This is an example of the resulting level in the project:
Monday, June 16, 2008
New Label Feature - Easier Prefix/Suffix
With 2009 comes a new Label Dialog which permits the joining of multiple parameters into a single label. In addition you can include a suffix and/or prefix. This provides a graceful way to add the prefix "EL:" to a Level annotation, something that wasn't so graceful in the past. Here's an example of the new dialog with the prefix added to my label in a Level Head family.
This is an example of the resulting level in the project:
This is an example of the resulting level in the project:
Friday, June 13, 2008
York RTU Content - Revit MEP
Joel Londenberg with Design West Engineering shared this information at AUGI today and I thought I'd echo it.
This information is posted at REZINE.net, a HVAC Engineering Information dedicated site. It is very nice to see this happening more often!
Software
YORK EQUIPMENT NOW
AVAILABLE ON REVIT
We are pleased to announce that all the York rooftop package units from 3 to 5 tons are now in the Revit families and ready to be downloaded in your software. This tool will save you and your company hours of CAD work. The rooftop units have been completed with accessories, real time dimensions, voltage, capacities, etc. The 6.5 to 12.5 tons are in design and should be ready to be downloaded anytime now! Please let us know if you have any problems installing this package. Enjoy!
These are the links to the content:
Revit Files Gas Elec ZH0078-150
Revit Files Gas Elec ZJ036-060
Revit Files Heat Pump XP0078-150
Revit Files Heat Pump XP036-060
As they say in their copy, they are working on additional content so keep an eye on them.
This information is posted at REZINE.net, a HVAC Engineering Information dedicated site. It is very nice to see this happening more often!
Software
YORK EQUIPMENT NOW
AVAILABLE ON REVIT
We are pleased to announce that all the York rooftop package units from 3 to 5 tons are now in the Revit families and ready to be downloaded in your software. This tool will save you and your company hours of CAD work. The rooftop units have been completed with accessories, real time dimensions, voltage, capacities, etc. The 6.5 to 12.5 tons are in design and should be ready to be downloaded anytime now! Please let us know if you have any problems installing this package. Enjoy!
These are the links to the content:
Revit Files Gas Elec ZH0078-150
Revit Files Gas Elec ZJ036-060
Revit Files Heat Pump XP0078-150
Revit Files Heat Pump XP036-060
As they say in their copy, they are working on additional content so keep an eye on them.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Phoenix Revit User Group
Tonight I had the opportunity to attend the Revit user group in Phoenix. It is organized by Michael MacVittie with Allen + Philp Architects/Interiors and the Phoenix AIA office is good enough to be the host location.
Eric and Rob from the SmithGroup presented a very nice discussion on their experience using Revit for their multi-discipline projects. Eric, an architect, focused on Revit Architecture while Rob, an engineer, discussed Revit MEP. They displayed a nice variety of project images and provided an overview of the way that their process has evolved since beginning to use Revit. It was a even-handed discussion of both the "highs" and the "lows" of their experience.
I'm glad that I could attend (my class let me leave a little early!) and see that a vibrant group of Revit users are meeting regularly to share their experiences. I also want to thank Mark Sever of the Sever Design Group for letting me know about the meeting and for making sure I was able to get there!
If you are in the Phoenix area, make sure you attend! If you need help reaching Michael, let me know!
Eric and Rob from the SmithGroup presented a very nice discussion on their experience using Revit for their multi-discipline projects. Eric, an architect, focused on Revit Architecture while Rob, an engineer, discussed Revit MEP. They displayed a nice variety of project images and provided an overview of the way that their process has evolved since beginning to use Revit. It was a even-handed discussion of both the "highs" and the "lows" of their experience.
I'm glad that I could attend (my class let me leave a little early!) and see that a vibrant group of Revit users are meeting regularly to share their experiences. I also want to thank Mark Sever of the Sever Design Group for letting me know about the meeting and for making sure I was able to get there!
If you are in the Phoenix area, make sure you attend! If you need help reaching Michael, let me know!
Dept. of Subtle - New Floor/Ceiling Plan Views
A subtle feature in the "New Plan" ("New RCP" for ceiling plans) dialog proved quite confusing to new users. In 2009 it has changed. This is the one I'm referring to.
This is the dialog that appears when you choose View menu > New > Floor Plan. In the past all the levels of the project were displayed in the floor/ceiling plan views window. If you selected a level that already had a plan view associated with it and left the check in the box...no view, no message, no nothing. It just looked like Revit didn't do anything. It didn't...because the check box says, "do not duplicate existing views". A little cryptic.
Now when you look at the plan view window only the levels that don't have a view associated with them are displayed. When you uncheck the check box all the levels of the project are displayed. Much better, even though I was confused at first for the opposite reason, irony.
This is the dialog that appears when you choose View menu > New > Floor Plan. In the past all the levels of the project were displayed in the floor/ceiling plan views window. If you selected a level that already had a plan view associated with it and left the check in the box...no view, no message, no nothing. It just looked like Revit didn't do anything. It didn't...because the check box says, "do not duplicate existing views". A little cryptic.
Now when you look at the plan view window only the levels that don't have a view associated with them are displayed. When you uncheck the check box all the levels of the project are displayed. Much better, even though I was confused at first for the opposite reason, irony.
Rotate with Component
This is a parameter that exists in the tag family template.
The concept is simple, check it when you want the tag to align itself with the component you tag. Example...a door. Works nicely.
Yet when you attempt to use it with other categories you can check it all night long and it does nothing...example a light fixture.
Some tags are hard wired to not use it while others are. We either need a list of the categories it is intended to work with or better yet, make it work for all content! It is so very frustrating for users to get so close yet have something like this trip them up!
The concept is simple, check it when you want the tag to align itself with the component you tag. Example...a door. Works nicely.
Yet when you attempt to use it with other categories you can check it all night long and it does nothing...example a light fixture.
Some tags are hard wired to not use it while others are. We either need a list of the categories it is intended to work with or better yet, make it work for all content! It is so very frustrating for users to get so close yet have something like this trip them up!
Where's my Space Leader? - Revit MEP 2009
"Heads Up", noticed today that the Space Tag family does not get the Leader Arrowhead parameter like its "brother" the Room Tag. I haven't had a chance to check the new build to see if it is fixed and I won't have time to do so till this weekend. Hopefully it won't cause too much trouble for MEP users.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
View Options - Discipline choice in Revit MEP
A new feature in Revit MEP 2009 makes it a little easier to define which discipline a new view is assigned by default. The Settings menu > Options > General tab provides a new View Options frame which provides a way to choose which discipline to use as a default. See attached image.
Seems to me that Plumbing is a bit short changed still with no primary discipline of its own?
Seems to me that Plumbing is a bit short changed still with no primary discipline of its own?
Revit Architecture and MEP new builds posted - (20080602_1900)
As noted in the previous post for Revit Structure the new builds, termed WU-1 (Web Update), have been posted at Autodesk's site, build number 20080602_1900.
Revit Architecture
Revit MEP
There is only one download for Revit MEP as it is only sold as a "suite" but there are two downloads for Revit Architecture, standalone and "suite". The links take you to the "choose your language" page.
This is Architecture enhancements in the web update list at Autodesk.
Improves performance when modifying customer visibility settings for linked files, when many volumes exist that are bound by the linked file.
Improves the plotting consistency of certain components that are placed over hatched elements in coordination and architectural discipline views.
Rooms will now export Revit internal parameters for IFC.
When rendering, the progress bar reports correct percent complete.
“Intensity” on Decal Types dialog was changed to “Brightness” to match Help documentation.
Spot elevation with Display Elevation = Top & Bottom Elevation will now report the correct bottom elevation for sloped elements.
In plan view with medium or fine detail level, spot elevations now report the correct top or bottom elevation of a beam that is joined to a column.
Improves stability when changing the visibility of a link in a view template.
“Downlight – Spot” light family no longer has duplicate Tilt Angle parameter.
Lights that were in a light group that was deleted are no longer controlled by the deleted light group; instead they are controlled by the Ungrouped Lights status.
Improves the ability to enter custom DPI value in the Render dialog.
Improves stability when exporting to CAD formats.
Improves stability when closing SteeringWheels.
Improves stability when adding elements to a group.
Families that contain arrayed voids will now function properly in the project.
Improves stability for users with non-English operating systems when using the Open/Save dialog.
Notes created in Revit for a DWF markup object will now propagate to the DWF after selecting publish.
Enabling daylight portals will now affect the rendered appearance.
Spotting on interior renderings with many internal light sources no longer occurs.
Improves appearance of decals using cut-outs.
Corrects “Unable to Start” error when starting the application.
Model lines now remain in the correct design option when split.
Structural columns will now have a higher priority when joined to non-bearing and shear walls.
For sweeps on an arc wall, you now have the option to change sweep returns.
Restores some structural components in SouthAsiaLibrary content bundle.
This is the MEP list:
Improves performance when modifying customer visibility settings for linked files, when many volumes exist that are bound by the linked file.
Improves stability when exporting complex views to AutoCAD DWG format, when the hidden lines in those views have a large gap width.
United Kingdom content is now included in the English installer.
Improves stability when editing a family in the System Editor.
Improves stability when upgrading previous release files that contain certain schedule configurations.
IES light fixture information exported to the IES now contains correct direction information.
Improves performance when opening views with multiple unconnected systems.
1 and 2 pole panels can now be assigned to 3 Phase Distribution Systems.
Wires in a view no longer impact the display of color fills.
Wires are no longer trimmed according to the extents of the light source geometry.
Light fixture preview images do not include the light source geometry.
Improves the plotting consistency of certain components that are placed over hatched elements in coordination and architectural discipline views.
Improves consistency of panel schedule column sizes when panel name is changed.
Duct and pipe accessories can now change types without disconnecting from duct and pipe segments.
Rooms will now export Revit internal parameters for IFC.
When rendering, the progress bar reports correct percent complete.
“Intensity” on Decal Types dialog was changed to “Brightness” to match Help documentation.
Spot elevation with Display Elevation = Top & Bottom Elevation will now report the correct bottom elevation for sloped elements.
In plan view with medium or fine detail level, spot elevations now report the correct top or bottom elevation of a beam that is joined to a column.
Improves stability when changing the visibility of a link in a view template.
“Downlight – Spot” light family no longer has duplicate Tilt Angle parameter.
Lights that were in a light group that was deleted are no longer controlled by the deleted light group; instead they are controlled by the Ungrouped Lights status.
Improves the ability to enter custom DPI value in the Render dialog.
Improves stability when exporting to CAD formats.
Improves stability when closing SteeringWheels.
Improves stability when adding elements to a group.
Families that contain arrayed voids will now function properly in the project.
Improves stability for users with non-English operating systems when using the Open/Save dialog.
Notes created in Revit for a DWF markup object will now propagate to the DWF after selecting publish.
Enabling daylight portals will now affect the rendered appearance.
Spotting on interior renderings with many internal light sources no longer occurs.
Improves appearance of decals using cut-outs.
Corrects “Unable to Start” error when starting the application.
Model lines now remain in the correct design option when split.
For sweeps on an arc wall, you now have the option to change sweep returns.
Improves the fidelity of printing and exporting of hidden lines shown in structural and MEP views.
