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TEMPLOT 3D PLUG TRACK - To get up to speed with this experimental project click here.   To watch an introductory video click here.   See the User Guide at Bexhill West.

  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed. Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.

    For an updated overview of this project see this topic.   For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.

    The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.
  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed.

    For an updated overview of this project see this topic.   For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.

    The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.

Tip of the day - running Templot on a Mac computer / Linux

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Martin Wynne

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Enjoy using Templot?
Thanks.

Please do not send requests for help direct to me via email.

Post your questions on the forum where everyone can see them and add
helpful replies.
.
Templot can be run on Mac and Linux computers using CrossOver -- it is much cheaper than other options because you don't need to buy a copy of Windows. The latest versions of CrossOver also run on the new M1 Mac computers.

Templot works well in CrossOver -- it is very popular with many Templot users running Templot on a Mac:

https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover

If you use the promotional code TANGENT you can usually get it at 25% discount off the Mac version.

There is also a free program which does the same (but not M1), but it needs much more techy Mac knowledge to install:

https://winebottler.kronenberg.org

Martin.


More tips of the day: https://85a.uk/templot/club/index.php?forums/tips-of-the-day.44/
 
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I'm trying to open Templot 2 on my Mac via Crossover. I get to the screen that says "Templot 2 is contacting templot.com ... ..." and everything freezes. I've tried several times, including uninstalling and re-enstalling the program. Mac OS 12.6
 
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As Michael Palin once said, "what a stroke of luck." Apple released OS 16 TODAY!
If you mean OSX, then it is version 13 (Ventura) which was released on Monday.

If you are referring to phones and iPads, then iOS and iPadOS are at version 16, but they don't support Crossover (as far as I know) anyway.

All I can say right now, is that anyone using an iMac who wants to use Templot via crossover, do not (yet) upgrade to OSX 13, as the problem will recur and the previous release of Crossover will not run on Ventura.

I am trying to find a solution, but wondering why a product which is advertised as enabling me to run programs intended for MS Windows doesn't actually do this - except for (mostly) programs where a Mac alternative is already available!
 
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If you mean OSX, then it is version 13 (Ventura) which was released on Monday.

If you are referring to phones and iPads, then iOS and iPadOS are at version 16, but they don't support Crossover (as far as I know) anyway.

All I can say right now, is that anyone using an iMac who wants to use Templot via crossover, do not (yet) upgrade to OSX 13, as the problem will recur and the previous release of Crossover will not run on Ventura.

I am trying to find a solution, but wondering why a product which is advertised as enabling me to run programs intended for MS Windows doesn't actually do this - except for (mostly) programs where a Mac alternative is already available!
Dear Simon,

Mac and Templot.

It seems that Parallel offers a solution. Well for me on a Mac with Monterey 12.8 and Templot, it now works well. Of course it costs a bit but such is life.
I can even export my dfx files at last.

Plus my helper at Oms Eynsham also seems to concur on Parelle not with Templot but other Windows products on a Mac.

I have not tried Linux.

Kind regards


Rex Carslake
 
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I may not have said it in this thread, but I have used parallels in the past.
My Mac is used by two other people, and I also want to run Templot alongside various other native Mac programs, so the need to reboot and create a virtual PC (which is how Parallels worked when I last used it) is a non starter.

My message was to inform anyone who is using Crossover to no not yet update to Ventura.
The problem is with Codeweavers, who distribute/produce Crossover, who have not yet come to terms with the deprecation of an older version of Python, despite this being announced 3 years ago by Apple.
 
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Ok, so I got it to work.

”All” I had to do, was install Templot into a brand new bottle, then copy over my box files, etc, from the old bottle to the new.

There are various reasons for this, from reading up online, Codeweavers are complaining about Apple no Longer supporting an olde version of Python, but Apple advertised this fact 3 years ago, so that doesn’t really stand up. Later versions of Python install into a slightly different file structure, apparently, but any programs which still point to the old structure, still try to find files in it. The older version is not deleted, though.

Simply updating MacOS and Crossover and expecting Templot to work doesn’t cut it.

There is a lot to be gained by updating to Ventura (some improvements to the user interface, basically) so if you are happy with staying as you are don’t bother. Also, don’t upgrade to Crossover 22 if you are not upgrading to Ventura.
If you are using the free download of Crossover, then stick with 21.
I paid for a year’s “support”, but haven’t seen any benefit from so doing as yet.

