Plotting curves or shapes?

[JonathanOtt]

Hello everyone!

I've posted before, then later deleted my account, but now I'm in need of your expertise again.

I have a calculator called "Chutecalc1" written by a gentleman who used to be in one of my model rocket forums.

Anyway, this calculator calculates the shape required for a hemispherical parachute, based on parameters the user inputs.

The calculator then generates dimensions to draw a template so the user can make a parachute. The thing is, the calculator just tells you basically that you need to draw a grid of "x" size squares, and then looking at the static diagram, sketch your pattern on the grid. It does not generate the shape.

I figure the experts here can look at this thing and say "Dude, that's easy. We just...and ...then..." and bingo, you get the shape accurately plotted out, actual size to take to Staples for printing on large format paper then go home and start cutting and sewing.

The calculator is located here: http://www.vatsaas.org/rtv/systems/parachutes/chutecalc1.xls (I'm sure there's a way to attach the excel file to this post, but not exactly finding the way to do it.)

You think anyone here can figure a way to make a file that will plot the shape, on a grid, using the user supplied data in the yellow squares?

Thanks! You are all AWESOME!!!

Jonathan Ott
Fayetteville, NC

 

[JonathanOtt]

Is this not doable?

I figured someone here could figure this out.

I'm willing to throw a (little) bit of money at it...

Jon

 

[JonathanOtt]

I'm still hoping someone might be able to help...

 

[shg]

I can't get to any workbook at the link. Can you try box.com or dropbox?

 

[JonathanOtt]

I can't get to any workbook at the link. Can you try box.com or dropbox?

Can I attach the file to this post somehow? Work has dropbox blocked.

 

[shg]

No, you can't attach files on this board.

 

[JonathanOtt]

Can I attach the file to this post somehow? Work has dropbox blocked.

Okay, I read the rules and now I see I can't do any attachments.

I can't use the HTML maker, but I'm signing up for box.com.

 

[JonathanOtt]

Okay, this link: https://app.box.com/s/xxf0mrghuy2frrgy6xb2s5m4z5kz1bic

should take you to the file in my "box".

Thanks for your help!

Jon

 

[shg]

The picture is just a picture. With what you have, you could do no better than to import it into something (e.g., Visio) and scale it to correct size, then have it printed or plotted.

If you new a lot about sewing and some about math, perhaps you could figure out how to express the gores mathematically to generate a plotter file.

 

[JonathanOtt]

Okay, I had an epiphany, The "picture" is a screenshot of a scatter plot with two data sets. I just need to figure out the coordinates and do a new scatter, then I can resize the chart area to match the "grid size" ...unless there is a way to set the grid size (major axis in both horizontal and vertical) to match whatever the "grid size" is called for (I don't think that can be done, just have to stretch or compress the chart area until it matches specific dimensions).



Thanks for helping me think this through.

Jon