McQueen3D

If I saw this on my machine I'd troubleshoot by 1. Opening a different plan to see if it's plan-dependent or if the problem is seen on all plans. 2. Running a 3D game to see if it's a video card or driver issue. If you don't have one handy you can download a demo. If the problem is in one plan, send it to CA to see what the problem is. If the problem is all plans but a game runs well, check Edit : Preferences : Render in CA and make sure the settings are reasonable. If nothing runs well then it's probably the video card or driver. You could try uninstalling video drivers and downloading and installing fresh.

Nice. I've been on Chief since version 7, but mostly for the 3D. Are either of you or your companies hiring?

Yes, some snow came, it snowed for a day or two and then quit. It's too early for snow.

The lighting array for the ceiling feature is about 15 lights, spread out about 30" apart. Way faster.

Yes it does slow rendering down quite a bit. That said, I was able to get that test render in a few minutes. If it is an important part of the design, I'd get the materials for the render right first, then test render the light series, then let a final render cook overnight if necessary. I'm just happy I was able to find a way to do it. Unfortunately the array of lights is the only way I've found to accomplish this feat, as Chief seems to be able to create a cone of light or a bulb of light, not a tube. However, there may yet be ways to refine and optimize this technique, and if there are, I will find them, since I've been in teh semiconductor industry enough to know that once you find a way to solve a problem, there is always a way to improve the solution, that's how they make faster computers every other year.

Yes it's not a very good rendering overall but it shows the requested feature. It is nothing more than a low-wattage light set on top of the "shelf" below the ceiling, array replicated every foot all the way around. Yes, it slows down rendering a lot.

OpenOffice or LibreOffice spreadsheet will work, and it's free.

I can simulate vinyl windows fine. They show the wood jamb and sill and they appear to sit correctly at the outside face of the wall. Open the window dialog and set the following: 1. Casing -> Overlap Frame - set to 0" to -1/4" for reveal (either/both interior/exterior) 2. Sash - set all to 1 1/2" except Inset - set to 1/4" 3. Frame - set all Width to 1 1/2", Depth - set to 3 1/2", Inset - set to -1 1/2" Now I will explain it. 1. When you shorten the frame (its default is wall-deep) you will need to adjust the reveal of the casing. By default it overlaps the frame but in reality you want it to reveal a smidgen of the actual jamb and sill. 2. The sash widths are set all around to approximate the average vinyl window. The inset determines how far into the frame the sash sits--giving them the appearance of sliding into the frame in 3D. 3. Setting the frame Widths matches the widths of the sash, but you can adjust either depending on the specifics of the windows you use. This gives you the "chunky frame" look vinyl windows are known for. Setting the depth to 2x the sash depth plus 1/2" gives you the 1/4" on either side of the window (the frame the sash appears to slide into). The last setting, Inset, is what places the window on the face of the wall as if it were attached by nailing fin, as in new construction. Otherwise you get a vinyl window screwed into the jamb, as in an old house retrofit. For fixed windows, you may need to reduce the sash widths. Also remember to adjust your muntin bar widths to match the windows you use.

I've simulated it before with a series of spotlights. Not exactly the same but it looked cool. Note that's not a ray trace, just a render. Have you tried putting a molding up there and giving it an emissive material? I've always had trouble getting the interior views to look good too. I'm finding that the more light is in the scene the better. Sometimes cranking up Intensity a little helps, if that doesn't do it maybe crank up the light bulbs or the interior ambient. This works without photons or caustics being used. If you use the Bloom effect the setting I liked best was 0.05, 0.05. That's how I rendered this: This one looks OK but the materials still need a little tweaking (I need an updated version of this render). Ok here is an updated render (below). This was default High Quality Interior, 40 passes (about 1 hour).

I am currently available for 3D modeling, rendering, and video services using Chief Architect X6. I use the current version but I have been into Chief Architect since Version 7. Formerly did business as “McQueen 3D”. I have experience with Creating new 3D model from client's prints (either in print or PDF) Adding details to client's 3D model Troubleshooting and correcting or work-around problems in client's 3D model Generate renderings from 3D model Generate walk-through animation/video from 3D model I can do sloping terrains from topo., complex or curved roofs, and basic symbols (like custom gates, arbors, pergolas, etc.). Free-lance project-by-project at hourly rate. Will also consider temporary position in Minneapolis south metro area or permanent position anywhere in Minnesota if your company needs more help or desires exclusive availability. I am in the process of creating new samples but I do still have older samples to see if you desire. Jason McQueen 786mcqueen@gmail.com 952-831-0278

Hey, Bob, I think a few years ago I made a video or two for you. Man, haven't the tools in Chief gotten a lot better since then!

