home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Tech Arsenal 1
/
Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO
/
tek-19
/
trbdem.exe
/
lha
/
TURBODLD.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-04-16
|
93KB
|
2,143 lines
=========================== TurboDLDDemo ============================
For use with AutoCAD Release 12r, 11/386, and 10/386,
AutoShade 2 with RenderMan, and 3D Studio
Part of the CAD Accelerators(TM) family from Panacea, Inc.
o - Includes a bird's eye view, pop-up menus, ZoomPreviewÖ spy glass,
drawing viewer and real-time panning.
o - Accelerates redraws, pans, and zooms.
o - Easy to use - no new commands or special menus to learn.
o - Protected-mode ADI 4.2 driver - completely compatible with AutoCAD
Release 12, Release 11/386, Release 10/386, 3D Studio and AutoShade 2
with RenderMan.
o - No memory conflicts. Works with AutoCAD's built-in Virtual Memory
Manager
o - Includes CustomColors(TM), which lets you interactively customize
your logical and physical colors from within AutoCAD.
o - Completely compatible with all AutoCAD ADI 4.2 compatible
third party software.
o - Will support higher resolutions on many popular graphics boards.
o - Supports all AutoCAD Release 12 features, including rendering to
viewports and 31-Bit regen space.
System Requirements
----------------------------
o - A '386, '486 or Pentium based PC which supports AutoCAD Release 12,
11/386, 10/386, AutoShade 2 with RenderMan, or 3D Studio V1.x/2.x.
o - A compatible graphics board. TurboDLDDemo will work with most
graphics boards -- VGA, SuperVGA, 8514/A, TIGA, XGA, S3,
Weitek P9000 and Compaq QVision.
o - Additional extended memory is recommended for optimal performance.
Distribution of This Software
------------------------------------
This demonstration version of TurboDLDDeluxe may be freely distributed as
long as it remains wholly unmodified with all copyrights attached. A complete
self-extracting version of TurboDLDDemo is available from Panacea's
BBS (603-432-5193) or from CompuServe's ACAD Forum for those interested in
distributing the software in a more portable form.
If you wish to purchase the full retail version of TurboDLDDeluxe, or
have any questions regarding any Panacea product, please call our
Sales Department at (800) 729-7420, or (603) 437-5022.
Panacea, Inc.
24 Orchard View Drive
Londonderry, NH 03053
Fax: (603) 434-2461
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does
not represent a commitment on the part of Panacea Inc. (Late additions to
this document may be found in the READ.ME file on this diskette.)
The software described in this document is furnished under a license
agreement or nondisclosure agreement.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license
agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied
only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. It is against the law
to copy TurboDLDDemo on magnetic tape, disk, or any other medium for any
purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, as defined in the license
agreement.
Table of Contents
------------------------
1. Quick Start
2. Panacea TurboDLDDemo
3. Installing and Configuring TurboDLDDemo
4. Changing Colors
5. Features
6. Deluxe Features
7. Memory Usage and Lists
8. Tips and Tricks
9. Rendering Using TurboDLDDemo
10. Support Information
11. TurboDLDDemo Commands
------------------
1. Quick Start
------------------
These pages sum up the basics of installing and using TurboDLDDemo.
Please read the rest of the manual for details.
What's it do?
TurboDLDDemo is a demonstration version of Panacea's TurboDLDDeluxe
software. For 20 minutes per day you may experience the benefits of
TurboDLDDeluxe. After the daily 20 minutes has been reached, TurboDLDDemo
reverts to a non-display list ADI 4.2 driver. TurboDLDDemo does not carry
a time limit for display and rendering with 3D Studio and AutoShade 2.0
with RenderMan.
What's TurboDLDDeluxe
TurboDLDDemo's main function is to speed up AutoCAD pans, zooms and
redraws. The driver accomplishes this by creating and maintaining a
Display List - a fast-displaying object list of the current drawing
- dramatically increasing performance on pans and zooms.
In addition to offering display list speed enhancement, TurboDLDDeluxe
provides add-on productivity features - bird's-eye view, ZoomPreview
spy glass, drawing viewer, real-time panning, automatic edge panning,
pop-up menus, and digitizer button programming - to further speed up the
use of AutoCAD.
What's the Catch?
The only resource used by TurboDLDDeluxe is memory. The driver actively
uses about 300Kbytes of RAM from extended memory for its operation. This
memory is drawn from AutoCAD's memory pool and therefore does not affect
normal DOS operation. The driver is loaded by AutoCAD at AutoCAD load time
and is unloaded when AutoCAD is exited.
Additionally, the Display List size can vary from one tenth to three times
the size of the current drawing file.
Thanks for the Memory
You may wish to purchase and install additional RAM before installing
TurboDLDDeluxe, since it shares memory with AutoCAD. If AutoCAD is using
a lot of memory, TurboDLDDeluxe may not have enough. If there is
significant hard disk activity while you are using TurboDLDDeluxe, it may
be an indication that you should add more memory to your system.
Install
--------
Run the TurboDLDDeluxe installation program by typing:
A:INSTALL (or B: if you are using drive B)
TurboDLDDeluxe's install program will prompt you for information regarding
your AutoCAD installation. After all information has been provided,
TurboDLDDeluxe files will be copied from the distribution floppy to the
hard drive.
Since the start-up is a little bit different for AutoCAD Release 12 than
for older versions, please follow the instructions for the version of AutoCAD
you are installing TurboDLDDeluxe for.
To configure AutoCAD Release 12
--------------------------------------------
Begin AutoCAD with the reconfigure switch by typing
ACAD -R
Next Choose option 3, Configure Video Display from the AutoCAD configuration
menu. Type Y at the "Do you want to select..." message to display the
available video options for AutoCAD.
Select "TurboDLD Deluxe by Panacea Inc." from the list of display options.
Continue installation at the Driver Configuration section below.
To configure AutoCAD Release 11
--------------------------------------------
Run FASTACAD and then start AutoCAD.
Reconfigure AutoCAD to use TurboDLDDeluxe by selecting option 5, Configure
AutoCAD from the AutoCAD main menu. From the next menu, select option 3,
Configure Video Display. Choose Item 1, P386 ADI 4.0/4.1 (R11) or
ADI P386 (R10), as your display device. (For more information, see your
AutoCAD "Installation and Performance Guide.")
After selecting the proper display device, the TurboDLD Driver Configuration
menu will appear.
Driver Configuration
--------------------------
Set-up of TurboDLDDeluxe requires configuration of its various operating
parameters. These parameters have been logically grouped into menus based
on their interaction with AutoCAD. A quick trip through each menu will
complete the configuration process. Context sensitive help can be obtained
by typing "?" at any menu option.
The first menu, Select Graphics Board/Resolution, configures TurboDLDDeluxe
for the graphics board, and display and rendering resolutions to be used.
o - Select Graphics Board
Selects graphics platform to be used
o - Select Display Resolution
Selects AutoCAD, 3D Studio and AutoShade main display screen resolutions
o - Select Rendering Resolution
Selects AVE Render, 3D Studio and AutoShade rendering resolutions
Basic Configuration options set AutoCAD screen characteristics, number of
text lines in the command-line area, font size and dual screen mode.
o - AutoCAD Text Lines
Selects number of lines in AutoCAD command prompt area
o - Font Size
Selects AutoCAD display screen font or font file to be used
o - Dual Screen Mode
Enables or disables dual screen operation of AutoCAD
User Interface options include the parameters for maneuvering within AutoCAD.
o - Double Click
Sets mouse/digitizer double click wait time
o - Long Click
Sets mouse/digitizer long click wait time
o - Edge Pan Wait
Sets period of time driver will wait before invoking automatic edge panning
o - BP Highlight Mode
Controls how the Big Picture is displayed
o - BP Refresh
Controls the refresh mode of the Big Picture
o - BP Cache
Enables or disables TurboDLDDeluxe's memory cache for advanced
TurboDLDDeluxe features
o - Button Definition Menu
Provides user programming of mouse/digitizer buttons with pop-up
menus or AutoCAD commands
o - Pop-up Menu Definitions
Provides user programming of pop-up menus
The Expert Configuration menu sets the function of TurboDLD itself.
This menu allows for customization of the driver for speed or to adjust
for memory constraints.
o - Display List
Enables or disables the display list feature of TurboDLDDeluxe
o - Drawing Cache
Enables or disables TurboDLDDeluxe's internal drawing cache
o - AutoCAD Logical Drawing Space
Sets AutoCAD's logical space to 15 or 31-Bits (R12 only)
o - Internal Command Echo
Enables or disables the echo of TurboDLDDeluxe internal commands at the
AutoCAD command line when executed
o - Big Picture Zoom Mode
Sets Big Picture zoom area display options
o - Regen Mode
Selects TurboDLDDeluxe's regen method
Once all options have been set, scroll down to the Save and Exit option
and then press the ENTER key to continue.
Next, configure the AutoCAD screen display characteristics and then type
Y to accept the changes.
Exit to the AutoCAD drawing editor to begin using TurboDLDDeluxe.
The last step in setting-up TurboDLDDeluxe is to configure the colors for
AutoCAD. From the AutoCAD Command Line, type DLDCOLOR, to start CustomColors,
TurboDLD's color configuration utility. Make any desired color changes and
then Save the new color palette and then Exit to return to the drawing
editor.
What If I Have Problems?
------------------------------
If you encounter a problems with TurboDLDDemo, please double-check your
TurboDLDDemo installation. Verify that you have configured for the correct
graphics board/video platform. If you are still having problems, contact
Panacea's Sales Department at (603) 437-5022. Be sure to document, the steps
required to reproduce your problem prior calling for help. You may also fax
your problem to (603) 434-2461. As you document the problem,
list your current system configuration, including video board, resolution,
number of colors configured, etc. Also, if possible, try to duplicate the
problem with an AutoCAD sample file so that we can easily try to recreate
the problem on our equipment. You may also fax your problem to
(603) 434-2461. As you document the problem,
-----------------------------------------
2 - Panacea's TurboDLD Deluxe
-----------------------------------------
Panacea's TurboDLDDeluxe has only two purposes: 1) to speed up AutoCAD
REDRAWs, PANs, and ZOOMs; and 2) to provide a more productive, user-friendly,
interface to AutoCAD (via the features described in Section 5 - Features and
Section 6 - Deluxe Features).
