Beth's CAD Blog

My absence and mourning

2009-09-21T21:51:00.002-05:00

I have been absent from my blog due to my husband, Peter's deteriorating health. He finally is at peace now and I am in mourning. I will resume by blog in a few weeks. Thank you for your patience. I have kept up his blog here and you'll find the actual post of his death.

I will miss him greatly and will love him forever.

Working with Revit MEP

2009-08-29T22:12:00.002-05:00

Since AutoCAD MEP has been around longer than Revit MEP, I've got more experience with the AutoCAD MEP program. I have been around Revit and was on the scene working for a reseller when Revit MEP came out. I followed it closely for the first couple of years and then just watched from the outside as an MEP consultant.

If you find your firm going to Revit MEP, it's probably because you have landed or want to land a project where it is required. If you have some AutoCAD MEP experience, you will at least understand systems and connections. If you have Revit Architecture or Revit Structure experience, then you will at least understand Revit and families.

Two questions always come up. First, what are the system requirements. For most Autodesk programs you can find these at the Autodesk website. For Revit MEP, I believe these specifications are inadequate for real world use. The second questions is always whether the product is ready for prime time. It's getting better, but it's a matter of question and debate.

You'll find the Revit MEP System Requirements here.

What I recommend for Revit MEP is that you read some posts in the AUGI Forums on the experiences of other users. You'll learn some of the following that I gleaned today.

Revit MEP files can be 75-150MB in size. Add to this a possible additional 500 MB in linked models. You may have both a structural model and an architectural model.

You need to anticipate file size and how your network is going to access these files. Network speed and capacity is going to play a role here, not just what computers you buy.

Revit does not yet take advantage of multi-core machines. Rendering is the only portion that can use multi-core as I understand it. Clock speed and RAM seem to have the biggest impact. Seems to be 12MB is the minimum RAM.

When you start to look at your pilot project, you'll also want to visit and discuss with other users different methods that work better in addition to whomever will be handling your implementation. You're going to need help to do this right.

Some firms separate disciplines into different central files while others create a workset per floor per discipline. Most seem to strip the architectural file to decrease the size. You'll want to review the pros and cons of these actions since some methods almost defeat the purpose of using Revit because you lose the ability to connect when you split up to more manageable file sizes.

Here are some threads and resources that I recommend you investigate before you invest in a system or begin a new workflow.

Happy with your Hardware?

Revit MEP Afterthoughts

Revit - Hardware & Operating Systems

Revit MEP Resource Center

Autodesk Model Performance Technical Note (.pdf)

Autodesk Whitepaper on Hybrid MEP Design and Documentation (.pdf)

Blogs

Revit Garage

The MEP CAD Engineer

Revit MEP Blog

Inside the System

CAD Shack

The BIM Bulletin

Hybrid Design with AutoCAD MEP & Revit MEP

2009-08-22T20:52:00.002-05:00

Autodesk Webcast on MEP Engineering Webcast Series: Hybrid Design & Documentation with Autodesk MEP Engineering Solutions
Date and Time: 2009-Aug-26
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Pacific Daylight Time

Read this whitepaper on hybrid designs with AutoCAD MEP & Revit MEP.

Check out more resources on the Revit MEP Resource Center and the AutoCAD MEP Resource Center.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Turn off warnings

2009-08-21T12:29:00.006-05:00

AutoCAD MEP 2010 has solution tips as did 2009. Many users call these "warnings" which is why they often have trouble finding information about them in the Help file.

Under the View tab of the ribbon you will find an MEP View Panel that contains toggles to turn on and off Flow Arrows, Solution Tips, and the Compass.

New Revit MEP Blog

2009-08-21T08:20:00.002-05:00

A new blog by another AutoCAD MEP consultant like me. Welcome.

The BIM Bulletin

AutoCAD Selection Tip

2009-08-18T18:05:00.005-05:00

You may have followed my Top Tips post late last year. The top support request that I get is always around selection. It's either one of two things.

Both of these are solved from the Selection Tab of Options. Both of these are caused by events other than the user changing them in the Selection Tab of Options.

Noun/Verb Selection
This allows user to select the object and then select the command or select the command and then select the object. If you are selecting the object followed by the command and then are prompted to "select objects", then this is probably unchecked.

Use Shift to add to selection
This was created for the small population of people that have a fear of selecting too many objects at once (not counting window or crossing). When this is checked, let's say you select the erase command. You select an object and then click to select a second object and the first one becomes unselected. If you didn't have too many martinis for lunch then this box probably needs to be unchecked.

Both of these go back at least to R11 when I began using AutoCAD and I'm sure way before then. The dinosaurs probably used these commands first.

