AutoCAD MEP

If you have created your own ABS System Definitions in the style manager, you may want to access those systems more quickly by selecting a duct, pipe, conduit, wire, cable tray, etc by a system, rather than selecting the system after opening the Add Duct dialog box. You can modify your Tool Palette for any workspace by right-clicking on the tool and go to the properties. Once you are in the properties, you can change the name from the ABS system to your system name. Then click on the Command, which will allow you to edit the command. The macro you will see in there will look like this.^C^C(command "_AecbDuctAdd" "SY" "Outdoor Air")Change the "Outdoor Air" to "Your Custom System Definition Name" . You can do the same for pipe and conduit and cable tray. Not only can you specify the system definition in the command edit box, but also the pipe routing preference as well. You can do this by adding "R" and the name of your routing preference.^C^C(command "_AecbPipeAdd" "R" "Grooved and Threaded" "sy" "Domestic Cold Water - Supply") If you want to your pipe tool to automatically specify a specific pipe size, add "si" and the size to the command edit box.^C^C(command "_AecbPipeAdd" "R" "Standard" "si" "2") Electrical Panels have additional variables to specify a specific Panel Style and the number of slots in the command edit box. "st" will pick a panel style, and "sl" will pick the number of slots your panel will have.^C^C(command "_AecbPanelAdd" "st" "Recessed 1 (12 Slots)" "sl" "12") Devices have these shortcuts also to automatically go directly to the device category. Just use the "li" in the command editor and specify the device drawing category that you want to choose from. ^C^C(command "_AecbDeviceAdd" "li" "Receptacles") Users or CAD Managers can create all kinds of various tools to automatically pick systems, sizes, devices, etc for the user to lesson the amount of picking in ABS, and speed up production.

This Preview provides detailed information about 2007.1 features.Electrical tools on the Property Palette: Device, Panel and Wire objects have been moved to the Properties Palette. All add, modify and properties functions now occur through the Properties Palette.

1. To modify the electrical connectors of devices, Select the devices. On the Properties palette, expand Advanced, expand Circuits, and click Electrical Properties.
2. On the Electrical Properties worksheet, select a connector. Select a circuit to assign the selected connector on all of the devices to it.
3. Select Unassigned to remove any circuit assignments from the devices.

Auto-Align Devices: Device objects can auto-align to lines, arcs, circles, splines, polylines, walls, ceiling grids, and space boundaries.Open the Power-Lighting Device tool palette, and select a receptacle tool.

1. On the Properties palette, change the style of the receptacle to be added by expanding Basic, and on the General bar, click properties. In the left pane of the Select Device worksheet, navigate to the drawing that contains the style. In the right pane, select the style, and click OK.
2. In the Properties palette, expand Layout, and for Layou t method, select either "One by One"
3. Expand Location, and for Align to objects, select Yes. This causes the receptacle to align to the object to which you snap. You can snap and align to a wall, ceiling grid, space boundary, line, polyline, spline, arc, or circle in the current drawing or in a referenced drawing (xref).

Auto-Layout Devices to Space: Device objects can be inserted along a Space Boundary either by Distance around Space or Quantity around Space

1. On the Power-Lighting Device tool palette, select a receptacle tool.
2. On the Properties palette, change the style of the receptacle to be added by expa nding Basic, and on the General bar , click properties. In the left pane of the Select Device worksheet, navigate to the drawing that contains the style. In the right pane, select the style, and click OK.
3. Expand Layout, and for Layout method, select "Distance around space". For Distance between, enter a value. You can also enter a value by clicking and specifying 2 points in the drawing. In the drawing, move the cursor to the location for the first device. This must be a point on the space boundary.
4. Examine the preview of the receptacle layout, and if necessary, move the cursor to a different location on the boundary.
5. On the Properties palette, you can view the value for Number of devices. This read-only property is updated when the preview is displayed.
6. Click to insert the receptacles, an d press Enter to end the command.

Improved Grips on Wires: Grips on Wire objects have been improved to allow easier access to Wire mid-point grip and Tick Mark Location. In addition, a grip has been added to Flip the tick mark.

1. Select the wires.
2. On the Properties palette, expand Basic, and modify the basic properties as needed:

Spline Wire Segment: Spline segment type has been added for Wires.Manage Circuit Data through External References: Electrical Project Database functionality has been expanded to allow Circuit Manager to detect loads on the entire project. Electrical Project Database notification is added to the Status bar and functions similar to the xref notification.

• You can use an electrical project database drawing to manage circuits across all drawings in a project.
• You can create circuits when you add a panel, or you can add circuits to panels later.
• You can configure circuit settings only in the drawing that contains the circuits. After you assign at least one device to a circuit, you cannot edit many of the circuit settings.
• You can assign devices to circuits as you add the devices, or you can add the devices first and then assign them to circuits later.
• You can keep circuit data current in multiple electrical drawings by reloading the project database.
• You can configure electrical preferences so that you are automatically notified of circuit overloads for power and lighting circuits.
• You can use circuit-checking features to see circuit information for a selected device. You can also check circuit connectivity to display which devices are assigned to the same circuit.
• As you refine your designs, you can move circuits around on a panel to balance loads. You can also drag and drop circuits from one panel to another.
• You can generate panel schedules automatically from the circuit data.

Electrical – Device Style and Panel Style Reorganization: Device and Panel styles are reorganized and categorized to better suit the electrical design workflow.Schematic – Electrical Schematic Symbol Style Reorganization: Electrical based Schematic Symbol styles are reorganized and categorized to better suit the electrical design workflow.Wire Size Calculator on Property Palette: Electrical wire calculations are done by selecting the wire, and going to the properties palette, and click on"calculate wire size" button.

Discover tips and techniques from Autodesk that can improve workstation performance when running Autodesk Building Systems. This paper explores methods of maximizing workstation performance when using your CAD application on large projects.For Project Managers and CAD ManagersThe following tips and techniques are for project managers and CAD managers responsible for rolling out software releases, establishing requirements, managing projects, supporting CAD users, and so forth.Work in the Latest ReleaseEach new release of Autodesk Building Systems is designed to handle larger and morecomplex projects. Each new release contains significant advances in performance as well as new features and enhancements that further streamline work processes. These improvements enable you to work faster and reduce the time it takes to perform complex tasks.Standardize on Drawing FormatOver the course of a project, team members use different versions of AutoCAD®, Autodesk® Architectural Desktop, or Autodesk Building Systems software to create data, especially if the project uses drawings from a client or subcontractor. However, these drawings are converted to current file format on the fly every time they are opened or referenced through an external reference file (xref). Opening and saving earlier-version project drawings in the current release eliminates this time-consuming conversion, thus freeing resources and shortening the time to open the drawings.Manage ProxiesDrawings may contain proxies of custom objects created in other AutoCAD-based applications or third-party software. These objects require that proxy graphics be turned on in these drawings, which can significantly increase file sizes and the amount of time required to open those files. For example, a 3.9 MB drawing seen recently in Autodesk Product Support was reduced to 1.8 MB just by turning proxy graphics off.Avoid Complex MvPartsWhen developing content for your catalog, carefully consider the complexity of each new part. For example, the round louvered diffuser shown below is much too detailed for most MEP work. It uses curved surfaces for interior vanes, shows all the ribbing between the vanes, and has a neck with an internal curved surface that’s hidden when connected to your ductwork system. This depth of complexity taxes the resources of your workstation for little gain, requiring a high level of system resources every time you need to change views.Tip: Use MvParts that convey the basic intent of what the equipment represents, and avoid making MvParts more detailed than they need to be.Use Project Navigator EffectivelyWhen using Project Navigator, do not manually insert xrefs into your drawing using the Reference command on the Insert menu. Instead, use the shortcut menus in Project Navigator to attach or overlay reference files within the project.In versions prior to Autodesk Building Systems 2005 (SP2), drawings that are manually referenced into a project are not resolved in the file structure created through Project Navigator. Accordingly, the referenced path of manually inserted xrefs may be lost when paths change, resulting in missing or incorrect reference files.Tip: Overlay xrefs rather than attaching them. Drawing files that use xref overlay will not reproduce that overlay when it is referenced by another drawing. Drawings with attached xrefs will reproduce that xref, which can lead to duplicate or circular xrefs and confusion as to what actually is in the drawing. This can tax workstation resources and affect performance. For example, a data set recently received by Autodesk Product Support contained drawings with attached xrefs that resulted in nine duplicated referenced drawings.Avoid Hidden SharesEarlier versions of Autodesk Building Systems (pre-2006) support only a full UNC path with no mapped drives and no relative paths. Best practices suggest avoiding a project structure that points to hidden shares, especially if the project structure is sent to other members of the extended design team that might not have those same shares.Manage Temporary FilesTemporary files are created as part of the “Enabled with Copy” demand load strategy built into Project Navigator. These files remain after a system failure or an aborted Project Navigator activity. Deleting the *.ac$ files in the Temp folder can reduce the time required to open most drawing files and significantly improve system performance.Tip: Update the Autodesk Building Systems profile to point all AutoCAD temporary files to a specific temporary folder separate from the standard Microsoft® Windows® temporary folder. Use a login script to clear temporary files on a daily basis.Hardware RecommendationsTurn off the system’s hardware acceleration, update all graphic drivers to their latest version, and make sure your workstation meets the minimum system requirements for the release you are using. Minimum system requirements can be found in the installer menu and the help files.For CAD UsersThe following tips and techniques are for the everyday CAD user responsible managing drawings, adhering to CAD standards, coordinating designs with the extended team, creating construction documents, and so forth.Use Purge CommandsAt the end of a work session, use the purge commands—PURGE and BLDSYSPURGE— to clean up Autodesk Building Systems drawings. For example, a 3.2 MB drawing recently came into Autodesk Product Support with complaints of poor system performance. Upon inspection, about two-thirds of the objects in the drawing were not being used (2,166 of 3,153 items). Purging reduced the drawing size to about 1.9 MB. Since Autodesk Building Systems always verifies the location of objects relative to new objects being added, purging can dramatically improve system performance.Use Interference DetectionTurn interference detection on only when you need it. For example, wait until systems are substantially complete and ready to be compared to other nearby systems in the drawing. Autodesk Building Systems compares the location of each object to others in a drawing— an activity that uses a lot of system resources. Turning interference detection off when you don’t need it drastically reduces the time it takes to open any drawing.Tip: When checking interferences on a color system scheme, create a new Layout tab and use the Page Setup manager to set all colors, other than the collision marker, to black. The result is a black-and-white screen with colored collision markers that are easy to identify.Minimize Multiple SessionsLaunching multiple or concurrent sessions of Autodesk Building Systems, Autodesk Architectural Desktop, AutoCAD, or other similar third-party products built on AutoCAD software dramatically reduces system performance and possibly the system’s overall stability. Avoid this practice and adopt other work methods. If you cannot avoid multiple sessions, consider using your most capable workstations for these situations.Let Processes Run Their Course It is normal for some activities, such as loading xrefs, to take time. These processes need to run their course before additional activities can be initiated, such as dragging drawings from Project Navigator before it has finished loading previous drawings.Minimize X-Clips and Live SectionsLive sections and x-clipping of xrefs are useful for working with the live model. However, too many x-clips and live sections can cause the drawing to load very slowly.Use 2D Wireframe With the high quality of Autodesk Building Systems models, it is tempting to create walkthrough models in shade mode. Although such walkthroughs are great for visualizing the systems and their environment, shade mode, including 3D wireframe, taxes your system resources.Tip: In complicated areas such equipment rooms, select the objects you want to view or work with and use the Isolate Objects feature to remove the surroundings. Not only will you see your work more clearly, system performance will greatly increase.Manage Haloed LinesHaloed lines generate a lot of additional data. Improve the time-to-open performance of any drawing by ensuring that the Increase Drawing Open Performance option is selected in the Building Systems Crossed Object tab in the AutoCAD Options. However, be cautious when selecting this option because it significantly increases your drawing file size.Tip: Make sure you are getting the best system performance possible with haloed lines by ensuring that the Increase Drawing Open Performance option is selected. However, if you need to email drawing files or save them over a slow network, deselect this option to decrease drawing file sizes.Manage Duct HatchingIt’s normal practice to use duct hatch on systems marked for demolition. However, hatching increases memory use and slows down all display-related activities such as opening drawings, regenerating models, and switching views.Getting The Most Out Of Autodesk Building Systems

