It appears TurboCAD does not generate pdf files (although my
version is not the latest). I paste the following from the TurboCAD
help:
-------------------
The following table describes the file
types supported by TurboCAD 3.0:
File
Type
Extension Comment
TurboCAD
3.0
.TCW Default file type for
TurboCAD 3.0.
TurboCAD
3D
.MDL File type of TurboCAD 3D;
TurboCAD 3.0 can open and save files of this type.
TurboCAD
Template .TCT
Use predefined or custom templates as basis for new drawings.
TurboCAD
2.0
.TCW You can open, but not
save, files as this type.
TurboCAD
DOS
.TCD You can open, but not
save, files as this type.
AutoCAD
DXF
.DXF Common CAD file exchange
type.
AutoCAD DWG
.DWG AutoCAD drawing
files.
HPGL
.PLT Commonly used CAD file
type.
-------------------
That said, I have in the past managed to paste CAD diagrams into Word documents as images, although it was a slightly convoluted process.
As a TurboCAD user, I do think the program is good, particularly the 2D program. I am only using the 3D program for exploring sizing issues, for example for determining the number and size of batteries that would fit in a given space. It is also great for viewing the sub overall. However, the 2D program is definitely more appropriate for blueprints of detailed components.
I can imagine the team using TurboCAD 3D during the initial phases of discussion, when the topics are still general configuration issues such as hull form, crew position, control surfaces, etc. Once you get past conceptual design into detailed design of components, the team should probably switch to TurboCAD 2D.
I'd say the 2D TurboCAD program can be mastered in a short day, and 3D in a long day. However, it does take quite a while to execute these drawings even if you understand the software. Maybe I'm just anal retentive, but as a rule of thumb it takes me as long to draw something as to machine it (but if properly drawn, I only machine it once!)
-Alec
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> [mailto:owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org]On Behalf
Of
> protek@shreve.net
> Sent: Monday, July 19, 1999 7:47 PM
>
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
> Subject: Re: More Cad Programs from
Ebay
>
>
> Ray,
> I really think
the idea for having a "Standard" drafting and/or file
> format
would be a solid contribution to the Psubs site. I hear a lot of
>
people talking about AutoCad but I don't feel that this is a good choice
>
for the format for two reasons. First, if not a pirate copy it is far
too
> expensive for everyone to have a license. It is also
not
> something for the
> novice. It can take a considerable
amount of time to learn to use in an
> effective
way.
> I do not know much about TurboCad but think
that the price may be
> reasonable. Someone need to check it out and
report back. I don't think
> that it is necessary to have a 3-D
function although it would be nice to
> see what the sub better.
Does anyone know if this TurboCad can
> create .pdf
> files.
This would be a great asset because the general psubs member would
> not
have to pay anything for the ability to look at any drawing. I
don't
> believe that bandwidth would be a problem as only the more serious
members
> will be downloading larger numbers of drawings. I use
WinDraft schematic
> software for electronic designs and the files (in
WinDraft format) are
> usually 3 to 20 K-Bytes each. This of course
is not .pdf format.
> For that
> I do not have a
feel.
> You have several people on Psubs that
could work on or lead this
> project. It would be nice if you could,
on occasion, have Phil
> look in and
> comment though. By far
he is the most experienced in this sort of design.
> There are so many
approaches to design of a sub for so many different
> purposes. I
built my sub for the pleasure of piloting a small
> sub, not for
>
observation. Many will not want a design like mine but would gravitate
to
> an observational approach. The team will have to decide which
approach,
> how large, number of occupants, and overal difficulty in
construction
> required. You might take a poll as to what most
psubbers want to see
> designed.
> You might
think about creating a "Design in Progress" section
> with
tons
> of disclaimers as to the fact that what is shown is not ready for
use, but
> preliminary thinking in regard to the design process
itself.
>
> Gary Boucher
>
>
> At 10:05 AM 7/19/99
-0700, you wrote:
> >Hi Gary,
> >
> >[snip]
>
>
> >> output information into a .pdf file all can see it.
Ray may be able to
> >> create a design plan page so as to allow
instant download of the latest
> >> plans.
>
>
> >[snip]
> >
> >I certainly can. We should make
sure the design is pretty solid
> as someone
> >may pull them of
the site and go build a sub. So preliminary plans should
> >protected
somehow or put elsewhere for now.
> >
> >Possibly I can put
them on the site but not link them to the web page so
> >the design
team who knows they are there can pull them down but a casual
>
>outsider who just discovered the site won't see them.
> >
>
>Considering bandwidth issues perhaps I should give the Team Leader
the
> password
> >to the site so he can do the upload to site and
keep me out of
> it. Else it
> >might take a week or more before
I would get around to doing it.
> >
> >If this sounds good I
will create a directory for the Design Team.
> >
> >Who is the
Team Leader? Last I heard there were two candidates.
> >
>
>Regards,
> >Ray
> >
> >
>