The driver is memory-resident and inserts itself between AutoCAD and the
graphics board. It has no other effect on AutoCAD's operation besides
speeding the program up; it runs with AutoShade 2 with RenderMan and
3D Studio, but does not affect the speed of these programs, since they do
not support Display Lists.
Installing TurboDLDDeluxe does not change any of the AutoCAD program files
or alter any of the drawing files stored on disk. TurboDLDDeluxe was
designed to be an easy-to-use, feature-filled product that makes using
AutoCAD faster and more productive, not one that makes AutoCAD more
complicated and difficult to use.
How does TurboDLDDeluxe make AutoCAD run faster? There are three things
the driver does to speed operation:
AutoCAD stores drawings in a hierarchical structure, with simple elements
intermixed with complex ones. Every time the screen is updated, AutoCAD
must decode this structure. TurboDLDDeluxe works differently. While you
are working, it translates the normal hierarchical structure into a
Display List, a series of vectors or polygon fills. (The ability to
support display lists was specifically added to AutoCAD with Release 10
via the ADI 4.0 interface.) When you pan or zoom, TurboDLDDeluxe uses
the Display List, then writes the resulting vectors to the video board
hardware. Since the hierarchical structure does not have to be decoded,
drawing proceeds very quickly.
In addition to the Display List, TurboDLDDeluxe also maintains a Drawing
Cache. The Drawing Cache is a compressed list which contains the current
contents of a viewport. This pre-scaled portion of the Display List allows
for faster pans and zooms and redraws.
Lastly, TurboDLDDeluxe gives you numerous new user-interface features,
such as a bird's eye view, automatic edge panning, pop-up menus,
ZoomPreview(tm) spy glass, drawing viewer, and real-time panning. (See
Section 5 - Features and Section 6 - Deluxe Features for details.)
By how much does TurboDLDDeluxe increase the speed of AutoCAD? PANs and
ZOOMs, aided by only the Display List, run from two to twelve times faster
than a non-display list driver. The Drawing Cache further speeds things up
to the point that REDRAWs can be up to twenty-five times faster with
TurboDLDDeluxe, compared to the graphics drivers shipped with AutoCAD.
------------------------------------------------------------
3 - Installing and Configuring TurboDLDDeluxe
------------------------------------------------------------
Before starting, please make a backup copy of the distribution disk, using
the DOS DISKCOPY command, and put it in a safe place. Also, if you have
been using an older version of a Panacea driver - DLD-VGA, DLD386-VGA, ...
- be sure to remove any references to that driver which may be in your
AutoCAD start-up files or in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
The TurboDLDDeluxe installation procedure below is exact, and describes
what to do at each step.
Installation is slightly different for older releases of AutoCAD than it
is with AutoCAD Release 12. Be sure to follow any directions that may be
specific to your particular AutoCAD release. For brief installation
instructions, see the Quick Start section at the front of the manual.
Installation
--------------
Insert your TurboDLDDeluxe distribution disk into a floppy disk drive and
then type:
{Drive}:INSTALL
Where {Drive} is the floppy drive that holds the TurboDLDDeluxe disk.
TurboDLDDeluxe's installation will first prompt you for the version of
AutoCAD you are installing the driver for.
Next, you will be asked for the the name of the directory you wish to
install TurboDLDDeluxe into. Select the default or enter a complete
sub-directory path name.
Once the path name has been entered, verify that the information is correct
and then press ENTER. The TurboDLDDeluxe files are then copied from the
distribution floppy to your hard drive.
NOTE: For TIGA installations, you must copy the file
DLDEXT.RLM from your TurboDLDDeluxe sub-directory
to your TIGA software sub-directory before
reconfiguring AutoCAD.
Once all of the program files have been successfully transferred, it is
necessary to reconfigure AutoCAD to use TurboDLDDeluxe. Follow the steps
below for use with either AutoCAD Release 12, or Release 10/11, and then
proceed to the Driver Configuration section below, to complete the
installation.
For Use With AutoCAD Release 12
--------------------------------------------
Begin AutoCAD with the reconfigure switch by typing
ACAD -R
Choose option 3, Configure Video Display from the AutoCAD configuration
menu. Type Y at the "Do you want to select..." message to display the
available video options for AutoCAD.
Select "TurboDLD Deluxe by Panacea Inc" from the list of display options.
NOTE: If TurboDLDDeluxe does not appear in the list
of available video drivers, be sure that the
AutoCAD environment variables, ACADDRV in particular,
have been properly set before typing ACAD -R.
For Use With AutoCAD Release 10/386, 11/386
-------------------------------------------------------------
Run the FASTACAD.BAT file that was copied to the TurboDLDDeluxe
sub-directory by typing:
C:\TURBODLD\FASTACAD
The above example assumes that TurboDLDDeluxe was installed on drive
C: in a sub-directory named TURBODLD. FASTACAD sets up the necessary
environment variables for AutoCAD. For more information on FASTACAD.BAT,
refer to the Configuring the AutoCAD Operating Environment section at the
end of this section.
Start AutoCAD and reconfigure the program to use TurboDLDDeluxe by
selecting option 5, Configure AutoCAD from the AutoCAD main menu. From
the next menu, select option 3, Configure Video Display. Choose Item 1,
P386 ADI 4.0/4.1 (R11) or ADI P386 (R10) as your display device. (for
more information about configuring for ADI drivers, see the AutoCAD
"Installation and Performance Guide".
Driver Configuration
--------------------------
Once you have selected the proper display device, the TurboDLD Driver
Configuration Menu will appear. Simply follow the instructions on-screen
to configure the driver.
TIP: Help during TurboDLDDeluxe setup is only a
keystroke away. At any time, you may press
the question mark ("?") key to get help
information pertaining to the current prompt.
Please note that the DLDSETUP.HLP file must be
present in order for help to appear. If you get
an error message, be sure that the file DLDSETUP.HLP
is in the ACAD\DRV sub-directory (R12), or in the
TURBODLD sub-directory (R10/R11).
Also, as mentioned earlier, be sure that there are
no references to older DLD drivers which may cause
TurboDLDDeluxe to look elsewhere for DLDSETUP.HLP.
The first screen to appear is an informational screen about what the
TurboDLDDeluxe setup program does. Press any key to continue once you
have read the overview.
TIP: If at any point during the configuration process
you want to change an item on a previous screen,
just press the ESC key to back up. Selecting NO SAVE,
EXIT at the main configuration menu will return you
to the AutoCAD configuration menu without making
any changes.
Set-up of TurboDLDDeluxe requires configuration of the various operating
parameters of the driver. These parameters have been logically grouped
into four menus based on their interaction with AutoCAD. A quick trip
through each menu will complete the configuration process.
NOTE: If none of TurboDLDDeluxe's options are configured,
the driver will be automatically configured as a
Generic VGA, with 640 x 480 resolution at 16 colors.
All other driver options will assume Panacea's defaults.
Select Graphics Board/Resolution Menu
---------------------------------------------------
The Select Graphics Board/Resolution menu configures TurboDLDDeluxe for
video parameters. From this menu, graphics board/type and display and
rendering resolutions for TurboDLDDeluxe will be determined.
Select Graphics Board allows you to manually select your computer's
graphics board. A list of video cards is given, based on the the findings
of TurboDLDDeluxe's built-in graphics platform detection utility. Use
the Up and Down arrow keys, and the Pg Up and Pg Dn keys to scroll
through the list and highlight your graphics board. Please note that
graphics boards are listed by both platform type and manufacturer's
name, alphabetically, therefore you may need to scroll to the bottom of
the list to find your particular board.
If your graphics board is not listed, you may choose the generic board
option for your video chip type.
Press ENTER to accept your choice and return to the Select Graphics
Board/Resolution menu.
Select Display Resolution configures the resolution of the AutoCAD
drawing screen. Display screen options are based on the findings of
TurboDLDDeluxe's graphics platform detection utility. Use the Up and
Down arrow keys, and the Pg Up and Pg Dn keys to scroll through and
highlight the resolution and color option you wish to use.
Press the ENTER key to accept your resolution choice and return to the
Select Graphics Board/Resolution menu.
NOTE: When configuring TurboDLDDeluxe's video options,
the Rendering Board/Resolution options described
below will automatically appear ONLY when
configuring AVE Render, 3D Studio or AutoShade.
Otherwise, the Display Board/Resolution options
will be the only menu choices available.
Similar to the Select Display Resolution menu, Select Rendering
Resolution configures the resolution of the AutoCAD rendering screen.
Rendering screen options are also based on the findings of
TurboDLDDeluxe's detection utility. Use the Up and Down arrow keys,
and the "Pg Up" and "Pg Dn" keys to scroll through and highlight the
resolution and color option you wish to use.
Press ENTER to accept your choice and return to the Select Graphics
Board/Resolution menu.
NOTE: TurboDLDDeluxe's graphics platform detection
utility queries the graphics card for graphics
platform type, Hi-Color support and installed
memory. Based on the detector's information,
TurboDLDDeluxe will list a set of Display and
Rendering resolutions. Due to the variety of
graphics boards and their specific implementations
of platform chip sets, the detector is not
always 100% accurate. Therefore, when selecting
a Display or Rendering resolution, be sure to use
only resolutions that your graphics board will
support. If you are unsure which resolutions are
supported by your graphics board, refer to your
owner's manual.
Highlight Return To Previous Menu and press the RETURN key to return to
the Main Configuration Menu.
