I am looking to buy a CD that has accurate dimensions of current vehicles in vector. I am look at the Digital Auto Library CDs (DAL). Does anyone have the CD or know of any other alternative CDs?
posted
you can also try www.mr-clipart.com I have DAL, Impact and MR Clipart, they are all similar, they all work, there are just huge differences in price.
I now just update the Mr Clipart service via their website its the easiest way to keep up to date.
Christian is a great guy at DAL, and offers aload more extra stuff on his collection. Impact Sign services have a good collection, I bought an upgrade there after buying Cadlink's V3, V4, and V5, but there are mainly UK and European cars & trucks there.
I still think that the MR Clipart is most comprehensive with masses of European and North American vehicles etc. At $59 or $69 you can'ät go wrong, and then become a member of their on line club and download all new models as they are digitised.
I have used DAL for a few years, and like it a lot. It is at 1 to 20 scale, so just increase the size by 2000%, and you are doing your layout full size. Christian has some other stuff in the collection-- sign blanks, aircraft, boats, etc. so though it is a bit pricey for the first time buyer, the upgrades go for less. DAL is a 3CD library, and comes with a real nice directory book-- easy to use even for old fogies like me.
Summa also has something similar for less money, but I don't know anything about it, and there is a company out of Germany that also has something similar, but the directory catalog leaves a lot to be desired. The German version is all text, and no pictures.
-------------------- Bill Preston Fly Creek, N.Y. USA
Posts: 943 | From: Fly Creek, N.Y. USA | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
Will just add that I believe Bill that DAL and Mr Clipart worked together at one time, as my DAL from 93-94 has both companies on the CD and book, and they do have good literature. As do Impact, the CD Jim at Summa direct sells is the same as the German one that was with DAL at one time, you get just the CD, and a PDF file with a vehicle list, but its no real problem to find your way around. I just found it covered most of wahtever you might need whether its US or European, I don't know if Nick offers a download service, I know that Impact would help if you had a vehicle you needed digitising at one time. The Mr Clipart is also at 1:20 scale and covers sides front back and roof.
I have been registered with you since Cadlink told me to contact you, I bought your HGV and Car CD with B/W cover then the same with coloured catalogue cover, then the V2000, but I have never recieved an upgrade or notification of new product. I have always called up to find out.
You charge about £120+ per year upgrade which to us with the high £ works out at 1800kr which is $182 US dollars.
I bought DAL/MR Clipart back in the early 90's as we have lots of US trucks and cars here in Sweden, I then bought the V3 to compliment the European side, I remember thinking at the time that it was loads of money for outlines. and in the last couple of years have gone back to Mr Clipart, you can buy a new CD every year for €69 or $69, or take ´thier discounted on-line service.
Impact have never offered me US vehicle libraries, or sent notification that they were available. Yes I have spent loads on Vehicle libaries hence my willingness to show others the options as I see them!
posted
I am not sure which revision you have Henry, on the most recent cd's there is a form to fax back to register the cd. We do this because many cd's are purchased through dealers so we cannot update people if we do not know who they are.
We have upgraded the new V2k cd 5 times since we released it at Sign UK 2000 so there is probably lots of stuff on there you don't have (of ours anyway!)
The upgrade is a little cheaper than you say (currently £99) You haven't been notified of the U.S version because generally it is no use to people in Europe, Sweden is one place in Europe I have never been to so not sure how much American stuff you have there?
In the UK we have people selling the MR cd, all with different names!
Many of our customers are like you though & have more than one collection, maybe because although the cd's are similar each have there own strengths & weaknesses.
If you go to our web site you can download free samples of the U.S version.
-------------------- Brian Hays Impact Sign Services Bedfordshire, UK
posted
Hi All I suppose it behooves me to post a reply here, as y'all are talking aboot (cdn. sp.) my product.
Differences between the products? Here goes:
I looked at the Impact Images CD. I can't vouch for the accuracy of measurements, I will assume they are good. The number of vehicles in their North American Library is somewhat over 2000, and after reading the list, I see there are some large gaps in terms of necessary vehicles.
I carefully read the Mr. Clipart's list of templates and found that roughly half (about 3000) of their templates are European, the other half being North American. If you want an opinion on their templates - you will have to ask someone that has it.
We provide roughly 97% of the Commercial North American vehicle templates, as well as toll-free tech support, access to new vehicles as they are introduced in the marketplace (no charge) and free custom digitization services (also no charge) - so if something's missing - call me.
In addition to the CD's, we provide a 365 page manual so you can find your template quickly. As well, we carry smaller selections of vehicles like boats, buses, motorcycles, truck toppers, aircraft, ambulances, firetrucks, race cars, trailers (Wells Cargo, Pace, Haulmark), roughly 145 car templates, roughly 125 bus templates, jetskis, snowmobiles, towtrucks, and 300 Sign design shapes, and more...
You may save a buck or two buying a less expensive set, but when a customer shows up with a vehicle you don't have, that money may be wasted. As always, it's a choice.
