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SolidWorks needs active testers to beta test the newest release of SolidWorks. The SolidWorks 2009 Beta program awards prizes to the most active testers. Beta testing allows for better products in the long run, and SolidWorks needs user feedback from the SolidWorks community to know and understand the needs of its users. Mor participation from the community means a better final release version in the end. The more people help the SolidWorks Beta Program, the better it will get.

Links:
SolidWorks Beta Testers Wanted for SolidWorks 2009 Beta 2

The 3d Solidworks Models of various components on www.PropellerCode.com have now been moved and are now being maintained at a new website called www.SolidShack.com.

http://www.solidshack.com/ is a new website dedicated to providing 3d models free of charge to anyone who wants them. The database on www.SolidShack.com is continually being updated to provide new 3d models on a daily basis. Most of the free 3d models on www.SolidShack.com are modeled in native SolidWorks format. Moving these 3d SolidWorks models to a new site is beneficial to you because now you can not only get the free 3d models in native SolidWorks 3d format, but you can get them in multiple other file formats as well! Please feel free to browse either of these sites for updates to these new 3d SolidWorks models.

SolidWorks 2009 Beta 2 is now available for download for all subscription customers.

As a SolidWorks Beta tester, you can:

• earn points toward great prizes
• help influence the development of the software
• get recognition from your peers

As a beta participant be assured that you are having a direct impact; this is your opportunity to help shape the future of CAD

To download and check out all the prizes, visit the beta website. The SolidWorks Beta 2 files will be located on the Customer Portal on the SolidWorks website. SolidWorks 2009 Beta 2 is now available for download for all subscription customers.

The Solidworks 2009 Beta test program is set up so that Solidworks users across a variety of industries can help to make the final build of the Solidworks 2009 software as good as possible when it is finally released. This year the Beta program will be available to everyone via the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website instead of the special Solidworks Beta link. Some incentive for being part of the Solidworks 2009 beta test program is that Solidworks gives points for every glitch and bug found in their software. After, Solidworks gives away free stuff to people with a lot of points.

Links:

Solidworks 2009 Beta 2 Now Available

For those of you interested in designing your own robots using the best tools available, there are some new tools just released. The Solidworks 2008-2009 Student Edition is finished and available online. SolidWorks 2008 is available now for purchase in 13 languages worldwide through SolidWorks authorized resellers.

SolidWorks Education Edition 2008-2009 for the first time includes COSMOSFloXpress, an easy-to-use fluid dynamics application that calculates how fluid flows through a part model. Based on this analysis, students can easily find and fix problem areas in their designs.

Links:

Solidworks Unveils Solidworks Education Edition 2008-2009

Here are the upcoming events Parallax Inc. will be involved with through the summer months.

Conferences:

• August 23, 2008 - Unofficial Propeller Expo NE, the event will be located at 100 Republic St., in Norwalk, OH. The presenter will be Jeff Ledger. Parallax will provide products and prizes to those who attend.

Educator’s Courses and Trainings:

• August 4-5, 2008 - Basic Stamp Educators Course (2-days) at Hartnell College in Salinas, CA. There will be a beginner and intermediate option for those attending. The presenter will be Andy lindsay.

• August 6-7,2008 - The VTEA Summer Conference Booth and 1.5 hour introductory seminars.

If you are interested in attending a Parallax training session, here is a link to their Educator’s Courses

The Solidworks 2009 Beta Release is now available for download through the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website. The Beta teasing is scheduled to be shorter this year than for the previous year because Solidworks noticed people lost interest over such a long duration of Beta testing. This year’s program will shrink down from a 15 week period to an 8 week program. The Solidworks 2009 Beta test program is set up so that Solidworks users across a variety of industries can help to make the final build of the Solidworks 2009 software as good as possible when it is finally released. This year the Beta program will be available to everyone via the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website instead of the special Solidworks Beta link. Some incentive for being part of the Solidworks 2009 beta test program is that Solidworks gives points for every glitch and bug found in their software. After, Solidworks gives away free stuff to people with a lot of points.

From Email:

Dear valued SolidWorks Customer, Please forward this email to any other interested parties within your company. SolidWorks Corporation is pleased to announce the SolidWorks 2009 Beta Program.This is an important step in our next major release — SolidWorks 2009 and we request your support and participation in Beta.

SolidWorks 2009 is open to all customers with current subscription service. Access to SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1, as well as related information, is available in the download section of the Customer Portal: https://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/downloads.html .

NOTE: To access this hyperlink, you will need your Customer Portal login. If you do not have a Customer Portal login, you may create one by clicking the “to create an account, click here” hyperlink.Or, if you do not have your existing Customer Portal login, you may:

• click the “forgot your password?” hyperlink to have a temporary password created for you
• or you may email: customercenterSR@solidworks.com.

