Solidworks Expert Tips 1

[kroth]

I am in the process of learning SW. At the same time I am following SW tips, and most tips are absolutely mouth-watering - however premature for myself as learner. Beyond any doubt, X month's or years from now, a specific problem asked and answered months ago is just what I would need.

This brings me to my Question for those experienced in Eng-Tips, which seems to be a superb site:

1. Are threads kept/maintained indefinitely (for years --)

2. How easy is it to locate a specific answer on a problem that appeared month's ago, and at this point is just a faint memory (you have the problem below, recall vaguely that a good answer exists - and you want to find it again).

For example, this tip appeared some month's ago --

HOW MUCH EFFORT WOULD YOU REQUIRE TO ACTUALLY LOCATE THIS EXACT ANSWER TO THE QUESTION:

Q: "Does anyone knows why some of my dimensions are changing do Read Only mode?? Is it realtined with equations???
A: " Here is what is happening
Ex: "D2@Sketch1" = "D1@Sketch1" / 2

D2 would be the read only dimension because it is = to D1/2.

D2 is now controlled and it cannot be changed because D1 controls it's output or value.

1) Make sure it isn't being referenced twice.(I Don't think SW would allow it anyway but just make sure.)
2) Try removing the equation, removing the dimension, and reinsert that dimension and reinsert the equation.



3. ??????? Does anyone have a good means (method, program, search tool ---?) to track/or accumulate valuable tips in an easily searchable form -- apart from/or inside Eng-Tips?.
I don't find "advanced search" particularly efficient --

Thanks
Kurt

 

[SBaugh]

You have to remember who wrote it then you can search by their handle, or if you remember the subject, etc.. If you don't remember anything about the post then your pretty much SOL, because you have to have some thing to remember it by to search it out. See the search tools under search to show yourself what you need to know. You can even search yourself up, and that might help you find your problem.

Also if you see something that you think should be added to the FAQ section. Then post to that same thread and ask the user to post it to the FAQ section.

As for how long they stay I'm not really sure, other then I have seen threads back as far as 2001.

Regards

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[TheTick]

I usually have good luck with searching. Perhaps refine your searching technique, such as your choice of keywords.

When you post, mention as a footnote that you did search.

There is much valuable information in the FAQ section of this forum.

Equations:
Parameters controlled by an equation are automatically made "read-only", and can only be altered by changing the equation. When the equation is deleted, the parameter goes back to normal.

Speaking of FAQ's, try this one:
<faq559-590>

"An object at rest can not be stopped."

http://www.EsoxRepublic.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I usually save any pages (in the .mht format) that I feel might be useful later on. Also on some occasions (where the posted answers are too many or too verbose) I cut and paste specific replies to Word or Notepad.
Although the "Search" feature could be better, I usually am able to find what I need fairly quickly.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

To expand on TheTicks comments (for your example), if you typed in read only dimension & selected Exact match the search gives you the thread you are after. This took only one attempt.

 

[dsgnr1]

Kurt,
Make sure that you are searching inside the Solidworks forum. I think the advanced search will include all forums.

dsgnr1

Experience is a dear teacher, and only fools will learn from no other.
Ben Franklin

 

[MadMango]

Don't limit your tips & tricks to only this forum, there is a lot of information out there to be had by anyone that takes the find to find it. faq559-520

[green]"But what... is it good for?"[/green]
Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[kroth]

Hi:

I knew I could count on Scott and "TheLick" --

Scott: The answer is actally one you gave about 2 years ago to a question - could you find it again using only key words or phrases.

Thanks CorBlimeyLimey (Mechanical)for your suggestion - it does work.

However, one post in this three total post thread contains
this exact wording "Read-only dimension" an other exact phrasing of the same item - not findable by the previous phrasing.

I do have one solution I will mention later - not fully satisfactory either, -- lets see what other ideas turn up, -- this strikes me as an absolutely critical area to look into --- how to keep track of all these nuggets from passing by (perhaps) to be lost forever --


Kurt

 

[kroth]

MadMango (Mechanical)

THANKS for this post - this is absolutely superb - I would never have found this on my own.


Kurt

 

[SBaugh]

Have you seen how many times and how many posts I have put out? I couldn't tell you what all I have wrote in here.

Do a search on me, and if you have any keywords that you remember... try using those to help narrow it down that away.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[macPT]

Chack also

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&group=comp.cad.solidworks

Regards

 

[kroth]

Maybe I am beating this subject to death - how to keep all these nuggets and words of wisdom that pass easily available to posterity -

My best solution is actually a a freeform database I have used for years. The trouble is that it requires me to transfer items to it (ongoing effort) - however, that effort is minimal not much more than to higlight text and a single click on an icon in the systems tray to transfer it directly to an independent note in the database.

Search capabilities are incredible -- If, for example I had entered ALL SW Products Posts in this database from day one (?? hundreds or thousands) - I would actually be able to locate almost any specific post fast - seconds, just from common sense and memory fragments.

I have used this software now since 1986 (or so) - it is now in release 8 - very stable and reliable ----. However, I am still in release 6, and might stay there indefinately since the 5% of its capabilities I actually use, suits me just fine at release 6.

check out

Http://www.miclog.com

Kurt