5 Replies Latest reply on Sep 12, 2017 9:23 AM by Rustin Webster

Mountain Board Guide Replacement

Rustin Webster May 19, 2017 12:22 PM

Sadly the mountain board design project was retired last year. For the last two years I was using it in an advanced (i.e. CSWA students and junior/seniors) project-based undergraduate CAD course. The guide was unique in that it was not written at a beginners level and it also introduced more advanced tools/functionality of SOLIDWORKS (e.g simulation, multi-body, rendering, motion study, etc.). Most importantly the guide was also very comprehensive and cohesive (500+ pages) from chapter to chapter. Each chapter built on the last and used the same project/product (i.e. mountain board). I have not been able to find another instructional resource (e.g. textbook, guide, etc.) that is built in a similar fashion. Most are at a beginners level or have students model different "widgets" in each chapter.

I am hoping someone out there may know of something or willing to share their self creation.

The mountain board guide truly gave the students a glimpse of what a real world design project may entail.

Thanks

Rustin Webster

Re: Mountain Board Guide Replacement

Deepak Gupta May 19, 2017 1:09 PM (in response to Rustin Webster)

Do you still have those files, then you can use them. I can see if I can find the files (in case you need them) from old archive.

Edit: I just checked the files are still available here: CAD Tutorial for Science and Engineering

So what you mean by retired? Do you mean your institute has retired it?
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- Re: Mountain Board Guide Replacement
  
  Grant Mattis May 19, 2017 1:19 PM (in response to Deepak Gupta)
  
  I am guessing here but I think the issue is that the mountain board files and instructions have not been updated since SW2015. I use this tutorial in a class I teach as well and having the files and instructions a year behind isn't too bad but two years plus and it starts creating difficulties for the students. Hopefully there are new projects/tutorials added at this same level or the current ones are kept up-to-date.
  
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  - Re: Mountain Board Guide Replacement
    
    Deepak Gupta May 19, 2017 1:26 PM (in response to Grant Mattis)
    
    Oh I see what you mean. But I still believe that the files are good to use for at least another year or so
    
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    - Re: Mountain Board Guide Replacement
      
      Grant Mattis May 19, 2017 1:33 PM (in response to Deepak Gupta)
      
      Yes it should be ok for up to SW2017. There are a few improvements that have been added since I would like to see covered in the project but all in all I don't have a problem using it myself still. There are a few projects/tutorials that get updated every year and others that get updated every 2-3 years and they always seem to be adding more. It is a great resource for those of us that teach.
      
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      - Re: Mountain Board Guide Replacement
        
        Rustin Webster Sep 12, 2017 9:23 AM (in response to Grant Mattis)
        
        Grant is correct in that the Mountain Board guide has not been updated since 2015 and in discussions with Marie Planchard there is not plans to do so in the future. Yes, the model files and .pdf guide are still usable but eventually problems will arise. I have hunted for a instructional resource as comprehensive and cohesive from lesson to lesson but can not find anything. There is a real opportunity for someone to write a CAD guide/textbook that is needed.
        
        Grant, I would be interested in hearing about any other good instructional resources you have found or use. My email is rwebste@purdue.edu
        
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