Student Demo fails with Vista

[Jim@ivy]

I have a number of students reporting problems with the MastercamX Mill student CD when used on a PC with Vista. They report the screen goes white when the try to draw a line. Could this be a screen resolution problem?

One student has reported that his Vista PC runs the student software.

We use the book "MastercamX step by step" which includes the student CD.

Is there a newer CD availavble for the Vista operating system?

[Will Slota]

Jim,

 

Which version of Mastercam was that demo version for? Without knowing which version I can only offer some suggestions. First most graphics issues revlove around OpenGl shading support. Vista came out without any when it was released. Depending on the version of Mastercam you can correct this several ways but you can always, Right-click on your desktop, choose properties, choose settings, choose advanced, then troubleshoot to access the Hardware acceleration slider bar and bring it all the way down. Many times down one notch or up from the bottom one notch works also.

 

It definitely sounds like a video card issue, however it can also be a windows graphics performance setting that is causing the problem. you might try right-clicking on My Computer and choosing properties and then on the system properties select Advanced and then in the Performance Options, select Visual Effects and Adjust for Best Performance.

 

Also, You might want to consider (again based on which version of Mastercam Demo is installed) right clicking on the Mastercam icon and clicking on Properties and setting the program to "runn in Windows XP compatiblity mode". Mastercam X3 and MAstercam X4 are the only officially Vista compatible versions of Mastercam as all other versions are pre-Vista.

 

You should call me. The cd that came with that book is NOT the Student version. It was a DEMO version. I have some other tips and suggestions that may help. Also, the Mastercam X4 Demo-Home Learning Edition is available. It saves so the students can do their homework and then bring their files into school to post process.

 

1(800)ASK-MCAM

[Jim@ivy]

Thank you for the reply. The CD is "Learning Mastercam X Mill 2D Step by Step" from CNC Software. MCXStart.exe Version 1.2.0.183

I use it because it comes with a book and covers the basics reasonably well.

 

I've requested a copy of the latest student edition from my distributer. Any suggestions for texts or references regarding the machining of 3D models would be appreciated. My students are now coming to me with CAD experience and want to use mastercamX on 3D models, but my experience with the 3D is limited.

 

I've used Solidworks to make models, but have done my "work- work" in 2D for over 20 years because that is all I have.

I now have access to Solidworks on another machine due to the cutbacks, but have not made the time to use it yet .

 

Any help or insight toward teaching materials would be appreciated. I now teach our CNC Machining classes here at IVY Tech using Mastercam X software in both Mill and Lathe. I need a "student version" of software for the lathe students. I'm hoping the new version I have requested will have that option.

 

Thank you,

Jim

[Jim@ivy]

I see now the software says Mastercam X 10.0.12.4.

Jim

[Will Slota]

Jim,

 

Thanks for contacting us on the phone. I hope the information provided helps you resolve your graphics issues.

[Jim@ivy]

Thanks for taking the time for the demo which was GREAT! The jury is still out on the graphics issues. I'll get an update on Thursday evening.

 

I'm starting to work on Solids now. I'm going to check around for posts and such about getting started with solid models. 2D comes naturally, but I need to switch over to 3d and wire.

 

Thanks again for your help!