Topic: microstation clone

[bobvan]

I would like any information on cad programs that function like Microstation.  I am an old cad designer from before Microstion was Microstation.  I started out on Intergraph's (IGDS) and then on to Microstation on the pc.  I have tried to use Acad and find the command structure none intuitive.  I'm too comfortable with the Microstation way of doing things.  I can not afford the price of Bentley systems products and really only need 2d capability for small projects in my shop.  Is there a free or reasonably priced cad 2d program that uses the left click command selection, left click data screen input, right click reset and left+right click for snap. its what I know and really like. I apologize if you like Acad.

Best
Bob VanValkenburg

[tedg]

I apologize if you like Acad.

Best
Bob VanValkenburg

That is all I get out of this..
(LOL)
Sorry I don't have a answer to your question, I've use Microstation and being a long time, advanced, Acad user... I HATE (with a passion) MicroStation.
I used a program called DesignCad about 20 years ago that I think was cheap, but I think it acted like Acad release 8 more than anything.


Good luck on your search.

[Rob...]

You should be asking in a MicroStation forum. Not much love for MicroStation around here.

[bobvan]

Thanks for the reply.  I would go to a Microstation forum if I could find one.  Bentley has that sewn up I believe.  I'm sorry you hate Microstation.  I think you like what you are comfortable with.  I know I do.  Just want to find an acceptable substitute for my budget.  It seems like that may not exist.

Thanks again

[Rob...]

Did you see this one?

http://communities.bentley.com/products/microstation/f/273

[ChrisCarlson]

I'm not sure what industry you are in but

SketchUp
LibreCAD
KiCAD


Why are you upgrading? Just use the last installed/paid for version of Microstation.

[Dinosaur]

I am not sure if anything ever came of this and if so, what the result but this may be what you are looking for -


http://spatialnews.geocomm.com/community/lists/viewmessage.phtml?id=1242 


Good luck, with your search.  I sympathize with your frustration trying to change platforms ... I learned to become pretty proficient with AutoCAD products but in three separate attempts to learn Microstation I filed miserably.  My single success was finally successfully create a line.  I was so excited I tried to back track to see what I had done correctly but erased the blasted thing instead.  Then I could not figure out how I had done either.  I lost most of my interest after that.

[bobvan]

I tried Bentley communities and have no response.   Its like asking Ford if they could help me find a free mustang (clone).  I've dealt with that system back in my engineering days and it was hard enough getting help with Microstation let alone with my needs now. 

To din0saur  Thank you so much for understanding. I had the same experience with Acad.  I fully acknowledge that they are the industry leader/standard.  I just never got used to using it and would love my Ustation back.   I found the site you recommended and it sounded promising.  That post was 16 years old I believe.  I think it came and went.  I found an eCADlite download site which as indicated was free.  Sounded good until the install process required a serial number.  I think I will keep working on that as well as hoping someone knows of a new clone.

Thanks very much

[rkmcswain]

Plenty of low cost AutoCAD clones out there, but no Microstation clones that I'm aware of.

The demand for AutoCAD like clones is high due to the huge number of users out there, and compounded by the recent licensing changes at Autodesk.
I suspect Microstation clones are in low demand since the user base is much lower and it's primarily only used commercially by those doing DOT work.

[bobvan]

Thanks everyone.  I found what I was looking for.  I'm sure no one is interested but its called Dualcad.  Its all I will need for my limited needs.  It was a true puzzle.  I finally found it in a Google search   dgn  being the word that did the trick after thirty iterations.

Thanks for all the help

[rkmcswain]

I don't think it would hurt anything to post a link here.

http://www.pcscad.com/

Thanks for the follow up!

[Mark]

Thanks for the follow up!

+1

[Matt__W]

I would like any information on cad programs that function like Microstation.

   


Sorry, couldn't resist.

[cadtag]

oh, sure you could have.  you just didn't want to resist.

sidebar comment,  considering that uStn started out as a clone of Intergraph, and now has a clone of itself, does this mean we're in the middle of the clone wars?