Revit Architecture
Revit MEP
There is only one download for Revit MEP as it is only sold as a "suite" but there are two downloads for Revit Architecture, standalone and "suite". The links take you to the "choose your language" page.
This is Architecture enhancements in the web update list at Autodesk.
Improves performance when modifying customer visibility settings for linked files, when many volumes exist that are bound by the linked file.
Improves the plotting consistency of certain components that are placed over hatched elements in coordination and architectural discipline views.
Rooms will now export Revit internal parameters for IFC.
When rendering, the progress bar reports correct percent complete.
“Intensity” on Decal Types dialog was changed to “Brightness” to match Help documentation.
Spot elevation with Display Elevation = Top & Bottom Elevation will now report the correct bottom elevation for sloped elements.
In plan view with medium or fine detail level, spot elevations now report the correct top or bottom elevation of a beam that is joined to a column.
Improves stability when changing the visibility of a link in a view template.
“Downlight – Spot” light family no longer has duplicate Tilt Angle parameter.
Lights that were in a light group that was deleted are no longer controlled by the deleted light group; instead they are controlled by the Ungrouped Lights status.
Improves the ability to enter custom DPI value in the Render dialog.
Improves stability when exporting to CAD formats.
Improves stability when closing SteeringWheels.
Improves stability when adding elements to a group.
Families that contain arrayed voids will now function properly in the project.
Improves stability for users with non-English operating systems when using the Open/Save dialog.
Notes created in Revit for a DWF markup object will now propagate to the DWF after selecting publish.
Enabling daylight portals will now affect the rendered appearance.
Spotting on interior renderings with many internal light sources no longer occurs.
Improves appearance of decals using cut-outs.
Corrects “Unable to Start” error when starting the application.
Model lines now remain in the correct design option when split.
Structural columns will now have a higher priority when joined to non-bearing and shear walls.
For sweeps on an arc wall, you now have the option to change sweep returns.
Restores some structural components in SouthAsiaLibrary content bundle.
This is the MEP list:
Improves performance when modifying customer visibility settings for linked files, when many volumes exist that are bound by the linked file.
Improves stability when exporting complex views to AutoCAD DWG format, when the hidden lines in those views have a large gap width.
United Kingdom content is now included in the English installer.
Improves stability when editing a family in the System Editor.
Improves stability when upgrading previous release files that contain certain schedule configurations.
IES light fixture information exported to the IES
Improves performance when opening views with multiple unconnected systems.
1 and 2 pole panels can now be assigned to 3 Phase Distribution Systems.
Wires in a view no longer impact the display of color fills.
Wires are no longer trimmed according to the extents of the light source geometry.
Light fixture preview images do not include the light source geometry.
Improves the plotting consistency of certain components that are placed over hatched elements in coordination and architectural discipline views.
Improves consistency of panel schedule column sizes when panel name is changed.
Duct and pipe accessories can now change types without disconnecting from duct and pipe segments.
Rooms will now export Revit internal parameters for IFC.
When rendering, the progress bar reports correct percent complete.
“Intensity” on Decal Types dialog was changed to “Brightness” to match Help documentation.
Spot elevation with Display Elevation = Top & Bottom Elevation will now report the correct bottom elevation for sloped elements.
In plan view with medium or fine detail level, spot elevations now report the correct top or bottom elevation of a beam that is joined to a column.
Improves stability when changing the visibility of a link in a view template.
“Downlight – Spot” light family no longer has duplicate Tilt Angle parameter.
Lights that were in a light group that was deleted are no longer controlled by the deleted light group; instead they are controlled by the Ungrouped Lights status.
Improves the ability to enter custom DPI value in the Render dialog.
Improves stability when exporting to CAD formats.
Improves stability when closing SteeringWheels.
Improves stability when adding elements to a group.
Families that contain arrayed voids will now function properly in the project.
Improves stability for users with non-English operating systems when using the Open/Save dialog.
Notes created in Revit for a DWF markup object will now propagate to the DWF after selecting publish.
Enabling daylight portals will now affect the rendered appearance.
Spotting on interior renderings with many internal light sources no longer occurs.
Improves appearance of decals using cut-outs.
Corrects “Unable to Start” error when starting the application.
Model lines now remain in the correct design option when split.
For sweeps on an arc wall, you now have the option to change sweep returns.
Improves the fidelity of printing and exporting of hidden lines shown in structural and MEP views.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
New Build for Revit Structure - (20080602_1900)
From the Autodesk Web Update PDF:
Download it NOW!
REVIT® STRUCTURE 2009
Web Update Enhancement List
Improvements made in Web Update 1 build (20080602_1900):
Structure enhancement
Improves stability during upgrade when line-based and structural framing families with geometry containing planes are almost parallel to the X axis.
Floor slab thickness at cantilever of metal deck profile bound to layer above is now correct.
Reduces the recurrence of getting “circular chain of references” error messages when braces are usedthe top and bottom chords of an API assembled truss.
Improves joist girder families and tags.
Improves the fidelity of printing and exporting of hidden lines shown in structural and MEP views.
Section cut through joined beams at a column will now display properly in the beams cross-section.
Line pattern of a level type for the default metric structural templates is now changed to "Center" from "Solid".
Elevation value of Level 1 in structural metric templates no longer displays as "-0".
Some pre-loaded UK metal deck profiles have been renamed with manufacturer product names in the Structural Analysis-DefaultGBRENU.rte.
Restores some structural components in SouthAsiaLibrary content bundle.
Platform enhancement
Improves the plotting consistency of certain components that are placed over hatched elements in coordination and architectural discipline views.
Spot elevation with Display Elevation = Top & Bottom Elevation will now report the correct bottom elevation for sloped elements.
In plan view with medium or fine detail level, spot elevations now report the correct top or bottom elevation of a beam that is joined to a column.
Improves stability when changing the visibility of a link in a view template.
Improves stability when exporting to CAD formats.
Improves stability when closing SteeringWheels.
Improves stability when adding elements to a group.
Families that contain arrayed voids will now function properly in the project.
Improves stability for users with non-English operating systems when using the Open/Save dialog.
Notes created in Revit for a DWF markup object will now propagate to the DWF after selecting publi• Corrects
Model lines now remain in the correct design option when split.
Join order changed for structural columns and non-bearing walls.
For sweeps on an arc wall, you now have the option to change sweep
When rendering, the progress bar reports correct percent complete.
Lights that were in a light group that was deleted are no longer controlled instead they are controlled by the Ungrouped Lights status.
Improves the ability to enter custom DPI value in the Render dialog
Enabling daylight portals will now affect the rendered appearance.
Spotting on interior renderings with many internal light sources no longer occurs.
API enhancement
Parameter binding performance has been improved.
The Join Type method has been implemented for the Locationcurve of structural members.
Mullion LocationCurves are now accessible through the API.
External programs may now suppress VSTA startup warning messages.
The built-in parameter MATERIAL_PARAM_TRANSPARENCY now returns the correct set value.
New builds for the others should follow shortly!
Download it NOW!
REVIT® STRUCTURE 2009
Web Update Enhancement List
Improvements made in Web Update 1 build (20080602_1900):
Structure enhancement
Improves stability during upgrade when line-based and structural framing families with geometry containing planes are almost parallel to the X axis.
Floor slab thickness at cantilever of metal deck profile bound to layer above is now correct.
Reduces the recurrence of getting “circular chain of references” error messages when braces are usedthe top and bottom chords of an API assembled truss.
Improves joist girder families and tags.
Improves the fidelity of printing and exporting of hidden lines shown in structural and MEP views.
Section cut through joined beams at a column will now display properly in the beams cross-section.
Line pattern of a level type for the default metric structural templates is now changed to "Center" from "Solid".
Elevation value of Level 1 in structural metric templates no longer displays as "-0".
Some pre-loaded UK metal deck profiles have been renamed with manufacturer product names in the Structural Analysis-DefaultGBRENU.rte.
Restores some structural components in SouthAsiaLibrary content bundle.
Platform enhancement
Improves the plotting consistency of certain components that are placed over hatched elements in coordination and architectural discipline views.
Spot elevation with Display Elevation = Top & Bottom Elevation will now report the correct bottom elevation for sloped elements.
In plan view with medium or fine detail level, spot elevations now report the correct top or bottom elevation of a beam that is joined to a column.
Improves stability when changing the visibility of a link in a view template.
Improves stability when exporting to CAD formats.
Improves stability when closing SteeringWheels.
Improves stability when adding elements to a group.
Families that contain arrayed voids will now function properly in the project.
Improves stability for users with non-English operating systems when using the Open/Save dialog.
Notes created in Revit for a DWF markup object will now propagate to the DWF after selecting publi• Corrects
Model lines now remain in the correct design option when split.
Join order changed for structural columns and non-bearing walls.
For sweeps on an arc wall, you now have the option to change sweep
When rendering, the progress bar reports correct percent complete.
Lights that were in a light group that was deleted are no longer controlled instead they are controlled by the Ungrouped Lights status.
Improves the ability to enter custom DPI value in the Render dialog
Enabling daylight portals will now affect the rendered appearance.
Spotting on interior renderings with many internal light sources no longer occurs.
API enhancement
Parameter binding performance has been improved.
The Join Type method has been implemented for the Locationcurve of structural members.
Mullion LocationCurves are now accessible through the API.
External programs may now suppress VSTA startup warning messages.
The built-in parameter MATERIAL_PARAM_TRANSPARENCY now returns the correct set value.
New builds for the others should follow shortly!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Phil Read joins HNTB
Phil Read recently announced, in a thread at AUGI, that he has joined HNTB. This may come as a surprise because for several years he has been a very public "face" of Revit for Autodesk as a speaker at Autodesk University and as a highly sought after consultant for Autodesk Consulting.
As a consultant, I can relate to the tug of doing "real" work versus helping others with their "real" work. There is satisfaction in both but the grass always seems greener "over there". In the past I had the pleasure of working with HNTB as a member of Autodesk's consulting team and I can attest to the lure of very interesting and complex projects.
I'm certain HNTB considers themselves very fortunate to have lured him out of the consulting life. I'm taking this moment to add to the others who have congratulated him on his new "life"! Cheers and as he often writes..."All the best!" See you at AU!
He also has started a blog...finally...been bugging him to for three years...it is called Architechure.
As a consultant, I can relate to the tug of doing "real" work versus helping others with their "real" work. There is satisfaction in both but the grass always seems greener "over there". In the past I had the pleasure of working with HNTB as a member of Autodesk's consulting team and I can attest to the lure of very interesting and complex projects.
I'm certain HNTB considers themselves very fortunate to have lured him out of the consulting life. I'm taking this moment to add to the others who have congratulated him on his new "life"! Cheers and as he often writes..."All the best!" See you at AU!
He also has started a blog...finally...been bugging him to for three years...it is called Architechure.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Beta Cycle for Acuity Brands Lighting Revit Families
From the new Acuity Brands Lighting BIM blog:
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve released version 1.0 of the ABL 3D Models. Visit the download page to select either the Revit family files or the DWG files.
The starter set contains about 50 models and covers a cross-section of our most popular products. We’ve provided the models as Revit family files and as generic 3D DWG models. Each model contains data about the product, including photometric data, links to spec sheets, and optical and electrical information.