If anyone has any inquiries, you can call me at 1-888-843-1325 or e-mail at chris@digitalauto.on.ca
-------------------- Christian Van SChepen 16 Wild Rose Cr. W. Brooks, AB T1R 0A2
Posts: 32 | From: Brooks, AB | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
I think both your numbers and those of MR's are a little misleading.
I know you duplicate the same file for different model years so you can have 8 or so files that are exactly the same for a vehicle that has not changed for 8 years.
We don't do this we just list the years a particular model covers. Also our list is a little out of date as we have not got round to updating it recently so there is more on the cd now.
We don't have jetskis, snowmobiles, Sign design shapes or motorcycles though so if anyone needs them yours is obviously the one to go for.
However we do think that ours are more detailed than any we have seen, particuarly the trucks. I spent many many long nights doing them!
-------------------- Brian Hays Impact Sign Services Bedfordshire, UK
posted
We had DAL at our store and can validate the positive comments above.
We struggled a little bit to select the right image for the vehicle we were working on, ie long bed, short bed, single door/double door, etc. The only point being, you have to double check yourself to be sure you have the right variation before you start art. After the digital camera arrived, we made a practice of taking pics of all sides and recording a dimension or two to confirm we were looking at the correct DAL file.
This is going to happen whatever product you buy. Vic G
-------------------- Victor Georgiou Danville, CA , USA
Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
many thanks for all the comments on our product Car ‘n Truck Collection. With this reply we do not want to mention or compare the quality of the templates or usability of manuals of our or competitive products at all. But there are a few more differencies between all those products available.
· Our Car ‘n Truck Collection is the only Vehicle Outline Library available showing all 5 views of the vehicles - both sides, rear, front and back. So there is no alternative if you have to design hoods or roofs.
· MR is drawing Vehicle Templates since the Summer of 1991 and there is no other company with more experience talking about of quality/exactness and usability of each file.
· The templates from MR are also available in 1-20 scale, but the files are also available in 1-1 scale in 10 different file-formats like Graphix Advantage, Casmate, Cadlink, Flexi and many more.
· And for a small annual fee, even less than getting an update of competitive products, the Online-Update-Service gives you also access to all existing and upcoming Vehicle Templates, thousands of vinyl-ready Vehicle Graphics, Sign Templates, Chisel Fonts and much more. Simply visit us at http://www.mr-clipart.com . Or to get even more value take a look at http://www.summadirect.com for the SUPER AUTO DESIGN BUNDLE´available for less than US $ 200.00.
Good luck in searching for the right product. If you might have any further question, please do not hesitate to contact me at mr@mr-clipart.com .
Yes indeed, there are alternative CDs on the market, as noted throughout this thread.
We sell the Car'nTruck Collection, by MR Clipart. So, I'm rather biased toward it. But, in my opinion, it's your best choice.
The only drawback on Car'nTruck (sorry Dirk) is the price. At $69 a copy, it's difficult to convince folks that it's as good as the more expensive collections, much less that it's superior.
But indeed it is, if the quality of the templates is a consideration. Here's an example:
Note that the Car'nTruck template includes 5 views, as opposed to 4. More importantly, that all 5 sides are accurately scaled.
The Front and Back views on the DAL template are clearly at different scales ... at least on the template they provide as a free example. I can't speak for other template in their collection.
For a complete list of the templates you'll get for $69, click here.
Thanks for asking,
-------------------- Jim Doggett General Manager, USA Yellotools, Ltd www.yellotools.com
Posts: 500 | From: Sherman, TX USA | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have used MR clipart disks in the past and have found them good for a visual for customers but not terribly accurate in all their measurements. I had one instance where I had to recut an entire passengers side of a van due to an 8" difference.(i believe it was a 98 express). I chalked it up to a lesson learned and started to measure again and mainly use the templates for presentation.
Instead of investing in another vehicle library, I have decided to start using a digital camera and a couple spot measurements. So far that has worked great for me and I never have to worry about whether or not I have a specific vehicle or model in my library.
posted
I have used DAL for 7 years now. I love it! The only thing I wish was included are the peeper windows on semi trucks that are located on the passenger doors. I can always remove the window if the truck does not have one. I recommend DAL..it's a great tool! Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2623 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Jim, I am also biased but the quality of some of your outlines is a little questionable also.
Here is an example...
Whoever produced your outline has obviously copied and mirrored one side. The doors on this GMC vehicle are actually different. There are also no door handles on your truck, obviously these get in the way sometimes. At this size it probably does not show up but our outlines are also far more detailed.
[ February 06, 2002: Message edited by: Brian Hays ]
-------------------- Brian Hays Impact Sign Services Bedfordshire, UK Posts: 51 | From: Bedfordshire, England. | Registered: Jun 2001
| IP: Logged |
I'm impressed. Your vehicles seem to offer more detail than either the Car'nTruck or DAL templates I've seen.
Is this level of quality consistent throughout? Also, what vehicles do you offer ... is a list available online (or can you e-mail it to me)?
If your templates are Euro / UK centric, no sweat. We do have a UK division ... http://www.summadirect.co.uk. An e-mail to sales@summadirect.co.uk could generate some interest on their part to resell your templates.
