Finally Leaving RISA-3D v17 ? 4

[P1ENG]

I'm probably one of the last converts from the old RISA. I have, until yesterday, ran version 17. I am now in version 21 and I like some of the features and some I don't. I like that I can manipulate multiple nodes by entering coordinates rather than having to "move" them. I like how fast it solves with multiple processor threads. I don't like the smaller 3D view window. I don't like the ribbon (in this or any software). Ribbons are for looks and clicking, and clicking is a waste of time. I'd prefer they bring back the smaller icons and give all options without having to switch tabs in the ribbon. Also, no ribbons = larger working area. I've been in contact with support today about some things that I think are critical (albeit minor) issues to me. Such as when I am doing a spreadsheet manipulation (sorting, math, etc.) the manipulator function doesn't remember my last selection. So, if I want to sort by maximum value, then I have to select the "Maximum" radio button on each column I am sorting. Before I selected "Maximum" once and every column afterwards remembered that I want to sort by maximum. Also, the math operators used to be radio buttons and now they are in a drop down menu. Now, I have to make 2 clicks (drop down, then select operator) as opposed to my single radio button click. There is no reason why last selection should be saved for the next operation. These things matter... at least to me.

I was very worried when I couldn't turn members on and off (grey out) by clicking them until I found the "Viewer Mode". I'm still a little unsure how to efficiently exclude results to the selected items, but I'm sure it will make sense shortly.

However, the greatest discovery, and one I wish they would have pushed more information on, is that they include v17 alongside the new version. If you go to the Program Files folder where you installed the program, there is an executable for v17. You can't run them (v17 and v21) at the same time, but this would have been very helpful years ago when I wasn't willing to learn the new layout. I thought I had to abandon v17 and then my workflow would be at the mercy of me learning a new software ASAP. Now, if I need to for the sake of time, revert back to v17 to create my model (using the familiar layout) and then use v21 to run the solution.

Juston Fluckey, SE, PE, AWS CWI
Engineering Consultant

 

[Aesur]

Good to know, I resisted using the updated version until I built a new computer about a year ago; even after using the newer version for about a year I still haven't gotten used to it and still have to click around looking for items. Still not a fan, but this is what happens when you get a bunch of sales people involved in anything, lose functionality for what they think looks good, not realizing their market is engineers who want efficiency and don't give a crap about looks.

 

[DaveAtkins]

It took me awhile to get used to RISA v19, which is what I use. I agree, some things do not seem to be intuitive, but maybe that is because I have been a long time RISA user and they made some big changes:
* The whole SELECT FREEZE UNFREEZE UNSELECT seems cumbersome to me.
* Previous versions of RISA allowed you to rotate a model by repeated clicking. With the new version, you have to grab the axis diagram and use your mouse to rotate the model.
* The whole print thing, which becomes a print screen which you can print, seems more cumbersome to me.

I still love RISA, but I am not sure the new version is an improvement...

DaveAtkins

 

[WinelandV]

Currently using version 20.

Definite areas of improvement:
- Can utilize multiple processor cores to solve load combinations in parallel.
- Holding the shift button and using the middle mouse button lets you rotate about some point in the distance, and not just rotate about whichever axis RISA thinks you're trying to rotate about.
- I still have the axis rotate buttons in the tool bar, and it's still 8 clicks to rotate 90 degrees.

It took me a while to get used to selected vs. not selected members (as older versions would hide a member that's not selected). BUT, this new method allows the Copy: Point-to-Point function work in a much more intuitive way.

One thing I am thankful for is that it didn't strip away any functionality when they made the change. Different GUI, yes, but all the features were still there. Unlike some programs *cough* MathCAD *cough*

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".

 

[P1ENG]

@DaveAtkins,
I came to say the same thing as WinelandV said. You can rotate by holding shift and pushing in your middle mouse wheel button.

@WinelandV,
I will not switch to Prime. I will stay on Mathcad 15 for as long as I can. I have so many self-written templates that I don't trust to convert to prime. That would be a major blow to my business if I have to leave M15. I'm also running AutoCAD 16 LT (last perpetual license they offered). I hate subscription software for softwares that I don't need to change. Math doesn't change, why do I need a Mathcad Prime subscription? Drawing doesn't change, why do I need an Autocad subscription. RISA I understand because codes cycles dictate regular updates.

Juston Fluckey, SE, PE, AWS CWI
Engineering Consultant

 

[DaveAtkins]

I still have the axis rotate buttons in the tool bar, and it's still 8 clicks to rotate 90 degrees.

Thanks, I will look for that.

DaveAtkins

 

[WinelandV]

Should be here:

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".