AutoCAD MEP

AutoCAD MEP 2012 Is Live

2011-03-24T13:37:00.003-05:00

Go to your Autodesk Subscription site to download it now.

See the WHAT'S NEW IN AUTOCAD MEP 2012 video from Autodesk here.

AutoCAD MEP 2010 Update 2

2010-05-20T09:40:00.000-05:00

Download it here

General Updates to AutoCAD MEP

The following defects have been fixed in AutoCAD MEP 2010 Update 2:

BDH Import
Update 2

Radiator Import may lead to crash during when updating existing drawings.

Device
Update 1

Device modify via grip edit doesn't move or maintain its orientation as expected.
The Add Automatic Property for a Device was not retrieving the Load Category or Number of Poles.

Update 2

Opening drawings from previous releases may lead to crash.
When Rotating Devices with Update 1 installed, the Device annotation is not rotating relative to the offset specified in the block.
Layer Key Override - Devices with an assigned System Definition that contains a Layer Key Override are appending the initial overrides in the Layer Key Override dialog.

Display
Update 1

Haloed or hidden appearance for Plumbing Lines, Schematic lines and Wires do not display correctly.

Duct
Update 1

Duct Flanges are displayed incorrectly after moving a duct using grips.
Velocity in Duct Modify does not match the Velocity in the Properties Palette.
Add Selected does not work correctly when duct height is greater than duct width.
Takeoff for branch is not sized correctly when duct height is greater than duct width.
Top and Bottom Elevation are incorrect in tooltip when duct height is greater than duct width.

Update 2

Duct Takeoffs may move or become disconnected during Regen Model. Elbow may change elevation when changing parameters values.

Electrical
Update 1

A crash may occur when closing a drawing with an EPD file that has a relative path.
A crash may occur when converting multiple blocks to Devices.
Wire will only connect to one connector on some scaled devices.

Update 2

Duplicate circuits may be created when copying devices between two drawings.
Circuit Manager appears to hang in drawings with multiple tabs.
Wire sizes may not appear in the first time Circuit Manager is activated.
EPD Relative Pathing may not work on mapped networked drives.
Exiting AutoCAD MEP with Circuit Manager open may lead to crash.
Using Block Editor in a Panel Schedule drawing may lead to Circuits losing there name in the Schedule.

Info Center
Update 2

Balloon notifications in Info Center may be blank when Windows 7 theme is set to classic

Performance
Update 2

Compass repeatly sets Elevation value when Project Navigator is active.
Opening drawings with large Xreferences may cause AutoCAD MEP to stop responding.
Closing drawings may not release memory.

Multi-View Parts
Update 1

Some linework is missing from certain MvParts.
Radiator insertion fails, using the window option, if the radiator width or length is located in a basic table.
Radiator Import does not set property data properly.
Radiator valves are not aligned to the radiator when inserted using the plus grip.

Pipe
Update 1

The formula for percentage slope by angle is incorrect. Fixing this means that an existing tool in which a specific number for percentage is stored will produce a different slope due to the new calculation.
Pipe layouts with Very low slope cannot be created correctly.
The Parallel Pipe command places new pipes on the wrong layer when systems use different layers.
Some Pipe created in previous versions of AutoCAD MEP snaps to fittings when opened.

Update 2

Some fittings accessed thru Runtime catalog may not appear in Routing Preferences.
Some fittings may not appear correct when accessed thru a runtime catalog.

Plumbing
Update 2

Plumbing Line overlapping with Plumbing fitting may lead to crash.
Changing a Fitting Style on the Properties Palette may lead to the command line style control to not work.
Selecting a Plumbing Line on Windows 7 operating system may lead to crash.

Schedules
Update 2

Wrong area is calculated in BOM table with OE-NORM if length smaller than 400 and size constant in DACH profile.

Schematics
Update 2

When filleting two schematic lines with schematic symbols, the schematic line end may snap to a schematic symbol.
When drawing a short schematic line segment from a schematic symbol the schematic line may snap to the schematic symbol.

Sections
Update 2

Creating a 2D section using large selection set on a 32 bit operating system may lead to crash.

Tool Palette
Update 2

Dragging a Tool from Content Browser onto a Tool Palette may lead to script error.

Miscellaneous
Update 1

CollisionDetection does not work as expected.
"Copy to Clipboard failed" dialog will appear when copying an object that has been copy/pasted from another drawing.
A fatal error will occur when creating an elbow with multiple segments.

Update 2

Reloading Xrefs may lead to crash.

General Updates to AutoCAD Architecture

The following AutoCAD Architecture defects have been fixed:

AEC Dimensions
Update 1

Multiple overlapping windows may lead to incorrect dimensions.

API
Update 1

AutoCAD Architecture might crash when trying to define a Display Theme style using .NET API.

Doors/Windows/Openings
Update 2

When a custom block is applied to a door, window, or door-window assembly, the block will be visible even if it is not within the cut plane range.
Sometimes, you cannot insert an opening in a wall in a certain cleanup group.

Drawing Management
Update 2

AutoCAD Architecture may crash when you repath certain projects with no drawings open.
Renaming items in the Project Navigator, and repathing the project may cause AutoCAD Architecture to crash.

Export to AutoCAD
Update 2

Export to Autocad sometimes causes AutoCAD Architecture to crash.

External References
Update 1

Openings in external references with negative Z value are placed at an incorrect position.

Update 2

When you execute UNDO command after binding an external reference, AutoCAD Architecture may become unresponsive.
AutoCAD Architecture may crash if you unload an external reference, attach it again, and then execute an UNDO.

GBXML
Update 2

Duplicate openings are created in gbXML output when walls are slightly off from being perpendicular to each other.

General UI
Update 2

Checkboxes are not displayed correctly on the Object Snap tab of the Drafting Settings dialog on Windows 7.

IFC
Update 1

Slabs may have the wrong elevation when imported from an IFC file due to an incorrect thickness offset.
Exporting a drawing to IFC may create incorrect IFC GUIDs for AEC objects.
Importing IFC files that contain certain material settings may crash.
Space exported to IFC have the IFC type of IFCTYPEOBJECT instead of IFCSPACETYPE.

Update 2

When you import an IFC file, containing a space that uses a negative value for extrusion, the extrusion is in the wrong direction.
Importing an IFC file fails if it contains a 3D vector for True North direction.

Layers
Update 1

The "New layer from Standard" button doesn't work in localized versions.
Layer description fields are not automatically populated in all cases.

Update 2

When the Layer Properties Manager is open, opening a drawing sometimes causes AutoCAD Architecture to crash.

Multiview Blocks
Update 2

When AutoCAD Architecture and Civil 3D are installed side by side, AutoCAD Architecture crashes on executing MVBLOCKADD command.

Performance
Update 1

Response is very slow when using Dynamic UCS and objects are Isolated.

Update 2

Sometimes, it takes a long time to complete an UNDO after a COPY.

Property Palette
Update 1

Changing an entry to one that is the first characters of the previous entry will not work in some fields.

Save
Update 2

When you save a drawing to a previous version, sometimes, you are not warned about possible data loss.

Schedules
Update 1

Schedules are not sorted as expected when values are a combination of numeric and alphabetic characters.

Update 2

Sometimes, schedule table data is not rounded off as specificed in the property data format.

Sections
Update 1

Some objects imported from Inventor display as points in 2D Sections.

Update 2

When a window or door window assembly is sectioned, some linework may be missing in the section.

Structural Members
Update 1

Custom block based on 3D Solids using Boolean operations are always placed at the start point.

Spaces
Update 2

AutoCAD Architecture may crash when a spaced update is triggered for a large number of spaces within an external reference.

Wall Objects
Update 1

AutoCAD Architecture might hang when opening certain drawings that contain modified Wall Endcaps.
Window openings may not be created due to Wall Plan Modifiers.
Using Refedit on a block containing Wall Object may cause a crash.

Update 2

When working on a project located on a slow network, the wall and curtain wall tools are slow to respond.
Some walls in an external reference display solution tips when the units of the host drawing are different from that of the external reference.
AutoCAD Architecture will crash when you delete a component of a wall which is on a locked layer.

Subscription Benefits

With this update, if you are a subscription customer, a balloon notification periodically displays, letting you know how much time remains before your subscription expires. This notification will only display three times. You can access selected subscription benefits more quickly, without having to log on to the Subscription Center.

Online Renewal

If you meet the online renewal program rules, you can renew your AutoCAD MEP subscription online. If you have already renewed your subscription, or are not a subscription customer, these options are not available.
In InfoCenter, follow the directions in the alert message that displays.
In InfoCenter, click the Subscription Center button. Under Benefits Center, click Renew Online and follow the directions that display.

eLearning

In InfoCenter, click the Subscription Center button. Under Benefits Center, click View eLearning Catalog. You will be prompted to sign-in to the Subscription Center.

Search

You can access some subscription-only learning and technical support without logging onto the Subscription Center. This includes some eLearning lessons.

New Advantage Packs

When a new Advantage Pack becomes available, a balloon notification and menu option displays. To review and download the Advantage Pack, click the balloon notification or menu option. You must have permission to begin the download. Contract managers and software coordinators can control access to Advantage Packs from Subscription Center > Set Access from Product. Instructions for setting access permissions are provided to contract managers and software coordinators prior to Advantage Pack releases.

General Updates

The following AutoCAD defects have been fixed:

2D Drawing
Update 1

If the PLINETYPE system variable is set to 0, STRETCH does not work as expected on arc segments of polylines.
When the PLINETYPE system variable is set to 0, the closing point of a polyline with segments of different widths do not display correctly.
If you use the JOIN command on splines, a duplicate control point is inserted.
When you use the JOIN command on multiple polylines, AutoCAD may become unstable.

Update 2

When drawing a closed heavy weight polyline with different width for each segment, the polyline cannot be closed properly.

3D Modeling
Update 1

When you open a drawing that contains solids, some solids display briefly and then disappear.
If a grip on a mesh face, edge, or vertex is highlighted and you use the ViewCube, AutoCAD may become unstable.

3D Navigation Tools
Update 1

When you use the 3DORBIT command, you cannot orbit correctly. You can only orbit around a single pivot point and you cannot orbit around a specific object in a large group of objects.

Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable while dragging the cube and releasing the cursor at the top of the canvas.

Action Recorder
Update 1

An Action Recorder macro created in AutoCAD 2009 may fail to run in AutoCAD 2010.

Annotation Scaling
Update 1

When there are xrefs in a drawing, changing annotation scales takes a long time.
When an annotative style multiline text (mtext) is rotated or surrounded by a hatch, the boundary box does not display correctly.

API
Update 2

Exploding a block using "NetExplode" API modifies the "Global width" property of the polyline.

Blocks
Update 1

When you turn off the display of an attribute with a visibility parameter in a dynamic block, the Enhanced Attribute Editor lists attribute prompts incorrectly.
You cannot copy an object from an AutoCAD 2009 drawing and paste it as a block into an AutoCAD 2010 drawing.
You cannot use the Properties palette to set the value of a action parameter to 0.
When you delete a constraint parameter from a dynamic block, AutoCAD may become unstable.
You cannot stretch some dynamic blocks as expected.

Check Spelling
Update 1

When you run spellcheck on uppercase words, AutoCAD may become unstable.

CUI
Update 1

When you save a workspace, if the Enterprise CUIx file is read-only, AutoCAD may become unstable.
Toolbar flyouts close unexpectedly.

Customer Involvement Program
Update 2

AutoCAD may fail to start up on Windows 7 workstations with Windows 2008 Server on the same subnet.

Data Extraction
Update 1

When you use Data Extraction to extract the value of a block's multiline attribute into a table, text formatting code displays in the table.

Update 2

Constrained attribute values may not extract properly based on drawing order.

DGN Support
Update 1

When a DGN file is imported, some attributes are missing.

Update 2

Restores the ability to use any extension when attaching DGN files.
DGNIMPORT command with "Ignore all external references" option may not work.

Digital Signature
Update 1

When you open a drawing, the Invalid signature dialog box may display even if the digital signature is valid.

Dimensions
Update 1

You cannot create an angular dimension between two lines in different XY planes.

Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when stretching multiple dimensions with dimbreaks applied.
Cyrillic characters in dimension text may cause AutoCAD to incorrectly report that the drawing is corrupt after running RECOVER.

DWF
Update 1

When the background color in AutoCAD is black, some DWF underlays do not display correctly.

DXF
Update 2

When opening some DXF Files, you may receive a DXF error.

Dynamic Dimensions
Update 1

When you use the COPYBASE command with Dynamic Input on, AutoCAD may become unstable.

ETransmit
Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when using eTransmit.

Express Tools
Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when editing height values for arc-aligned text in the Properties Palette.

Export Layout
Update 1

When you use the EXPORTLAYOUT command on files in which Standard styles have been renamed, AutoCAD may become unstable.

External References
Update 1

You may not be able to bind multiple xrefs that include nested xrefs.
With the XATTACH command, you cannot select multiple xrefs.

Update 2

Xrefs with true color gradients now display properly in 2D graphics modes.
AutoCAD may display an error message about logic color -5 when attaching an xref.
AutoCAD may become unstable when binding an xref.
AutoCAD may become unstable when using right-click menu on an xref.

File Open
Update 1

When you try to open a drawing file from a FTP site, AutoCAD may become unstable.

Update 2

After applying Vista SP2 or on Windows 7 it is not possible to double click and open a folder that is using DFS Namespace.
AutoCAD drawings saved in Vault may not display 2010 properties properly.
Opening drawing files from older releases of AutoCAD may take a while to open.
Unable to use asterisk "*" symbol on wildcard searches.

Find and Replace
Update 1

If you use Find and Replace, autonumbering is deleted.

Font
Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when using older version ".SHX" fonts.

General UI
Update 1

On the status bar, the model or paperspace button may be missing, even after you have repeatedly turned it on.

Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when more than one bubble is displayed and then closed.

Graphic System
Update 1

When the background color is changed in an active paperspace viewport, the cursor disappears.
After you plot a drawing in AutoCAD, if you lock Microsoft Windows and then unlock it, AutoCAD may become unstable.

Hatch
Update 1

When you turn off the current layer while grip editing a hatch boundary, AutoCAD may become unstable.
When the UCSVP system variable is set to 0, hatched objects align with the WCS rather than the UCS.
When you grip-edit a hatch with an elliptical boundary, AutoCAD may become unstable.

Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when double clicking on hatched areas in a drawing.

Image
Update 1

When you attach some TIFF images, AutoCAD may become unstable.
TIFF images may not display correctly.

Update 2

Rotating an image with plines may appear to offset from the image.
AutoCAD session may hang when plotting drawings with rotated Mr SID images attached.

InfoCenter
Update 2

Balloon notification in InfoCenter is blank when Windows 7 display Theme is set to Classic.

Inquiry Tools
Update 1

The AREA command fails on some polylines.

Keyboard Modifiers
Update 1

When temporary overrides are enabled, keyboard input using the Shift key may not display on the command line.

Layers
Update 1

Xrefs on locked layers do not display faded as expected. The LAYLOCKFADECTL system variable fails to alter them.
When you delete a certain layer, all layers may be deleted.
On the ribbon, the Layer drop-down does not display layers based on the current layer filter.

Update 2

Layer groups may not remain deleted after reopening the Layer Manager.
AutoCAD may become unstable when switching layouts if the Layer Description column is frozen.
Objects on "layer 0" in an external reference do not display when the layer is turned on from the current drawing.

Licensing
Update 1

When you set your system time back more than 2 days, your license is broken.
When you use a proxy server for Internet access, the License Transfer Utility fails.

Linetype
Update2

Some of the linetypes with text do not display correctly.

LiveUpdate
Update 1

When you have Autodesk 2009 and AutoCAD 2010 installed side-by-side, LiveUpdate does not work in AutoCAD 2009.

Measurement Tools
Update 1

When you use the MEASUREGEOM command, the tooltip and command line results are different. The tooltip result is incorrect.
When you use the DIST command in model space, the results at the tooltip and the command line are different. The tooltip result is incorrect.

Migration
Update 1

When you export certain profiles, AutoCAD may become unstable.
When you save certain profiles migrated from AutoCAD 2009, AutoCAD 2010 may become unstable.

Multileader (mleader)
Update 1

When you mirror mleaders that contain blocks with multiline attributes, the mirrored attributes are incorrectly justified.

OLE
Update 2

AutoCAD can be slow when updating OLE objects in Microsoft Word 2007.
"Paste to Original Coordinates" is disabled in right-click context menu after copying objects from another open drawing.
AutoCAD may become unstable when pasting drawing files into Microsoft Word.

Organic Modeling
Update 2

Gizmo may not display while in 3D Orbit.

Osnap
Update 2

64-bit AutoCAD may become unstable when using PRESSPULL on mesh object.

PDF
Update 1

When you plot a drawing as a PDF file, the layer order is not alphabetized as expected.
When a drawing that contains layers with names that include special characters is exported as a PDF, it cannot be opened.
When you attach a large PDF file to your drawing, or try to attach it and then cancel the operation, performance is slow.

Update 2

AutoCAD may hang when plotting large images to PDF.

Property Palette
Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when using the Property Palette.

Publish
Update 1

When Windows XP is set to Windows Classic theme, on any Asian language version of AutoCAD 2010, if you use the PUBLISH command, AutoCAD freezes.

Purge
Update 1

On Windows Vista, in the Purge dialog box, when you attempt to use the Ctrl or Shift keys to select multiple items, the first highlighted item is de-selected.

Quick Access Toolbar
Update 2

Opening a linked drawing from a Microsoft Office product may cause the Quick Access Toolbar to no longer display.

QUICKCALC
Update 1

Calculations performed by the QUICKCALC command may be incorrect.

Recover
Update 1

When you use the RECOVER command on an AutoCAD 2000 formatted drawing file, polylines and splines in the drawing are deleted.

Update 2

Opening drawings with dense hatch appear to hang at 31%.
Some older drawings containing 3DSOLIDS do not display.

Reference Edit
Update 1

When you use the REFSET command, you can only add one instance of a block to the reference set. Other instances are rejected and an error message displays.

Ribbon
Update 1

Text styles from an attached xref display in the Ribbon text style control.
When you switch between AutoCAD Classic and other workspaces (for example, 2D Drafting & Annotation or 3D Modeling), performance becomes slow.
Layers with a VP Freeze for a viewport indicate the VP Freeze status even when the viewport is not active.
When you click the File menu in the zero doc state, AutoCAD freezes.
After you unload a partial CUI file, a tab remains on the ribbon. If you click the tab, AutoCAD may become unstable.

Update 2

AutoCAD may become unstable when switching to the Render tab of the Ribbon when .NET 4 is on the system.
Legacy menu bar may display over the Ribbon when AutoCAD is not responding while opening large drawings.
AutoCAD may become unstable when using Clipping Boundary control in the Ribbon.
AutoCAD may become unstable when dragging a Ribbon Panel on Windows 7 64-bit operating system.

Section & Flatten
Update 1

When you section solids through API, multiple memory leaks occur.

Update 2

SECTIONPLANETOBLOCK may not work correctly when the sectionplane is not intersecting an object.
After using the command SECTIONPLANE AutoCAD may become unstable.
SECTIONPLANE may not display all cutaway geometry.

Seek
Update 1

The SHAREWITHSEEK command may not work if the port used to communicate with Seek is blocked by a firewall.

Snaps
Update 1

When you snap to the grid, there may be a slight offset from the grid.

Text
Update 2

Bigfont may not be converted properly when saving a DWG to 2004 file format.

Visual Basic
Update 2

May not be able to restore minimized AutoCAD with VBA loaded.

Visual Lisp
Update 1

When you use the CECOLOR system variable, the value returned by using the Getvar function is incorrect.

Update 2

LISP incorrectly converts some Japanese characters to CIF.

Making the Transition from CAD to BIM

2009-12-29T09:54:00.002-06:00

Electrical Construction & Maintenance
March 2009
By James Bratton, Dynalectric -- An EMCOR Co.

In today's fast-paced competitive construction market, it's no longer enough to execute a project in the real world of girders, sheet metal, pipe, and racks. These days, requests for proposals (RFPs) on most large projects now require electrical contractors to execute the project first in the virtual world using Building Information Modeling (BIM), and for good reason. Effective use of BIM can improve design, enhance constructability, and accelerate the schedule, saving time and money for the owner as well as the project team - if only BIM software came "out of the box" designed and purposed for electrical contractors.

Yet, in the experience of EMCOR Group, Inc., headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., it's well worth the contractor's time, effort, and financial investment to make the transition. In fact, successful implementation and use of BIM requires significant investments in technology, staff, and training. With more than 200 professionals who are well versed in using BIM, EMCOR and its subsidiaries have first-hand experience with this transition.

BIM is comprised of 3D modeling concepts, information database technology, and interoperable software in a desktop computer application that architects, engineers, and contractors can use to design a facility and simulate construction. The technology enables members of the project team to create a virtual model of the structure and all of its systems in 3D and share that information with the entire project team. The drawings, specifications, and construction details are integral to the model, which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantity properties of building components. As a result, team members are able to identify design issues/construction conflicts and resolve them in a virtual environment well before construction begins in the real world.

Customizing BIM
The saying that necessity is the mother of invention certainly applies to BIM in the electrical contracting industry. Most of the development in BIM has focused on the purposes and needs of architectural and engineering firms. The mechanical contracting industry has the advantage of real-world models of its equipment and parts via third-party vendors. Software vendors have not built a BIM product that comes out of the box with content that completely meets the needs of electrical contractors and fabricators. As written, these programs simply reserve space for the conduit.

In 2002, the Los Angeles branch of EMCOR's Dynalectric subsidiary began evaluating what was then called "Building Systems" (now AutoCAD-MEP) for use in its business, as it saw interest grow among owners and general contractors. Since that time, the company has invested considerable resources - both dollars and hours - in systems, in-house customization, and training to boost the company's capabilities.

Over the course of six years, Dynalectric developed accurate, real-world models of more than 4,000 electrical system components by taking each piece and modeling it in 3D. A layer standard was determined and keyed (e.g., a layer for conduit, layer for hangers, etc.), and the system was configured to automatically place each type of component on the correct layer. As a result, when a BIM engineer models an electrical system on a project, it is as accurate as if it were installed on the job site

Moreover, the system has been customized in-house to do everything from schedules and take-offs to automatic engineering calculations - all with the click of a mouse.

The "I" in BIM
The intelligent property database corresponds to the "I" in BIM. Intelligent property data can be extracted from the model for the purposes of engineering, take-off, and prefabrication. However, it didn't come in off-the-shelf software; Dynalectric has customized the system to enable its staff to perform these functions.

One of the main benefits of customized BIM software is being able to schedule and annotate the drawings. For example, by applying intelligent property data to conduit and parts, the staff can very quickly perform a take-off of the conduit to determine the number of linear feet or quantity of hangers. To annotate all of the conduit elevations, the system pulls live data from the actual model components in the drawing; no one has to stop and look it up.

Customization has enabled the staff to perform engineering calculations on the spot. For example, if a team member needs to calculate the load on a 10-ft section of a conduit rack, he or she clicks on it. Then, a schedule table is inserted into the drawing with the total run of 30 ft (three 4-in. EMT conduits); total load of 54.48 lb of weight per foot with copper wire and conduit; total weight of 544.8 lb; and 272.4 lb of gravity load at each anchor in each rack.

A set of routines was created that works inside of the intelligent property data to calculate strut loads, which recalculates automatically as the user changes the length of the object. This enables the staff to perform live engineering calculations and "what-if" scenarios very quickly and accurately.

Evolution of capabilities
An early milestone in Dynalectric's use of BIM was a $25-million project to upgrade the Hollywood Bowl in 2003. Designed by Hodgetts + Fung architects, the project included a reconception of the arch, advanced digital sound reinforcement system, and expanded stage with a halo-like acoustic canopy.

Dynalectric used BIM to model 25,000 ft of conduit running through a complex "forest" of structural steel. Although the electrical BIM model was complex, it was still a rudimentary conduit model by today's standards. Yet, it was only through the use of BIM that the electrical contract could have been effectively planned and executed. Using 2D sections and elevations to try to understand the structure in the traditional method would have made it nearly impossible to effectively find a routing for all the required systems.

In 2005, Dynalectric was still the only contractor using BIM on the new Four Seasons Hotel and Spa Westlake Village, Calif., which was designed by WATG architects for owners Castle & Cook, Inc. More than 750,000 ft of conduit and support systems were routed for this six-story, 476,000-sq-ft structure, which includes 268 guest rooms, a spa, wellness center, TV studio, clinic, and conference center.

The Dynalectric team began by looking at the primary electrical service that was entering the main electrical room. The single line specified (20) 4-in. conduits for the two 4,000A primary feeds into the building. These raceways were routed to an already undersized and overcrowded electrical room. By modeling this area, the team was able to quickly identify the problems and clearly demonstrate the issues to the designers. For example, the staff suggested replacing more than 13 sq ft of conduit with 1.2 sq ft of busway, freeing up a large amount of space in an already congested space at no additional cost.

It is also noteworthy that more than 3,500 anchors were embedded into the structure for conduit support systems. Due to the accuracy of the model, Dynalectric was able to use 99% of these anchors.

