[DHay13]

New to Artcam here. I downloaded the Express trial version to test it out but haven't been able to run it. I initially tried it on an off the shelf cheap laptop and as soon as I clicked on a clipart to add it to the model it crashed. So I tried it on my good laptop, the same one I run Mastercam X5 on, and it crashed on it also. It has a core i5 quad-core CPU with 4GB RAM and Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. It has an Nvidia Quadro 880M card. IIRC it only has 512MB dedicated RAM, maybe 1GB.

If this isn't powerful enough then I can try it on my other computer. It has a core i7 quad-core with 6GB RAM. Don't remember what graphics card but it's a pretty good one. It's running Windows 7 Pro 64 bit.

I plan to make some signs. Is Express good enough for that or will I need Pro? Guestimate on the cost of Pro (in the U.S.)? I looked briefly but didn't see anything.

Thoughts/opinions?

[Khalid]

VcarvePro or Aspire from Vectric is good,easy, simple GUI and low cost for sign making.

[Sean P]

Here are the PC specs for the ArtCAM software programs.

[Sean P]

It seems odd that your PC is crasing as ArtCAM is normally very flexible and compatible when it comes to a range of PC systems.

It might possibly be something as simple as switching and adjusting a setting or two inside of the ArtCAM software options page that could-will fix the issue on your PC.

Id suggest a couple of things at this point:

Perhaps try it on your other PC and see how it goes.

If you wanted to investigate further their are 2 main places to inquire further and to try and get to the bottom of your issue:

#1- Post an inquiry and the details on the ArtCAM forum and people (including ArtCAM staff) can assist there.

#2 - Drop an email message to the online support email address and one of the ArtCAM tech staff will try and assist
[email protected]


ArtCAM is a great sofwtare package with lots of room to grow and expand as your needs requirements and product requirements grow.

You get a lot of bang for your buck with ACE (ArtCAM Express) at the US$149 price point.

I hope this information and these details assist and offer some good advice for you.

-Happy Holidays-

Cheers
Sean

[DHay13]

Haven't done much more with it. I have cut a few things with what I have already. Downloaded vcarvePro demo but haven't messed with it yet either. I tend to over-do things so I have it in case I ever need it so very likely it will br vcarve due to the price points of their flagship models.

I will try it on my desktop PC when I get a chance.

[DHay13]

Tried all 3 of my computers. I have a Dell Precision T7500 with 4GB RAM and an Nvidia Quadro 580. The Artcam 2012 Demo loaded up fine. I still am not very good with the software so not sure what I can do with it but I had a few listed under 'Recent Files'. These four (a shield, a village inn sign, and 2 others) seemed to open fine. I could create a toolpath and simulate it. I also tried it on my Gateway FX6800. This is marketed as a higher end gaming machine but I bought it because of the deal I got. This one ran the same as the Dell. Next I tried it again on my laptop (the one I am currently typing on). There is nothing listed under 'Recent Files' and anything I try to open it says it isn't one of the demo files.

These were all installed from the same installer. Why did the first two have files listed under 'Recent Files' but not the laptop? They were all fresh installs of the demo version.

Does this mean it will run on the 2 desktops?

[Sean P]

I will see what I can do to try and get you some feedback on the circumstances that you report and mention above.


In the meantime I wanted to post up some video links and information as it related to ArtCAM Express for making and doing sign related projects:


An Introduction to ArtCAM Express - Creating a Sign - [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVwwMX8aKdc&list=UUP0v3oQjLKV3e3gHWYyFqXQ&index=1&feature=plcp]An Introduction to ArtCAM Express - Creating a Sign - YouTube[/ame]
Description: In this video we'll be exploring how to: create vectors from an imported image; use the clipart library to create textures; machine a relief;
get to grips with V-Bit carving and using the profile tool. **Using the base ArtCAM Express software WITHOUT any modules**



ArtCAM Express - Euro 2012 Signmaking Demo - [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD3UeqNXvc0&list=UUP0v3oQjLKV3e3gHWYyFqXQ&index=3&feature=plcp]ArtCAM Express - Euro 2012 Signmaking Demo - YouTube[/ame]
Description: In this demo we'll be looking at some of the powerful and versatile features of Delcam's entry level CADCAM software package - ArtCAM Express 2011.



Retro Sign - Using ArtCAM Express 2011 - [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqZBDPYBrLQ&list=UUP0v3oQjLKV3e3gHWYyFqXQ&index=7&feature=plcp]Retro Sign - Using ArtCAM Express 2011 - YouTube[/ame]
Description: Creation of a simple sign using ArtCAM Express



Express Online Demo - ArtCAM - Artistic CNC Software - YouTube
Description: From our recent series of ArtCAM 2011 online demonstrations, this video shows how easy it is to design and produce an intricate sign in our powerful $149 Artistic CADCAM package - ArtCAM Express 2011.



2D Engraved Sign - ArtCAM - Artistic CNC Software - YouTube
Description: This demonstration shows how to create a 2D Engraved Sign using the Smart Engraving module and will also show how to change the rendered material.


I am hoping that everyone finds these links and videos educational and informative as it relates to the very powerful and inexpensive ArtCAM Express software from Delcam-ArtCAM.


-Happy Holidays!!-

Cheers
Sean

[Brianne163]

I am having similar problems regarding Clipart tutorials. When I click on a clipart button, it opens a blank model, waits and then closes it down. If I try to open a new model and then open the relief library, so far so good but when I try to drag a clipart item to the model, it crashes the programme. Suggestions from ArtCam support have not resulted in any change.
Computer specs top of line with 32G RAM etc.
Has anyone solved this problem?
Programme seems to work fine apart from this aspect.
Thanks
Brian

[Sean P]

Brian

What exactly have you tried and looked at and adjusted thus far?