We view this release as a beta version. Please let us know what you think of them, and how we can make our models even more useful to your efforts. We plan to regularly update this set and release additional models. To get the latest news, subscribe to our news feed.
You can leave general comments by filling out the comments form, or send comments, suggestions and improvement ideas to BIM@AcuityBrands.com.
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve released version 1.0 of the ABL 3D Models. Visit the download page to select either the Revit family files or the DWG files.
The starter set contains about 50 models and covers a cross-section of our most popular products. We’ve provided the models as Revit family files and as generic 3D DWG models. Each model contains data about the product, including photometric data, links to spec sheets, and optical and electrical information.
We view this release as a beta version. Please let us know what you think of them, and how we can make our models even more useful to your efforts. We plan to regularly update this set and release additional models. To get the latest news, subscribe to our news feed.
You can leave general comments by filling out the comments form, or send comments, suggestions and improvement ideas to BIM@AcuityBrands.com.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Dept. of Quirky - Using Group Bar vs. Scrolling
If you like video I posted an example of this as well.
When you take a look at the properties of any element in Revit you are presented with parameters organized into Groups, the blue (at least in my Windows config) bar above parameters. This blue bar is one the "sneaky buttons" as I call them.
Clicking at any point along the blue bar will contract or expand the list of parameters. Okay you know that already...so here's the point.
You'll find that if you use a combination of the scroll bar AND the Groups that at times Revit will be unable to display all of the parameters toward the bottom of the list. This is particularly true of the Family Editor > Family Types dialog where I seem to spend a fair bit of time. In order to see them you'll have to expand all the Groups and then use the Scroll Bar.
I debated...is the Dept. of Subtle or Quirky?...Quirky won but it's a toss up!!
When you take a look at the properties of any element in Revit you are presented with parameters organized into Groups, the blue (at least in my Windows config) bar above parameters. This blue bar is one the "sneaky buttons" as I call them.
Clicking at any point along the blue bar will contract or expand the list of parameters. Okay you know that already...so here's the point.
You'll find that if you use a combination of the scroll bar AND the Groups that at times Revit will be unable to display all of the parameters toward the bottom of the list. This is particularly true of the Family Editor > Family Types dialog where I seem to spend a fair bit of time. In order to see them you'll have to expand all the Groups and then use the Scroll Bar.
I debated...is the Dept. of Subtle or Quirky?...Quirky won but it's a toss up!!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Duct Size Parameter - Inches - Revit MEP
If you used AutoCAD before using Revit you likely went through a bit of withdrawal from using inches as a base drawing unit. With Revit you had to get used to typing 0 space 6 for 0'-6" or 0 dash 6. Well in Revit MEP there is one instance at least where you get to enter relevant values when working through your design.
First if you are interested I posted a little video overview of this subject. Otherwise read on...
I am referring to the duct size parameters as the title suggests. In the Family Editor > Family Types dialog we can choose to Add Parameters to our family. Aside from providing a clever name we also can choose the Discipline > HVAC which in turn offers quite a few choices for "Type of Parameter".
When you choose Type of Parameter: Duct Size, Revit will require you to enter values in inches, which is easier since most duct sizes are referred to by their size in inches.
There's a catch though if you like to add parameters by using the Associate Family Parameter "sneaky button" in the properties of elements in the Family Editor.
This route precludes the use of the HVAC Discipline, Type of Parameter choices as it defaults to common and its subset of Types of Parameters. Not FAIR I say! I'm sure it is just an oversight!
To use it you need to start with Family Types > then Add Parameter. Then you can Associate the family parameter with the Element's parameter.
First if you are interested I posted a little video overview of this subject. Otherwise read on...
I am referring to the duct size parameters as the title suggests. In the Family Editor > Family Types dialog we can choose to Add Parameters to our family. Aside from providing a clever name we also can choose the Discipline > HVAC which in turn offers quite a few choices for "Type of Parameter".
When you choose Type of Parameter: Duct Size, Revit will require you to enter values in inches, which is easier since most duct sizes are referred to by their size in inches.
There's a catch though if you like to add parameters by using the Associate Family Parameter "sneaky button" in the properties of elements in the Family Editor.
This route precludes the use of the HVAC Discipline, Type of Parameter choices as it defaults to common and its subset of Types of Parameters. Not FAIR I say! I'm sure it is just an oversight!
To use it you need to start with Family Types > then Add Parameter. Then you can Associate the family parameter with the Element's parameter.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Pipe Materials
A fairly common comment from someone using the Piping/Plumbing features in Revit MEP is, "Where is Cast Iron?" Fair enough! Where is it? It ain't there! Getting it there is a matter of editing the Pipe Sizes.xml file (default location: C:\Program Files\Revit MEP 2008\Program). At least that's true for past versions. The information is now embedded in Revit MEP 2009 and accessible from a dialog found under Settings menu > Mechanical Settings. This is the dialog you get:
You click on "Sizes" at the bottom left of the dialog and you get the information displayed on the right side. You can now add Material, Connection, Schedule/Type as well as Sizes. Using the check boxes offered, you can filter the list of sizes so only appropriate ones will be offered to you when you use specific types of pipe. You also use this to allow RME to use the size when calculating "sizing" for you.
Keep in mind that the Project Units of your project will affect the pipe sizes displayed on the Options Bar too. You adjust this via Settings menu > Project Units and then choose Piping for Discipline. Like this:
Similarly Wires Sizes and Duct Sizes are embedded within RME.
You click on "Sizes" at the bottom left of the dialog and you get the information displayed on the right side. You can now add Material, Connection, Schedule/Type as well as Sizes. Using the check boxes offered, you can filter the list of sizes so only appropriate ones will be offered to you when you use specific types of pipe. You also use this to allow RME to use the size when calculating "sizing" for you.
Keep in mind that the Project Units of your project will affect the pipe sizes displayed on the Options Bar too. You adjust this via Settings menu > Project Units and then choose Piping for Discipline. Like this:
Similarly Wires Sizes and Duct Sizes are embedded within RME.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Separate Checks Please - Off Topic "ish"
As a consultant I travel a bit. I have 150,000 miles on one airline alone...so perhaps more than a bit. I eat in a fair number of restaurants because I have to. I know, poor Steve...he HAS to eat in a restaurant all the time, poor baby. Well if you want to lose the 10 or so pounds that I gained a couple of years ago and they just won't go away no matter how hard I don't diet or exercise you'll understand.
Where am I going with this?
Traveling and eating alone can be a bit like the movie trailer for "Getting Over Sarah Marshall". The one where the poor sap is dining alone and the waiter makes a big point of it, Dining ALONE!!??!! Table for ONE!! And in "P.S. I love You" a big scene of removing the extra flatware and dishes when the guy gets up and leaves the girl at the table. Yeah I see movies on the plane that I probably wouldn't see by myself normally. And yes...my eyes welled up a couple times during P.S. I Love You"...softy! But I was really careful to pretend there was something in my eye so I don't think I was busted.
Where am I going with this?
Tonight I was sitting in a nice pub in Chicago, Miller's Pub. They have a great chicken pot pie (thanks David! for the recommendation) that is only available during lunch unless they have a couple left over and the last two times I've been here...they did...which means I got one. You have to know to ask because the menu says only available for lunch. Kind of like the family editor! It's a secret!
Where am I going with this?
Sooo I overheard the waiter tell a table of two behind me that it is the policy of the restaurant to not split checks, sorry...then he caved and said that since he wasn't really that busy yet he'd do it. It made me think about the service industry in general and why a restaurant would make a customer care about what is inconvenient for the waiter. Seems to me a restaurant is all about making food and pleasure easy for its customers, not burdening them with well it isn't convenient for us to do "that"... I'm not blasting Miller's, they are entitled to make their policies and choose to enforce them or not. It just seems to me that it can be a negative experience, however slight, in what could be an otherwise excellent night out for people.
Where am I going with this?
So what kind of negative experiences are we casting out to our clients based on our choice of Revit as a software or platform? How are we marketing that to them? Are we burdening them with "Revitese" or "BIMese"? Do they care what software we use? Well some do and some don't.
As my friend Wayne used to say to me when we'd have the proverbial Rev/auto/station talk,(paraphrasing) "Steve, if you are cutting my grass I don't care whether you use scissors or a $10,000 tractor as long as you get it done in the time you promised and for the price you promised...so why do I care what software you use?" Now Wayne enjoys playing point - counter point and his firm is a full fledged Revit capable design firm with an office in NY and NC, so no worries there.
I suppose we have to gauge what our clients appetite might be for this sort of knowledge? Then tell the ones who care and don't burden those who don't. Bottom line? "We" sell knowledge and expertise. We know how to get them the building they need and we happen to use some really great software to do it too. Just try to make sure the experience your clients leave with is a positive one! Don't make them remember you for being inflexible about splitting the check.
So there was where I was going, glad I finally got there!
Btw, I wholeheartedly recommend the chicken pot pie at Miller's Pub, just don't expect them to split your check! Cheers!!
Where am I going with this?
Traveling and eating alone can be a bit like the movie trailer for "Getting Over Sarah Marshall". The one where the poor sap is dining alone and the waiter makes a big point of it, Dining ALONE!!??!! Table for ONE!! And in "P.S. I love You" a big scene of removing the extra flatware and dishes when the guy gets up and leaves the girl at the table. Yeah I see movies on the plane that I probably wouldn't see by myself normally. And yes...my eyes welled up a couple times during P.S. I Love You"...softy! But I was really careful to pretend there was something in my eye so I don't think I was busted.
Where am I going with this?
Tonight I was sitting in a nice pub in Chicago, Miller's Pub. They have a great chicken pot pie (thanks David! for the recommendation) that is only available during lunch unless they have a couple left over and the last two times I've been here...they did...which means I got one. You have to know to ask because the menu says only available for lunch. Kind of like the family editor! It's a secret!
Where am I going with this?
Sooo I overheard the waiter tell a table of two behind me that it is the policy of the restaurant to not split checks, sorry...then he caved and said that since he wasn't really that busy yet he'd do it. It made me think about the service industry in general and why a restaurant would make a customer care about what is inconvenient for the waiter. Seems to me a restaurant is all about making food and pleasure easy for its customers, not burdening them with well it isn't convenient for us to do "that"... I'm not blasting Miller's, they are entitled to make their policies and choose to enforce them or not. It just seems to me that it can be a negative experience, however slight, in what could be an otherwise excellent night out for people.
Where am I going with this?
So what kind of negative experiences are we casting out to our clients based on our choice of Revit as a software or platform? How are we marketing that to them? Are we burdening them with "Revitese" or "BIMese"? Do they care what software we use? Well some do and some don't.
As my friend Wayne used to say to me when we'd have the proverbial Rev/auto/station talk,(paraphrasing) "Steve, if you are cutting my grass I don't care whether you use scissors or a $10,000 tractor as long as you get it done in the time you promised and for the price you promised...so why do I care what software you use?" Now Wayne enjoys playing point - counter point and his firm is a full fledged Revit capable design firm with an office in NY and NC, so no worries there.