Basic Configuration Menu
---------------------------------
The Basic Configuration menu configures TurboDLDDeluxe's AutoCAD screen
characteristics; text lines; font size; and dual screen mode.
The first Basic option is the number of text lines you wish to use for
the AutoCAD command line. The default is 3 lines, but values from 1 to
10 can be specified. A number larger than 3 might be useful if you are
using this driver in a high resolution mode with small fonts, eliminating
the need to frequently swap back and forth between the text and graphics
screens.
If you do not want any lines of text at the bottom of the display, use
AutoCAD to disable the command area (see the AutoCAD "Interface,
Installation and Performance Guide" for more information). Press Return
to continue with font selection.
Choose the Font Size you would like to use for your AutoCAD menus,
pull-downs, and dialog boxes: 8x8/8x14/8x16/12x20/12x24. For resolutions
over 800x600 we recommend the 12x20 or 12x24 fonts. The default is the
8x14 font.
XGA and 8514/A graphics boards use only the 8x14, 8x16, and 12x20 font
options. There are two font size options available for TIGA-based boards,
12x20 and 12x24.
The Dual Screen Mode command is used to tell TurboDLDDeluxe whether you
want to operate with one screen, for combined text and graphics, or with
two, one screen for graphics and a second for text. Choose Disable, to run
AutoCAD in single screen mode. Select Enable to run in dual screen mode
- don't select Enable mode if you don't have a Monochrome board (VGA board
for TIGAs, XGAs or 8514/As) in your system.
Highlight Return To Previous Menu and press the RETURN key to return to the
Main Configuration Menu.
User Interface Menu
--------------------------
Timing Options
-------------------
The User Interface options configure the productivity features of
TurboDLDDeluxe. These features change the way you manuever around AutoCAD
and execute commands.
The first three options, Double Click, Long Click, and Edge Pan Wait, allow
you to set times/delays for TurboDLDDeluxe features. These times are measured
in hundredths of seconds. PC systems have a timing resolution of 5/100ths
of a second, therefore, the entered time is rounded by the driver to most
closely approximate the nearest multiple of 5. This means that a time setting
of 23 is the same as a setting of 27, both of which get rounded to 25 (or
one-quarter of a second). In simplest terms, when adjusting these values,
it is best to use multiples of 5.
The first timing option sets the Double Click delay. This time represents
the largest amount of time that can elapse between the release of the
digitizer button and the subsequent press of the same button in order to
detect a double click. Setting this number too low will result in the
computer seeing two separate clicks, while setting the time too high may
slow down response time for single button presses. Values between 10 and
30 are recommended.
The second timing option lets you set the time necessary to determine tha
t a long click has occurred. Timing starts at the time you press the
digitizer button. For example, with a timing of 50 for this option, you
will have to hold down a digitizer button for half a second (50/100ths) in
order for a long click to be registered. Recommended timings for long
clicks are between 40 and 80.
The final timing option relates to the Automatic Edge Panning feature of
the TurboDLDDeluxe. The timing value represents the amount of time that
the cursor must remain in the same position near the edge of the current
viewport for Automatic Edge Panning to be activated (if it's enabled). A
time of 50 is recommended, but any value can be appropriate, depending on
the application at hand.
For example, with edge panning enabled, a value of 0 means that whenever
the cursor approaches the edge of the active viewport, panning will
automatically commence.
Big Picture Options
-------------------------
The Big Picture, Panacea's bird's-eye view, can be configured to suit your
needs or allow for better differentiation within a complex drawing.
With the BP Button option, TurboDLDDeluxe gives you the flexibility to use
a double click on an available digitizer/mouse button as a Big Picture pop-up
button. On the BP Button menu line, enter the number of any available
digitizer button other than button 1 - button 1 is reserved as the pick
button. Within AutoCAD, simply double click the chosen button to invoke the
Big Picture.
BP Highlight controls how the Big Picture appears on the screen. Patt Line
will display the Big Picture using dotted lines to form the outer bounding
box and the zoom crosshairs. XOR Rect will use a contrasting rectangle to
display the Big Picture. The Both option will use a combination of Patt Line
and XOR Rect to distinguish the Big Picture.
In it's fastest mode, TurboDLDDeluxe does not refresh the Big Picture until
a DLDREFRESH command is issued. Depending on a drawing's complexity, in this
mode, the Big Picture could become confusing, displaying vectors that are
now actually erased, and no longer part of the drawing. To configure the
Big Picture to be updated as objects are drawn or erased, enable the
BP Refresh. If speed is a major concern, disable it.
The BP Cache option enables or disables TurboDLDDeluxe's internal memory
cache for advanced functions. This cache will further enhance
TurboDLDDeluxe's performance on some graphics platforms, primarily
TIGA-based graphics boards. For this reason, the BP Cache is normally
disabled. As a reference, on VGAs, the performance benefit of the BP Cache
is as little as 1%. With a TIGA-based graphics board, however, the
performance benefit of the BP Cache is as high as 400%.
Button Definition Menus
-------------------------------
There are eight sets of Button Definition menus, each with eight button
definitions, for a total of up to 63 configurable digitizer buttons.
Button 1, the 64th button, is the pick button, and cannot be configured
for double and long click commands. For every other button, you can define
the commands that are sent to AutoCAD when either a double click or long
click is detected. The command format is similar to what you would use in
an AutoCAD menu file.
TurboDLDDeluxe contains sample default settings. You may wish to use these
settings first to see how they work before changing them. Please also note
that this manual makes reference to the default settings.
NOTE: Many TurboDLDDeluxe commands, like DLDBIGPIC,
can be preceded by an "@" symbol, which tells
the driver that an internal command is to be
executed. This gives you the ability to
dynamically pull up the bird's-eye during a
drawing command, for example. See Section 5
- Basic Features and Section 6 - Deluxe Features
for more information on the wide variety of
TurboDLDDeluxe commands.
Also, Control Characters, like Ctrl-C, which
are used to send special characters to AutoCAD,
can be simulated with a two-character sequence.
For example, when you interrupt an AutoCAD command
from the keyboard, you normally hold down the
Ctrl key and press the C key. When you send
commands via the digitizer buttons, it may
sometimes be necessary to send Ctrl-C characters
to interrupt the current command and start the
one you want. This can be accomplished by using
the carat "^" symbol followed by an upper case C,
as in ^C^Cline^M, which tells AutoCAD to interrupt
the current command, send the line command, and
follow by an Enter (specified by the ^M). Two or
three ^C's may be necessary because some AutoCAD
commands are nested. The digitizer button
definitions are stored in the DLXBUTTN.DAT file
which resides in the TurboDLDDeluxe sub-directory.
After you have made the desired changes to each menu, press the <F10> key
to advance to the next menu page or the ESC key to go back to the previous
one. Pressing ESC at Menu 1 will bring you back to the User Interface menu,
as will pressing <F10> during Button Menu 8.
Pop-Up Menus
-------------------
There are eight Pop-Up Menu Definition menus, each with up to eight possible
entries. At the top of each menu page is a menu title prompt. This is where
you enter the title of the current menu. This menu title is later used in
AutoCAD when you pop-up the Main pop-up menu via the DLDMENU0 command, as
described in Section 5 - Basic Features. As with the button menus, DLDSETUP
contains sample default settings. You may wish to use these settings first
to see how they work before changing them.
Each menu also lists a description and command for each of the eight items
in the menu. Each menu description can contain up to 20 characters, and is
used to describe the function executed by the associated command. The command
field for each menu item is identical in use to the digitizer button commands
described above. As with the digitizer button menus, ESC backs you out to
the previous menu page, and <F10> lets you move ahead. The Pop-up menu
definitions are stored in a file called DLXMENUS.DAT in the TurboDLDDeluxe
sub-directory.
Highlight Return To Previous Menu and press the RETURN key to return to the
Main Configuration Menu.
Expert Configuration Menu
----------------------------------
The Expert Configuration menu sets the basic internal functions of
TurboDLDDeluxe. Options in this menu allow for customization of the driver
for speed or to adjust for memory constraints.
Display List, the core of TurboDLDDeluxe, enables or disables the display
list feature of the driver. This option should always be set to enable,
disabling the Display List will cause TurboDLDDeluxe to run as an ordinary
non-display list driver.
The Drawing Cache option enables or disables TurboDLDDeluxe's internal
drawing cache, a compressed list of the current viewport, which speeds up
pans zooms and redraws. As in the Display List option, Drawing Cache should
normally be enabled. In low memory situations, it may be desirable to disable
the Drawing Cache. Disabling the Drawing Cache will free-up memory for
AutoCAD but may or may not have a visible effect on your ZOOM and PAN
performance. For example, on VGAs, the performance benefit of the Drawing
Cache is as little as 5%. With a TIGA-based graphics board, however, the
performance benefit of the Drawing Cache is as high as 400%.
Use AutoCAD 31-Bit Space, configures TurboDLDDeluxe for use with AutoCAD
R12's 31-Bit logical drawing space. When set to Yes, the driver will use
AutoCAD's extended 31-Bit drawing space. Selecting No, will use a 15-Bit
drawing space, similar to that of AutoCAD R10/R11.
The 31-Bit logical space allows you to extend your Regen-less zooming
ability by a factor of several million, at the cost of more memory.
Additional memory is used by AutoCAD for the drawing space, and by
TurboDLDDeluxe for the Display List. 31-Bit zooming and panning is about
10%-20% slower than for 15-Bit logical space.
The Use AutoCAD 31-Bit Space setting is ignored for AutoCAD R10/R11
installations.
The echo of TurboDLDDeluxe internal commands can be enabled or disabled
with the Internal Command Echo option. If you would like to see
TurboDLDDeluxe's internal commands display at the AutoCAD command line as
they are executed, enable this option.
BP Zoom Mode sets the Big Picture (BP) zoom definition area display options.
