Any alternative user/support forum for DesignSpark Mechanical ?

[ship69]

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...)

[JSenior]

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

[ship69]

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

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

[JSenior]

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

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.

[ship69]

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

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...

[Sebastian Finke]

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

[ship69]

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.