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When I started using MLCAD/L3P/POV-RAY, I had quite a few issues.
- Installation - The existing ldraw.org was pretty good in instructing how
to find and install these things. However, I had to wade through a bunch of
stuff to figure out that these three programs were one of the most popular
combinations. Also, I have now started using L3PAO which is much easier
than L3P. Last time I looked, there was no reference to L3PAO.
- Integrating the 3 programs - I had to figure this out on my own! It would
be great to have a little tutorial on how to save your MLCAD file, run L3P,
and then some basics on using POV-RAY. It took me forever to figure out how
to make POV-RAY display a larger image than the default (that is about
100x100).
- Changing the camera location/angle. It took me about a month to figure
this out. I think I'm now really good at it and can quickly position the
camera with ease. I wrote a series of posts about this on the LUGNET.CAD
groups recently. I'd be happy to write up a short blurb for ldraw.org if
you are interested.
- Performance in MLCAD - This is a BIG deal. I hit grinding performance
problems the very first time I used MLCAD. The software has gotten faster
(with new releases), but i've also come across numerous tricks (sub-models,
turning off studs or using reduced draw quality, etc) that dramatically
affect peformance.
- Performance in POV-RAY - This is another BIG deal. I still hit POV-RAY
performance issues, but i've learned to turn off certain options to at least
do quick displays. Also, using sub-models can DRASTICALLY improve
performance, if done properly.
It would be great if all these issues were covered in greater depth on
ldraw.org.
Also, it would be great to have a centralized parts repository for
"unofficial parts." Perhaps there could be a "buddy review' system where a
part can be accepted into a temporary holding repository if one or two
people have looked at and approved your part? Perhaps lugnet.cad.parts is
good enough???
Tim Courtney <tim@zacktron.com> wrote in message
news:G58F4A.zE@lugnet.com...
> We have been doing a lot of thinking and planning for the future focus of
> LDraw.org recently. Within a week or so, a new section of the site is • planned
> to be released. From this, a slight restructuring will take place but • nothing
> fundamentally different. I want to take some time to share some thoughts • and
> get some input on the future direction.
>
> Its obvious that the LCAD community has moved far beyond the original • LDraw
> software. This is great! It shows that we are growing and more things are
> becoming available to make life easier for those who want to make stunning • 3D
> models, instructions, and more. I want the website to reflect those • changes,
> for a change.
>
> Without totally revealing what is going to happen in a week, the site will • take
> more of an MLCad focus. From there I intend to help the site bring forth • ideas
> and information about other programs that are currently popular - LDView, • L3Lab,
> L3P, etc. A lot of these programs have been popular but there hasn't been • a lot
> of information out there on them.
>
> I have to admit that I'm not the expert on all of these programs. • Personally, I
> use MLCad and L3P minimally to create some instructions and renderings
> occasionally. I have to go through learning more about what each one of • these
> does and how it impacts the DAT universe as well.
>
> For those of you who are experts on these utilities, I'd like to see more
> information on the site about them. I'm thinking about gradually adding a • few
> features to the site which will make it more like a magazine - voices of • the
> users of the LCAD community coming out and providing this information for • the
> rest of the people out there. I encourage people to write articles about
> utilities like LDView and L3Lab to get more people interested, share the • latest
> usage tips, troubleshooting, etc. All of this will help grow the LCAD
> community.
>
> So...from there, I'd like to hear thoughts on where the site can go to • provide
> more for the needs of the LCAD users, new users, and the current popular
> utilities. LDraw.org will move its focus away from the old LDraw (while • it will
> still be promoted, not as exclusively), and into the new stuff, something • that's
> been needed for some time.
>
> Recently Tom McDonald came 'on board' with the site to help out, and his • task is
> converting some tutorials over to ldraw.org format. These will be up in • the
> relative near future as well.
>
> Please send ideas and suggestions, and if you have something to write • about, its
> much appreciated! Thanks.
> --
>
> Tim Courtney - tim@zacktron.com
>
> http://www.ldraw.org - Centralized LDraw Resources
> http://www.zacktron.com - Zacktron Alliance
>
> ICQ: 23951114 - AIM: TimCourtne
>
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