[RFC] FreeCAD Rocketry Workbench

[DaHabes]

Rocket Workbench with OpenRocket imports now available for testing. Like the rocket shown, this is an alpha meaning there may still be significant bugs so save important files.

View attachment 555981

Installation instructions are available here: https://github.com/davesrocketshop/Rocket/blob/dev3_0/TESTING.md

The current testing branch is dev3_0_alpha1_01092023

The OpenRocket imports do not currently support the following features:

- Clusters
- Pods
- Parallel stages
- Non structural components such as parachutes and mass objects
- Materials, colors, decals, etc

View attachment 555993

The Change Branch button doesn't appear. Any idea why? I'm running FreeCad 0.20.1.

 

[grandcross]

The Change Branch button doesn't appear. Any idea why? I'm running FreeCad 0.20.1.

If you've followed the directions and it still doesn't appear, then I'd say the most likely issue is it's not seeing the git tool.
The preferences page says you need GitPython, which I've never installed separately, but I have git tools installed for development. Perhaps the GitPython package depends on the external tool?

Try installing git on your system. https://git-scm.com/download/win

 

[DaHabes]

That worked. Thanks.

 

[grandcross]

New alpha branch of the Rocket Workbench available for testing. Installation instructions are available here: https://github.com/davesrocketshop/Rocket/blob/dev3_0/TESTING.md

The current testing branch is dev3_0_alpha2_01202023

Many improvements in this release:
- file save/restore bugs fixed, including from previous versions
- autosizing components
-nose cone, transition diameters
-centering rings
- TTW tabs
- improved main menu bar
- autodiameter for conformal and V rail guides
- many minor bugs

 

[DaHabes]

One suggestion. The main use (for me) for the bulkhead option is to create stepped bulkheads for my AV-Bays. Once created, I export a .stl file so I can have them 3D printed.

However, the function to include holes in the bulkhead arranges them in a geometric pattern. I'm not sure what the purpose of that is. I would want a center hole for a welded eyebolt and two more in a line with the center hole for the all-threads. Since that isn't a feature, I had to print them with only the center hole and have to drill the all-thread holes myself.

 

[grandcross]

Sounds like you should use the Centering Ring instead. Make the center hole the right size for your eye bolt.

 

[DaHabes]

Sounds like you should use the Centering Ring instead. Make the center hole the right size for your eye bolt.

View attachment 558289

I swear when I looked at that originally there was no way to create a stepped centering ring.

 

[grandcross]

I swear when I looked at that originally there was no way to create a stepped centering ring.

It's been there since the original version. I've been improving the UI over time, so perhaps it was that? Or is it like car keys "I swear I looked there!" when your wife points at them.

 

[grandcross]

New alpha branch of the Rocket Workbench available for testing. Installation instructions are available here: https://github.com/davesrocketshop/Rocket/blob/dev3_0/TESTING.md

The current testing branch is dev3_0_alpha3_02042023

Many bug fixes, primarily in the UI:
- Tree editing
- Improved custom fin workflow
- Improved part auto-sizing

I anticipate one more alpha release before feature freeze

 

[grandcross]

Also, I know someone was asking about exploded views during vNARCON. This was done using the Exploded Assembly workbench. FreeCAD workbenches often work together like this.

View attachment ExplodedView.mov

 

[neil_w]

I think I need to go watch the NARCON presentation. Pondering whether there is any useful interworking between this and OpenRocket that we can put on the roadmap.

 

[grandcross]

I think I need to go watch the NARCON presentation. Pondering whether there is any useful interworking between this and OpenRocket that we can put on the roadmap.

At the moment the most useful workflow is importing from OR to produce 3D printable objects like nose cones, etc. or for CNC machining, laser cutting, etc. They're definitely complementary, not competitive.

One thing I'd like to do for you is expand your list of nose cone shapes, but I have the luxury of not worrying about aerodynamics so I'll have to investigate those effects first. Probably for your next release, not the current beta.

 

[Greg Furtman]

I downloaded FreeCAD last week and I'm in the process of learning it. There are some great tutorials on YouTube that I have been using.
I'm trying to get the Addon Manager working and I see I need GitPython installed for it to function. I hate to admit it but GitHub baffles me, a lot! I'm running Win11 and am very familiar with installing Window programs and doing things in the CMD, even making changes in the Registry. But Git is strange new territory.
Is there a packaged installer for GitPython? Do I need any other program? Thanks.

 

[grandcross]

Sorry, I need to update those instructions. Installing Git installs GitPython. Download the installer here: https://git-scm.com/download/win

 

[Greg Furtman]

Sorry, I need to update those instructions. Installing Git installs GitPython. Download the installer here: https://git-scm.com/download/win

Thanks for the info.

 

[Greg Furtman]

Sorry, I need to update those instructions. Installing Git installs GitPython. Download the installer here: https://git-scm.com/download/win

@ grandcross, I downloaded Git & installed it and went into Preferences\Addon Manager and was able to enable it as it now has GitPython. But when I go to Tools\Addon Manager I get an error about the proxy.


Any suggestions?

 

[grandcross]

Using a browser, try connecting to github.com. You may have blocked access for whatever reason. If you can connect then the add on manager should work fine.