Please note: SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 does not support the Microsoft® Vista™x64 operating system. This will be supported in SolidWorks 2009 Beta 2 and later releases.

If you have any questions about the Beta Program, please review the Beta Reference page at: https://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/subscription/beta/reference.html (Customer Portal login required)

Regards

SolidWorks Product Management

This is a commercial email to promote the products or services of SolidWorks Corporation.

P.S. We urge you to add info@solidworks.com to your email address book now to avoid the possibility of filtering out important product updates and news! Go here for instructions.

To change the types of communications you receive, or to discontinue receiving email from SolidWorks Corporation, please use this link: http://www.solidworks.com/preferences

SolidWorks Corporation
300 Baker Avenue
Concord
MA, 01742
USA
Tel: 800-693-9000
+1-978-371-5011
Outside the US and Canada
Email: contentcentral2@solidworks.com

——————————————————–

From the Solidworks website:

Beta FAQ’s

---

• Why does SolidWorks have a Beta program?
  • To get your feedback and test drive the new features with your data.
  • Insure the new version performs well with the way your organization uses SolidWorks.

• Why would I participate in a Beta program?

• • Try the next release of SolidWorks.
  • Get feedback on your designs and how they work in the next release.
  • Get cool prizes.
  • Be recognized in the community.
  • Submit issues early during Beta.

• How long does the program and each Beta last?

• • There will be three Beta versions (Beta 1, Beta 2, and Beta 3) and will last 8 weeks.
  • Beta 1 (4 weeks).
  • Beta 2 (2 weeks).
  • Beta 3 (2 weeks).

• Is activation required? How do I find out more information about activation?
  • Yes, SolidWorks 2009 requires activation. For more information, click here.

• If I transfer the license for Beta 2009 to another machine will it affect my SolidWorks 2008 installation?
  • Yes, if you transfer the your Beta 2009 license, you will also transfer the SolidWorks 2008 license as well.

• Who is eligible for Beta?
  • All SolidWorks Customer’s that have an active subscription service contract and a Customer Portal login that is associated with their account are eligible to participate in the SolidWorks 2009 Beta program. Please select the My Products link on the Customer Portal home page for your SolidWorks Serial number.

• Should I install this on a machine running SolidWorks 2008?

• • Yes, during the installation of SolidWorks 2009 Beta you will be asked to install your Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox) in a different file location than your current production Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox). This process above will ensure that you do not update your current production Toolbox accidentally to the SolidWorks 2009 version.

• Should I use Beta for production?

• • No, you should use a copy of your product data for Beta testing. Per the End User License Agreement “EULA” you should not be testing SolidWorks 2009 Beta in your production environment.

• Can I submit an issue to the Beta Forum and still have Beta points applied?
  • No, only issues that are submitted through the customer and VAR portal can have Beta points assigned to them.

• Why are my Beta points not shown on my Beta home page after I have received confirmation from Beta support that I had points assigned to me submitted issue?
  • The My Beta points area of the Beta Home page is not updated until the following business day.

SolidWorks 2009 Beta Contest Term’s and Conditions

---

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

TERM

SolidWorks 2009 Beta (the “Contest”) will begin at 9:01 AM (EST) on June 9th, 2008, and all qualifying entries must be received by 4:59 p.m. (EST) on August 1, 2008 (the “Contest Period”).

ELIGIBILITY

The Contest is open to those who are 18 years of age or older and have a valid subscription service ID at the time of entry. Employees of SolidWorks and their immediate family members, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited or restricted by laws, local and national, regarding contests (e.g., Québec, Brazil).

PRIZES

Once the 2009 Beta program concludes on August 1th 2008, all contestants’ beta points will be tallied. The beta contestants with the highest overall beta points will be awarded the contest prizes per category. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1 Overall Point Winner: 1st Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 + Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

2nd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 USD

3rd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card worth $500.00 USD

4th – 6th Place Prizes Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $300.00 USD

7th – 10th Place Prizes Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $200.00 USD

11th-20th Place Runner Up Prizes Beta Laptop bag worth $45.00 USD and SolidWorks Tumbler worth $10.00 USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 1 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 2 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

Overall Beta Point Winner for a VAR/TTM or Partner:

1st Place Prize: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $400.00 USD

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift Card worth $300.00 USD

4th Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

5thPlace Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

Beta Simulation Contest Prizes:

1st Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift worth $500.00 USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $400.00 USD,

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $300.00 USD

SolidWorks reserves the right to substitute prizes with a prize of comparable or greater value in the event the item listed above is not available in the country of origin of the winner. All federal, state, municipal, and local taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the individual winner. Winners have the option to refuse acceptance of any prizes won.