In a zoomed view of the static BP, as the current viewport is zoomed or
panned, Float mode causes the image in the BP to move around within the
bird's-eye window, keeping the zoomed viewport area fixed in the center of
the bird's-eye. Freeze mode will lock the current BP contents into place to
provide a better overall frame of reference.
As a convenience feature, a Regen Mode option has been added to
TurboDLDDeluxe. A Fast Regen will store the AutoCAD drawing until the
Display List has been created, and then display it all at once. The
Incremental mode displays the drawing in "chunks" as the display list is
created. The Fast mode causes Regens to process approximately 5% faster
than the Incremental. Neither mode changes memory requirements.
After all Expert options have been set, highlight Return To Previous Menu
and press the RETURN key to return to the Main Configuration Menu.
Saving Configuration Information
------------------------------------------
Once all of the TurboDLDDeluxe parameters have been configured, select SAVE,
EXIT to save the configuration information and create DLDSETUP.DAT,
DLXBUTTN.DAT and DLXMENUS.DAT in either the ACAD\DRV sub-directory (R12) or
the TURBODLD (R10/R11) sub-directory. DLDSETUP.DAT is TurboDLDDeluxe's
configuration file while DLXBUTTN.DAT and DLXMENUS.DAT are the configuration
files for the digitizer buttons and pop-up menus, respectively.
After answering AutoCAD's standard driver configuration questions, you will
return back to the AutoCAD configuration menu. To begin your accelerated
AutoCAD, for AutoCAD R12, select option 0, Exit to Drawing Editor; for
AutoCAD R10/11, choose option 1 or 2, Open New/Existing Drawing.
Verifying Your TurboDLDDeluxe Installation
-------------------------------------------------------
To verify that TurboDLDDeluxe is running and installed correctly, follow
one of these two simple tests.
o - If you have the AutoCAD side menu enabled, look for the Panacea Logo
in the lower right-hand corner.
o - If you are running AutoCAD without a side menu, type DLDVER at the
AutoCAD command prompt. If TurboDLDDeluxe is loaded and running, this
command should return your current version, serial number and the
registered user's name.
Reconfiguring TurboDLDDeluxe
-----------------------------------------
To reconfigure TurboDLDDeluxe follow the instructions for AutoCAD Release
12 or Release 11/10 below.
AutoCAD Release 12
---------------------------
If you need to make changes to your Release 12 TurboDLDDeluxe configuration,
type CONFIG at the AutoCAD command prompt or use ACAD -R when starting the
program. Select option 3, Configure Video Display. Answer No to the "Select
a new video driver ..." prompt to start the TurboDLDDeluxe configuration
program. Make the desired changes to the driver and then Save and Exit to
continue to the AutoCAD drawing editor.
AutoCAD Release 10/11
-------------------------------
To change a Release 10/11 configuration, select option 5, Configure AutoCAD
from the AutoCAD main menu. and then from the configuration menu, select
option 3, Configure Video Display. Answer No to the "Select a new video
driver ..." prompt to start the TurboDLDDeluxe configuration program. Change
the desired driver options. Save and Exit to return to the AutoCAD
configuration menu. Open or begin a new drawing.
TIP: To completely reconfigure TurboDLDDeluxe
using Panacea's defaults, delete DLDSETUP.DAT,
DLXBUTTN.DAT, and DLXMENUS.DAT from either the
\ACAD\DRV sub-directory (R12) or the TURBODLD
sub-directory (R10/11) and then follow the
Driver Configuration instructions at the
beginning of this section.
Configuring The AutoCAD R10/11 Operating Environment
----------------------------------------------------
During the TurboDLDDeluxe installation process, a FASTACAD.BAT file is
created and placed into the TURBODLD sub-directory. FASTACAD.BAT contains
four lines that set four separate environment variables: DLDCFG - used by
TurboDLDDeluxe to find all of its configuration files; and DSPADI, RCPADI,
RDPADI - used by AutoCAD, 3D Studio and AutoShade 2 w/RenderMan,
respectively, to find the driver file. FASTACAD.BAT must be run prior to
starting AutoCAD R10 or R11 and only needs to be run once per system boot.
For automatic loading of the environment variables, FASTACAD.BAT may be
added to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file or an AutoCAD start-up batch file.
To add FASTACAD.BAT to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, insert the line
CALL D:\TURBODLD\FASTACAD
anywhere in the file. The above example assumes that FASTACAD.BAT resides
in a sub-directory on drive D: called \TURBODLD.
If you don't wish to put FASTACAD in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, you may put it
in a batch file which also starts AutoCAD, or simply remember to run the
file before starting AutoCAD. (You should also stop using any ADI driver
that may have come with your graphics board, since TurboDLDDeluxe is a
superset of that type of driver).
NOTE: If you get the message
Out of Environment Space
when you run FASTACAD.BAT, you will need
to enlarge your system's environment. This
is accomplished by adding the following line,
SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /P /E:768
to your CONFIG.SYS file. The /E:768 specifies
an environment size of 768 bytes. Change this
number as appropriate. You will need to reboot
if you modify your CONFIG.SYS file, in order
for the changes to take effect.
Configuring TurboDLDDeluxe for Rendering
----------------------------------------
To install and configure TurboDLDDeluxe for use with AutoCAD R12's AVE
Render, 3D Studio or AutoShade 2 w/RenderMan, please read Section 9.
--------------------------
4 - Changing Colors
--------------------------
Included with TurboDLDDeluxe, is Panacea's revolutionary CustomColors(tm)
color configuration utility. What's so unique about CustomColors is that
it gives you the ability to modify all your changeable AutoCAD colors,
including menu colors, text colors, dialog box colors, and even drawing
colors, while running AutoCAD.
CustomColors simulates an AutoCAD screen, complete with all possible objects.
At the AutoCAD drawing editor command line, type DLDCOLOR to edit the color
configuration. Once you enter the utility, you are provided with the
following configuration menu at the bottom of the screen:
(O)bject,
(D)rawing,
(P)hysical,
(A)DI reset,
(V)GA reset,
(L)oad,
(S)ave,
(E)xit
The menu items perform the following functions.
Object
---------
Selecting this option will allow you to change the color of any AutoCAD
screen object, such as the graphics area background color, the menu area
text color, or the border line color. Select the object whose color you
want to change by moving the highlight box around with the left and right
cursor control keys and pressing ENTER when you have highlighted the desired
object. Note that a one line description of the object type is displayed at
the top of the screen as you move the box around.
Once you have selected the object, another highlight box will appear around
the color boxes nearest the bottom of the screen. These are the physical
colors that the video board supports. Use the left and right cursor keys to
select the physical color to be used for the object you have selected and
press ENTER. The screen will quickly redraw with the new color selection for
the object you have chosen, and you will be back at the start of object
selection in case you want to change the color of another object.
TIP: Note that at any time during color
configuration, you can press the ESC key
once or twice and return to AutoCAD. Also,
pressing the question mark ("?") key will
provide you with context sensitive help.
Drawing
-----------
This option allows you to modify AutoCAD drawing colors 0, 8 and 9, in a
fashion similar to the way you change object colors. When this option is
selected, a highlight square appears in the drawing color area of the
simulated AutoCAD display. The square can be manipulated using the four
cursor keys. You may notice that the drawing color portion of the display
is laid out just like the CHROMA drawing supplied with AutoCAD. When you
press ENTER, the highlight moves down to the 16 physical colors, just as it
does during the object color selection. Using the arrow keys, pick the
physical color you want to represent the selected drawing color. Press ENTER
to have your selection take effect.
Physical
-----------
Choosing the Physical option from the menu allows you to alter the red,
green, and blue components of the physical colors. A highlight box will
appear in the row of 16 physical colors at the bottom of the screen.
Use the arrow keys to select the color you wish to edit and press ENTER.
Three "sliders" will appear near the bottom of the display, with the
horizontal position of the slider for each of the color components (red,
green, or blue - RGB) indicating the relative intensity of the component.
You can use the left and right arrow keys to move the slider for the selected
component, or type in a number from 0 to 255.
NOTE: Many graphics boards do not support 255
different intensities for each color
component. Therefore, when you enter an
intensity, Custom Colors will round it to
the nearest intensity which your graphics
board supports.
For example, VGAs support 64 intensities per
RGB color component. This means intensities
increase in multiples of 4 (256/64),
therefore an intensity of 0 is the same as an
intensity of 3.
The up and down arrows allow you to select which component you want to alter.
As you manipulate the sliders, all objects on the display that are of the
same color as the selected physical color will change in hue. This way you
can visually determine the most appropriate setting for your display.
Pressing ENTER will set the RGB values you have selected for the physical
color you were modifying.
ADI reset
------------
This constructs a default ADI color palette, as defined in the Autodesk
Device Interface Driver Development Kit, and in Panacea's 8514/A and XGA
non-display list drivers shipped with AutoCAD Release 12.
VGA reset
--------------
This constructs a default VGA color palette in the first 16 color entries.
The remaining palette colors remain identical to those used for ADI devices
Load
-------
This reloads the color information from the file DLDCOLOR.DAT. It will be
loaded from the directory pointed to by DLDCFG (AutoCAD R10/R11), or from
the AutoCAD R12 \DRV directory. If DLDCOLOR.DAT cannot be found, an error
message will be displayed. This command is useful because it allows you to
go back to your previously edited color configuration in case you have made
some mistakes in configuring your colors that you want to undo.
CAUTION: Don't Accidently Wipe Out Your Changes
Selecting ADIreset, VGAreset, or Load will
irrevocably wipe out any current color
changes you may have made, unless you have
just saved your new setting, so use them
only when you really need to, such as when
you have made so many color changes that you
can't seem to get back to a reasonable place
and just want to start over.
Save
-------
Saves the current color palette to DLDCOLOR.DAT. It will be saved to the
directory pointed to by the DLDCFG environment variable in FASTACAD, or to
the \ACAD\DRV (R12) directory if FASTACAD is not used.