Virtual best practices
BIM is much more than an electronic drawing tool because it allows team members full collaboration. In the best of all worlds, the general contractor (GC) is engaged in designing and implementing the BIM execution plan. This includes determining what will be modeled and at what level of detail (which varies from project to project), and facilitating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination. As every contractor knows, coordination is a give-and-take process, especially when the project is using the traditional design-bid-build delivery method, in which post-bid changes incur additional costs for the contractors.

Here's how it works in the BIM world. Each trade receives architectural and structural models from the owner. Then the trades begin routing their systems. Weekly, each trade contractor posts its systems to an FTP or other shared Web site. Typically, the GC assembles all of the models into a composite using NavisWorks Review or Manage, which enables project team members to integrate and share data and drawings from various software programs.

The composite BIM can be viewed, manipulated, and analyzed for clashes among the trades, who negotiate changes to resolve the clashes. This process continues floor by floor and quadrant by quadrant until everything finally "fits" in the virtual building.

The Miller Children's Hospital's Pediatric Pavilion at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, completed in 2007, is a good example of this concept. It illustrates the process of a BIM-coordinated project in which the GC (Turner Construction) did an outstanding job of creating a partnered environment among project team members. As designed by the architects, the Pediatric Pavilion is a 129,000-sq-ft acute care addition with seven operating rooms, a new pediatric imaging center, 48 neonatal intensive care beds, and 24 general pediatric beds, plus a 5,500-sq-ft central plant.

At the onset of the preconstruction phase, the GC brought all of the players together to assess their capabilities, determine what would be modeled, and decide what level of detail would be produced. A CAD standard and procedures were clearly defined early on in the process, including drawing naming conventions, discipline-specific layer colors, file-sharing procedures, file origins, and model detail.

Turner Construction brought the steel subcontractor on early enough in the project so that its fabrication model was available to the coordination team. This was of critical importance to the success of the project. Normally, MEP contractors must create this from the contract structural drawings. This information is rudimentary, at best, and is only intended to convey the design intent to the fabrication contractor. By the time the fabrication contractor completes his design, many requests for information (RFIs) are processed, and the model is significantly different than what was conveyed in the original design documents. The fabrication model will contain bracing and connection plate information that is not available until their model is detailed and completed. This usually impacts MEP trades significantly at a stage in the job when it is too late to mitigate problems in a cost-effective manner.

The GC also provided accurate internal/external wall and deck models, which enabled all of the MEP detailers to work from the same data set of information, reducing interpretation errors and increasing subcontractor productivity. Thanks to realistic scheduling by the GC, the project team avoided another common mistake: under-allocation of time for preconstruction. On the Miller project, the team had approximately eight months of preconstruction prior to any deliverable milestones.

Furthermore, the GC remained engaged as an active facilitator throughout the process, handling mediation of conflict resolution, management and tracking of weekly clash detection, bringing in the design team when appropriate in order to expedite information flow, coordinating schedule management, and facilitating contractor engagement with the use of NavisWorks and interactive whiteboards in the coordination meeting room.

The project was completed using the best practices of BIM and virtual construction, resulting in an efficient and productive process and a highly successful project for all involved.

Making the transition
As noted above, successful implementation and use of BIM requires significant investments in technology, staff, and training. There is no "cookie-cutter" solution. That's why going into the process with your eyes open is essential. It is not likely that there will be software that is purposed for the electrical contractor in the very near future. Be prepared to carefully evaluate the software you are considering buying. Analyze your goals, set your priorities, and start working in that direction. At the very least, making the transition from CAD to BIM requires more powerful PC hardware and new software, along with a network, servers, and high-speed telecommunications backbone that support the process. Then, it requires a considerable investment in customizing the application software. Commitment from upper management also is a must. Without their support - both financially and ideologically - moving forward into BIM will be difficult, if not impossible.

The transition also requires a transition in terms of staffing. It takes someone with a foundation of computer skills, a willingness to learn BIM technology and the process of collaboration, and the technical and intellectual capabilities to integrate this knowledge into the electrical contracting business. To become an effective building information modeler, it is not enough to understand the software. To build a virtual electrical system, one must first have considerable experience and success building them in the real world.

That is why EMCOR selected field people who have 20-plus years of electrical installation experience and an aptitude for BIM to model these systems. The mentoring approach is the best way to train people on BIM. The basic process is to give them AutoCAD classes then one-on-one 3D training. Next, they work on projects side-by-side with experienced BIM people who transfer all of the knowledge they need to work on their own. Finally, after approximately two years, they are ready to perform BIM on their own.

Although it's a long and expensive process, the benefits of BIM are worth the investment. When BIM is effectively used, it coordinates MEP trades, expands prefabrication opportunities, eliminates rework, increases productivity, decreases labor costs, and improves the consistency of the work product. BIM is no longer the future of electrical contracting - with most owners and GCs requiring this capability, especially on large projects, the future is now.

Bratton is engineering manager, virtual design and construction, in the Los Alamitos, Calif., office of Dynalectric Los Angeles - an EMCOR Co. He can be reached atJbratton@kdc-systems.com.

AutoCAD MEP 2010 Duct Transition Subscription Advantage Pack

2009-12-28T10:02:00.001-06:00

US Content Extension for AutoCAD MEP 2010

2009-12-02T07:21:00.002-06:00

You can now download additional AutoCAD MEP content from your Autodesk subscripition site.

The US Content Extension for AutoCAD® MEP 2010 software provides over 300 new pipe fittings to help mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) professionals create pipe design models and drawings for projects in the United States. Contents include:

Cast Iron (Bell and Spigot, Hubless)
Ductile Iron (Flanged, Mechanical Joint, Push On)
HDPE (Fusion)
Plastic (Hub)
Steel (Grooved)
Content is currently available in English only.

Duct Transition Extension 2010

2009-11-02T09:27:00.001-06:00

Connect complex duct layouts with the Duct Transition Extension 2010. New duct transition tools help you connect parallel duct segments of different sizes and/or elevations.

Custom fittings - Insert custom fittings between 2 selected objects automatically.
Multiple objects - Create connections between similarly shaped duct segments, duct fittings, or Multi-View parts that are parallel to one another.

AutoCAD MEP 2010 Product Update 1 Now Available

2009-09-15T10:50:00.003-05:00

General Updates to AutoCAD MEP

The following defects have been fixed in AutoCAD MEP 2010 Update 1:
Duct

Duct Flanges are displayed incorrectly after moving a duct using grips.
Velocity in Duct Modify does not match the Velocity in the Properties Palette.
Add Selected does not work correctly when duct height is greater than duct width.
Takeoff for branch is not sized correctly when duct height is greater than duct width.
Top and Bottom Elevation are incorrect in tooltip when duct height is greater than duct width.

Electrical

A crash may occur when closing a drawing with an EPD file that has a relative path.
A crash may occur when converting multiple blocks to Devices.
Wire will only connect to one connector on some scaled devices.
Device modify via grip edit doesn't move or maintain its orientation as expected.
The Add Automatic Property for a Device was not retrieving the Load Category or Number of Poles.

Pipe

The formula for percentage slope by angle is incorrect. Fixing this means that an existing tool in which a specific number for percentage is stored will produce a different slope due to the new calculation.
Pipe layouts with Very low slope cannot be created correctly.
The Parallel Pipe command places new pipes on the wrong layer when systems use different layers.
Some Pipe created in previous versions of AutoCAD MEP snaps to fittings when opened.

Multi-View Parts

Some linework is missing from certain MvParts.
Radiator insertion fails, using the window option, if the radiator width or length is located in a basic table.
Radiator Import does not set property data properly.
Radiator valves are not aligned to the radiator when inserted using the plus grip.

Display

Haloed or hidden appearance for Plumbing Lines, Schematic lines and Wires do not display correctly.

Miscellaneous

CollisionDetection does not work as expected.
"Copy to Clipboard failed" dialog will appear when copying an object that has been copy/pasted from another drawing.
A fatal error will occur when creating an elbow with multiple segments.

Problems in AutoCAD MEP Reported with the Customer Error Reporting Utility

As a result of detailed information from customers who used the Customer Error Reporting Utility, a number of problems were identified and fixed. Updates have been made in the following commands and features:

Export to AutoCAD
DuctFittingAdd
Switch Model Space to Paper Space
DuctSystemSizeCalc
Opening Legacy drawings

General Updates to AutoCAD Architecture

The following defects have been fixed in AutoCAD Architecture 2010 Update 1:

AEC Dimensions

Multiple overlapping windows may lead to incorrect dimensions.

API

AutoCAD Architecture might crash when trying to define a Display Theme style using .NET API.

IFC

Slabs may have the wrong elevation when imported from an IFC file due to an incorrect thickness offset.
Exporting a drawing to IFC may create incorrect IFC GUIDs for AEC objects.
Importing IFC files that contain certain material settings may crash.
Space exported to IFC have the IFC type of IFCTYPEOBJECT instead of IFCSPACETYPE.

Layers

The "New layer from Standard" button doesn't work in localized versions.
Layer description fields are not automatically populated in all cases.

Performance

Response is very slow when using Dynamic UCS and objects are Isolated.

Property Palette

Changing an entry to one that is the first characters of the previous entry will not work in some fields.

Schedules

Schedules are not sorted as expected when values are a combination of numeric and alphabetic characters.

Sections

Some objects imported from Inventor display as points in 2D Sections.

Structural Members

Custom block based on 3D Solids using Boolean operations are always placed at the start point.

Wall Objects

AutoCAD Architecture might hang when opening certain drawings that contain modified Wall Endcaps.
Window openings may not be created due to Wall Plan Modifiers.
Using Refedit on a block containing Wall Object may cause a crash.

Xrefs

Openings in Xrefs with negative Z value are placed at an incorrect position.

Subscription Benefits

With this update, if you are a subscription customer, a balloon notification periodically displays, letting you know how much time remains before your subscription expires. This notification will display only three times. You can also more quickly and easily access selected subscription benefits, without having to log onto the Subscription Center.

Online Renewal

If you meet the online renewal program rules, you can renew your AutoCAD MEP subscription online. If you have already renewed your subscription, or are not a subscription customer, these options are not available.
In InfoCenter, follow the directions in the alert message that displays.
In InfoCenter, click the Subscription Center button. Under Benefits Center, click Renew Online and follow the directions that display.

eLearning

In InfoCenter, click the Subscription Center button. Under Benefits Center, click View eLearning Catalog. You will be prompted to sign-in to the Subscription Center.

You can access some subscription-only learning and technical support without logging onto the Subscription Center. This includes some eLearning lessons.

Problems Reported with the Customer Error Reporting Utility

3D Navigation Tools
Action Recorder
Annotation Scaling
Blocks
Check Spelling
Customize User Interface (CUI)
Database Connectivity
Dimensions
DWF
Dynamic Dimensions
External References
File Navigation
File Save
Graphic System
Hatch
Image
Keyboard Modifiers
Licensing
Migration
Measure
Memory Handling
Multiline Text (mtext)
Object Snaps
Parametric Constraints
PDF
Purge
Plot
Quick Access Toolbar
Ribbon
Sheet Set Manager
ShowMotion
Visual Styles

General Updates

The following defects have been fixed:

2D Drawing

If the PLINETYPE system variable is set to 0, STRETCH does not work as expected on arc segments of polylines.
When the PLINETYPE system variable is set to 0, the closing point of a polyline with segments of different widths do not display correctly.
If you use the JOIN command on splines, a duplicate control point is inserted.
When you use the JOIN command on multiple polylines, AutoCAD may crash.

3D Modeling

When you open a drawing that contains solids, some solids display briefly and then disappear.
If a grip on a mesh face, edge, or vertex is highlighted and you use the ViewCube, AutoCAD crashes.

3D Navigation Tools

When you use the 3DORBIT command, you cannot orbit correctly. You can only orbit around a single pivot point and you cannot orbit around a specific object in a large group of objects.

Action Recorder

An Action Recorder macro created in AutoCAD 2009 may fail to run in AutoCAD 2010.

Annotation Scaling

When there are xrefs in a drawing, changing annotation scales takes a long time.
When an annotative style multiline text (mtext) is rotated or surrounded by a hatch, the boundary box does not display correctly.

Blocks

When you turn off the display of an attribute with a visibility parameter in a dynamic block, the Enhanced Attribute Editor lists attribute prompts incorrectly.
You cannot copy an object from an AutoCAD 2009 drawing and paste it as a block into an AutoCAD 2010 drawing.
You cannot use the Properties palette to set the value of a action parameter to 0.
When you delete a constraint parameter from a dynamic block, AutoCAD may crash.
You cannot stretch some dynamic blocks as expected.

Check Spelling

When you run spellcheck on uppercase words, AutoCAD may crash.

CUI

When you save a workspace, if the Enterprise CUIx file is read-only, AutoCAD crashes.
Toolbar flyouts close unexpectedly.

Data Extraction

When you use Data Extraction to extract the value of a block's multiline attribute into a table, text formatting code displays in the table.

DGN Support

When a DGN file is imported, some attributes are missing.

Digital Signature

When you open a drawing, the Invalid signature dialog box may display even if the digital signature is valid.

Dimensions

You cannot create an angular dimension between two lines in different XY planes.

DWF

When the background color in AutoCAD is black, some DWF underlays do not display correctly.

Dynamic Dimensions

When you use the COPYBASE command with Dynamic Input on, AutoCAD crashes.

Export Layout

When you use the EXPORTLAYOUT command on files in which Standard styles have been renamed, AutoCAD crashes.

External References

You may not be able to bind multiple xrefs that include nested xrefs.

File Open

When you try to open a drawing file from a FTP site, AutoCAD may crash.

Find and Replace

If you use Find and Replace, autonumbering is deleted.

General UI

On the status bar, the model or paperspace button may be missing, even after you have repeatedly turned it on.

Graphic System

When the background color is changed in an active paperspace viewport, the cursor disappears.
After you plot a drawing in AutoCAD, if you lock Microsoft Windows and then unlock it, AutoCAD may crash.

Hatch

When you turn off the current layer while grip editing a hatch boundary, AutoCAD crashes.
When the UCSVP system variable is set to 0, hatched objects align with the WCS rather than the UCS.
When you grip edit a hatch with an elliptical boundary, AutoCAD crashes.

Image

When you attach some TIFF images, AutoCAD crashes.
TIFF images may not display correctly.

Inquiry Tools

The AREA command fails on some polylines.

Keyboard Modifiers

When temporary overrides are enabled, keyboard input using the Shift key may not display on the command line.

Layers

Xrefs on locked layers do not display faded as expected. The LAYLOCKFADECTL system variable fails to alter them.
When you delete a certain layer, all layers may be deleted.
On the ribbon, the Layer drop-down does not display layers based on the current layer filter.

Licensing

When you set your system time back more than 2 days, your license is broken.
When you use a proxy server for internet access, the License Transfer Utility fails.

LiveUpdate

When you have Autodesk 2009 and AutoCAD 2010 installed side-by-side, LiveUpdate does not work in AutoCAD 2009.

Measurement Tools

When you use the MEASUREGEOM command, the tooltip and command line results are different. The tooltip result is incorrect.
When you use the DIST command in model space, the results at the tooltip and the command line are different. The tooltip result is incorrect.

Migration

When you export certain profiles, AutoCAD crashes.
When you save certain profiles migrated from AutoCAD 2009, AutoCAD 2010 crashes.

Multileader (mleader)

When you mirror mleaders that contain blocks with multiline attributes, the mirrored attributes are incorrectly justified.

PDF

When you plot a drawing as a PDF file, the layer order is not alphabetized as expected.
When a drawing that contains layers with names that include special characters is exported as a PDF, it cannot be opened.
When you attach a large PDF file to your drawing, or try to attach it and then cancel the operation, performance is slow.

Publish

When Windows XP is set to Windows Classic theme, on any Asian language version of AutoCAD 2010, if you use the PUBLISH command, AutoCAD freezes.

Purge

On Windows Vista, in the Purge dialog box, when you attempt to use the Ctrl or Shift keys to select multiple items, the first highlighted item is de-selected.

QUICKCALC

Calculations performed by the QUICKCALC command may be incorrect.

Recover

When you use the RECOVER command on a AutoCAD 2000 formatted drawing file, polylines and splines in the drawing are deleted.

Reference Edit

When you use the REFSET command, you can only add one instance of a block to the reference set. Other instances are rejected and an error message displays.

Ribbon

Text styles from an attached xref display in the Ribbon text style control.
When you switch between AutoCAD Classic and other workspaces (for example, 2D Drafting & Annotation or 3D Modeling), performance becomes slow.
Layers with a VP Freeze for a viewport indicate the VP Freeze status even when the viewport is not active.
When you click the File menu in the zero doc state, AutoCAD freezes.
After you unload a partial CUI file, a tab remains on the ribbon. If you click the tab, AutoCAD crashes.

Section & Flatten

When you section solids through API, multiple memory leaks occur.

Seek

The SHAREWITHSEEK command may not work if the port used to communicate with Seek is blocked by a firewall.

Snaps

When you snap to the grid, there may be a slight offset from the grid.

Visual Lisp

When you use the CECOLOR system variable, the value returned by using the Getvar function is incorrect.

UCS

In AutoCAD 2010 German, you cannot use ribbon controls to modify coordinates.

Xrefs

With the XATTACH command, you cannot select multiple xrefs.

Autodesk's AutoCAD MEP 2010 Product Launch Press Release

2009-02-07T08:05:00.008-06:00

Autodesk hosted three virtual press conferences to launch the 2010 portfolio of design software. Detailed information on the 2010 products as well as links to archives of the webcasts are provided below.

Autodesk's AutoCAD MEP 2010 Product Launch Press Release

What’s New

Enhanced Usability

New customizable ribbon toolbar is task-oriented with redesigned, intuitive icons.
Improved workspaces are tailored for tasks such as HVAC and piping systems in
ready-made formats, which are also highly customizable.
New application menu helps enable easier access to a list of commands such as
Open, Save, Export and Publish; also use the application menu to access recent
documents.
Gravity based designs for Sanitary Drain, Waste, Vent and Storm/Sewer drainage
systems can now be drawn more easily with the new sloped piping functionality.
Pipe routing preferences have been expanded to include parts with male and female
connections.

More Efficiently Create and Edit Drawings and Drawing Data

Leverage multiple part catalog support and use individual catalogs for different
material types, allowing for easier part selection.
Support and migrate existing customized catalogs with tools to redefine the catalog
based content in existing drawings; upgrade and add new parameters automatically.
Import manufactured building components from Autodesk® Inventor® without
undesirable loss of data.
Content builder enhancements allow users to create custom parametric parts with
male, female or a combination of both connectors based on real-world piping
requirements.
Enhanced integration with Autodesk® Seek web service lets designers search a vast
library of 2D and 3D building products and publish customized designs to the service.

Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP 2008 with EastCoast CAM

2009-01-07T15:36:00.005-06:00

Over the past eighteen months engineering teams from Autodesk and EastCoast have collaborated to develop the first fully embedded fabrication toolset for HVAC and Piping inside. AutoCAD MEP software, the version of AutoCAD software designed specifically for mechanical, electrical and plumbing designers and drafters Working together, AutoCAD MEP has been enhanced with spool drawing, real manufacturer content and duct fabrication. The end-user benefits include 100% software compatibility with Autodesk products, a single design and fabrication user interface, elimination of object viewers and a full life-cycle sustainable design process flow.

Click below to see their video demo
AutoCAD MEP Fabrication workflow demo, Dave Derocher

Click below to see their video demo
Power of AutoCAD MEP for drawing and modification for Sheet Metal, Randy Swaim

Click below to see their video demo
Power of AutoCAD MEP for drawing and modification for Piping, Randy Swaim

Autodesk to Acquire BIMWorld

2008-12-15T21:04:00.000-06:00

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200812150800PR_NEWS_USPR_____SF52141.htm

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Further enhancing its portfolio of solutions for building information modeling (BIM), Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), a leader of design innovation software and technologies, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of BIMWorld, a privately-owned business specializing in the production and distribution of branded BIM content for building product manufacturers. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Autodesk plans to combine BIMWorld with Autodesk Seek, its online source for building product design information that allows architects and engineers to search, select and specify building products directly from their design applications. Autodesk Seek is a search-based Web service available in the 2009 U.S. versions of Autodesk’s Revit-based software applications for BIM, as well as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP software. Autodesk Seek is also available through standard browsers at http://seek.autodesk.com.

"The vision for Autodesk Seek is to be a leading online destination and one-stop-shop for high quality building product information and design files," said Jeff Wright, Autodesk senior director of Content Solutions. "By joining forces with the BIMWorld team, we will strengthen the leadership of Autodesk Seek as a powerful marketing solution for building product manufacturers, and by further leveraging our strategic content partners, accelerate designers’ access to a breadth of rich product information and design files for use during the design process."

Assigning IFC Classifications To AutoCAD MEP Objects

2008-12-12T10:31:00.007-06:00

The International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) has established international standards for common architectural and construction objects in the building industry. In particular, the International Alliance for Interoperability developed an Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data model to define CAD graphic data as 3D real-world objects. The IFC file format provides interoperability between IFC-certified software applications and reduces loss of information when files are transmitted.

You can export drawings saved in AutoCAD MEP to the IFC format and then import the file into another IFC-certified application like Revit. The dimensions of any 3D architectural objects, including MEP objects, are preserved when exporting to IFC.

Before you can export an MEP drawing file to IFC, you need to map each MEP object to the appropriate IFC classification. This step allows MEP objects developed in AutoCAD MEP to display properly in other IFC-certified applications.

You can assign IFC classifications to the following MEP objects:

Cable tray
Cable tray fitting
Conduit
Conduit fitting
Duct
Duct custom fitting
Duct fitting
Duct flex
Hanger
Multi-View part
Panel
Pipe
Pipe custom fitting
Pipe fitting
Pipe flex

The IfcShareBldgElements (MEP).dwg drawing file contains the IFC classifications for these MEP objects. This file resides at \Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\Styles. The following IFC object classifications are supported in AutoCAD MEP:

IfcDistributionChamberElement
IfcDistributionControlElement
IfcDistributionFlowElement
IfcEnergyConversionDevice
IfcFlowController
IfcFlowFitting
IfcFlowMovingDevice
IfcFlowSegment
IfcFlowStorageDevice
IfcFlowTerminal
IfcFlowTreatmentDevice
IfcElectricDistributionPoint

Use the following procedure to assign IFC classifications to MEP objects prior to exporting to an IFC file:

To set up IFC classifications in AutoCAD MEP

Click File menuOpen to navigate to \Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-A 2009\enu\Styles directory and open the IfcShareBldgElements (MEP).dwg file.
Click Format menu Style Manager.At the Command prompt, enter AecStyleManager.
Expand Multi-Purpose ObjectsClassification DefinitionsifcObjectClassification in the left pane.

Right-click ifcObjectClassification and click Copy.
Click Cancel to close the Style Manager.
Click File Close to close the IfcShareBldgElements (MEP).dwg drawing file without saving it.

To map MEP objects to IFC

Open a drawing file that contains the MEP objects where you will assign IFC classifications.
Click Format menu Style Manager. At the Command prompt, enter AecStyleManager.
Expand Multi-Purpose ObjectsClassification Definitions.
Right-click Classification Definitions and click Paste.
Click ifcObjectClassification in the left pane and then the Applies To tab in the right pane to see the applicable MEP objects (as shown below).
Click OK.
Right-click an MEP object in your drawing and click Properties on the context menu.
Click the Extended Data tab on the Properties palette.
Under Classification, click next to IfcObjectClassification to open the Select Classification dialog.

To apply a new IFC classification to the selected MEP object, choose an IfcSharedBuildingServicesElement property from the list and click OK.
Your selection appears next to IFCObjectClassification on the Extended Data tab on the Properties palette. Repeat this step for each MEP object in your drawing.
You can also click on the Quick Select icon at the upper right corner of the Properties palette to select multiple MEP objects with the same classification and then classify them on the Extended Data tab. You might be unable to map some MEP objects directly to IFC. For example, you might choose to map an MvPart to IfcFlowFitting if the classification is Junction_Box, to IfcFlowMovingDevice if the classification is Fan, or to IfcFlowTerminal if the classification is Air_Terminal. Alternately, you can also leave the IFC classification as unspecified.
Save your drawing file before exporting it to an IFC file.

To export or import IFC files

To export a drawing to IFC, click File menu IFC Export to IFC.To export a drawing to IFC, at the Command prompt, enter AecIfcExport.
Following the export, you can open the new IFC file in Revit. The IFC classifications appear for each object that you defined previously.
To import an IFC file back into AutoCAD MEP, click File menu IFC Import from IFC.To import an IFC file back into AutoCAD MEP, at the Command prompt, enter AecIfcImport.
The imported IFC file is imported as a referenced drawing (xref). You can check that the MEP objects were properly preserved.
To edit objects in the imported file, right-click an object and click Edit Xref in-place.

Importing a large IFC file may fail due to the limitations of memory addressing on 32 bit operating systems. In this case the only solution is to use a 64 bit operating system.
Duct, Pipe, Conduit and CableTray elbow fittings in Rise and Drop display as 1-line when using Import from IFC. To allow the fittings to display in Model view, perform the following:
Go to Display Manager>Sets>MEP Design - Plan and activate the Sketch Check Box for Mass Element. Perform the same procedure for other Sets that will be used as the UI Display Configuration.