Home Run Arrows in AutoCAD MEP

2009-08-17T11:06:00.002-05:00

In AutoCAD MEP, the Annotation Tab of Electrical Preferences allows you to control the tick marks, the home run arrows, connections, and crossings.

If you do not want tick marks or do not want tick marks shown on a home run, you can un-check the options.

To change the home run arrow, you choose arrow type in a similar manner to choosing arrows in a dimension style. In fact, the drop down list will look very familiar to you if you've changed arrows in dimension styles.

Paper distance fields in the dialog box are the plotted height of the annotation.

Autodesk University Early Registration Opens August 12, 2009

2009-08-10T18:35:00.002-05:00

If you are an AUGI member, Subscription Member, or Member of AU Online you can register for Autodesk University August 12th. Don't miss the best training available, bar none.

Copy & Paste vs. Block Library

2009-07-26T16:07:00.001-05:00

I'm often asked and often see examples of copy and pasting AutoCAD entities through Windows Clipboard.

Because users today are more acclimated to Windows than some of us old dogs who started using AutoCAD in DOS, I see people copy and paste from drawing to drawing. So, the question is:

When should I use Copy & Paste?

First, Copy and Paste are Windows commands. They copy whatever you select to the Windows Clipboard and then make it available to Paste in any Windows program. It's often overused because it's so easy.

The general Copy and Paste commands copy the entities in whatever native format they are in. so if you copy something from a web page and paste it in Word, it generally comes is as html or something other than basic text.

In most Windows programs, there is also a Paste Special command. This can be found under the Edit pulldown menu in most cases. Using Paste Special provides you with the ability to choose how you are going to paste. You can paste something in Word for example as unformatted text. You can paste something in AutoCAD as a type of AutoCAD object.

In AutoCAD, you can choose various copy and paste commands from the Edit pulldown menu as well. You can copy with a base point or paste as a block. When you paste as a block, AutoCAD makes up a name for the block that is a series of letter and numbers. You can tell when someone has done a lot of copy and paste when you look at the names of the blocks in a drawing and see names like that.

Why shouldn't you use copy and paste? If you are using something more than once, then you should take the time to make it a block and save it in a block library. This is when WBLOCK comes in handy. This is also a possible use for Tool Palettes if you have similar types of blocks that you will be using often.

Depending on what you copy and paste and how you do it, you can increase a drawing file size. You also will still have a number of individual entities to contend with unless you paste as a block. If you're going to do that, then you probably should have just made a block to begin with.

Having a block library meets one of the two Cardinal Rules of CAD that my first CAD instructor taught me. Never draw anything twice. This goes for copying and pasting too.

If you do have notes or text that do not fit the bill to be made into a block, then start a piece of MTEXT and right click inside the text window to paste. This will keep the formatting for your text from MSWord and paste it exactly as it was written.

Solar Radiation for Revit MEP in Autodesk Labs

2009-07-26T13:54:00.002-05:00

An interesting new download for Revit Architecture and Revit MEP from Autodesk Labs on Solar Radiation.

Use the Solar Radiation Technology Preview to analyze the effects of solar radiation on various surfaces of your conceptual building model.

AutoCAD Architecture Layer Button

2009-07-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

I always knew that there were a lot of buttons available in AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP at the top of the Layer Manager Palette. Had I been more involved, perhaps I would have investigated every one more carefully.

I learned this week that in 2009 and some previous versions there was a button that essentially made a new layer based on AIA standards. I was somewhat shocked that I didn't know about this button and explained Layer Keys to the person, but this magic button did sound far easier.

In the Autodesk discussion groups I found the simple answer to do this in 2010. LAYERDLGMODE. Turning this on made everything better for this user.

So if you are one of the select group that are missing this button, now you know what to do.

Adding AutoCAD OSNAP Toolbar to AutoCAD MEP 2010

2009-07-08T13:39:00.005-05:00

Editing the .cui to copy AutoCAD toolbars to AutoCAD MEP 2010

View here.

Presenting two classes at Autodesk University 2009

2009-07-05T21:01:00.004-05:00

I am quite honored to have been chosen to present two classes in the AutoCAD MEP field for AU this year.

AutoCAD MEP: Setting Up for Mechanical Designs

AutoCAD® MEP: Creating Custom Tags

Class schedule and possible changes should be in place later this month for registration to begin in early August.

Autodesk Labs Utilities - Using Google Earth with AutoCAD Architecture

2009-06-18T13:37:00.005-05:00

Autodesk Labs has another great beta tool for you AutoCAD Architecture users. You can use Google Earth with your 3D designs with an easy to use wizard, Google Earth Extension.

Be sure you follow Scott Sheppard's blog, It's Alive in the Lab for more information on this.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Ribbon Contextual Tab States

2009-06-10T19:35:00.003-05:00

One of the new features in the AutoCAD MEP 2010 Ribbon is the option for contextual tab states.

