RattleCAD users? Let's Talk.

[RyanDelavelo]

Couldn't find a thread already in existence for those of us that use RattleCAD so I'd like to start this one.

Happy to share my experience and knowledge of the program thus far but would also like to hear from others who are using it.

I'm on Frame#1 at the moment and, being a linux fan, decided I wanted to try something open source and free before BikeCAD or BikeCAD Pro, which, as of yet, I have no experience in.

Nevertheless, I've found rattleCAD's learning curve to be...steepish...and know I'm still missing out on some it's capabilities and shortcuts/method.

In short: anyone else out there?

[dsaul]

I've used Rattlecad for all of my frames and it does have its oddities. I find that the config. panel stays hidden most of the time, but all of the details from that panel can be input directly on the "base concept" and "frame details" tabs. Most of the measurements that are in color on those tabs can be double clicked to open a box to input your measurement. In order for the change to take effect, you must hit "enter" after changing the data. Most of the angles can be changed directly, but I've found that the seat tube angle is a resultant figure from the saddle setback. I'm certainly no expert on Rattlecad, but I may be able to help with any specific questions you have.

[devlin]

I like RattleCAD. Its got some cool features and its free. I do think BikeCAD is a more polished program and when I can afford it Ill probably get it. Its about Aus $750 now. One thing I dont like in RattleCAD is the change to the way you set the seat height. Thats become clumsy unless Im missing something.

[RyanDelavelo]

Yeah, whilst the seat height thing seemed a bit odd at first (we often start off thinking that we're going to arrive at some mystical ST length that will tell us a lot of the other dimensions...) it's a more intuitive and sensible way of doing things. But the issue that got me stumped for a long time was how to change ST length and other measurements to bring said ST below the stand over height that I'd set for myself. RattleCAD's 'road' template is where I started and I'm building a light duties, flat handled touring bike...the initial template has a Standover of something like 850mm...I needed closer to 790 if I recall.

There are a few other functions that I can't figure out at present also...will try listing them later.

Anyone had luck or experience in importing a drawing of your own components, such as dropouts, into rattleCAD's libraries?

[devlin]

I haven't tried that yet.

[fred_stmk]

Thanks a lot for starting this thread!

Which Version do you use?
... latest Version of rattleCAD is
3.4.02.59 from 2015-06-20

you can download this Version here:
Download rattleCAD from SourceForge.net
Download rattleCAD from SourceForge.net

unfortunatly, the website of rattleCAD is currently not available at sourceforge:
http://rattlecad.sourceforge.net/
they want to fix it soon


Manfred Rosenberger (rattleCAD)

[mmoore]

Anyone had luck or experience in importing a drawing of your own components, such as dropouts, into rattleCAD's libraries?

while its neat to have a "rendering" what difference does having the final dropout in the rendering provide??

Sorry if it sounds harsh, I honestly don't see the benefits... set your CS length to the axle and the DO should have no effect, imo.

[devlin]

while its neat to have a "rendering" what difference does having the final dropout in the rendering provide??

Sorry if it sounds harsh, I honestly don't see the benefits... set your CS length to the axle and the DO should have no effect, imo.

Some people have a hard time visualising. Some people like to cross t's and dot i's and some like me are a little OCD. I work as a draftsman so I sweat some of these details by habit.

[RyanDelavelo]

while its neat to have a "rendering" what difference does having the final dropout in the rendering provide??

Sorry if it sounds harsh, I honestly don't see the benefits... set your CS length to the axle and the DO should have no effect, imo.

Because we attach the dropout to the DO/CS area first correct? and then take a measurement in situ for final 'actual' length of tube?
I haven't moved onto the rear triangle yet and have been wondering how, given different sizes and designs of DO if I'd be able to have the software provide me with that length.

[fred_stmk]

Anyone had luck or experience in importing a drawing of your own components, such as dropouts, into rattleCAD's libraries?

I did it, of course :)

The thing is:
every component has to be a svg-file with specific restrictions:
rattleCAD has restrictions to the svg-file

1. no path element
2. closed shapes to be filled and lay over other elements in rattleCAD

Therfore:

1. prepare your svg-File in a vector graphic Program (inkscape, CorelDRAW, ....)
2. take care on having closed shapes by give the shapes a color
3. out of rattleCAD start File-> SVG-Component and open your svg-File (simplifySVG 3.4.00)
   
   1. open your svg-File
   2. Button "Save Content"

To test your new File locate it in your rattleCAD-Project-Directory:

1. rattleCAD/components/test (e.g. testcomp.svg)
2. in rattleCAD change to the tab: ... Components
3. in FileList (...system/...custom) select the tab ...custom
4. in the list scroll down to test
5. select your file (e.g. testcomp.svg)
6. your shape should be displayed in the canvas

... this is the first step

next steps follows after your question

cheers Manfred Rosenberger

[trentschler]

Is there a way to change the head tube diameter from 36 mm to 31.7 mm? From what I can tell, RattleCAD generates nice miter templates, but the head tube is 36 and I've got some 31.7 tubes.

[devlin]

You can double click on the tube itself in the second layout.

[trentschler]

You can double click on the tube itself in the second layout.

Ah so!

[c-cycles]

That should be no problem. I've using only 31.7 so far with RC.

Christian Kirn

[ryker]

Takes me back to the nineties. :-)

Actually I think it's cool too. So far I've just used BikeCAD and I'm no fan of Java.

[Andrew R Stewart]

I'm no computer jock but I'm glad it runs as well as it does on the box that I have. Andy