Graphics Troubles

[neilc78]

Hi all. I am running SW2005 sp0 on Windows XP SP2. My graphics card is Radeon X800XT 256MB. I have 1G RAM. I am running on a viewsonic Flat panel 19" mnonitor with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
I have had a problem since the install in that when I try to sketch on a plane my cursor appears as a crosshair (but seems very thin to me). The cross hair leaves images of itself every so often on the screen but that isn't a big issue. My big problem is that when I draw a line and moe toward the second line SW does not display the little symbold that let me know I am Parallel or perpendicular. Also when I try to click onto the node of another line it never actually joins to it but just lands near it and I have to merge the 2 points manually. As you can imagine this makes sketching a real pain.
I know my graphics card is not ideal but it should work on simple stuff like this shouldn't it?

So far I have installed newest monitor and Graphic drivers. No change. I then went backwards on graphic drivers to the one tested on the SW website but still no change. Can't find anything on the web or on the ATI website. I don't have a maintenance contract with a vendor so I have been unable to get the SW service pack - would this solve it? DOes anyone know how I can get this SP?

Thanks a million, Niall

 

[CADGemini]

you may want to check to see if your sketch relations are turned on. To do this go to "View-Sketch Relations".

Under your system options there is a section under "Sketch" that is called "Relations/Snaps".

I have everthing checked in there except under "Sketch Snaps" I have "Grid" and "Snap only when grid is displayed" unchecked. All of these are checked by default when you load solidworks for the first time. I have my part/assembly templates to turn the grid off when sketching. I find it quite annoying. Anyways I hope this helps.

As far as the quirky image problems it has alot to do with the video card.

Best Regards,
Jon

Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Solidworks 2005 SP1.1

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

1) Video card ... I too have a Radeon (at home) & often get the ghosted images. Only solution is to upgrade to a certified card.

2) Cross-hairs ... The cursor becomes a cross-hair only when using the Solidworks 2D emulator add-in. Go to Tools > Add-ins & deselect. This feature was created to "assist" AutoCAD users when switching over to SW. It is a crutch ... in the long run, you will do better not to use it.

3) Snapping to endpoints, etc ... do as jksolid suggests. I hate the grid & never use it. IMO, it is totally unecessary & just clutters the screen.


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[Arlin]

The problem is your video card & its drivers. The Radeon is just not meant for 3D CAD applications.

You can solve your issues by enabling software OpenGL, see here:

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=1066.

Of course, this may reduce performance, but it should eliminate the glitches you are seeing.

 

[SBaugh]

CBL has it right!

Radeon - That is a dead give away that the card is not supported, because this is a Game card.

Cross hairs are dead give away that the 2D Emulator is on. This option will limit everything you do in SW, especially in sketches.

If the 2D Emulator is on, you can't snap to grids, etc...

Regards,



Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

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[neilc78]

Thanks all. I turned off the 2D emulator and that solved the problem. Just in case anyone is interested the Radeon X800XT I am using is performing perfectly well on simple modelling (no glitches) - I haven't tested multiple open windows or large assemblies yet.

One final Question. Does anyone know where I can download the SW Service Packs (apart from the SW site)?

 

[SBaugh]

There is no other place. That's why you have to pay for subscription support.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

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faq559-716 - SW Fora Users

 

[cadmaniac]

Rumor has it that the new Radeon and Fire GL cards from ATI are basically identical except for the drivers. Google this topic and you will find discussions on how-to and potential risks in using Fire GL drivers on the X800. I have personally done this on the nVidia geForce cards installing Quadro drivers.

Anyone can be Captain in a calm sea.

 

[Mindnumb]

All the proffesional cards have the same core as their gaming counterparts. differences in bios (divice id and such) tells the driver if it should allow itself to be installed.

you can try to download older sets of firegl drivers and modify the via the patch scripts in rivatuner to install them. you might run into problems , but none that can`t be corrected by a new driver install. if you have the time to test it, do a search for rivatuner and firegl drivers or firegl softmod.

As Scott an CBL states, the safe route is to go for a proffesional card. On the other hand it won`t cost you anything but some time to test the softmod, so if you have lots of time an little money, try it out.

I used this on my radeon 9500 card and it worked well, but You have to try for yourself when it comes to the x800xt.

Best of luck! Bernt, Oslo, Norway.