What this means is that when you make certain selections, a new tab appears in the ribbon. By default, this is set to occur on a single click of operations. This happens when you right-click on some MEP objects and when you are working with .pdf's for example.

You'll find this under the Selection tab of the Options dialog box in the lower left hand corner.

Microsoft Office 2007 Download to save to .pdf

2009-06-02T18:15:00.005-05:00

I just discovered, by accident, that you can download from Microsoft an add-in for Microsoft Office 2007. This allows you to do a SAVE AS to .pdf.

No outside program needed.

Thought I'd pass this little tidbit on to you.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-System Requirements and Advice

2009-06-02T17:17:00.012-05:00

First and foremost, regardless of the new features 2010 brings us, you need to look at the System Requirements.

You can find these at the Autodesk website and choosing AutoCAD MEP from the product list.
You'll see System Requirements on the left hand menu.

It is also important to note where to find and how to understand the importance of the Certified Hardware list.

It's not easy to find. It can only be found under AutoCAD. I know, it SHOULD be under every AutoCAD based product, but this is where you find it. That's probably another reason that not enough people are aware of it.

Choose Support under the left hand menu of the AutoCAD page.

Then you will choose Data & Downloads.

You will see Certified Hardware listed on this page.

This list contains all the graphics cards that Autodesk has tested and shows you, depending on the options you check, which ones perform better.

One of the biggest mistakes I see from users or especially their IT Departments is that they fail to order new computers with the correct graphics cards. Perhaps they asked someone that didn't give them good information or outdated information.

Many times people have the misconception that gaming computers or gaming graphics cards are the best and therefore should work for AutoCAD. That couldn't be any further from the truth.

The list is hard to find and of course there is a chance that you might have a graphics card that they have not tested that works fine. Still, the best chance at problem-free operation is to start off right with a graphics card that has been tested and performs well.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Electrical Workspaces

2009-06-02T16:39:00.004-05:00

We've looked at the duct and piping workspaces, now let's see what the new electrical workspaces look like.

Just like the other workspaces, the Build panel under the Home tab gives access to devices, wiring, electrical equipment, conduit, and cable trays.

The Annotate tab gives us access to not just electrical tags and schedules, but also to the panel schedules.

The Analyze tab provides us with the Circuit Manager and Power Totals and the other tools that are available in all the MEP workspaces.

The Manage tab gives us Style Manager and the electrical definitions and styles as well as the electrical preferences. Electrical System Definitions, load category definitions, electrical panel styles, electrical device styles, and wire styles are found here.

A rare chance to give

2009-06-01T14:00:00.002-05:00

I am embarking on an unusual journey today. My husband is not able to make white blood cells. I knew we were the same blood type, but was tested yesterday to be sure we are an exact match and that I have no physical problems.

The labs came back that I am an exact match in every way (I always knew we were compatible!) and all my blood work shows that I am in good health.

Today I will have a rare opportunity to help him more than I ever thought possible. I will be given a growth factor shot and a steroid tablet to force my body to produce extra white blood cells. I am told that I will feel achy like I have the flu due to the overproduction.

Tomorrow morning I will go have an IV stuck in each arm and sit for 3 hours while an apheresis machine takes the white blood cells out of me. Those white blood cells will then be transfused into my husband. They will only live in him for a couple of days before they die off, but will help him to have some white cells to fight infection.

I can only do this twice to most likely the process will take place again in 6 days.

I am nervous, but feel so good to be able to help in such a fantastic and personal way.

More AutoCAD MEP 2010 Workspaces

2009-05-25T11:03:00.004-05:00

The Piping Workspace for AutoCAD MEP 2010 chances the Home tab Build panel to piping tools.

The Annotate tab contains tags and schedules for piping.

Sloped piping is improved in AutoCAD MEP 2010 and besides using the Properties Palette, you will find tools under the Analyze tab.

The Manage tab will provide you with Piping Preferences as well as Style Manager, Piping System Definitions, and Routing Preference Definitions.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Workspaces

2009-05-25T10:23:00.005-05:00

The Workspaces in AutoCAD MEP 2010 are still available, but more robust. It may not be obvious where you see the list of workspaces since toolbars are not active when you start the program so you don't see the Workspaces Toolbar.

In the Status Bar, you will see the current workspace listed along with a drop down arrow beside it. This was there in 2009 as well, but you may not have noticed it.

In all workspaces, you will have a Tools Ribbon Panel. This is where you will find access to the Tool Palettes (only called Tools so you'll need to look at the icon), Content Browser, and the Properties Palette. The Parametric Part Wizard is also located here.

