Routing Instruction Manual

I noticed that the Reference manual (now available for DL) doesn't
even mention SW Routing!! Okay, I bought the Routing program, I've
spent the money, I have the subscription service, now how do I use
it?? We've had it for several months, and I don't think I'm using it
right, and I don't think I'm using it to its full potential.

My boss is getting upset, because he feels that every day he's losing
money because I'm not as productive as I should be with the routing
package. He's almost ready to drop it and go with another program.

Anybody have any ideas on instruction?? My var has told me there
aren't even any classes available because there aren't enough routing
users out there to justify the costs.

-Danny Lesker
F.F. Inc.

 

I am very interested in your situation as I am getting ready to be in the
same boat. I will be initiating my 30 trial code next Wed and start with
what my co's refers to as the "rats nest"! I too contacted my VAR for
training or books relating to the routing addin and have found none. Sorry I
can't help yet but as soon as I get it going I will definately be willing to
bounce information back and forth. Have you found any limitations with the
addin? Stability? I have been monitoring a thread:
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...s&selm=rAmLb.922%24na.1106%40attbi_s04&rnum=1
but it has not changed for a while. How long have you used SolidWorks?

 

Routing used to be called "Piping" and there is a newsgroup that may be
useful to you (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/solidworks_piping/). Folks on
that group should know if there are any manuals or good references. I
thought that there was a manual on the SW subscription site at one point,
perhaps you were searching for "Routing" when it might be listed as
"Piping"?

JJ

 

Hmmm,

I have seen a piping training manual in PDF format. I don't think it ever
went to press however, due to the switch to routed systems from piping and
the added functionality of tubing, flexible hoses and (coming soon) wiring.
I heard a whisper that there will be a new shiny training manual
encompassing all of this functionality, but it is not ready yet and will mot
be released until the wiring functionality is added (in a service pack).

Your VAR might be able to get hold of the PDF version of the old manual if
they are persistent, especially if you tell them that the software is in
danger of being dropped.

good luck

Ken

 

Danny,

If you do a search of the SW tips & tricks on the SW website you can do a
search for piping - it will give you a few good tips. Believe it or not,
Piping (Routing) has not changed the way that it works since it's release
(about 99) and it is relatively simple. The main thing to get your head
around is 3D sketches (they work a bit differently to normal 2D sketches) as
this is the driving element of piping.

If you can get your hands on a copy of the SW99 User Guide (the last user
guide ever issued) - it is also in the SW online help, there is a section on
piping - if you follow the instructions there you will be able to create
your own library parts and control the way they are inserted.

HTH

Merry

 

They also have access to training files. and other info.

Mike Wilson

 

Your comments are right about the manual. There is one floating out
there in PDF. It is based on the older version of SolidWorks Piping
(about 99-2000). This was orginally created by the customer that
SolidWorks created the Piping application for. I do think there is a
manual in the works. The vars may or may not have a copy of this, was
not made available in a form for them or customers.

I may be able to find a copy of it (no supporting files, part, asm)
but the manual is a big help. Do look at the Piping group. Very good
people in that group. (Can be reached at ).
Again I may have a copy, but may not. Check with your reseller first
before emailing me. May take some time to see if I still have a copy.
I did years ago.

The product is now getting the first major upgrade in years and looks
to be on the development track again. I have been told there is
something for documentation in the works. I think it will not be
available until mid year since the Routing application is going
through many updates right now.

The new piping, tubing and wiring package has been renamed to
SolidWorks Routing. There has been a lot of work done to the product
in the last 6 months. I do recommend you look at it. The released
version (SolidWorks 2004 SP2.1) has Piping and Flexible/Rigid tubing
in it now. They are adding auto route options to this area in an
upcoming service pack. As for Wiring I have seen that in a
presentation, not out until about March 2004, should be in SolidWorks
2004 (SP3) if you own the Routing option. I think you will like how
the wiring works from what I have seen.

There is a Harnessing option coming in the upcoming months also, may
be an option when SP3 releases. Not sure on that. Routing is all 3D
layouts. Harnessing takes the 3D Routing and creates 2D Drawings (Peg
Board) drawings with complete BOM and cut lengths. This area seems to
be very robust for a v1.0 type product.

I think if you look at this over the next couple months, give the
dealers a little time to get/learn the new products since SolidWorks
and only certain beta testing companies have it right now.

I have just seen these new modules at the recent SolidWorks World 2004
User Meeting in Boston, MA. We see a big push by SolidWorks into the
routing area. Should be great move for everyone.

SolidWorks is required to use Routing & Harnessing application.
Routing and Harnessing are sold separate as options if needed and not
part of the base package.

I have used the Routing (formerly SolidWorks Piping) application for
sometime and I can see SolidWorks is now spending a lot of development
time in this area.

I hope this helps in your questions.

 

What's your point. They don't provide documentation
with their main product.

 

Frank,

If you check Elmar's post (SW User Manual) from 1/28/04, you will find that
SolidWorks has made a 982 page "Reference Guide" available for download from
the Subscription Services pages.

This guide is a PDF version of the SolidWorks help file. There is also a
note that a printed and bound version will be available soon.

Best regards,

John

 

Ya I know, Gots it
Wish they had it a year ago ;-)

 

Okay, I can tell you that there is a routing manual because I wrote
it. It is over 200 pages long, and covers quite a bit of the
piping/routing package, including creating custom parts, how to route
flexible tubing, how to insert subassemblies into your route, etc...

I can't tell you the details of when and how to get it quite yet...
but I can say it will be available VERY SOON!!...I mean...REALLY soon!

I'll notify anybody who wants one when I work out the distribution
details.

-Wes Mosier
AES Inc.

 

But .... as I mentioned earlier... there is not as SINGLE mention of
SW Routing in all 900+ pages. Sad. Very Sad.

However.... KUDOS to SW for posting that beast!! I thumb through it
every chance I get, and find something new EVERY time! (did I say
thumb? ... they handed out printed versions at SWW) Well worth the
registration, hotel, and airfare costs.. just for the printed version.

-Danny

 

Those are the details I'm working on. I am just a routing user who
wrote a routing manual, and now I'm working on how to distribute it.

-Wes Mosier
AES Inc.

 

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