Display problem

[securejohn]

I have a display problem that I need some help with.

I was in the process of printing Elevation views and suddenly my plans ended up as a dot in the corner of the working space. In the elevation properties window the Elevation indication arrow is the only thing that I can see. Its like the view is zoomed out completely and my working space is the size of the UK. But if I try to zoom in on the indication arrow within the Elevation properties window, it completely disappears.

If I make a new Elevation, Section or Camera, as soon as I position the item and select the view, the display just returns to a dot. If I get the working space to display the image then the Properties window on the right is blank, if I get the Elevation, Section or Camera to display in the Properties window (can only get it as a dot) then the work space is blank.

I have loaded my backup/copy of my work, restarted the PC and checked the terrain setting.

Has anyone got any ideas?


John

[Allan Chesney]

Hi John,

Are you only having the problem with the Elevation or is it affecting the 3D view also?  Have you tried turning off Hardware Acceleration? (Settings/Program Settings/Graphics).  This often corrects some display issues (such as the dissappearing Camera Properties plan).

Sometimes it is possible to accidentally insert an object some distance from the plan. When you Zoom To Fit it tries to display this too and if it is along distance away you could end up with a tiny plan. If the item is small it may be difficult to see, especially if it is white or light in colour. When you Zoom To Fit it will be on the edge usually. You may need to set the workspace colour (eg Black) and do an Edit/Select All, which will make everthing a light blue, so you may be able to see it. Select and delete, then Zoom To Fit again.

Allan

Allan

[securejohn]

Allen,
The problem is in any view for example:

If I'm in 2D plan view and I select 3D and then select a camera I have a dot in the main viewing screen and the camera location in the Properties window to the right (camera and focal point only...no plan). If I zoom into the image in the main viewing window, then the camera in the Camera Properties window disappears and I just get a white window. If I zoom out on the viewing windows the camera will appear in the Camera Properties window but again no plan. If I go back to 2D plan then I have to search for my plans - although I do know that they will be in the very lower right side of the window.

I have looked to see if I have added an element miles away from the main plan, but I can't see anything. Hardware acceleration is off (1st thing I do on most programs is turn this off) I did  make the back ground black and selecting all, as you suggest to see if another item is on the plan, but nothing. Once I have the plan in view on the screen, zoom to fit work as expected, but only if the plan is visible in the window. I have also managed to delete all cameras,  elevation and section markers and set one of each again. But the new ones have the same effects.

I have two screen running on my PC with the desktop extended. So currently I have TFP on the left screen and writing this reply on the right screen. While writing this reply TFP did an autosave and I noticed that as soon as the autosave had completed the screen view changed to an completely different eleveation (I had selected elevation view looking at the front and I have no other views loaded...but I got a rear view). So I waited again for autosave (without me touching the PC in case it was a focus/key stroke thats caused this) and again after autosave the view changed to a view that there are no markers set up for. I thing this is pointing towards TFP program's  corrupted. I intend to reload TFP to my Laptop and see if I get the same effect. If I do not get the problem on the laptop I think I will  uninstall and reload TFP on my PC. Can't see anything else it can be.


John

[Allan Chesney]

Hi John,

Sounds a bit suspicious - it will be interesting to see how it goes on the laptop. 

I presume the plan you are working on is the one we were discussing in the other post (about the roof ridge etc). Obviously the problem has just occurred - did you add some particular thing after you posted the previous version?  If the plan moves to the lower right corner of the window it would indicate something in the upper left.  Why not post the plan again so I can have a look for any stray elements and/or see if I get the same effects you are getting?

Allan

[securejohn]

Allan,

No the plans I have the problem with is the full extension that I have been working on over the last 6 weeks. The other plan is the original layout that I wanted to use to show the difference (I just don't want to load to many project if the program is corrupting any part of the project?)  The plans look fantastic when I project them onto a wall with the OHP. I intend to borrow a second OHP and get all the neighbours around for drinks. By using my dual screen output project both original and proposed onto the wall and open up the discussion to see if we are going to get any objections. I will then talk to the local Planning officer. Best to get neighbours on side from the off set, I have learnt this from previous experience!!!

I have loaded TFP on the laptop and no problem, so I can only assume that TFP on my PC is corrupt. I haven't time this weekend to fully uninstall as I like to check the reg to make sure all instants have been removed which takes a little time. Only good thing is that my project is intact, so I don't mind spending a little bit of time to remove and reinstall.

I will let you know but I'm 99% sure thats the problem.

Again many thanks for your input

John

[Allan Chesney]

Hi John,

I have used the OHP technique many times and it works well - have done it to audiences up to 500. It is amazing how well it works, as I find most people are unable to visualise how things will look from plans but when they see photorealistic images they get it straight away.  I use it to get decisions on colour schemes too - showing renderings in various colours it is easy to get a decision. I have used the movie output this way too, providing walk arounds so they can see exactly what things will look like from all directions.

I am hoping a future version will be able to save the radiosity render of the model as a reusable file, as the walkaround on that is fantastic. Radiosity does the whole model, not just the angle of view you choose, but unfortunately it is lost as soon as the fixed angle image is saved.  You could retrieve it on a version 4 (this is 12 so a while ago now!). It needed a plug in viewer but that was free so no problem really.

It is good to know that the model itself is OK on the laptop - hopefully the re-install will fix the desktop too.

All the best with it,

Allan

[securejohn]

Allan,

Just to give you an update on my problem.

Removed and reloaded TFP and my problem's gone away.

I do have a problem with the set of plans that I have been working with. One of the walls is invisible when in 3D mode. This is on both my Laptop & my PC, but its simply to delete an redraw the wall.

John

[Allan Chesney]

Hi John,

Thanks for the update - good to know the issue is resolved.  Odd about the invisible wall though!

Regards,
Allan