I have been learning how to use the BIM workbench by following Yorik’s instructions on his Youtube channel. While watching the “windows” video I saw that the parts library provides multiple window configurations so I installed it and ran the macro.
My problem is that I still only have about 8 options for window configuration. I have attached a screen shot which may help.
If anyone can advise me where I am going wrong I would really appreciate it.
You must make sure 1) the parts library is correctly installed, and 2) its path is known by FreeCAD. The easiest way to make sure everything works is to try to use the PartsLibrary macro that should have been installed together with the Parts Library and should be available in your macros list.
The Library tool in BIM WB can also detect and store the library path in FreeCAD. If one of these works, then after that the window tool should work too
Yorik, after reading your instruction 1) it reminded me that I had read somewhere that the add on manager takes a long time to install the parts library. I suspected that despite having the parts macro installed the parts library was not properly installed due to impatience on my part. So I uninstalled it and reinstalled it via the add on manager but this time I left the computer for about two hours.
When I came back there were still only 8 options, however I ran the parts macro and when I went back to the window manager all the options were available - so that was a win - thank you.
Regarding your item 2) I am struggling here because I don’t know the path to the library. Do you mind if I ask how I can find out what it is? What I can say is that the parts macro when executed brings up a window and access to the file system.
Roy, thanks for your link which I have read through. I have experienced some difficulties placing windows but I suspect this may be due to my lack of expertise regarding the use of plains and the snapping tools. That Is part of the fun for me - trying to find out where I am going wrong - and when I do I feel a great sense of satisfaction.
I must say FreeCAD has become an obsession for me in my retirement and has helped me greatly to maintain my sanity during lockdown. Thanks to all involved in its development.
I opened FreeCAD and a Python panel and copied and pasted the script under the “Install” paragraph into the python panel and the complete parts library appeared in a separate window.
Next challenge - placement of windows and openings. Back to Yoriks youtube channel.
Thanks Roy - I revisited the original link as well as the new link you suggested. I think I am getting the drift of things now.
Regarding my difficulties concerning placement, yesterday I stumbled across a solution to one of my problems which seems to be a mix of the work arounds suggested in the links.
I wanted to create an opening in a wall for a roller door - 4000mm wide by 2350mm high. I just couldn’t do it using the door icon or the experimental opening icon so this is what I did:-
Using the external geometry tool in the sketcher workbench I created a reference (magenta line) to the bottom edge of the wall.
Then I created a 4000x2350 sketch constrained the width and height.
Then I constrained the bottom corner of the sketch to the red dot on the end of the magenta line - i.e. fully constrained.
Then I created a simple window from the windows manager to the required size.
I was able to snap this to the bottom corner of the sketch and it appeared on the face of the wall.
I then right clicked the window in the tree menu and selected the transform option - then removed the glass and the frame.
The desired opening was created in the desired position along the wall.
I am not sure whether this was wise but I then deleted the sketch (2). But the opening remained in place and in tact.
I suppose I should try changing the length of the wall to see if the opening moves with the end of the wall - topological issue?
I will give this a go tomorrow and post the outcome.
Still much to learn but I am enjoying defying the adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”
It’s under “library”… Probably something changed when we switched to using the .gitmodules file. I fixed it now (it’s parts_library again), I hope that won’t have any other impact…