Until today, I thought it was pretty much a Car'nTruck vs. DAL universe ... at least on this side of the pond. In that realm, I think Car'nTruck reigns supreme (IMHO). My comparision wasn't cherry-picked. I literally grabbed a single template and did a compare. Clearly, the more affordable Car'nTruck Collection came out on top ... albeit in that one circumstance. Can't say beyond that.
Also, I'd do Dirk and the Car'nTruck product a huge disservice if I failed to mention it is the most comprehensive product of it's kind. Every template includes five views. And, at $69 US, it's a virtual must-have, even for folks that own similar products.
Regards,
Jim
-------------------- Jim Doggett General Manager, USA Yellotools, Ltd www.yellotools.com
Posts: 500 | From: Sherman, TX USA | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Judy Pate: [QB]I have used DAL for 7 years now. I love it! The only thing I wish was included are the peeper windows on semi trucks that are located on the passenger doors. I can always remove the window if the truck does not have one. I recommend DAL..it's a great tool!
Ours have the windows Judy!
-------------------- Brian Hays Impact Sign Services Bedfordshire, UK
We are gonna give you a bit more competition! Nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition though is there?
I have spent 50% of the last 2 years in America producing our U.S. cd. Most of our outlines were produced from digital photographs. We did this because artwork from manufacturers tend to miss important stuff, like mirrors, badges, and the little peep?! windows somebody already mentioned. We found this more so on the trucks.
I will be honest, on the down side our cd is not as comprhensive as some. We are catching up though!
They do produce great visuals though, most pepople we speak to use them more for visual purposes than as a size reference.
There is a list on our site that you can download, it is a little out of date though. This will be sorted very soon.
I am amazed at the price of the Car'n Truck collection. Many years ago they used to charge £999 (aprox $1400) for their collection. Maybe they made their money then and can afford to give cd's away now?!
-------------------- Brian Hays Impact Sign Services Bedfordshire, UK
I think I have a better idea of what to do now. Each kit has its strengths and weaknesses so I decided that I’m going to gradually get them all. I’m going to start off by getting the Mr - Clip Art CDS because of the lower price.
>>My question for Jim is: I noticed that that you have the same price for the (Bundle CD pack (Miva Code: MRSVB) as MR-clipart.com.
What advantages do I have if I purchase the 5pc kit from your website instead of the directly from the manufacture?
FYI: I tried ordering a catalog off your store front but was directed to a broken website with no conformation.
Thanks in advance Jim,
Michael West
-------------------- Michael W.West Visual Solutions Twin Cities Minnesota Michael@hallusin8.com
posted
Well, I must say I don't have any of these CD's I firmly prefer to use one of my 2 digital cameras & with about 1 minute to take a couple quick measurments & photos so that when I do the layout & print they get the exact view of what they are paying for on their vehicle that's as simple as it gets. A picture is worth a thousand words. No updates necessary & with the price of digital camera's dropping it's a win, win situation. No paying for hundreds of vehicles you'll never need anyway.I'm not knocking the CD's. I just don't find a necessity for them.
But, if there is a use I have not thought of please enlighten me & I may reconsider.
[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: RonniesTintSigns ]
-------------------- Ronnie Conrad Augusta,Ga Posts: 374 | From: Augusta,Ga. | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
One of our customers recently won a contract to sign over 200 vehicles for one of the largest tire distributors in England. They have various vehicles which are almost always out on the road. He was able to produce professional visuals for all the vehicle types, he said this was a major factor in winning the contract.
It also saves time visiting a customer just to take a picture of their vehicle.
Obviously there may be many vehicles you will never use. On many occasions a single job can more than pay back your investment though.
We have numerous customers that use our products on a daily basis, so they must be of some use
-------------------- Brian Hays Impact Sign Services Bedfordshire, UK
posted
I'm with Ronnie on this one...Totally... If you show the customer a finished print of the customers own truck, with their colors, it's almost like magic to them. A line drawing just does'nt compare to a full color Photo. We have a Kodak dc260 and you can record voice messages on it, measurements etc. And the price of Digital cameras today are getting low... even cheaper than some of those template cd's... Sorry Guys. Also you never have to search, just point and shoot and in a matter of seconds you have their truck on your screen. Then design away.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Neil, We have something else in common I also have a 260. I have a studio strobe system which the 260 has a plug made for strobes & I also plug the 260 into the television so as I take a shot I get to preview it on the TV, really great for proofs. I have a Sony Mavica which I love for the convience of using a floppy.
-------------------- Ronnie Conrad Augusta,Ga Posts: 374 | From: Augusta,Ga. | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
No special software just use the plug that came with your camera , It's a small plug that goes to camera & RCA's on the other end. If you don't have one you can buy it from Kodak
To display pictures from your digital camera on television:
Set the television to one of the following sources:
Video Source Line In Aux Line Input Set the camera's Video Out mode for your country: NTSC for U.S., Canada, and Japan PAL for the rest of the world. Now that you have your camera and television set properly, see your camera's User's Guide for details on completing the Video Out procedure for your camera.