I just tried to light up akushaper on my computer for the first time in a little while and it’s a no go.I installed a Java update the computer had been prompting me about, still nothing-tried to visit the website… no response.
Like most , I just use it to draw boards for my own interest.
I saw that recent thread bout akushaper software, but I zoned out pretty quick because it seemed like a brawl between industry types and nothing to do with me - so, is the whole thing defunct, or what ?
download the light version.
If you like it buy the design version.
I don’t know how good the free one is?
I use the full loaded version and I love it.
It’s the industry standard the world over.
Rhino is good for designing boards as well.
Hi,
I’ve had similar problems too. Uninstalling everything java and installing the latest version did the trick. In theory you don’t need to download akushaper again, but you may have to. Good luck.
What Haavard said does the trick.
I couldn’t get AKU to work on my laptop at all, but after reading Haavard’s suggestion I uninstalled everything Java.
I want to the Java website and installed it fresh. AKU fired right up!
I’m guessing there is a glitch in AKU when dealing with auto updates.
I use to have similar problems with recording software when I worked in the music industry.
Some programs are just like that.
For the record…I utilize all three of the current standards: AKU, Shape 3D, and BoardCAD to design boards.
The free versions all work very well.
Most of my boards I design on computer and then hand shape, but on occasion I have one cut.
It is nice to have the option to do either.
Just my 1.874 cents
Okay guys cheers for all that, I’ll look into it .
For the record…I utilize all three of the current standards: AKU, Shape 3D, and BoardCAD to design boards.
The free versions all work very well.
Take a bow!
The Triad does the trick!
Compatabilities and Incompatabilities.
Certain flaws and errors will show up in 3D that are easily overlooked otherwise.
Shape3d Lite (the free one) lacks a 3d rotational view.
However AKU has good 3D capability.
BoardCADs 3D capability I’ve never gotten to work outside of using their supplied board files.
File Compatability between the three:
Boardcad is the winner
as it will take either of Shape3d files or AKU files, you can alter them and save them
such that these files can go straight back into Shape3d or AKU.
AKU will take any file, but saved alterations are saved in a coded format such that Shape3d will no longer be able to read that file.
However, BoardCad will read any output from AKU or Shape3d!
Shape3d will open Boardcad files, but not AKU files, because AKU prevents this by proprietary encoding.
The trick here to overcome Shape3d lite’s shortcomings is to use it with Boardcad.
Or alternatively use it with AKU , but then use
Boardcad to bring the file into compliance with Shape3d file formats.
Alternatively , the Pro version of Shape3d although pricey is full featured.
Adjusting Rocker:
AKU Ctr-T, or Ctr-N keypads will incrementally and visually adjust either Tail or Nose rocker --Noice!(Nice!)
BoardCad: not sure, dont presently know??.
Shape 3D: punch in numbers, and rocker is suitably/smoothly adjusted through nose or tail.
The Triad does the trick.
"Take a bow!
The Triad does the trick!"
At first I was under the impression you meant I was being boastful(which was NOT AT ALL my intention)
I was merely trying to express that they all work fine.
Then I continued on your post to see that you have discovered many of the things I have(and a couple I haven’t)
Glad to see someone else is obsessive compulsive as ME!!!
I actually like being able to transfer AKU files into BoardCAD and view them in the 3D modelers of both.
The modeler in BoardCAD seems to be a bit more accurate and precise in it’s display.
I have yet to find a sufficient reason to use the free version of S3D on a regular basis.
I really only mess with it to be familiar.
The free versions of AKU and BoardCAD seem to be far superior for designing IMHO
Adjusting Rocker:
AKU Ctr-T, or Ctr-N keypads will incrementally and visually adjust either Tail or Nose rocker --Noice!(Nice!)
BoardCad: not sure, dont presently know??.
Shape 3D: punch in numbers, and rocker is suitably/smoothly adjusted through nose or tail.
In boardcad, go to deck view, select both nose control points by drawing a little square around them both (click and drag with mouse) or holding down shift or control and click selecting both control points. Now you can move both control points together.
Selecting multiple control points like this can be useful for a number of things, adjusting thickness while maintaining deck curve, adding concave or vee while maintaining rail shape, etc.
Now I want to know , of all my desktop icons, why the AKU desktop
icon cant stay where its placed.
In addition I have a black XPS Dell background and finding the black AKU icon is pretty tough once its moved.
I dont think there is an answer to this.
AKU reps. seems to be absent from this site.
So goofy replies may be in order.
I wanna know why AKU worked all day at the shop…and as soon as I get home it stops working.
Gotta uninstall and reinstall java again…annoying
Oh…hey Otis…not meaning to be an ass or anything…but you CAN change your desktop background
Not sure…but I think maybe that just might fix your problem…ya know…I’m just sayin 
thanks maybe I should turn my education and 20years in the computer industry in for a new pair of running shoes.
Run, Forest, Run.
I’m just sayin… LOL
Since you have all the expertise…can you tell me why all the sudden my AKU just stopped launching?
I dont know any details whether your on MAC or windows, Jave vers.,etc so in other words, follow everyone else’s advice for this and additionally reboot. Sometimes the machine gets hosed and a reboot will freshen the landscape in addition to
various other hidden things.
yeah…did all that…it worked for 2 days and then just stopped a couple of hours ago
Windows Vista, Java 11
I just don’t get it
Here’s what I’ve done
restart uninstall & reinstall java uninstall & reinstall both
Still no luck
Any help?
now I can’t even reinstall it
Do any of you know whether there is any different algoritms in the underlying mathematics of the triad?
By the way, S3d has true slices for nose and tail tip. Adjusting the shape of these/ moving the control points influence the curves through the following slice to the next. Haven’t figured how that changes the design when it’s taken into the other 2 because I’ve never cut from those.
The free versions of AKU and BoardCAD seem to be far superior for designing IMHO
Todd
TODD:
Can you come to our factory and train us on CAD programs?
We have been using Shape 3D to design all our models for years now.
Maybe you can help us to convert all our programs over to your AKU and BoardCad programs?
Or maybe Shape 3D needs not to offer a free version? It’s missing 1/2 it’s power!
I’ll let you sit in front of my loaded paid version then you can tell me what is better?
You know how to find me.
I’m not hating Todd, Just keeping things in perpective!
WOW! Mike just slammed me! OUCH! That one stings!
Mike you missed the MOST important part of that statement though!
I guess this is how I should have posted it…
The free versions of AKU and BoardCAD seem to be far superior to the free version of S3D to design with for those of us that do not have machines and are not cutting.
Will that do?
BoardCAD has problems when converting over for cut paths. I just experienced that the other day.
I had to have the whole design recreated in S3D to get the right cut paths created.
AKU is unstable and prone to crashing. I still can’t get mine to restart…or reload for that matter.
I wish S3D would release some of the functions in the free version that the other two offer.
Then the whole point would be mute.
Sorry bud…I did not realize that I needed to qualify it…it was ONLY a statement about the free versions. Not the paid versions.
I thought I made that clear.
My sincerest apologies for any offense.
Todd:
Like I said Shape 3D needs not to offer a free version
I’m sorry if you feel slammed. Your just stoked guy I know.
I work with Cad programs everyday even Sunday’s if I have an Ideal to record.
No hard feeling!
SD
Buy the design version and you will rock.