Thursday, March 04, 2010

Dept. of Subtle - Revit MEP - Connectors and Height

It is important to orient connectors correctly. The "height" value or "radius" value for round connectors need to be "vertical". Here's an example of wrong (straight out of the family tutorials provided with RME).


Here's an example of correct:


5 comments:

Tom Martens said...

Hi Steve, we have been using Revit (MEP) for 2 years now, but have never encountered problems with the orientation of the connectors as you describe. Could you please give some more information on what couls or will go wrong if the radius valule is not vertical?
Thanks!
Tom

Erik said...

But Scott, wwwhhhhhyyyyyy, (he says in his most whiny two year old voice)must the height and radius dimensions of connectors be vertical?

Gabe Cottam said...

Yes, please explain the reason behind your post. I have never seen problems with my connector radius dimensions being angled, or even horizontal.

Steve said...

The factory would have to weigh in here...it's in their documentation, not my "rule". 8-)

Erik said...

It's actually more important for rectangular connections, as it determines how fittings connect to other parts of the system. From the MEP Families creation Guide:

IMPORTANT Connector rotation is a critical part of connector placement. The connector orientation
determines the correct orientation of the objects that are automatically inserted on the part. Although this is not as important for round connectors, it is extremely important for rectangular connectors such as those on rectangular duct fittings. Remember that for rectangular connectors, the rectangular connector must be oriented so that the width is assigned to the face that is on the X and Y axes. The height is not on these axes. If rectangular connectors are not rotated properly, the rectangular duct fitting will be inserted improperly, creating an unexpected result. You may find it easier to rotate connectors in a 3D view, where the part geometry is clearly visible.


Another little known "rule" is:

NOTE When you place fitting connectors, the primary connector must be placed on the face that is
on the X-axis. You can verify this by viewing the face in a floor plan view. Unexpected behavior can
result if the primary connector is not properly placed relative to the other connectors, and that if all
connectors are not properly rotated and linked.


I'm pretty sure that these rules apply to "fitting" connectors only and not the myriad if other connectors. But I could be wrong.

And I thought I was just asking a leading question so that you could swoop in and dazzle us with Revit-itude. :)