[Software] SR 3D Builder

[xSergio]

Hi everybody,

as promised the new release of my software 0.4.5.6 has just been released.
Hope it worth the time you wait for it.

It's available as always from the "official" site
http://staff.polito.it/sergio.reano/

one recommendation: please read the history tab for a list of changes !!

[Biczzz]

It's very fast. I opened a relatively big model and it moves smoothly.

I haven't tried the more advanced functions yet, but basic parts moving and placing is very easy.

Excellent work!

[xSergio]

Hi,
I'm not sure, but it is probably the fastest rendering engine for Lego models, and it allows complex animation without performance degradation!

In the gallery you can download the two models I used in the latest video.
Try them on you PC and let me know your impressions...

Any critics is welcome anyway...

Sergio

It's very fast. I opened a relatively big model and it moves smoothly.

I haven't tried the more advanced functions yet, but basic parts moving and placing is very easy.

Excellent work!

[Biczzz]

I just opened the space shuttle. 1355 pieces and it works perfectly.

I will try to recreate one of my MOCs in your program. It may take some time, but then I hope I can give some more feedback.

So far, only two small details:
Is it possible to use drag&drop in order to open files?
In the start menu entry, inside the program group, the SR 3D icon has no name.

[xSergio]

Hi,

I just added the drag&drop capabilities. It will be on next release
I know about the issue of the missing name in the launching icon. It is due to a bug in the installation packager.

Sergio

I just opened the space shuttle. 1355 pieces and it works perfectly.

I will try to recreate one of my MOCs in your program. It may take some time, but then I hope I can give some more feedback.

So far, only two small details:
Is it possible to use drag&drop in order to open files?
In the start menu entry, inside the program group, the SR 3D icon has no name.

[Biczzz]

I think I found a bug. Locking the computer (winkey+L) crashes the program. After unlocking, the model disappears leaving only the background, and when I try to close the program, it crashes.

Also, I have some suggestions:
- The parts' list has two modes: Icons only and icons+part name. The colours' table could work the same way. I think it would make colours easier to select.
- To deselect a part after being fixed with Enter or Space, I use the Esc key. Why not just click an empty part of the screen to do this?
- Some visual help would be nice. When a part is selected, a semi-transparent box could show up, showing what buttons we have to press in order to rotate/move that part.
- A "Take Model Image in High Quality" option would be nice.

And two questions:
- It's not possible to save to LDraw format?
- I noticed that the program installs a parts' library in its folder. Does that mean that it uses those parts instead of the ones I have in my C:\LDRAW folder?


I really like this program, it works very well once we get used to it. However, I haven't tried the animation feature yet.

Keep up the excellent work!

[xSergio]

Hi,
application crash is due to the fact that Win locking causes a reset of graphics handle. It happens the same with almost any windows game. Some games manage this exception and reallocate the graphics handle but it take near the same time of restarting it, even if not annoying by an error windows.

I have already done some modifications that could help, available from the next release:
- Right clicking on any color will show up a list of the mode already used colors
- Deselecting a part is not required since selecting a new one will replace the selected one. If I'm going to use the click on an empty space to deselect a part then whenever I need to start moving the selected part(s) I must ensure I click on a non empty space or my selection will be lost. And an accidental click can always occur, especially if used by kids. It doesn't seem it is a good idea!
- Visual helps could be good, but after get used of the application are unuseful. Please be patient and read the manual or online help. Note that transparent windows drastically slow down performance on many graphics adapter (like balloons too)
- By using default DirectX calls I cannot get a better image than that. Need to learn something else...
- .L3B format is compatible with lDraw and you can exchange data. Anyway I recommend to backup models before
- My application uses the same lDraw library and is fully compatible with it so you can overwrite data during installation process to not have duplicated versions of data

Please, don't forget to read the manual too

byes for now

Sergio

 

I think I found a bug. Locking the computer (winkey+L) crashes the program. After unlocking, the model disappears leaving only the background, and when I try to close the program, it crashes.

Also, I have some suggestions:
- The parts' list has two modes: Icons only and icons+part name. The colours' table could work the same way. I think it would make colours easier to select.
- To deselect a part after being fixed with Enter or Space, I use the Esc key. Why not just click an empty part of the screen to do this?
- Some visual help would be nice. When a part is selected, a semi-transparent box could show up, showing what buttons we have to press in order to rotate/move that part.
- A "Take Model Image in High Quality" option would be nice.

And two questions:
- It's not possible to save to LDraw format?
- I noticed that the program installs a parts' library in its folder. Does that mean that it uses those parts instead of the ones I have in my C:\LDRAW folder?


I really like this program, it works very well once we get used to it. However, I haven't tried the animation feature yet.

Keep up the excellent work!

[xSergio]

Hi,
new SR 3D Builder 0.4.5.7 has been just release and is online as always on
http://staff.polito.it/sergio.reano/

I recommend to carefully read the history tab for a list of changes and added functionality, and watch video on my youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGd2eMjMXHg.

One note about image quality: I don't know why, but taking image model using internal DirectX routines result in poor image quality.
If you need better image the best practice is to take a screen shot with ALT-Stamp key combination (standard and native in any MS Windows) and then go editing them with any picture viewer/maker software. The Windows Paint is good enough to paste the screen shot and crop undesired parts.

Now, tomorrow Dec 24, will be the last day I'm online.
I will be back on Jan 7, 2010 and 'till there I will not read or answer messages or email, so be patient for any problems.
Better to save a copy of the previous version executable.

So that's all folks. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Sergio

[xSergio]

Hi again,

as promised, it is available the latest release of my application
It is available as usual for free from its official web site

http://staff.polito.it/sergio.reano

Don't miss to read the history for a summary of enhancements and changes

Sergio

PS: I'm not used to ask, but if anyone would like to donate to keep up my work, it will be appreciated.
If anyone is offended by this request, please edit and remove these latest line from this message: I will never ask again

[El_gordo]

PS: I'm not used to ask, but if anyone would like to donate to keep up my work, it will be appreciated.
If anyone is offended by this request, please edit and remove these latest line from this message: I will never ask again

No offense taken


Pedro

[xSergio]

Hi again,

I apologize for continue new messages, but I had to quick release the new version of the application in order to fix a huge bug preventing about 200 or more parts from being displayed in the toolbox.

So here we are with version 0.5.0.1.
The good news, for technic builders, is the RACK SUPPORT (still partial) for steering and for linear movement (not combined with hinges)

Download as always from my website:
http://staff.polito.it/sergio.reano

Any comment is welcome!!

Sergio

[Nine]

Just one comment ... support for linux, have you plan it ?

[xSergio]

Just one comment ... support for linux, have you plan it ?

When I reinstall my PC I will build a double partition with Linux. I will try to support MONO standards
Will try, but be patient

Sergio

[Nine]

Just one comment ... support for linux, have you plan it ?

When I reinstall my PC I will build a double partition with Linux. I will try to support MONO standards
Will try, but be patient

Sergio

I recommend a virtual machine, for a initial setput it's a better aproach. Don't need to make reboot to start development

[xSergio]

I recommend a virtual machine, for a initial setput it's a better aproach. Don't need to make reboot to start development
[/quote]

In a virtual machine DirectX won't work !!