Any alternative user/support forum for DesignSpark Mechanical ?

Hello

Is there an alternative user/support forum for DesignSpark Mechanical?

Background
I just installed DSM. However I immediately hate the default view - which does my head in because no perspective view. So I tried to post a question on their support forum, but it keeps telling me that I am not logged in. Strangely I have not received any emails from the either. Nightmare.

Maybe I should revert to 123D Design (which I recently installed), but I am nervous about it being "only a cut-down version" of something, as I have a near zero budget. Possibly I could revert to using Sketchup, but everyone says it's only a surface modeler and will give you errors when you try to 3D Print... and moreover I found it fairly bugging and generally tough going.

John


P.S. Does anyone know if DSM actually *has* a perspective view? (This is a deal-breaker issue for me...)

Assuming it is the same as Spaceclaim it is under "Display," "Graphics," Perspective Shaded"

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Originally Posted by JSenior

Assuming it is the same as Spaceclaim it is under "Display," "Graphics," Perspective Shaded"

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That's the one - thank you.

Fwiw, I was looking for it under Right-Click view...

Sorry to be thick but is there any way to change the amount of perspective (what we are given by default seems minimal!)

J

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ship69

That's the one - thank you.

Fwiw, I was looking for it under Right-Click view...

Sorry to be thick but is there any way to change the amount of perspective (what we are given by default seems minimal!)

J

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I'm not sure, it's not something I use.

Am sure you'll get used to it however. In my opinion it is by far the best free program for basic mechanical models.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JSenior

In my opinion it is by far the best free program for basic mechanical models.

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I am strongly tempted to go for something more 'parametric' - e.g. did you ever try Onshape
After fighting with Sketchup for many hours this video rather blew me away!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQQLZ_QJgxc

I am trialing Fusion 360 which turns out to be highly parametric. Non of the user comments I had read mentioned this...

Onshape won't be free forever. People forget that once beta is over you'll need to pay or lose all your work.

Onshape is now out of Beta.
http://3dprintingindustry.com/2015/1...pinshape-apps/

Here's what Onshape say here: https://www.onshape.com/faqs
"Onshape intends to always offer a Free Plan. We reserve the right to amend the terms of both the Free and Professional Plans."

Hmm... not super-reassuring but probably safe for year or two.