Exit
-----
Exits CustomColors. If you have made palette changes, but not saved them,
you will be asked if you want to save your changes before exiting. When
running at more than 8 bits-per-pixel (256 colors), setting physical colors
via DLDCOLOR will have no visible effect until a SAVE and EXIT occurs.
------------------------------
5 - TurboDLD Features
------------------------------
TurboDLDDeluxe offers AutoCAD users many features and productivity options.
This chapter alphabetically lists the basic commands found in all TurboDLD
versions and provides the correct syntax for their usage. For a brief summary
of TurboDLDDeluxe commands, see Section 11 or while running AutoCAD, type
DLDHELP at the command prompt.
The Big Picture
--------------------
The most important feature of TurboDLDDeluxe is the addition of a world view
called The Big PictureTM or just BP for short. Bringing up the BP allows you
to view where in the current drawing you are currently located in your active
viewport, and it also gives you the ability to dynamically move to another
part of the drawing without having to exit the function you're currently
executing.
DLDBIGPIC
---------------
To call up the Big Picture, at the AutoCAD command line, type DLDBIGPIC, or
double click the right mouse button or button 2 on your digitizer puck. (if
you haven't redefined your Button 2 double click function - see Section 3).
This will bring up the BP on the display. You will see cross-hairs and a
highlighted section indicating which part of the whole drawing you're
currently viewing - the size of the image will be determined by the AutoCAD
logical drawing space being used, 15-Bit or 31-Bit. The selection or pick
box will have an "X" through it. Move the mouse/digitizer around to locate
your pick box. If you can't see a small box moving, click the left mouse
button (the pick button) to size down the pick area. In size mode, the pick
box will have a right pointing arrow in it ("-->"). If the contents of the
BP are too small to work with, you may increase the size of the image in the
window by pressing the "+" key on your numeric keypad this performs an
incremental zoom within the BP. Likewise, pressing the "-" key will reduce
the size of the contents of the BP. Pressing the HOME and END keys will put
the BP into its smallest and largest size, respectively. The smallest BP size
is defined as being exactly the same view as that in the viewport referenced
by the BP. The largest BP size is defined as the largest image possible
without causing a Regen.
The BP pick box is always proportioned to the proper aspect ratio for the
current viewport. Clicking the pick button again will put you back into the
pick box move mode ("X"). This operation is very similar to using the
Zoom Dynamic feature of AutoCAD. Once you have positioned the pick box on
the area you would like displayed in the active viewport, click any button
other than the pick button to initiate the zoom, or press the Enter key. If
you want to abort the operation, just hold any button down, other than the
pick button, until the BP disappears. You can also hit any key on the
keyboard, other than Enter, to cancel the BP. Note that the BP is updated
with new drawing commands, but that moves or erases will not update the
image unless BPREFRESH is enabled. A DLDREFRESH or a REGEN will manually
update the BP with the current drawing changes.
DLDBPCACHE*
--------------------
Enables or disables the memory Cache for TurboDLDDeluxe advanced features.
This Cache speeds up TurboDLDDeluxe's advanced features such as, real-time
panning, the Big Picture, ZoomPreview, etc. DLDBPCACHE is normally disabled.
Disabling the BP Cache will conserve memory, but may or may not have a
visible effect on your ZOOM, PAN and REDRAW performance while the advanced
commands are actively in use.
Performance benefits of the BP Cache will vary from one graphics platform to
the next. For example, on VGAs, the performance benefit of the BP Cache is
as little as 1%. With TIGA-based graphics boards, however, the performance
benefit of the BP Cache is as high as 400%. Therefore, it is highly
recommended that you enable this cache when using TIGA boards.
DLDBPDIM
---------------
Resizing and repositioning the BP can be accomplished by typing this command
at the AutoCAD prompt. DLDBPDIM allows you to tell the driver where you want
the BP placed and how large you want it to be. The size is limited to being
between one-quarter and one-half the width of the display. This command
functions like the pan/zoom selection box in the BP, as far as positioning
and dimensioning goes. To abort, hold the right mouse button, or any other
digitizer button, down until the moving box disappears.
DLDBPFREEZE
--------------------
Sets the Big Picture (BP) zoom definition area display options. DLDBPFREEZE
toggles the Big Picture Zoom Mode parameter in TurboDLDDeluxe's Expert
Configuration Menu.
In a zoomed view of the static BP, as the current viewport is zoomed or
panned, Float mode causes the image in the BP to move around within the
bird's-eye window, keeping the zoomed viewport area fixed in the center of
the bird's-eye. Fixed mode will lock the current BP contents into place to
provide a better overall frame of reference.
DLDBPHILIGHT*
---------------------
Changes the highlight used to display the Big Picture among three modes,
Patt Line, XOR Rect, and Both. Patt Lines will use dotted lines to outline
the Big Picture pick box. XOR Rect will use a contrasting rectangle to
highlight the pick box, and Both will use a combination of Patt Lines and
XOR Rect.
DLDBPREFRSH*
----------------------
This convenience feature of TurboDLDDeluxe, toggles the Big Picture update
mode. If disabled, the BP is updated manually by issuing a DLDREFRESH
command. When enabled, DLDBPREFRSH will cause the BP to refresh automatically
when an object is drawn or erased. The BP operations therefore will be slower
with DLDBPREFRSH enabled.
DLDBPSTATIC
--------------------
Toggles the BP to stay on the screen at all times. Use this command if you
want the BP on the screen in order to conveniently move into it whenever you
want to zoom or pan. Typing DLDBPSTATIC will put up the BP at the position
you set with DLDBPDIM. Note that the static BP will disappear when other
menus pop-up on the screen, and it will also disappear if you draw any
objects which may overwrite the BP. With these exceptions, the BP will
remain on-screen until you either exit the drawing screen or you type
DLDBPSTATIC again.
DLDCOLOR
----------------
Invokes CustomColors(TM), Panacea's color configuration program. See
Section 4 - Configuring Colors for more information on configuring
TurboDLDDeluxe colors.
DLDCOMPACT Forces a manual garbage collect of Display List memory
thereby returning unused display list memory back to the AutoCAD memory
pool.
DLDDCACHE*
-------------------
This command toggles the TurboDLDDeluxe drawing cache on and off. The
Drawing Cache is a compressed form of the current viewport which speeds
pans, zooms and redraws.
DLDDIGI*
--------
This temporary command toggles the digitizer processing functions of
TurboDLDDeluxe on and off during the current drawing session. DLDDIGI is
included to help facilitate digitizer tablet programming.
DLDDLIST*
---------
This command toggles the display list function of TurboDLDDeluxe on and off.
NOTE: Please note that if the display list is turned
off, you will be running AutoCAD as though you
were using a standard non display list driver
- pans, zooms and redraws will be MUCH slower
with DLDDLIST disabled.
DLDECHO*
--------
Toggles internal TurboDLDDeluxe command echoing at the AutoCAD command line.
When TurboDLDDeluxe commands are executed via the digitizer or pop-up menus,
they generate internal commands which will be displayed at the AutoCAD
command line if DLDECHO is enabled. Disable DLDECHO to simplify the command
line.
DLDEDGEPAN
-------------------
Toggles the automatic edge panning feature of TurboDLDDeluxe, on and off.
TurboDLDDeluxe allows you to pan just by leaving your drawing cursor near a
viewport edge. This feature is explicitly enabled via the DLDEDGEPAN command.
Once the Automatic Edge Panning is enabled (indicated by the message
"EDGEPAN" in the bottom right corner of the display - but only if your
AutoCAD side menu is enabled), just leave your cross-hair cursor near the
edge of the current viewport (VP), and the whole contents of the VP will pan
over. Leaving the cursor at the edge will cause the VP to pan over until it
has reached the edge of the VP's logical space, in order to avoid unnecessary
REGENs. Note that these PANs are transparent to your current drawing
commands, so that if you are drawing a line and want to attach it to
something that is just barely off-screen, you can let the cursor sit at the
edge, perform the automatic pan, and then complete your line drawing. (See
also DLDRTPAN in Section 6 - Deluxe Features.)
DLDHELP
-------------
Provides a list of TurboDLDDeluxe commands with one-line description of each,
within AutoCAD. It's recommended that you flip to the text screen by pressing
the <F1> key to view the output.
DLDMENUn
---------------
The nine Pop-up menus can be called up at any time via the keyboard, using
the DLDMENUn commands, where n is a number between 0 and 8, inclusively.
DLDMENU0 brings up the Main Pop-Up menu, which gives you access to all other
defined menus. DLDMENU1 through DLDMENU8 bring up the user defined menus. If
you try to bring up a menu, and nothing happens, most likely the menu has no
entries and hence there's no use making it appear. You will notice that the
pop-up menus look very much like the pull down menus in AutoCAD. There is one
exception, however, and that is the menu title bar. Moving the special cursor
over the title bar (so that the title bar is highlighted) and clicking any
button, will send you to the main pop-up menu. Also, to abort the pop-up
menu, just hold down any button other than the pick button until it
disappears, or press any key other than Enter, or click on any button while
the cursor is away from the menu. Note that in a default configuration,
holding down button 2 (the right mouse button) for a long click will bring up
DLDMENU1, which is initially defined as the menu with all the features.
DLDREFRESH
-------------------
Refreshes the Big Picture to reflect the most current changes to a drawing.
If the static BP is up, it will be updated. If not, the next time the BP is
brought up, it will contain a current representation of your drawing,
provided no changes were made between the DLDREFRESH command and the
DLDBIGPIC command. For Automatic update of the Big Picture, see the
DLDBPREFRSH command above.
DLDSAVECFG
----------
The DLDSAVECFG command saves the current TurboDLDDeluxe configuration for
use in a later AutoCAD drawing session. The size and location of the Big
Picture, edgepan state, and the width of the spy glass cursor, are saved
with this command. DLDSAVECFG creates a file named DLXSTATE.DAT, in the
directory that TurboDLDDeluxe was installed in. DLXSTATE.DAT may be deleted
in order to return the above features to TurboDLDDeluxe's default settings.