Are you graphic card drivers up to date and the latest?
** I imagine that this would have been a troubleshooting step already but just figured id but this out there just in case it hasnt been looked at and reviewed as of yet**


Would I be correct to assume that you are using the latest version of ARtCAM? ArtCAM 2012

Would I be correct to assume that your system and the version you installed is 64bit?

The 3D graphics in ArtCAM can be taxing on a systems graphics card and the fact that your issue seems to be related to the 3D clipart (assuming AC2012 - the floating and "free" floating (blue in colour) clipart) somewhat leads me to think that perhaps the issue could have something to do with the graphics.

If the program is actually closing down due to a failure of some sort it should/will be generating a mini dump file.

Have you submitted and sent in the mini dump file for review?

Cheers
Sean

[Sean P]

-How do I retrieve a ArtCAM MiniDump file-

In the event that ArtCAM closes down unexpectedly, ArtCAM has been configured to store information about its circumstances in a single file. This is known as a MiniDump. A MiniDump file (*.dmp) is particularly useful to the Development Team, as it enables us to examine what was happening at the exact point of the crash; this greatly improves the chance of identifying and fixing a rare or random crash that cannot be reproduced.

Use the following steps to retrieve a MiniDump file:

(1). Open Windows Explorer, type %TEMP% in the Address bar, and then press Enter.

(2). From Windows Explorer's list of folders and files, double-click the ArtCAM_MiniDump folder to display its contents.

(3). Identify the MiniDump file (*.dmp) you want to retrieve. Each MiniDump file is named using the following convention:


Dump-----.dmp

For example, if the MiniDump file is named Dump-20120703-112124-2012-258-32.dmp, we know that it was created on 3rd July 2012 at 11:21:24 local time, and originates from ArtCAM 2012.258 32-bit.

Where you encounter a program failure, whenever possible, we ask that you submit a MiniDump file (via your software reseller and/or ArtCAM account manager) as well as a report of what is happening.


I hope this helps and provides people with guidance as it relates to further investigating any sofwtare issues that you might be encountering.

Cheers
Sean

[Brianne163]

[QUOTE=Sean P;1242221]Brian


Reinstalled as Adminstrator. Run Compatibility mode. Run as XP SP2 mode.


Are you graphic card drivers up to date and the latest?
Up to date as of last week. Nvidia GT650


Would I be correct to assume that you are using the latest version of ARtCAM? ArtCAM 2012
YES

Would I be correct to assume that your system and the version you installed is 64bit?
My system is 64 bit as well as OS but did not see any option for 32/64 bit download, just the one demo.



Have you submitted and sent in the mini dump file for review?

Found the minidump file but file manager does not seem to like .dmp files.
I will attach as .zip file

Regards
Brian

[Brianne163]

Hi Sean
Any luck with the .dmp file?
I sent it to Artcam support as well.
Tried ArtCam on a second 32 bit XP system. Eventually installed ok but crashes at clipart exactly the same as my top of the line machine. Has anyone actually been able to make clipart tutorial work?
Regards
Brian

[Sean P]

Brian

I am inquiring with the support team in order to find out if they have received the mini dump file.

I am located in North America so the time difference between our two parts of the world will play a little role in the timeliness of our communications.

I will do what I can to try and assist.

Cheers
Sean

[Sean P]

Brian

I did not have any luck when inquiring with the ArtCAM support group about having received your email with the mini dump (or .zip) file.

I was also not exactly clear on which email address that you sent and submitted this file to and to which you have been communicating and corresponding.
** I can only assume that you were using the email address that was listed within this task but of course I am not and can not be certain - sorry**

At this point my best suggestion and recommendation would be to encourage and direct you over to the ArtCAM forum so as to have you issue more directly looked after so that we can hopefully get it figured out and fixed for you.

Thanks in advance
Sean

[Brianne163]

Thanks Sean
Appreciated. I really like the software but am concerned over this crashing aspect.
I did not see ANY option to download or install a 64 bit version. In any case, the test yesterday on a 32 bit system still failed. I attached the .dmp file to one of my previous replies to you. Not sure if you received it ok.
Had a quick look inside it with Notepad. Bit mind boggling.
Brian
PS The email address I sent to was [email protected]
Had to zip the file as it was 78meg before and only 5meg after.
Do you mean the Artcam Forum on their site?

[Sean P]

Brian

The email address and folks that you have been communicating with our the office and people in Australia (who are the best and closest people for you to be working with).

The forum that I was referring to and suggesting (hopefully I am not in breach of any cnc zone site policies for making this recommendation ; but just trying to help) is the actual and official ArtCAM forum.

That said prior to trying to re-hash things there it might be worth following up and further communicating with the group whom you have been emailing with there in Australia.

I have also emailed my contacts from the Australian office with a link to this thread in order to ensure they are aware of this correspondence and communication that we have been having about your software issue(s) and complication.

Cheers
Sean

[Brianne163]

Hi Sean
I have not heard back from the Aus support group in some time. I have heard from the main ArtCam Forum you suggested.
I am waiting for the magic wand.
Having now installed the same Demo on 4 different computers, only to have them all react the same way with the Clipart, I am coming to the conclusion that the problem lies in that aspect of the Demo software and not the computers.
Thanks again for your help.
Brian

[Brianne163]

Hi Sean
Video link as requested
http: // www . screencast . com/t/c4IjugCvb
I have added extra spaces to the address so it does not read as a URL.
Also sent it to the ArtCam Forum
Brian