Metasequoia - basic question about measuring w/o the grid

[fprintf]

This is probably a very basic question, but how do I see how long to make a line without using the grid. I almost need a ruler or a way of setting how long a line should be.

For instance, I have a 3M wingspan plane. I know all the dimensions of all the parts of the plane in CM and inches. I *could* make the parts guessing the size by laying them out approximately on the grid (TLAR method) and then rotating them to the appropriate plane. But I was wondering if there is a way to draw a line, and then type a length into a box or if dragging the X, Y, or Z plane with the mouse is the only way.

Thanks!

[Zoom]

No, I don’t think there is a way to specify a line length. The whole interface to the program seems to be more of a TLAR approach. I have, however, only used it to do about 4 or 5 planes, so I could be wrong. More recently I have been sketching them in CAD first and then saving the sketch as an image. Then I import that image into Metasequoia and shape the model to fit the CAD drawing. This makes it easy to get the lines the right size.

Even with the fancy renderings of the more current CAD programs, I still find it useful to pull a quick model in Metasequoia and fly it around in FMS. There is something about watching your model fly by that really gives you and idea of whether it will look right when it’s finally built. I can’t get this from a static rendering.

- Dave -

[ggunners]

Zoom,

I find the best method to use is to have a background image in Metasequoia that's an accurate 3-view of the actual model. All that the 3D package needs to do is render an accurate DirectX image of the model. The only real size issue is the appearance of the model within FMS as all operating parameters of the model are specified in the .par file.

In fact I usually render my models a little larger than scale so they are easier to see within FMS and then apply the right scaling within the .par file with Mr. Masuoka's ParEdit program (http://rcp.web.infoseek.co.jp/fms_e.html#A8Editor_Converter). When you open a .par for the first time the model and directx file are not synchronized for scale. I usually click on the Y-auto button to scale the wings or span appropriately and adjust all other .par attributes to the wing span.

-- ggunners

[Zoom]

Yes, this is basically what I was saying, except the 3-views I use are just sketches I create in CAD because most of my planes are my own designs. I also try to keep them the correct scale because I have become accustomed to how the scale looks. For example, I'm doing a sailplane now, and when I fly it in FMS I can gauge how big it will be in real life by comparing it to my other designs. I fly my other designs at the local field every weekend, so my FMS experiences are "calibrated" frequently. Tip of the hat to those great guys at FMS and Metasequoia for offering these cool free tools.

- Dave -

[fprintf]

Glad for the information guys. Do you create your own 3 views? Seems like Zoom does it in CAD. How do you load these as a "background" image into the program?

Zoom, when you are done with the glider can you either PM me or put the link here? I have been looking for a glider that is somewhat realistic and have not really found one yet that flies like my experiences say they should. Thx!

[Zoom]

Under View / Set background images. Then you can either turn it on or off with the Img button at the top of the viewport window. If you want to scale the background image click the BkImg under the command pannel on the left. If you hold the shift key and grab the corner it will keep the aspect ratio constant. Here is an old view of the glider in 2D CAD. I can send you a metasequia file of this model and a few 3D renderings when I get a home.

- Dave -