I suppose we have to gauge what our clients appetite might be for this sort of knowledge? Then tell the ones who care and don't burden those who don't. Bottom line? "We" sell knowledge and expertise. We know how to get them the building they need and we happen to use some really great software to do it too. Just try to make sure the experience your clients leave with is a positive one! Don't make them remember you for being inflexible about splitting the check.
So there was where I was going, glad I finally got there!
Btw, I wholeheartedly recommend the chicken pot pie at Miller's Pub, just don't expect them to split your check! Cheers!!
Spam Blogging
I've backed off blogging a bit lately because unfortunately my blog has been flagged as a spam blog by google. Apparently this can happen when a blog has a lot of links to other sites. If you visit Wikipedia (not going to post a link because that would be spam blogging) you can read all about blogging and spam.
In fact references to each other's blogs can be called a "mutual admiration" blog society. So my links to other bloggers and vice versa are being interpreted by Google's anti-spam robots as spamming. We are all writing about a pretty arcane subject, to the rest of the world at least. Articles about Revit stuff to most people is little more than gibberish unfortunately.
They (Google) don't make it impossible to blog but it is tedious because every time I want to post or just save I have to enter a nearly indiscernable series of text from a randomly generated image. I find some of them really hard to read and end up trying a few times before I get them correct. Very tedious and takes the "fun" out of trying to post an article pretty quickly. Which is why I posted this instead of the actual article I was working on.
To me this points out how hard it is for a computer to really evaluate content. The "robots" are too ignorant to be able to "see" that I've been blogging about this subject for over three years and have been doing nearly exactly the same thing the whole time. I suppose a spam blogger is consistent and patient too but I'm too ignorant or impatient to consider trying to make money by spamming. I don't even put adsense on this blog...it soooo isn't about the money....
Sooo...if you are a blogger too, be careful about the number of links you create that point to other sites else you'll get flagged too. Perhaps a reason to move my blog to another tool like Typepad or Wordpress and host it myself? I thought I'd explain my inactivity at least.
In fact references to each other's blogs can be called a "mutual admiration" blog society. So my links to other bloggers and vice versa are being interpreted by Google's anti-spam robots as spamming. We are all writing about a pretty arcane subject, to the rest of the world at least. Articles about Revit stuff to most people is little more than gibberish unfortunately.
They (Google) don't make it impossible to blog but it is tedious because every time I want to post or just save I have to enter a nearly indiscernable series of text from a randomly generated image. I find some of them really hard to read and end up trying a few times before I get them correct. Very tedious and takes the "fun" out of trying to post an article pretty quickly. Which is why I posted this instead of the actual article I was working on.
To me this points out how hard it is for a computer to really evaluate content. The "robots" are too ignorant to be able to "see" that I've been blogging about this subject for over three years and have been doing nearly exactly the same thing the whole time. I suppose a spam blogger is consistent and patient too but I'm too ignorant or impatient to consider trying to make money by spamming. I don't even put adsense on this blog...it soooo isn't about the money....
Sooo...if you are a blogger too, be careful about the number of links you create that point to other sites else you'll get flagged too. Perhaps a reason to move my blog to another tool like Typepad or Wordpress and host it myself? I thought I'd explain my inactivity at least.
Dept. of Subtle - Filter Parameter in Tags (really subtle)
This item is very arcane and until recently just another little mystery to me. While working on the egress family and its tag family that I made and posted about in the past I noticed the following item.
I hadn't noticed it in the past and searched for any information that might be available in the help files. Truthfully I wasn't too surprised when nothing jumped out at me in a few tries at a search. Unfortunately the help files are bit too sparse when it comes to the family editor "secrets".
So I posted a question to the gallant folks at Autodesk and I received this explanation:
“It is used to control which elements are taggable by a multi-category tag family. You can select a shared parameter as the filter parameter, and then when placing a multi-category tag, the tag placement tool will only let you place the tag on elements that contain that parameter (either because the parameter was added to the element’s family or because it was added to the element’s category as a project parameter).”
(My thanks to Steven Campbell and the "unknown" developer who came to my aid!)
This applies to Multi-Category tags. As it applies to my Egress family, this means I can tell Revit to filter for a specific parameter so that my "Multi-Category" tag will only tag "my" family..or any other that I associate that parameter with.
I hadn't noticed it in the past and searched for any information that might be available in the help files. Truthfully I wasn't too surprised when nothing jumped out at me in a few tries at a search. Unfortunately the help files are bit too sparse when it comes to the family editor "secrets".
So I posted a question to the gallant folks at Autodesk and I received this explanation:
“It is used to control which elements are taggable by a multi-category tag family. You can select a shared parameter as the filter parameter, and then when placing a multi-category tag, the tag placement tool will only let you place the tag on elements that contain that parameter (either because the parameter was added to the element’s family or because it was added to the element’s category as a project parameter).”
(My thanks to Steven Campbell and the "unknown" developer who came to my aid!)
This applies to Multi-Category tags. As it applies to my Egress family, this means I can tell Revit to filter for a specific parameter so that my "Multi-Category" tag will only tag "my" family..or any other that I associate that parameter with.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
AU 2008 Sessions
The selection of the next Revit classes to attend at Autodesk University 2008 is well under way. A recent post by David Baldacchino (Do U Revit?) pointed this out already and you can visit the BLAUG blog too. If you haven't voted already you can take a look at the list and see. Once you've voted you can't get back in to look over the list, or at least I couldn't.
I received an email asking why my name was not among the submissions. Simple, I didn't submit anything this year.
Last year I felt that I was unable to participate as much as I would have liked to, in my role as a board member with Autodesk User Group International (AUGI). This year I'm not going to have that conflict. Plus I hope to actually attend more classes this year!
Besides, there are so many more very capable users now, compared with a few years ago, that I doubt my absence will be noticeable. There are a great many classes to choose from and I wish the AU planning team all the best trying to pick from them. Hopefully the polling will help too!!
See you at AU 2008!
I received an email asking why my name was not among the submissions. Simple, I didn't submit anything this year.
Last year I felt that I was unable to participate as much as I would have liked to, in my role as a board member with Autodesk User Group International (AUGI). This year I'm not going to have that conflict. Plus I hope to actually attend more classes this year!
Besides, there are so many more very capable users now, compared with a few years ago, that I doubt my absence will be noticeable. There are a great many classes to choose from and I wish the AU planning team all the best trying to pick from them. Hopefully the polling will help too!!
See you at AU 2008!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Off Topic - Amputee Has Advantage
Not the slightest bit about Revit...
This evening I read an article in USA Today about Oscar Pistorius, a 21 year old track athlete from South Africa who wants to compete at the Olympics in Beijing. He just happens to be lacking his lower legs and uses either prosthetic legs or blades to get around.
Briefly, a ruling was made that says that he has an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners when using his "blades" and therefore cannot compete. His lawyers are about to challenge that ruling in an upcoming court case.
This struck me as odd...first he's missing his bloody lower legs!!! Is that really an advantage if he uses the prosthetic blades? The scientist who determined that he has an advantage has tried this out for himself?? I suggest that the folks making the decision try it out for awhile and see what kind of real advantage he has. No matter how good they fit I can't imagine it is better than a real knee and lower leg for smooth and proper "operation". Second, if he wins his case and gets to compete and does so to a victory...I can't help but wonder if this means that other able-bodied runners will now have their legs cut off just so they have a similar advantage???
I suspect his real advantage will be a strong spirit and uncommon determination to be a successful track athlete despite his difference. I say bravo...and good luck!
Sorry to wander off the Revit focus I have usually...but I know some Revit users who live in South Africa AND I've mentioned Revit a couple times in the post too!!
This evening I read an article in USA Today about Oscar Pistorius, a 21 year old track athlete from South Africa who wants to compete at the Olympics in Beijing. He just happens to be lacking his lower legs and uses either prosthetic legs or blades to get around.
Briefly, a ruling was made that says that he has an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners when using his "blades" and therefore cannot compete. His lawyers are about to challenge that ruling in an upcoming court case.
This struck me as odd...first he's missing his bloody lower legs!!! Is that really an advantage if he uses the prosthetic blades? The scientist who determined that he has an advantage has tried this out for himself?? I suggest that the folks making the decision try it out for awhile and see what kind of real advantage he has. No matter how good they fit I can't imagine it is better than a real knee and lower leg for smooth and proper "operation". Second, if he wins his case and gets to compete and does so to a victory...I can't help but wonder if this means that other able-bodied runners will now have their legs cut off just so they have a similar advantage???
I suspect his real advantage will be a strong spirit and uncommon determination to be a successful track athlete despite his difference. I say bravo...and good luck!
Sorry to wander off the Revit focus I have usually...but I know some Revit users who live in South Africa AND I've mentioned Revit a couple times in the post too!!
Insert from File
This feature is intended to allow us to acquire information from another project file and add it to our current project. There are two methods, Views and 2D Elements. Both methods involve selecting a project file first. To get started you choose the File menu and then Insert from File.
The first option, Views, grants us access to views and sheets. The catch is the views are 2D views like drafting, detail and schedule views as well as sheets. The sheets must either be empty or contain only 2D views. In the past I posted an article describing using this to deal with dummy sheets to fill out a complete drawing list. This feature presents us with a dialog listing the eligible views.
It is a great way to transfer office standard detail sheets and schedules into a new project. When you select a sheet that includes just 2D views Revit will bring the sheet and all the views on it into your project as well as placing them on the sheet.
For campus projects that share details it allows you to place copies of the details in each building file so you can create intelligent view references to the details. If you only change them in the "master" file (a primary building model project) you only need to keep the sheet and detail numbers coordinated if you do all printing from the "master" project file.
The second option, 2D Elements is intended let us "steal" drafting annotation, detail lines and detail components from model views. Imagine a wall section that is the same or very similar to the one you are working on now. Using this tool you can grab the 2D embellishment in the other project and added it to your current model's view. This tool presents a dialog of eligible views too, all views that have any 2D information added to them.
Annotation that requires a reference like dimensions or tags will likely fail to insert for fairly obvious reasons, namely the reference isn't necessarily in the same location or even present.
The first option, Views, grants us access to views and sheets. The catch is the views are 2D views like drafting, detail and schedule views as well as sheets. The sheets must either be empty or contain only 2D views. In the past I posted an article describing using this to deal with dummy sheets to fill out a complete drawing list. This feature presents us with a dialog listing the eligible views.
It is a great way to transfer office standard detail sheets and schedules into a new project. When you select a sheet that includes just 2D views Revit will bring the sheet and all the views on it into your project as well as placing them on the sheet.
For campus projects that share details it allows you to place copies of the details in each building file so you can create intelligent view references to the details. If you only change them in the "master" file (a primary building model project) you only need to keep the sheet and detail numbers coordinated if you do all printing from the "master" project file.
The second option, 2D Elements is intended let us "steal" drafting annotation, detail lines and detail components from model views. Imagine a wall section that is the same or very similar to the one you are working on now. Using this tool you can grab the 2D embellishment in the other project and added it to your current model's view. This tool presents a dialog of eligible views too, all views that have any 2D information added to them.