DLDSTAT
-------
Displays the current TurboDLDDeluxe status. A listing of the current
TurboDLDDeluxe parameters is displayed at the AutoCAD command line. A flip
to the graphics screen is recommended to view the status report.
DLDUSAGE
----------------
Use DLDUSAGE if you want a to-the-byte breakdown of how memory is being used,
specifically for display list processing. DLDUSAGE returns information
regarding the memory each viewport is occupying. Since AutoCAD supports
multiple viewports, it is possible to have multiple display lists.
DLDVER
------------
Displays the TurboDLDDeluxe version, serial number and registered user's
name at the AutoCAD command line.
DLDVISREGEN*
---------------------
Toggles between the Fast and Visible Regen modes of TurboDLDDeluxe. A Fast
Regen will create the display list and then display the drawing all at once.
A Visible Regen will display the drawing in "chunks" as the display list is
created. This command is a dynamic form of the Regen Mode parameter in the
Expert Configuration Menu. Since TurboDLDDeluxe's Fast Regen mode is faster
than AutoCAD's, we highly recommend its use.
DLDZMVMAX
-----------------
TurboDLDDeluxe supports a REGEN-less Zoom ALL capability, identical to
AutoCAD's Zoom VMAX command. Just type DLDZMVMAX at the AutoCAD prompt, and
the current viewport will zoom to its full size. This function is designed
primarily for AutoCAD Release 10/386 users.
NOTE: Please note that the commands above with a
"*" following them, when issued within
AutoCAD, will override the selections made
during TurboDLDDeluxe configuration, for the
current drawing session only. Exiting AutoCAD
and subsequently restarting will cause all
feature settings to revert back to those
selected in the TurboDLDDeluxe configuration
menu. If you wish to make the current changes
permanent, reconfigure TurboDLDDeluxe by
following the reconfiguration instructions in
Section 3.
--------------------------
6 - Deluxe Features
--------------------------
In addition to the basic speed and productivity features built into TurboDLD,
(see Section 5) this Deluxe version of the driver offers additional features
and productivity options. This chapter discusses these advanced features and
provides the correct syntax for their usage.
DLDRTPAN
---------------
Puts TurboDLDDeluxe into real-time panning mode. A hand will display allowing
the current viewport to be dynamically panned. To change the "grip" of
DLDRTPAN, click the pick button to display a pointing hand with a single
finger. Move the pointer to the area to be gripped for panning. Click the
pick button again to return to the pan mode. Press the ENTER key or any
digitizer button other than the pick button to return to the drawing mode at
the current pan position. To restore the original viewport contents, press
the ESC key or perform a long click.
DLDSPY
-----------
Invokes TurboDLDDeluxe's ZoomPreviewTM spy glass. Type DLDSPY at the AutoCAD
command prompt to display the spy glass cursor. Move the cursor to the area
to be zoomed and then press the ENTER key or any digitizer button other than
the pick button to zoom to the current spy glass contents. To restore the
original viewport contents, press the ESC key or perform a long click.
The preview window can be dynamically sized by clicking the pick button and
adjusting it. The magnification of the spy glass can be changed by pressing
the "+" and "-" keys on the numeric keypad. Pressing the HOME and END keys
will change the spy glass magnification to the lowest and highest
magnifications, respectively. Spy glass magnification cannot be changed when
zoomed too far into a viewport and a zoom may not occur in such a situation
either.
X-Ray Spy Glass
When in a rendering view, and DLDSPY is invoked, the spy glass cursor will
display the wire frame view of the rendered drawing. In the X-Ray mode,
pressing the HOME key will switch the spy glass cursor to a 1:1
magnification.
DLDVIEW
-------------
DLDVIEW invokes TurboDLDDeluxe's drawing previewer. To use DLDVIEW in
AutoCAD 12, simply type
DLDVIEW
and then select a DWG or DXF file from the drawing viewer dialog box.
To use the drawing previewer with AutoCAD 10 or 11, type
DLDVIEW:[File]
at the AutoCAD command prompt, where [File] is the complete path and file
name (with no spaces after the ":") to an AutoCAD drawing. The specified
AutoCAD drawing is then displayed in the current viewport.
DLDVIEW acts like a rendering or slide in the viewport, therefore, a REDRAW,
PAN, or ZOOM will restore the viewport back to the current AutoCAD drawing.
DLDVIEW displays only DWG and DXF files. If no file extension is given in
the [File] specification above, a DWG file is assumed. An error message will
appear at the command prompt if the specified file cannot be found or loaded.
------------------------------------
7 - Memory Usage and Lists
------------------------------------
TurboDLDDeluxe shares extended memory with AutoCAD via the PharLap Virtual
Memory Manager. This means that TurboDLDDeluxe will automatically page to
disk if it uses up all the RAM that AutoCAD has left for its use. See the
AutoCAD "Installation and Performance Guide" for more information on Virtual
Memory Management. Please note that if you start seeing excessive hard disk
accesses during PANs, REDRAWs, and ZOOMs while using AutoCAD with
TurboDLDDeluxe, try using the DLDCOMPACT command. If this doesn't affect the
amount of disk access it's probably time to add more memory to your system.
Contact your AutoCAD dealer for assistance in upgrading your memory.
Regarding display list memory, it's important to realize that TurboDLDDeluxe
speeds up AutoCAD operations by creating a Display List in memory, and
sending that list to the graphics board for pans, zooms and redraws. But a
display list takes up memory.
How much memory?
--------------------------
For production use, we recommend that at least 1 megabyte is available for
TurboDLDDeluxe. To determine how much memory AutoCAD is using, use the
status command while in AutoCAD (refer to the AutoCAD "Installation and
Performance Guide" for more information). The Display List for a simple
drawing like the shuttle Columbia might only require 20 Kbytes for the
Display List. Complex drawings may require several megabytes. We have seen
Display Lists for a drawing range from one-tenth the size of the drawing file
to three times the size; in general, the Display List averages about the same
as the DWG file size. This means that you should count on the Display List
generally taking up as much as twice the DWG file size. Also, complex objects
such as circles and text "expand" when translated into display list format,
so a drawing with a lot of complex objects and text will have a larger
Display List than a simpler drawing.
TIP: Text takes up a disproportionate amount of
space in the Display List. To keep the list
small, put text in its own layer of the
drawing. Then don't display the text layer
when editing the rest of the figure. This
will keep memory consumption down and speed
up PANs, REDRAWs, and ZOOMs.
The AutoCAD manuals have an excellent section on performance, concentrating
on memory usage. To get the most performance out of the program, read the
appropriate sections of those manuals as well as this one.
----------------------
8 - Tips & Tricks
----------------------
Because TurboDLDDeluxe supports such a wide range of graphics board
platforms, it is necessary to be aware of certain idiosyncracies. This
chapter outlines known configuration and usage problems of TurboDLDDeluxe
and of various graphics platforms. Also included are tips to help gain
performance from AutoCAD itself. These tips and tricks are a compilation of
the most commonly asked Technical Support questions. Therefore, if you are
having problems, please review this chapter, you may be able to quickly
answer your own question.
Memory Management
----------------------------
System lock-ups, random re-boots or missing displays, indicate you may have
a memory conflict on your system. Different video platforms access different,
specific, portions of upper memory blocks. If these memory addresses are in
use by TSRs or other programs or memory managers, the above symptoms will
occur. To avoid these problems it is necessary to use an expanded memory
manager to allocate the specific address range to the graphics board. The
address to exclude usually falls within the range of A000 to C7FF. XGAs and
some TIGAs go beyond C7FF up to DFFF. Some common expanded memory managers
are QEMM, 386Max and EMM386, which comes with DOS 5.0.
QEMM and EMM386 use similar commands to perform the exclusion.
X=B000-B7FF
is added to the QEMM386.SYS or EMM386.EXE command line in the CONFIG.SYS
file.
386Max uses a video memory parameter which look like this
VIDMEM=B000-B7FF
Note that it may be necessary to run an optimization utility with some
memory managers in order for the exclusion to take effect. Refer to your
memory manager's documentation for specific details.
If the range of A000-C7FF seems like a large area to exclude, you may
decrease the range by changing the ending address to determine the exact
range that you need to exclude. Typically B000-B7FF, as shown in the examples
above, will be sufficient. You may try other ranges, by altering the
beginning and/or ending address, to isolate the exact region the graphics
board requires. Remember to re-boot after changing the CONFIG.SYS file. Some
common requirements are shown below.
Due to the manner in which they re-map video BIOS memory regions in RAM,
memory optimization utilities, such as QEMM'S Stealth feature should be
avoided.
XGA
------
XGA-based graphics boards must have at least the range of B000-DFFF
available.
SVGA and S3
------------------
SVGA and S3 boards usually use the area of B000-B7FF.
34020-based TIGA Boards
----------------------------------
34020 graphics chip-based TIGA boards request the range of A000-DFFF,
however, C000-C7FF usually works.
Upgrading From Older Panacea DLD Drivers
----------------------------------------------------------
Be sure to remove any reference to previous DLD driver commands (FASTACAD
calls or SET parameters) or sub-directories that may be in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file or in AutoCAD start-up batch files. Such references, especially
SET=DLDCFG ..., could cause AutoCAD and TurboDLDDeluxe to look in the wrong
place for setup information.
If have been using a previous Panacea DLD driver and wish to use the color
palette you customized for it with TurboDLDDeluxe, you may copy the
DLDCOLOR.DAT file from your older DLD's sub-directory to the sub-directory
you specified during the TurboDLDDeluxe installation process.
Manuevering Through AutoCAD
---------------------------
Zooming
-----------
When zooming into an image, be aware of your AutoCAD grid snap setting. If
you are zoomed extremely far into a drawing and you are having trouble
moving your digitizer cursor, you may be snapping to a point which is not
part of the zoomed viewport. If the cursor only moves to a single point, or
is not on screen at all, turn the grid snap off.