I am generally predisposed to support such ventures, but I am not sure about renewing my subscription with Codeweavers, if they don’t test things thoroughly (this issue is not just affecting Templot, but a lot of other programs, particularly on-line games) and then try to blame Apple for something which was advertised three 3 years ago: it’s not Apple’s problem, solely that of the Codeweavers programming community, as Crossover is as after-market product.
 
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Ok, so I got it to work.

”All” I had to do, was install Templot into a brand new bottle, then copy over my box files, etc, from the old bottle to the new.

There are various reasons for this, from reading up online, Codeweavers are complaining about Apple no Longer supporting an olde version of Python, but Apple advertised this fact 3 years ago, so that doesn’t really stand up. Later versions of Python install into a slightly different file structure, apparently, but any programs which still point to the old structure, still try to find files in it. The older version is not deleted, though.

Simply updating MacOS and Crossover and expecting Templot to work doesn’t cut it.

There is a lot to be gained by updating to Ventura (some improvements to the user interface, basically) so if you are happy with staying as you are don’t bother. Also, don’t upgrade to Crossover 22 if you are not upgrading to Ventura.
If you are using the free download of Crossover, then stick with 21.
I paid for a year’s “support”, but haven’t seen any benefit from so doing as yet.

I am generally predisposed to support such ventures, but I am not sure about renewing my subscription with Codeweavers, if they don’t test things thoroughly (this issue is not just affecting Templot, but a lot of other programs, particularly on-line games) and then try to blame Apple for something which was advertised three 3 years ago: it’s not Apple’s problem, solely that of the Codeweavers programming community, as Crossover is as after-market product.
Hi Simon,

May I ask, has anything changed since your last post regarding using Templot on Codeweavers with Ventura? I have a M1 powered Mac Mini. I have an earlier version of Codeweavers on my old MacBook Air, but as I now have a Mac Mini M1 with a nice large display I thought I should upgrade. The support of larger displays with my old MacBook Air is not good.

Thanks

Roger
 
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The only issue I have had has been related to some quirks with the recent release of Codeweavers: if I install and run Templot from my downloads folder, then it works fine. If I save the installation files into a different directory, and install from there, then for some strange reason, I have to reinstall each time. This is an issue with Codeweavers, not using the latest Mac, Ventura or Templot. It affects a few other (relatively obscure) programs, too, but is because on some poorly implemented updates on the part of Codeweavers. Someone, somewhere, didn’t do something quite right and someone else managed to “fix” it, but not quite right either. It’s annoying, especially as I have a paid support licence for Codeweavers just for this and no one has bothered even replying, but I have a work around. I simply regularly back up my Templot files by copying them to my cloud drive - using an automatic system, an update which removed my Templot files also removed 18 months of layout designs, after I had been told by computing friends to stop being paranoid and to “trust the tech”.
Finding out what the issue was, and the work-around, was frustrating so I haven’t tried recently to see if the issue has been fixed.
I did attempt to get Templot compiled to work natively on a Mac, but an OS update screwed up a lot of that, and other things in life have basically been more important!
 
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Simon,

Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear you have some issues with your own setup, I will however go ahead and download the latest release of Crossover and see how I get on. I have signed up for Codeweavers support package before now, fortunately I have never needed to use it.

Thanks
Roger
 
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Unfortunately I have had no success installing Templot on my Mac Mini M1, running Ventura and Crossover 22. It just hangs on "contacting Templot.com" I've tried several times, but I don't get past this message. I had already ungraded to Ventura when it was released so stuck with it now. Any help would be very welcome.

Thanks

Roger
 
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@Roger Bristow

Hi Roger,

Try unplugging your broadband while you get Templot started. It will complain, but should start up. You can re-connect your broadband once it is running.

If no joy, try also switching off any antivirus software while you start Templot. If you are not connected to the internet, disabling antivirus for a few moments can't do any harm.

Sorry I know nothing about Macs, so I can't help with the actual problem. Codeweavers should be able to help if you have paid for support.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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It took me a few attempts, and one of them may have changed something important, but the only way I can get it to work is by installing both Crossover and Templot to start from the downloads folder.
This is a fault with Crossover: Ventura has some altered requirements for some key files, which was advertised by Apple as a forthcoming change more than 3 years in advance of it happening. Templot, like a few other programs similarly affected, is not on the “official list” of supported programs, and Codeweavers simply seem to be uninterested. I have raised a support request and also asked on their forum, but have met with silence. Searching elsewhere led to me reading “simple” solutions which were anything but, and CNN I couldn’t follow the advice. Same reason why I learned to avoid Linux: I am simply not interested in code-hacking.