Annotation that requires a reference like dimensions or tags will likely fail to insert for fairly obvious reasons, namely the reference isn't necessarily in the same location or even present.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Revit 2009 Versions Released
As of 3pm today Autodesk officially released and announced that the new versions were available for download. Some were able to download it a bit earlier than intended by "reverse engineering" the web address for 2008 versions. While it technically worked I refrained because I wanted to hear it from the "horse's mouth" that it was released, on the off chance that a final build hadn't been posted yet.
So the good news is that for those with adequate broadband access you can download the version you use anytime you want now.
Here are the links to each version:
Revit Architecture 2009
Revit Structure 2009
Revit MEP 2009
Note: Only the English version is available for download at this time as they are preparing the other language version now.
Also take care to download the correct version if you own the "suite" that includes AutoCAD or AutoCAD MEP. As Greg noted in his blog this morning you won't be able to authorize AutoCAD properly because the "suite" version is not posted at the Autodesk site for download.
So the good news is that for those with adequate broadband access you can download the version you use anytime you want now.
Here are the links to each version:
Revit Architecture 2009
Revit Structure 2009
Revit MEP 2009
Note: Only the English version is available for download at this time as they are preparing the other language version now.
Also take care to download the correct version if you own the "suite" that includes AutoCAD or AutoCAD MEP. As Greg noted in his blog this morning you won't be able to authorize AutoCAD properly because the "suite" version is not posted at the Autodesk site for download.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Revit MEP Air Terminal - Troubleshooting
I received an email from client asking for a little assistance with an air terminal family. Apparently the diagonal line they wanted to indicate that the terminal is a "return" wouldn't play along when the family changed size.
Recently I was in Houston and David Baldacchino (Do U Revit? blog) and I had a chance to hang out. He told me about a new (new to me) video capture tool called Jing Project by Techsmith (makers of my favorite screen capture tool SnagIT) that allows you to do screen capture to video or images as well as audio. Then you can easily post the video on Screencast. This post is as much a test as an example of troubleshooting a family.
The issue came down to this. Revit constrains elements orthogonally. The diagonal symbolic line is constrained to the reference planes, not the edges of the neck opening that they wanted it to "follow". The video describes the process of using the Automatic Sketch Dimensions (ASD's) that Revit applies when we do not explicitly add our own dimensions or lock padlocks, for example. The ASD's will do the job nicely as long as well "tell" them what is important to us.
Here's a link to the video: (embedded it is too big to view on the blogger screen)
Download it HERE. (3.75mb)
Recently I was in Houston and David Baldacchino (Do U Revit? blog) and I had a chance to hang out. He told me about a new (new to me) video capture tool called Jing Project by Techsmith (makers of my favorite screen capture tool SnagIT) that allows you to do screen capture to video or images as well as audio. Then you can easily post the video on Screencast. This post is as much a test as an example of troubleshooting a family.
The issue came down to this. Revit constrains elements orthogonally. The diagonal symbolic line is constrained to the reference planes, not the edges of the neck opening that they wanted it to "follow". The video describes the process of using the Automatic Sketch Dimensions (ASD's) that Revit applies when we do not explicitly add our own dimensions or lock padlocks, for example. The ASD's will do the job nicely as long as well "tell" them what is important to us.
Here's a link to the video: (embedded it is too big to view on the blogger screen)
Download it HERE. (3.75mb)
Thursday, April 03, 2008
CAD Surveys and your Revit Project
This text was posted at AUGI by David Conant (Autodesk Revit Product Designer) in February this year. It is very important information.
This method should ALWAYS be followed. It is critical to follow when the survey coordinates of your building site have large values (> 2 miles/3km from site 0,0):
ALWAYS locate sites underneath buildings. Revit buildings like to stay near home and be oriented to project north. Sites can wander about and talk to the buildings later. DON'T try to pan your view 40 km northeast of 0,0 and try to build your building model there because your site coordinates have a remote origin. This will work in AutoCAD but in Revit you will be very unhappy.
NEVER import or link a site with large coordinate values Origin to Origin! This may seem correct based on AutoCAD experience, but here too you will be very unhappy in Revit. You will get the correct origin later in the process.
This method should ALWAYS be followed. It is critical to follow when the survey coordinates of your building site have large values (> 2 miles/3km from site 0,0):
ALWAYS locate sites underneath buildings. Revit buildings like to stay near home and be oriented to project north. Sites can wander about and talk to the buildings later. DON'T try to pan your view 40 km northeast of 0,0 and try to build your building model there because your site coordinates have a remote origin. This will work in AutoCAD but in Revit you will be very unhappy.
NEVER import or link a site with large coordinate values Origin to Origin! This may seem correct based on AutoCAD experience, but here too you will be very unhappy in Revit. You will get the correct origin later in the process.
- Build your revit model at or near the position of the elevation marks in the default template with the building oriented orthagonal to your desired printing frame. i.e. use a Project North not True North for your working environment.
For one building on a site:
- Link in a site model or site dwg.
- Move and Rotate the SITE so that it is located correctly relative to the building.
- Acquire the site's coordinates. Now, the site's origin will be the origin of your shared coordinates. The site's Y axis will be True North. The site coordinate values can be arbitrarily large without disturbing Revit's internal calculations.
- You can later open the site model and link in the building using shared location and it will land in the exact position.
For multiple buildings on a site:
- Create a Site project, link in a site dwg, placing the center of the building site near the center of the default view.
- Acquire coordinates from the site.
- Build any site elements, topos, etc.
- Link in building rvts. Move and rotate them so that they are correctly located on the site.
- Publish coordinates to the rvts. Now all models will have the same Shared origin and True North orientations.
- You can now link the site into any of the buildings (the other buildings can be linked in as well) using shared location and it will be in the exact location.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Hostile Takeover - Google takes on Autodesk AND Bentley
Latherdon - 2008
In a surprise move, some say shocking, this morning Google announced its intent to take over Autodesk AND Bentley. Analysts say this is a strategic acquisition to take control of the "Information" in Building Information Modeling (BIM). No details were provided regarding how the combination of two major rivals for the computer aided design marketplace would be managed. Nor did the announcement discuss the likely lawsuit, from other cad vendors like Solid Works, ArchiCAD to name just two, claiming anti-trust violations. Google management stated that they intend to offer $12.50 per share for Autodesk shares and $6.50 per share for Bentley though Bentley remains a privately held company. Based on current market value this places the entire deal in the $2 gazillion range.
Attempts to reach competing software vendors for comment were not possible before releasing this news.
About the Author: Freddy Latherdon
Freddy has been on hiatus since undergoing knee surgery after a unexplained billards accident. He returned to work just in time to capture the essence of what will turn out the be the biggest BIM story yet, assuming the deal goes through.
Yes...this is nonsense...please don't panic...!!!
In separate announcement Google introduced its latest feature for Gmail, Custom Time. Now you can never be late with your response, you could even be early, earlier than the request in the first place!
In a surprise move, some say shocking, this morning Google announced its intent to take over Autodesk AND Bentley. Analysts say this is a strategic acquisition to take control of the "Information" in Building Information Modeling (BIM). No details were provided regarding how the combination of two major rivals for the computer aided design marketplace would be managed. Nor did the announcement discuss the likely lawsuit, from other cad vendors like Solid Works, ArchiCAD to name just two, claiming anti-trust violations. Google management stated that they intend to offer $12.50 per share for Autodesk shares and $6.50 per share for Bentley though Bentley remains a privately held company. Based on current market value this places the entire deal in the $2 gazillion range.
Attempts to reach competing software vendors for comment were not possible before releasing this news.
About the Author: Freddy Latherdon
Freddy has been on hiatus since undergoing knee surgery after a unexplained billards accident. He returned to work just in time to capture the essence of what will turn out the be the biggest BIM story yet, assuming the deal goes through.
Yes...this is nonsense...please don't panic...!!!
In separate announcement Google introduced its latest feature for Gmail, Custom Time. Now you can never be late with your response, you could even be early, earlier than the request in the first place!
Tale of a Round Trip - Revit MEP Family and RAC
Attended a local user group recently and an attendee asked if it was possible, and/or useful, to use a Revit MEP (RME) family in a Revit Architecture (RAC) model, for example a toilet. The answer given was yes, but we would lose plumbing engineering functionality of the toilet while working with it in RAC.
First the greatest advantage to using a RME toilet in a RAC project is if the RME team is going to actually work on the same project file. While this is certainly possible it might not be very likely for at least two reasons, separate firms doing the work and model/Revit performance (based on project size).
A second possible advantage is that RME users can Copy/Paste elements in a linked RAC file into their project. If it is already a RME toilet, using the same example, then it is now ready for pipe. The RAC user can decide if they want to keep their toilet or let the RME version stand in now, much like Revit Structure (RST) columns ultimately replace the ones the RAC user placed originally.
It was suggested that Revit might change the family if it was used in RAC and then returned to RME. I didn't think that would be the case so tonight, just for grins, I did two different tests:
1 - RME Toilet round trip between RME and RAC in the project environment to see if Revit did anything unkind to the family. Answer - no!
2 - RME Toilet round trip between RME and RAC in the family editor environment to see if Revit did anything unkind to the family. Answer - no!
The primary difference in both cases was that most of the RME specific features were visible but inaccessible to the RAC user. Here's the dialog box captures for each sequence, starting with the project environment.
RAC Project - Properties
RME Project - Properties
RAC Family Editor - Connector Properties
RAC Family Editor - Family Types
RME Family Editor - Connector Properties
RME Family Editor - Family Types
You can see that the family survived being opened and saved in both RAC and RME without harming the usability of the family in either version. In fact in RAC a few of the parameters, like Flow Pressure is still editable, while other engineering criteria are simply inaccessible.
So the question remains, what benefit is there to use RME families in RAC if you are not working within the same project file? Well apart from the Copy/Paste tool letting your RME consultant use your fixtures, I suppose not much!
Well that was fun!
First the greatest advantage to using a RME toilet in a RAC project is if the RME team is going to actually work on the same project file. While this is certainly possible it might not be very likely for at least two reasons, separate firms doing the work and model/Revit performance (based on project size).
A second possible advantage is that RME users can Copy/Paste elements in a linked RAC file into their project. If it is already a RME toilet, using the same example, then it is now ready for pipe. The RAC user can decide if they want to keep their toilet or let the RME version stand in now, much like Revit Structure (RST) columns ultimately replace the ones the RAC user placed originally.
It was suggested that Revit might change the family if it was used in RAC and then returned to RME. I didn't think that would be the case so tonight, just for grins, I did two different tests:
1 - RME Toilet round trip between RME and RAC in the project environment to see if Revit did anything unkind to the family. Answer - no!
2 - RME Toilet round trip between RME and RAC in the family editor environment to see if Revit did anything unkind to the family. Answer - no!
The primary difference in both cases was that most of the RME specific features were visible but inaccessible to the RAC user. Here's the dialog box captures for each sequence, starting with the project environment.
RAC Project - Properties
RME Project - Properties
RAC Family Editor - Connector Properties
RAC Family Editor - Family Types
RME Family Editor - Connector Properties
RME Family Editor - Family TypesYou can see that the family survived being opened and saved in both RAC and RME without harming the usability of the family in either version. In fact in RAC a few of the parameters, like Flow Pressure is still editable, while other engineering criteria are simply inaccessible.
