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bCAD for DOS
(bCAD software is
Copyright of the ProPro Group © 1991 - 95.)
I found this incredible DOS program
on the web some time ago. It has also appeared on a popular magazine 'Cover
CD'. I just had to mention it.
For those people
interested in 3D modelling and rendering, I strongly suggest you check
out 'bCAD for DOS Ver 2.2'. "WHAT, use a DOS program, are you kidding?"
I hear you scream....
In todays world
of Windows 98 and G3 Power Macs, you might think I'm mad promoting the
use of DOS software. However, I believe that if the software does the
job reliably and quickly (and it's free!) then why complicate matters.
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 Click
on the picture to see a screen shot of bCAD
bCAD for DOS is a versatile entry
level tool for 2D draughting, 3D modelling and photo-realistic
rendering.
bCAD 2.2 is produced by the ProPro
Group and is FREE. Yes, they are giving it away.
That doesn't mean that this is a lightweight package, it's actually capable
of outputting the most incredible, fully ray-traced, hi-res images in
many formats including GIF, JPEG, BMP, TGA and others.
If you are interested in getting
involved in 3D design and rendering but don't want to shell out a small
fortune for 3D studio, Lightwave or similar software then you could do
far worse than try Bcad Ver 2.2. You might like to visit the bCAD site
for News, Software and Pictures created
with bCAD.
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 32-bit native code (Pentium optimised).
Modern multi-window icon-driven GUI
Mouse/track-ball/pen/digitizer pointing devices
support
Unlimited number of layers
Built-in Font editor (bCAD own fonts and Autodesk
SHP format are supported )
Built-in manual, instant context-sensitive Tool
Tips, unique Balloon Helps
Powerful tools for precise 2D drawing and 3D modelling
Compatibility with AutoCAD line styles, hatch
patterns, SHP fonts
Export/Import of 3D meshes to/from Autodesk 3D
Studio ASC, Sense 8 NFF
Export of raster images to BMP, TIFF, GIF, PCX,
JPEG, TGA
Export of vector drawings to HPGL, EPS
Import Textures from BMP/GIF/JPEG/TGA/CEL/PIC
files.
Export/Import of DXF rel. 10, 11, 12 by user choice
Import of ready-to-render models from the native
3D Studio files, including material settings, texture, bump and reflection
maps, correct usage of the smoothing groups.
Photo-realistic rendering with z-buffer and ray-tracing
algorithm
Walk-through animation
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These are
quite basic and took only a few minutes to create. With care, bCAD is
capable of creating superb ray-traced images and is particularly good
at rendering reflections and shadows much quicker than some Windows based
software. Click on the pics to view the full size versions...
 
You can download a zipped file containing
a few sample models by clicking here (991k).
These are the models distributed with the program and show some of the outstanding
capabilities of the program.
Start
using bCAD Ver 2.2 for DOS now for FREE by downloading
the zipped file. (645k)
I should point out though that
sadly, I do not have any documentation on this program. You might be able
to get 'back issues' of the official manuals from
bCAD's authors, but I'm not sure
This document last modified
Wednesday, 05-Jun-2002 15:10:42 BST
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