http://www.sdrc.com/

Rutgers Engineering will stop using Ideas after the 2002/2003 school year.
We feel that the product no longer meets our needs and that it is not supported well enough to continue its use.

• Using IDEAS for the First Time

  At your prompt, type "ideas".
  If you are in the 14:650:488 Computer Aided Drafting class, you must first change to your me488 directory. To do this, type "cd me488" at your prompt.
  Once you are in ideas, it will ask you if it can create a new model file and a new project file, click "ok" for both.
  After that you can call your file whatever you wish to enter the CAD graphics screen.
  

  NOTE: IDEAS software can only be run from room B-125/127 (DSV lab).

• What to do When IDEAS "Crashes"

  If you are using IDEAS and it suddenly blinks off the screen, IDEAS has "crashed". The best thing to do in this situation is to run your STOP_SDRC# file.
  When IDEAS "crashes" it creates a STOP_SDRC# file in your directory.
  To run the file, go to your prompt and type ls to list your files. There should be a file: STOP_SDRC# where the # denotes a number, usually five digits long, that makes the file unique from others. Run the file by typing the full name of the file at yor prompt. Now you can get right back into IDEAS.

  NOTE: If this doesn't work come see us. PLEASE don't turn the computer off and on again, it can only cause problems.

• How do I Create Graphics Files From IDEAS

  Creating a graphic file in the new version of IDEAS is easy. The first step is to bring the desired file up in your IDEAS window. Go to 'FILE' in the upper right hand corner of your screen and select 'PICTURE FILES'. Input a file name in the window which comes up then click 'OK'. This will create a .cgm file. For example, if you name the file test, it will be called test.cgm in your directory. The next step is to click on the 'REDISPLAY' icon. After that pick 'PLOTTING' from the 'FILE' menu. Click on the 'PLOTTER' button to get a new window. In this window select a printer. The lp127ps printer is for black and white prints, this should be used for test prints. If a color print is required you must go to the administration office in B-124a and ask first. The color prints can only be obtained during office hours. Now just press 'OK' and you have your printout.
  

  NOTE: There are many options in the "PLOTTER" window which you may find useful.
  

• Display problem crashes

  Ideas will sometimes crash because of the display type setting.

  If the change the setting it resolves the problem. To do this type:

  ideas -d

  the machine will show the what is is set for currently and at that point it can be changed (OGL or X3D)

Last updated: Dec 19, 2000