AecBatchStylesEditor 2009 by CADaption

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

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

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

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

1. Access the global cut plane settings Click Format menu ->Display Manager.
2. In the left pane, expand Configurations, and select a display configuration.
3. In the right pane, click the Cut Plane tab.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Click the Cut Plane tab.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Click OK twice.
9. 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

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

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

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

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.

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


2. In the next row below, delete the "?CircWires" field then right‐click in the cell and select Insert Field…
   
(Click on image to enlarge)


3. 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.
   


4. 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



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



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



7. 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.
   



8. 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.


9. 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.



10. 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).




11. 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

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

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

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

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

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.

1. 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.


2. 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.

1. Open the DIALux application


2. 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


3. 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:-

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


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


3. This file can now be imported into AutoCAD MEP 2009.


4. At the AutoCAD MEP command line, type DialuxImport


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


6. 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!

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.

1. 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.


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


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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

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

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.

1. Download and install Orca from Microsoft.
   http://www.technipages.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/orca.Msi
2. Copy the installation files to your hard drive or a network folder.
3. Backup the files ACA.msi and Setup.ini
4. 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"
5. Save and close the ACA.msi
6. Edit the Setup.ini with Notepad. Delete the line under "#==================== Platform Requirement" that is labeled "PLATFORM=NO_WOW_64_PROCESS"
7. Double-click the Setup.exe and you should be able to install without any problems.
8. If you leave the default paths for the installation of the content, this may or may not apply.
9. 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"
10. Fix the incorrect paths, hit apply, and you are good to go.
11. 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…