Content Extension for AutoCAD MEP 2009

2008-11-18T08:47:00.004-06:00

Release Date: 2008-10-09

The US Content Extension for AutoCAD® MEP 2009 software provides new pipe and MvParts catalogs for water and wastewater design. By downloading this extension, you will have access to components and parts specific to the water and wastewater design projects, including, large diameter pipe fittings, numerous valves, aerators, centrifuges, classifiers, conveyors, blowers, screens, gates, pumps as well as other equipment.

This new content can be downloaded for free from your Autodesk subscription login.

Parts added via this Content Extension

Below is a list of parts types added to both the US Imperial and US Metric part catalogs.

MvParts\Electrical

Starter
Controllers
Interface Stations

MvParts\Mechanical

Aeration Disc Diffuser
Blowers
Centrifuges
Classifier
Conveyors
Gates
Heat Exchangers
Mixers
Pumps
Screen
3-Way Valves
Air Valves
Backflow Preventers
Ball Valves
Butterfly Valves
Check Valves
Cone Valves
Diaphragm Valves
Gate Valves
Globe Valves
Knife Valve
Mud Valves
Valve Actuators

Pipe

Buttweld Cross
Buttweld Elbows
Buttwled Reducer
Buttweld Tee
Buttweld Laterals
Flanges
Flanged Cross
Flanged Elbows
Flanged Reducer
Flanged Tee
Flanged Laterals

General Installation Information

Before You Begin to install the content extension, keep in mind to back up all custom parts, including the .dwg, .xml and .bmp files.

Installation Location

The content will be added to the MEP Catalog Content location specified during the original install of AutoCAD MEP 2009.

The Windows XP default location is:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\Aecb Catalogs.

The Windows Vista default location is:
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\Aecb Catalogs.

Note: If you have moved your catalogs after installation to a new location the Content Extension parts will not be installed to the new location.

After the content extension is installed you will need to go into your options, and add the two catalogs to the MEP Catalog and then Regenerate the Catalogs.

Creating Annotative Tags

2008-11-17T09:19:00.003-06:00

Creating Annotative Tags in AutoCAD Archtitecture

I get asked about how to create smart tags in AutoCAD MEP all the time, and I think I wrote an article on it at one time, but my memory fails me sometimes, but I ran across David Koch's blog in regards to creating smart tags that are annotative. So if you can't find this information in my search, take a look at Davids' blog.

Thanks.

AutoCAD MEP® 2009 Update 2 Now Released

2008-10-20T15:07:00.004-05:00

autocad_mep_suite_2009_update2_win_32bit.exe

autocad_mep_suite_2009_update2_win_64bit.exe

The following defects have been fixed in AutoCAD MEP 2009 Update 2

Duct

Duct Sizing should more accurately produce the correct size in metric units.

Electrical

The Load property on Devices will now schedule the loads of each phase instead of only phase 1.
Object Snaps on scaled Devices will now behave more consistently.
Devices which contain annotation will produce an image in the Property Palette which matches the image in the Select a Style dialog

Pipe

Using grips to modify a Pipe layout during a Reference Edit session no longer causes disconnections in the pipe layout.
AutoLayout should not produce overlapping pipe segments when connection two existing pipes to each other.

Tool Palettes

Multi-view Part tools will respect Part Size Name when executed.

Miscellaneous

Invalid Enum Map String message is no longer encountered when using the MvPartModify command on a multi-view part which does not exist in the active catalog.

The following defects were fixed with AutoCAD MEP 2009 Update 1 and are also fixed in AutoCAD MEP 2009 Update 2:

Catalog editor

Unable to Write Check Permissions error occurs when copy and paste parts into the same catalog.

Duct

Duct sizing does not always provide the expected size when using Metric units

Electrical

Power Totals tool does not always state the correct load.

Pipe

Pipe segments will be offset from each other when using justification which is not Center/Center.
Insulation will not be applied to pipe fittings when using the match properties.
In some instances pipe object are not visible until a regenerate is performed.

MvPart

Invalid Enum Map String error when using MvPartModify on a multi-view part created via MvPartConvert command.

System

AutoCAD warning message when saving an External Reference.

General Updates to AutoCAD Architecture

The following defects have been fixed in AutoCAD Architecture 2009 Update 2

Annotation scaling

Multi-view blocks inserted from user created tools did not scale properly when used in subsequent drawings or sessions.

Drawing management

Projects created from project templates did not inherit the correct sheet storage location property.
Projects created from project templates did not inherit sheet subset storage location information.
The application would occasionally crash when creating project details.

GBXML

Surfaces belonging to different walls would export with the same CadObjectId.

IFC

Spaces, railings, footings, and column objects might be exported with an incorrect object type identifier in some localized releases.
Half spaces would be imported as large modifiers.
Slab fascias and soffits would not properly export in some localized releases.
Level and elevation info would be created in reverse order when an IFC file was imported into a project.
Material sets applied to walls of type "Shared" would not export correctly.

Schedules

The schedule quantity column evaluated property values without first applying the property data format.

Wall objects and opening endcaps

Certain endcap configurations might cause walls to disappear in 3d isometric views.
Some walls might not draw completely at a locked z elevation.
Using "Add selected" for anchored doors, openings, and windows could cause an application crash in some circumstances.
Walls might fail to clean up properly across xrefs if the host drawing used different drawing units than the xref.

Miscellaneous

Tooltips would appear for AutoCAD entities even when ROLLOVERTIPS was set to zero.
Saving a drawing to the 2004 file format would take an exccessive amount of time.
Export to AutoCAD might cause an application crash in some circumstances.

The following defects were fixed with AutoCAD Architecture 2009 Update 2:

AModeler

The application might crash when cutting or refreshing sections or elevations containing certain structural members.

Drawing Management

For localized versions of AutoCAD Architecture, callouts and labels would occasionally fail to resolve when dropping views.
The application might crash when viewing the external references of a project drawing that was resaved as a different project drawing type.
It was not possible to drag a project entity from one file to another when hardware acceleration was enabled, if the host drawing did not use the 2d wireframe visual style.
The application might crash when plotting immediately after cancelling a previous plot job.

IFC

Fillet radii would not be imported reliably for certain parameteric profiles.
Parametric profiles without voids would not be imported reliably.
Spaces with clipping and holes would not import reliably.
Wall styles would not be reliably converted and mapped on import.
Curtain walls might not be import properly on localized versions of AutoCAD Architecture.

GBXML

gbXMLspan would export a value 1000 times too large for AirChangesPerHour in metric drawings.

OMF

The application would occasionally crash on shutdown.

Wall Objects

The face of a wall might not draw correctly in isometric view for certain endcap configurations.

Display System

Autodesk Civil 3D users could end up with a style referencing a non-existent hatch.

Miscellaneous

Memory would not be released to Windows when closing a drawing.

General Updates to AutoCAD

The following defects have also been fixed:

3D Navigation Tools

When you use the ViewCube in some drawings, AutoCAD freezes.
.NET API
If you create a wipeout object through .NET API, a fatal error may occur.

Annotation Scaling

The scale of annotative text changes when you use LISP entmod() to change the properties of the annotative text.

Attributes

When a drawing contains xrefs, the -ATTEDIT command fails.

Autodesk Buzzsaw

In the File Navigation dialog box, when you use the Add a Buzzsaw location shortcut option, AutoCAD crashes.

Blocks

When you copy and paste a dynamic block, associative hatches do not work.
After you redefine a block definition, associative hatches in dynamic blocks display incorrectly.
When you open a drawing, a polyline in a block may have a very large width.
After you open a drawing, some dynamic blocks lose their dynamic properties.

Data Extraction

Data Extraction cannot finish operations in some cases.
The Data Extraction Combine Record Mode > Sum values option does not work correctly.

DGN Support

When you import some DGN files, AutoCAD crashes.

DIM

If alternate units is on and you edit dimension text, the alternate units text is duplicated.

Export a Layout to Model Space

If .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1 is installed and you use the EXPORTLAYOUT command on some layouts, AutoCAD may stop responding.

External Reference ESW

The FIND command performs slowly when you search for text.

Groups

Rollover highlighting does not go away.

Hatch

When you bind a drawing with an xref that contains annotative hatches, AutoCAD crashes.

Hide/Shade

When you use the HIDE command with a drawing that contains text, some objects may not be hidden.

Image

When you attach a corrupted raster image to a drawing, AutoCAD crashes.

Layer

When you zoom to a locked viewport, the Layer palette updates

Layouts

When you attempt to switch layouts in drawings, an Out of Memory crash may occur.

Materials

When you import a 3DS file with texture, AutoCAD may crash.

Menu Browser

Some menu macros do not work.

Multileader (mleader)

Mleader custom arrowheads are not brought over to the drawing from the Tool palette.

Multiline Text (mtext)

When you edit mtext in a viewport, it may be duplicated in other viewports.

Open/Save

Osnaps on polylines and mesh objects do not work correctly.

Plot

When you plot upside-down, an OLE object does not plot correctly.
A drawing that contains hatches and gradients may plot slowly.
When plot area is set to View, AutoCAD LT may crash.

Publish

When you attempt to publish multiple sheets with PUBLISHCOLLATE=1, only the first sheet of the set is plotted.

Quick Properties

When you edit multiple mtext objects through the Quick Properties palette, AutoCAD crashes.

RECOVER

When you render some drawings, AutoCAD runs out of memory.

Ribbon

If the ribbon is displayed and you select portions of a mtext object that contains multiple formats, the mtext object becomes distorted.

Selection

When you select objects in groups, AutoCAD may crash.

Tables

When you edit text with space before or after the text within a table cell, AutoCAD crashes.

Text

When you move text to a new position within a drawing, it disappears.

Tool Palette

When you attempt to edit the properties of multiple Tool Palette tools, an Out of Memory crash may occur.

Known Issues with This Update

After installing this update you may receive a "Error Code: 3010" message incorrectly claiming that the update failed. You can verify this by viewing installed updates through the Windows control panel.
After you apply this update, you may experience the following ribbon customization-related problems:

An Incorrect or Missing Ribbon Tab

Known Issue: When you display a ribbon tab from a partial or Enterprise CUI file, on the ribbon, the ribbon tab displays incorrectly or is missing.
Workaround: To correctly display a ribbon tab, recreate the workspace used to display the ribbon tab from scratch. Do not duplicate or attempt to update the workspace. Once you create a new workspace, set the workspace current. The ribbon tab should display correctly.
For a partial CUI file, before you add a ribbon tab to a workspace, use the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor to change the customization group name of the file. The customization group name is represented by the uppermost node of the tree in the Customization In pane.

A Blank Image for a Command

Known Issue: On a ribbon panel, the image associated with a command defined in the Command List pane displays as a blank icon.
Workaround: To recreate a ribbon command item on a ribbon panel, delete it. Then, from the Command List pane, add the command to the ribbon panel.

HVAC Load Calculation Extension For AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP

2008-09-24T23:10:00.002-05:00

The HVAC Load Calculation Extension by Autodesk, Inc. is a commercial and industrial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) load calculation software package whose calculations are based upon the ASHRAE 2005 Fundamentals radiant time series (RTS) method. The purpose of this software is to provide you with total cooling and heating loads for a building so that you may properly specify the correct size HVAC equipment (whether it is a packaged rooftop unit or a boiler). This program is geared specifically toward the HVAC engineer, architect, design/build mechanical contractor, and building maintenance supervisor.

The HVAC Load Calculation Extension is available to customers of AutoCAD MEP 2009 and AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2009 on Autodesk Subscription and is subject to Autodesk Subscription terms and conditions.

The Extension supports sustainable design by allowing engineers to properly size HVAC equipment without oversizing. Conventional wisdom dictates that it is better to have too much cooling than not enough. Without the ability or tools to accurately calculate heating and cooling loads, oversizing equipment is a common practice. However, oversized equipment wastes a tremendous amount of energy throughout its lifetime. In a BIM-supported workflow, analysis capabilities and calculation tools (such as this Extension) enables designers and engineers to more thoroughly investigate design alternatives and optimize their emerging design for energy efficiency and sustainability.

The HVAC Load Calculation Extension uses formulas from the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Handbook of Fundamentals. This publication compiles the fundamentals of the HVAC, such as methods for calculating peak cooling and heating loads for buildings.

The Extension produces a number of reports including: a summary load breakdown by individual room; a detailed load breakdown by individual load components such as roofs, walls, people, and lighting; and a psychrometric report that includes the properties of the entering and exiting air. Some of these reports include graphs for better visualization of the load breakdowns. Users also have the ability to export custom reports to Microsoft Word or Excel applications.

The Extension is able to import building information from AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP using the gbXML file format. This means that all pertinent information about the building can be transferred to the Extension so that very little manual data entry is needed. Once the cooling and heating load calculations are performed, the results can be exported back to AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP for proper duct and pipe sizing.

The HVAC Load Calculation Extension includes the following basic features:

Inputs for HVAC system characteristics such as supply cooling and heating temperatures, ventilation rates, fan characteristics, cooling and heating setpoints, duct sizing, and safety factors
Inputs for HVAC area (room) characteristics such as wall, window, roof, door, skylight, and partition areas. In addition, there are inputs for # of people, electrical appliances, infiltration, lighting, miscellaneous, exhaust, and plenum loads
Weather data from over 800 cities throughout the world
A complete u-value database for common wall, roof, window, floor, and door types
A complete appliance list for determining internal electrical equipment load contributions
Many reports including summary, detailed, psychrometric, wall/window breakdown, 24-hour load breakdown, and graphical reports
A feature that allows the user to export all inputs and outputs to custom Microsoft Word and Excel documents
Equipment selection
Support for both English (IP) and Metric (SI) units

WAN Acceleration 2009 Hotfix

2008-09-17T14:23:00.004-05:00

Autodesk finally released a hotfix to improve the performance of saving to 2007 DWG format when running in a WAN Acceleration environment. The problem was an Autodesk problem, and not anything related to any particular Wan Accelerator as some people have thought. This is a Hotfix posted by Autodesk that you can also view from the following links...

2009 Wan Acceleration Hotfix link
2008 Wan Acceleration Hotfix link
2007 Wan Acceleration Hotfix link

Description of Problem
WAN acceleration technology typically relies on data-deduplication as a significant part of accelerating data transfer. The 2007 DWG format is written to disk with a type of error-checking that has the side-effect of nearly every byte of the file changing during full-save, even if little was changed. WAN accelerators fail to deduplicate the 2007 DWG data and must transfer nearly all bytes in the 2007 DWG file. This results in a slow-down during full-save when working over a slow WAN.

This hotfix will make a small change in the way the 2007 format DWG files are written to disk such that WAN acceleration hardware will be better able to deduplicate the 2007 DWG data; this will provide some performance gains for SAVE operations when users are saving across a WAN acceleration environment. The resulting 2007 DWG file will be readable whether or not others have this hotfix, but to achieve the best performance everyone working on the same DWG should install this hotfix.

After intalling the hotfix, you must set the Windows environment variable, ACADCOMPRESSIONMODE to 1 for it to have effect.

Note: For AutoCAD, you can often get performance gains in QSAVE operations by setting the ISAVEPERCENT system variable to 100. Using a value of 100 will maximize the chance that a QSAVE operation will use incremental-save rather than full-save. (WAN accelerator technology is able to show good performance in deduplication of 2007 DWG format files when incremental save takes place.)

Applicable Products
AutoCAD 2009
AutoCAD LT 2009
AutoCAD Architecture 2009
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009
AutoCAD Electrical 2009
AutoCAD Land Desktop 2009
AutoCAD Map3D 2009
AutoCAD Mechanical 2009
AutoCAD MEP 2009
AutoCAD P&ID 2009
AutoCAD Raster Design 2009
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2009 (1)
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2009 (2)
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 2009 (1)
Autodesk Inventor™ Professional 2009 (3)
Autodesk Inventor Suite 2009 (3)

(1) Apply this hotfix only if the installation includes AutoCAD 2009.
(2) Apply this hotfix only if the installation includes AutoCAD MEP 2009.
(3) Apply this hotfix only if the installation includes AutoCAD Mechanical 2009 or AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop® 2009.

Installation Instructions

To Install the WAN Acceleration Hotfix
You must have administrative privileges on your Microsoft® Windows® operating system to complete the installation process.

This installation requires you to replace the following files:

acdb17.dll
AcSignCore16.dll

After you replace these files, you must restart your system in order for this hotfix to take effect.

NOTE: Only apply this hotfix after you have installed an AutoCAD 2009-based product. This installation requires you to modify an installed product, which may cause Windows security warnings to display. For all Windows security warnings that display during installation, click Continue.

To Replace the acdb17.dll File

Close all software applications.
Navigate to your product installation folder; for example C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2009.
In the product installation folder, right-click the acdb17.dll file and select Properties.
Click the Version tab and confirm the file version.
If the file version is 17.2.56.0, 17.2.111.0, or 17.2.112.0, proceed with this installation.
If the file version is greater than 17.2.112.1, do not install this hotfix.
Rename the affected original file.
In the product installation folder, right-click the acdb17.dll file and rename it acdb17.bak.
Based on the product you have installed and its version of the acdb17.dll file, double click the appropriate file.
For AutoCAD 2009-based products with the acdb17.dll file version 17.2.56.0
Based on the version of your product, double-click WAN_Accelerator_Hotfix_2009_32bit.zip or WAN_Accelerator_Hotfix_2009_64bit.zip.
For AutoCAD 2009 Update 1 with the acdb17.dll file version 17.2.111.0 or 17.2.112.0
Based on the version of your product, double-click WAN_Accelerator_Hotfix_2009_Update_1_32bit.zip or WAN_Accelerator_Hotfix_2009_Update_1_64bit.zip.
Extract acdb17.dll file to the product installation folder; for example C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2009. NOTE: Keep the zip file that you used in step 6 open. Without opening other software applications, immediately proceed to the procedure below .

To Replace the AcSignCore16.dll File

Navigate to your Autodesk Shared folder; for example: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared.
In Autodesk Shared folder, right-click the AcSignCore16.dll file and select Properties.
Click the Version tab and confirm the file version.
If the file version is 17.2.56.0 proceed with this installation.
If the file version is greater than 17.2.112.1, do not install this hotfix.
Rename the affected original file
In the Autodesk Shared folder, right click the AcSignCore16.dll file and rename it AcSignCore16.bak.
Double-click the zip file you used when you replaced the acdb17.dll file. See To Replace the acdb17.dll File, Step 6.
Extract the AcSignCore16.dll file to the Autodesk Shared folder; for example: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared.
Restart your system.

To set the ACADCOMPRESSIONMODE environment variable

On Windows XP

Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Click the Advanced tab.
Click Environment variables.
Click New to add a new system variable name and value.
Set the Variable name to ACADCOMPRESSIONMODE
Set the Variable value to 1
Click OK until you return to the desktop

On Windows Vista

Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Click the Advanced system settings link.
Click Environment variables.
Click New to add a new system variable name and value.
Set the Variable name to ACADCOMPRESSIONMODE
Set the Variable value to 1
Click OK until you return to the desktop

To Uninstall the WAN Acceleration Hotfix

In the product installation folder
Delete the acdb17. dll file that you downloaded.
Restore the file you renamed to the original name. See To Replace the acdb17.dll File, Step 5.
In the Autodesk Shared folder
Rename the AcSignCore16.dll file to AcSignCore16.dll.hotfix.
Restore the file you renamed to the original name. See To Replace the AcSignCore16.dll File, Step 4.
Restart your system.

For more information about this issue, I have previous posts around it
WAN war breaks out over changed file formats in AutoCAD MEP
Reduced write performance for Riverbed WAN links when working with AutoCAD MEP 2007 DWG files
WAN Accelerators Part II

Calculation of pipework system volumes and displaying in schedule

2008-07-30T12:10:00.004-05:00

This tip will enable the user to automatically calculate the volume of pipework in a system, and display it in a schedule which will update itself to reflect any changes made to the system. First of all you have to make sure that you only select pipes when creating a schedule to calculate volumes, as fittings such as reducers will not allow the formula to work (having two sizes and no actual length specified).This will produce a schedule of just pipes, as expected. You will be presented with a schedule of question marks to begin with so you need to select the schedule, right click and select “add all property sets”. Now you need to add your formula column: select and right click the schedule and select “edit schedule table style”. Then pick on “add formula column”.

You will then see the “modify Formula column” dialogue box as shown:

You will need to set all of the options as shown above, and add the formula as shown. (The highlighted parts of the formula are selected from the “insert property definitions” box below.)

Once done, if you pick OK and then OK again, your schedule should have a column added to it showing volumes (in litres) for all pipes and a total volume at the bottom.

For other units of volume e.g. cubic metres you simply need to change the ratio currently set as 0.000001 in the formula. Of course this will only ever show volumes for the pipework only and not the fittings, so you may need to add a percentage to it for a more realistic figure.

http://www.autodesk.co.uk/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=452932&id=9997264&linkID=10427447

AutoCAD MEP 2009 Service Pack 1 Released

2008-07-26T04:47:00.004-05:00

Download the AutoCAD MEP 2009 Product Update 1 32-Bit Here

Download the AutoCAD MEP 2009 Product Update 1 64-Bit Here

Primary Issues Resolved by This Update
General Updates to AutoCAD MEP
The following issues have been fixed in AutoCAD MEP 2009 Update 1:

Catalog Editor

Unable to Write Check Permissions error occurs when copy and paste parts into the same catalog.

Duct

Duct sizing does not always provide the expected size when using Metric units

Electrical

Power Totals tool does not always state the correct load.

Pipe

Pipe segments will be offset from each other when using justification which is not Center/Center.
Insulation will not be applied to pipe fittings when using the match properties.
In some instances pipe object are not visible until a regenerate is performed.

MvPart

Invalid Enum Map String error when using MvPartModify on a multi-view part created via MvPartConvert command.

System

AutoCAD warning message when saving an External Reference.

Problems in AutoCAD MEP Reported with the Customer Error Reporting Utility
As a result of detailed information from customers who used the Customer Error Reporting Utility, a number of problems were identified and fixed. Updates have been made in the following feature areas:

External Reference (xref) Editing
Device Selection
Project Navigator
Multi-View Part Modify
Opening Legacy drawings

General Updates to AutoCAD Architecture
The following issues have been fixed in AutoCAD Architecture 2009 Update 1:

AModeler

The application might crash when cutting or refreshing sections or elevations containing certain structural members.

Drawing Management

For localized versions of AutoCAD Architecture, callouts and labels would occasionally fail to resolve when dropping views onto sheets.
The application might crash when viewing the external references of a project drawing that was resaved as a different project drawing type.
It was not possible to drag a project entity from one file to another when hardware acceleration was enabled, if the host drawing did not use the 2d wireframe visual style.
The application might crash when plotting immediately after cancelling a previous plot job.

IFC

Fillet radii would not be imported reliably for certain parameteric profiles.
Parametric profiles without voids would not be imported reliably.
Spaces with clipping and holes would not import reliably.
Wall styles would not be reliably converted and mapped on import.
Curtain walls might not be import properly on localized versions of AutoCAD Architecture.

GBXML

gbXML would export a value 1000 times too large for AirChangesPerHour in metric drawings.

OMF

The application would occasionally crash on shutdown.

Wall Objects

The face of a wall might not draw correctly in isometric view for certain endcap configurations.

Display System

Autodesk Civil 3D users could end up with a style referencing a non-existent hatch.

Miscellaneous

Memory would not be released to Windows when closing a drawing.

Problems in AutoCAD Architecture Reported with the Customer Error Reporting Utility
As a result of detailed information from customers who used the Customer Error Reporting Utility, a number of problems were identified and fixed. Updates have been made in the following feature areas:

3D Visual Styles
Annotation Scaling
External References (xref) palette
Raster Images
Partial Open
Plot
Properties Palette
Hatch
Remote text (rtext)

General Updates to AutoCAD

The following issues have also been fixed:

.NET API

When a .NET function with a LispFunction attribute has the return type as object, an exception is thrown in AutoCAD.

Annotation Scaling

A drawing that contains a large number of anonymous blocks and copies of annotative entities created in AutoCAD 2007, or an earlier release, opens slowly in AutoCAD 2009.
A scale is infinitely enumerated when you insert a drawing that contains the same scale as a block or an external reference (xref).

Attributes

When you attempt to display a tooltip of a multiline text (mtext) attribute that contains 281 characters or more, AutoCAD crashes.
When you move a block using an insertion grip, mtext attributes move incorrectly.
When the default value of an mtext attribute in a block contains a field, you cannot edit the attribute text to replace the field with other data.

Blocks

When you insert or redefine a block that contains attributes on a locked layer, AutoCAD crashes.
When you change the scale of a block through the Properties Palette, an attribute displays incorrectly.

Export a Layout to Model Space
When you export a layout to model space the following occurs:

The linetype scale changes.
Dimension arrowheads do not display.
Text does not rotate correctly.
Drawing properties are lost.

External Reference ESW

The External References palette does not display when auto-hidden and used with the XREF or IMAGE commands are used.

Hatch

When you recreate a hatch boundary, it consists of separate line segments rather than a closed polyline.

Hide/Shade

When you plot, objects in an xref are not correctly hidden.

Menu Browser

You cannot access the menu browser in a non-English version of AutoCAD using the shortcut Alt+Key.

Multileader (mleader)

When created on a rotated UCS, a multileader does not respect POLAR or ORTHO settings.