An important Whitepaper written by Autodesk describing how AutoCAD MEP meets industry standards in its program.Download Whitepaper HereIntroductionEngineering designs must meet strict guidelines and codes to ensure that structures are safe and economical for the public and to maintain design consistency throughout the industry. AutoCAD MEP software enables engineers to create an object-based systems model that follows industry standards. Whether you’re using the duct sizing tool, placing a piece of electrical equipment, or sizing a sanitary main, AutoCAD MEP helps ensure that your data is based on applicable codes and guidelines or on equipment specifications from leading manufacturers. This white paper shows how the codes, guidelines, and equipment specifications built in to MEP software can help you improve accuracy and ensure that your designs meet industry standards.HVAC Ductwork and PipingTake a look at the guidelines that influence the development of ductwork and piping design tools within AutoCAD MEP and compare them with the way you design today. Feeling confident with your engineering design is what it’s all about.Duct Sizing CalculatorDesigners who have sized ductwork are probably familiar with the Trane Ductulator tool—that handy little cardboard square with the rotating circle in the middle. In fact, most engineers have customized the tool by marking the design criteria they use most often. Engineers rely on this duct-sizing tool because it is based on equations derived from the industry-benchmark ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air- Conditioning Engineers) standard.The AutoCAD MEP duct sizing tool is derived from the same standard, ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook 1997, and can be found in the Add Duct dialog box. From this dialog box you can select the system type (supply, return, exhaust, and so forth), enter the airflow (CFM), and choose the Calculate button. If you are routing round ductwork, calculate the diameter. If your design calls for oval or rectangular ducts, calculate either the width or the height. And as with any MEP tool, if you’re not satisfied with the calculated result, you can simply select a different size.The design criteria you specify for duct sizing is linked to the system type chosen. To specify that criteria, choose the HVAC System Definition. Select a system type, and then select the Design Parameters tab. Here you can decide whether to size your ducts for this system based on air velocity or static pressure drop per 100 feet of duct. You can also determine a roughness coefficient as well as air density. Being able to specify these parameters per system type is helpful. For example, you can create a low-pressure supply duct system and a medium-pressure supply duct system and use different sizing parameters for each. This is just like marking your Ductulator at .08 inch per 100 feet for low-pressure ducts and at 0.3 inch per 100 feet for medium-pressure ducts.HVAC Load Calculations and Duct SizingOne of the first tasks assigned to new HVAC designers is running a load on a building. Performing this task gives engineers-in-training their first look at what goes into a building load calculation and how those components affect their design, such as building construction, people densities, outdoor air requirements, equipment loads, lighting loads, building zones to optimize equipment loading, building orientation, and much more. Manually transferring this data to load calculation software can be tedious and prone to errors.AutoCAD MEP helps eliminate costly errors by enabling designers to transfer data from the building model directly to engineering analysis applications like Trane’s Trace 700, IES, Varitrane Duct Designer, or Elite Ductsize. Use standard file formats, such as gbXML and ddXML, to directly import building design data. Once the design data has been transferred, use Trace 700 to perform heating and cooling load analyses, and Varitrane Duct Designer and Elite Ductsize to calculate optimal duct sizes using the static regain, equal friction, or constant velocity method.HVAC Equipment—MvPartsEquipment location is an integral part of any HVAC design. Coordinating space requirements, function, and ease of maintenance for each piece of equipment is essential for its placement. Equally important is ensuring that systems don’t conflict with other equipment or structural components in the design.AutoCAD MEP provides an extensive catalog of equipment made up of MvParts. Each piece of equipment has intelligent connection points for fast and easy connections to ductwork, piping, electrical conduit, and more. MvPart objects also have the ability to check for interferences with other components in your design, making it easier to coordinate your mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, chases, and above-ceiling space.The nonproprietary equipment specifications provided in AutoCAD MEP are based on equipment offerings from leading manufacturers. Dimensions and connection sizes are matched against several different manufacturers, and the most relevant data is used. For example, Trane and Carrier both offer packaged rooftop air conditioning units. The dimensions for length, width, and height of the equipment casings are similar for comparable tonnages but not exactly the same. For similar units such as these, Building Systems uses the largest dimensions.Ducts and FittingsMost HVAC engineers have had to either write or edit a ductwork and fittings specification that references ASHRAE and SMACNA. AutoCAD MEP ductwork and fittings are based on the ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database (1994), the Round, Rectangular, and Oval Duct Industrial Construction Standards published by SMACNA, and are augmented by offerings from the leading manufacturer of duct and duct fittings in the United States (and primary author of aforementioned standards).Pipe and FittingsTraditional methods of creating double-line HVAC piping drawings are time consuming and inaccurate. Using standard CAD tools, engineers offset simple lines to nominal pipe sizes and frequently use a box or bowtie symbol to represent various valves and appurtenances. Nominal pipe sizes, loosely related to the actual pipe dimensions, are used for convenience, with elementary symbols representing more complex objects, such as valves and gauges, to save time. Often these symbols are not drawn to the actual sizes of the piping components they represent and can result in costly change orders in the field.AutoCAD MEP can help reduce drawing inaccuracies and coordination issues because all pipes and pipe fittings are based on widely recognized standards, codes, and offerings from leading manufacturers. Pipe identification, outer dimensions, and nominal dimensions are referenced against ANSIB36.19, and ANSI B36.19 as published in Crane’s Technical Paper No. 410. For example, using Building Systems, draw a piece of 6-inch diameter, schedule 40, carbon steel pipe with flanged connections (apply Building Systems Floor – 2 Line Display). Now check the outer dimension of the pipe. Even though you drew a 6-inch nominal size diameter pipe, you get the actual ANSI-specified outer dimension (6 5/8 inch) for that particular type of pipe, resulting in a more accurate design.Pipe fittings are referenced against various applicable standards:● Flange: ANSI/ASME B16.5● Socket Weld and Threaded: ANSI/ASME B16.11● Cast Iron: ANSI/ASME B16.12 and 16.13● Butt Welded: ANSI/ASME B16.9● Grooved: Not described in standard, based on offering from leading manufacturer● Brazed: ANSI/ASME B16.18, B16.22, B16.23, and B16.29 among othersPlumbingPlumbing design relies heavily on code requirements for sizing domestic water, sanitary sewer and ventilation pipes. Why not use an application that can incorporate the code requirements your company follows directly into its design tools.Plumbing Fixtures—MvPartsTraditionally, architects have located the plumbing fixtures in their designs. Now that the connectivity of AutoCAD MEP objects can span the xref barrier, plumbing engineers and designers can place toilets, urinals, sinks, and more in architectural drawings. For effective use, these fixtures must be based on leading manufacturers’ offerings so that dimensions and sizes can be trusted. That’s exactly what AutodeskBuilding Systems does. Whether you’re placing a floor drain, drinking fountain, toilet, or lavatory, Building Systems helps to ensure that the plumbing fixtures in your designs match industry standards.Plumbing Pipe SizingIn the past, sizing plumbing piping required thumbing through page after page of code. AutoCAD MEP alleviates the tedium by providing sizing tools for supply water piping and sanitary piping based on the Uniform Plumbing Code–2000, Crane’s Technical Paper No. 410, American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) chapter interpretations, and engineering judgment.A typical method for sizing water piping is to tally the load values based on a fixture count, convert that fixture unit count to gallons per minute (GPM) requirement, and use a diagram that illustrates the relationship between GPM, pressure drop per 100 feet, and fluid velocity. Assuming the pressure loss through taps, tees, valves, and other appurtenances has been accounted for and compared to available water pressure, a pipe size can be obtained from the diagram. However, performing this process manually can be tedious and time consuming.AutoCAD MEP simplifies this process by providing a load demand table based on Uniform Plumbing Code 2000. You can easily edit this table or create a new one to meet your company’s requirements. With the fixtures in place and the water piping connected, you can then use the supply pipe sizing calculator. Use the Size Supply Pipe dialog box to modify different factors affecting pipe sizing, such as fluid velocity (feet per second), available pressure (psi), and pressure at highest fixture (psi). It also includes a customizable pipe sizing table that provides equivalent length data for various fittings. Other data fields in the dialog box are populated when you have selected a pipe segment to size. The software calculates a pipe size using the Hazen-Williams friction loss formula and a derivation of the Hunter’s Curve referenced from ASPE.AutoCAD MEP also provides a sanitary pipe sizing calculator, which extracts the fixture units connected to the pipe segment being sized and compares this value to maximum permissible load data stored in the sanitary pipe sizing table. The load data is further categorized as stacks, branches, or offsets to accommodate different design conditions. The sanitary pipe sizing table, like the fixture unit table, is based on Uniform Plumbing Code 2000. Customize this table or create a new one to reflect the codes and standards your company follows.Fire ProtectionAutoCAD MEP fire protection content was created using industry standards. Customize your fire protection designs by taking advantage on “in-the-box” content design tools to create more equipment on the fly.Fire Protection—MvPartsLike other engineering equipment included in AutoCAD MEP, the equipment provided for fire protection is based on specifications from leading manufacturers. Equipment includes wet and dry sprinklers, various types of hose cabinets, fire department connections, hose connections, applicable valves, and tanks. Fire protection equipment is included with Mechanical MvParts.Fire Protection Pipe and FittingsWith AutoCAD MEP, add fire protection pipe and fittings to your design using the Add Pipe command for HVAC piping. Since both disciplines use virtually the same types of pipes and fittings, the standards and guidelines referenced in the HVAC Pipe and Fittings section apply here as well.ElectricalElectrical designs require code compliance. Use Building Systems electrical design tools with confidence knowing that your construction documents meet the requirements set forth by code officials and local authorities.Electrical Wire SizingLooking up wire sizes manually in the National Electric Code ampacity tables is a tedious and time-consuming job. AutoCAD MEP automates that process. To use wire sizing, you first draw the wiring, associate it with a circuit, and designate a wire style. If no wire style is specified for the circuit, the wire cannot be sized. The circuit must be assigned because the conductors are sized based on the circuit rating. With the necessary values in place, Building Systems retrieves wire sizes from the ampacity table in the wire database (ampacity.mdb). This table is arranged in much the same way as the National Electric Code table 310-16. It includes columns for ground conductor sizing for both copper and aluminum conductors, similar to the table in section 250-122 of the National Electric Code. An additional table (ambients.mdb) contains correction factors ased on ambient temperatures specified in National Electric Code 310-16. These tables rovide the information required for accurate wire sizing and are fully customizable using icrosoft® Access.Electrical—MvPartsAutoCAD MEP includes a wide selection of electrical equipment based on specifications from leading manufacturers. The electrical MvParts catalog includes equipment such as transfer switches, motor starters, termination boxes, variable frequency drives, and emergency power generators. Providing intelligent connections and enhanced properties, electrical MvParts can be easily integrated into your designs. If you’re accustomed to specifying equipment from a manufacturer that is not included in Building Systems, you can create that content using the Content Builder—a feature that has come a long way since earlier releases. In just a few steps, you can create large catalogs of equipment quickly and easily. Before creating custom content, however, check out the manufacturer’s website to see if they offer the equipment you need. Many manufacturers have already created MvPart catalogs of their equipment, which you can drag into your design using i-drop® technology.Electrical DevicesElectrical devices are the primary graphical objects used in electrical drawings. Generally schematic in nature, they can contain additional 3D blocks as part of the object, which makes them useful for interior elevations and interference detection with other building systems objects such as ductwork and piping. The connectors for electrical devices are different from the connectors for MvParts and are created using the Style Manager. Electrical devices modeled as symbols have been developed using the same standards as symbols. And if they contain 3D elements, they are referenced against data from leading manufacturers.Electrical PanelsElectrical panels are similar to electrical devices but do not have connectors. They are an integral part of electrical designs created with AutoCAD MEP because circuits cannot be created without them. Although you can draw the wiring, the circuit it represents will not exist. The panels that ship with AutoCAD MEP are model-based parts that are referenced against offerings from leading manufacturers where appropriate, but are mostly generic. You can easily create new panel types through the Style Manager to meet the specifications of the manufacturer you choose.Electrical Conduit and Cable TrayThe 3D components of conduit and cable tray are useful when coordinating clearances above ceilings, determining space constraints in electrical equipment rooms, and checking interferences with ductwork and piping. The most commonly used standards are NEMA FB 1 for conduit and NEMA VE1 – 1998 for cable tray. AutoCAD MEP uses these standards for conduit and cable tray content.SymbologyCompanies doing engineering design work need to establish drafting standards. AutoCAD MEP incorporates the most common standards and guidelines used in the industry. Many of the original symbols used in AutoCAD MEP software came from Softdesk® 8, which were referenced to various AMSI and ISO guidelines. In addition, symbols included many user requests for specific images that may or may not have met various code requirements. These symbols were matched against the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 34, Abbreviations and Symbols, the AIA Architectural Graphical Standards, and the SMACNA CAD Standard. However, not all symbols have a match in these standards. All new symbols added to AutoCAD MEP meet specific applicable codes such as NFPA 170 – 2002.Connector symbology for single-line piping such as grooved, welded, threaded, bell and spigot, brazed, flanged, glued, and socket welded were referenced against the National CAD Standard and ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook. A few of these connectors were not described in either of these standards, so graphics were based on alternate resources such as data from leading manufacturers.Template Content and StylesEstablishing template content and styles based on your current design practices sets you on the path of increased productivity. Once your standards have been incorporated into the software, you’ll find that creating model-based designs doesn’t get any easier.TemplatesTemplate content and styles in AutoCAD MEP cover everything from duct and pipe system types to electrical voltage definitions. You can customize templates to meet your company’s requirements or get started quickly out of the box with the default templates that ship with the software. For example, without using one of the electrical templates the values that are stored for electrical preferences would not exist. Voltage definitions would be undefined, requiring you to create them manually. Without specifying voltage definitions, you could not add circuits to the drawing. The template content comes from a variety of sources, including but not limited to the Uniform Plumbing Code, the National CAD Standard, the SMACNA CAD Standard, ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook 1997, National Electric Code, ASPE Data Books, engineering judgment, and, most important, the AIA Architectural Graphic Standards.System DefinitionsVarious system definitions are provided in the templates for each of the disciplines: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Based on different reference materials and guidelines, engineering judgment was used to determine the different system types available out of the box. The important thing to note about system definitions is that you’re not limited to the examples provided in AutoCAD MEP. These system definitions were offered to help you start designing quickly and to serve as examples of how to create other system types. Once you’re familiar with Building Systems software, you can create and customize system types as needed.Labeling StandardsLabeling engineering designs manually is a tedious and time-consuming task. AutoCAD MEP automates much of the annotation. From labeling a rectangular duct size to automatically tagging an electrical device upon insertion, your productivity increases and your design accuracy improves. Because labeling is not standardized across the industry, many of the labeling styles are based on engineering judgment. And like most Building Systems design tools, annotation is highly customizable so you can meet your company’s unique needs.ConclusionAutoCAD MEP is easy-to-use design software that increases productivity, enhances collaboration among design team members, and improves workflow efficiencies using an object-based systems model. Building Systems improves on existing methods for creating construction documentation while supporting traditional design requirements. The most widely accepted engineering codes, standards, and guidelines have been incorporated into AutoCAD MEP to help ensure that your designs meet industry standards. Furthermore, all tables, symbology, system settings, and values can be customized as necessary to meet the requirements of your organization, while still meeting industry requirements.

Summary of the Primary Building Systems Issues Resolved by the Service PackAs a result of detailed information from customers who used the Customer Error Reporting Utility, a number of stability improvements have been made in the following feature areas: Content Builder

• In Building Systems 2007 we require all content that contains pipe connectors to have a CEL (Connector Engagement Length) value specified on each pipe connector.� CEL parameter is now added or removed automatically when a new pipe connector is added to or removed from a piece of content.

Duct

• When transitioning from a rectangular to round duct segment the default duct fitting will be the same as transitioning from a round to rectangular duct segment.� You will no longer receive the "No Default Part Set" dialog during this action.
• Insulation and Lining will be displayed on radius elbows.

Export to AutoCAD

• Due to XDATA on hatches within our content, Export to AutoCAD silently failed to create exported drawing file in Building Systems 2007.� This scenario with Export to AutoCAD has been resolved.

Labels

• Deleting an auto-placed label on a pipe segment will no longer leave a gap in the pipe segment display where the label previously was.

Property Palette

• Location values on all layout objects have been added back to the Property Palette when the segment(s) are selected.

System

• Gaps on Schematic Lines, Schematic Pipes and Wires are now retained through External References.

Callouts

• "Style not found in location drawing. Using Standard style." message no longer displays at command line when adding callouts to View drawings.

Export to AutoCAD

• "An error occurred during save." message is no longer displayed after use of the Export to AutoCAD command.

Interferences

• Interferences are now handled correctly through nested external references.

Object Display Dialog

• The Object Display dialog no longer becomes unresponsive after accessing and dismissing the Material Definition Properties dialog.

Performance

• Performance improvements when zooming in and out while in an isometric view.

Project Management

• Performance improvements when working with project drawings across a network or WAN.
• "Enhanced reference audit problems for database" messages no longer display at the command line when dragging and dropping View drawings into Sheet drawings.
• View drawings can be dragged and dropped into Sheet drawings within projects upgraded from previous releases.
• When publishing sheets, newly created page setups are now displayed in the list associated with the Publish using Page Setup Override flyout.

Schedule Tables

• Images included in schedule tables through use of graphic property definitions are now incorporated in 2D and 3D DWF files.

Schedule Tags

• Assigned units within Property Data Formats are now reflected in schedule tags.
• When drawings are opened, the correct value for AreaMinusInterferences property sets is displayed in schedule tags.

Spaces

• The Cancel button in the Analyzing Potential Spaces dialog is now functional.
• Space/Zone Manager updates correctly after adding openings to a space that is displayed multiple times in the Space/Zone Manager tree.
• Within the Space/Zone Manager, the style associated with the ceiling and floor surfaces can now be edited for associative extrusion spaces.
• WallArea property set definition now reports correct value for sloping surfaces on freeform spaces.
• Enabling the Ignore holes option in the Generate Spaces dialog now affects the results of Space AutoGenerate command.
• The diagnostic display of spaces is no longer affected by the Offset Boundaries setting.
• The diagnostic display of spaces is now updated correctly after the space geometry has been updated when using ByStyle as offset boundaries type.
• Objects that reside on frozen layers within external references are now ignored when spaces are generated.
• "Enhanced reference audit problems for database" messages no longer display at the command line and improved performance when opening drawings in which spaces have been generated from walls.
• Openings associated with floor and ceiling surfaces are now correctly displayed after changing the Height below floor value.
• Spaces are no longer generated inside the door/window swing when doors or windows are anchored to a wall.
• Volume above ceiling values no longer vary depending on the geometry type of spaces.
• When generating spaces, AEC Polygons, Stairs and Railings are now accepted as linework.
• The Audit command has been enhanced to allow the identification and fixing of errors related to spaces.
• Roofs, roof slabs and slabs will not participate as bounding objects when generating an extrusion or 2D space.

Tool Palettes

• Manually created project palette groups are no longer lost after the project is closed and re-opened.

Zones

• The Properties Palette displays the correct dimension values for spaces that are associated with nested zones.
• After the zone match option is used, newly created spaces are no longer automatically added to zones.
• Inserting a zone template into a drawing with an existing space does no longer results in an inaccurate zone template.

3D Navigation

• Intellimouse scrolling with ZOOMWHEEL set to 1 now works as expected when in Orbit mode.
• 3DORBIT performance has been improved.

External References

• Constant reload of relative external references has been resolved.
• IMAGEATTACH of CMYK images no longer result in Invalid Image warnings.
• DWF files produced with Revit Structure 2 or 3 can now be attached to AutoCAD drawings.

Autodesk Building Systems 2007 Service Pack 1

Scott's House Google SketchUp (free) is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling program whose few simple tools enable you to create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions. You can add details, textures and glass to your models, and place your finished models in Google Earth, share them with others by posting them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies. With no training, and my first sketch, I was able to draw my house in just a couple hours.The ease of use and flexibility of modeling in SketchUp provides a powerful alternative to using ADT Mass Elements. Now you can bring SketchUp model geometry directly into ADT/ABS in two ways:

• As straight up geometry - all vertical surfaces become walls, all horizontal surfaces become slabs and sloping surfaces become roof elements.
• As translated geometry based on material or layer.Autodesk Architectural Desktop Plugin

Opening a drawing from a prior version of Building Systems into Building Systems 2007 may cause some features to behave unexpectedly. Below is a list of styles that will need to be inserted into your previous versions of Building Systems drawings in order to receive the full benefit of feature enhancements.