PROMOTIONAL PERIOD

The SolidWorks Beta contest will run with the start of SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 program on June 9th , 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST). SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 will conclude on July 04 th, 2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 2 program will begin on July 07th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST) and conclude on July 18th ,2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 3 will begin on July 21th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST).

This contest will conclude with the SolidWorks 2009 Beta 3 program on August 1th, 2008 at 4:59PM (EST), prior to the public release of the SolidWorks 2009 Pre-Release version. All problem reports submitted prior to the 4:59PM EST closing time will be eligible for points in the contest. In Order to earn Beta points a contestant must submit an issue pertaining to the SolidWorks product and its add-in programs excluding SolidWorks partner products. Once Beta Tech support receives the reported issue we will award points based upon the severity of the issue, and the troubleshooting content that it contains.

Links:

Solidworks Beta Program

Solidworks Website

GoEngineer Solidworks Support

The Solidworks 2009 Beta Release is now available for download through the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website. The Beta teasing is scheduled to be shorter this year than for the previous year because Solidworks noticed people lost interest over such a long duration of Beta testing. This year’s program will shrink down from a 15 week period to an 8 week program. The Solidworks 2009 Beta test program is set up so that Solidworks users across a variety of industries can help to make the final build of the Solidworks 2009 software as good as possible when it is finally released. This year the Beta program will be available to everyone via the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website instead of the special Solidworks Beta link. Some incentive for being part of the Solidworks 2009 beta test program is that Solidworks gives points for every glitch and bug found in their software. After, Solidworks gives away free stuff to people with a lot of points.

From the Solidworks website:

Beta FAQ’s

---

• Why does SolidWorks have a Beta program?
  • To get your feedback and test drive the new features with your data.
  • Insure the new version performs well with the way your organization uses SolidWorks.

• Why would I participate in a Beta program?

• • Try the next release of SolidWorks.
  • Get feedback on your designs and how they work in the next release.
  • Get cool prizes.
  • Be recognized in the community.
  • Submit issues early during Beta.

• How long does the program and each Beta last?

• • There will be three Beta versions (Beta 1, Beta 2, and Beta 3) and will last 8 weeks.
  • Beta 1 (4 weeks).
  • Beta 2 (2 weeks).
  • Beta 3 (2 weeks).

• Is activation required? How do I find out more information about activation?
  • Yes, SolidWorks 2009 requires activation. For more information, click here.

• If I transfer the license for Beta 2009 to another machine will it affect my SolidWorks 2008 installation?
  • Yes, if you transfer the your Beta 2009 license, you will also transfer the SolidWorks 2008 license as well.

• Who is eligible for Beta?
  • All SolidWorks Customer’s that have an active subscription service contract and a Customer Portal login that is associated with their account are eligible to participate in the SolidWorks 2009 Beta program. Please select the My Products link on the Customer Portal home page for your SolidWorks Serial number.

• Should I install this on a machine running SolidWorks 2008?

• • Yes, during the installation of SolidWorks 2009 Beta you will be asked to install your Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox) in a different file location than your current production Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox). This process above will ensure that you do not update your current production Toolbox accidentally to the SolidWorks 2009 version.

• Should I use Beta for production?

• • No, you should use a copy of your product data for Beta testing. Per the End User License Agreement “EULA” you should not be testing SolidWorks 2009 Beta in your production environment.

• Can I submit an issue to the Beta Forum and still have Beta points applied?
  • No, only issues that are submitted through the customer and VAR portal can have Beta points assigned to them.

• Why are my Beta points not shown on my Beta home page after I have received confirmation from Beta support that I had points assigned to me submitted issue?
  • The My Beta points area of the Beta Home page is not updated until the following business day.

SolidWorks 2009 Beta Contest Term’s and Conditions

---

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

TERM

SolidWorks 2009 Beta (the “Contest”) will begin at 9:01 AM (EST) on June 9th, 2008, and all qualifying entries must be received by 4:59 p.m. (EST) on August 1, 2008 (the “Contest Period”).

ELIGIBILITY

The Contest is open to those who are 18 years of age or older and have a valid subscription service ID at the time of entry. Employees of SolidWorks and their immediate family members, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited or restricted by laws, local and national, regarding contests (e.g., Québec, Brazil).