Multiline Text (mtext)

When you drag and drop a drawing while the In-Place Text Editor is active, AutoCAD crashes.
When some of the values in the In-Place Text Editor are changed, AutoCAD crashes.
Some mtext objects with double byte characters display as a single line.

Open/Save

When you attempt to save a file with a long file name, AutoCAD may crash.
When you drag and drop a file from Windows Explorer into the AutoCAD title bar while in Single Document Interface (SDI) mode, AutoCAD may crash.
When you attempt to open multiple files from Windows Explorer, only the first selected file opens.

Partial Open

When the OPENPARTIAL system variable is set to 1, if you use the PURGE command, drawings may become corrupted.

Plot

When you plot upside-down, an OLE object does not plot correctly.

Property Palette

In the Properties palette, the Dimension Style control may display an incorrect dimension style name.

Publish

In the Publish dialog box, the Publish To setting always defaults to DWF format even if you select a different setting.

Quick Properties

When you change the theme of your operating system while running AutoCAD and then click the Quick Properties window, AutoCAD crashes.

RECOVER

When you open some valid drawings, you are prompted to use the RECOVER command.

Render

When you use the RENDER command with certain drawings that contain textured object, AutoCAD crashes.

Ribbon

When acad.CUI is loaded as a partial CUI, some buttons in the multiline text (mtext) ribbon contextual tab fail.
On a ribbon panel, you may not be able to move items between rows.
A ribbon panel continues to display after it is removed from a ribbon tab.
A button image used on a ribbon panel that is loaded from a resource DLL file lacks a transparent background.
If you transfer a ribbon panel and a tab, buttons display small.
Enterprise, main, and partial CUI files display multiple ribbon tabs in workspaces.
You cannot control a ribbon tab when you use more than one non-AutoCAD CUI file.
A ribbon tab and/or menu macro may not function properly when referenced from multiple CUI files.
If you load a CUI file that references a missing BMP file, a fatal error displays.

Visual LISP

The AutoLISP Redraw function fails to hide or highlight objects.

ZOOM

When you zoom while inserting some blocks, AutoCAD crashes.

Known Issues with This Update
After you apply this update, you may experience the following ribbon customization-related problems:

An Incorrect or Missing Ribbon Tab
Known Issue: When you display a ribbon tab from a partial of Enterprise CUI file, on the ribbon, the ribbon tab displays incorrectly or is missing.
Workaround: To correctly display a ribbon tab, recreate the workspace used to display the ribbon tab from scratch. Do not duplicate or attempt to update the workspace. Once you create a new workspace, set the workspace current. The ribbon tab should display correctly. For a partial CUI file, before you add a ribbon tab to a workspace, use the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor to change the customization group name of the file. The customization group name is represented by the uppermost node of the tree in the Customization In pane.
A Blank Image for a Command
Known Issue: On a ribbon panel, the image associated with a command defined in the Command List pane displays as a blank icon.
Workaround: To recreate a ribbon command item on a ribbon panel, delete it. Then, from the Command List pane, add the command to the ribbon panel.

MEP Analysis Extension for AutoCAD MEP/Revit MEP

2008-07-11T08:12:00.003-05:00

Autodesk announced that the company is making two extensions for AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP available to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers to design more efficient building mechanical systems. The MEP Analysis Extension, available as a free 30 day technology preview from Autodesk Labs, is a set of 25 utilities that MEP engineers can use to better understand how a building system will perform before it's built, ultimately helping MEP engineers reduce energy costs and environmental impact while improving the performance of building systems. The HVAC Load Calculation Extension, available for Autodesk Subscription customers of AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP, performs peak cooling and heating load analysis for commercial buildings so that engineers can properly size HVAC equipment. Both extensions can function as stand-alone applications, but also work in conjunction with both AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP.

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/mep_analysis_extension/

The MEP Analysis Extension calculates rule-of-thumb cooling and heating loads for commercial and residential buildings, calculates total R-Values for walls and roofs, determines psychrometric properties of air, and more. Running these types of calculations through the MEP Analysis Extension can help MEP engineers reduce error and waste, potentially saving energy costs, the company states. The MEP Analysis Extension also contains utilities for sizing duct work, piping, and HVAC systems, helping engineers and architects identify the most appropriate building equipment early in the design cycle.

The following utilities are included in the MEP Analysis Extension:

Metric to English units converter
single-state psychrometric calculations
mixed-air psychrometric calculations
duct sizing calculations
ASHRAE duct fitting pressure loss calculations
general pipe sizing
hot/chilled water pipe sizing
steam pipe sizing
low-pressure gas pipe sizing
high-pressure gas pipe sizing
refrigerant pipe sizing
fan cost analysis
fan curve analysis
pump curve analysis
rule-of-thumb commercial HVAC load calculations
simple residential/light commercial HVAC load calculations
swimming pool heating calculations
u-value calculations
gbXML parser
wire sizing utility
glass moisture condensation
life cycle cost analysis
a super calculator for complex equations
manage HVAC equipment lists
manage climatic weather data

The HVAC Load Calculation Extension is a comprehensive HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) load calculation software tool that determines building peak cooling and heating loads based upon current calculation techniques from ASHRAE. Using the results from the software, engineers can properly size cooling and heating equipment without oversizing such equipment, which often results in wasted energy. The Load Calculation Extension works as a stand-alone application, but also integrates easily with BIM modelers such as Revit MEP.

The MEP Analysis Extension is available as a free technology preview from Autodesk Labs. Visitors to Autodesk Labs are encouraged to experiment with inventive new tools and provide feedback to the Autodesk team. The HVAC Load Calculation Extension is available to customers of AutoCAD MEP 2009 and Revit MEP 2009 on Autodesk Subscription and is subject to Autodesk Subscription terms and conditions. The extension is currently available in English only, but will operate with all language versions of AutoCAD MEP 2009 and Revit MEP 2009 software.

The extension will run through October 31, 2008.

Available as a Technology Preview feature, the Extension is programmed to expire within 30 days of installation. They are offering this extension to get feedback to help them make better products and technology, and it plays an important role in determining the future of the Extension. Tell them what you think!

Autodesk and Bentley to Advance AEC Software Interoperability

2008-07-09T10:39:00.003-05:00

Found this announcement interesting.

http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=436%3C%2Ftd%3E

Autodesk and Bentley Systems announced an agreement to expand interoperability between their portfolios of architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) software. Autodesk and Bentley will exchange software libraries, including Autodesk RealDWG, to improve the ability to read and write the companies' respective DWG and DGN formats in mixed environments with greater fidelity. In addition, the two companies will facilitate work process interoperability between their AEC applications through supporting the reciprocal use of available Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). With this agreement, the companies aim to improve AEC workflows by enabling broader reuse of information generated during the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure, and by enhancing the ability of project teams to choose among multiple software sources.

Interoperability has emerged as a critical issue for users of design and engineering software. By virtue of this agreement, and the interoperable offerings that it will enable, AEC firms will be free to employ software tools of choice from either Autodesk or Bentley to accept or submit either DWG or DGN files. By improving fidelity of work shared between the two file formats, users will be able to focus on being creative and getting work done, rather than being constrained by file-compatibility considerations.

Through supporting the reciprocal use of their available APIs, Autodesk and Bentley will enable AEC project teams to combine products from both providers within integrated workflows. For instance, a design team could use a mixture of Autodesk and Bentley software, such as Autodesk's Revit platform and Bentley's STAAD and RAM structural products, and simulate and analyze their designs or manage project information using Autodesk NavisWorks software or Bentley's ProjectWise.

Xref Space Issues in AutoCAD MEP 2009

2008-07-03T09:09:00.005-05:00

Back in ABS 2007, and ADT 2007, there was a new feature that combined the architectural spaces and the engineering spaces into one space object that could be shared between both deciplines.

Click on picture to see the problem.

Asking the Architect to move their spaces into a separate xref file, rather than placing spaces in the architectual model itself might be a lot to ask but it will be the only way that engineers will be able to use spaces and zones in their engineering models. The architect can start a new file that will be just for the Architectural spaces. The Architect would xref their background into this new file containing their spaces.

With their spaces off to the side, this should free up their backgrounds to allow engineers to make your own spaces.

In the meantime, Autodesk has logged a wish request to make Rooms different from Spaces so the engineer can model the volumes we need for calculations. Architects can model their Rooms. Kind of going back to what they had in 2007, and what Revit MEP 2009 has.

AecBatchStylesEditor 2009 by CADaption

2008-06-26T08:05:00.005-05:00

CADaptation released the newest version of its CAD management software utility AecBatchStylesEditor 2009. The software brings its capabilities for editing multiple AEC styles and definitions in a single batch process to the Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture 2009 and AutoCAD MEP 2009 software platforms. The simplified workflow of AecBatchStylesEditor allows companies and individuals to configure, implement, maintain and upgrade their AEC CAD standards more easily.Features Summary

Most batch style edits performed by AecBatchStylesEditor generally begin with the workflow of: selecting an Object Type, a Source Style, and one or more Style(s) to Edit. Once this step is completed, Users may then configure a batch-edit scenario to be applied to the current Drawing by utilizing the controls of the various tabbed-windows, or "Editor Tabs", that are available in the user interface.

Summary of Features

Property Sets

When editing Property Set Data (PSD), users may:

Add Style-Based Property Sets, found in the Source Style, to the selected Style(s) to Edit.
Remove Style-Based Property Sets from selected Style(s) to Edit that do not exist in the Source Style.
Copy individual (Manual) Property Values from the Source Style, to the selected Style(s) to Edit.

Materials

When editing Materials, users may:

Change the Material assignments for same-named Components, defined in the Style(s) to Edit.

Classifications

When editing Classifications, users may:

Copy selected Classification assignments found in the Source Style, to the Style(s) to Edit.

Display Properties

When editing Display Properties, users may:

Copy selected Display Properties from the Source Style, to the Style(s) to Edit.
Copy selected Display Properties between Display Representations within each Style to Edit.
Add Style Display Overrides found in selected Source Display Representations to the corresponding Display Representations in each Style(s) to Edit.
Remove Style Display Overrides found in the Style(s) to Edit, not found in corresponding Display Representations in the Source Style.
Select individual Entity & Hatch Component Properties to be included/excluded from the batch edit.
Customize the copying of display settings across Display Representations.

Preferences

When configuring the user Preferences of AecBatchStylesEditor, Users may:

Configure optional startup/close options
Configure event logging options

Three editions of AecBatchStylesEditor software are available for purchase and download, starting at $175 per user. A free evaluation edition of AecBatchStylesEditor 2009 (EVAL) is also available for download to Web site users who register.

Contact Information

Email: info@cadaptation.com

URL: http://www.cadaptation.com

New Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2009

2008-06-25T16:45:00.002-05:00

Link to Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2009 Brochure

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (AQTO) software enables cost estimators to gather design data, high-quality images, and precise information from intelligent design applications such as AutoCAD MEP, Revit MEP, and AutoCAD Civil 3D, as well as from “nonintelligent” CAD data and image formats.

Use Autodesk AQTO to leverage property data to automatically or manually measure, count, and price various building objects.Estimators can leverage precise property data to automatically or manually measure, count, and price walls, doors, windows, and other building objects. Results can then be printed, exported to Microsoft Excel, or published to Autodesk DWF, all of which means that Autodesk Quantity Takeoff software supports workflow, from design to cost estimation.

With the integration of 2D and 3D design data, Quantity Takeoff brings drawings and data together seamlessly. The software addresses key requirements for cost estimators by giving users more flexibility than stand-alone design documents, databases, or spreadsheets. The software's open architecture is flexible enough to meet the needs of the multitude of disciplines involved in estimating construction costs.

AQTO sotware is based on Autodesk Design Review software, which provides a complete and all-digital way to view, print, measure, mark up, and revise 2D and 3D designs without the original design creation software. Creating precise and timely cost estimates of 2D and 3D digital design content has never been so easy.

AQTO software has a full set of intuitive manual takeoff tools, enabling you to perform polyline, area, and count takeoffs. Quantity Takeoff also provides more advanced manual takeoff tools for such tasks as backing out specific areas of a measurement, enabling you to account for changes in materials or voids in areas such as atrium space or mechanical chase. AQTO software leverages the data within intelligent objects created in Revit MEP, AutoCAD MEP, and AutoCAD Civil 3D design applications. This enables cost estimators to quickly and easily search for and count similar items across a project using the Search Takeoff feature.

Cost estimators working in 3D with Quantity Takeoff software can perform intuitive, interactive walkthroughs for examination and estimation of all object details. By utilizing 3D DWF files imported from applications build on the Revit platform, they can perform an entire model takeoff of all 3D design objects with a single click. Object visibility and transparency are adjustable according to building section or component type.

New Autodesk Subcontractor 2009

2008-06-25T16:33:00.004-05:00

Stop wasting time searching through folders, three-ring binders, and spreadsheet logs. Autodesk Subcontractor project documentation software helps specialty and trade contractors increase productivity and improve processes and accountability. Manage documents and generate reports from one central location to save time and identify crucial issues, and reduce risk. Spend your time managing your projects—not your paperwork.

Link to Product Brochure

Autodesk Subcontractor is a project management documentation solution that increases productivity and improves processes and accountability. With Subcontractor, clients can track Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, change orders, emails, correspondence, pay applications, and more.

Autodesk Subcontractor is designed for all specialty and trade contractors, who use are solution to optimize, standardize and automate their business processes. Clients include all of the following specialty contractors: electrical, mechanical, plumbing, painting, drywall, concrete and many others.

If you enter a job into Autodesk Subcontractor, other users in your company will be able to see it. As long as you are accessing a centralized database, that is, from a server on a local network, you can access information from other jobs, as well as run reports across projects.

You can restrict what projects and modules a user sees. Each user is assigned to specific projects, ensuring security on the project level. Module access is assigned on a user-by-user basis.

You can email and fax documents directly from Autodesk Subcontractor. If you use Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Lotus, or Groupwise you can email documents directly from Autodesk Subcontractor. You can also fax these documents using the Subcontractor internal internet faxing service.

Autodesk Subcontractor is a document management application that helps subcontractors better manage their projects. At this time, it is not specifically designed to track project costs beyond payment applications, change orders, and purchase orders.

Microsoft® .NET is a database solution used for the back-end database of Autodesk Subcontractor. .NET provides speed, connectivity over a VPN (virtual private network) connection, no need for mapped drive paths, it also will allow for Webpage interface if setup with Autodesk support. You can connect to Autodesk Subcontractor through VPN or a terminal server connection.

The Divisional Database option gives you the opportunity to separate project and company information among multiple company divisions. It allows for different logos, company addresses, and maintenance table setup.

Displaying Duct and Duct Fittings Only at Various Elevations in AutoCAD MEP 2009

2008-06-19T14:21:00.008-05:00

Setting the Global Cut Plane and Display Range

Elevation-based display components control the display of ducts and fittings when all of the following conditions are met:

The display components are enabled
The current view is Top (plan)
The current display configuration uses 1-Line or Plan display representations for ducts and fittings

When you configure a display configuration, you can specify a global cut plane and associated display range.

In Top (plan) view, AutoCAD MEP uses the cut plane settings for the current display configuration, in conjunction with the elevation of a duct object, to determine which display component (Below, Low, High, or Above) is used to display the object.

To set the global cut plane and display ranges for a display configuration

Access the global cut plane settings Click Format menu ->Display Manager.
In the left pane, expand Configurations, and select a display configuration.
In the right pane, click the Cut Plane tab.
Select a display configuration that uses a 1 Line or Plan display representation in Top (plan) view. The elevation-based display components determine display only in these display representations and in this view.
For Cut Height, enter a height. The values you enter for Display Above Range and for Display Below Range are not relative to the cut height. They are absolute height values calculated from the WCS origin.
For Display Above Range, enter a height.
Duct objects above this range are displayed using the Above display components. In plan display representations, these are the Contour - Above, Insulation - Above, and Rise Drop - Above components. Duct objects at or below this range, but above the cut height, are displayed using the High display components.
For Display Below Range, enter a height. Duct objects at or below the cut height, but above this height, are displayed using the Low display components. Duct objects at or below this height are displayed using the Below display components.
Click OK.

Overriding the Global Cut Plane for Ducts and Fittings

You might need to use different cut planes and display ranges for AutoCAD MEP ducts and fittings as opposed to AutoCAD Architecture objects.

To accomplish this, you can specify a global cut plane and display range in each display configuration, and then override those settings as needed for one or more object types in the drawing default settings, or for a system, a style, or an individual object.

To apply a cut plane override to ducts and duct fittings

If you want to apply the override to the default drawing settings for all objects in the duct domain, namely, ducts, flex ducts, duct fittings, and custom duct fittings then Click HVAC menu-> HVAC System Definitions. In the left pane of Style Manager, select any system definition, and in the right pane, click the Display Properties tab. Select the 1-line or Plan display representation to which you want to apply the override (of the default drawing settings), and click the properties button . Accessing and configuring a display representation in this way automatically applies the changes to the same display representation for all objects in the duct domain (ducts, duct fittings, custom duct fittings, and flexible ducts). You can achieve the same results by configuring the display representations using Display Manager, but this requires you to configure the display representation for ducts, repeat the changes in the same display representation for duct fittings, repeat them again for custom duct fittings, and so on.
If you want to apply the override to a duct system definition then click HVAC menu -> HVAC System Definitions. In the left pane of Style Manager, select the system definition, and in the right pane, click the Display Properties tab. Select the Style Override check box that corresponds to the 1-line or Plan display representation to which you want to apply the override.
If you want to apply the override to a duct style, then select the duct or duct fitting, right-click, and click Edit Duct Style. In the Duct Style Properties dialog, select the Style Override check box that corresponds to the 1-line or Plan display representation to which you want to apply the override.
If you want to apply the override to a duct object, then select the duct or duct fitting, right-click, and click Edit Object Display. In the Object Display dialog, select the Object Override check box that corresponds to the 1-line or Plan display representation to which you want to apply the override.
Click the Cut Plane tab.
Apply the desired override for the display configurations that use this display representation:
If you want to override the value for Display Above Range, then select Override Display Configuration Display Above Range, and enter a height.
If you want to override... the value for Cut Height, then select Override Display Configuration Cut Height, and enter a height.
If you want to override...the value for Display Below Range, then select Override Display Configuration Display Below Range, and enter a height.
The values you enter for the Above and Below ranges are not relative to the cut height. They are absolute height values calculated from the WCS origin.
Click OK twice.
You can also use the Display tab of the Properties Palette during design to enter the override values.

ThomasNet - Source for downloading 3D Manufacturer Equipment

2008-06-17T10:55:00.001-05:00

ThomasNet - Source for downloading 3D Cad Models

I found this website where you can insert specific manufacturer equipment as solid objects into your AutoCAD MEP dwg directly from the website. Once the dumb 3D solid is inserted, you can create an MvPart from it, and add electrical, hvac or plumbing connectors to it so that it can be used to perform as it would in the BIM Model. You can add property set data to the part as well completing the convertion from a dumb 3D solid; to a rich, data filled working part.

You can also download them in the following formats:
DXF 3D, Step, Acis, Iges, jpg, bmp, png, tif, xml

The ACIS solid will allow you to insert the 3D solid into a Revit MEP family template so that you can add either electrical, hvac or plumbing connectors to it and make it more intelligent and more useful in your BIM Model. You'll be able to add various parameters to this ACIS solid once you convert it to a Revit Family so that you can generate tags and schedules for the equipment.
The advantage of these solids is that they have all the various model sizes and options that the manufacturer provides which is almost unlimited. The drawback is that you can end up creating millions of parts because they are static in size and shape. One of the advantages of drawing them in Revit MEP or AutoCAD MEP instead is that you can create parametric solids that can flex based off of dimensions that can be driven from the users input, or a table. That way you only need one model to drive all the various sizes a part can come in.

It's not exactly what we're looking for in the industry, but it's a start. This gives you the ability to finish the 3D solids yourself and create your own manufacturer specific MEP content in either AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP. There is 2D content there as well, but that old technology is really worthless in this new age of BIM.

Some day, manufacturers will not only provide their equipment in 3D, but also with all of the needed connectors, data, and also make them parametric so that they can easily be modified on the fly.

CAD Categories

Automation & Electronics
Pumps, Valves & Accessories
Plastics & Rubber
Materials Handling
Instruments & Controls
Engineering & Consulting
Custom Manufacturing & Fabricating
Process Equipment Plant & Facility Equipment
Metals & Metal Products
Machinery, Tools & Supplies
Hardware
Electrical & Power Generation
Services
Other

Trane Trace 700 GBXML Integration

2008-05-30T12:18:00.009-05:00

The import gbXML (Green Building XML) feature will import data into a TRACE 700 project file based on building dimensional information exported from a CAD drawing. The CAD software must have the capability of generating a XML file that meets the Green Building XML requirements such as AutoCAD MEP.

The generated TRACE file will have the rooms defined (floors, walls, windows, etc). Note that users have the option of selecting what data to import from the CAD model into TRACE. The user will then need to define the template information for the file (internal load information, construction types and ventilation airflows) to refine the room inputs. After running the simulation, output information from the TRACE program can be exported back to the CAD model (space airflows, heat/cooling loads, etc.).

The gbXML standard is in the process of being accepted by most CAD vendors. Autodesk and Bentley will likely be the first two vendors to use this feature. The import has been implemented in TRACE for a few years now (leading the industry) and the export functionality is available in version 4.1.5 or greater.

C.D.S. has completed similar development with VariTrane Duct Designer. VDD can now import files using ddXML. Analysis can then be performed on the duct design and sizing/pressure detail information can be returned directly to the CAD model through an export feature in the program. For additional information on VariTrane Duct Designer or ddXML call the C.D.S. support center at 608-787-3926 or e-mail at: cdshelp@trane.com . For additional information specific to gbXML go to http://www.gbxml.org/ .

Exporting gbXML data from AutoCAD MEP

1. Open the drawing file in the AutoCAD MEP in this case.

Note: Verify that the latest version of AutoCAD MEP is installed before beginning this process. Autodesk products are updated with Live Update, which downloads patches to your product using Communication Center. Users can use Live Update to check for updates when a web connection is established. If a product patch is available, notification of its availability is received on the AutoCAD status bar, and the patch can be either downloaded directly from an Autodesk server or modified first before being copied to users' workstations.

2. Go to the File drop down menu and select Export to gbXML.

3. Select the location to export the gbXML data to, the number of zones to export, input the building type and zip code, then press the Start button to begin the export process.

4. When finished, press the Close button and exit out of AutoCAD MEP.

5. Using Windows Explorer, place the gbXML export file into the TRACE 700 Projects directory, typically this will be C:\CDS\TRACE700\Projects.

Importing gbXML data in TRACE 700

1. Open TRACE 700 and start a new file. This can be done by going to the File drop down menu, clicking on New, then TRACE 700, then entering a name for the file, and clicking on Open.

Note: Verify that the latest version of TRACE 700 is installed before beginning this process. Updates can be downloaded by going to the Help drop down menu, selecting Trane on the Web, and choosing Check for Updates or visiting the Download Center at http://www.tranecds.com/.

2. Go to the File drop down menu and select Import gbxml…

3. Navigate to the .xml file that was created during the export from AutoCAD MEP and click on Open.

Note: If errors occur during the import process please install the latest MSXML from Microsoft from http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;sp

4. Select the desired information to import from the gbXML file and click OK.

5. Note any error messages that occur during the import process and click OK. Make sure to verify the inputs that relate to the error messages in TRACE input file. In this case, ventilation airflows were input in two ways in the CAD file, therefore one of the methods was selected to be used in the import.

7. Verify/refine the inputs in Create Rooms and/or use Templates to make changes in mass (see How to Use Templates.doc for details on how templates work).

Note: Due to the gbXML import, the vast majority of inputs for Create Rooms will have been filled out during the import process. Also, note that 75+ percent of the time that it takes to input a file is typically spent in Create Rooms and the gbXML import can reduce this time by more than two thirds.

8. Add additional details to the airside systems in Create Airside Systems.

Note: For details on how to model different airside systems, please refer to the TRACE 700 Modeling Guide.

9. Reassign the rooms to the refined systems in Assign Rooms to Systems (see the document Zoning in TRACE.doc for details on how to zone rooms in TRACE). From this point on, the TRACE project file will function as a typical TRACE 700 file.

Note: For details on creating cooling and heating plants please refer to the TRACE 700 Modeling Guide.

Note: For details on inputting utility rate information see How to Create Utility Rates.doc.

