File Management (Solidworks PDM) - VTAstrobotics/Documentation GitHub Wiki

Contents

Pre-Requisites

  1. Be an active member of the team and have completed the roster form.
  2. Have the most recent release of Solidworks installed, most recent release can be found on the Network Software page. Instructions on how to install Solidworks.
  3. Have the VT VPN installed (always needed for access now). Instructions on installing the VPN can be found here

Note: If it gets stuck on any installation process, the best place to go is the SWAT office. Located at 2080 Torgersen Hall. Additionally, Virginia Tech has other resources. You can browse the knowledge base here.

Introduction

The team is using Solidworks PDM as the storage solution for our CAD files. Soldworks PDM integrates with the native file explorer and task pane inside Solidworks to allow users to access files off a shared network drive. It adds functionality like revision control, check in and out functions and much more.

Setup

  1. Have all the pre-requisites completed.
  2. Follow the following instructions on how to install Solidworks PDM from GoEngineer. Below is all relevant information needed to complete the steps:
  • "Select your PDM Product"

SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional

  • "Select your PDM Client Type"

SOLIDWORKS PDM CAD Editor

  • "Select your Add-ins"

Leave defaults

  • "Server Name"

astro.ware.coe.vt.edu

  • "Server Port"

Default (3030)

Deviation:

You will now be prompted to log in. You will use the same credentials as your regular VT log in (used for Canvas, Microsoft, HokieSPA, ect.) It will be your PID (typically the first part of your email) and your regular password.

You will need to change the domain from your local IP address to "HOKIES". You should then be able to continue the install process as shown on the website.

  • "Connect to ASTROVAULT"

It should be the only one available, click the checkbox on the left hand side.

  • "File Location"

This is where files you modified will be cached before getting sent to the server. You can leave it blank and it will create a folder at the highest level of your C Drive. If you choose to use another file location, make sure it is at a high level to avoid exceeding the Windows path character limit.

  • "Attach Type"

Doesn't matter which one you choose.

You have now successfully installed the PDM viewer. The vault should be pinned to the quick access on the file explorer.

Using Solidworks PDM

To familiarize yourself with the interface, reference the following resources.

  • Solidworks Guide: already on your computer, simply copy and past the file path into the windows search bar.

C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp 2025\SOLIDWORKS PDM\Lang\GB\Getting_Started

  • Basic user interface instructions from Cati
  • If you find more resources please add them, this is our first year using this. So we are all learning as we go.

Specific to Astrobotics

The share point is divided into folders

  • Each subsystem (01, 02, 03, 04) have their own folder. This is dedicated to the current most progressed model of their subsystem.
  • Any additional resources are stored in the "Additional Resources" folder.
    • This includes last year's robot and projects specific to the bay.
  • The last folder is called "Workspaces". This is where any work you are developing will live.

To start, open the "Workspaces" folder and create a new folder with your first and last name as the title: "Joe Doe"

Important: If you are making an assembly, all files in the assembly must be present in the server. You can not create any external reference to files on your local machine.

Whenever you are working on files outside of your workspace, you must check out the file.

  • This will put the file in a "read only" state for everyone else and ensure that no one else is trying to edit the file you.
  • It also allows revisions of files to be saved and restored.
  • When a part is checked back in, it will create a revision of the part and store the previous revision under the version history.