PRIZES

Once the 2009 Beta program concludes on August 1th 2008, all contestants’ beta points will be tallied. The beta contestants with the highest overall beta points will be awarded the contest prizes per category. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1 Overall Point Winner: 1st Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 + Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

2nd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 USD

3rd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card worth $500.00 USD

4th – 6th Place Prizes Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $300.00 USD

7th – 10th Place Prizes Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $200.00 USD

11th-20th Place Runner Up Prizes Beta Laptop bag worth $45.00 USD and SolidWorks Tumbler worth $10.00 USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 1 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 2 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

Overall Beta Point Winner for a VAR/TTM or Partner:

1st Place Prize: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $400.00 USD

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift Card worth $300.00 USD

4th Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

5thPlace Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

Beta Simulation Contest Prizes:

1st Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift worth $500.00 USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $400.00 USD,

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $300.00 USD

SolidWorks reserves the right to substitute prizes with a prize of comparable or greater value in the event the item listed above is not available in the country of origin of the winner. All federal, state, municipal, and local taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the individual winner. Winners have the option to refuse acceptance of any prizes won.

PROMOTIONAL PERIOD

The SolidWorks Beta contest will run with the start of SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 program on June 9th , 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST). SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 will conclude on July 04 th, 2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 2 program will begin on July 07th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST) and conclude on July 18th ,2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 3 will begin on July 21th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST).

This contest will conclude with the SolidWorks 2009 Beta 3 program on August 1th, 2008 at 4:59PM (EST), prior to the public release of the SolidWorks 2009 Pre-Release version. All problem reports submitted prior to the 4:59PM EST closing time will be eligible for points in the contest. In Order to earn Beta points a contestant must submit an issue pertaining to the SolidWorks product and its add-in programs excluding SolidWorks partner products. Once Beta Tech support receives the reported issue we will award points based upon the severity of the issue, and the troubleshooting content that it contains.

Links:

Solidworks Beta Program

Solidworks Website

GoEngineer Solidworks Support

From the Desktop Factory website:

The Desktop Factory 3D printer builds durable, functional models from the bottom up, one layer at a time. The Desktop Factory 3D printer has a build speed comparable to existing 3D printing technologies, and produces robust parts that are strong enough to be thrown across a conference room table!

Desktop Factory proprietary software imports STL files and other industry standard 3D printer formats, automatically slices and orients the part for optimal build performance and creates any required support structures.

The Desktop Factory 3D printer measures about 25 x 20 x 20 inches and weighs less than 90 lbs. The maximum build volume of the initial product will be 5 x 5 x 5 inches. The thickness of each layer is 0.010 inch.

Links:

Desktop Factory Product Overview

The Entertainment Software Association trade body has confirmed that the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit will take place from July 15 – 17, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) as a smaller trade-only event.

Who can attend?

A representative from the trade association noted: “Companies involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals will be eligible to participate. Attendance at all events, meetings, and demonstrations will be by invitation only.”

The Entertainment Software Association expects about 4000 people from the media, retail, development and financial communities, with invitations determined by participating companies and not by the ESA. Those companies will provide lists to the ESA as to who to invite.

It appears that the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit expo is significantly decreasing in size for this year and they don’t appear to have any incentive to make it any different for the following year 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit expo either. Unfortunately the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit expo will most likely be key personnel on an invite only basis. At this years 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit expo, there is not expected to be any kind of public exhibitions.

“The intent of this show is to be a business-to-business opportunity and it isn’t centered or focused on general consumers.”

“The ESA said with early RSVPs they were going to meet their attendance expectation of 4,000 individuals. They also released the full roster of exhibitors currently scheduled to participate, including: 1UP Network; Akella; Atari Inc.; Bethesda Softworks; Capcom USA Inc.; Crave Entertainment; Codemasters; D3Publisher of America; Deep Silver; Disney Interactive Studios, Inc.; Electronic Arts; Eidos Interactive; IGN.com; Indie Games; Jagex, Ltd.; Konami Digital Entertainment; LucasArts; Majesco Entertainment Company; Microsoft Corporation; Midway Games, Inc.; MTV Games; Namco Bandai Games America, Inc.; Natsume, Inc.; Nintendo of America Inc.; Novint Technologies, Inc.; Nyko Technologies; Powered by Game Spy; Rebellion; SEGA of America, Inc.; Serious Games Initiative; Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.; Sony Online Entertainment Inc.; Southpeak Games; Square Enix USA; Take-Two Interactive; Tecmo; THQ Inc.; Toshiba America Information Systems; Ubisoft Entertainment Inc.; Valve Software; and, Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment Inc. Organizers said they are expecting additional companies to sign-on.”

Links:

E3 2008 Confirmed For LACC In July

E3 Media & Business Summit

DIY, do it yourself robot demonstrations are coming soon to PropellerCode.com. We here at PropellerCode.com com are working on designing low-cost robots with the budget in mind. We like the idea of being able to build nice prototype robots out of low-cost materials and random junk laying around. We may possibly even explore the idea of designing robots out of trash. Ideally the only thing you should have to spend money on when building your robot prototype should be some motors and electronics. Come back soon to see check the progress.