Exporting gbXML data from TRACE 700

1. Open TRACE 700, open the project file (filename.trc), and calculate at least the design section.

2. Go to the file drop down menu and select Export gbxml…

3. Select the existing .xml file that was used during the import process

4. When the export is complete, the information for the rooms plus zones will have been exported to the xml file.

Importing gbXML data in AutoCAD MEP

1. Open AutoCAD MEP and open the drawing file.

2. Go to the File drop down menu and select Import from gbXML…

3. Select the xml file to import that data from and click on Open.

4. TRACE 700 calculation data should now be included with the drawing file.

GbXML Results Exported From TRACE 700

Room
• Space Loads - These loads can be found in the space loads section of the Room Checksums Report.
• Cooling Skylite Solar
• Cooling Skylite Conduction
• Cooling Roof Conduction
• Cooling Glass Solar
• Cooling Glass Conduction
• Cooling Wall Conduction
• Cooling Partition
• Cooling Exposed Floor
• Cooling Infiltration
• Cooling Lights
• Cooling People
• Cooling Miscellaneous Equipment
• Cooling Ceiling
• Cooling Ventilation
• Cooling Over-sizing
• Total Cooling
• Heating Skylite Solar
• Heating Skylite Conduction
• Heating Roof Conduction
• Heating Glass Solar
• Heating Glass Conduction
• Heating Wall Conduction
• Heating Partition
• Heating Exposed Floor
• Heating Infiltration
• Heating Lights
• Heating People
• Heating Miscellaneous Equipment
• Heating Ceiling
• Heating Ventilation
• Heating Over-sizing
• Total Heating
• Coil Loads – These values come from the System Component Selection Report.
• Main Cooling Coil Tonnage (if main cooling coil is at the room level)
• Auxiliary Cooling Coil Tonnage (if auxiliary coil is present in system)
• Main Heating Coil Mbh (if main coil is at the room level)
• Preheat Coil Mbh (if preheat coil is at the room level)
• Reheat Coil Mbh (if reheat coil is at the room level)
• Humidification Coil Mbh (if humidification coil is present in system)
• Auxiliary Heating Coil Mbh ( if auxiliary coil is present in system)
• Fan Airflow – These values come from the System Component Selection Report
• Primary Fan (if fan is at the room level)
• Auxiliary Fan (if system required)
• Room Exhaust Fan (user specified)
• Diffuser

Additional questions regarding TRACE 700, gbXML, Varitrane Duct Designer, and/or ddXML should be directed to the C.D.S. Support Center - cdshelp@trane.com or 608-787-3926.

Install Directory Differences Between Vista and XP

2008-05-23T09:43:00.001-05:00

When you install an Autodesk program on Vista, the files are installed in a different location. Here are the differences between the two operating systems. If you are trying to tell a customer where to look for various autodesk files, this chart might help. This directory change is required for the software to be Vista compatible.

Windows XP

C:\Program Files\

C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Autodesk\

C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\

Windows VISTA

C:\Program Files\

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\

C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\

You should replace with the name of each user that runs the product on this computer and replace and with the corresponding product information from the following list:

AutoCAD MEP 2009 ‐ Update a Panel Load Schedule Table Style

2008-05-02T10:27:00.010-05:00

New in AutoCAD MEP 2009, you can create your own custom panel load schedule table style to match the layout of your company’s standard panel load schedule. First, create the custom table, and then create the panel load schedule table style from the table. When creating the custom table, insert placeholder field codes where the panel and circuit data would display. When the custom panel load schedule table style is used to generate a panel load schedule, the field codes are replaced with the panel and circuit values from the Circuit Manager.

The following field codes are available specifically for use in panel load schedule tables:
(Click on image to enlarge)

Toby Smith from Autodesk created a document that outlines the steps to alter the Distribution Board schedule (altering other styles would be similar). He hopes to get a white paper published that explains the concepts and steps in more detail. I hope this document steers you in the right direction.

It is currently not possible to have a user entry column in the Panel Load Schedule that won't get replaced during a schedule update. Autodesk is hoping to add a "Comments" column in Circuit Manager but they wern't able to implement it for the 2009 release. It's something they will consider for a future enhancement.

AutoCAD MEP 2009 ‐ Update a Panel Schedule Table Style

Save a copy of the existing panel load schedule table style drawing and/or copy the desired table to a new drawing. In this example, we have saved the existing style drawing to a new file called MyPanelSchedules.dwg and deleted the ones we didn’t want.

For this example, we will alter the Distribution Board schedule and change the Wire Size column to display Circuit Rating instead.

Update the text in the column header to read "CIRCUIT RATING" [col I‐J‐K‐L, row 5]

In the next row below, delete the "?CircWires" field then right‐click in the cell and select Insert Field…

In the Field category, select AEC Circuit and select Circuit Rating for the Field name. Click OK to insert the Field Code and then click OK if necessary to close the Text Formatting dialog box.
Now that the table has been updated to appear how we want, the Table Style needs to be updated to reflect the changes.

You can re‐use the existing table style or create a new one (recommended). To create a new table style, select Format > Table Style…or type TABLESTYLE at the command line. In the dialog box, click the New button

Give the table style a meaningful name – in this example we used MyDistBoard then click Continue.

In the next dialog box, click on the button to "Select table to start from":

Select the proper table and the dialog box should be updated (the "Remove" button is highlighted and the preview window updates to show the table). The other settings should be left as they are.

Click OK to close the dialog then click Close to exit the Table Style dialog. Save and close your drawing ‐ your new panel schedule is now ready to use.

Test out the new schedule by inserting a panel into a drawing (you can also test out by using a drawing or EPD that already has a panel in it too). In this example, we have inserted panel "MDP". Click on Electrical > Panels > Panel Schedule…or type PANELSCHEDULEADD at the command line.

In the dialog box, set the style location to the proper file (MyPanelSchedules.dwg in this example) and select the correct table style (MyDistBoard is the new one we just created).

Click OK to insert the schedule. Verify that the schedule reflects the changes that were made to the Circuit Rating column.

AutoCAD MEP 2009 Using Multiple Catalogs

2008-04-29T23:16:00.004-05:00

In 2009, you can now specify multiple part catalogs for a category. For example, you can specify the MvPart catalog provided with the software and a custom MvPart catalog for the MvPart category. However, if 2 parts in different catalogs have the same ID or the same name, only the part in the catalog that is higher in the list will be displayed during part selection.

I was messing around with this more tonight, and I found out that in order to facilitate two catalogs in the new version of AutoCAD MEP, you need to add all of your custom parts to a new custom catalog; do not add custom parts to the catalogs provided with the software and delete the out of the box content. My custom catalog started from the default catalog, and I deleted the default content and the second catalog didn't appear in the tool palette. I created a new Catalog, and dragged my custom content into the new catalog, and mapped that new custom catalog to the options catalog path, and now in the tool palette, under add Mechanical Equipment, I can see both catalogs.

AutoCAD MEP 2009 Compatibility with Earlier Releases

2008-04-29T21:45:00.000-05:00

Because of the new enhancements to the software, for example electrical panel database files, in 2009, if you open that 2009 drawing in an earlier release, the older program doesn't understand the new features, and will give you errors. This will continue with every new version of AutoCAD MEP in the future, so it will be important to stay up to date with the latest release, and make sure everyone is using it.

Revit doesn't allow you to open a newer project in an older release at all. That eliminates these types of issues of backwards compatibility, or lack thereof.

In 2009, you will not see any warnings or messages when you open a 2009 drawing in an earlier version program. But as soon as you get to a new feature that it doesn't recognize, you will then get a warning that the drawing is a newer version and might not be compatible. I don't understand that. It should be displayed just as you open the drawing like in previous years, but it isn't this year. So be aware if you do work in a prior release program.

Drawing Compare Subscription Module for AutoCAD MEP 2009

2008-04-24T15:53:00.003-05:00

Drawing Compare is available exclusively for AutoCAD MEP 2009 customers participating in the Autodesk Subscription program. Download this module now to get the Drawing Compare feature. The Drawing Compare feature enhances collaboration by using color-coded displays to show items on a drawing that have been changed, added, or deleted by other members of the design team. Changes to items such as styles, fire ratings, or other non-graphical properties are also tracked. Combined with redlining features, such as revision clouds, the Drawing Compare features help make communication across the design team clearer than ever.

The comparison process is like how drawings were compared when they were received on tracing paper or Mylar sheets and then overlaid on the original project drawings using a light table. Drawing Compare displays informational data about the objects in your drawing as well as displaying the graphical changes on the drawing screen.

You select the review drawings and compare each to its corresponding project drawing on the Setup tab of the Drawing Compare palette. After the comparison, you view the results on the Review tab of the Drawing Compare palette and in the drawing area.

Drawing Compare identifies objects that have been modified, added, or removed in the review drawings. Based on the status of the objects (modified, new, or missing), colors are assigned, and a list of the changes is generated.

In the following example, a simple floor plan was modified to show what information Drawing Compare displays during a comparison session. The review drawing shows that changes to the project drawing include moving the lower vertical interior wall segment to the left (resulting in a shorter horizontal interior wall segment), adding an exterior door to the right exterior wall segment, and removing a window from the upper exterior wall segment.

When the drawings are compared, color-coded changes are displayed, based on the type of change.

Information about changes is also displayed in the Object Report List on the Review tab.

Autodesk Impression

2008-04-24T14:48:00.002-05:00

Subscription customers can download Autodesk Impression for free from their Autodesk Subscription website.

Impress your colleagues and clients with compelling presentation-ready graphics created directly from your DWG™ and DWF™ files. Autodesk Impression software is easy to use, saves you time, and recognizes data from your CAD files. Autodesk Impression 2 software is available to AutoCAD®, AutoCAD® Architecture, AutoCAD® Civil 3D®, AutoCAD® Map 3D, AutoCAD® MEP and AutoCAD® Revit Architecture Suite software products’ subscription customers.

Benefits of Impression include:

Generate Great-Looking Images—Fast. Presentation graphics are about winning business. Your images have to sell your projects. With Impression you can easily apply graphical styles to your CAD files using prebuilt styles or customized styles that you create—from pencil styles to watercolor fills.
CAD Compatible - Because Impression understands CAD data, the illustration process is much faster than with general-purpose graphics applications. Open any DWG or DWF file in Impression. Impression recognizes blocks, layers, hatches and other CAD-specific data.
Easy to Learn and Use - Impression is designed so that anyone in the office can learn the application in minutes and can get great results right away.
Quickly Create Multiple Design Iterations - Quickly update your presentation graphics when designs change or apply your signature style to all the drawings that you produce.
Integrate Into Existing Workflow - Impression fits easily into your existing workflow and is interoperable with many popular graphics applications.

DIALux Plug-In for AutoCAD MEP 2009

2008-04-24T14:15:00.004-05:00

Subscription users can download from their subscription website, this plug-in provides Electrical design engineers with a tool for importing lighting configurations made using DIALux; one of Europe’s leading lighting design, calculation and analysis tools. This plug-in exports spatial geometry facilitating model production in DIALux and imports lighting fixture layouts, assigning manufacturer specific information, via exchange file. This facilitates the design and layout of lighting configurations for AutoCAD MEP 2009 subscription users.

DIALux Plug-In Commands
The DIALux plug-in is designed for AutoCAD MEP 2009. As such, it loads and executes with this release only. The plug-in provides two, command line tools:

DialuxExport - This command exports AutoCAD MEP 2009 spaces as rooms to an external file that can be imported into the DIALux application.

DialuxImport - This command imports lights from DIALux, by reading an external file into AutoCAD MEP 2009.

Exporting Spaces from AutoCAD MEP
To begin exporting spaces from AutoCAD MEP to DIALux, you must first open a drawing containing valid spaces objects (or create these as required). Next, follow the steps outlined below to export spaces to DIALux as rooms.

Type DialuxExport at the command line. This action prompts for space objects,
as illustrated in Figure 1. Select one or many spaces to export, using standard AutoCAD selection methods. Once complete, press Enter to continue – this action displays the Select Export STF Files dialog box.

In the Select Export STF File dialog, specify an export filename and click Save. This file has an STF (Setup Information Files) extension and can be imported directly into the DIALux application, sharing AutoCAD MEP spaces as DIALux rooms. This process helps speed the production of room objects in DIALux.

Importing Rooms into DIALux
The STF file exported from AutoCAD MEP can contain one or many spaces. When imported into DIALux, DIALux uses the data to create a series of rooms. Each room has the same name as its corresponding space in AutoCAD MEP. The following lists the steps necessary to import this file into DIALux and create rooms.

Open the DIALux application

From the File menu, chose Open. In the dialog that appears, ensure the file type is set to STF Files (*.stf) and navigate to the location of your file, as illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 – Open STF Files in DIALux

Click Open to open the STF file and read all spaces into DIALux into as rooms. Please refer to the DIALux documentation for information on creating and opening projects and using this application.

Using DIALux

A key feature of the DIALux application is its ability to link to manufacturer databases of lighting fixtures. These databases can be downloaded locally as plug-ins or accessed across the internet. Lighting fixtures can also be loaded into a current project through manufacturer specific portals, such as that illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4 – Manufacturer Specific Portals

Lights can be inserted individually into a project, or as groups of lights in lines or arrays. Figure 5 illustrates a typical view of a room in DIALux with the ‘3D Light Distribution Display’ and ‘False Color’ options enabled.

Figure 5 – Lighting Layout in DIALux

Importing Lights in AutoCAD MEP 2009
Once the lighting analysis has been completed in DIALux and all lights positioned, the project can be exported back to an STF file. To export DIALux data, and import it into AutoCAD MEP:-

From the File menu choose the Export option and Save STF File (Figure 6).

In the dialog presented, enter the name of the STF file for export.
Figure 6 – Exporting STF Files from DIALux

This file can now be imported into AutoCAD MEP 2009.

At the AutoCAD MEP command line, type DialuxImport

In the Select Import STF File dialog that appears, navigate to the saved STF file.

Select this file and then click Open to import lighting fixtures, as illustrated in Figure 7.

Each light defined within the STF file will be inserted as an AutoCAD MEP lighting device. Devices can have view dependant display representations, allowing them to appear differently in plan or model view. The devices used for DIALux lighting fixtures have a simple representation, as illustrated in Figure 8.

Each light imported from DIALux has its manufacturers name and model information automatically attached through a standard property set. This information can then be scheduled using AutoCAD MEP tables, or devices added to circuits to aid with load calculations.

Figure 8 – Lighting Devices in AutoCAD MEP

Appendix
The DIALux application does not need to be installed to prepare an export file from AutoCAD MEP. An export application is available from DIAL Gmbh, Germany. http://www.dialux.com/

Green Building Studio - Welcome to Whole Building Energy Analysis!

2008-04-20T21:22:00.002-05:00

We are in a new era of building design tools that are requiring their users to rethink how they “design” a building in software. These tools are being grouped as building information modeling (BIM) tools, and they are unique as they have intelligent objects that are used to assemble a building design. These intelligent objects enable very exciting functionality that are inherent in the tools use and consequently, the Green Building Studio web service (GBS) benefits from this advanced intelligence. There are some critical things to note however, and most importantly it is how you go about modeling a building in your BIM tool. You must follow the critical rules below if you are to gain the most out of your BIM tool with the GBS.

Do not use it like 2D CAD. This mistake is generally caused by users looking for a set of CDs – floor plans and details. Consequently, floors, ceilings, roofs, sill heights, etc. may not be drawn as they are not required in typical CDs.

Model floors, ceilings, and roofs.
a. These are essential items when it comes to whole building energy analysis.

Model the windows and skylights that are possibilities.
a. Windows contribute the most to HVAC energy use.
b. Do not worry about getting exact sizes correct as the GBS allows you to quickly change the size or remove them by orientation.

Model significant spaces only.
a. Do not spend time modeling small spaces, storage spaces, phone closets, etc., that will increase simulation time and run costs, but not increase accuracy of your results.

Connect all walls, roofs, slabs, and ceilings.
a. Be sure that your walls connect to each other as well as their respective slabs, ceilings, and roofs. Do not leave gaps in your model. The most important energy decision an architect makes is selecting a scheme. Yet, the vast majority of them do not know the energy use of their schemes before selecting one.

The Green Building Studio web service is designed to be used during your scheme selection process to evaluate every scheme you are considering. The Green Building Studio web service can and will dramatically change the way building energy analysis is used in the building design process. Do not wait until you have made all your design decisions before using GBS as it is designed to provide you with the information to make informed decisions as they relate to energy.

The Green Building Studio web service provides reasonable, highly accurate, energy use estimates for the building you are designing from within the 3D-CAD/BIM application you are using. It enables collaborative design, allowing you to share building information with other team members, streamlining or eliminating plan take-off tasks, transferring essential information on your building design to the applications used for engineering design or code analysis. Green Building Studio also identifies and links you directly to building products that are relevant to the building you are designing.

Target Customers
Green Building Studio was developed for Architects and Engineers to use for the analysis of whole building energy usage at the earliest stages of planning, schematic, and conceptual design.

Product Description
Green Building Studio™, a web service provided by Green Building Studio, Inc ., is the one of the world’s first and only web service that gives 3D-CAD users quick, reliable, and free estimates of a building’s energy costs during the early stages of conceptual design. Green Building Studio was created to enable teams of architects, engineers, and other design professionals to work together efficiently to design, specify, and build the cost-effective, high performance, and aesthetically inspiring buildings of the twenty-first century.
Green Building Studio also provides a new and powerful way for manufacturers of building products and providers of building services to reach their ideal customer cost-effectively. The intelligence embedded in Green Building Studio tied with the special relationship with its users delivers one of the most advanced and cost-effective channels to drive targeted leads to sales personnel to streamline the sales process resulting in increased conversion rates and ROI.

Technology
Green Building Studio’s state-of-the-art automated energy analysis methods (patent pending) are what make the web service so fast, accurate and easy to use. But Green Building Studio’s ease of use belies enormous computational power. Behind the scenes, Green Building Studio relies on a proprietary data management architecture and a voluminous but tightly integrated system of relational databases containing hourly weather data, design data, and regionally relevant libraries of default building characteristics with common energy code baselines (e.g., ASHRAE 90.1 1999, Title 24, etc.).
Green Building Studio is powered by advanced building energy simulation management software that incorporates DOE-2 and EnergyPlus into this solution. Key to the integrated interoperability exhibited in GBS-compliant 3D-CAD applications is the Green Building XML schema (gbXML). By using gbXML-enabled applications, Green Building Studio users are able to eliminate redundant data entry and dramatically reduce the time and expense traditionally associated with whole-building energy simulation analyses.

History
Green Building Studio is the result of a public/private research and development effort begun by Green Building Studio, Inc. in 1999 with major financial support provided by the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program. Since that time numerous other public and private organizations have joined with Green Building Studio, Inc. to make the Green Building Studio possible.

Benefits
Benefits of the Green Building Studio web service include immediate access to building energy performance data for each design scenario, creation of geometrically correct thermal models and data that can be immediately transferred to leading engineering models like DOE-2.2, eQUEST, or EnergyPlus, and creation of gbXML files that can be immediately loaded into leading engineering sizing and design programs like The Trane Company's Trace700 HVAC software.

Features
Plug-in features pull down menu to set up new projects and scenarios, as well as to send gbXML files to Green Building Studio from within the Autodesk® product. Creates geometrically correct engineering models. Develops base-line energy analysis using DOE-2.2 models and local ASHRAE 9.1 energy code assumptions for specific building types. Provides additional export and visualization capabilities for interoperatbility between major engineering software systems. Provides building product information based on appropriate technologies for the specific building.

Industry Standards
Green Building Studio supports true integrated interoperability between intelligent BIM models and engineering analysis tools, using the emerging gbXML standard. Linkages to other industry standards efforts such as the IAI's IFCs are anticipated. Building standards such as ASHRAE's 90.1 design standards, and California's Title 24 codes are also supported.

Documentation
Box: Documentation for the software is provided in electronic and on-line formats for registered users of the Green Building Studio web service.
Download: Documentation includes AVIs demonstrating how the Green Building Studio is used with Autodesk products, and text based user documentation showin how projects are set up within the Autodesk environment and product scenarios run within the Green Building Studio environment.

Relation to Autodesk Products
Green Building Studio for Autodesk Building Systems 2005 requires the user to have Autodesk Building Systems running on their desktop. Once a user has registered and downloaded appropriate plug-ins for Autodesk Building Systems, they can export files directly from Building Systems to the Green Building Studio and view results from within the Autodesk Building Systems desktop.

Registration and Authorization
Users must register on the Green Building Studio website (www.greenbuildingstudio.com) in order to utilize the web service. Registration is verified by e-mail. Once registered, users must download a plug-in for gbXML export to the Green Building Studio, and they are ready to export BIM information for analysis.

Support and Training
Green Building Studio, Inc. provides phone support for Green Building Studio during regular business hours. Users can call 707-569-7373 to reach customer support. The URL for Green Building Studio is www.greenbuildingstudio.com, and a wide range of on-line help is also available. Green Building Studio, Inc. staff are available for customized training on a contract basis.

What is Included
Box: The Green Building Studio web service is currently provided free of charge to architects and engineers that register through the website. The web-service is funded by building product manufacturers and utilities sponsoring design assistance programs such as PG&E, Edison, and SDG&E.
Download: The Green Building Studio web service is currently provided free of charge to architects and engineers that register through the website. The web-service is funded by building product manufacturers and utilities sponsoring design assistance

Where to Buy
This product may be purchased online.
It is also available directly from the developer -- call 707-569-7373 or visit http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/.

Registration

Step One: Your first required step is to become a member of the Green Building Studio (GBS) web service. Simply go to www.greenbuildingstudio.com, click on the New User Registration link, and fill out the necessary information. Once you have agreed to the End User License Agreement an email will be sent to you to validate your email address. This is to be certain your email address is entered correctly.

Step Two: Once you receive the email either click the button in the email or copy the URL in it to your browser’s address bar. Both these actions will return you to the GBS at which point you just need to log in using the User Name and password provided in the e-mail. You’re now a member of the GBS.
Note: If you do not receive your validation email within an hour, call Green Building Studio, Inc. for assistance at 707.569.7373.

Creating New Projects

Page 1
Once you log in you will be on the Project List page and you are ready to add your first project. Just click the New Project link on the top right of the project list table. You must enter the Project Name and select a Building Type from the pick list. A valid US ZIP code is also required. There are two project types: demonstrations and actual building design projects. If it is a real building project please specify an actual building design project. If you are submitting test buildings just to try the service out please specify a demonstration type project. Note: The zip code and building type can not be changed if there are runs present in the project.

Page 2
Green Building Studio enables you to share information about your project with design team members and/or GBS partners who may provide more information on how their products can fit with your building design. To ensure you are authorized to share project information GBS needs to know who has authorized you if you are not the owner of the building information you are submitting. The authorizing agent you specify will be receiving a copy of the End user License Agreement (EULA) as well.

Products compatible with the latest releases of AutoCAD MEP

2008-04-20T03:05:00.002-05:00

Products compatible with the latest releases of AutoCAD MEP

Design Master HVAC

HVAC/Plumbing
Design Master Software, Inc.
Price: $840
Product Description
Design Master HVAC is an integrated HVAC building design and drafting package for AutoCAD. It is written to work the way an engineer works, providing flexibility in design and increased productivity. All stages of the HVAC design process--including building load calculations, diffuser layout, duct sizing, double-line drafting, and sections--are automated by the program. There is never a need to transfer data to or from another software package.
Since its release in 2001, it has proven itself to be a reliable design tool that is trusted by hundreds of engineering firms across the country.
A free 30-day trial is available on their website.
Benefits
• Rapid response to design changes
• Heightened quality control
• Improved workflow efficiency
• Reduced change-order costs
• Increased profitability
Features
• Building loads are calculated using the ASHRAE CLTD method. Room areas are calculated from the drawing, eliminating data entry errors.
• Ducts sized based upon constant pressure drop, constant velocity, or static regain.
• Duct pressure-loss can be calculated, giving you the information you need to size your fans with confidence.
• Double-line ductwork is drafted using the calculated duct sizes. Fittings are automatically selected and inserted.
• Three-dimensional sections and isometrics can easily be generated, but are not so complicated that they slow down the process of creating 2D permit sets.
Industry Standards
SMACNA, ASHRAE

DuctDesigner 3D

HVAC/Plumbing
QuickPen International
Product Description
DuctDesigner 3D is one of the most advanced sheet metal design tool available, with true 3D solid modeling and tight AutoCAD compatibility to make it faster to learn, easier to use, and most compatible with other systems. DuctDesigner 3D leverages 3D solid modeling to give the user ultimate flexibility and customization. DuctDesigner 3D enables users to design in 3D from plan view, draw every fitting as a true 3D solid, modify fitting configurations on-screen in real time, and search and replace entire systems in seconds.

