CompuServe Messages

Curtis, You ask many questions (in an Indian tone <grin>) and I'll try to address some of them. 1) Maybe someone might have saved a recent message I posted regarding Architecture and animations (I don't think I did). If so, it was quite long and detailed on an effective method to incoporate animations into the business plan/servce offerings of an architecture firm. You may find it interesting reading. 2) You are correct regarding AutoArchitect and other add-ons (like Architectual Power Tools is another one). Some have been specifically designed to make designing and detailing in 3D much easier. I would get verification from the mfgr if they are 3DS aware and if their 3D geometry is 3DS compatible. 3) There is a new product which ships with every 3DS (for a while) called Visual Link. This product allows you to set-up your animation from within ACAD12. This would be very handy, since by pruchasing as many copies of Visual Link as you have ACAD stations, the basic animation can be defined at the CAD station, thus not "bogging-down" your 3DS station. Also, this program _generates_ a 3DS file directly and therefore there is no "conversion" of "importing" issue…. very nice! 4) In reference to how long to become productive, that will be highly dependent on the operator. As a "for instance", we just broght on a Perdue Univ. student for the summer (Junior). He had basic ACAD in school. He sat down with the tutorial (4-days) and with a little guidance from us, he is off and running doing some really great stuff (1.5 weeks later). His enthusiasm has a lot to do with his progress, but it is hard not to get enthusiastic about this program. You'll find your person working late … just because they are having so much fun. Makes for happy employees. 5) Make sure your 3DS dealer is on the ball. Technical support is very important with this program … even more so that with ACAD. IT IS WELL [>> Continued in next msg]