So the question remains, what benefit is there to use RME families in RAC if you are not working within the same project file? Well apart from the Copy/Paste tool letting your RME consultant use your fixtures, I suppose not much!
Well that was fun!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Revit MEP - Family Connector - Arrow Direction
When you create a Revit MEP family that requires a connector (most will) you need to pay attention to the direction of the arrow that appears on the connector. In the following image the arrow points down, out of a water closet fitting.
Yes the arrow is also different than the Flow Direction parameter in the properties of the connector.
If it were to point up then Revit would think that a pipe should connect from within the bowl of the water closet (toilet)...which would be wrong. You'd also likely get a message like this one.
This is trying to tell you that Revit just couldn't figure out how to get your fixture connected to the pipe you selected. Usually this message is related to the elevation of the pipe and the fixture or they are too close together for specified fittings to actually connect properly. When it comes to the pictured connector it means that the pipe is running the opposite direction AND that the elevation I used for the related pipe is too close to the same elevation.
Yes, you'll have to put on your detective hat, light your pipe and seek out the "elementary" explanation my "Dear Watson".
If you are curious the water closet fitting pictured above is part of a "rough-in" connector for a floor mounted toilet. The issue at present is that the basic plumbing fixtures that the architect uses in Revit Architecture has no connectors and that even if it did when their model is linked into RMEP they wouldn't be usable to connect pipe. Thus the notion of just the rough-in components instead of putting another toilet in the same place.
Turns out what we thought was "clever" is what Autodesk's RMEP team was thinking too and you'll find some basic connector families in the content with the release of Revit MEP 2009. Here's a screen capture of the mockup example.
Yes the arrow is also different than the Flow Direction parameter in the properties of the connector.
If it were to point up then Revit would think that a pipe should connect from within the bowl of the water closet (toilet)...which would be wrong. You'd also likely get a message like this one.
This is trying to tell you that Revit just couldn't figure out how to get your fixture connected to the pipe you selected. Usually this message is related to the elevation of the pipe and the fixture or they are too close together for specified fittings to actually connect properly. When it comes to the pictured connector it means that the pipe is running the opposite direction AND that the elevation I used for the related pipe is too close to the same elevation.Yes, you'll have to put on your detective hat, light your pipe and seek out the "elementary" explanation my "Dear Watson".
If you are curious the water closet fitting pictured above is part of a "rough-in" connector for a floor mounted toilet. The issue at present is that the basic plumbing fixtures that the architect uses in Revit Architecture has no connectors and that even if it did when their model is linked into RMEP they wouldn't be usable to connect pipe. Thus the notion of just the rough-in components instead of putting another toilet in the same place.
Turns out what we thought was "clever" is what Autodesk's RMEP team was thinking too and you'll find some basic connector families in the content with the release of Revit MEP 2009. Here's a screen capture of the mockup example.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Release Date Released - April 15th, 2008
A couple of resellers have announced the expected ship date for Revit 2009 software and it is April 15th, 2008. An auspicious date...tax day! I trust there isn't nearly the sense of foreboding associated with that however!
Thanks to Greg Arkin with Cadd Centers of Florida, Revit 3D blog, and Dwane Lindsey with MasterGraphics of the Revit Arch Center blog for announcing it.
Thanks to Greg Arkin with Cadd Centers of Florida, Revit 3D blog, and Dwane Lindsey with MasterGraphics of the Revit Arch Center blog for announcing it.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Dept. of Subtle - Beam Joins RAC 2009
In past releases when Revit Structure touted the ability to miter steel beams and Revit Architecture couldn't lots of Architecture users were mighty annoyed. Revit Structure 2009 has enhanced the join process and options AND Revit Architecture get them TOO! The Beam Join tool will be found on the "Tools" Tool Bar next door to the Edit Wall Joins button.
Here's what some beams look like after playing with them.
Since the video doesn't seem to be working in this post you can see it HERE
Here's what some beams look like after playing with them.
Since the video doesn't seem to be working in this post you can see it HERE
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Proposal - Camera View Annotation
When a Camera view is created there is no built-in intentional way to show our readers where the camera is located. With Revit (and 3D design in general) more and more camera views are used to explain/document our work.
I believe there should be something like we have for sections,elevations & call-outs. and I know I'm not alone. Camera views should have annotation generated in the same way that other views in Revit do. They should appear in plan views in my opinion but an argument could be made for them showing up in elevation and section views too.
In the meantime we CAN continue to create an Annotation Symbol family that we can place and then enter detail and sheet location information...yeah, "old school"...
It could be sooo much better...
I believe there should be something like we have for sections,elevations & call-outs. and I know I'm not alone. Camera views should have annotation generated in the same way that other views in Revit do. They should appear in plan views in my opinion but an argument could be made for them showing up in elevation and section views too.
In the meantime we CAN continue to create an Annotation Symbol family that we can place and then enter detail and sheet location information...yeah, "old school"...
It could be sooo much better...
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Shared Parameter File - A Little Clarification
Over the last few years I've posted several times about shared parameters (SP) so I thought I'd add this bit too. The context of this concerns the protection and/or management of the office SP file.
The SP file does NOT have an active relationship with your families or projects so there is no risk to your existing families or project(s) if someone gets cranky with your SP file and deletes it. Obviously making new stuff will be a bit harder but it is possible to recover them from existing family and project files. I've provided several links later in this post to other SP posts.
The SP file is used by Revit like a "dictionary", a place to store definitions/meaning. Revit uses it to define a parameter when it is applied to a Family and/or Project. Thereafter when Revit encounters it in the project it knows what it means. Thus NO active connection to the parameter in the file or the file itself.
What IS important is that your users are not creating shared parameters for the same things without communicating with each other. Why? Here is an example:
I create a parameter called "undercut" and you create one called "UNDERCUT" and someone else creates yet another called "Undercut". If we each create these in our own SP file and apply them to tags, projects and schedules we are fine as long as nobody else tries to use the content we made that use them.
As soon as we attempt to share things we will find that your undercut is different from ours because each shared parameter gets a unique GUID (global unique ID) number applied by Revit. So the name isn't the really important part to Revit. The name is important to us because it is what we see and besides we don't read numbers like those very well.
A little trivia, for most people more than four digits or things are difficult if not impossible to count without deliberately doing so. Four **** are easy to "count" at a glance but ***** is a bit harder at a glance. I picked that up from a book called Perfect Figures.
Here's what a typical Shared Parameter file looks like(with 3 parameters):
# This is a Revit shared parameter file.
# Do not edit manually.
*GROUP ID NAME
GROUP 1 Steel
GROUP 2 Exported Parameters
GROUP 3 Projects
*PARAM GUID NAME DATATYPE DATACATEGORY GROUP VISIBLE
PARAM 29321d2c-b02c-49c1-ab8b-c41c18fcac00 Building Letter TEXT 3 1
PARAM c17fad8a-7479-4572-9f62-8da94b702446 Weight NUMBER 1 1
PARAM 0d7b92f5-b62e-49f5-9167-263cebac962b OLF NUMBER 2 1
The portion in red is the GUID.
The best strategy is to make everyone well aware that Shared Parameters are to be managed and by whom. If they are created from a copy of the office SP file it is possible to export the parameter to the original so it isn't completely unacceptable to let people make them on their own. It IS unacceptable to do so without properly communicating it to the person in charge of them and their team(s).
That said, placing the office standard as a read only file will allow people to use them without being able to add them. They will need to get them added by the responsible party and that person better be ready to "jump" because this stuff always gets figured out at the last minute.
Finally, if someone loses the SP file it is possible to export shared parameters from projects that have them into a another or new SP file.
Here's links to the previous Shared Parameter posts:
What are Parameters and Why Should I Care?
Sharing Parameters Overview (Part 1)
Walking on Thin Ice
Making a Shared Parameter File (Part 2)
Shared Parameters Part 3
Shared Parameters Part 4
Ignore Good Advice
Home for Unwanted Doors
The SP file does NOT have an active relationship with your families or projects so there is no risk to your existing families or project(s) if someone gets cranky with your SP file and deletes it. Obviously making new stuff will be a bit harder but it is possible to recover them from existing family and project files. I've provided several links later in this post to other SP posts.
The SP file is used by Revit like a "dictionary", a place to store definitions/meaning. Revit uses it to define a parameter when it is applied to a Family and/or Project. Thereafter when Revit encounters it in the project it knows what it means. Thus NO active connection to the parameter in the file or the file itself.
What IS important is that your users are not creating shared parameters for the same things without communicating with each other. Why? Here is an example:
I create a parameter called "undercut" and you create one called "UNDERCUT" and someone else creates yet another called "Undercut". If we each create these in our own SP file and apply them to tags, projects and schedules we are fine as long as nobody else tries to use the content we made that use them.
As soon as we attempt to share things we will find that your undercut is different from ours because each shared parameter gets a unique GUID (global unique ID) number applied by Revit. So the name isn't the really important part to Revit. The name is important to us because it is what we see and besides we don't read numbers like those very well.
A little trivia, for most people more than four digits or things are difficult if not impossible to count without deliberately doing so. Four **** are easy to "count" at a glance but ***** is a bit harder at a glance. I picked that up from a book called Perfect Figures.
Here's what a typical Shared Parameter file looks like(with 3 parameters):
# This is a Revit shared parameter file.
# Do not edit manually.
*GROUP ID NAME
GROUP 1 Steel
GROUP 2 Exported Parameters
GROUP 3 Projects
*PARAM GUID NAME DATATYPE DATACATEGORY GROUP VISIBLE
PARAM 29321d2c-b02c-49c1-ab8b-c41c18fcac00 Building Letter TEXT 3 1
PARAM c17fad8a-7479-4572-9f62-8da94b702446 Weight NUMBER 1 1
PARAM 0d7b92f5-b62e-49f5-9167-263cebac962b OLF NUMBER 2 1
The portion in red is the GUID.
The best strategy is to make everyone well aware that Shared Parameters are to be managed and by whom. If they are created from a copy of the office SP file it is possible to export the parameter to the original so it isn't completely unacceptable to let people make them on their own. It IS unacceptable to do so without properly communicating it to the person in charge of them and their team(s).
That said, placing the office standard as a read only file will allow people to use them without being able to add them. They will need to get them added by the responsible party and that person better be ready to "jump" because this stuff always gets figured out at the last minute.
Finally, if someone loses the SP file it is possible to export shared parameters from projects that have them into a another or new SP file.
Here's links to the previous Shared Parameter posts:
What are Parameters and Why Should I Care?
Sharing Parameters Overview (Part 1)
Walking on Thin Ice
Making a Shared Parameter File (Part 2)
Shared Parameters Part 3
Shared Parameters Part 4
Ignore Good Advice
Home for Unwanted Doors
Dept. of Subtle - Model Text and Add Parameter Crash Revit
While looking at a problem described in a thread at AUGI I stumbled upon a very subtle awkward crash which I've submitted to Autodesk naturally.
To get in trouble you need to be using the Model Text feature and attempting to create a parameter to manage the height of the text.
