Is Sketchyphysics Easy To Understand As A Newbie?

phy · 31 Mar 2009, 01:07

I voted "Disagree" because for anyone running the software for the first time will get lost because and just because of the lack of help. I had a hard time, but now, it's all easy for me. I didn't even know how to make a thruster go along the X instead of the Y until =Physicsguy=, Wacov and CPhillips replied to my post. But I had to ask, and be persistent about it. Not every new users will come here and many long time users don't even know this board exist!

Sketchup and SketchyPhysics are the most and easiest 3D software you can get. Unfortunately, they are not advertised properly, and the help file is poor. Thanks to the online vids or I'd still be wondering how this thing works.

i agree, once you get advanced enough to now what's up it's not hard though. just wish i could write script as easily as wacov.

cpillips maybe you should start a help topic like your FAQ

BTM · 31 Mar 2009, 01:08

Even from Alpha to current versions is a huge gap. If you're new to it, It could be difficult to learn

remus · 31 Mar 2009, 09:04

I remember when i first tried sp i didnt have a clue what to do! It wasnt until a few months later that i stumbled across some useful posts in the forum (or it might have been a vid, cant remember) that it started to make more sense.

i think the problem is all the learning material is currently to scattered and so hard to find for someone who doesnt know what theyre looking for. I reckon a sticky at the top of the forum with links to good vids and useful posts would go a long way to making sp a lot easier to learn.

Physicsguy1 · 1 Apr 2009, 01:50

After reviewing the results(so far), it seems that it is a bit hard to understand. I suggest a sticky topic with a link to a tutorial website for sketchyphysics. Can someone set up a website with the faQ and any other knowledge? We have been lacking of a decent source of sketchyphysics tutorials.

Sgal · 1 Apr 2009, 12:42

I am doing it. See the "An Help manual for Sketchyphysics" thread for more informations.

MALAISE · 1 Apr 2009, 16:11

I agree, SketchyPhysic is quite disappointing, the first time you use it. Mainly about positionning....
After that, I downloaded Drawings on 3D wharehouse and dismounted them stp by step to discover the mechanisms...

But the work is valuable, regarding the fantastic animation's capabilities!

MALAISE ( Frenglish approximate...)

Physicsguy1 · 1 Apr 2009, 22:49

Trying to decipher the works of models on the warehouse REALLY helped me get to know the certain functions. It also helped me with the formulas. learning from the experienced modelers will surely help.

CPhillips · 2 Apr 2009, 02:34

I am not surprised by the feedback. I know its not easy to use. It came out a lot more convoluted that I intended. That is what SPIV is all about.

But as suggested better documentation will probably be an even bigger win. I admit I am lousy at docs and would much rather just code. I am not even that good at making models and there are better experts than I in most cases.

I am very glad to see there is finally a community movement towards documentation and fielding questions.

david_h · 2 Apr 2009, 02:36

I downloaded Sketch Phys about 2 years ago and I have never done anything with it. no time. .. and possibly intimidated. I guess I oughta try it.

Ecuadorian · 3 Apr 2009, 15:16

David, don't forget to check this to get you started:
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?p=55745#p55745

Bob90 · 6 Apr 2009, 21:34

I don't think SP is particularly hard to understand, but the fragmentation of the ad-hoc documentation is a stumbling block for most people.