rebooted several times to get everything aligned.

Application installs are mostly straightforward, but they can be derailed, sometimes for temporary reasons. Try again.

Dave

I did not examine Task Manager to see what the computer was trying to do, but other than Alibre the only programme open was the browser, including this Forum!

I don't think Alibre did re-install itself if the number following the title is a guide. the Desk-top symbol is labelled,

" Alibre Atom 3D 26.0.0.26040".

If the first two digits are the version, it hasn't. It was trying to load V27.

Anyway it appears to have survived its antics.

.

So I set out to draw my wagon's new cylinder block. I am not sure how much of Alibre Atom I've forgotten as I'd not touched the programme for at least six weeks; but I remembered I cannot grasp how to Assemble anything from two or more Parts if they are not already facing the right way and stay that way.

This 3D model is a single Part though.

All went well until one of the cylinder-cover stud holes fell off the edge.

Measuring the actual part-made block on the table next to the computer, I found I'd miscalculated the dimensions. So had to trim one end and stick some "metal" on the other, necessitating re-drawing the ports at that end.

It looks a bit of a mess, as the added bit, as an outwards extrusion, is not a true extension but turned out as a "glued-on" slice and slightly out-of-line. I'd also tried too hard with that mirror tool so created problems without saving time. The "long" way round where the experts would go the quick way, is the simpler and better one when you are not an expert.

I'll have to redraw this Alibre model from fresh if I want to produce working drawings from it. For I need make the block afresh as I'd "designed" all sort of strange traps in it, leading years later to it being too complicated with extra and too-narrow sealing-surfaces, stud-holes entering the passages, and the like.

Meanwhile, how large a block of cast-iron stock bar can College Supplies, supply?

.

As for Alibre, it did not feel up to re-installing itself!

Then do as David says and visit Alibre's web site and download the new version from their, I've done it that way several times in the past but last couple just when the program prompted me. Just select Atom3D from the list and then click the large icon that appears.

I would suggest you try and set aside an hour or two a week to use Atom that way you will be les slikely to forget things and have to relearn them and may make some forward progress rather than having to keep taking steps backwards to relearn.

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.

Success!!!

Yes: the prompt to up-date did appear this evening.

It threatened to take all night again.

Task manager revealed nothing likely to be a problem though I turned off MS 'Edge' which I do not use, so that was 8Mbs' worth out of the way.

Then I spotted a plaintive little toolbar symbol gently flickering at me, and that revealed a system-change request that had not displayed fully. I chose "Yes" and we were away, with Alibre all replaced with new before the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra had finished Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - complete with its Ode To Joy sung in their own language.

So having carefully pencil-sketched with measurements the existing cylinder block, I could now draw a new version. I made a few odd slips and met a few difficulties, like trying to set the centres for the cover-stud holes, and that Symmetrical Constraint sometimes acting in ways I didn't want. Oh, and having to re-draw the ports completely when I realised I'd aligned both sets along instead of across the block!

I am keen to make this area resemble the original as closely as I reasonably can, as the cylinders are so prominent. With the inverted-vertical engine between the seats, on full-size the cylinders were about level with the driver's chest.

So with this established so far I can go on to work out the dispositions of the passages and the steam-chest studs, (I found the clue to solving their conflict, in one of Luker's locomotive drawings), the starting-valve, etc. I'm tempted to use WAD to help me work out the details. (W=wood!)

So yer tiz:

Edited By Nigel Graham 2 on 22/09/2023 22:46:54