TurboDLDDeluxe and Paper Space
---------------------------------------------
TurboDLDDeluxe features do not work in AutoCAD's Paper Space. The execution
of any TurboDLDDeluxe command in Paper Space will result in an error message
at the command prompt.
Zoom Dynamic
-------------------
We do not recommended using ANY Deluxe features while in the Zoom Dynamic
mode of AutoCAD. Because TurboDLDDeluxe cannot determine when Zoom Dynamic
has been initiated, unpredictable results will occur. Use the Big Picture
feature of TurboDLDDeluxe to accomplish the same task as Zoom Dynamic, in a
much more efficient fashion.
Switching Color Modes
-----------------------------
When switching color modes, (i.e. from 16 to 256 or vice versa) the DLDCOLOR
command should be run in order to reconfigure your color palette for the
number of colors selected.
AutoCAD R12's CONFIG Command
---------------------------------------------
Configuring TurboDLDDeluxe in the middle of a drawing session using the
CONFIG command is a bit like exiting and re-starting AutoCAD. If are using
the static Big Picture and wish to resume your drawing session with it on,
issue the DLDSAVECFG command before issuing the CONFIG command.
Sticky Cursors
-------------------
Sometimes, when using the Big Picture, the digitizer cursor will appear to
stick to the edge of the bird's-eye. This is normal and is the result of the
digitizer puck responding to the whole screen area while the Big Picture only
occupies a small portion of the screen. Because of the difference in
resolutions between the screen and the digitizer, when the screen cursor
enters the Big Picture area, the digitizer puck has more drawing area to
cover in order to get to the same location as the screen cursor.
Using AutoCAD Commands
-----------------------------------
Since TurboDLDDeluxe is totally transparent to users with respect to using
normal AutoCAD commands to REDRAW, PAN, and ZOOM, you still have to suffer
from some of AutoCAD's nuances. One of these nuances is that ZOOM ALL and
ZOOM EXTENTS both force a REGEN, because AutoCAD does not keep track of
various boundaries necessary to avoid the REGENs. And REGENs are rather
time-consuming and don't use any display list processing to speed themselves
up. One way around this problem is to use another of AutoCAD's built-in
features, namely the VIEW command.
When you first load your image and see the whole drawing on the screen at
once, just type VIEW Save ALL, which will save the display position you see
under a view named "All". Then, after you've done some detailed editing and
want to return back to the big picture, type VIEW Restore ALL, instead of
ZOOM All or ZOOM Extents, and the full drawing will be restored to the
display at display list speeds, without a REGEN.
Another nuance of AutoCAD's is that if you zoom in too far or pan over too
far, you may inadvertently cause a REGEN. AutoCAD again provides a very
simple solution: the REGENAUTO command. Just type REGENAUTO Off at the
AutoCAD command prompt, and automatic REGENs will be disabled. The REGENAUTO
setting is also saved as part of your drawing file, so you only need to
execute it once per drawing. You may even want to set REGENAUTO off in your
ACAD.DWG drawing template so that all your drawings are created with
REGENAUTO set off.
Third-Party Software
---------------------------
If you are having trouble with TurboDLDDeluxe and third-party AutoCAD
applications, be sure that the third-party application supports ADI 4.2. In
order to use the ADI 4.2 specification, third-party applications require new
T-Drivers and therefore must be revised. If an application does not
specifically say that it is ADI 4.2 compatible, it probably is not. Check
with the manufacturer to be sure.
If your third-party application is ADI 4.2 compatible and you are having
trouble using TurboDLDDeluxe, try running AutoCAD without the third-party
application to try to isolate the problem. Also, try the third-party
application with the SVADI driver shipped with AutoCAD, this will also help
to isolate the source of the problem.
Also note that any third-party TSR that needs to access the display may not
work properly when using AutoCAD with any advanced ADI display driver,
especially if the TSR switches graphics modes. Most TSRs will not support
the same graphics platforms as TurboDLDDeluxe and therefore, will not be
able to accommodate mode switching back and forth.
Troublshooting TIGA Installations
-------------------------------------------
TIGA board software version 2.0 or later MUST be loaded prior to installing
and using TurboDLDDeluxe. Usually with TIGA boards, the problem is with the
TIGA software initialization and not with TurboDLDDeluxe.
If you are having trouble configuring your TIGA graphics board, check the
following:
1. Make sure that the TIGA software is the correct version and is loaded
properly by changing into the TIGA software sub-directory and typing
TIGACD. This command will return the version and status of the software.
2. Make sure that the TIGA environment variables are pointing to the correct
TIGA sub-directory and that a system compatible interrupt is being
specified.
SET TIGA = -mC:\TIGA -lC:\TIGA -i0x60
Using the example above, the -m and -l parameters point to a TIGA 2.0
software sub-directory named TIGA. The -i parameter indicates the hex
value of 0x60. Another common interrupt is 0x7F.
If you have upgraded your TIGA software, and are using your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file to initialize the TIGA board, be sure that the path (see above
example) is pointing to the new software and not the previous version.
Try remarking out the TIGA initialization line(s) from the AUTOEXEC.BAT
and entering them manually at the DOS prompt.
3. Make sure that the DLDEXT.RLM file from the TurboDLDDeluxe sub-directory
has been copied into the TIGA software sub-directory referenced by the
-m and -l variables in the "SET TIGA" statement.
4. Try running your TIGA demo program if you have one. If you get errors
similar to "Can't initialize TIGA .." verify the installation per the
steps above.
--------------------------------------------------
9 - Rendering Using TurboDLD Deluxe
--------------------------------------------------
Since TurboDLDDeluxe is a combined, display and rendering, device driver,
it can be used to generate high-resolution renderings with Autodesk's
3D Studio and AutoShade programs, as well as with AutoCAD R12's built-in
AVE Render. Configuration for these programs basically involves selecting
the proper Display and Rendering resolutions from the TurboDLDDeluxe
configuration menu. The other driver configuration options, except for font
selection options for 3D Studio, are ignored for rendering because a
Display List, and its configuration parameters, is not used during the
rendering process.
Autodesk 3D Studio
--------------------------
Configuring 3D Studio requires three steps. First, you need to set the
environment variables for 3D Studio by running the PANA3DS.BAT file that
was copied into your TurboDLDDeluxe sub-directory. Next, edit the 3DS.SET
file, located in your 3DS directory. The following three lines may be changed
to use the RCPADI rendering driver. Locate the lines that begin with
RENDER-DISPLAY
MAIN-DISPLAY
MATERIAL-DISPLAY
and change them to read
RENDER-DISPLAY=RCPADI
MAIN-DISPLAY=RCPADI
MATERIAL-DISPLAY=RCPADI
Make sure to remove the ";" or any spaces that may be present at the
beginning of the line. Note that it is only necessary for the RENDER-DISPLAY
line to be set to RCPADI in order to render at high resolution. If you do not
need a high resolution main display screen or if you will not be using the
materials editor, you may keep MAIN-DISPLAY and MATERIAL-DISPLAY set to their
defaults.
NOTE: For 3D Studio 1.x, there is no RENDER-DISPLAY
line. The corresponding line is DEFAULT-DISPLAY
and should be changed to read
DEFAULT-DISPLAY="RCPADI"
The quotes around RCPADI must be used for this
version of 3D Studio.
CAUTION: The MATERIAL-DISPLAY should only be configured
for RCPADI when BOTH the Display AND Rendering
Resolutions of TurboDLDDeluxe are configured
for 256 color resolutions. An unpredictable
Materials Editor screen will appear if anything
other than 256 colors is selected. If you are
unsure about the function of the Materials
Editor screen, use the Materials Editor as VGA,
you should not have any problems at all. Please
note too, that the use of the Materials Editor
will not give you any more colors to choose from.
After saving the above changes, the final steps in the configuration process
configure TurboDLDDeluxe for use with 3D Studio.
Delete (or rename) the 3DADI.CFG file from your 3D Studio sub-directory by
typing,
DEL 3DADI.CFG
Deleting this file will cause 3D Studio to start in its reconfiguration mode.
3DADI.CFG will be recreated after 3D Studio has been reconfigured.
Start the 3D Studio reconfiguration by typing;
3DS
During the 3D Studio start-up, you are prompted with a series of questions.
After the first question has been answered, the TurboDLDDeluxe Configuration
menu will appear. Select a display graphics board and then a display
resolution.
After the next 3D Studio question appears, Select a rendering graphics board
(usually the same as the Display board) and a rendering resolution. (For
detailed information on choosing graphics boards or display and rendering
resolutions, See Section 3 - Installing and Configuring.) When the last
question is answered, you will proceed to the 3D Studio main display screen.
Because RCPADI device drivers, by definition, are combined Display and
Rendering devices, during 3D Studio reconfiguration, you will be brought to
the TurboDLDDeluxe Configuration Menu more than one time, once each for
Display and Rendering. It is not necessary to select display and/or rendering
resolutions a second time. Simply press the ENTER key to remove the help
screen and then highlight Save and Exit to continue to the next question.
Also if FASTACAD.BAT is used instead of PANA3DS.BAT to define the AutoCAD
operating environment, the TurboDLDDeluxe Configuration Menu will also appear
for RDPADI and DSPADI devices if they are present.
Some 3D Studio Limitations
-----------------------------------
ADI drivers, such as TurboDLDDeluxe, only provide still rendering support
for 3D Studio. TurboDLDDeluxe will not play back rendered FLI or FLC files
at high resolution. This is a limitation of 3D Studio. A VESA compatible
graphics board may be able to play animations at higher than 320x200 using
3D Studio's VESA driver option. Refer to your 3D Studio user's manual for
detailed information.