You can get it to work, because obviously I have managed to, but from flawed memory (due to the number of attempts!) I installed directly from the download folder and did not change any paths, but I did not go through to launch Templot immediately (completed the installation) and I unclicked on the option to associate the tile types.
 
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Hi Martin and Simon,

Thanks, it worked. I tried Martin's idea first as it was the first suggestion and it worked fine. The only problem is, when I try to reload Templot after closing with the broadband reconnected the same thing happens "trying to connect with Templot". I can work with this if it the only way, but if you have any other ideas I'll be happy to receive them.

Happy New Year!

Cheers

Roger
 
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I think I may have tried disconnecting whilst installing, too. But otherwise, as I said, installed straight-through without starting Templot, and did so from my downloads folder. It has been fine since: don’t need to disconnect.

One minor issue is that if you save a file over a previous one, the window to check that overwriting it is ok doesn’t appear. Just press the y key to continue, and things carry on, otherwise you’ll just sit there unable to do anything. (I haven’t tried doing this by pressing the n key to see what happens, but my guess is that the next dialog box comes up.) Again, I think this is a crossover problem as it didn’t happen before 22 and Ventura.
 
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Hi Martin and Simon,

Thanks, it worked. I tried Martin's idea first as it was the first suggestion and it worked fine. The only problem is, when I try to reload Templot after closing with the broadband reconnected the same thing happens "trying to connect with Templot". I can work with this if it the only way, but if you have any other ideas I'll be happy to receive them.

Happy New Year!

Cheers

Roger
@Roger Bristow @Simon Dunkley

Hi Roger, Simon,

Now that I know that, I will put a by-pass in the Templot program so that when running under Wine, it starts up anyway. And only later suggests you should check for a recent program update.

I don't think there is any way to do that just for a Mac, so this will apply to Linux also.

Simon, when I post a program update, does the automated download work, and install ok? It's all working fine using CrossOver on Ubuntu/Linux, so I'm puzzled what happens differently on a Mac. Wine was originally developed for Linux, so presumably CrossOver first installs some form of Linux on a Mac.

On the help menu in Templot, there are several menu items which open web pages in your browser. Do they work? It would be an alternative way of checking for a program update.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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Hi Martin,

The latest update installed automatically just fine for me - as I said, Apple made a few technical changes with Ventura, but these were well advertised with plenty of warning. Some of the on-line gaming community are a bit fed up with Codeweavers over them not incorporating everything that was advertised, which is how I found out about all this. But I rapidly didn’t want to read much further as the online forums discussing how to change it might have been written in ancient Sumerian as far as I was concerned!

I have launched a couple of things from the help menu with not problems, but I will double check for you. Yes, works fine.

Simon
 
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Hi Martin, Simon

This looks interesting and I have registered and will give it a try later, thanks. I've tried a few things on my Mac but still have to disconnect from the broadband to reload Templot. I can continue as I am for now as it works fine when loaded. Must be my age but when I don't use Templot (never a good idea 😀) for a while I need to recap what I learned on the last session. Guess I'm just eager to get on and make something.

cheers,

Roger
 
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Hi Martin,

I am not sure that there are enough Templot users with Crossover for it to get their notice, but the issues have caused problems for other users with various games, so I can only hope it gets addressed because of that!

Other than as a host for Templot, I hardly ever use the Mac nowadays: Virtus everything is done using my iPad, and stored in the cloud, some of which is accessed via my smartphone for small edits, etc. The other half uses it a lot - usually when I want to do some Templotting! As I have a keyboard, mouse and screen available, can anyone recommend a simple, cheap PC that I could use for this purpose? A Windows equivalent to a RPi would probably suffice, but for the OS bloatware.

Simon
 
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Hi Martin,

I am not sure that there are enough Templot users with Crossover for it to get their notice, but the issues have caused problems for other users with various games, so I can only hope it gets addressed because of that!

Other than as a host for Templot, I hardly ever use the Mac nowadays: Virtus everything is done using my iPad, and stored in the cloud, some of which is accessed via my smartphone for small edits, etc. The other half uses it a lot - usually when I want to do some Templotting! As I have a keyboard, mouse and screen available, can anyone recommend a simple, cheap PC that I could use for this purpose? A Windows equivalent to a RPi would probably suffice, but for the OS bloatware.

Simon
Hello,
Any old 64 bit computer running Linux would probably do even a used one.
Regards
Trevor:)
 
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@Ray Norwood

Hi Ray,

Welcome to Templot Club. :)

Try clicking this menu item:

wine_fonts1.png



But it depends which fonts you have installed on your system.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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