EC-CAD

HVAC/Plumbing
EastCoast CAD/CAM
Target Customers
EC-CAD 3D Sheet Metal and 3D Piping for Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional is designed specifically for the Sheet Metal, HVAC and Mechanical Contracting Industries.
Product Description
EC-CAD :
EC Sheet Metal and Piping 3D CAD software is among the most widely used software by major mechanical and sheet metal contractors.
Productivity:
EC-CAD is faster to use than any other alternative. The system is mouse driven, minimizing the need for keyboard entry and therefore helps you work more efficiently. You can use EC-CAD to prepare coordination drawings for planning and scheduling with other contractors. EC-CAD’s unique auto-routing and auto-detailing functions allow you to quickly draw complex mechanical systems. And, EC-CAD lets you prepare detailed spool drawings and reports for pipe.
Integration:
EC-CAD is fully compatible with AutoCAD 2005. EC-CAD can exchange files with other CAD systems and provides direct linkages to plasma cutting, estimating, and other systems. EastCoast also provides the nesting and cutting software to download to almost any plasma cutting table on the market.
Powerful Detailing:
EC-CAD allows you to draw architectural, structural, HVAC ductwork and plumbing. Three dimensional drawings let your people see what the ductwork and piping will look like after it is installed. This true visualization reduces errors and improves field efficiency.
Spec Driven:
Customizable specs allow you to develop standardized system components for the current job and future projects. This feature reduces detailing time and eliminates errors. Quickly draw mechanical systems by letting EC-CAD’s intelligence fill in components including pipe or duct, valves, elbows, tees, reducers, etc. This drastically reduces detailing time and eliminates errors.
Benefits
EC-CAD allows you to design HVAC and Mechanical sysetms quickly and efficiently. Once designed in EC-CAD these systems are completly ready for downloading to plasma machines, coil lines, estimating, and other software packages. You also gain instant reporting, spooling, cross sectioning, and plotting.
Features
EC-CAD Sheet Metal Features:
Designed specifically for sheet metal and mechanical contractors. Rectangular, round and oval fitting libraries. Enhanced library of duct accessories. Enhanced automatic routing of duct runs.
Automatic piece numbering, tagging, and customizable pick-off. 3-D automatic collision checking between duct, pipe and structural elements. Soft collision checking as well. Comprehensive on-line catalog of custom equipment, assemblies and specialty items. User defined, customizable reporting. Error-free downloading to plasma cutters.
EC-CAD Piping Features:
Comprehensive catalogs from major manufacturers are preloaded and ready to use. EC-CAD is one of the only system which includes plumbing fittings in its base catalog. EC-CAD comes preloaded with 30 different material types and 143 joint
types. You can also build or customize catalogs to fit your needs without ever leaving the system. EC-CAD creates automatic spools for fabrication in seconds. Spool drawings, cross sections, materials lists and reports are created in just seconds.
Spool reports include: visual iso; bill of materials; names of each item; quantities; piece numbers; material types; cut lengths & sizes; joint types.

Quickduct CAD

HVAC/Plumbing
Shop Data Systems, Inc.
Target Customers - For the Sheet Metal Industry.
Product Description
A Drafting software that downloads directly to the SDS fitting library.
Benefits
FabPro-Duct downloads seamlessly from the CAD to CAM using SDS software, an industry leader since 1975.
Features
• Quick, easy drafting.
• Seamless download to CAM.
• Eliminate unnecassary item by item entries.
Industry Standards
SMACNA

Design Master ELEC

Electrical
Design Master Software, Inc.
Price: $840
Product Description
Design Master Electrical is an integrated electrical building design and drafting package for AutoCAD. It is written to work the way an engineer works, providing flexibility in design and increased productivity. All stages of the electrical design process--including panel calculations, device insertion, circuiting, looping, and a wide variety of calculations--are automated by the program. There is never a need to transfer data to or from another software package.
Since its release in 2001, it has proven itself to be a reliable design tool that is trusted by hundreds of engineering firms across the country.
A free 30-day trial is available on their website.
Benefits
• Rapid response to design changes
• Heightened quality control
• Improved workflow efficiency
• Reduced change-order costs
• Increased profitability
Features
• Light fixtures, receptacles, equipment, junction boxes, switches, and low voltage devices can be inserted and circuited.
• Circuited device loads are transferred to the panel schedule for you. Loops and home runs are automatically drawn.
• Circuit loads, panel loads, branch circuit and feeder sizes, and voltage drop are all calculated for you.
• Calculates outdoor site lighting point-by-point photometrics and indoor average foot candle levels.
• Draft one-line riser diagrams that update automatically when your design changes.
Industry Standards
NEC

FabPro Electrical

Electrical
UHP Process Piping Inc.,
Price: $4,395
Target Customers - Electrical Contractors.
Product Description
FabPro Electrical provides contractors with 3d fittings, conduit and wiring lengths. Various fittings and conduit types are supported. Routing of rigid or flexible conduit is supported. Wire lengths are provided in the BOM.
Benefits
Accurate fitting and conduit lengths. Reduction in the amount of time it takes to produce accurate drawings. The BOM is accurate and can be extracted and uploaded into a spreadsheet or estimating program.
Features
Manufacturers fittings.
BOM with part numbers.
Fitting assemblies.

Installing AutoCAD MEP 2008 on a 64-bit OS

2008-04-04T08:32:00.006-05:00

A co-worker of mine tried to install AutoCAD MEP 2008 on a 64-bit OS and it didn’t work immediately. He got a message that it was 32-bit and could not be installed on 64-bit system.

Out of the 2008 products, only AutoCAD 2008 is 64-bit compatible, and AutoCAD MEP 2008 is only 32-bit compatible. In 2009, all product lines are 64-bit compatible and this will not apply.

There is a discussion on this on the Autodesk Discussion groups where it posted instructions on how to get it installed by editing the .msi and setup.ini. Attached are the instructions on how to do this. The instructions say ACA.msi but this will change with the vertical you are trying to install. Apparently installing 2007 or earlier isn’t a problem.

Download and install Orca from Microsoft.
http://www.technipages.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/orca.Msi
Copy the installation files to your hard drive or a network folder.
Backup the files ACA.msi and Setup.ini
Edit the ACA.msi with Orca and delete the action found in the table "InstallExecuteSequence" that is called "CheckFor64BitOS" Delete the same line under table "CustomAction"
Save and close the ACA.msi
Edit the Setup.ini with Notepad. Delete the line under "#==================== Platform Requirement" that is labeled "PLATFORM=NO_WOW_64_PROCESS"
Double-click the Setup.exe and you should be able to install without any problems.
If you leave the default paths for the installation of the content, this may or may not apply.
Some support paths under the "Files" tab of the configuration dialog box have incorrect paths. The installer adds and extra "\AppData\AppData" to some support paths located in the user profile. For example the Main Customization File's path is listed as"C:\Users\%username%\AppData\AppData\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\ACD-A 2008\enu\Support\ADT" when it should be "C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\ACD-A 2008\enu\Support\ADT"
Fix the incorrect paths, hit apply, and you are good to go.
Set the paths for all content to be on your network drive. Here’s how I set the folder structure and edited the paths during installation…

WAN Accelerators Part II

2008-03-28T14:51:00.010-05:00

I recieved comment from Alan Saldich, the VP of Product marketing for Riverbed and below is his message. He told me basically that this is not a Riverbed issue, but an Autodesk issue, and that all WDS solutions are affected by the file format change. Here is his letter.
I’m the VP of product marketing for Riverbed, and I wrote a lengthy post yesterday on this topic, which can be viewed here:
http://www.wdsforum.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=183
Silver Peak has admitted (in a call earlier this week with the TechTarget reporter who wrote that article) that the issue with the AutoCAD 2007 / 2008 .dwg file format is *not* specific to Riverbed and *does* affect all products that use deduplication in their solutions, including their own.
The only way to determine the degree to which any particular WDS solution is affected by the file format is to do your own testing.
Remember, the problem is most pronounced with the ISAVEPERCENT (Incremental Save Percentage) set to zero, which forces a complete save, and which causes all the bytes to be scrambled. Using a non-zero value for that setting (like the default value of 50) reduces , but does not entirely eliminate, the impact of the new file format on WDS solutions.
Unfortunately this is not an issue that can be solved by Riverbed or any other WDS solution provider - it was caused (inadvertently) by the way Autodesk decided to change their file format, including scrambling the bytes on every complete save. Any product that tries to find duplicate data will be affected, possibly to a varying degree, but there is no doubt there is an adverse effect.

Alan Saldich
VP Product Marketing & Alliances
Riverbed

I'd like to post my own response to this as Riverbed's VP of Product Marketing and Alliances. I know this is a frustrating issue for our customers who rely on us and on Autodesk, and that's why we did the webcast in the first place a few weeks ago - to explain the issue as best we could. I have personally been working on this issue extensively for the last few months, and especially in the last few weeks. Let me make a few points and give you all an update.We have worked with Autodesk directly on this and we know what causes the problem, and Autodesk agrees with us. It is definitely not specific to Riverbed. Let me be clear: There is absolutely no dispute about that. Autodesk has had developers looking into the issue with their new file format to see if there's something that can be done. Unfortunately as of this moment there is no immediate fix. The problem is caused by a rescrambling of the bytes in Autocad 2007 / 2008 files upon a complete save, and that causes "cold" performance on writes. Reading files across the WANReads are generally fast because if the file in question has been written across the WAN before, then the bytes have not been re-scrambled and the read is fast, as usual. However, if you have a highly collaborative environment where someone in the other office could open and re-save the file, in that case the second read across the WAN could also be slow (because the bytes are again re-scrambled).If users are using other versions of AutoCAD or Civil 3D that don't rely on the newer file format, then they are not affected. The rescrambling is not compression nor encryption - it is an inadvertent byproduct of performance improvements that Autodesk made in an effort to make AutoCAD work better (nothing to do with WANs at all).The only option right now is to leave the Incremental Save Percentage (ISP) setting at its default setting of 50 - that works much better than forcing a complete save. There's some confusion here about whether a setting of 0 or 100 is the one that causes the complete save, and we're trying to clear that up (anyone know for sure?).Several of our competitors (Cisco and Silver Peak primarily) are trying to take advantage of this issue by claiming that it is somehow specific to Riverbed, and that is where a lot of the confusion and angst comes from. Silver Peak has probably been the most aggressive on this front. Unfortunately, they have been wrong about (1) how Riverbed is impacted by this and (2) claiming that they are not affected by the problem. Silver Peak has conceded (yesterday) that (1) this is not a Riverbed-specific problem, but rather it's caused by the way .dwg files are written in the new format, and (2) their products are also affected by it.If you read their claims carefully, and after talking with them it became more clear, their claims that they work well with AutoCAD 2007 / 2008 are couched in terms of average deduplication rates across a range of ISP settings (remember the only relevant use case here is a complete save, not incremental saves), across other Autodesk products like Revit (again, not relevant because Revit does not use .dwg files and is not affected by this issue), and by including other irrelevant operations like FTPing the same file over and over (again, not relevant because the files are not re-saved and therefore the bytes don't get scrambled again, so you get "warm" performance). Just to reiterate again... the problem occurs only when you do a complete save.Silver Peak still claim to be less affected - we'll see if that's true and by how much). The only way to document that will be through publicly available testing of both products under the exact same scenario. We are working on that through a customer who has their products and we will publish the results as soon as we can. We have already completed testing with Cisco's products and Blue Coat's and we have demonstrated the same problem affects their products in almost exactly the same way. As for our products being 'bricks', I'm very sorry you feel that way. If you are having problems, I would like to help you set up a support call to make sure there isn't some other issue like a duplex mismatch or other networking-related issue.We have literally hundreds of architecture, engineering and construction companies all over the world who rely on our products to accelerate AutoCAD, including most of the large multi-site firms in the US. Overall, as of December 31st, we had over 3,500 customers in virtually every industry and over 40,000 Steelhead appliances in use, so it's hard to believe that this is a systemic problem. If you or anyone else on this board would like to talk to me personally, I'd be happy to. My email is alan@riverbed.com, and my cell phone is +1 650 888 4032.

WAN war breaks out over changed file formats in AutoCAD MEP

2008-03-28T10:43:00.012-05:00

Article sent to me from a user. Thanks for the link. I summed up the article below. From the article, it sounds like Autodesk doesn't have a solution yet. I don't know much about the various WAN acceleration applications, but I thought I'd share these articles with you.

It seemed like a good idea at the time...
By Bryan Betts, Techworld

A changed file format has sparked off a fierce war of words between users, WAN acceleration vendors and Autodesk, which significantly changed its DWG drawing file format in both the last two versions of AutoCAD.

The result, is that WAN optimisation gear from the likes of Riverbed Networks - which has a strong user-base in CAD - is no longer able to accelerate file transfers over the WAN. Given that many CAD-using companies need to share drawings across multiple offices, that's a big problem.

At issue is a new dynamic file format which deliberately makes a saved file look completely new, even if it is only an edited version of an existing file, says Riverbed VP Alan Saldich. That means block-level caching schemes can't do what they'd normally do, which is to send only the changes over the WAN.

Format errors

"To improve the speed of the application itself, they changed the file format so that every time you change the file, every bit gets scrambled," Saldich explains. "If you FTP the file twice or reopen it without saving, we can work on that.

"There's only two ways to solve it. One is for Autodesk to revert to the former file format, which seems unlikely. The other thing is they could tell us enough about the file format to undo it." Saldich explains.

In the meantime, Saldich and Autodesk VP Guri Stark have issued a joint statement advising affected users to do one of two things: either revert to an earlier AutoCAD DWG file format; or adjust an AutoCAD setting called Incremental Save Percentage (ISP) to 50, which reduces the amount of data scrambling when a file is saved.

Other WAN acceleration companies have used the issue to bash companies such as Riverbed for developing application-specific optimisation modules. However, Saldich claims it's nothing to do with those - he says they're just protocol optimisations to reduce the number of round trips, and they don't deal with file formats.

He argues that it's one of the first symptoms of a bigger problem that is only just emerging now.
"It affects any product that relies on data de-duplication, including backup and replication," he says. "I truly think the AutoCAD team were unaware of this when they did the development work back in 2004, as data de-duplication wasn't common then.

"The bigger story here is that de-duplication is a widely-used technology now, and software developers need to take account of that. We are 100 percent certain of the problem, and any vendor has the same issue, which is that you don't get to look at the data before it gets written to disk."

Aaron claims Autodesk had its own reasons for formally testing his company's gear - it is a Silver Peak user, with some three dozen of its WAN optimisers around its organisation.

Aaron acknowledges though that when Saldich argues that application developers need to be better aware of how their software will run over a WAN, he has a good point.

"The more the software developers do to address this, the more we all benefit," he says.
We asked Autodesk for its comments, but nearly two weeks later the company had still not found a spokesperson or offered any feedback.

How to best place Addenda, Alternates, or As-Builts within the project?

2008-03-17T13:58:00.003-05:00

How you organize these items would largely depend on your internal processes and workflow. One solution would be to draw the alternates as regular constructs in Project Navigator and then create special views for them.

If you want to present completely different plans/elevations to represent Alternates, you could use divisions in Project Navigator to represent them; when generating the view, you just need to include the appropriate division into the view.

In some cases you might also consider copying the project in Project Navigator and put the Alternates into the copied project. If you copy a project, however, you have two different file sets to maintain; the copied project does not retain any links to the original one.

Project Navigator performing slowly in AutoCAD MEP

2008-03-14T09:26:00.004-05:00

Some activities in Project Navigator, such as loading xrefs, take what seems like a long time. This is normal. These processes need to run their course before other activities can be initiated.

I was recently working with a client who is creating a large hospitol project using AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP and project navigator. I noticed how long it was taking to open constructs, views and sheets and so I looked for some info that could help them be more productive and came across some tips to help improve performance of their project navigator.

The specific activity of dragging a view to a sheet actually involves several background processes, including loading all the files in nested external references, updating project database files, managing layers for viewports, scaling geometry, and coordinating data fields and labels.

For your network environment, follow the guidelines below:

To rule out any potential problems with your network environment, temporarily copy the project files to a local workstation and perform the same operations with Project Navigator. Compare the speed in both environments to determine if the problem is directly related to network speed.
Use a Windows operating system on your server. AutoCAD MEP only supports a Windows networking environment. If you are using a Novell or UNIX server, you will need to install the Windows Client for these operating systems. However, due to the permission restrictions on these operating systems, the performance of Project Navigator can be dramatically affected.
Install the most recent service packs and patches for the version of Windows installed on your server.
Check for the presence of antivirus and spyware applications on your system. These applications have features, such as Symantec's Auto-Protect functionality, that constantly monitor the files on your computer or server. This type of application can slow performance down because files are being scanned while they are being used. If you are using this type of virus protection, try disabling it to see if performance is affected. You should disable this feature on the server as well. If you want to leave this feature enabled, you can set up exclusions for the files and folders you use with your projects.

For your workstation, follow these guidelines:

Install the most recent service packs and patches for the version of Windows installed on your workstation.
Disable Digital Signatures in AutoCAD MEP: In the Registry Editor, look for the following key: [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{36A21736-36C2-4C11-8ACB-D4136F2B57BD}\InProcServer32] Delete the content of the Value Data field for the Default item.
If you have custom hatch patterns, make sure that they are not loaded as part of the or files. Any custom pattern should be saved as a separate PAT file in the support directory location.

For your project files, follow these guidelines:

When working with Project Navigator, all users should be using the same version of AutoCAD MEP. Every new version of AutoCAD MEP introduces additional information saved on the project files and that can create conflicts and slowdowns if different versions are used to read the same files.
If you are using old template files, cut the entire contents and paste them into an updated AutoCAD MEP template.
Purge unused block definitions take up a lot of file space in all drawings.
In all drawings, including the template drawings used by Project Navigator, the value for the variables should be set to the predefined value: INDEXCTL = 2 (Spatial indexes are created) XLOADCTL = 2 (Enabled with Copy. This enables demand loading, but uses a copy of the referenced drawing, so others can edit the original drawing.)
Manage the temporary files that are created as part of the “Enabled with Copy” demand load strategy built into Project Navigator. These files remain after a system failure or an aborted Project Navigator activity. Deleting the AC$ files in the Temp folder can reduce the time required to open most drawing files and significantly improve system performance.
Minimize Multiple Sessions. Launching multiple or concurrent sessions of AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD, or Revit MEP dramatically reduces system performance and may possibly affect the overall stability of the system. Avoid this practice and adopt other work methods. If you cannot avoid multiple sessions, consider using your most capable workstations in these situations.
Before dragging views into sheets, temporarily unload external references from the view drawings. Drawings with attached xrefs will reproduce that xref. This can lead to duplicate or circular xrefs and confusion as to what should actually be in the drawing. This can tax workstation resources and affect performance.
Check for the presence of the following blocks in all your drawings, and delete them: AVE_GLOBAL, AVE_RENDER, RM_SBD
Detach any AutoCAD CAD Standards associated with the individual drawings. This can be done on the CAD Manager menu, under AutoCAD CAD Standards.
Change the FIELDEVAL variable to [2], so field values are only updated when the drawing is saved.

Reduced write performance for Riverbed WAN links when working with AutoCAD MEP 2007 DWG files

2008-03-12T14:32:00.004-05:00

In March 2006, Autodesk changed the DWG file format for AutoCAD 2007 to make it more compact and improve performance for AutoCAD users. Autodesk’s customers widely welcomed this change and almost all AutoCAD users have enjoyed improved performance.

However, Autodesk and Riverbed have recently received reports that some customers using some WAN acceleration appliances, including Riverbed’s Steelhead appliances, have experienced noticeable reductions in write performance when working with files saved in the AutoCAD 2007 “DWG” format. One of the side effects of the DWG format changes is that when users perform a complete save from within AutoCAD (as opposed to an “incremental” save), virtually every byte of the file gets changed – even if zero changes were made to the file itself. The net effect is that writes that would normally affect only “warm” data are actually “cold”, due to the reordering of the data in the file.

Users of Riverbed or other affected WAN acceleration solutions can implement the following immediate workarounds that improve write productivity.

Using a feature in AutoCAD called “Incremental Save Percentage” (ISP), and setting it to 50
Using a version of the DWG format other than the AutoCAD 2007 DWG format.

The performance and productivity of their customers is a key consideration for Autodesk and Riverbed. Both engineering teams are working together to devise workarounds and are examining potential longer-term solutions. Given Riverbed’s experience in WAN acceleration technology, our joint work may also provide solutions for customers of other WAN acceleration or deduplication technologies, who might be experiencing similar issues with write performance.

Civil 3D Object Enabler Breaks the Add Pipe/Duct Tool in AutoCAD MEP

2008-03-10T11:54:00.002-05:00

There is an issue with AutoCAD MEP where you cannot draw more than one segment of pipe or duct at a time. When you are prompted for starting point, and ending point of the first segment, the command exits without allowing for additional segments.

The Civil 3D Object Enabler breaks the pipe/duct add mechanism. The Autodesk development team has tentatively scheduled to deliver a fix in the next update to the Civil 3D Object Enabler, available in approximately two to four months. Please note their quality assurance teams may need to reschedule some fixes. Please rely on the timeline information as a guideline only and not a guarantee.

If this is happening to you, you only have two options as of now. Uninstall the Civil 3D Object Enabler, or continue with the add duct/pipe tool ending after each segment is added.

AutoCAD MEP Manufacturer Content For Sale

2008-02-15T10:17:00.006-06:00

He has added many more parts, but they come at a cost now (sorry guys). The parts have tons of inherit properties now that were obtained from the manufacturer's literature and are used in the creation of schedules.

Check out the parts here: http://www.geniusoftllc.com/mvparts/hvac.asp

Air Devices
Air Concepts SPD & SPDV (Saturn Plaque Diffuser)
Titus PCS (Perforated Diffuser)
Titus TMS & TMSA (Square Cone Diffuser)
Titus 50F, 50FF, 50F-NT, & 50R-SS (Eggcrate Grille)
Titus 23RL & 3RL (Louvered Grille)
Titus T-700 & CT-700 (Door Grille)
Chillers
Trane CVHE 170-500 Ton (Three-Stage Centrifugal)
Trane CVHF 325-2000 Ton (Two-Stage Centrifugal)
Ductless Split System AC Units
Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Fan Coil (High Wall Cooling Only)
Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Fan Coil (High Wall Heat Pump)
Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Outdoor Unit (Condensing Unit)
Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Outdoor Unit (Heat Pump)
Evaporative Coolers
Mastercool CHC (Contractor)
Mastercool Industrial (Single Inlet)
Mastercool Industrial (Dual Inlet)
Exhaust Fans
Greenheck GB (Downblast Belt Drive)
Greenheck CUBE (Upblast Belt Drive)
Greenheck BSQ (Inline Belt Drive)
Greenheck SWB TH (Utility Set Horizontal)
Greenheck SWB UB (Utility Set Upblast)
Greenheck SPA (Ceiling Mounted)
Heaters
Re-Verber-Ray DX2 (Infrared Single Stage)
Re-Verber-Ray HL2 (Infrared Dual Stage)
Reznor UDAP (Fan Powered Power Vented)
Reznor UDAS (Fan Powered Separataed Combustion)
Louvers
Greenheck EDJ (Exhuast)
Greenheck ESD (Intake)
Plenum Boxes
22x10 Plenum Box
22x22 Plenum Box
Roof Curbs
12" tall Roof Curbs for Exhaust Fans and Roof Hoods
Roof Hoods
Greenheck FHI (Fabra Hood Intake)
Greenheck FHR (Fabra Hood Relief)
Greenheck GRSI (Spun Aluminum Intake)
Greenheck GRSR (Spun Aluminum Relief)
Packaged AC Units
Carrier Centurion 48HG Horizontal ^Free!
Carrier Centurion 50HG Horizontal ^Free!
Carrier Centurion 48HG Vertical ^Free!
Carrier Centurion 50HG Veritcal ^Free!
Trane Precedent 3-10 Ton (Cooling Only)
Trane Precedent 3-10 Ton (Gas/Electric)
Trane Precedent 3-10 Ton (Heat Pump)
Split System AC Units
Trane 4TEC Fan Coil (1.5-5 Tons)
Trane TWE Fan Coil (5-20 Tons)
Trane 4TWA Outdoor Heat Pump (2.5-5 Tons)
VAV Boxes
Price SDV (Single Duct)
Price SDV (Single Duct with Electric Heat)

Autodesk NavisWorks 2009

2008-02-12T21:42:00.001-06:00

Autodesk NavisWorks extend the value of BIM by enabling the aggregation of building information with data and geometry from other sources. By integrating building information, data, and geometry, Autodesk NavisWorks solutions enable the most complete understanding possible of the overall project, despite the use of multiple software platforms and applications -- improving coordination, collaboration, and project sequencing for design and construction projects. With Autodesk NavisWorks solutions, users can:

Aggregate design models and data from documents created on both Autodesk and non-Autodesk software applications
Develop more comprehensive views of projects and analyze and simulate
designs before construction
Make better design and construction decisions, and extend the value of
their investments in design software.

The Autodesk NavisWorks solutions consist of four software products:

Autodesk NavisWorks Review provides basic model aggregation;
Autodesk NavisWorks Simulate includes NavisWorks Review and adds time line and 4D capabilities;
Autodesk NavisWorks Manage also adds clash detection functionality, enabling seamless visualization of all types of models, precise replication of designs, accurate simulation of 4D construction schedules, and clash detection to keep all project stakeholders on the same digital page, whether they are creating, viewing, or reviewing 3D models.
Autodesk NavisWorks Freedom is a free viewer for files in Autodesk NavisWorks NWD and 3D DWFTM formats.

IFC Import to AutoCAD MEP

2008-01-23T16:13:00.000-06:00

When you import an IFC file, drawing files are created that correspond to each part of the IFC project structure. The files will be xrefed together into a main host file that represents each part of the file structure in the IFC file.

In some instances, you may need to turn on some display components for them to display after you import an IFC file, such as surfaces of spaces.

Importing IFC files result in the drawing files being organized at the same level.

When you import an IFC file, you specify a name for the top level drawing that is created from the IFC file. This drawing contains xrefs only. For example, importing an IFC file and naming it Small Office Building, creates a DWG called Small Office Building.dwg that contains all of the xrefs that correspond to each part of the project structure contained in the IFC file. During import:

A site drawing is created if the IfcSite exists in the IFC file. This file is created using the top level drawing name with the IfcSite name appended and is referenced into the top level drawing. If there was no site name specified in the IFC file, no site drawing is created.
A building drawing is created using the top level drawing name with the IfcBuilding name appended. This file is xrefed into the top level drawing. (Please note that AutoCAD Architecture uses the Project Name from the Export to IFC dialog as the IfcBuilding Name. This is noticeable if you are importing an IFC file that originated in AutoCAD Architecture.) Using the Small Office Building example above, the drawing name would be Small Office Building-Commercial Project.dwg because Commercial Project was the IfcBuilding name in the IFC file.
A Storey drawing is created for each IfcStorey contained in the IFC file. The files are created using the top level drawing name with the name of the IfcStorey appended. These files are referenced into the project file.

