The current version of Orca3D (V1.x) is not compatible with Rhinoceros 6. We are currently working on a new version of Orca3D (version 2) that will run in Rhino 6, and hope to have a Work-in-Progress (WIP) version of Orca V2 available later this spring. We follow the same distribution model as McNeel in that major updates (e.g., Rhino 5 to 6 or Orca 1 to 2) are paid upgrades, while minor updates and service releases are free of charge to existing customers. Of course you can continue to use your current version of Orca3D and Rhino 5 as long as you like.
Is there any news on version 2 of orca 3d ?
We are getting close on the Version 2 WIP. Our team is busy testing, and we’re finding and fixing a few bugs before we release it. This initial WIP will be compatible with Rhino 6 (not with Rhino 5), and will be available at no cost to those with an Orca3D V1 license. This initial WIP will be very similar to V1 in scope. The actual V2 release will be a paid upgrade, once it’s available.
I bought Rhino 6 about 9 months ago for the sole purpose of using Orca3d. Then I found out it wasn’t compatible. I was told that I could downgrade my purchase to Rhino 5 and then purchase Orca3d or else wait till Spring of 2018 and everything would be compatible. I didn’t want to downgrade because I was told that getting back to Rhino 6 when everything was working with Orca3d would cost me more money as an upgrade charge going from Rhino 5 back to Rhino 6 again. So I’ve been waiting patiently for eight or nine months unable to use my software purchase. My question is are there any further updates on the progress of version 2 and, when the WIP version is available, can I just purchase it at the price that the final version 2 will cost so that I don’t have to pay for an upgrade going from WIP to final product? I would really like to start using as soon as possible and not have to wait for the final version 2 to purchase Orca3d.
Can we have a response from the vendors on this. I believe many are interested in the status and expected roll out of version 2. Thank you.
yes please.
We hope to release the Orca3D Version 2 WIP (which is compatible with Rhino 6) by the end of next week. This WIP will be free to use for those with an Orca3D Version 1 license, until we have the full release of Version 2. The full release of Version 2 will be a paid upgrade when it is available.
Orca3D Version 2 Release
We are pleased to announce the release of Orca3D Version 2.0, the first version of Orca3D targeted for Rhino 6. Significant effort has gone into ensuring compatibility with Rhino 6, but there are other improvements to Orca3D as well. During the past ten years, Orca3D has grown and improved through incremental updates which users could download at no cost. Version 2.0 is the first paid upgrade to Orca3D since its initial release in 2008. Please contact us directly at sales@orca3d.com with any questions.
Improvements in Version 2 include:
- Full compatibility with Rhino 6
- A new command, OrcaCreateStrake, was added to provide a convenient method for creating lifting strakes on planing hulls. The command allows the user to define the base curve for the lifting strake as an iso-parametric curve on the surface, a planar section curve on the surface, or any user-defined surface curve. The strake cross-section geometry, longitudinal extent, and taper characteristics can also be defined. The resulting strake geometry can be optionally joined to the hull surface.
- The Orca3D Ship Hull Assistant has been extended to allow incorporation of bulbous bows into the generated hull geometry. If the option to create a bulb is selected, the user can control the length, height, width, and cross-section shape of the bulb. The resulting bulb geometry is integrated into the hull as part of the same surface.
- A new Orca3D Hull Assistant has been added for creating developable hull shapes. This new assistant uses Rhino’s developable loft functionality to generate hull forms based on user-controlled deck sheer, chine, and bottom profile curves. An optional chine flat may be included. Note that due to a bug in Rhino 6 SR11, the chine flat surface creation may fail. McNeel is expected to address this issue in SR 12. In the meantime, the user can manually construct a surface between the two curves bordering the chine flat after the rest of the geometry has been created.
- The licensing system that was used in Orca3D Version 1.x (Nalpeiron) is being replaced by a system called CopyMinder. CopyMinder allows you to move the license to a new computer, or re-install on your existing computer after making changes (such as a new hard drive) without having to de-activate the license or contact us (but note that frequent installation on new computers will invalidate your license).
- The HydroComp Drag Library has been replaced by our own for the Savitsky and Holtrop resistance methods. This will make it easier to add new methods in the future, as well as provide technical support for this module of Orca3D. Our library has been thoroughly tested using the published sources. However, due to differences in interpretation of the methods, you may see small differences (generally <5%) in the results for the same hull between Orca3D Version 1 and Version 2.
- We have extended the CFD analysis command to allow the automatic creation of Python script files for running multiple speeds sequentially, without the need for user interaction.
- OrcaCreateCfdReport was enhanced to include computation and plotting of non-dimensional drag coefficients (Cf, Cr) along with the computation of the ITTC 1957 Cf values for comparison. Added a table of definitions to the report output. Modified the user interface for creating the report to allow multi-select of simulations to include/exclude from the report, making selection easier. Added color-coding of worksheet cells that are expected user input and protected the workbook to avoid inadvertent modification.
- Added RhinoScript access to certain Orca3D objects, such as the most recent stability calculation results.
- Added the ability to define Orca3D section locations interactively using mouse selections.
Version 2.0 lays the groundwork for even more growth in Orca3D in 2019. After this initial full release of Version 2, development will focus on adding significant new capability, especially in the areas of compartmentation, free surface effect in tanks, intact and damaged stability analysis, and resistance prediction. Some of these features will be additions to the current Level 1 and Level 2 offerings, and some will form a new Level 3. As with previous versions, there will be Work-in-Progress (WIP) releases, so our users can try the new functionality and provide feedback. Look for email updates on the progress and posting of new releases.
Upgrade Pricing and Purchasing Information
Orca3D Version 2 is the first paid upgrade in the 10+ years of Orca3D development. We are following a licensing and distribution model similar to McNeel’s model for Rhino; upgrades from Version 1 to Version 2 are available for 50% of the price of a new license. Those who have purchased Orca3D Version 1 since October 1, 2018 will receive the upgrade at no charge. Through February 28, 2019, there is a 10% discount on Version 2 upgrades (use the coupon code V2Upgrade).
To qualify for the Upgrade pricing, you must have a Version 1 license. When you purchase the upgrade, we will confirm your status in our records. If for some reason we are not able to confirm your eligibility we will contact you for further information, such as your Version 1 License Code (389000…).
To purchase an Educational upgrade, you must still qualify as a student or professor. Once you purchase, you will be asked to verify your status prior to receiving the upgrade (e.g., current student ID, current course schedule, etc.). If you no longer qualify for an Educational upgrade, you may purchase a Commercial upgrade.
Please contact your reseller or, if there is not an Orca3D reseller in your area, visit https://orca3d.com/pages/upgrade-to-version-2 to purchase your upgrade.