Product(s):	RAM Structural System; 3D Viewer
	Version(s):	14.06 and later
	Area:	Graphics; User Interface
	Issue#:	913442

Problem Description

On some computers, it is difficult or impossible to select an individual beam or column when working in the plan or elevation view within any of the 3D modules (Ram Steel Column, Ram Frame or Ram Concrete). The problem may also occur while working in 3D view on some machines.

This issue is typically reported when the user attempts to perform a View/Update on a member but the View/Update dialog does not display when clicking on the member with the target cursor. 

Explanation

The common problem is unique to these two dimensional plan and elevation views and only occurs when trying to select a single member with the target cursor.

This target cursor is used for Process - View/Update and several assignment and reporting commands wherever there is a [Single] selection mode.

Using a Fence to make assignments may work around the problem.

Selecting the member from the 3D view may also work on some machines.

The problem most often affects machines with built in integrated Intel graphics only. Dell machines using Windows 7 have been especially problematic.

Solution

If the machine has both a 3D graphics adapter and integrated intel graphics, configure the system to use the 3D adapter rather than the integrated graphics.

For NVIDIA adapters, this change can be made in the NVIDIA Control Panel. To open the Control Panel, right click on the desktop screen and choose NVIDIA Control Panel. Within the adapter control panel settings look for any option to use the high-performance processor rather than the Integrated graphics.

The NIVIDIA control panel also offers an option to Add "Run with graphics processor" to Context menu.

An alternate approach is to right click on the desktop shortcut for RAM Structural System, choose the option highlighted below, and then launch the program.

For machines with Integrated Intel adapters only, search for and install updated drivers directly from the manufacturer's web page. For the Dell/Windows 7 machines with Integrated Intel Graphics that have been affected by this machine, updated drivers released near the end of April 2018 has resolved the problem.

If the solutions discussed above do not work or are not available, try selecting the member in 3D View. Use the arrow keys to rotate and View - Extents to limit the view and make single member selection easier, if necessary. 

In some cases we have also found selection to work properly when using single line, low resolution mode rather than the default medium resolution rendered view. 

See Also

[[RAM SS 3D Viewer FAQ]]