AutoCAD MEP IFC Export To Revit

2008-01-23T12:43:00.000-06:00

Based on established, international standards for common objects in the building industry, the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format provides an interoperability solution between different software applications for reducing the loss of information when files are transmitted.

AutoCAD MEP is IFC-certified for importing and exporting version 2x3 IFC files. IFC files from versions 2x2 and 2x can also be imported if the data is compatible with 2x3 and is consistent with implementation agreements as defined for the IFC 2x3 coordination view.

IFC certification enhances your ability to share project information across disciplines and technical applications over the life of the project. For example, building models drawn in AutoCAD Architecture are saved to a DWG file format. You can export the drawing using the IFC format to an IFC-certified application that could not otherwise open a DWG file like Revit. Likewise, you can import an IFC file that was in a format like Revit and work on that drawing in AutoCAD MEP

When you export a drawing to IFC, a file is created with information you specify for project name, project number, location of the file, and any external references (xrefs).

The IFC file structure at export is hierarchical with 4 defined levels as shown.
Even though the IFC file structure is not visible in AutoCAD MEP, it governs the files created when an IFC file is imported.

To see how to import this IFC file into Revit, go to my Revit MEP blog at www.revitmep.blogspot.com

What is gbXML?

2008-01-23T09:14:00.000-06:00

The Green Building XML schema, referred to as “gbXML”, was developed to facilitate the transfer of building information stored in CAD building information models, enabling integrated interoperability between building design models and a wide variety of engineering analysis tools and models available today. Today, gbXML has the industry support and wide adoption by the leading CAD vendors, Autodesk, Graphisoft, and Bentley. With the development of export and import capabilities in several major engineering modeling tools, gbXML has become a defacto industry standard schema. Its use streamlines the transfer of building information to and from engineering models, eliminating the need for time consuming plan take-offs. This removes a significant cost barrier to designing resource efficient buildings and specifying associated equipment. It enables building design teams to truly collaborate and realized the potential benefits of Building Information Modeling.

XML, extensible markup language, is a type of computer language that allows software programs to communicate information with little to no human interaction. This approach allows building designers to focus on what they want to do most - design beautiful, environmentally responsible buildings that use intelligent technologies to meet their client's needs at the lowest cost possible. Helping realize the promise of Building Information Modeling, gbXML allows intelligent solutions for the design, certification, operation, maintenance, and recycling of buildings.

Building Energy Analysis Programs that work with gbXML

Arup
EnergySave - An easy to use intelligent interface to Arup's Energy2 building energy analysis program.
CADLine
Cymap – An integrated building services design suite, covering both mechanical and electrical. Imports gbXML building data for use in services design, energy analysis and demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations.
Carmel Software
Loadsoft 6.0 - Loadsoft 6.0 from Carmel Software is a commercial and industrial HVAC load calculation software package that is based upon the ASHRAE 2005 Fundamentals radiant time series (RTS) method.
Carrier
HAP (Hourly Analysis Program) - HAP is a dual function program - full-featured load estimating and system sizing for commercial buildings plus versatile hour-by-hour energy and operating cost analysis.
Department of Energy - National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Energy-10 - A PC-based building energy simulation tool that helps architects and building designers quickly identify the most cost-effective, energy-saving design alternatives for small commercial and residential buildings that are less than 10,000 ft².
Environmental Design Solutions Limited
Tas - Tas Building Designer simulation software from EDSL (www.edsl.net) is a new generation product, no old legacy code to slow you down. Try it for room load and plant component sizing, energy use and running costs, CO2 emissions, natural ventilation and passive design with solar shading.
Green Building Studio, Inc.
Green Building Studio (GBS) - A building energy analysis web service designed for easy integration with existing 3D-CAD/BIM software tools. Below are files that are produced by the GBS.
DOE-2.2 - One of the most advanced and widely used building energy analysis engines.
EnergyPlus - The successor to DOE-2 that has advanced building analysis capabilities.
eQuest - The most widely used graphical building energy analysis tool in the world.
VRML & X3D - Virtual Reality Modeling Language and its XML version used for describing 3D environments.
IDEA Server® - A sophisticated and easily integrated web-based building energy analysis solution. Below are engines that are supported by IDEA Server.
DOE-2.1e & DOE-2.2 - Two of the most advanced and widely used building energy analysis engines.
IES Limited
IES - The IES, is a unique, integrated system for building performance assessment that bring productivity and excellence to every aspect of building design.
Trane
TRACE® 700 - A comprehensive and widely used energy and economic analysis tool for mechanical engineers.
National University of Ireland, Cork, Cylon Controls ltd., & Ace Controls ltd.
Development of a generic web based software tool that integrates standard building management systems and third party auditing applications.

Specifying ASHRAE Fitting Types in AutoCAD MEP 2008

2008-01-23T08:50:00.000-06:00

Use this procedure to assign ASHRAE identification numbers to duct fittings in a duct system. You can assign ASHRAE numbers to fittings by using the Properties palette, or by using the Modify Fitting ID dialog in the event log of the Duct System XML Export dialog.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) publishes a database that includes loss coefficient tables for many duct fittings. Each duct fitting in the database is identified by a unique number. The external tool you use to analyze your system may require that all fittings in the system are assigned an ASHRAE fitting number.

To specify an ID in the Properties palette

In the drawing, select the fitting that you want to specify. To specify all fittings of the same type in the drawing at once, select one fitting, right-click, and click Select Similar.

On the Properties palette, expand Advanced, and expand Engineering Data.

In the Assigned Engineering ID drop-down list, view the available choices, if any, for ASHRAE fitting numbers. If the ASHRAE number you want to use is in the list, select it for Assigned Engineering ID.

If there is more than one ASHRAE number to choose from, consult the ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database to make sure you choose the most appropriate fitting for your system. Some fittings are dependent on flow direction or duct system type, such as supply or exhaust.

If the ASHRAE number you want is not in the list, or there are no numbers listed, enter the ASHRAE fitting number for Assigned Engineering ID.

Right-click, and select Deselect All.

Continue specifying fittings, if necessary.

To specify an ID when exporting to duct system XML

After exporting a duct system for analysis, click View Event Log in the Duct System XML Export dialog.

If there are any error warnings for multiple fitting IDs in the Event Log, select the warning, and click (Modify Fitting ID).

In the Modify Fitting ID dialog, specify an ID in the Fitting drop-down list, or enter a fitting ID, and click OK. This ID is assigned to the fitting in the drawing. Repeat as necessary to resolve all fitting ID warnings. If desired, you can run the duct system export again to include the revised fitting IDs.

AutoCAD MEP 2008 Subscription Content Extensions

2008-01-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

More AutoCAD MEP Content!

If your AutoCAD MEP is on subscription, you can download the new AutoCAD MEP Subscription Content Extension from your subscription website which provides some new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and piping content for AutoCAD MEP 2008. The download is a self-extracting installer that will install the new content as appropriate according to your product installation.

Download #1: Subscription MEP Content Extension for AutoCAD MEP 2008 - US Imperial & US Metric: This is the .exe file of US imperial and metric content for AutoCAD MEP 2008.

Below is a list of parts types added to both the US Imperial and US Metric part catalogs.

MvParts\Electrical

Starter
Controllers
Interface Stations

MvParts\Mechanical

Aeration Disc Diffuser
Blowers
Centrifuges
Classifier
Conveyors
Gates
Heat Exchangers
Mixers
Pumps
Screen
3-Way Valves
Air Valves
Backflow Preventers
Ball Valves
Butterfly Valves
Check Valves
Cone Valves
Diaphragm Valves
Gate Valves
Globe Valves
Knife Valve
Mud Valves
Valve Actuators

Pipe

Buttweld Cross
Buttweld Elbows
Buttwled Reducer
Buttweld Tee
Buttweld Laterals
Flanges
Flanged Cross
Flanged Elbows
Flanged Reducer
Flanged Tee
Flanged Laterals

As you prepare to install the content extension, keep these points in mind:

Backup all Custom Files
Back up all custom parts, including the .dwg, .xml and .bmp files.

Installation Location
The content will be added to the MEP Catalog Content location specified during the original install of AutoCAD MEP 2008. The default location is:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2008\enu\Aecb Catalogs.

Note: If you have moved your catalogs after installation to a new location the Content Extension parts will not be installed to the new location.

After Installation
After the content extension is installed, you will need to Regenerate your Catalogs. Once the Content Extension is installed you will be will be notified in AutoCAD MEP 2008 to regenerate the Mvpart and Pipe catalog. The regeneration of the catalogs is required to properly view and insert the addition parts.

Managing RAM Memory in AutoCAD MEP

2008-01-01T21:48:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine (Tony Isenhoff of Eppstein Uhen) and I were discussing how RAM is utilized by Autodesk applications. As you work in your application, RAM is used, and in many cases is not returned to the OS when it's no longer needed. The problem arises when you start to reach the 2 GIG limit for a Process in 32 Bit Windows or you simply start to run low on memory when you are working on large projects.

But if you simply Minimize the application window, wait a second or two then Maximize your application, the RAM is given back and you can continue working.

Tony confirmed this in Revit by opening one of their larger projects using Revit Architecture, and opened 3-4 views, and watched the memory usage go up, then minimized. Below are the results:

Before minimize:

After minimize:

I also confirmed this in Revit MEP and AutoCAD MEP.

So when working in AutoCAD MEP and you get a message that you're running low on memory, try minimizing the application window!

We always knew that having multiple views open can also affect performance, but we were pretty surprised at actually how much RAM is used.

One view open: 784,380 k
Two views open: 817,520 k
Three views open: 847,220 k
Four views open: 872,896 k

So closing views that are not being used is also very important.

AutoCAD MEP 2008 is not backwards compatible

2008-01-01T20:45:00.001-06:00

AutoCAD MEP 2008 and AutoCAD Architecture 2008 is not backwards compatible with older versions of ABS and ADT. When you perform a save as, and save back to an older version, that only saves AutoCAD objects, and not MEP or Architecture objects. The 2008 objects will give errors when opened in 2006 even after the save as was performed.

When you perform an Export To Autocad command, it breaks all of the 2008 MEP objects down to 3D solids and there will no longer be MEP or Architectural objects. Now AutoCAD and older releases of AutoCAD MEP can read them without getting errors, but the drawing no longer has the intelligence or data attached to the drawing.

Object enablers only work for programs of the same version, of different verticals such as Architecture, Civil or plain AutoCAD.

If you install AutoCAD MEP 2008 or AutoCAD Architecture 2008 and open and saved a 2007 ABS/ADT drawing, users of ABS/ADT 2007 will no longer be able to open the drawing without getting ARX errors now. In order not to get the ARX errors in ABS/ADT 2007, the drawing will need to be broken and converted to autocad solids. Because it is not backwards compatible, you will only be able to view the MEP or Architectural objects after an Export to AutoCAD has been done. Door, walls and windows will now be just 3D solids, and not doors, walls and windows.

Vertical programs like Architecture and MEP are not backwards compatible like AutoCAD is. It is a big misconception with our customers and we're trying to educate them on how the drawings behave before they ruin some of their production drawings. I have run into this many times in the past, and have been trying to spread the word. There are ways that older ABS/ADT versions can view the 2008 format drawings, but not in it's original or intended format.

Elevation of objects in AutoCAD MEP?

2007-12-12T16:42:00.000-06:00

Why does MEP objects change the elevation and break the layout when changing the inlet and outlet sizes on vav boxes?

For one thing, duct inserts differently than equipment as far as elevations go. Duct inserts to the center of the duct, but you can set it so that the elevation is to the bottom or top of the duct. But equipment and devices are always inserted to the bottom of the equipment.

The problem is that the content creator made the insertion point (0,0,0 BCS) at the bottom corner. So when you swap out sizes, you are actually swapping out the parts. Since parts, like AutoCAD blocks, reference the same 0,0,0, the insertion point of both parts are at the same location in your drawing. However, since the new part is larger, the distance between the insertion point and the connector is larger causing the connector location to shift breaking the layout.

Picking an insertion point for an MvPart is an art. Typically, equipment that is placed first (before duct) has its insertion point at its base or top. For parts placed in-line after duct is drawn, the insertion point is at the connector. If you want to change the VAV boxes so that the insertion point is at the connectors, navigate to the VAV dwg file located in the catalog (typically here: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACDMEP_2008\enu\Aecb Catalogs\MvParts US Imperial\Mechanical\VAV Units\VAV Boxes), redefine all the model blocks to have the the appropriate connector at 0,0,0. Then, make a block of one of the symbols, then purge all the otherblocks (top, bottom, etc.). Now start content builder, modify that part, and regenerate the missing blocks. You should now be all set.

How Hidden Line Cache affects AutoCAD MEP Performance

2007-10-23T17:15:00.000-05:00

Hidden Line Cache
The Hidden Line Cache is a feature that was implemented in order to improve the loading performance of drawings that contain ABS Objects, with the Hidden Line feature turned ON. It’s usage, which is a drawing-specific setting, is controlled in the ABS Crossed Objects tab of the Options dialog.

Fig 5 – Hidden Line Cache Control

As described in the Hidden Line Routine section, the end result of the Hidden Line routine is the assignment of portions of ABS objects to a Hidden Display Component. This assignment is not actually stored on the object themselves, but rather in a separate section of data.

The Hidden Line Cache feature allows for this data to be saved into the drawing database itself. This means that the data will not need to be rebuilt the next time that drawing is opened, since it already exists in the drawing. Without this option checked, the Hidden Line data will re-built each time the drawing is loaded, and exist only in the system RAM until the drawing is closed. The storage of the data in the Hidden Lines Cache will increase the overall size of the drawing file, sometimes significantly depending on the Hidden Line data generated by the routine. The tradeoff is that the drawing will load significantly faster with the Cache in place at time of load.

Hidden Lines and Xrefs

The existence of loaded xrefs that contain ABS objects, which are set to display Hidden Lines, in a host drawing will have a significant impact on the behavior of Hidden Line data for the host drawing. Since the xrefs contain ABS objects that will be factored into the Hidden Line routine, the program cannot know if those objects have changed significantly since the last time the host drawing was opened. Such a change would result in any data saved in the host drawing’s Hidden Line Cache not to be in sync.

Because of this potential for incorrect Hidden Line data of xrefed ABS objects, the data is never saved in the host drawing’s Hidden Line Cache, regardless of the setting highlighted in figure 5. This means that the Hidden Line data will be to be re-built EVERY time that the host drawing is loaded. This process can take a significant amount of time to complete, depending on the complexity of the layout.

This is why there may be a significant difference in load time between simply opening the xref directly and opening a host drawing that contains that xref.

Hidden Lines and Viewports on Layouts

In a given layout, each viewport has its own active Display Configuration setting. You change this by double-clicking in the viewport and making it active, and then changing the active Display Configuration. This allows for different viewports to display the same objects in a different way. An example of this would be a 1-Line and 2-Line display, as seen below.

Fig 6 – Different Display in Viewports

In some circumstances, a new Viewport is created with an active Display Configuration that uses Hidden Lines. Be aware of this setting, and make sure to use a Display Configuration that does not utilize Hidden Lines if the feature is not needed.

Mitigating Performance Impact of Hidden Lines

With a better understanding of the Hidden Line feature and how to control it, one can better make decisions regarding its impact on performance. The following items may be helpful in mitigating the performance impact of the Hidden Line feature.

First and foremost, have a Display Configuration that does not use the feature, and use this when display of Hidden Lines are not needed. Using such a “non-hidden line” Display Configuration will result in a significant improvement in load performance of a drawing, especially when there are xrefs containing ABS objects that use Hidden Line feature to display. Additionally, the existence of the Hidden Line data in the system RAM can have a significant impact on overall program performance. When new ABS objects are placed in the drawing, or existing ABS objects are moved, the Hidden Line data may need to be updated. This can add additional time to commands, potentially reducing productivity.

On a Paper Space layout, be sure to set the active Display Configuration for a viewport to a “hidden lines” Display Configuration only if such display is needed. If there is only text or non-ABS objects in the viewport, make sure to set active a “non-hidden lines” Display Configuration. This can make a significant impact on the time it takes to display the Layout.

If only using Hidden Lines for coordination, consider turning off Hidden Line gaps. This additional calculation in the Hidden Line routine contributes to the overall calculation time, and adds additional size to the Hidden Line data stored in system RAM.

Because of the impact of xrefs in a host drawing, as discussed in the Hidden Line and Xrefs section of this document, consider how you plan to structure your project drawings, and what xref relationships will be created as a result.

Unless there are specific reasons to reduce the physical size of drawings, consider using the Hidden Line Cache feature when possible. This will help to improve drawing load performance in situations when the Cache is utilized.

Flex Duct objects contain annotation lines that give them the “flex” appearance. The style of these annotation lines can be controlled by the user. Some of these styles use extensive linework to give the desired look for Flex Ducts. These annotation lines are included in the Hidden Line Routine, and can add significant complexity to the calculation. Unless you require that Flex Ducts be shown with Hidden Lines, consider using the 2 Line Display Representation to display these objects in your drawings. This can reduce the complexity of the Hidden Lines Routine, thus improving load time and reducing the overall size of the Hidden Line data stored in the system RAM.

Hidden Lines: Explained By Autodesk's Kyle Bernhardt

2007-10-22T09:42:00.000-05:00

With the release of ABS 2007, what were previously called Haloed Lines have been globally renamed to Hidden Lines globally across the product. For those running a version below ABS 2006, replacereferences to Hidden Lines with Haloed Lines.

Hidden Line Routine
The Hidden Line routine determines what portions of ABS objects will need to have the Hidden appearance, due to other ABS objects being located above them. These portions of the ABS object deemed to be “hidden” are then assigned to the “hidden” Display Components. This allows for complete control of the Hidden Line Layer, Color, Linetype, Lineweight, and LT Scale in the program.

Fig 1 – Hidden Display Components

These settings are typically defined by the Layer assigned to the Hidden Display Components. The remaining Hidden Display Component properties are set to BYLAYER, which maps them to the Layer’s properties. Assigning the same Layer to the Hidden Display Components of all ABS objects allows for one layer to control the display of Hidden Lines throughout an entire drawing. In this scenario, modification of something like the Color of the Hidden Line Layer will propagate to all Hidden Lines.

Control of Hidden Line Display
The item that controls whether Hidden Lines are used for a particular ABS object type is the Display Representation (DR) that’s used to display that object in the current viewport. The Display Representation that’s used is controlled by the current Display Configuration. See the diagram below for illustration of this fact.

Fig 2 – Display Representation Assignment

For ABS Objects, the Plan Display Representation utilizes the Hidden Line feature. In previous versions the HaloedLine Display Representation utilized the Hidden Lines feature.

If you wanted to create a Display Configuration that does not utilize the Hidden Lines feature, you would associate that Display Configuration with a Display Set which does not assign the Plan Display Representation to ABS objects. You will most likely use the 2 Line Display Representation instead, which displays objects in the same way as the Plan Display Representation, without Hidden Lines. The MEP Basic 2-Line DC, which is contained in the default ABS template, is a good example of such a Display Configuration.

Hidden Line Gaps
The Hidden Line routine also has the ability to apply a gap in the display of an ABS object when the routine detects that a portion of that object is hidden by an object above. See the figure below to illustrate this feature.

Fig 3 – Hidden Line Gaps

This feature produces a visual effect that complies with some existing drafting standards, and is a desired effect for the production of Construction Documents.

This is a drawing-specific setting, and is controlled in the ABS Crossed Objects tab of the Options dialog, see below.

Fig 4 – Hidden Line Gap Settings

Enabling this feature will result in an additional calculation added to the Hidden Line Routine.

Building Product Search Module Now Available to AutoCAD Architecture Subscription Holders

2007-10-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

Now AutoCAD® Architecture software subscription customers can rapidly access hundreds of building manufacturer product catalogs, increase productivity, and streamline workflow with the Building Product Search Module for AutoCAD Architecture software via a free plug-in from Architectural Data Systems (ADS). (Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software.)

The Building Product Search module allows users to integrate product selection and specification writing within AutoCAD Architecture software. It provides rapid electronic access to more than 1,250 building product catalogs from hundreds of manufacturers. As products are selected, up-to-date specifications are automatically created, consolidating a multi-step process into a single step. Customers can find tutorials on how to use the module within the product.

Click here to go to your subscription area

How to Successfully Implement AutoCAD MEP

2007-10-01T13:29:00.000-05:00

A White Paper from Autodesk

This paper discusses the implementation and deployment of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection). Most organizations do not have a comprehensive or effective approach to applying new technology to existing processes. This paper explores the considerations necessary to make informed decisions, and presents strategic approaches to achieving the most effective implementation of AutoCAD MEP for your organization.

Changing the Process

An increasing number of engineers are making the switch from the traditional 2D drafting software to 3D object-based design software. However, with this switch comes the realization that existing processes themselves must be examined, adjusted, and refined, or perhaps, fundamentally redesigned in order to realize continuing gains in effectiveness and stay competitive in the industry. The challenge for most organizations in doing so is that day-to-day productivity must be maintained on projects in progress, affording little opportunity for the fundamental consideration of such process issues and no margin for error.

In order to successfully implement any new technology, one must begin by identifying and defining the underlying processes necessary to produce their designs. Do your engineers work on projects in teams, or do they work individually? Do you have CAD standards that must be adhered to? How proficient are your engineers today in the use of your current technologies? Besides these common issues, you will have many unique to your organization that must also be identified early on.

Object CAD Technology

Object CAD technology has changed the way industry professionals think about how technology can be applied to engineering design. Instead of working with traditional lines, arcs, and circles, you work with 3D geometry, or “objects”, like equipment, ducts, and pipes that are representations of real-world objects. The objects know how to interact with other objects. For instance, a 12-inch duct knows that only 12-inch duct components can connect to it. By working with objects you create a complete model of your design and then through the use of automated tools generate conventional 2D construction documents. And because the model carries rich data about the design in the objects, design data can easily be extracted from the model to carry information downstream in the design process.

Improving the Process

Engineers who are reluctant to switch to an object CAD technology should ask themselves what their objective is – to make a drawing or to produce a design that can be effectively communicated for construction. Although the choice to make the switch may make sense and seem fundamental, all too often the barriers of implementation and deployment overwhelm organizations resulting in the continued use of outdated or inefficient technologies. With a clear understanding of existing processes, and an equal understanding of the capabilities of AutoCAD MEP and how they can be applied to your processes, planning a successful implementation can become clear and less daunting.

All design and construction projects follow a general process that proceeds through certain phases from inception to completion, with minor variations depending on the requirements of the project. The phases in the process that are most common to engineering design and construction projects are:

• Preliminary Design

• Design Development

• Construction Documents

To improve the process using AutoCAD MEP, you need to look at each phase and determine specifically how this new technology can benefit your organization.

Improvements in the Preliminary Design Phase

Using traditional methods, developing preliminary design documents can be a very manual process; conceptualizing system designs from preliminary sketches, defining general size and area requirements by approximating the architecture of the building, identifying design criteria through time-consuming analyses and detailed calculations.

With AutoCAD MEP you can reduce manual tasks throughout the preliminary design phase by producing a preliminary model of the spaces intended to be serviced. Through the massing of building elements like spaces, doors, and windows in an object-based CAD environment, much of the conceptual information required can be automatically generated for you. Benefit from calculated values for space dimensions, square footages and volumes, and estimated loads and quantities. Take advantage of the design data automatically generated to determine design criteria.

Improvements in the Design Development Phase

During the development of a building project, changes can cost time and money and negatively affect the project from staying on schedule and within budget. Traditional methods typically do not facilitate change effectively. The creation of design documents can be laborious and require a vast amount of low-value drafting tasks including manual checking of work.

AutoCAD MEP allows a project team to make changes to the project at any time during the design process more quickly and effectively. With design data readily accessible in the model, critical design information is immediately available so that project-related decisions can be made efficiently. This gives the project team more time to focus on the actual design itself.

In addition, AutoCAD MEP streamlines processes, such as part selection and system sizing, by offering intuitive tools that assist you in developing an accurate design. Parts can be selected directly from catalogs that provide an extensive collection of industry-standard parts. Systems can be sized based on the design data embedded in the model that was captured at the point of creation. This allows the project team to deliver better work faster, because it means that their design requires less time and effort.

Improvements in the Construction Documents Phase

The intent of a building systems design project is to create a building that will run efficiently. Using traditional methods, coordination between all the different disciplines is usually the biggest problem. When ever a change is made to the design capturing that change throughout the construction documents many times does not happen because of the time and effort required. The result is lack of coordination that ultimately can have significant impacts on the construction of the project.

AutoCAD MEP helps to ensure design coordination by allowing you to take advantage of the design data captured in the model. With the use of automated tools, you can quickly produce many views of your model including sections, elevations and 3D representations, and gain feedback about your design by generating schedules and detecting spatial interferences. Whenever a change is made to the design, all the consequences of that change are automatically coordinated throughout the project ensuring that the change is reflected in all of your construction documents. The automated design coordination provided by AutoCAD MEP helps to eliminate coordination mistakes and improve the overall quality of your work.