The steps are:
I started in the Generic Model.rft Family Template
Add Model Text
Select the Model Text
Click Properties button to see the Instance Properties
Click Edit/New to see the Type Properties
Click Associate Family Parameter button (little gray square button, see image)
Click Add Parameter where the only available option is (None)(see image)
Nice friendly message appears (see image)
Work-around Note: if a valid parameter exists, and appears in the dialog, already you can select it instead and Revit won't crash. Revit only crashes if there is no parameter already and you need to click Add Parameter to create one on the fly.
Fwiw, it doesn't crash the upcoming release...
To get in trouble you need to be using the Model Text feature and attempting to create a parameter to manage the height of the text.
The steps are:
I started in the Generic Model.rft Family Template
Add Model Text
Select the Model Text
Click Properties button to see the Instance Properties
Click Edit/New to see the Type Properties
Click Associate Family Parameter button (little gray square button, see image)
Click Add Parameter where the only available option is (None)(see image)
Nice friendly message appears (see image)
Work-around Note: if a valid parameter exists, and appears in the dialog, already you can select it instead and Revit won't crash. Revit only crashes if there is no parameter already and you need to click Add Parameter to create one on the fly.
Fwiw, it doesn't crash the upcoming release...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Is Revit like your Spouse?
I recently had someone share a funny Revit story with me. This un-named person (to protect the guilty) was expressing frustration with Revit, the learning curve and getting used to it. He showed an error message that Revit displayed, all that was displayed was a question mark "?".
No explanation, nothing, just the question mark...to which he exclaimed, "See!! Revit is just like my wife! Revit is mad at me and it won't tell me why!! It's as if Revit is saying, "If you don't know why I'm mad then I WON'T TELL YOU!!"
I realize that this isn't very "politically correct" but the shoe could easily be on the "other foot"!
No explanation, nothing, just the question mark...to which he exclaimed, "See!! Revit is just like my wife! Revit is mad at me and it won't tell me why!! It's as if Revit is saying, "If you don't know why I'm mad then I WON'T TELL YOU!!"
I realize that this isn't very "politically correct" but the shoe could easily be on the "other foot"!
Structure - Travelogue
I try not to dabble or indulge my personal stuff on this blog too much, apart from Revit being my personal thing, but I was wandering around downtown Billings, Montana (Big Sky Country) the last couple of evenings and passed this structure a couple times. The second time by, tonight, I felt compelled to snap a couple of "pitchurs".
This structure is known as Sky Point and I was pleasantly surprised to find it on Wikipedia. My client informed me of the name so that certainly helped my Google search effort! The structure has a couple of "leaves" that can swing out to fully cover the street intersection. It is in its compact state in the "pitchurs"...
So whose going to model it in Revit Structure for "fun"?
Fun facts:
Tallest column: 73 Feet
2 Shortest columns: 28 Feet
Sails: 3
Completed: April 2002
Dedicated: May 2002
One more for the road...
This structure is known as Sky Point and I was pleasantly surprised to find it on Wikipedia. My client informed me of the name so that certainly helped my Google search effort! The structure has a couple of "leaves" that can swing out to fully cover the street intersection. It is in its compact state in the "pitchurs"...
So whose going to model it in Revit Structure for "fun"?
Fun facts:
Tallest column: 73 Feet
2 Shortest columns: 28 Feet
Sails: 3
Completed: April 2002
Dedicated: May 2002
One more for the road...
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Dept. of Subtle - Options Bar and Tab Key
Hi again, another video attempt at a post.
We need to pay close attention to the "focus" of Revit when we enter a value on the Options Bar. In the video example I show a roof in the sketch process and I want to use the Offset parameter to create the roof edge 2'-0" from the exterior wall. When I enter the value and then try to use the Tab key to "Select the Chain of Walls or Lines" Revit doesn't acknowledge the walls. It just moves the "focus" between the Offset parameter and the Extend to Wall Core options. When I click in the Drawing Window the focus moves away from the Options Bar and the TAB key feature will work.
This is just a subtle thing that can be frustrating if you don't notice what it happening on the Options Bar. I hope the video helps too!
We need to pay close attention to the "focus" of Revit when we enter a value on the Options Bar. In the video example I show a roof in the sketch process and I want to use the Offset parameter to create the roof edge 2'-0" from the exterior wall. When I enter the value and then try to use the Tab key to "Select the Chain of Walls or Lines" Revit doesn't acknowledge the walls. It just moves the "focus" between the Offset parameter and the Extend to Wall Core options. When I click in the Drawing Window the focus moves away from the Options Bar and the TAB key feature will work.
This is just a subtle thing that can be frustrating if you don't notice what it happening on the Options Bar. I hope the video helps too!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Shape Handle - Increase the Length of a Wall
When you want to increase the length of one end of a wall not change the other end you can use the wall's Shape Handle. To access it you need to hover over the endcap of the wall and use the TAB key, select the Shape Handle as it is called. Now you can just use the Move tool to define a distance. It is quite easy. I'm trying a video out that I made very low tech. Experimenting with the approach...
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Converting Lines - Model to Detail or Vice Versa
Finally remembered to add this tip/post at AUGI from January 14, 2008, a method for changing model lines to detail lines and vice versa.
Model Lines to Detail Lines (use sketch based detail element)
- Select Model Lines and Cut to Clipboard (CTRL + X)
- Start a new Filled Region and paste the lines in anywhere
- Select the lines and cut to clipboard again
- Cancel making the Filled Region
- Paste into view - they are now Detail Lines
Detail Lines to Model Lines (use a sketch based model element)
- Select Detail Lines and Cut to Clipboard (CTRL + X)
- Start a new Floor and paste the lines in anywhere
- Select the lines and cut to clipboard again
- Cancel making the floor
- Paste into view - they are now Model Lines
I'd been using the Roof by Footprint do this for awhile but the floor is "quicker" since you don't have to choose the roof method first 8-). Technically you could just edit an existing floor or filled region and paste and cut and quit sketch to accomplish the same thing.
Model Lines to Detail Lines (use sketch based detail element)
- Select Model Lines and Cut to Clipboard (CTRL + X)
- Start a new Filled Region and paste the lines in anywhere
- Select the lines and cut to clipboard again
- Cancel making the Filled Region
- Paste into view - they are now Detail Lines
Detail Lines to Model Lines (use a sketch based model element)
- Select Detail Lines and Cut to Clipboard (CTRL + X)
- Start a new Floor and paste the lines in anywhere
- Select the lines and cut to clipboard again
- Cancel making the floor
- Paste into view - they are now Model Lines
I'd been using the Roof by Footprint do this for awhile but the floor is "quicker" since you don't have to choose the roof method first 8-). Technically you could just edit an existing floor or filled region and paste and cut and quit sketch to accomplish the same thing.
2009 Features - Dept. of Subtle - Currency and Commas
Another, "Finally!!" moment is nearly upon us. We have been VERY patiently waiting to be able to put currency symbols on our schedule values and the 2009 release will provide it! Along with this we will finally get to place commas in our numbers when they get into the thousands. Subtle, little...yes, but it is about time!! Welcome the little stuff!!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Reprise - Making Sheets...faster.
I posted THIS back in March 2006 and I've been asked or read about this several times in the last few days. So I thought I'd mention it again.
I still say Autodesk ought to provide a way to create a "cartoon" set more efficiently! I guess that's where some enterprising developers have an opportunity, such as Revit TV. Put a little pressure on Matt at Avatech too!
I still say Autodesk ought to provide a way to create a "cartoon" set more efficiently! I guess that's where some enterprising developers have an opportunity, such as Revit TV. Put a little pressure on Matt at Avatech too!
Yes You Can! - Include Elements in Linked Files in Schedules!
This is a recurring theme, "I've got more than one project file linked together but I want a single schedule of...doors...or sheets. Can I do that?" Yes, and it is EASY!
Just edit your schedule and check ONE box! See below...
Touched on a related topic in THIS POST regarding including other trades drawings in your drawing list. I mention three methods but there is also a fourth, use a Schedule Key but hide the key value column. This approach does mean you have to enter the information too but a schedule key has all the same formatting features/restrictions as a regular drawing list.
Just edit your schedule and check ONE box! See below...
Touched on a related topic in THIS POST regarding including other trades drawings in your drawing list. I mention three methods but there is also a fourth, use a Schedule Key but hide the key value column. This approach does mean you have to enter the information too but a schedule key has all the same formatting features/restrictions as a regular drawing list.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
2009 Feature - Dept. of Subtle - Text Styles
I wrote something in the past suggesting that "Text" ought to become a full fledge citizen in the "Settings" menu. In all past releases of Revit there was no way to edit Text Styles without first invoking the Text tool. Well those days are or will be gone shortly. A new neighbor will join the Settings menu > Annotations other tenants Arrowheads, Dimensions and Loaded Tags, namely TEXT!
I'm sorry if I seem excited about something "trivial". I'm not, but pleased nonetheless that something subtle got addressed and didn't even make it into the "What's New" presentations circulating the net. Thanks!
I'm sorry if I seem excited about something "trivial". I'm not, but pleased nonetheless that something subtle got addressed and didn't even make it into the "What's New" presentations circulating the net. Thanks!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Right Click - Create Similar
Sometimes a feature is right in front of you and you just keep missing it or perhaps just don't care to notice. I use this one quite a bit myself. When you've got something you like already in the model and you need to place another, just select it, Right Click and choose Create Similar!! How's that for short and SWEET! Easy too!
If you select more than one element the tool is a bit "hard of hearing" and won't be available, even if the multiple items are all the same type. So just select one.
I still keep looking for a Right Click > Copy to Clipboard, Paste and Paste Aligned options...my face is turning a bit blue from holding my breath...
If you select more than one element the tool is a bit "hard of hearing" and won't be available, even if the multiple items are all the same type. So just select one.
I still keep looking for a Right Click > Copy to Clipboard, Paste and Paste Aligned options...my face is turning a bit blue from holding my breath...
Adverts - Still on the Fence
Poll is retired...still hemming but not hawing about placing ads. I guess I'll just keep you guessing too. So for now...no ads. I know that means at least 12 folks will keep coming back for now. 8-)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Constraints - Show Related
When you see a padlock or the EQ icon you can hover over the icon and click the Right Mouse button to display a "Show Related" option. This will identify each of the elements involved in the relationship created by the padlock or EQ feature.
Here is what you see initially:
This dialog appears when you click "Show Related":
This is true for both working on projects and families.
Here is what you see initially:
This dialog appears when you click "Show Related":
This is true for both working on projects and families.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
New Navigation Tools - Revit 2009
Two features that Autodesk first created for Design Review will be showing up in Revit 2009 as well as AutoCAD 2009. According to images posted by resellers the View Cube and Steering Wheel (both Autodesk Trademark features) are clearly visible in the Revit interface.
The View Cube is a tool that permits the user to quickly change the viewing position by clicking on a portion of the cube as well as rotating the view by clicking and dragging the mouse around the cube.
The Steering Wheel is meant to provide basic view changes as well as a means to walk around and through a model. You simply click on the portion of the wheel you want to use and drag the mouse to perform the task. You can reposition the center of a view's rotation by choosing the center option and moving the little green "football" to the new location. Then the other features will observe that location as the center of activity. The Rewind feature permits you to go back to a previous viewing condition, like a little slide presentation.