• Electrical System Definitions
• Cable Tray Rise Drop Styles
• Conduit Rise Drop Styles
• HVAC System Definitions
• HVAC Rise Drop Styles
• Pipe Part Routing Preference Definitions
• Piping Systems Definitions
• Pipe Rise Drop Styles
• Plumbing Rise Drop Styles
• Plumbing System Definitions
• Schematic Pipe Styles
• Schematic System Definitions
• Display Configurations
• Layer Key Styles

There are probably several methods to import this information into your existing drawing.One method would be to start a new drawing using the 2007 ABS Model (Imperial Ctb).dwt and insert the legacy drawing as a block into this template, and explode it once. The 2007 template will have the additional styles, displays and layer keys needed for the legacy drawing to function.Below is a second such method.Styles:

1. Open one of your existing drawings from a previous version of Building Systems
2. From the Format menu, choose Style Manager
3. From the File Menu in Style Manager, choose Open Drawing…
4. Within the Open drawing dialog, Select the Content button in the left pane and then open the Template folder
5. Set the Files of type: field to Drawing Template (*.dwt)
6. Open the ABS Model (Imperial Ctb).dwt. Now you may pick and choose the desired styles to update in your existing drawing
7. Within the left pane of Style Manager expand ABS Model (Imperial Ctb).dwt
8. Select the Electrical Objects folder and drag to your current drawing listing
9. The Import/Export – Duplicate Names Found dialog is displayed Select the desired Merge Style method (for most cases use Overwrite Existing) and choose OK.By choosing the entire Electrical folder all Styles found within the folder will adhere to the Merge Style specified. If you wish, expanding the folder will allow further control over individual types of files and even individual styles.
10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 for the Documentation Objects, HVAC Objects, Piping Objects, Plumbing Objects and Schematic Objects as desired
11. Choose Apply and OK to close Style Manager with the changes

Displays:

1. From the Format Menu, choose Display Manager
2. From the File Menu in Display Manager, choose Open Drawing
3. Within the Open drawing dialog, Select the Content button in the left pane and then open the Template folder
4. Set the Files of type: field to Drawing Template (*.dwt)
5. Open the ABS Model (Imperial Ctb).dwt
6. Within the left pane of Display Manager expand ABS Model (Imperial Ctb).dwt
7. Select the Representation by Objects folder and drag to your current drawing listing
8. The Import/Export – Duplicate Names Found dialog is displayed. Select the desired Merge Style method (for most cases use Overwrite Existing ) and choose OK
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for Sets and then Configurations
10. Choose Apply and OK to close Display Manager with the changes

Layer Keys:

1. From the Format menu, choose Layer Management> Select Layer Standard
2. On the Layering tab, set the Layer Key Style to ABS Objects – AIA 256 Color
3. Choose OK

For best results, it is recommended that previous version drawings are opened and saved in 2007 format before attempting to combine them, through Block Insert or Xref, with 2007 format drawings. Opening drawings from previous version of Building Systems which contain eSpaces, the eSpace(s) will be migrated to Space object(s). During the migration process the displays from eSpaces and Spaces will be combined. The resulting Spaces in Building Systems 2007 may have two hatches applied instead of only one for the previous version of Building Systems. The multiple hatches are due to the combining of the displays. In earlier version of Building Systems the Spaces use the hatch component on the Plan Screened display representation and eSpaces used the hatch component from the Plan display representation. To correct this behavior in Building Systems 2007 perform the following:

1. From the Format menu, choose Display Manager
2. Expand the Representation by Objects section
3. Select Space within the tree view pane.
4. Within the right pane uncheck the Plan Screened display representation for the Display Set in bold and/or any other desired display set.
5. Choose Apply and OK.

In Building Systems 2007, duct connectors have been changed to support multiple connection types. With this change, the Duct catalogs have been collapsed to remove redundant parts that are found in each connection type. When a drawing from a previous version of Building Systems is opened and a duct part is modified, the selected part is mapped to a part in the restructured duct catalog. If a user created part from a previous version of Building Systems is being modified and the part does not exist in the current catalog, the user is prompted with: “The selected part(s) do not exist in the current catalog. Do you want to continue modifying the part(s)?” If YES is chosen, the user will need to select a new part from the currently loaded catalog prior to making any further modifications.When previous version drawings are opened, a dialog is displayed with a warning that saving this drawing will upgrade AEC objects to 2007 format. If a previous version drawing is opened by double-clicking the file in Windows Explorer, this dialog may be hidden behind the drawing making Building Systems appear to have hung; clicking anywhere on the application to give it focus will make the dialog come to the foreground.

Innovaya Composer for ADT/ABS is an add-on program for Autodesk Architectural Desktop (ADT) and Autodesk Building Systems (ABS). By taking your multiple design files into a single model, Innovaya Composer for ADT and ABS help your project teams in communication, coordination, and automating and enhancing the process of quantity takeoff, cost estimating and scheduling by the use of it's many products. It imports ADT and ABS design element information into Innovaya project model and exports the model into an .INV file, which can be read by all Innovaya visual applications for visualization, communication, quantity takeoff, cost estimating, construction simulating, and so on. With the .INV file, you can use one to four of Innovya’s software solutions. Visual BIM Innovaya Visual BIM provides intuitive and interactive user interfaces that allow users to browse detailed object information in an Autodesk Architectural Desktop® (ADT) or Autodesk Revit® model. Visual Simulation Innovaya Visual Simulation associates Building Information Models (BIM) objects with scheduling activities, performing 4D construction planning and constructability analysis. Visual Quantification Innovaya Visual Quantification performs object quantity takeoff accurately, quickly, and intelligently from Autodesk’s ADT/Revit. Visual Estimating Innovaya Visual Estimating performs cost estimating accurately, quickly, and intelligently by delivering objects from Autodesk’s ADT/Revit to Sage Timberline. To request further product information or a product brochure, you can see their website here.Innovaya Software Products There is a great article about the details of how the Innovaya software works here at AEC Bytes.Visual Estimating: Extending BIM to Construction

The Migrate Custom Settings tool is not included in Building Systems 2007. Autodesk has created this document to manually move files from your 2006 installation to your 2007 installation. The files that are migrated with the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box are listed below, along with a description of each file and other file details. You can use this information to help you decide whether you want to migrate a file.*.arg This file is used to back up user profile information from the system registry. The .arg file is not migrated. The changes you make to your user profile are stored in the system registry and are migrated. An .arg file can be exported from the Profiles tab in the ACAD options dialog box. You can export the .arg file from ABS 2006 and either import the file into 2007 or set the shortcut path of ABS 2007 to point to the file during startup. *.lin, acad.lin, acadiso.linThese files are used to store your user-defined linetypes. Acad.lin contains standard linetype definitions (an AutoCAD library file). Acadiso.lin contains metric linetype definitions (an AutoCAD library file). By default, the *.lin, acad.lin, and acadiso.lin files are found in the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2006\enu\Support To migrate these settings into ABS 2007, move the files to the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Support *.pat, acad.pat, acadiso.patThese files are used to store your user-defined hatch patterns. Acad.pat contains standard hatch pattern definitions (an AutoCAD library file). Acadiso.pat contains metric hatch pattern definitions (an AutoCAD library file).By default, the *.pat, acad.pat, acadiso.pat files are found in the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2006\enu\Support\pats To migrate these settings into ABS 2007, move these files to the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Support\pats Acad.pgpThis file is used to store shell commands and command alias definitions (a program parameters file in ASCII text form).By default, the acad.pgp file is found in the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2006\enu\Support To migrate these settings into ABS 2007, move the file to the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Support *.mnu and *.mnsThese files contain menu customizations from an AutoCAD® version prior to AutoCAD 2006.These files can be loaded as partial CUI files using the CUI interface. Once these files are loaded into the main CUI, all the functions of these menus will be available. *.cuiThese files contain customizations from AutoCAD 2006 and newer versions.By default, .cui files are found in the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2006\enu\Support To bring these settings into ABS 2007, you can move the files to the following location: C:\Documents and Settings\[current user]\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2005\enu\Support It is strongly recommended that you create a workspace in ABS 2006, and then transfer the workspace into the ABS 2007 CUI using the Transfer tab in the CUI editor.See this document on Autodesk's Website by clicking the link below.Migrating custom settings in Architectural Desktop 2007

The Subscription Module: Spaces and Drawing Compare is available exclusively for Autodesk® Building Systems 2007 customers participating in the Autodesk® Subscription program. Download this module to get the enhanced Spaces feature and the new Drawing Compare feature. The Building Systems Spaces feature is used to track the area and other data associated rooms or other spaces in the building design. With the enhancements in this Subscription module, Spaces can now update automatically if the bounding elements are changed, saving you time and making documentation more accurate. And Space definitions can now also include offsets from bounding elements based on pre-set or user-defined rules, enabling area calculations based on various industry standards, including BOMA, DIN, or SIS. The new Drawing Compare feature enhances collaboration by using color-coded displays to show items on a drawing that have been changed, added, or deleted by other members of the design team. Changes to items such as styles, fire ratings, or other non-graphical properties are also tracked. Combined with redlining features, such as revision clouds, the Spaces and Drawing Compare features help make communication across the design team clearer than ever.To convert your drawing so that Standard-based area calculations are used rather than Style-based:

1. Open the project drawing in which you have space objects; this will most likely be a Construct if you are using Project Navigator.
2. Open the Options dialog box. On the AEC Object Settings tab, under the Space Settings section, select BOMA Standard from the Calculation Standard drop-down list. Once this standard has been selected, the SpaceType_BOMA Classification Definition will automatically be added to the drawing.
3. Select all of the space objects using the QSELECT command.
4. On the Properties palette, change the Offset Boundaries property from By Style to By Standard.
5. Deselect all of the spaces.
6. Select each space individually, and on the Extended Data tab of the Properties palette, change the Classification to be used from the list available under the SpaceType_BOMA property set definition.
7. Select all of the spaces using the QSELECT command.
8. Right-click. Click Update Space Geometry > All Associative Spaces.

After all of the spaces have been regenerated, the new boundaries for net, usable, and gross area will conform to the BOMA Standards.Repeat this procedure in each of the drawings that contains space objects in your project.

You want to export tool palette groups in Building Systems 2007 as you were able to do in Building Systems 2006..The ability to export tool palette groups to external XPG files is no longer available in Architectural Desktop 2007. Instead, you should use the Content Browser to share tool palette groups. Follow these steps:

1. Create a new Catalog in the Content Browser.
2. Create a new Category inside the new Catalog.
3. Populate this new Category with the desired Tool Palettes.
4. Publish the catalog to a shared location on your network.

If other users want to add these tool palettes and tool palette groups to their own tool palettes, they should follow these steps: On a different workstation, add the shared network catalog that was created previously to the local Content Browser. Open the catalog, and drag the Category onto the local Tool Palettes. The Category will become a palette group, and the associated palettes will be retained.

You want to use all of the Architectural Desktop features that are included in Autodesk® Building Systems, but you noticed that the Architectural Desktop workspace does not contain all of the necessary tool palettes or settings. You will need to create a new profile that is configured to use all of the Architectural Desktop resource. Follow the steps below:Create the New Profile

1. Start Building Systems.
2. On the Format menu, click Options.
3. In the Options dialog box, click the Profiles tab.
4. On the Profiles tab, set the “Building Engineering – US Imperial” profile to current.
5. Select the Add to List option, and then enter Architectural Desktop as the name.
6. Click Apply and Close.
7. Select your new profile and click Set Current.

Configure File Settings

1. In the Options dialog box, click the Files tab.
2. On the Files tab, select the file under Customization Files > Main Customization File.
3. Click Browse. Browse to the C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Support directory and select the adt.cui file. Click Open.
4. Select the file under Template Settings > Default Template File Name for QNEW.
5. Click Browse. Browse to the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Template directory and select the Aec Model (Imperial Ctb).dwt file. Click Open.
6. Select the file under Template Settings > Default Template for Sheet Creation and Page Setup Overrides.
7. Click Browse. Browse to the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Template directory and select the Aec Sheet (Imperial Ctb).dwt file. Click Open.
8. Select the path under Tool Palettes File Locations that ends with "WorkspaceCatalog(BuildingSystems)."
9. Click Browse. Browse to the C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Support\WorkspaceCatalog (Imperial) directory.
10. Click OK to set this Tool Palette path.

Configure AEC Project Defaults Settings

1. In the Options dialog box, click the AEC Project Defaults tab.
2. Browse to the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Template directory and update the Aec Model (Imperial Ctb).dwt file.Default Project Templates > Construct Template FileDefault Project Templates > Element Template FileDefault Project Templates > Model View Template FileDefault Project Templates > Section/Elevation Template FileDefault Project Templates > Detail View Template File
3. Select the file under Default Project Templates > Sheet Set Template.
4. Click Browse. Browse to the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Template directory and select the Aec Sheet (Imperial Ctb).dwt file. Click Open.
5. Click OK.

Configuring Layer Standards

1. On the Format menu, click Layer Management > Select Layer Standard.
2. Click the […] button to select the Layer Standards file.
3. Browse to the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ABS 2007\enu\Layers directory and select the AecbLayerStd.dwg file. Click Open.
4. In the Layer Key Style drop-down menu, select AIA (256 Color).
5. In the Drawing Setup dialog box, select the Save as Default check box.
6. Select the "Always import Layer Key Style when first used in drawing" check box and the "Immediate and independent layer on/off control of display components" check box.
7. Click OK.

Creating a Shortcut to Launch ABS as ADT

1. Close Building Systems.
2. Select the link that you use to launch ABS and right-click. Click Copy.
3. Right-click the link again. Click Paste.
4. Right-Click the copied link. Click Rename and enter "ABS as ADT."
5. Right-click on the new shortcut. Click Properties.
6. In the Properties dialog box, make the following changes:
1. Scroll to the end of the Target field. You will see a /p followed by a profile name bounded by quotation marks. Change the profile name to "Architectural Desktop" (the name of the new profile you just created).
2. Change the Comment field to "Launch Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007."
3. Click Change Icon, and then click Browse. Select the adtr.ico file. Click Open, and then click OK to set this new shortcut icon.

You have now created a new profile with the same settings as Architectural Desktop 2007. Creating an ADT Profile in ABS 2007

Preserving Layer Settings in Sections & Elevations Autodesk® Building Systems (ABS) and Autodesk Architectural Desktop (ADT) provide end-to-end design capabilities for the entire design team by providing a single platform that allows you to unify your drawing, design and analysis in one comprehensive solution. Both ABS and ADT offer powerful modeling tools that enable you to create sections and elevations directly from model without additional work on your part. This document explores the utilization of 2D Section/Elevation Styles (elevation styles) to control the visual and layer properties of elements in a 2D section or elevation object. Controlling the properties of these elements is done either manually or automatically. This document will explore both methods. Manual control is desirable when you have just a few objects in the section that you want to control their display settings. Automatic control gives you the ability to have the section object completely reproduce the display settings of the objects. Automatic control, however, requires you to configure your section – elevation styles to completely match the colors set through layers via layer keys.Autodesk White Paper

Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC.

• Check for and remove viruses
• Get rid of junk on your hard disk
• Improve your PC's performance

The clean up scanner will find obsolete temporary and registry files and tell you if it’s time for you to clean up your hard disk. Removing these files not only clears up clutter on your PC, it can also help improve your computer’s performance. You can choose to follow the recommendations or customize the clean up.But be aware. After you run any type of registry cleaner like Windows Live OneCare, it may report errors in a large number of registry entries associated with the installation. If you use a registry cleaner to repair these registry errors, Building Systems and Architectural Desktop may exhibit problems such as:

• Pressing F1 initiates re-installation
• Quick exits during work sessions
• Working with tool palettes produces an error: Unable to Execute the tool. Class not registered.

Autodesk programs use relative paths within many of its registry entries. Many registry cleaners incorrectly identify these registry entries as invalid. If these registry cleaners are allowed to fix the registry entries utilizing relative paths, ABS or ADT will probably not work and the only solution is to repair your existing installation. Follow these steps:

1. From the Windows Start menu, open the Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, open Add or Remove Programs.
3. Select your Autodesk Program, and click Change.
4. In the Setup dialog box, select Reinstall or Repair, and click Next.
5. Select Repair Registry, and click Next.
6. When prompted to start the installation, click Next.
7. When the installation is complete, click Finish.

Note: After you have repaired your installation, registry cleaners may once again report a large number of errors in the registry. To avoid this problem, it is recommended that you configure your registry cleaner so that it does not scan Active X Com Sections and Active X Com Sub Key Sections.