Workspaces control several Ribbon tabs and panels. Of course you can always create your own workspace and edit what is displayed with workspaces with the CUI Editor.

The Home tab has a Build Ribbon Panel that is workspace specific.

The Annotate tab has both tags and schedules. These can also be found on Tool Palettes as well, though you may find you are not using the tool palettes as much with everything on the ribbon.

The Analyze tab includes Interference Detection. I like that Distance and QuickCalc are there as well. Any engineering calculation tools are found under Analyze.

The Manage tab under each workspace has Style Manager with short-cuts to the appropriate system definitions and preferences per discipline.

Vote for upcoming AU Classes

2009-05-04T17:06:00.004-05:00

As of today, you can now vote from all the classes submitted. There appear to be plenty of submissions in all areas. Some are submitted by those of us who have taught at previous AU's and some are from talented people who believe they have something of value to share with AU attendees.

Voting is only through May 8, 2009. Voting helps the AU Committee know what you'd like as well as the surveys at the end of each AU. The committee doesn't use just one method to determine what classes will be in the 2009 lineup, but use several for a fair and balanced decision.

If you'd like to see the proposed classes or vote, please visit Autodesk University to vote. Use your AU login or register to be able to vote or view class submissions.

You will note that some classes are listed in one of the following class types.

90 minute class
90 minute lab
3.5 hour class
virtual
unplugged

Don't worry too much about the class type for voting as the class itself is really what you are voting for at this time. The planning committee may change the class type once the schedule is made.

You will note that this is the first year that virtual classes are offered. This is going to be a new venue for AU and I think it will be a good one.

Also, the unplugged unconference sessions are listed right along with the classes now so all can be planned together. In the past, the unplugged sessions were done separately later.

Final class selection should be complete and instructors notified by mid-June and the class list to go online around the end of July. Registration for AU 2009 will be about August 12.

You may also want to stay tuned to the Autodesk University Blog for more information on AU 2009.

Hope to see you there!

Virtual Office Tools

2009-05-01T09:10:00.002-05:00

Recently I read this article, 5 Ways to Build Your Virtual Office in Entrepreneur magazine. I found it interesting and wasn't aware that there were so many businesses out there that focus on the virtual office.

I was introduced to Skype well over a year ago when my son moved to China to live. He set it up for me and a webcam with microphone.

I never thought of myself as being an instant messenger type of person, but found that there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not using Skype. I rarely use the webcam or microphone, but it's there if I need it. Sometimes I just use the microphone like a telephone and we talk with no video when we have a lot to talk about and get tired of typing.

I was also pleasantly surprised that one of the customers that I work with the most use Skype for their main communication within their office. It prevents inbox clutter and conference calls are easy no matter where employees happen to be.

I've since found several Skype tools and am trying those out as well.

The above-mentioned article got me thinking about a virtual receptionist. I have a simple, pre-paid cell phone to use for calls when traveling. I may graduate to something more sophisticated, but I don't relish being tied to a cell phone and turn it off when I'm in a restaurant or doctor's office.

I discovered that one customer I have always tries the cell number first and since I keep it off when I am at home in my office he then has to leave a message and call my home office number. I was looking at a solution so that not only this customer, but any customer that wanted to reach me could call just one number and be forwarded to wherever I might be.

There are several different firms that offer this service. Some have plans that start out just for me in mind with low monthly costs, while others are aimed at big businesses and offer replacements for the standard PBX phone systems.

I spent a week researching and comparing and broke it down to two solutions. One being Onebox and the other being gotvmail, which I eventually went with.

As a backup, I also subscribed to a Skype-In number that could also be set to voicemail or forwarded to a phone.

I always thought I was up on technology, but now realize that there's a lot I don't know. I love learning new things!

5 Ways to Build Your Virtual Office - Entrepreneur.com

2009-05-01T09:09:00.002-05:00

5 Ways to Build Your Virtual Office - Entrepreneur.com

Posted using ShareThis

AutoCAD MEP 2010-New File Format

2009-04-07T18:09:00.003-05:00

O.K., so it's probably rather old news now and it's not just AutoCAD MEP. The file format has changed for 2010 AutoCAD products.

Yes, you can still save back to earlier versions.

Why am I telling you about this now? Because it's more likely that you are receiving your 2010 products if you are on subscription and just now giving some thought to installing them or at least installing one to try. Don't let this stop you though.

It's only a fact to be aware of. And to be aware that it is certainly possible for someone to send you a 2010 file so you can consider yourself informed.

If you are going to try out a copy and don't want to (or may not remember) to SAVE AS an earlier version for others, you can always go to the Open and Save tab in Options and set AutoCAD to save to whatever version you like each and every time.

Progress will continue to move forward so don't save back for too long!