Assessment

Once you have determined that AutoCAD MEP is a viable solution based on the benefits your organization can gain from process improvements, you must take a realistic look at the situation in your organization. The key to any successful software implementation is assessment. Many organizations are in the habit of looking at new technology to make their jobs easier and remain competitive. However, all too often the decision to adopt a new technology is made with the wrong expectations. In order to eliminate unrealistic expectations, maximize the value of your investment, and minimize implementation risks, it is imperative that you take a closer look at the more tangible issues surrounding implementing Autodesk Building Systems:

• Hardware Requirements

• Optimization and Configuration

• Installation and Deployment

• Training

• Support

Optimization and Configuration

Out of the box AutoCAD MEP is set up for designing systems based on common industry standards. You can get up and running quickly using basic model and sheet templates that include generic layout tabs and borders; lay out systems based on AIA layer standards using predefined layer keys for layer assignment, color, linetype, and line weight, work with default part catalogs to generate designs based on common off-the-shelf parts, and use standard profiles to set up your workspace with general menus, tool palettes and tool bars.

Even though AutoCAD MEP provides generalized configuration out of the box, additional set up is almost always necessary. Most organizations have CAD standards that must be adhered to, work on projects that require unique parts or equipment, and have established practices that demand custom workspaces and default settings. For an implementation of AutoCAD MEP to be successful it is crucial that day-to-day production is maintained. Through optimization and configuration you can provide users with a level of familiarity that helps to ease the transition to a new technology.

Installation and Deployment

Installation and deployment of a new technology depends heavily on your organizational structure. Determine how many users will be affected. What kind of time constraints do you have? What directory structure will be used? Are components being loaded locally or on a network? Your goal here is to leave nothing to chance. Failure to do so may result in production slow downs, or worse, broken systems.

Determine the actual deployment process. Each step in the process should be looked at in detail, documented and tested. This will help to ensure that each deployment will be done identically.

Create a contingency plan if your implementation schedule is interrupted like staggering deployments to individuals or groups, or leveraging nights and weekends for the actual installations to minimize down time.

Training

Training requirements significantly increase the implementation time and cost. First and fore most, you will need a training budget. In order to establish a training budget you need to ask yourself two important questions:

1. How will AutoCAD MEP be used in your organization?

2. What is the proficiency level of your users?

The answers to these questions will help you determine the type of training needed as well as how MUCH training will be required. When it comes to CAD software, one can never have enough training. Remember that AutoCAD MEP presents a change in process when implemented successfully. Therefore, training requirements must be accurately identify in order to reap the full benefits of implementing this new technology. Process changes take time; established practices must change and old habits must be broken. Be realistic about training requirements and take them into consideration when planning the implementation. Look for ways to ease the transition. Provide training during or shortly after deployment to allow users to apply what they learned in training right away.

Support

Even after installation, deployment, and training takes place, the implementation process is not complete. Technical support must be available and easy to access for everyone. Don’t expect CAD users to attend training and return to the office knowing everything to make AutoCAD MEP purr on their desk. There is always a learning curve for new technology and by taking the steps necessary to provide adequate technical support, users will have the help they need back on the job.

Every organization will have different ideas of how to provide ongoing technical support. Remember it is not necessarily the method of support but that support is available.

Pilot Project

Consider a pilot project. Most organizations that are talking about investing thousands of dollars in new technology want proof-of-concept. Set up a few users in a small-scale production environment to evaluate your implementation plan and to validate the results of your assessment. This will be a good indication if you identified the critical issues to be considered in your organization, accurately estimated time and costs, and set realistic goals that can successfully be attained.

Summary

Implementing a new technology, specifically AutoCAD MEP, may be frustrating at times; however when all is said and done your organization can reap tremendous rewards from a successful implementation. If you have considered each of the issues previously discussed and objectively weighed the strategic approaches presented, you will have addressed the critical steps in achieving the most effective implementation of AutoCAD MEP for your organization. Taking the time to strategize and plan for an implementation of AutoCAD MEP will minimize the time and efforts required for a successful implementation and maximize your return on investment.

Creating a 3D Solid Model for a Block- Based MvPart

2007-09-25T15:44:00.000-05:00

You create solids from one of the basic solid shapes of box, cone, cylinder, sphere, torus, and wedge or by extruding a 2D object along a path or revolving a 2D object about an axis.

Once you have created a solid in this manner, you can create more complex shapes by combining solids. You can join solids, subtract solids from each other, or find the common volume (overlapping portion) of solids. For more information, see Create a Composite Solid.

To create a solid box type in Box and cylinder from the command line.
Specify the first corner of the base.
Specify the opposite corner of the base.
Specify the height.
Place points to your model to help locate connectors, enter point, press ENTER and, using osnaps, select the center of a connector on the 3D model.
Verify that the geometry is drawn on layer 0 and is assigned BYBLOCK for color and linetype, and BYLAYER for lineweight.
Define a block for the current drawing Create the objects you want to use in the block definition.

The block is defined in the current drawing and can be inserted at any time.

Defining the Part Behavior of a Block-Based MvPart

Go the MEP Common pull down menu, and choose Content Builder.

Choose the location within the parts catalog where you want the part to show up.
Click on the New Block Part button to start building the new part.
Give the new part a name, and click in the description box, and the name will transfer to it automatically.

Choose OK, and the block definitions will be created as you enter the MvPart Builder.

Select a type from the list.
Define a layer key for the new part size.
In the Select Layer Key dialog box, select a layer key and click OK.
For Subtype, select a subtype from the list, or enter a new subtype.
Click Next

Assigning Part Size Names and Views of a Block-Based MvPart

Click ADD PART SIZE, and select the 3D model block you created. A new part size is added to the part family, and a new row appears in the table.
Select your block.
To create the missing view blocks for those block names that display in red, click GENERATE BLOCKS. Hit OK to accept the creation of the views. The new part size is updated with the generated view blocks.
Click Next.

Generating a Preview Image of a Block- Based MvPart

To generate an imaige, click Generate an image based on a model block from the SW Isometric View.
Select a model block from the list.
Click Generate. A preview imaige is generated from the model block and assigned to the part family.
Click Next.

Adding Connectors to a Block- Based MvPart

To add a connector, from the tree view of the part family and sized, right-click the part family, and select the type of connector.
Specify a value for each of the properties. These properties are assigned to the connector for all part sizes.
Click OK.
To edit a connector for an individual part size, right-click the specific connector, and click Edit Connector.
A property palette is displayed. Specify the connector properties.
Specify the position of the connector, click the … and select a point on the model.
Specify the direction to draw the connecting components by click the …, and drag the cursor in the direction you want the connection component to go, and select a point. To ensure that components are connected perpendicularly to the part, use Ortho mode to restrict the cursor when selecting the direction. Notice the direction of the arrows.
Enter a number for the size properties. The size properties will vary depending on the shape of the connector. Enter the width and height of the duct connector, or enter the diameter of the pipe connector.
Click OK, and then click Next

Tool Palette Disorder in AutoCAD MEP

2007-09-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

1Overview
The Problem Have you ever built a custom Tool Palette in AutoCAD, or any of the vertical versions of AutoCAD, only to discover that your Tools get all jumbled up later on? The reason this occurs is that the process of creating a custom tool palette is recorded chronologically and though you can drag-n-drop the tools around, that action doesn't change the actual order of the code in the xml based palette file. When you drag-n-drop Tools around, that order is saved in the current user's Workspace Profile (.aws file). For users who work in an isolated environment where they are in complete control of their Palette creation and use, this information may not appear relevant until some event forces AutoCAD to reload the Palette. For users (and particularly for CAD managers) working in a networked environment where Palettes are read from a single point, this information is crucial for maintaining structured order.
2Body
Solution #1 The low-tech solution for building a Tool Palette with your Tools in the proper order is to create one in any order that you feel like, drag-n-drop Tools to a desired order and then Copy the whole collection of Tools to a new blank Tool Palette. When you get ready to Select your Tools on the first Palette, you can use the Ctrl+A key to grab the whole collection.
Solution #2 Another, more technical, option for managing Tool order is to work with an XML editor such as the free "Microsoft XML Notepad" illustrated to the right. *With this XML Notepad you can set the Files of type to "All Files (.)" and look for the* .atc file that you need to work on. Once Opened, you should find a list of folders all labeled "Tools". If you can find the Tools you need to relocate, then all you have to do is drag-n-drop them in the order you want and save the work.
3Conclusion
Read-only Palette Files If you are fairly new to the process of creating network based shared Palettes there is one significant piece of information that you definitely need to know. When a session of AutoCAD is closed, it writes the whole xml code back to the point of origin even if you have deleted the original xml file. I learned this the hard way when trying to build a writable shared Palette system for an office while everyone was working. If you are building a shared Palette system that is intended to remain static, you can simply change the xml file's properties to "Read-only". Using the "Read-only" property prevents AutoCAD from writing back over the original xml file. This also means that you can continue to develop the Palette system while an office is actively using AutoCAD.
Read-only Workspace Files Setting Palette (.atc) files to "Read-only" does not prevent users from dragging Tools up or down in the list. If you want to lock the order of the Tools the only solution I have come up with thus far is to set the current Workspace to "Read-only" You can find this file, named "Profile.aws", under "C:\Documents and Settings\[current user login]\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2007\enu\Support\Profiles\[current profile name]".

Adding a List to your Property Set Definitions

2007-09-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

Provided by archidigm

If you look at the Extended Data tab of your Properties Palette whenever you work with Objects, you should find that some fields can be changed while others appear to be locked. That is because there are two types of Property Data: Object Based and Style Based. When you create your own custom Property Data, you will have to consider when and how to use these two types. In addition, if you have a need to create fields that designers can modify, you may want to consider using List Definitions which can be used within Object Based or Style Based Property Set Definitions.

In this article we will discuss how you can create a custom list of values to be set inside a Property Set Definition Style.

To create a list of property values you will need to access the List Definitions category in the Style Manager. You can do this by activating the Style Manager and picking on List Definitions under the Multi-Purpose Objects category or you can simply type "ListDefinitions".

In the illustration to the right I show that I have created a new List Definition that I have named "Appliance_Finishes-ARCHIdigm". On the Applies To tab of this new List Definition, I have checked the "Manual Property Definition" box so this list will be available for use in my custom Property Set Definition Style.

Under the Items tab I have used the Add button to create a list of Names and Descriptions that will appear on a drop-down list later on. Notice that I have also checked the "Allow individual property values to vary from this list" box so users can type in an option that may not appear on this list. For some things you may want to allow individual value but for other things you probably want to use the list to prevent erroneous data entry.

The sort order is, unfortunately, limited to alphabetical If you try to be clever by using numbers, you may pull your hair out trying to filter those number out in your Schedule.

Adding the List to your Property Definition Style

When you modify an existing or custom Property Set Definition Style, type "PropertySetDefine", be sure to check the "Applies To" tab to see if this Style is Style Based or Object Based. If you want your List to be available as a unique item for individual Objects, even identical ones, you will need to use a Property Set Definition Style that has been set to Object Based.

In the illustration to the right, I show that I have added a Manual Property Definition row to my Property Set Definition and that I named it "Finish". Under the Type column, I used the drop-down list to set this definition to "List" and that allowed me to use another drop-down list under the Source column to select my custom Property List.

In the illustration to the right I show that I have selected an example Appliance Multi-view Block whose Style uses a Property Set Definition with a List option for the Finish category. The list is not available for direct use on the Extended Data tab of the Properties Palette but can be accessed through the "Edit Style Property Set data" button.

If the List Definition Style had been set inside a Property Set Definition that was Object Based, then the list would be available for direct use on the Extended Data tab.

Portable Standalone Licenses

2007-09-25T14:57:00.000-05:00

To open the Portable License Utility.

On the target computer, click Start menu (Windows) /All Programs (or Programs) /Autodesk Architectural Desktop / Portable License Utility.

To obtain a computer identification code from the target computer

Write down the computer identification code, which is shown in the lower-left corner of the Portable License Utility window.
You will add the computer identification code from this target computer to the computer list on the source computer.
To add a computer to the computer list
On the Computers tab, a list of computers to which you can export a license is displayed.
Click Add.
In the Add Computer dialog box, enter the computer name and computer identification code of the target computer. Click OK.
The information you added is displayed in the computer list on the Computers tab.
In the Portable License Utility window, click Close.

To export a license

On the Licenses tab, select the license you want to export. Click Export License.
The Export License dialog box displays the Autodesk product name and license name, and lists the computer name and identification code of all computers in the computer list.
In the Export To list, select a Target Computer.
The target computer is the only place this exported license can go. You cannot select one target computer now and then transfer the license to a different computer. In the Export To list, select a target computer.
Check your notes to verify that the identification code is correct for the target computer.
The identification code displayed here must match the code on the target computer exactly.
Under Export Type, select an export type.
You must select Use Transfer File if this is the first time you are transferring this license to the target computer. The transfer file contains license information needed by the target computer.
Click Transfer License.
In the Export Succeeded dialog box, click OK.
In the Portable License Utility window, click Close

Install the Autodesk product

Install the Autodesk product on the target computer from the Network Image created from the Deployment Wizard. You do not have to register or activate the product on your target computer.

To import a license

On the Licenses tab, click Import License.
In the Import License dialog box, select a license transfer option. Make sure that you select the same transfer option that you used when you exported the license.
Click Import.
The license is now imported to the target computer; you can now run your Autodesk product on this computer. If you want to return the license to the original computer, repeat the export and import procedures.
In the Portable License Utility window, click Close

Autodesk Design Review

2007-09-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

Today, the building process from design through construction, and into facility management, is more complex than ever. And design review involves team members who are not CAD software users, yet who are vital to the project. Autodesk Design Review software helps overcome these challenges by extending design review, digitally, to the entire team.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Autodesk Design Review software helps save time and money with easy-to-use tools for team members to review, mark up, and revise designs and 3D models. This free* tool is tightly integrated with all Autodesk design software and enables project teams to move to a two-way design review process and gain timesaving functionality in their markup and approval processes. Specific timesaving functionality includes the following:

View and Print
Autodesk Design Review offers a fast, efficient way to view high-resolution 2D and 3D designs.
You can navigate between sheets using embedded hyperlinks and bookmarks and within a model using the new Steering Wheel and View Cube features. Rich printing options enable you to print with the same fidelity as the CAD application.

Compare AEC Design Documents
Automatically highlight additions, deletions, and other modifications in a lightboard-style fashion
with versions overlaid upon one another.

Online Content Search
Drive productivity and process improvements by accessing online building part catalogs with a single click through Autodesk Design Review.

Full Design Intelligence
Access data integral to engineering, architectural, and construction design review, including drawing scale, sheet set details, and object and markup properties.

Embed in Microsoft Office Applications
Drag your designs into Microsoft® Word, PowerPoint, or Excel® programs, and enable team members to visualize the design in presentations, construction documentation, change orders, estimates, and more.

Batch Printing
Print multiple DWF files, customize settings, and save batch printing configuration for later use with the Batch Print wizard. Save time by easily printing large numbers of DWF files as part of an automated process.

Preview, Select Preferences, and Print
Preview files, and print files to scale or at another scale with the same high fidelity as in AutoCAD or Revit-based software. Print options include fit to page, print current view, tile across multiple sheets, and print multiple pages or page ranges.

Printer Integration
Autodesk agreements with HP, Océ, KIP, and PLP, among others, make printing to your hardware device easier than ever. If you’re connected to a supported HP® Designjet® printer, select the HP Instant Printing feature to print an entire sheet set automatically, or use this feature with batch printing.

Measure, Mark up, and Annotate
Get everything you need for clear and concise measurement, markup, and annotation of designs
made in AutoCAD and Revit-based software.

2D and 3D Markup
All viewing and markup features are available for both 2D and 3D designs. Markups made to 3D
models persist and are visible within the model view, making it more intuitive for users to capture and review feedback.

Persistent 2D and 3D Measure
Use built-in measurement tools to measure distance and angles in 2D designs and 3D models.
Measurements made on 3D models persist within the model view and are always available for reference.

Custom Stamps, Smart Shapes, and Freehand Markup Tools
Add custom symbols and comments to sheet sets and 3D views electronically, including familiar
markup call-outs, standard shapes, freehand drawings, and text.

User Coordinate Support
Access the user coordinate system for greater flexibility and more accurate measurement of
model surfaces.

Combine Project Documents
Drag project information into your DWF file to quickly and easily build a complete project file with product specifications, timelines, and more.

Combine All Designs and Project Data
Share, review, and mark up 2D drawings and 3D models—as well as project-related documents from Microsoft Office and other applications—in a single file. Autodesk Design Review supports adding, deleting, reordering, and renaming sheets and models within the Navigator window.

Capture Graphical Information
Capture graphical information such as a product specification or color sample from the web or other applications with the Snapshot tool, and add it to your review set in Autodesk Design Review.

Automatically Track All Markups
Automatically track your project’s status with autorecording of markups, text annotations,
dimensions, review status, and notes. Save DWF files with markups, redlines, and annotations and send them to CAD users or other project team members.

Save and Round-Trip All Markups
Import markups from the DWF format back into AutoCAD or Revit-based software. Systematically walk through a review set, navigating markups in the Markup Set Manager for fast, easy revisions in any Autodesk design software.

Use Autodesk Design Review software to overcome challenges in the architecture, engineering, and construction processes—from design to construction to facility management—by accelerating the design review process and putting the design in the hands of the people who need it.

Accelerate Review Cycles

Cut two to three days per review cycle by using Autodesk Design Review with AutoCAD or Revit-based products to electronically review, mark up, and revise designs.

Enable Digital Back Checks

Reduce errors by using Design Review for back checking. Enable team members to automatically track and review changes and their status without waiting for printouts.

Visualize Designs in Client Presentations

Design Review enables clients and project stakeholders to fully visualize drawings and models created in AutoCAD or Revit. Include interactive drawings and models in Microsoft PowerPoint slide sets for more effective presentations.

Document Construction Change Orders

Use the markup and status tracking tools in Design Review to track changes required throughout the construction process.

Reduce Printing and Shipping Costs

Save as much as $100 per job in printing and shipping costs while enabling team members to fully participate in a digital design review process.

Autodesk Design Review integrates with all Autodesk 2008 design applications:

AutoCAD
AutoCAD Architecture
Revit Architecture
Revit Structure
Autodesk VIZ
Autodesk 3ds Max
AutoCAD Map 3D
AutoCAD Civil 3D
AutoCAD Raster Design
AutoCAD Land Desktop
Autodesk Inventor products
AutoCAD Mechanical
AutoCAD Electrical
AutoCAD MEP
Revit MEP

New DWG TrueView incorporates all the functionality of DWG TrueConvert

2007-09-20T10:29:00.000-05:00

Don't have AutoCAD? No problem. DWG TrueView is a FREE download program to accurately view, plot, and publish authentic DWG and DWF files. And now, DWG TrueView incorporates all the functionality of DWG TrueConvert. This means you can translate any AutoCAD or AutoCAD-based drawing file for compatibility with AutoCAD Release 14 through AutoCAD 2008. It is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Download it by clicking Here

Share AutoCAD drawings easily and accurately among engineers and architects.
View and plot DWG and DXF files, and then publish them as DWF files for quick and easy review and markup in Autodesk Design Review.
Publish 3D DWF files.
Get full support for the new AutoCAD 2008 drawing enhancements.
Ensure the integrity and reliability of your data.
Always get full drawing fidelity because the viewer is built on the same viewing technology as AutoCAD 2008 software.
Incorporates all the TrueConvert functionality to convert sets of drawings from new versions of AutoCAD to older versions and vice versa
Add page set-up information during the conversion process
Use the AutoCAD eTransmit technology to bundle a complete file set for conversion

DWG TrueConvert software translates DWG files created with AutoCAD R14 (or later) to AutoCAD R14, AutoCAD 2000, AutoCAD 2004, and AutoCAD 2007 DWG file formats, as well as to AutoCAD LT 98, 2000, 2004, and 2007 DWG file formats. You can convert any version of DWG files created with AutoCAD-based products using the DWG TrueView software.

You do not need to have AutoCAD 2008 or AutoCAD LT 2008 installed on your computer to run the DWG TrueView software. You can install and run the DWG TrueView software with or without any version of AutoCAD installed on your machine.

The DWG TrueView software is very reliable in converting older DWG files to AutoCAD 2007 DWG file formats. The DWG TrueView software uses the same DWG engine as AutoCAD does to convert DWG files. Therefore you can expect precisely the same output as the software Save As command.

DWG TrueView software cannot be used to convert DWG files to other file formats such as DXF or DWF format. DWG TrueView software only converts DWG files to newer or older versions of the DWG file format.

When you create custom objects in AutoCAD DWG files and save your drawing with proxy graphics turned on, you can convert these drawings and maintain visual fidelity of the custom objects. However, you cannot edit the drawing in other releases. To modify custom objects in other releases, explode the custom objects in the drawing before you convert it.

If you want to convert drawings created with AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP software, use the Save to AutoCAD DWG feature before you convert the drawing. It will break the intelligence of the objects, but users will be able to read them.

For drawings that contain custom objects, it is recommended that you do not use the DWG TrueView software to convert them to a newer release. When a drawing that contains custom objects is converted, the custom objects themselves are not converted. Unexpected results might occur if you attempt to open the converted drawing in a custom object application.

AutoCAD MEP 2008 English Tutorials Done in Metric

2007-09-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

You noticed that two of the topics in the AutoCAD MEP 2008 tutorial cannot be accessed from the table of contents.

To access these two topics, download the tutorials available from the following website:
http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmep-tutorials

These tutorials contain an updated table of contents in both the online (CHM) and PDF versions.

Follow the steps in the corresponding readme.txt file to download the tutorial zip file to your hard drive and extract the CHM and PDF files. The tutorial datasets do not contain updates and do not need to be extracted.

After extracting the English version and opening a project you will notice that they are in metric. There are not different files for the Imperial system. All the style property sets in HVAC are in metric. Xrefs insert in metric units. Changing the template files to Imperial won’t fix it either.

Autodesk told me that they did not publish imperial tutorials for the 2008 release. All of their tutorials are metric. AutoCAD MEP 2008 is designed so that its functionality works exactly the same whether you are using imperial or metric units. The skills that you learn doing the metric tutorials can be directly applied to imperial-based projects.

Sharing drawings in different Autodesk Programs

2007-09-19T15:30:00.000-05:00

Sharing drawings is necessary in many stages of the drawing development cycle. For example, you may be asked to add a mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system to a drawing that was created in another software program. AutoCAD MEP provides an object enabler so that you can work with custom objects contained in the drawing.

If you open a drawing that includes a custom object that was not drawn in AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD MEP installs an object enabler, if one is available. If an object enabler is not available, the software uses proxy graphics to display objects. You can enable proxy graphics in the Options dialog.

Enablers are collaboration utilities that allow users of other Autodesk products to view and manipulate objects created in AutoCAD MEP. Enablers use ObjectDBX technology to allow object data created in AutoCAD MEP to be accessed outside its native environment. This provides data accessibility for design teams that create and receive AutoCAD MEP files.

If you open an AutoCAD MEP drawing that contains an object created in a different Autodesk product, AutoCAD MEP can automatically check http://www.autodesk.com for an object enabler to use to display the object. If it fails to find one, the object is displayed using proxy graphics instead.

To control whether AutoCAD MEP checks for object enablers, use the Live Enabler options on the System tab of the Options dialog. You can also manually check for object enablers at http://www.autodesk.com/enablers.

If a LiveEnabler is not available for an object, the object may be replaced with a proxy graphic. A proxy graphic is a placeholder that represents the object. This placeholder does not have the full display or attributes of the object.

When proxy objects are drawn, AutoCAD MEP displays the Proxy Information dialog. The dialog gives you the following information:

· The total number of graphical and non-graphical proxy objects in the drawing

· The name of the missing application

· The proxy object type and display state

You can use the Proxy Information dialog to control the display of proxy objects.

You can create a new version of a drawing file with all AutoCAD MEP objects exploded into basic AutoCAD objects. The new version of the drawing loses the intelligence of the AutoCAD MEP objects, but the resulting basic objects can be displayed and accessed in earlier versions of AutoCAD when object enablers are not available for those versions.

When you export an AutoCAD MEP drawing to AutoCAD, all objects in the drawing are converted to AutoCAD linework. Reference drawing geometry is converted to linework in a block reference. If you want to remove the block reference, use the explode command to convert the block reference to active linework.

Whether you export a drawing to AutoCAD or DXF format, the layers, colors, and linetypes of the AutoCAD MEP objects are preserved in the new drawing.

If you export a drawing with multiple viewports in paper space, the annotative objects are exploded into multiple blocks, one for each viewport, in order to maintain visual fidelity. You can export annotative AutoCAD objects in the same way by selecting Maintain visual fidelity for annotative objects on the Open and Save tab in the Options dialog. For more information, see “Save a Drawing” in the AutoCAD Help.

Beginning with AutoCAD 2008, if you open an exported AutoCAD MEP drawing in AutoCAD, the AutoCAD objects that were annotative prior to export are converted to annotative objects.