Classifications provide additional control over the content of schedule tables. You can include:

• only those objects that meet the classification criteria.
• classification definitions as columns.
• additional information from property sets you create and attach to individual classifications

So you want to place new VAV boxes in a schedule without scheduling the existing VAV boxes that you have in your project. You can do that by creating some CLASSIFICATIONS. Classifications can be used for many different things such as scheduling only a particular pipe size, or scheduling interior lights separate from exterior lights. The possibilities are limitless.In our example, we need to start by creating our PHASE classification.

1. Click Format menu and go to the Style Manager.
2. Expand Multi-Purpose Objects, and expand Classification Definitions.
3. Select the classification definition.
4. On the Classifications tab, click Add.
5. Select the new classification, and enter "Phase" under Item.
6. Click the "Applies To" tab, and Select All. This way, we can assign any object to be part of any of the phases we create. In other circumstances, you could select only Pipe, or only Devices if you only want those objects to be part of this classification.

The next thing we need to do is go to the Classification Tab and click on the Add button and create a New, Existing and Demo classifications like the picture below.Now that we have the classifications set up, we can now apply them to our objects and to our schedules. You can change the classification of a specific object on the Extended Data tab of the Properties palette. If this change causes an object to not display, a warning dialog appears on your drawing screen.Now that we have assigned our objects to our phase classifications, we can schedule our objects. The classification criteria that an object must satisfy needs to be included in the schedule created from a schedule table style. You can specify more than one classification for an object type. You can specify those criteria in the schedule table style. In our case, only VAV boxes that are in the New classification will be included in the schedule table.

1. Click Format menu and Style Manager.
2. Expand Documentation Objects, and expand Schedule Table Styles.
3. Select the schedule table style that you want to change.
4. Click the Applies To tab, and select the object types to be tracked for schedule tables using this style. In this case, it will be MvParts.
5. To specify classification criteria, expand a classification definition, and select one or more classifications. In our example, we can select a phase classification of New. For an object to be included in schedules of this style, its object style must specify New for the phase classification, and the classification.

Classifications enable us to sort objects by creating a classification style that contains user-defined values to choose from. These classification styles are stored within the object style. You can use the classification styles to display and schedule objects. Autodesk Building Systems automatically classifies objects such as MvPart, Devices and fittings. This means when you insert an air terminal into your drawing, the air terminal is classified as an MvPart with an Air_Terminal type. This enables you to create a schedule that only contains air terminals, without having to include all of the MvParts in your drawing. You can take this another step further by creating a sub-type under Air_Terminal such as diffusers and grills if you wanted to schedule them in separate schedules. Because most equipment in ABS are either Devices or MvParts, most of our schedule styles will use classifications to ensure that the schedule table is only populated with data from the desired part types.

The first step in linking an Autodesk Building Systems MEP design to a Revit Systems project is to use the Export to AutoCAD functionality included within Building Systems. This feature saves all design data as AutoCAD entities (such as lines, circles, arcs, and blocks), which can then be read and understood by Revit Systems.Creating a Design with both 2D and 3D ViewsAutodesk Building Systems, through its use of intelligent objects, automatically creates 2D and 3D representations of the MEP designs which can be viewed by other AutoCAD-based applications, as well as Revit Systems. Use the following steps to create an Autodesk Building Systems drawing with both a 2D and 3D display for use in Revit Systems:

1. With the MEP design open in Building Systems, create a new layout and then two viewports.
2. In one of the viewports, set the view to Plan. Use the built-in display configurations of Building Systems to set the view to either 1-Line or 2-Line.
3. Set the second viewport to an Isometric view.
4. With the layout page still current, use the Export to AutoCAD feature.

Use the Export to AutoCAD feature in Autodesk Building Systems to export an MEP design for use in Revit Systems. Note the Export to AutoCAD feature exports all linework/objects in the Building Systems drawing, regardless where the linework/objects reside. Therefore, before using the Export to AutoCAD feature, detach the external reference of any structural floor plan. This will enable only the Building Systems data to be exported.The exported file contains two block representations in model space; one in 2D and the other in 3D. These blocks represent the Display Configuration Views that were currently active in each viewport of the layout prior to export. Furthermore, each block representation is on its own layer (named for the layout viewport) as well.When linking this file into Revit, users can control the appearance of the floor plan and 3D views by working with the visibility of these layers. The exported file contains the 2D and 3D representation of the MEP design in model space.

To enable custom sizing for a parametric part

1. On the command line enter AecbContentBuilder to open the Content Builder. Note: This command is available on the CAD Manager Menu in Building Systems 2007 or the MEP Common menu in previous versions.
2. In the Getting Started – Catalog Screen dialog box, select the part that you want to modify and click the Modify Part Definition icon.
3. Click the Options icon of the part that you are editing.
4. Select the Custom Sizing Flag check box and click OK.
5. Click the Save Part Family icon.

Note: Not all parts are designed to have the Custom Sizing option enabled. Unexpected results may occur if you create custom sizes of such parts.

At its World Press Day event, Autodesk unveiled updates to its comprehensive portfolio of discipline-specific software solutions based on the AutoCAD software platform for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). Autodesk also announced that several product names have been modified to reflect their sharing the AutoCAD 2008 platform for design and documentation productivity.AutoCAD Architecture 2008 (formerly Autodesk Architectural Desktop), AutoCAD MEP (formerly Autodesk Building Systems) and AutoCAD Civil 3D software applications incorporate new features and functionality to help architects, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and civil engineers improve productivity and increase efficiency. Enhancements in these AutoCAD-based applications also pave the way for architects, designers and engineers to streamline fundamental tasks and redefine traditional design process.Updates Raise the Standard for Core 2D and Modeling-based ActivitiesThe latest application updates are built on the AutoCAD 2008 platform, also announced today (see "Autodesk Enhances Industry-leading AutoCAD Software," Feb. 13, 2007). Autodesk now offers customers state-of-the-art 2D and 3D model-based software solutions that bring innovations in conceptual design, dynamic modeling and usability to design workflow and core tasks. These features and functions boost the speed and coordination of drafting and modeling work.AutoCAD MEP 2008 is AutoCAD-based software for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and drafters. AutoCAD MEP 2008 software brings efficiency to AutoCAD-based workflows for greater productivity and accuracy, which also helps minimize coordination errors between architecture and engineering teams.New features in AutoCAD MEP 2008 include:

• Automation of MEP systems design, layout and documentation, including single line plumbing, electrical layout and piping.
• Part wizard to speed creation of new parts with predefined parametric templates.
• International metric content, for documentation in global projects using international metric measurements.
• Improved display control for construction documentation and display.
• Automatic scaling of drawing production allows users to simply change the scale of the design, and the annotations including dimensions, tags and leaders are automatically updated.
• Changing building elements and components display (such as a door and its swing) is now as easy as modifying AutoCAD linework.
• New Drawing Compare feature, available through the Autodesk Subscription program, uses color-coded displays to show items on a drawing that have been changed, added or deleted by other members of the design team. Changes to items such as styles, fire ratings or other non-graphical properties also can be tracked.

This tool provides a way to plot DWFx files. Autodesk has teamed with Microsoft to seamlessly integrate DWF technology with Windows Vista using the XML Paper Specification (XPS). Once installed, select File > Plot or File > Publish and publish your AutoCAD files to a new version of DWF, called DWFx. Team members can view and print your 2D drawings without requiring additional downloads of plug-ins or special viewing software. DWFx files can be opened directly within Microsoft’s XPS Viewer, which is automatically installed with Microsoft Vista, bundled with .NET 3.0, and is available as an optional download for Windows XP users. You can also view DWFx files with the latest version of Autodesk Design Review, which allows viewing a DWFx file’s metadata, for example, block properties. Review the Readme for more information. As shipped, the AutoCAD 2008 line of products do not publish DWFx files. A separate driver is available for download from the Autodesk web site. It is applicable to the following products.

• AutoCAD 2008
• AutoCAD LT 2008
• DWG TrueView
• AutoCAD Electrical 2008
• AutoCAD Mechanical 2008
• AutoCAD Map 3D 2008
• AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008
• AutoCAD Land Desktop 2008
• AutoCAD Raster Design 2008
• AutoCAD Architecture 2008
• AutoCAD MEP 2008
• AutoCAD P&ID 2008

The installer can be downloaded for 32-bit or 64-bit applications. For example, the English versions are named: AutoCADDWFxDriver32bit_enu.exeAutoCADDWFxDriver64bit_enu.exe When adding the driver to an AutoCAD-based application, the driver manufacturer is listed as 'Autodesk ePlot (DWFx)'. The driver model is listed as 'DWFx ePlot (XPS Compatible)'. These names are visible in the 'Add Plotter' dialog on the Plotter Model dialog of the Add-a-Plotter Wizard and the Plotter Configuration Editor.

Building designers can use computer software, such as DOE-2 and EnergyPlus, to evaluate potential energy saving measures. However, preparing the input in a way that accurately represents the proposed building and its energy efficient features is a costly, labor-intensive process. As a result, energy analysis is often postponed to a later point in the design process, resulting in a greatly reduced number of cost-effective options for boosting efficiency than if it had been considered from the start.The Green Building Studio (GBS) is a Web-based service that enables building design teams to integrate whole building energy analysis into the early stages of the design process. Architects and engineers use their existing building information modeling (BIM) systems to communicate the project’s building geometry to the GBS Web site, which conducts an energy analysis of the building design. GBS enables the design team to look at the energy impact of early decisions, compare alternatives, and share information more broadly than in conventional design practices.Building energy model.. The heart of the system is an open data format called Green Building XML (gbXML), a simple means of sharing data between BIM and energy simulation software. Designers construct their early building design model from their own BIM system, and then they use gbXML and some simple user inputs to export a building energy model.Before a simulation, GBS will error-check the submitted gbXML file to ensure that all the building spaces are properly defined. Most commonly used BIM systems are compatible with gbXML, which is based on Extensible Markup Language (XML).Compatible systems include Autodesk Revit Building and Revit Systems; Autodesk Architectural Desktop (ADT) 2004, 2005, and 2006; Autodesk Building Systems (ABS); and Graphisoft ArchiCAD 9 and 10. In addition, major HVAC manufacturers accept gbXML input directly into their energy and load analysis packages. GBS uses the internal load information—such as lighting, equipment, number of people, and space type—at the room level from Revit Systems, ArchiCAD, ADT, or ABS.Energy analysis.. The gbXML export from BIM feeds an energy model that is automatically developed through the use of regional building standards and codes, which enable the GBS system to make intelligent assumptions about items such as insulation and lighting levels. The resulting building description then goes through a DOE-2.2 hourly simulation using typical year weather data for the building’s location. The simulation generates estimates for annual energy consumption, costs, and a wide range of data on heating and cooling loads.Comparing alternatives. Designers can use a new Design Alternative feature to modify their GBS runs to compare the energy impact of design options such as window types, glazing types and orientation, lighting efficiency and controls, HVAC systems, wall insulation levels, building orientation, multilevel versus single-level designs, and other building geometry considerations that come up early in the design process.GBS offers five free simulations for each project. After the five free runs are used, each additional simulation requires a nominal fee based on the number of spaces being analyzed. In addition, GBS allows manufacturers to place their products in GBS so that users can apply the product to their design to evaluate its potential energy savings.Information sharing. The GBS system also facilitates direct sharing of detailed project and building data with engineering firms, which can then run the information through detailed design software, use it to specify equipment, and share it with other parties such as bid preparers and manufacturers of building products.Saving time on plan takeoff. GBS also makes it easy to go to the next step by creating detailed input files for more comprehensive energy analysis by DOE-2 and EnergyPlus. The files are created in minutes—a process that could take one to two weeks using plan takeoff or engineering services. Using this capability can reduce the cost of preliminary and downstream building design by $5,000 to $10,000 or more.Product Advisor. The GBS system also features a Product Advisor that enables the service to continue to be offered relatively inexpensively. Each building project that goes through GBS provides the design team with relevant product information as early in the process as the planning and schematic design stages.Using a Web-style bidding and paid placement approach as well as a building relevance filter, the system sends highly targeted building component advertisements to the building designer’s desktop in the GBS Product Advisor screen. These advertisements are linked to building product libraries online, providing targeted advertising placement for product manufacturers and project-appropriate information for the design team.ApplicationsGBS is best suited for use in new construction and major renovation of commercial or residential buildings of any size, including single-family homes. It is currently enabled only for facilities located in the United States.What’s NextIn early 2007, GBS will be expanded to the United Kingdom (UK), when Greenspace Research, a GBS partner, launches GBS UK. This will allow UK customers to more accurately analyze their buildings.CollaboratorsGBS was developed by Green Building Studio Inc. with funding from the PIER program and from the California utilities (Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, and The Gas Company) that support the nonresidential new construction program Savings By Design. The Green Building Studio energy analysis presents building energy performance in a form that can be viewed online or printed to share with a client.ContactsGreen Building Studio Inc., John Kennedy, 707-569-7373, jfk@greenbuildingstudio.com, www.greenbuildingstudio.comCalifornia Energy Commission, Norman Bourassa, 916-654-4581, njbouras@energy.state.ca.us, or visit www.energy.ca.gov/pier/buildings.

AutoCAD MEP 2008 did indeed introduce a file format change. This was prompted through making significant enhancements to the display of MEP objects, i.e. rise/drop graphics, hidden lines, display component control and the such. The changes made to the objects introduced a new object version which is what brought on the file format change and the backward compatibility limitations. The actual AutoCAD drawing version still remains a 2007 DWG version which is what you will notice when you save a drawing. The file type is AutoCAD 2007 Drawing (*.dwg).When ever a file format change happens there are always limitations when saving back to previous versions. In the case of AutoCAD MEP 2008 only visual fidelity is maintained when saving back, and no functionality is preserved. Therefore you can not continue to work on a drawing that you started in MEP 2008 in 2007. Autodesk has minimized the impact of the file format change by maintaining visual fidelity between releases if you save the 2008 drawing with PROXYGRAPHICS set to 1. You won't be able to work on a 2008 drawing in 2007, and you will have to deal with proxy graphics, but the drawing will look exactly the same to help with sharing of drawings.So what does this mean to you?It depends on your environment and how you share drawings. If everybody in your company is on the latest version, and you need to send your 2008 MEP drawings to a client or a contractor or an owner who has 2007 version of MEP, you can use the Export to AutoCAD tool, where it will turn your MEP objects into proxygraphics. You want to keep that file separate from your production drawings, because they have now lost their MEP intelligence. But it should be good enough for others to view your drawings. If you have multiple versions within the same office, you need to be very careful not to open and save drawings in the new version that users of older versions need to work in. One work around, if you cannot get everybody in the office on the same version, is to work in project teams, where one project will stay in a 2007 format, and other projects will stay in a 2008 format and the users will not open project files that do not match the version they have on their computer.While this may not be the most idea workflow for companies that have multiple versions in the office, it is what we have to deal with. The best way to deal with this is to make sure everybody who needs to work on the project is using the same version. If that means everybody needs to have the newest version, then companies will need to work on implementing the newest version as soon as they can.Other programs such as Revit Architecture have been dealing with this issue for years, because RVT files are not backwards compatible at all. So the Revit platform is even worse than AutoCAD as far as backwards compatibility, but companies have been diligently upgrading and working with Revit projects and sharing them more and more each year.So try not to look at improvements in the technology and the limitations that it brings as a bad thing. Programs evolve, and people adapt, and it's a continuous game that we will always be playing.

AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD Architecture use tool palettes differently than normal AutoCAD and the path setting in Options under the Files tab was designed only for use with the AutoCAD tool palettes. This path needs to remain as set by the system in AutoCAD MEP. Changing this path can result in problems. To share tool palettes among multiple users, you need to use the content browser to create shared tool palettes.ConceptsUnderstanding a Tool Palette:An individual tool palette contains the tools (buttons) that are displayed on a palette within ABS. The source file (*.atc) for an individual palette contains the following items:

1. The name and command that is executed when a tool is selected.
2. The path to any necessary support files required for the tool to function.
3. Any settings specific to the type of tool. For instance, layer keys, overrides, and insertion behavior.

