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- VCAD2PV Program Description
-
- I created these files to use with VersaCAD and the DKB/STARLite/PVTrace
- Ray Tracer. Unfortunately PV Trace doesn't support complex polygons, so I
- didn't have a straightforward path for translating my VersaCAD models to
- the raytracer. Since this process has two separate steps (the CAD macro
- and the PV Trace File program, you could modify the BASIC program for other
- Ray Tracers, or write your own macro for a different CAD or applications
- program.
-
- The macro file VCAD2PV.MAC is intended to be run from within VersaCAD, it
- assumes you have a model built, and when run, will add the coordinates to
- the file as you enter them (by clicking with the mouse after snapping to
- the desired object). When finished you will have an ASCII file containing
- the RAW coordinate data.
-
- Note that you can use the macro to produce coordinates defining a complex
- polygon OR coordinates to produce a Z axis extrusion. You would produce a
- number of separate files for a very complex object (a logo for instance).
-
- The program VCAD2PV.EXE (the source is included) is intended to be run
- against the RAW coordinate file and produces a nicely formatted PV Trace
- compatible file consisting of 3 sided triangles.
-
- Lastly, you may have to change the comment line characters in the output
- file if you are using the older DKB Trace program. This program produces
- "C Like" comment lines i.e. ... /* This is a PV Trace Comment */
- whereas DKB Trace expects ... { This is a DKB Trace Comment }
-
- Please let me know if you find this program of ANY use, if you do - I'll
- upload any updates and fixes. Forward any comments and/or suggestions to
-
- Robert Cleere (CIS 72050,3677)
- 7199 Moores Mill Rd.
- Huntsville, AL 35811