Aspirograph Gadget

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vgraves
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Aspirograph Gadget

Post by vgraves »

Gadgets are the primary means of extending the capabilities of Vectric software or automating some sort of operation within Aspire or VcarvePro. I wanted to learn the mechanics of developing a gadget, one that required only the basics of the Gadget SDK. I had seen a couple of references in the forum to a Spirograph generator and saw that there was such a generator available for the Shopbot, so that's what I chose as my learning tool.

Attached is version 1.0 of my Aspirograph gadget. It can create Spirograph-like vectors, the difference being that Aspirograph creates a series of line segments rather than a true curve. But once the vector is created, use the Fit Curves to Selected Vectors function within Aspire or VcarvePro to smooth out the vector. The Create and Delete buttons within the gadget allow the vector parameters to be quickly varied until the desired vector is generated before leaving the gadget window.
spiro_10_7_2.PNG
While this was fun to create and was a good learning experience, I tried figuring out what it might actually be used for, thinking that unless you wanted to carve out some polar graphs for a high school math class, it might just be kind of a neat drawing demonstration. But since then I've thought of a couple of possible applications for these curves. I think they could potentially make some pretty neat edge-lit acrylic pieces, and then it occurred to me that these could generate some nice Extrude and Weave patterns.
weave_12_7_1.png
I'm hoping you will find other creative ways to make this gadget useful -- please share if you do. And if you post an image of an Aspirograph vector, you might consider providing the parameters used to generate it in case others want to try to duplicate it (I've put them in the names of the images I attached). Anyway, try it out and make sure it works for you. Comments and suggestions welcome.

Van
Attachments
Aspirograph1.0.zip
(9.17 KiB) Downloaded 773 times

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Ms Wolffie
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by Ms Wolffie »

Thank you.
I am looking forward to have a play with it :)
Cheers
Wolffie

Whatshammacallit
Cut3D, VCarvePro 6.5, Aspire4, PhotoVCarve, Corel Graphics Suite X6

ElevationCreations
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by ElevationCreations »

Will this work in V-Carve Desktop or is Pro required?

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Adrian
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by Adrian »

The desktop versions do not support gadgets so it will not work.

PaulRowntree
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by PaulRowntree »

If you do a screen shot of the black vector, save as an image, then import the image as a bitmap, you should be able to trace the bitmap to produce a set of closed, non-overlapping vectors that can be V-carved.
Paul Rowntree
WarpDriver, StandingWave, Topo and gadgets available at PaulRowntree.weebly.com

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scottp55
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by scottp55 »

Just a first shot to play with:)
Default setting with a profile on line.
Definitely worth more playing :D
THANKS!!
scott
Attachments
FIRST WHACK.jpg
I've learned my lesson well. You can't please everyone,so you have to please yourself
R.N.

seanm
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by seanm »

Hi Vgraves,

would you be happy to have this gadget on the Vectric Gadgets Website?

If so please let me know,

Sean

Trock

Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by Trock »

Hi,

I tried the gadget a few times and it seem to work fine. The last time I tried it though, it crashed Aspire. Killed it.
Aspire asked if I wanted to create a dump file and I said yes, then it just shut down.

I can send the dump file once I find it if needed.

Just as a test I entered values of 1,1,1. Yea, was testing for major bugs.

Would be nice if real numbers were available, but works fine, just stay away from, 1,1,1. :?

Thanks alot for the contribution.
Terry

ozymax
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by ozymax »

Thanks vgraves.
The process of downloading and installing the gadget into Aspire 4.5 went smoothly.
This gadget bought back those memories from my childhood.
I appricate the effort that gadget makers go to.
Thanks again.

vgraves
Vectric Craftsman
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Re: Aspirograph Gadget

Post by vgraves »

Glad it's (mostly) working. I'll try to put some more data validation checks in the code when I get a chance.

Van

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