Right-click on different tools and look at the Properties for further tool properties.Other items such as tool icons and source blocks are located in other locations and referenced as mentioned above.Understanding a Tool Palette Library:A library of tool palettes consists of multiple tool palettes contained in one folder located on either a local machine or a network. The support files to allow the tools in different tool palettes to function can be located in different places, as long as the paths are correct within each ATC file.The library represents the tool palettes that can be used in a given ABS workspace. The actual organization of the palettes into groups is not contained in the library. These settings are maintained by the current ABS profile. The profile defines what palettes are available and in what groups they are placed.Understanding a Tool Catalog:A tool catalog is a library of tools and tool palettes that can be imported into the workspace or shared among other users. The actual tool catalog file keeps track of the locations of the items it contains, as well as the organization of these items.ProceduresPreparing a Tool Palette Library for Deployment:The CAD Manager or other managing user should configure the tool palettes as desired locally on their machine. This can include; creating new palettes that contain custom tools, moving tools from one palette to another for organizational purposes, redefining the settings for a given tool, adding tools for custom content, among other things.The end result of this process should be that the tool palettes on the manager’s machine contain all the tools desired, and the tools are organized on the palettes.Creating a New Tool Catalog in the Content Browser:Content Browser will be your method for publishing and deploying tool palettes in a network environment. You will create a tool catalog that contains your tool palettes, publish that tool catalog to the network, and deploy it to users in the CAD environment. To create the tool catalog in Content Browser, complete the following steps.

1. Open the Content Browser (AecContentBrowser in the command line).
2. Create a new tool catalog by clicking on the create new catalog icon in the bottom left corner of the window ..
3. You want to select the “Create a new catalog” option and name the catalog. You can choose to place the new catalog in any location. I would suggest the default location, as it will be easier to find this “source” tool catalog for later modifications.
4. The tool catalog will be published to the network later in the process, so there’s no need to have this version on the network.
5. If you would like your tool palettes to be grouped into categories when you deploy the tool catalog, you need to create a category for each group in your tool catalog. To create a new category, for example “HVAC Equipment”, right-click in the catalog and choose Add Category or click on the Add New Category icon in the bottom left corner.
6. Categories are useful to organize your palettes into groups for organizational purposes. They also allow you to deploy a group of palettes into a new machine instead of one-by-one.
7. You now need to transfer your tool palettes to the new tool catalog in Content Browser. With the correct category in your new tool catalog open in content browser, click-and-drag each of the tool palette tabs into content browser.

The tool catalog should now be populated with the tool palettes that you wish to deploy in the CAD environment. If you inadvertently place a tool palette in the wrong category, you can cut and- paste it into the correct category.Publishing Your New Tool Catalog:With your new tool catalog populated and organized properly, you’re ready to publish the catalog to the network for deployment.To publish the catalog, complete the following steps.

1. In the Home view of content browser, right-click on the new tool catalog you’ve created and select Publish ‘Your Catalog Name’.
2. Choose to copy the catalog to another location. This allows you to place the catalog on your network, while leaving the original catalog on your local machine. Choose Next.
3. Choose the network location you’d like to use for sharing of this catalog and the tool palettes contained within. Choose Next.
4. You will now be prompted to set the path of all the support files needed for the catalog. Make sure the box for “Automatically copy tool dependent files into the above folder to be referenced by the published catalog” is checked. Choose a content directory of your choice. Choose Next.
5. As explained in the concepts section of this document, there are support files that are needed in order for tool palettes to function properly. The process of publishing rewrites the paths for these support files to a location of your choice. The support files themselves are also copied to this location. This allows for the tool catalog to function by itself on the network.
6. You now set the path that users will utilize to locate the tool catalog on the network. Both a UNC path and a mapped drive can be used. Make sure that the read-only box is checked. Also make sure that the “Set items not to be refreshable when drag/dropped into the workspace” is unchecked. Select Finish.
7. Setting items as read-only prevents users from modifying the tool catalog on the network. This is helpful when manager seeks to control the CAD environment.
8. Navigate to the tool catalog location on your network and set the master ATC file (yourcatalogname.atc) to read-only. This will prevent users from modifying the master file. In the previous step you set the files contained in the tool catalog to read-only. The tool catalog containing your tool palettes has now been published to the network. The support files for those palettes to function have also been placed on the network, and the paths to locate them have been rewritten. At this point your tool palettes are can function on their own and need to be added to the users’ Content Browser Libraries.

Deploying the Tool Catalog to Users’ Content Browser Library:There are two different methods for deploying your new tool catalog to users’ content browser. The first is a manual addition.To complete a manual addition, follow these steps:

1. Open content browser on a user’s machine.
2. Choose to add a new catalog.
3. Choose to add an existing catalog and browse to the network location where you published your tool catalog. Select the master catalog file (yourcatalogname.atc).

The second method is to create a registry install file. To complete this process, follow these steps:

1. Open content browser on the manager’s machine. Select your published catalog.
2. You can confirm that a tool catalog is located on the network by checking the path to its location, which is located its properties.
3. Hold the Shift key and right-click on the published catalog. Choose the “Convert to Registry File” option.
4. Name the registry install file and place it in a network location that other users can access.
5. Using the appropriate method for your network, run the registry key on users’ machines. The published tool catalog, and all the tool palettes contained within, has been added to the users’ content browsers.

Adding Tool Palettes to the Users’ Workspace:Even though the tool catalog has been added to the content browser, the tool palettes it contains have not been added to the tool palette library for the workspace. To do this, complete the following:

1. Open content browser and navigate to the networked tool catalog.
2. Find the tool palette that you want to add to the workspace. Move your cursor over the i-drop icon and then drag-and-drop the tool palettes anywhere in the workspace.
3. The tool palettes are linked back to the original network location. You’ll notice that there’s a small icon in the bottom right corner of the tool palette. If the user clicks on this icon the tool palette will be updated according to the published tool catalog.

This should import the tool palette from the network tool catalog. Now the user has a tool palette that’s automatically refreshed each time the program is loaded.Configuring Tool Palettes in Users’ Machines:You’ve now imported the tool palettes from the network into the program tool palette library. You need to set the tool palette grouping now using profiles. Remember, tool palette grouping is controlled by profiles.As part of your management of the CAD environment, you’ve most likely created a profile that sets the various paths and settings that you would like to be active on users’ machines. Activate this profile and organize the tool palettes into groups as desired. If you’ve used categories in your Tool Catalog, then the palette grouping was added to current profile at the time of importing the tool palettes.To customize the groups, you need to select the Customize option when you right-click on the tool palette border.When you’ve set the groups to the desired grouping, export the profile for use by the users.Deploying User Profile:The link that’s used to start ABS or ADT contains a p-switch, “/p”, followed by the name of a profile to load at startup. This p-switch can be followed by a path to a network location as well. Place the exported file on your network and modify the program shortcut to point towards this ARG file. This allows for easy deployment of future changes to the profile, since the manager simply has to replace the ARG file on the network.End ResultUsing the procedures outlined by this guide, you should be able to organize and deploy tool palettes and profiles to groups of users.

When you created a deployment from the original installation media for either AutoCAD Architecture 2008 or AutoCAD MEP 2008, it took much longer than expected. The new installer for these products incorrectly copies the data from the installation media to the destination folder multiple times, increasing the deployment creation time by a factor of 3 or more. To avoid this issue, it is strongly recommended that you copy the installation files to a local drive first and then run the installer on the local drive to create the deployment.

DESIGN-BUILD 6.0 by Carmel Software, www.carmelsoft.com, is a suite of five software programs that automate the entire HVAC design-build process. The solution, which is based upon the latest ASHRAE Fundamentals, performs HVAC design-build analysis including commercial and residential load calculations, duct sizing, cost estimating and proposal generation. The programs come with pre-formatted customizable databases and accept user-supplied equipment, material and parts. The user creates an HVAC load calculation project for the building in Loadsoft-6.0, which performs calculations for commercial and industrial loads, or Residential 5.0, which does the math for residential and light commercial loads. Loadsoft calculations use the 2005 Fundamentals radiant time series method; Residential 5.0 calculations are based upon the ASHRAE 2001 Fundamentals residential algorithms (Chapter 28). These modules include databases for 200+ walls, roofs, floors and windows.Both load calculation modules are compatible with AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP for easy data import of building information from the AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP drawing, including room dimensions and number of people. Importing that information eliminates the need for manual input of that data for each room and system. Afterward, the user can export the results back to AutoCAD MEP or to Revit MEP drawing to aid in duct and piping design. After the building is modeled and the total cooling and heating loads calculated, the project designer/estimator imports the weather, address, airflow values and other data for each room into the next module in the process, Duct Size 6.0, which provides total duct system analysis to facilitate proper sizing of the ducts and fans that serve the system. (Duct Size 6.0 also works with AutoCAD, enabling the designer to import a single-line drawing and export it back as a double-line or 3-D drawing.) The duct-sizing program can generate numerous reports, including duct dimension and airflow breakdown, a heat-loss breakdown, friction-loss breakdown, sound-power breakdown and a material list that can be imported into Estimate 6.0. Using all the information from the load calculation and duct-sizing modules, the estimating module creates an estimate of final total costs based on the mechanical take-off and can generate a proposal exportable to Microsoft Word or Excel for presentation to the customer. The estimating database includes many types of HVAC equipment, including 50,000+ HVAC parts from major vendors, as well as labor costs assignable to the equipment and material. A Status Module keeps time-stamped track of the status of each project and tells the user which data is being shared and where. Each of the software programs can be purchased and used separately.

A new feature that we have been waiting 30 years for is finally here with the new 2008 version. Annotation scaling allows you to plot annotation at the same height or size regardless of the viewport zoom scale. Annotation scales can be associated with annotative objects in AutoCAD MEP so that these objects can be sized properly for specific annotation scales in model space and displayed correctly in paper space. You can also toggle on or off the display of annotation objects that do not participate in the current annotation scale. You no longer need to have multiple objects in your drawing for each possible scale, and turn the scales that you are not using off. Annotative AutoCAD MEP ObjectsIn AutoCAD MEP, labels are annotative objects if the corresponding label curve style is configured to be annotative. You configure a label curve style to be annotative in one of 2 ways depending on the type of style.If the label curve style uses block graphics or flow arrow graphics, and Use Annotation Scale for Block is selected in the style, then the style is considered annotative. (As a convenience, this is selected by default when you select a block whose Annotative property is set to Yes, but you can deselect it.)If the label curve style uses a text style, then the configuration of the text style determines whether the label curve style is considered annotative.When you modify a label curve style to make it annotative or non-annotative (using the methods described below for block-based styles and text-based styles), all labels using the style are updated accordingly in the drawing. In the case of a block-based style, you cannot make the style annotative or non-annotative by modifying the Annotative property in the underlying block definition.NOTE:Schedules are not considered annotative. Therefore, they do not scale accordingly when the annotation scale changes. When you insert a schedule into a drawing, it uses the annotation scale that is current at the time of insertion, and its scale does not change.AutoCAD MEP Objects with Annotative ComponentsSome AutoCAD MEP objects are not annotative, but they have components that are (or can be) annotative. The following table lists these components.All Disiplines

• Rise symbols and drop symbols
• View blocks of MvParts if Use Annotation Scale is selected in the corresponding MvPart style definition. You select this on a per-view basis on the Views tab in Style Manager.

HVAC

• Flow markers
• Annotation pattern on flexible ducts
• Flow arrows on air terminals if Use Annotation Scale for Block is selected in the MvPart properties. You select this on the Flow tab in the Multi-view Part Properties dialog.

Piping

• Flow markers
• Annotation pattern on flexible pipes
• Placeholder pipe
• In Graphical 1-Line: rise symbols, drop symbols, in-line/anchored MvParts, and reducers

Electrical

• Home runs, tick marks, and gaps on wires
• Pattern on cable trays
• View blocks of devices and panels if Use Annotation Scale is selected in the corresponding device style or panel style. You select this on a per-view basis on the Views tab in Style Manager.
• You can use the conversion tools provided with the software to update large numbers of devices to be annotative.

Plumbing

• Plumbing fittings
• Plumbing fittings are always scaled according to the current annotation scale in model space.
• Gaps on plumbing lines

Schematic

• Schematic symbols.
• Schematic symbols are always scaled according to the current annotation scale in model space.
• Start symbols, end symbols, connections symbols, and gaps on schematic lines
• You can use the conversion tools provided with the software to update large numbers of schematic symbols to be annotative.

The Hatch display component is not an annotative component of an object. Therefore, it does not scale accordingly when the annotation scale changes.IMPORTANT:Objects with annotative components that are block-based (for example, flow arrows on air terminals, and view blocks for devices) are considered annotative based on whether Use Annotation Scale (for Block) is selected. The Annotative property in the associated block definition has no bearing on whether the object is annotative.Annotation Tools with Annotative PropertiesUse annotation tools to create annotation objects that respond to specific annotation scales. An annotation tool is a customizable AutoCAD MEP tool for adding the following types of annotations to drawings:

• Multi-line text notes
• Symbol-based notes with attributes
• Reference keynotes
• Sheet notes
• Callouts
• Multi-view blocks
• AEC dimensions

Multi-view blocks derive their annotative properties from their block definition. AEC dimensions derive their annotative properties from their dimension style. The following are annotation objects created by AutoCAD:

• Text
• MText
• Dimensions
• Leaders
• Block References
• Hatches
• MLeaders

Specifying Annotation ScaleWhen you use AutoCAD MEP tools to generate AutoCAD objects such as leaders and callouts, these objects become annotative objects that respond to annotation scaling. When you generate Multi-view blocks and AEC dimensions, these objects are also annotative and respond to annotation scaling with respect to scale and location based on the current annotation scale.The annotation scale is a setting associated with the model tab and paper space viewports and is also saved with model views. It is controlled by the CANNOSCALE system variable value which sets the current annotation scale. Different annotation scales can be assigned to model views and paper space viewports.Annotation Scales and ViewportsWhen working in a paper space viewport, the annotation scale of the viewport controls the scale of the annotative objects created in the viewport. If multiple scale representations are supported, the annotative objects in the viewport are drawn and scaled based on the annotation scale without affecting the scale or display in the model tab or in other paper space viewports.The viewport and annotation scales are synchronized when the annotation scaling controls are used. For example, when you change the viewport scale, the annotation scale updates to match the new viewport scale. However, as you zoom in or out of a viewport with your mouse wheel or by using the Zoom commands, the viewport scale updates while the annotation scale will remain unchanged.Scale representations allow for the display of the same annotative object differently in different paper space viewports at the same time. Scale representations allow annotative objects to be drawn at different sizes based on the annotation scale. Each scale representation may also have different values for positional properties, such as a text string base point. The properties that can vary per scale representation depend on the object type.Whenever an annotation object is identified as annotative as you add it to a drawing, the current annotation scale is added to the object as a participatory scale. AutoCAD MEP objects identified as annotative will scale to match the current annotation scale. The scale point is the insertion point of the block definition.Any annotation settings within all nested text or dimension styles referred to by an AutoCAD MEP object, such as materials or component hatching, schedule tables, or stairs, will be ignored. Display properties for these objects do not respect annotation scaling.Annotative objects such as diffuser tags now have a Scale Representation Location Grip. Use this grip to relocate the current scale representation instance. Use the Location grip to relocate all of the scale representations at once. If there is only one scale representation supported for a particular tag, only the Location grip is displayed.Object Height x Annotation Scale x Annotation Plot Size = Model Space or Paper Space HeightFor example, the model space text height for a text string when displayed in a viewport scaled to 1/4" = 1' - 0" is 12". Assuming an object height of 1 unit, the formula applies as follows:1 x 48 x 1/4” = 12”Blocks used by AutoCAD MEP callouts, title marks, and other kinds of annotation must be created relative to a single AutoCAD unit (either an inch or a millimeter, depending upon whether your working in imperial or metric units). Documentation content files, regardless of whether they are based on blocks or multi-view blocks have the additional requirement that they be inserted at a scale relative to your anticipated plot scale, and taking into account the “Annotation Plot Size” setting in the drawing setup dialog box. As a baseline, you can use one AutoCAD unit, and anything in the content file that is one unit in size will be the annotation plot size when plotted at the specified annotation scale. Everything in the block, including geometry and text, must be created relative to the single AutoCAD unit. The entire block is scaled proportionally.Updating Legacy Annotative ObjectsWhen you are working with previous versions of Building Systems, you can update appropriate objects in AutoCAD MEP so that they are annotative. This sections outlines the procedure for updating three types of objects: AutoCAD objects (text, dimensions, and hatching, for example), AutoCAD MEP blocks, and AutoCAD MEP multi-view blocks and AEC dimensions.If you choose only one occurrence of an object to make annotative, only that instance of the object will be annotative. To apply an annotative property to all of the objects in a particular style, edit that style and assign an annotative property to all instances of that style. You can also enter ANNOUPDATE on the Command line to update the selected text objects. Leaders, MText, dimensions, and other objects are assigned an annotative property by this same procedure.Updating Legacy AutoCAD Text to AnnotativeUse this procedure to edit a legacy AutoCAD text style and add an annotative property. You can also use this procedure to update AutoCAD dimensions.