Configuring AVE Render
--------------------------------
AutoCAD 12's AVE Render uses TurboDLDDeluxe's rendering capabilities to
render objects and drawings. If AVE Render has never been configured, when
you select the AutoCAD render command, you are required to run through its
configuration process. In this case, you are prompted through the following
questions and/or menus.
1. Select a Rendering Display device. Since TurboDLDDeluxe is a combined
display/rendering device, choose item 1, P386 ADI Combined
Display/Rendering Driver from the available choices.
2. Configure the Rendering Graphics Board and Resolution. Here the
TurboDLDDeluxe configuration program will appear on the screen. Press
the Return key to continue past the help screen and display the
Rendering Configuration menu. Choose Select Graphics Board/Resolution
to display graphics board and resolution menu selections. Select a
rendering graphics board and then a rendering resolution.
3. Select Render Mode. The next step is to select the rendering mode for
TurboDLDDeluxe. Select either Render to Viewport or Render to Screen
depending on how you wish to view your renderings. Note that in order
to render to a viewport you must be using a Display resolution equal
to or greater than the number of colors you are rendering. Otherwise,
AVE Render will not allow the render to viewport selection.
4. Select Render Hard Copy Device. If you are using a rendering hard copy
device select your device type from the list of choices. If you are not
using a hard copy device, accept the default of NULL.
After configuring AVE Render, you will return to the drawing to render the
current drawing.
If you have previously configured AVE Render for another driver, you will
need to reconfigure. Type RCONFIG at the AutoCAD command prompt to manually
invoke the Render Configuration Menu. Follow these steps to re-configure
AVE Render.
1. Select option 2, Configure Rendering Device to choose a new rendering
driver. Answer Yes to the "Select Different Rendering Device" question.
2. Select option 1, P386 Combined Display/Rendering Driver to choose the
type of driver being used.
3. Configure the Rendering Graphics Board and Resolution. At this point,
the TurboDLDDeluxe configuration program will appear on the screen.
Press the Return key to continue past the help screen and display the
Rendering Configuration menu. Choose Select Graphics Board/Resolution
to display graphics board and resolution menu selections. Select a
rendering graphics board and then a rendering resolution.
4. Select Render Mode. The next step is to select the rendering mode for
TurboDLDDeluxe. Select either Render to Viewport or Render to Screen
depending on how you wish to view your renderings. Note that in order
to render to a viewport you must be using a Display resolution of at
least 256 colors. Otherwise, AVE Render will not allow a render to
viewport selection.
5. Select Exit to the Drawing Editor from the Render Configuration menu
and then type Y to keep the changes you've just made. Press the <F1>
key to change to the graphics screen if necessary.
AutoShade 2.0 with RenderMan
-----------------------------------------
To configure AutoShade v2.0 to use TurboDLDClassic, first run the
FASTACAD.BAT file from your TurboDLDClassic sub-directory to set the
AutoShade environment variables. Next, start AutoShade with SHADE /R, which
will allow you to reconfigure AutoShade. For the display device, select
P386 Autodesk Device Interface display driver, and for the rendering display
select the P386 Autodesk Device Interface rendering driver. If you are
running the display and rendering screen on the same monitor (i.e. single
monitor), make sure to tell AutoShade this. A single monitor approach will
require a redraw of the display screen after a rendering screen.
Once the P386 ADI devices have been selected, the TurboDLDDeluxe
configuration menu will be displayed. Follow the same installation steps
that were used to select the graphics board and display and rendering
resolutions for AutoCAD (see Section 3 - Installing and Configuring).
-------------------------------
10 - Support Information
-------------------------------
Just the Fax, Ma'am - (603) 434-2461
If you are having trouble with the TurboDLDDemo, please send us your
problem reports by fax, on-line message, or regular mail, including the
information requested below. Our fax number is (603) 434-2461. You can
also send electronic mail to 70540, 1257 on CompuServe; we check these
sources frequently. It is much easier and more productive for us to work
with a page of information or an on-line message than it is to try and get
the information from you during a voice phone call over a busy, noisy line.
Once we get your faxed request, we will call you or fax you back with an
answer or with additional questions to learn more about the problem. Please
send mail to:
Panacea Inc.
Post Office Square
24 Orchard View Drive
Londonderry, NH 03053-3376
Attn: Technical Support.
Please put the following information in a faxed request, or have this
information ready for a phone request:
o - Your name, and the version number of your copy of the TurboDLDDemo.
o - A list of what appears on the screen when you type "SET" at a DOS
prompt.
(Or print out a screen shot and attach it to the fax).
o - Print-outs of your DLDSETUP.DAT and FASTACAD.BAT files.
o - Print-outs of your CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT and any AutoCAD start-up
files you use.
o - A complete description of what the problem was and how many times, and
under which circumstances, it has occurred. We can help you most
efficiently if you can recreate the problem with some consistency.
Many of the problems which may occur in setting up and using TurboDLDDeluxe
are not really problems with the driver; instead, the problems occur in
installing and getting access to additional memory for the driver.
Memory management programs, such as QEMM, 386Max, and EMM386, can cause
memory conflicts on certain graphics platforms. In order to avoid these
conflicts, it may be necessary to exclude certain memory regions from being
used by the memory manager.
Also, if you are using a memory manager, avoid using any switches or
utilities of the manager that may re-map upper memory blocks in order to
load as many programs and TSR's "high" as possible (i.e. QEMM's "Stealth"
mode). These features can make it difficult or impossible for TurboDLDDeluxe
utility programs to locate certain video BIOS information. If you have memory
problems, carefully check both the system documentation and the memory
manager documentation before contacting Technical Support. System memory
problems probably won't be solvable by us.
We aren't able to fix mis-set jumpers and incorrect configuration options
over the phone. Please be sure that all hardware is installed and operating
correctly before assuming that the driver is at fault. Carefully check your
hardware documentation for the correct switch and jumper settings.
Our support policy is to offer free phone and fax support to our registered
users. This policy is basically unlimited; we want our users to enjoy
TurboDLDDeluxe and get the most out of it. We are especially appreciative
if you can help us identify a problem in using the driver or the
documentation which we can fix in a subsequent upgrade, benefiting all
customers. However, if we receive excessive calls from any one customer on
a given subject, or on subjects which aren't directly related to using
TurboDLDDeluxe, we reserve the option to withhold, or charge for support.
-------------------------------------------
11 - TurboDLDDeluxe Commands
-------------------------------------------
This chapter alphabetically lists the basic commands found in all TurboDLD
versions providing a quick reference. Commands have been listed
alphabetically and by type, Basic or Deluxe. For complete information
regarding the use of these commands, see Section 5 - Features and
Section 6 - Deluxe Features.
Basic Commands
----------------------
DLDBIGPIC Calls up the Big Picture - use digitizer clicks
to define an area and zoom into it.
DLDBPCACHE Enables or disables the memory Cache for TurboDLDDeluxe
advanced features.
DLDBPDIM Allows resizing and repositioning of the Big Picture.
DLDBPFREEZE Toggles the Big Picture Zoom Mode between Float and
Freeze modes.
DLDBPHILIGHT Selects the highlight mode used to display the Big Picture.
DLDBPREFRSH Enables and Disables the Big Picture automatic update mode.
DLDBPSTATIC Toggles the Big Picture to stay on the screen at all times.
DLDCOLOR Invokes CustomColorsTM, Panacea's color configuration program.
DLDCOMPACT Forces a manual clean-up of Display List memory returning any
unused memory back to the AutoCAD memory pool.
DLDDCACHE Toggles the TurboDLDDeluxe drawing cache on and off.
DLDDIGI Toggles TurboDLDDeluxe's digitizer processing functions on
and off.
DLDDLIST Toggles the display list function of TurboDLDDeluxe on and off.
DLDECHO Toggles internal TurboDLDDeluxe command echoing at the
AutoCAD command line.
DLDEDGEPAN Toggles the automatic edge panning feature of TurboDLDDeluxe,
on and off.
DLDHELP Provides a list of TurboDLDDeluxe commands with one-line
description of each, within AutoCAD. It's recommended that
you flip to the text screen to view the output.
DLDMENUn The nine Pop-up menus can be called up at any time via the
keyboard, using the DLDMENUn commands, where n is a number
between 0 and 8, inclusively. DLDMENU0 brings up the Main
Pop-Up menu, which gives you access to all other defined
menus. DLDMENU1 through DLDMENU8 bring up the user defined
menus.
DLDREFRESH Refreshes the Big Picture to reflect the most current changes
to a drawing.
DLDSAVECFG Saves the current TurboDLDDeluxe configuration for use in a
later AutoCAD drawing session. Saves the size and location of
the Big Picture, edgepan state, and the width of the spy glass
cursor.
DLDSTAT Displays a listing of the current TurboDLDDeluxe parameters. A
flip to the graphics screen is recommended for this command.
DLDUSAGE Gives a to-the-byte breakdown of how memory is being used for
display list processing.
DLDVER Displays the TurboDLDDeluxe version, serial number and
registered user's name at the AutoCAD command line.
DLDVISREGEN Toggles between the Fast and Visible Regen modes of
TurboDLDDeluxe.
DLDZMVMAX Performs a REGEN-less Zoom ALL. This function is designed
primarily for AutoCAD Release 10/386.
Deluxe Commands
------------------------
DLDRTPAN Invokes TurboDLDDeluxe's real-time panning mode.
DLDSPY Invokes TurboDLDDeluxe's ZoomPreviewTM spy glass.
X-Ray Spy glass
When in a rendering view, DLDSPY will display the wire frame
view of the rendered drawing.
DLDVIEW TurboDLDDeluxe's AutoCAD drawing previewer. For AutoCAD 12,
type
DLDVIEW
and select DWG or DXF file from dialog box.
For AutoCAD 10/11 use the following command
DLDVIEW:[File]
where [File] is the complete path and file name (with no
spaces after the ":") to an AutoCAD DWG or DXF drawing.
Displays the specified AutoCAD drawing in the current viewport.