I'm in Bloomington, not far from Burnsville.

Still working on that kitchen, thanks for the feedback. Didn't notice the floors as I'm used to living in old houses where the wood floors are beat to (blank) and are definitely not shiny. I also since changed the back splash to small grey tiles. Good catch on the counter tops too, as granite is very shiny, but these are actually supposed to be laminate with edge molding.

Thought I show this kitchen rendering of one of the sample homes I designed. I think this one looks like one of my best (although the details aren't 100% there the "building" is).

I looked for one as I am in the Minneapolis area right now--didn't find one.

Maybe you should try some renderings of the outside of the building or maybe the entry.

I got a kick out of those. Especially #1, that turned out awesome. That would no doubt go over well where I'm living now, as a condo. The '80's style comes from the fact that it was designed to be first apartment building I would ever build, If I were ever able to build one. It had to be relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. Remember nothing was cheaper than cheap homes built in the '80's. But you've proven the relatively simple design and layout of the units means they lend themselves readily to be renovated in whatsoever style is fashionable for any given decade, which would naturally extend the life of the building.

I designed it (see attached) for fun a couple of years ago. Not going to claim it's all code-kosher, as there is only a model (no plans) but I though the layout was pretty good. It has two 2-bedrooms, two 1-bedrooms, and one three bedroom (it's a 5-plex). Knock yourself out, if you build it I want pictures. NEW_5PLEX.plan

David those are some good ideas as none of them are either complicated or terribly expensive. Thank you.

An SSD has no moving parts because it is basically a microchip (or chips). They should last quite a while but their lifespan is not infinite. I have one in my machine but I would say that I probably should have skipped it and gone for a faster CPU for the ray-tracing. I always get the best computer I can get for $1500 about every five years and that seems to work out fine. A typical gaming computer will do, Chief is deigned to run on such systems as they are relatively inexpensive and widely available (and fun if you also like to play Call of Duty or something like it). This should be simple, right? You guys are businessmen designing and building houses, why should you have to worry so much about computers?

I am never moving to Californiastan.

$2000 - $450 for SSA - $50 transfer fee - $500 for HD Pro = $1000. That's not the selling price and it is not yet for sale, that's what I would pocket if I did sell. I didn't know they even thought of X7 yet. Perhaps I can be convinced to keep it.

Yeah I don't care about layout at all. I might miss ray-tracing but the standard renderings and walk-throughs are good. I'm mostly asking about 3D stuff I edit all the time: cabinets, windows, doors, walls, roof, etc. Still not completely sold on the downgrade idea, but we do have medical bills, a rental in need of siding before it can be sold, and a down payment for a new house to save for (and the wife and kids are way past tired of living in an apartment). Getting the $1000 from the sale and not worrying about the SSA fee is starting to look better. I would love to design small homes but then you have codes, liability, etc. not worth it for part-time work. Now there are enough very good just 3D modelers/rendering artists that I think it would be difficult to compete even for the little work I'd need, especially as little as I'm available (I work full-time right now doing something else that pays pretty good). Unless someone likes the models/designs I create and has some kind of use for them. Chief Architect/Home Designer Sample Plans? I know the $450 shouldn't seem like that much but the timing is awful, mine's due right before Christmas. I bet if it were income-tax season my wife would even lift an eyebrow.

What can you NOT edit in Home Designer Pro when you load a plan created in Chief Premier marked to allow editing in HD? I would like to know what I'd be missing. I enjoy Chief as a hobby but my wife would like it if I downgraded to HD Pro to avoid the yearly $450 SSA fee.

I charged $25 an hour as a freelancer, in 2005. Sorry to bug the the "firms" but that kept me off welfare for a while. The hours were great, too. That price got you the 3D model and visuals only, not permit-ready prints. Definately not enough to run a growing business on, though. In a cheap area it would take almost twice that and in a major metro area, three times.