1. Open the legacy Architectural Desktop drawing in AutoCAD Architecture.
2. Specify the same annotation scale in the new AutoCAD Architecture drawing as in the legacy Architectural Desktop drawing.
3. From the Format menu, click Text Style.
4. In the Text Style dialog, from the Styles list, select the appropriate text style.
5. Under Size, select Annotative.
6. Click Apply.
7. On the Command Line, enter ANNOUPDATE to update all annotative objects.

Any text strings of the selected text style are now annotative.Updating Legacy Building Systems Blocks to AnnotativeUse this procedure to edit a legacy Building System blocks, such as callouts or titlemarks, and add an annotative property.

1. Open the legacy Building Systems drawing in AutoCAD MEP.
2. Specify the same annotation scale in the new AutoCAD MEP drawing as in the legacy Building Systems drawing.
3. On the Command Line, enter BEDIT to open the Block Editor.
4. In the Edit Block Definition dialog, select the block to edit, and then click OK.
5. On the Properties Palette, under Block, select Yes for Annotative.
6. On the Block Editor toolbar, click Close Block Editor and then save your changes.

Any blocks of the selected block style are now annotative.Updating Legacy Building Systems Multi-view Blocks to AnnotativeUse this procedure to edit a legacy Building Systems multi-view block and add an annotative property to each block for each view. You can also use this procedure to update legacy AEC dimensions.

1. Open the legacy Building Systems drawing in AutoCAD MEP.
2. Specify the same annotation scale in the new AutoCAD MEP drawing as in the legacy Building Systems drawing.
3. On the Command Line, enter BEDIT to open the Block Editor.
4. In the Edit Block Definition dialog, select the first block to edit, and then click OK.
5. On the Properties Palette, under Block, select Yes for Annotative.
6. On the Block Editor toolbar, click Close Block Editor and then save your changes.
7. Repeat these steps for the remaining blocks of the remaining views of the multi-view block.
8. On the Command Line, enter ANNOUPDATE to update the selected blocks.

The selected blocks now have an annotative property

Autodesk has signed an agreement to acquire NavisWorks, a privately-held company based in Sheffield, England that provides software for 3D coordination, collaboration and sequencing in design and construction for approximately $25 million in USD cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. The acquisition underscores Autodesk’s commitment to help its customers derive the greatest possible value from the information created during all phases of the design process. NavisWorks is a global provider of software that enables full exploitation of the benefits of 3D digital designs in the construction, plant and marine design markets for purposes ranging from design coordination and clash detection to construction simulations. Its products are used by many of the world’s leading construction companies, architects, engineers, process and power firms and shipbuilders. NavisWorks products support increased interoperability by coordinating design information from multiple sources. The company is also a Charter Member of the USA National BIM standard.Autodesk currently plans to offer new solutions that incorporate both NavisWorks and Autodesk technology, and to continue supporting the existing NavisWorks product line “The acquisition of NavisWorks is part of Autodesk’s commitment to offering more complete solutionsacross the AEC industry” said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC Solutions. “The addition of NavisWorks technology to the Autodesk portfolio will help our customers leverage their design data to make better design and construction decisions and increase the value of their investments in design technology.”“For more than 7 years, NavisWorks solutions have helped design professionals across the construction, building, plant, and marine industries better collaborate, create more coordinated designs, and work more efficiently,” said Peter Thompson, CEO of NavisWorks. “The combination of NavisWorks and Autodesk technology is an excellent match. Our products augment the coordinated, consistent, and computable information produced by the Revit platform for building information modeling, and can aggregate that information with data from other sources including AutoCAD, Inventor and Civil 3D, to build the most complete understanding possible of the overall project. We are excited to join the Autodesk family.”

Once you investigate the use of anchors in your AutoCAD MEP environment, you won’t know how you ever lived without them. In this example we will use anchors to link switches to doors. If a door moves, the switch moves with it. If the door swing changes. The switch updates automatically.First, let’s take a look at what anchors do for you and what types are available.An anchor is a general linking mechanism within AutoCAD MEP. AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD Architecture objects can be anchored to each other, enabling you to create a relationship between objects. Anchoring objects can be useful for positioning air terminals or light fixtures in a ceiling grid, or switches to walls or doors. You can choose from three types of anchors to attach building systems objects.AutoCAD Architecture AnchorsYou can locate these anchor tools in Content Browser / ADT Stock Tool Catalog / Parametric Layout and Anchoring Tools

• Object anchors are used to attach AEC objects to another AEC object.
• Curve anchors are used to attach objects to the base curve of other objects.
• Leader anchors are used to attach nodes on a layout curve with a leader.
• Node anchors are used to attach nodes on a layout curve or grid.
• Cell anchors are used to attach objects to positions on a 2D layout curve or grid. You an also attach cell anchors to 3D volume grids.
• Volume anchors are used to attach objects to a 3D volume grid.

AutoCAD MEP AnchorsYou can locate these anchor tools in Content Browser / ABS Stock Tool Catalog / Common / Common Items

• Curve anchors are used to attach objects to a base curve, typically the centerline of other objects.
• System anchors are used to attach objects to a system run. Anchored objects can be moved along the entire run to other runs assigned to the same system.
• Reference anchors are used to attach objects by reference to other objects, such as attaching an end-of-line schematic symbol to a schematic line. When the symbol is moved, the line maintains connectivity and is stretched to the new location.

Anchor Device to a RunThe first example we will try is to anchor a switch to door in the architectural reference file. Yes…you can anchor through to the reference file AEC objects.Select the AutoCAD Architecture Object Anchor tool and identify your switch symbol and the object you want to anchor. Then press to continue and identify the door you want to anchor the switch to.Next, we need to simulate the architect moving the door in the floor plan file. To do this I will use the Edit Xrefin- Place command available on the menu.Move the door you anchored to along the wall to a new location and save the changes back to the reference file.Your switch should automatically move to the new door location.Try it for the emergency exit light moving with the door too! You might have to edit some of the run linework on this one! Try it for a ceiling diffuser or a light fixture moving with the ceiling grid.To remove anchors you can use the grips provided to release the anchor.

Autodesk has experienced a number of customer reports regarding the install of Vertical AutoCAD 2008 programs on a 64-bit Operating System. Their development decided to not allow installation on a 64-bit Operating System because the QA team was not able to fully test and certify the application to run in a 64 bit environment.Autodesk realized that users were able to install previous versions of Autodesk programs on 64 bit systems. They are aware of the growing number of users who are upgrading their machines to these 64-bit systems, and because of this demand their development team has provided a workaround for the issue. You will need your local Autodesk reseller to get you the ACA.msi and setup.ini files necessary to install your product in a 64 bit environment in a zip file.Here are the instructions:

1. Install the latest .NET Framework (64 bit) from Microsoft on the destination workstations.
2. Copy the contents of the installation DVD to a local drive or network location.
3. In the main install folder, rename the original ACA.msi and setup.ini files to preserve them.
4. Copy the provided replacement ACA.msi and Setup.ini files you received from your reseller into the main install folder.
5. Run the installation/deployment procedure as normal.

It is very important to reiterate that this is a workaround as development has not fully tested vertical AutoCAD 2008 programs in 64 bit environments. If you choose to implement the workaround, you must be aware that this will allow the product to be installed on a 64 bit system, but if you experience crashes, drawing corruption, or other abnormal behavior we may not be able to provide aid in the troubleshooting process.Autodesk's development team is working on a true 64 bit application but cannot provide any further details at this time.

You noticed that menus available in the AutoCAD user interface, such as the Viewport or Dimension menu, are not available in the AutoCAD MEP user interface, and you want to add them. You need to transfer the AutoCAD menu items from the acad.cui file to the abs.cui file. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click any of the toolbars. Click Customize.
2. Expand the Customize User Interface dialog box by clicking the arrow located in the lower-right corner of the dialog box.
3. Click the Transfer tab.Note that there are now two panels in the Customize User Interface dialog box: a left panel, "Customizations in Main CUI," which contains the settings for the current user interface, and a right panel, "Customization in New CUI File," which can be used to load external CUI files.
4. Click New CUI file menu > Open.
5. In the Open dialog box, browse to the following file:
• On Windows XP:C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2008\enu\Support
• On Windows Vista:C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2008\enu\Support
6. Open the file.
7. Expand the Menus item in both the left and right panels.
8. Drag the Dimension menu item from the right panel (acad.CUI) into the left panel(abs.CUI). Note that the Dimension menu item is now available in both columns.

If you want to change the order in which menus are displayed in AutoCAD MEP

1. Click the Customize tab.
2. Select the Current workspace and click Customize Workspace.
3. In the Workspace Contents panel, expand the Menus items that are not highlighted in blue.
4. Drag the Dimensions menu, currently at the bottom of the list, to the desired location between the other menu items.
5. Click Done.
6. Click OK.

These changes are stored in the current workspaces and saved in the Main Customization file, which for a default installation of AutoCAD Architecture is .If you want to use this customized configuration on another computer, replace the Main Customization file on the target computer with the customized one.

Armundo's TutorialsLearn how to get the most out of AutoCAD® MEP with Armundo's free tutorials. Each one contains valuable information but is only a few minutes long, so you can watch them as many times as you like.

Software supporting a gbXML import has been;

• Elite DuctSize software
• Green Building Studio
• Carrier HAP 4.3
• VariTrane Duct Designer Software
• Trane Trace 700

The gbxml format is not written by Autodesk, and any information that is imported into gbXML program is based on what that program reads from the file, and not necessarily what Autodesk exports to gbxml. I would contact these 3rd party program manufactures to see what type of documentation they have available on how they import gbxml data.There is a room name and room number issue that Autodesk’s development team is aware of and is investigating. <?xml:namespace prefix = o />These programs will not know the information about the wall construction type from the model. Currently, there is no way to bring this type of information in from the model. You will need to input all of that information into the gbXML program. I have submitted a request for Autodesk to provide more documentation about gbxml export and the type of settings that are exported by the software.

You created a network deployment for Autodesk® Building Systems 2007.1 (ABS) and placed shared content for your ABS catalogs in a shared network location. However, when you tried to add a part, you received an error message stating that the part could not be found.When you create a deployment for Autodesk® Building Systems that includes shared ABS content, you need to include the profile. Otherwise, you will not be able to load the content from a shared location onto other computers. To resolve this error, you need to edit the registry keys on each of the computers where this error occurs. Follow these steps:

1. Click Start menu (Windows) > Run.
2. In the Run dialog box, enter regedit
3. In the Registry Editor, browse to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R17.0\ACAD-5106:409\Profiles\Building Engineering - US Imperial\Preferences\AecbCatalog50
4. Edit the ConfigPath registry subkey so that it points to the location of your shared content.
5. In the Registry Editor, browse to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R17.0\ACAD-5106:409\Profiles\Building Engineering – US Imperial\Preferences\AecbEnumMap50
6. Edit the ConfigPath registry subkey so that it points to the location of your shared content.

Warning! Problems caused by improperly editing the Windows registry could render your computer operating system unusable. Microsoft provides a wealth of critical information that you need to know about the registry in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Use the Microsoft® Registry Editor only at your own risk and only after backing up the registry as well as the system.dat and user.dat files as outlined for your operating system in the Microsoft Knowledge Base and in the related Autodesk solution, TS66513. Additional information about the registry is also contained in the Help topics in the Microsoft Registry Editor.

Ever wish you had a method for copying Layer Keys between ABS 2006 and ABS 2007 styles? Grab a copy of this routine and you'll be able to copy keys from one drawing to another or among styles within the same drawing. To run this routine:

1. using VBARun at the command line, click on the VBAManager button to load the script. Once loaded into your 2007 building systems, click on the Macros button to send yourself back to the VBA Macros and choose to run the "showformnew" macro.
2. Once the Main dialog is shown select the source layer key style drawing by clicking the "Browse" option from within the "Source" combo dropdown identified by the number 1 in the graphic shown above. Once you browse to a file and choose it, you will be asked whether to open the drawing read only.
3. Once you have chosen a drawing, click in the Source Layer key Style dropdown identified by the number 2 in the graphic shown above and choose your Source layer Key Style from those provided in the list. (See Graphic for example)
4. You will now see a popup dialog confirming your selection and directing you to begin selecting your target file and keystyle. This dialog box will dismiss itself after 3 seconds. Repeat the process begun in steps 2 and 3 by choosing from the right side of the main dialog box. Choose your target drawing file by clicking the target drawing file dropdown indicated by the red number four in the first graphic.
5. Proceed to the last dropdown box and select your target key style from those listed in the key style drop down box indicated by the red number 4 in the first graphic.
6. Once you have completed the target file and keystyle selection you should see the form stretch to display the missing keys found in the source but not found in the target.
7. All that remains is for you to choose whether to allow overrides, select the keys to be copied, and click the button in the lower right hand corner to complete the task.

EastCoast has been developing sheet metal and piping software solutions for more than twenty-five years. With a history steep in industry knowledge and born directly from inside the sheet metal and piping industries the company is recognized as a leader in performance and 3D innovation. Use AutoCAD MEP 2008 right out of the box to design and send to fabrication.EC Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP uses all of the power and CAD design capability inside AutoCAD MEP to provide users with a seamless design to fabrication AutoCAD MEP solution – there is no other toolset like it in the HVAC industry. The suite contains all of the tools sheet metal and piping contractors need to coordinate, finalize design for approval, and deliver their drawings to fabrication direct from an AutoCAD MEP model. With an easy to use interface, models are fully drawn and brought to design completion using the AutoCAD MEP CAD environment. Once coordinated and approved, HVAC sub-systems are downloaded with all of the shop specification and gauges for fabrication to industry leading coil lines and plasma tables, or to third party estimating programs. Design, coordinate and fabricate directly from AutoCAD MEP, and EastCoast’s fabrication toolsEastCoast is the only HVAC 3D CAD solution that harnesses the full power of AutoCAD and Autodesk AutoCAD MEP to seamlessly bridge the performance, accuracy and efficiencies of AutoCAD MEP to the modern HVAC fabrication shop. With EastCoast’s three new HVAC software solutions; EC Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP 2008, EC Sheet Metal for AutoCAD MEP 2008 and EC Piping for AutoCAD MEP 2008, re-drawing for fabrication has been all but eliminated, bringing design and coordination to a new benchmark of process and speed. Through the combined capabilities found inside the state of the art CAD design features of AutoCAD MEP and EastCoast’s fabrication and CAM tools for downloading AutoCAD MEP drawings directly to fabrication, design and build, sheet metal, plumbing and piping fabrication contractors will now find an entirely new set of efficiencies for saving resources and building greater earnings from their coming projects. No other HVAC software vendor has as integrated a solution inside AutoCAD MEP as EastCoast now offers in its three new suite solutions. EC Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP software components include:

• EC Sheet Metal Module
• EC Piping Module
• EC Estimating Link
• EC Fabrication Link
• EC Maker
• Bar Coding Option (w/ 3D label option)
• Coil Line download

Benefits

• ABS CAD design feature set preferred by leading MEP engineering firms
• Drive down the costs of system design; increasing project profit and time to project completion
• Improve model accuracy by sharing digital design data and verifying designs early on, eliminating costly errors during installation
• Reduce drafting time working in a single CAD environment
• SMACNA specifications for standard water gauges and fabrication features to customize specifications for size range, material, connection, default pipe lengths, gauge, etc.
• Comprehensive fabrication reports including; bill of materials, spool sheets, weights, shipping lists, connectors, stiffeners, coils, spin collars, air devices, vanes, dampers, flex and cut lists
• Increase the efficiency of the design development and the coordination process by taking a completed design directly to the industry’s leading fabrication tools without any manual takeoff or redrawing
• Integrates in to industry standard 3D visualization presentation platforms

EC Sheet Metal for AutoCAD MEP 2008EC Sheet Metal for AutoCAD MEP 2008 is built to support the design and fabrication requirements of professionals who create, manufacture and install sheet metal systems for commercial building projects. EastCoast’s EC Sheet Metal for AutoCAD MEP includes the powerful AutoCAD MEP CAD engine and together with EastCoast’s fabrication tools dramatically improves a shop’s productivity. Built around AutoCAD MEP design front end and EastCoast’s backend set of fabrication tools, the toolset provides a level of integration and standards including 3D solids that will take you in to the next decade of sheet metal design and fabrication. EC Sheet Metal fully automates the process of routing and detailing, saving time and important resources. The suite also comes with a complete library of rectangular, oval and round fittings. EC Sheet Metal advanced tool sets generate comprehensive reports including; bill of materials, weights, shipping lists, connectors, stiffeners, coils, spin collars, air devices, vanes, dampers, flex, cut lists, etc…EC Sheet Metal for AutoCAD MEP software components include:

• EC Sheet Metal Module
• EC Estimating Link
• EC Fabrication Link
• EC Maker
• Bar Coding Option (w/ 3D label option)

EC Piping for AutoCAD MEP 2008 EC Piping for AutoCAD MEP 2008 is built to support the design and fabrication requirements of professionals who create, manufacture and install piping systems for commercial building projects. EastCoast’s EC Piping for AutoCAD MEP includes the powerful AutoCAD MEP CAD engine and together with EastCoast’s fabrication tools dramatically improves a shop’s productivity. Built around AutoCAD MEP design front end and EastCoast’s backend set of fabrication tools, the toolset provides a level of integration and standards including 3D solids that will take you in to the next decade of piping design and fabrication. EC Piping fully automates the process of routing and detailing, saving time and important resources. Spool drawings are generated in seconds - complete with a cut list, fitting list and number of welds. EastCoast’s spool drawings save upwards of 75% in labor costs. The suite also comes with a complete library for drawing waste and vent systems. AutoCAD MEP and EastCoast’s advanced tool sets support sloping systems and generates detailed assembly drawings and a complete material list making cutting pipes to “spec” in the shop more efficient.EC Piping for AutoCAD MEP software components include:

• EC Piping Module

AutoCAD, AutoCAD MEP and NavisWorks CompatibilityEastCoast CAD/CAM’s EC CAD 2008 is 100% compatible with AutoCAD. All of EastCoast’s product lines integrate easily in to an AutoCAD environment including EC CAD 2008 and EC Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP 2008. HVAC professionals can import an AutoCAD background in to EC CAD 2008 and quickly and easily add all of their shop specifications, gauges and connections, generate accurate working project estimates (using integrated third party estimating packages,) and download directly to fabrication. As an AutoCAD MEP Alliance Partner and a member of the Open Design Alliance™, EastCoast measures its success by providing the most seamless integration between its HVAC solutions and Autodesk’s MEP products - including AutoCAD and Autodesk® Building Systems. EC CAD 2008 also supports AutoCAD 3D solid surfaces. As a result, EastCoast’s products are 100% compatible with NavisWorks, the state-of the art design review software for visual construction and multi-trade collision tracking.Industry Estimating Software CompatibilityEastCoast CAD/CAM offers its customers a direct and integrated link from EC CAD 2008 to the leading HVAC estimating software partners: Estimation, Quote Express and Wendes Systems. This integrated software partnership allows HVAC and mechanical contractors to obtain an instant cost estimate directly from their CAD drawing using EC CAD 2008 and these industry estimating packages. Estimation enables users to create detailed, accurate and professional estimates quickly and easily. With direct connections to e-catalogs and other web-based tools, contractors get accurate price and product availability information. Additionally, Estimation provides multi-level breakouts, a customizable database, and round and oval fabrication detail. Quote Express combines key estimating features with an easy to use, point-and-click, Windows database technology. The software program takes less than a single afternoon to learn. Combined with EC CAD 2008, Quote Express generates accurate estimates backed by material, cost, and labor details. Wendes Systems estimating programs for piping and sheet metal quickly produces a fast takeoff with the a comprehensive labor man-hours and material pricing quote. Wendes is also easy-to-use and requires minimal training, often allowing users to start bidding jobs the same day. All systems are true 32-Bit Windows 98/ME/2000/XP network compliant.

Drawing Compare Subscription Module - Download The Subscription Module: Drawing Compare is available exclusively for AutoCAD® MEP 2008 customers participating in the Autodesk® Subscription program. Download this module now to get the Drawing Compare feature. The Drawing Compare feature enhances collaboration by using color-coded displays to show items on a drawing that have been changed, added, or deleted by other members of the design team. Changes to items such as styles, fire ratings, or other non-graphical properties are also tracked. Combined with redlining features, such as revision clouds, the Drawing Compare features help make communication across the design team clearer than ever.The process of performing a drawing comparison has the following major steps: Select the folder that contains review drawings, then select the folder that contains project drawings. The Setup tab of the Drawing Compare palette is where you select the context in which drawings are compared. Typically, the review folder contains drawings that you receive from either an internal or external source, and the project folder contains the original version of the drawing files that you send for modification. These project drawings must all be contained within the same top-level folder to provide the correct context for comparison. When you select review and project folders, all of the drawing files within those folders are listed. This includes host drawings and any drawings nested within them as external references (xrefs). You can choose to match drawings manually, selectively, or allow the Drawing Compare process to match the drawings automatically. The software matches drawings by file name when they are matched automatically. Drawings are matched when the project drawing is an exact duplicate of the review drawing. If you match drawings manually, you can choose to compare the drawings regardless of whether they have the same name.If you want to selectively match drawings, the context menu allows you to specify which drawings in the review folder to include or exclude from the match. The drawings in the folder that are included in the comparison are matched through the context menu when you select the folder. You can select new review drawings to match at any time. You can also drag and drop a review drawing onto a project drawing to match them manually.You can also choose to reset the drawings in the review folder to un-matched.Match review drawings to their corresponding project drawings by using automatic matching or by manually dragging a review drawing onto a project drawing. Use this procedure to have Drawing Compare match all the drawings in the review folder to corresponding drawings in the project folder. When you select the automatic matching option, the software attempts to match drawings that have the exact file name. Files are matched to determine which review drawings are modifications of the corresponding project drawings, and which review drawings are entirely new.NOTE:It is strongly recommended that you use the automatic matching option for most use cases. Only use the match drawings manually option when the review drawing has been renamed, or if you want to compare a smaller set of drawings.The matching process looks at both host drawings and any drawings nested within them as external references (xrefs). The matching process does not take xref relationships into account. Rather, the process looks at each review drawing to verify whether it is a modified version of a project drawing. If so, the 2 drawing files are matched. Drawing Compare displays the differences between the project drawing and its modified review drawing.A pair of files is matched when they represent the same file, with one element of the pair in the project folder and one in the review folder. When this condition is not met, the files are unmatched. Matching allows for replacing an xrefed project drawing with its modified review drawing when appropriate. Unanticipated results can occur, depending on whether the file is xrefed using a full or relative path. Xrefs that are specified with full paths may not resolve properly if their context is moved, which is what may occur in the case of a drawing review folder. When the matching process is complete, xrefs can be resolved predictably using review content. If you want to affect the results of the comparison, use the exclude or include options instead.NOTE:For accurate results, always allow the Drawing Compare process to finish.A file excluded from Drawing Comparison will act as if it, and all its xrefs, are exact copies of the originals. Objects in excluded files (or xrefed by excluded files) will appear as unmodified. You should not unmatch files that you do not want to include in a comparison. Exclude the files instead.A file is missing if it appears in the project folder but there is no corresponding review folder file. A missing review file is assumed to be unmodified.In the Select Folders section of the Setup tab, if you select a review folder after you already specified a review or project folder, the Confirm Automatic Matching dialog box is displayed. If you choose a different project or review folder, click No and specify a new folder to continue. The results of the matching are indicated by the icon associated with the drawing. Visual cues, such as an exclamation mark or a circle with a slash through it, indicate the status of the drawings. After completing the drawing matching and relationship analysis process, you can toggle the filter button to show only the project drawings that are related to a specific review drawing. A project drawing is related to the selected review drawing if the project drawing is affected by modifications to the review drawing. This correlation is determined as the Analyzing Drawing Relationships progress window is displayed. Select a review drawing and a project drawing to compare. After you begin a Drawing Compare session, the Project drawing opens and hosts the review drawing. The graphics from the review drawing are overlaid on the project drawing. Objects from the project drawing and review drawing display in color, based on the visual filter settings which control which objects display and how they display during a comparison session. The Review tab becomes active, and the Drawing Compare Mode toolbar opens in the drawing area.As you compare drawings in the review process, you look at them in context. The project drawing is the contextual reference for the review drawing and is the active drawing. It is the only drawing in which you can select objects. Information on the Review tab indicates changes made to objects and the status of objects in the drawings, such as New, Modified, and Missing. The number of changed objects is displayed in the Object List Summary.The software compares data and geometric information about all of the objects in the drawings when you are working in Drawing Compare. This includes objects such as walls and doors as well as lines and circles. You can determine which drawings and objects display by using the visual filter. Select objects in the Object Report List or click Object Selection on the Drawing Compare Mode toolbar and select an object to display changes made to the object’s properties. On the Review tab, details of what changed displays in the Object Properties list.

1. Select a review drawing from the Select Review Drawing pane.
2. Start the Drawing Compare session in one of 3 ways:
3. Select a project drawing from the Select Project Drawing pane, right-click and click Start drawing comparison from this drawing.
4. Select a project drawing from the Select Project Drawing pane, select a review drawing from the Select Review Drawing pane, then click the Start Drawing Comparison button () on the Setup tab. At this point, you can also select a different project drawing.
5. Double-click the project drawing.

NOTE:When you select a review drawing, the matched project drawing is selected automatically, enabling the Start Drawing Comparison button.The Object Comparison progress window displays the number of objects being compared as they are processed. The Review tab of the Drawing Compare palette is displayed along with a separate Drawing Compare Mode toolbar.Setup: This section displays the full path for both the review and project drawings. This information is read only. Visual Filter Legend: This legend displays colors used in the Drawing Compare mode, and it specifies which review groups display in the drawing area. You can make changes to both settings. The color of the icons on the Visual Filter Legend identifies the color of the object groups in the review, such as grey for unchanged objects and yellow for modified objects. You can specify a primary color for an object that is pending review, and a secondary color for the object once it has been viewed. You can also specify the plot style of an object in the visual filter. The Visual Filter Legend displays the last used filter in new Drawing Compare sessions.Use this procedure to specify which objects are displayed in the drawing area. For example, if you want to view only modified objects, select Hide for all values except Modified objects, and select Show for Modified objects. If you hide all of the new, modified, and missing objects, the remaining objects are displayed with their original colors as they appeared in the original project or review drawing.In the Visual Filter Legend on the Review tab, select Show or Hide to change the visibility of objects on your screen. Visual Filter worksheet: You can specify filters that affect how objects display during your Drawing Compare session. Under Included Objects, for example, you can set up a visual filter to allow only windows that were modified to be included in the comparison. All other objects display as unchanged. Under Visual Filtering Color Theme, you can adjust the color schemes and assign plot styles to different view groups. The Color column list the colors for pending objects before they are selected. The Viewed Color column lists the colors for viewed objects after they are selected. Click the Visual Filter Worksheet button () on the title bar of the Visual Filter Legend to open the Visual Filter worksheet.Object Report List: Objects that are new, missing, and modified in your review drawing are listed by category in alphabetical order, such as Circle, Door, Multi-View Block, and Polyline. When the list is displayed, all of the information is in bold text initially. This text style identifies objects as not yet viewed. The text does not change until that object is viewed, then another object in the list is selected for review. A group of objects can be selected and set as Pending or Viewed from the context menu. When you hold your cursor over objects in your drawing, a tool tip displays information about the object. New and modified objects display a lock icon and cannot be changed. You can minimize the Drawing Compare palette and use the Drawing Compare Mode toolbar to navigate when viewing objects. Expand the palette when necessary to review information about objects and properties.The option to zoom in on an object is toggled on and off when you click the Activate/Deactivate Zoom to button () on the title bar of the Object Report List or on the Drawing Compare Mode toolbar. When this option is toggled on, the software zooms in on the selected object automatically after you select that object in the Object Report List.Object List Summary: This summary displays the total number of objects changed and the total number of objects waiting for review. In the following example, a total of 209 objects changed in the review drawing in some way, and seven were reviewed, leaving 202 objects still pending review. When an object’s status is pending, it means that Drawing Compare has identified a difference between the project and review object, but the object in question has not yet been selected in the Object Report List. Object Properties: By default, this section lists properties that have changed for the object currently selected in the Object Report List, showing the current parameters for the property in the project drawing and the review drawing. Click the Display Properties for reviewed objects button () on the Object Properties title bar to toggle this option on and display only the object’s changed properties or off to display all of the object’s properties.If the object is missing, data is listed in the Project Object column only. If the object is new, data is listed in the Review Object column only. If the object is modified, data is listed in both the Project Object and Review Object columns.Drawing Compare Mode Toolbar: Use the Drawing Compare Mode toolbar to navigate through your review. This toolbar opens after you start a drawing comparison.

Click here to Download the service packAs a result of detailed information from customers who used the Customer Error Reporting Utility, a number of problems were identified and fixed in the following areas:AutoCAD MEP 2008

• Content Builder
• Display System
• Grip editing
• Hidden Lines
• Multi-view Parts
• Schematic Lines

AutoCAD MEP Updates -Changes include the following: Electrical

• Devices and Panels with an model representation will be detected by Interference Detection if they collide with other MEP objects.
• The system filter for the Circuits property during WireAdd will update correctly.
• The connection a wire with a circuit assigned has with a device will be maintained after using the Publish command.

HVAC

• CER: Changing the connection types on a duct fitting to a flanged connection type no longer causes a fatal error.
• Flanges are now displayed on duct fittings within a model view, when the flange values are specified on the duct fittings.
• Duct fittings endcap snaps to the open end of vertical or sloped duct segments properly.

Piping

• Pipe segments copied from one pipe run to another pipe run will align properly to the new pipe run.
• Using AecConvertto3dSolid command will convert pipe fittings more successfully to 3d Solids.
• Auto-Routing pipe between two pipe connectors with an elbow using custom sizing will add the needed angle to the part to resolve the connection in the current drawing.
• When a single line pipe is being crossed multiple times by another AutoCAD MEP object at a different elevation, the hidden line gap is properly applied to the pipe.

Plumbing

• Plumbing Lines and Plumbing Fittings will continue to obey Annotation Scale after changing the drawing units and cancel the Drawing Setup dialog.

Schematics

• CER: Performing a Fillet or Join on schematic lines with schematic symbols anchored to them no longer causes a fatal error.

System

• Etransmit will no longer enter an infinite loop of prompting to save the drawing.
• CER: Grip editing the location of MEP objects with various setting combinations of Object Snaps, Snap, Ortho, Polar, Dynamic UCS and Dynamic Input settings will no longer cause a fatal error.
• CER: Erasing an inline MvPart will no longer cause a fatal error.
• CER: The adding of automatic properties to a Property Set Definition that is generated automatically when objects are added to the drawing will no longer cause a fatal error.
• Switching to the Extended Data tab in the Properties Palette with AutoCAD objects selected will no longer cause Resource Manager errors.
• CER: Part Catalogs containing the “’” symbol will no longer cause a fatal error during Catalogtest.
• CER: Saving of concurrently open drawing which contain annotative dimensions no longer cause a fatal error within Content Builder.
• CER: Parametric parts which produce an invalid solid will no longer cause a fatal error. Instead the erroneous solid will not be displayed.

AutoCAD Architecture Updates -Changes include the following:AEC Details

• Adding batting insulation with the same start and end point no longer causes a crash.

AEC Dimensions

• AEC dimension component override locations no longer reposition when opened in AutoCAD Architecture 2008.
• AEC dimensions to curtain walls now respond predictably.
• Multiple instances of dimension text are no longer move with selected text.

Annotation Scaling

• When a custom scale does not exist in the host drawing, but does in an xref, it is only imported once into the host drawing.

Camera

• CER: Producing a view from a camera snapped to geometry no longer causes a fatal error.
• CER: Adjusting a camera view in a maximized viewport no longer causes a fatal error.

Design Center

• CER: Resuming a DesignCenter insertion after starting a second command no longer causes a crash.
• Dragging and dropping AEC Content from the DesignCenter to an active model space viewport in paper space now works.

Drawing Management

• Sheets in a project can now be plotted simultaneously from multiple workstations.
• Migrating non-English projects from versions previous to AutoCAD Architecture 2008 will no longer be repathed into empty folders.
• Maximum project category path length in AutoCAD Architecture 2008 is now around 248 characters.
• CER: Fatal errors no longer occur when browsing in the Project Browser, typically with slow server connections.

Export to AutoCAD

• CER: When exporting to AutoCAD, typically with eTransmit, fatal errors no longer occur.