They take a little getting used to. If you haven't seen them in action, take a look at Design Review if you have it, if not get a copy since it is readily available and get used to them now while you have a bit of time.
The View Cube is a tool that permits the user to quickly change the viewing position by clicking on a portion of the cube as well as rotating the view by clicking and dragging the mouse around the cube.
The Steering Wheel is meant to provide basic view changes as well as a means to walk around and through a model. You simply click on the portion of the wheel you want to use and drag the mouse to perform the task. You can reposition the center of a view's rotation by choosing the center option and moving the little green "football" to the new location. Then the other features will observe that location as the center of activity. The Rewind feature permits you to go back to a previous viewing condition, like a little slide presentation.
They take a little getting used to. If you haven't seen them in action, take a look at Design Review if you have it, if not get a copy since it is readily available and get used to them now while you have a bit of time.
Error Reporting
Sometime ago Autodesk enhanced the process of reporting inelegant episodes, otherwise known as a crash, kaput or "seeya!", you know...when Revit closes for a reason other than you chosing File menu > Exit or clicking the big X.
When you take a moment to submit a report Autodesk is now searching through their knowledge base of known issues hoping to offer a solution. For example, if you are using an older build it will prompt you to download the newer build. If it actually finds a known issue it refers you to that web page. Many times though it can only offer an apology and hope that it (the cause of the crash) will be trapped better in the future and avoided entirely.
So next time (hoping it isn't frequent) take a second to jot down your thoughts in the provided dialog and submit the report. Then let Autodesk's little search engine do its thing and see if you get any joy!
When you take a moment to submit a report Autodesk is now searching through their knowledge base of known issues hoping to offer a solution. For example, if you are using an older build it will prompt you to download the newer build. If it actually finds a known issue it refers you to that web page. Many times though it can only offer an apology and hope that it (the cause of the crash) will be trapped better in the future and avoided entirely.
So next time (hoping it isn't frequent) take a second to jot down your thoughts in the provided dialog and submit the report. Then let Autodesk's little search engine do its thing and see if you get any joy!
Advertising and Blogging
As 70ish readers have noticed, and voted, I posted a poll about advertising on this blog. So far eight readers have said that they wouldn't return if ads started appearing on this site. Thirty two have said that they wouldn't mind but prefer that it is subtle.
I've kept this site ad free as much because I don't like ads as any other reason. I'm not consciously aware of any Revit blogs that don't have ads these days, though I imagine there are some. I don't really notice the ads if they are there either...I just don't. Just because others are doesn't make I feel that I must.
What does intrigue me is just how much ad revenue I've ignored or missed by not doing it too. How much? Pennies, four bucks, a hundred? Over three years now just how much would it be? There are bloggers out there making serious money doing it but they are blogging daily and have 10's if not 100's of thousands of readers. This little corner of the blogosphere draws a steady few hundred readers (I'm glad you visit and find it worthwhile to do so, thanks!) each day.
I guess I won't know unless I try it which means I'd have to be willing to lose eight readers...always a trade off. Can't there be a win/win?
Still on the fence...
I've kept this site ad free as much because I don't like ads as any other reason. I'm not consciously aware of any Revit blogs that don't have ads these days, though I imagine there are some. I don't really notice the ads if they are there either...I just don't. Just because others are doesn't make I feel that I must.
What does intrigue me is just how much ad revenue I've ignored or missed by not doing it too. How much? Pennies, four bucks, a hundred? Over three years now just how much would it be? There are bloggers out there making serious money doing it but they are blogging daily and have 10's if not 100's of thousands of readers. This little corner of the blogosphere draws a steady few hundred readers (I'm glad you visit and find it worthwhile to do so, thanks!) each day.
I guess I won't know unless I try it which means I'd have to be willing to lose eight readers...always a trade off. Can't there be a win/win?
Still on the fence...
Inactive Blogs
I've removed the poll early as it seems evenly split between removing and keeping them. So I've just moved them to a new area called Inactive Revit Blogs further down the page. If a blog gets more than six months stale I'll move it there but I won't remove it because you never know when they'll fire up the pen again! Thanks for the votes!
Once Upon a Workplane - Seeing is Believing
I wrote the bulk of this post nearly two years ago but apparently never finished it. Better late than never I suppose. In Once Upon a Workplane I wrote about the role of reference planes and lines. No mention whatsoever of how you actually change the Revit working environment to use or establish a new workplane. So now I will…you can do this in most views; except for schedules, legends, camera, drafting and sheet views.
Setting a workplane or making it visible is possible via the menu, a defined keyboard shortcut or toolbar.
The menu route...
Or the toolbar route...
Keyboard shortcut route...There is no default keyboard shortcut, you'll have modify the keyboardshortcuts.txt file to assign your own. There are three commands you can assign; Set Work Plane, Work Plane Visibilty and, if the workplane is already visible, Select Work plane Grid
Clicking the Plane button opens the Workplane dialog box, doing this in a floor plan view will look like this, notice the grid that is temporarily visible while the dialog is open?
First option to establish a different workplane is Name via the drop down list next it. Revit will offer a Level, Grid Line or a Reference Plane that has been named in this list.
The second Option is Pick a Plane. You must either be able to select a Reference Plane or any planar surface of an element within the view. With Workplane Visibility on you can confirm that you succeeded. (You can also click the Show button to focus on the surface you've selected if you open the dialog again)
The Third Option is "Pick a Line and use the workplane it was sketched in". Again you'll have to be able to pick a line which assumes there is one to pick!
When you select an Element Revit will sometimes offer you the Edit Workplane button on the Options Bar.
This permits you to change the assigned workplane of a model line, an in-place family as well as work plane based families, to name a view. When you use this option you will only be presented with work planes that are parallel to the one already in use. To moved your element to a different work plane you can temporarily make the new one parallel and then reposition it again.
Setting a workplane or making it visible is possible via the menu, a defined keyboard shortcut or toolbar.
The menu route...
Or the toolbar route...
Keyboard shortcut route...There is no default keyboard shortcut, you'll have modify the keyboardshortcuts.txt file to assign your own. There are three commands you can assign; Set Work Plane, Work Plane Visibilty and, if the workplane is already visible, Select Work plane Grid
Clicking the Plane button opens the Workplane dialog box, doing this in a floor plan view will look like this, notice the grid that is temporarily visible while the dialog is open?
First option to establish a different workplane is Name via the drop down list next it. Revit will offer a Level, Grid Line or a Reference Plane that has been named in this list.
The second Option is Pick a Plane. You must either be able to select a Reference Plane or any planar surface of an element within the view. With Workplane Visibility on you can confirm that you succeeded. (You can also click the Show button to focus on the surface you've selected if you open the dialog again)
The Third Option is "Pick a Line and use the workplane it was sketched in". Again you'll have to be able to pick a line which assumes there is one to pick!
When you select an Element Revit will sometimes offer you the Edit Workplane button on the Options Bar.
This permits you to change the assigned workplane of a model line, an in-place family as well as work plane based families, to name a view. When you use this option you will only be presented with work planes that are parallel to the one already in use. To moved your element to a different work plane you can temporarily make the new one parallel and then reposition it again.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Revit 2009 Information Released
Autodesk announced today in a very non-specific way that new releases are coming. This isn't really a surprise since this is the time of year that they release new software. However, a couple resellers who also blog have shared a bit more detail. They seem to be free from the constraints that users who participate in product beta cycles have and are therefore able to post such information. I'm sure that Revit users are grateful to get a peak at the features that await them in the next release, I know I am.
You can review the Autodesk Press Release, the posts at BIM Boom and the posts at Imaginit's Blog
A long term wishlist item has been eliminated with the replacement of Accurender with Mental Ray. Also a frequent topic at AUGI and the wishlist is the "Mirror Project" concept which is reported to be included. Overriding dimensions is also a frequent visitor to the wishlist and can now be crossed off. This release looks to be a pretty strong one. I'm sure we will find things to continue pestering the development team about though!
You can review the Autodesk Press Release, the posts at BIM Boom and the posts at Imaginit's Blog
A long term wishlist item has been eliminated with the replacement of Accurender with Mental Ray. Also a frequent topic at AUGI and the wishlist is the "Mirror Project" concept which is reported to be included. Overriding dimensions is also a frequent visitor to the wishlist and can now be crossed off. This release looks to be a pretty strong one. I'm sure we will find things to continue pestering the development team about though!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Impromptu AUGI Gathering - Larkspur, CA
I am presently in San Rafael, CA attending the Autodesk User Group International's board of director meetings this week. We discussed getting together somewhere and inviting any and all AUGI and Autodesk products users to hang out together. It's really late notice...since we're talking about tomorrow 8-(
Date: February 6, 2008 (Wednesday, tomorrow!)
Time: 7pm
Location:
Marin Brewing Company
1809 Larkspur Landing Cir
Larkspur, CA 94939
Get Directions
(415) 461-4677
Richard Binning, the outgoing President, already posted a notice about it on his blog and so did Lynn Allen. Hopefully the fact that they posted a bit earlier will help!
Hopefully it isn't TOO late for YOU to come by and say hello, trade a few stories...drown your sorrows about your favorite football team who has to wait till next seaons.
See you there?
Speaking of football, here's a picture from Lynn's Super Bowl Party that Lynn invited the board to attend. No I'm not in the picture, I was on a plane when the party was in full swing...my loss!
In the picture are: (left to right)
Backrow: Chris Lindner (Pres.) & Richard Binning (Sr. VP)
Front Row: Bill Adams (Secr.), Lynn Allen (AUGI Sweetheart), John Morgan (New BoD Member, Treas.), Mike Perry (BoD Member, Forum Mgr), Larry Swinea (New BoD Member)
Missing Bod members: Me, Mark Kiker
Missing Husband: Craig (Lynn's Sweetheart, taking the picture?)
Missed Bod member: Donnia Tabor-Hanson (AUGI Mom, CAD Mama)
Interested in more info on the board? Meet the Board
Date: February 6, 2008 (Wednesday, tomorrow!)
Time: 7pm
Location:
Marin Brewing Company
1809 Larkspur Landing Cir
Larkspur, CA 94939
Get Directions
(415) 461-4677
Richard Binning, the outgoing President, already posted a notice about it on his blog and so did Lynn Allen. Hopefully the fact that they posted a bit earlier will help!
Hopefully it isn't TOO late for YOU to come by and say hello, trade a few stories...drown your sorrows about your favorite football team who has to wait till next seaons.
See you there?
Speaking of football, here's a picture from Lynn's Super Bowl Party that Lynn invited the board to attend. No I'm not in the picture, I was on a plane when the party was in full swing...my loss!
In the picture are: (left to right)
Backrow: Chris Lindner (Pres.) & Richard Binning (Sr. VP)
Front Row: Bill Adams (Secr.), Lynn Allen (AUGI Sweetheart), John Morgan (New BoD Member, Treas.), Mike Perry (BoD Member, Forum Mgr), Larry Swinea (New BoD Member)
Missing Bod members: Me, Mark Kiker
Missing Husband: Craig (Lynn's Sweetheart, taking the picture?)
Missed Bod member: Donnia Tabor-Hanson (AUGI Mom, CAD Mama)
Interested in more info on the board? Meet the Board
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