Multiple windows - nearly, but not quite

[scotty7]

We have an evaluation version of NX6, and have found that we can have multiple views of a part on the screen simultaneously, which could potentially help greatly in navigating a large part or assembly (works in 4 and 5 too). However, when the user tries to sketch anything, either a warning comes up that sketcher can't function with more that one window open (if sketching in a command)or if sketching directly, all but the active widow just close down on their own.

Doesn't anyone else think that it would be very useful to have this functionality all the time???

 

[cowski]

You'll have to help me out on this one, I'm having a hard time seeing what the benefit would be. Is there something you can't accomplish in the single sketch window? or are you hoping the multiple windows (layout) would make some sketch operation easier?

 

[scotty7]

No, the point I was trying to make is that having multiple windows may be useful for general modelling - think of a large axsymmetric component like a casing, where you need to pick a lot of small features on a large item, so picking across the model involves a lot of zoom in, zoom out, pan, rotate etc. Having multiple windows could help here.
However, having set this up, try to do a sketch in the model and all of the windows disappear and you are back to just the one. So why have the functionality of the multiple windows, if one of the basic commands blats the lot as soon as it is activated?

 

[cowski]

involves a lot of zoom in, zoom out, pan, rotate etc.

I prefer a single large window and a spaceball.

http://www.3dconnexion.com/

 

[ewh]

I have to agree with cowski. I used to use multiple window layouts back when there was no spaceball, only a dial box, and then it was very handy for the reasons posted. Unless it is a huge model, a spaceball is all I need now.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. - [small]Thomas Jefferson [/small]

 

[Dave K]

I'd like to see multiple windows, inwhich I can have multiple parts. ie, one part I'm working on, and another that I'm using for reference, etc., toggling between two windows within NX, as opposed to going between NX sessions.

...once that happens, I'll want to be able to have one in modeling, and the other in drafting too

-Dave
Everything should be designed as simple as possible, but not simpler.