IFC

• IFCImport and IFCExport are now fully Ifc2x3 Certified.
• Roof Slabs are now imported with the correct style.
• Memory management enhancements now reduce memory consumption and large file import crash potential.
• Fixed error in area and volume conversion
• IFCImport and IFCExport now handle file geometry flaws better, particularly malformed
• IFC entities from non-certified programs. In order to limit data loss, it is recommended that only certified programs be used to create IFC files.
• In accordance with revised certification requirements, IFCImport and IFCExport feature improved retention of entity color settings.
• Performance has been improved for installations of AutoCAD Architecture 2008 on Microsoft Windows Vista.
• Object GUID creation has been to meet certification requirements.
• Style and MVBlock names are now numbered sequentially.
• When importing a TEKLA user model, structural members are now created.

Keynoting

• CER: Opening a DXF file that contains a sheet keynotes legend no longer causes a crash.

Schedules

• The Center option now works when tagging entities in xrefs that are not inserted at 0,0,0.
• Can now Edit Table Cell in a schedule table when the table contains a formula column.

Spaces

• Tags no longer change location when associated spaces are updated.
• CER: Importing an AutoCAD Architecture 2008 drawing in Revit Structure with AutoCAD 2006 DWG TrueView installed no longer causes a crash.
• Space evaluation now resolves through xrefs without zones.
• CER: Random crashes after space evaluation no longer occur.

Structural Members

• The Override Display Configuration Cut Plane option for Structural Members is now respected.

Walls

• Selecting a wall with a custom display representation no longer causes a crash.

Xrefs

• CER: Binding an xref that contains a wall no longer causes a fatal error.

Other

• CER: Opening drawings with certain entity configurations no longer results in a Fatal Error.

AutoCAD Updates - Other changes include the following: .NET API

• ObjectID.Open no longer causes a crash
• Removing a handler from Database.ObjectAppended then firing the event now generates an error message

64-Bit

• vl-arx-import now functions for namespaces separate from VLX
• i-Drop is operating correctly

Annotation Scaling

• When dragging and dropping a named view from the style sheet manager to the host drawing, the annotation scaling features work properly
• Custom scales which exist in the nested xrefs are no longer duplicated in the host drawing
• Blocks in the Tool Palettes created from the DesignCenter annotative drawings are now annotative

Attributes

• Multiline attributes no longer shift positions every time drawings are saved and opened
• The Value field for an attribute definition may now be modified in the Property Palette

Blocks

• The Y-scale factor of inserted blocks is now scaled accurately

Communication Center

• The Communication Center is now enabled by default.

Dashboards

• The dashboard panel configuration is now maintained throughout different workspaces and user sessions

Data Extraction

• All dynamic block properties are now correctly extracted

Dimensions

• Radial extension arcs may now be disabled, restoring the ability to dimension small radii
• The In-Place dimension text editor size is now correct
• Round-off dimension values now appear correctly
• Dimension breaks no longer cause AutoCAD to hang

Display

• Linetypes now always display properly after zooming operations

DWG

• Copy/paste now works in the drawings saved as 2000 and then resaved in AutoCAD 2004, AutoCAD 2005, or AutoCAD 2006

E-Transmit

• AutoCAD 2000 and Release 14 file formats are preserved while using ETRANSMIT with the "Keep existing drawing file formats" setting enabled

Fields

• Drawing name field now always plots correctly

Hatch

• The BHATCH command boundary detection mechanism has been improved

Image

• Image frames are no longer plotted or displayed when IMAGEFRAME is set to 0

Layouts

• The ampersand character ("&") may now be entered on the Layout tab

Multileader

• The location of attributes in multileader block is no longer off-center
• Multileader text no longer unexpectedly rotates
• Multileader attributes are no longer off-center in a rotated UCS

MText

• MText tabs are now saved correctly to the older DWG formats
• Certain Japanese characters are displayed correctly
• Portuguese (Iberian and Brazilian) dictionaries now have accented capital letters

Open/Save

• If multiple drawings are opened in Explorer, only a single instance of AutoCAD containing those drawings will launch

Object Snap

• Object snaps now work correctly in blocks

PDF Export

• Raster images now plot correctly to PDF

Performance Tuner

• If there are no new drivers, the "New Driver" bubble does not appear

Plot

• Plotting performance of rotated MrSID images is improved

Tables

• Data linked cell formatting is now correct
• Excel formatting is kept when the paste special (PASTESPEC) command is used

Tool Palette

• Icons are no longer truncated

Visual Styles

• Erroneous lines and display artifacts no longer show up after multiple zooming operations

XREF

• Drawings with long reference paths are referenced properly

Known Issues With This Service Pack

• Problem: After applying the Service Pack 1, all dashboard control panels are displayed regardless of the selected workspace.
• Workaround: Make the desired workspace current.

Sharing drawings is necessary in many stages of the drawing development cycle. For example, you may be asked to add a mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system to a drawing that was created in another software program. AutoCAD MEP provides an object enabler so that you can work with custom objects contained in the drawing. If you open a drawing that includes a custom object that was not drawn in AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD MEP installs an object enabler, if one is available. If an object enabler is not available, the software uses proxy graphics to display objects. You can enable proxy graphics in the Options dialog. Enablers are collaboration utilities that allow users of other Autodesk products to view and manipulate objects created in AutoCAD MEP. Enablers use ObjectDBX technology to allow object data created in AutoCAD MEP to be accessed outside its native environment. This provides data accessibility for design teams that create and receive AutoCAD MEP files. If you open an AutoCAD MEP drawing that contains an object created in a different Autodesk product, AutoCAD MEP can automatically check http://www.autodesk.com for an object enabler to use to display the object. If it fails to find one, the object is displayed using proxy graphics instead. To control whether AutoCAD MEP checks for object enablers, use the Live Enabler options on the System tab of the Options dialog. You can also manually check for object enablers at http://www.autodesk.com/enablers. If a LiveEnabler is not available for an object, the object may be replaced with a proxy graphic. A proxy graphic is a placeholder that represents the object. This placeholder does not have the full display or attributes of the object. When proxy objects are drawn, AutoCAD MEP displays the Proxy Information dialog. The dialog gives you the following information: · The total number of graphical and non-graphical proxy objects in the drawing · The name of the missing application · The proxy object type and display state You can use the Proxy Information dialog to control the display of proxy objects. You can create a new version of a drawing file with all AutoCAD MEP objects exploded into basic AutoCAD objects. The new version of the drawing loses the intelligence of the AutoCAD MEP objects, but the resulting basic objects can be displayed and accessed in earlier versions of AutoCAD when object enablers are not available for those versions. When you export an AutoCAD MEP drawing to AutoCAD, all objects in the drawing are converted to AutoCAD linework. Reference drawing geometry is converted to linework in a block reference. If you want to remove the block reference, use the explode command to convert the block reference to active linework. Whether you export a drawing to AutoCAD or DXF format, the layers, colors, and linetypes of the AutoCAD MEP objects are preserved in the new drawing. If you export a drawing with multiple viewports in paper space, the annotative objects are exploded into multiple blocks, one for each viewport, in order to maintain visual fidelity. You can export annotative AutoCAD objects in the same way by selecting Maintain visual fidelity for annotative objects on the Open and Save tab in the Options dialog. For more information, see “Save a Drawing” in the AutoCAD Help. Beginning with AutoCAD 2008, if you open an exported AutoCAD MEP drawing in AutoCAD, the AutoCAD objects that were annotative prior to export are converted to annotative objects.

You noticed that two of the topics in the AutoCAD MEP 2008 tutorial cannot be accessed from the table of contents.To access these two topics, download the tutorials available from the following website:http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmep-tutorialsThese tutorials contain an updated table of contents in both the online (CHM) and PDF versions.Follow the steps in the corresponding readme.txt file to download the tutorial zip file to your hard drive and extract the CHM and PDF files. The tutorial datasets do not contain updates and do not need to be extracted.After extracting the English version and opening a project you will notice that they are in metric. There are not different files for the Imperial system. All the style property sets in HVAC are in metric. Xrefs insert in metric units. Changing the template files to Imperial won’t fix it either.Autodesk told me that they did not publish imperial tutorials for the 2008 release. All of their tutorials are metric. AutoCAD MEP 2008 is designed so that its functionality works exactly the same whether you are using imperial or metric units. The skills that you learn doing the metric tutorials can be directly applied to imperial-based projects.

Don't have AutoCAD? No problem. DWG TrueView is a FREE download program to accurately view, plot, and publish authentic DWG and DWF files. And now, DWG TrueView incorporates all the functionality of DWG TrueConvert. This means you can translate any AutoCAD or AutoCAD-based drawing file for compatibility with AutoCAD Release 14 through AutoCAD 2008. It is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.Download it by clicking Here

• Share AutoCAD drawings easily and accurately among engineers and architects.
• View and plot DWG and DXF files, and then publish them as DWF files for quick and easy review and markup in Autodesk Design Review.
• Publish 3D DWF files.
• Get full support for the new AutoCAD 2008 drawing enhancements.
• Ensure the integrity and reliability of your data.
• Always get full drawing fidelity because the viewer is built on the same viewing technology as AutoCAD 2008 software.
• Incorporates all the TrueConvert functionality to convert sets of drawings from new versions of AutoCAD to older versions and vice versa
• Add page set-up information during the conversion process
• Use the AutoCAD eTransmit technology to bundle a complete file set for conversion

DWG TrueConvert software translates DWG files created with AutoCAD R14 (or later) to AutoCAD R14, AutoCAD 2000, AutoCAD 2004, and AutoCAD 2007 DWG file formats, as well as to AutoCAD LT 98, 2000, 2004, and 2007 DWG file formats. You can convert any version of DWG files created with AutoCAD-based products using the DWG TrueView software.You do not need to have AutoCAD 2008 or AutoCAD LT 2008 installed on your computer to run the DWG TrueView software. You can install and run the DWG TrueView software with or without any version of AutoCAD installed on your machine.The DWG TrueView software is very reliable in converting older DWG files to AutoCAD 2007 DWG file formats. The DWG TrueView software uses the same DWG engine as AutoCAD does to convert DWG files. Therefore you can expect precisely the same output as the software Save As command.DWG TrueView software cannot be used to convert DWG files to other file formats such as DXF or DWF format. DWG TrueView software only converts DWG files to newer or older versions of the DWG file format.When you create custom objects in AutoCAD DWG files and save your drawing with proxy graphics turned on, you can convert these drawings and maintain visual fidelity of the custom objects. However, you cannot edit the drawing in other releases. To modify custom objects in other releases, explode the custom objects in the drawing before you convert it.If you want to convert drawings created with AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP software, use the Save to AutoCAD DWG feature before you convert the drawing. It will break the intelligence of the objects, but users will be able to read them. For drawings that contain custom objects, it is recommended that you do not use the DWG TrueView software to convert them to a newer release. When a drawing that contains custom objects is converted, the custom objects themselves are not converted. Unexpected results might occur if you attempt to open the converted drawing in a custom object application.

Today, the building process from design through construction, and into facility management, is more complex than ever. And design review involves team members who are not CAD software users, yet who are vital to the project. Autodesk Design Review software helps overcome these challenges by extending design review, digitally, to the entire team.DOWNLOAD NOWAutodesk Design Review software helps save time and money with easy-to-use tools for team members to review, mark up, and revise designs and 3D models. This free* tool is tightly integrated with all Autodesk design software and enables project teams to move to a two-way design review process and gain timesaving functionality in their markup and approval processes. Specific timesaving functionality includes the following:View and PrintAutodesk Design Review offers a fast, efficient way to view high-resolution 2D and 3D designs.You can navigate between sheets using embedded hyperlinks and bookmarks and within a model using the new Steering Wheel and View Cube features. Rich printing options enable you to print with the same fidelity as the CAD application.Compare AEC Design DocumentsAutomatically highlight additions, deletions, and other modifications in a lightboard-style fashionwith versions overlaid upon one another.Online Content SearchDrive productivity and process improvements by accessing online building part catalogs with a single click through Autodesk Design Review.Full Design IntelligenceAccess data integral to engineering, architectural, and construction design review, including drawing scale, sheet set details, and object and markup properties.Embed in Microsoft Office ApplicationsDrag your designs into Microsoft® Word, PowerPoint, or Excel® programs, and enable team members to visualize the design in presentations, construction documentation, change orders, estimates, and more.Batch PrintingPrint multiple DWF files, customize settings, and save batch printing configuration for later use with the Batch Print wizard. Save time by easily printing large numbers of DWF files as part of an automated process.Preview, Select Preferences, and PrintPreview files, and print files to scale or at another scale with the same high fidelity as in AutoCAD or Revit-based software. Print options include fit to page, print current view, tile across multiple sheets, and print multiple pages or page ranges.Printer IntegrationAutodesk agreements with HP, Océ, KIP, and PLP, among others, make printing to your hardware device easier than ever. If you’re connected to a supported HP® Designjet® printer, select the HP Instant Printing feature to print an entire sheet set automatically, or use this feature with batch printing.Measure, Mark up, and AnnotateGet everything you need for clear and concise measurement, markup, and annotation of designsmade in AutoCAD and Revit-based software.2D and 3D MarkupAll viewing and markup features are available for both 2D and 3D designs. Markups made to 3Dmodels persist and are visible within the model view, making it more intuitive for users to capture and review feedback.Persistent 2D and 3D MeasureUse built-in measurement tools to measure distance and angles in 2D designs and 3D models.Measurements made on 3D models persist within the model view and are always available for reference.Custom Stamps, Smart Shapes, and Freehand Markup ToolsAdd custom symbols and comments to sheet sets and 3D views electronically, including familiarmarkup call-outs, standard shapes, freehand drawings, and text.User Coordinate SupportAccess the user coordinate system for greater flexibility and more accurate measurement ofmodel surfaces.Combine Project DocumentsDrag project information into your DWF file to quickly and easily build a complete project file with product specifications, timelines, and more.Combine All Designs and Project DataShare, review, and mark up 2D drawings and 3D models—as well as project-related documents from Microsoft Office and other applications—in a single file. Autodesk Design Review supports adding, deleting, reordering, and renaming sheets and models within the Navigator window.Capture Graphical InformationCapture graphical information such as a product specification or color sample from the web or other applications with the Snapshot tool, and add it to your review set in Autodesk Design Review.Automatically Track All MarkupsAutomatically track your project’s status with autorecording of markups, text annotations,dimensions, review status, and notes. Save DWF files with markups, redlines, and annotations and send them to CAD users or other project team members.Save and Round-Trip All MarkupsImport markups from the DWF format back into AutoCAD or Revit-based software. Systematically walk through a review set, navigating markups in the Markup Set Manager for fast, easy revisions in any Autodesk design software.Use Autodesk Design Review software to overcome challenges in the architecture, engineering, and construction processes—from design to construction to facility management—by accelerating the design review process and putting the design in the hands of the people who need it.

• Accelerate Review Cycles
• Cut two to three days per review cycle by using Autodesk Design Review with AutoCAD or Revit-based products to electronically review, mark up, and revise designs.

• Enable Digital Back Checks
• Reduce errors by using Design Review for back checking. Enable team members to automatically track and review changes and their status without waiting for printouts.

• Visualize Designs in Client Presentations
• Design Review enables clients and project stakeholders to fully visualize drawings and models created in AutoCAD or Revit. Include interactive drawings and models in Microsoft PowerPoint slide sets for more effective presentations.

• Document Construction Change Orders
• Use the markup and status tracking tools in Design Review to track changes required throughout the construction process.

• Reduce Printing and Shipping Costs
• Save as much as $100 per job in printing and shipping costs while enabling team members to fully participate in a digital design review process.

Autodesk Design Review integrates with all Autodesk 2008 design applications:

• AutoCAD
• AutoCAD Architecture
• Revit Architecture
• Revit Structure
• Autodesk VIZ
• Autodesk 3ds Max
• AutoCAD Map 3D
• AutoCAD Civil 3D
• AutoCAD Raster Design
• AutoCAD Land Desktop
• Autodesk Inventor products
• AutoCAD Mechanical
• AutoCAD Electrical
• AutoCAD MEP
• Revit MEP

To open the Portable License Utility.<?xml:namespace prefix = o />

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

To obtain a computer identification code from the target computer

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

To export a license

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

Install the Autodesk product

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

To import a license

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

Provided by archidigmIf you look at the Extended Data tab of your Properties Palette whenever you work with Objects, you should find that some fields can be changed while others appear to be locked. That is because there are two types of Property Data: Object Based and Style Based. When you create your own custom Property Data, you will have to consider when and how to use these two types. In addition, if you have a need to create fields that designers can modify, you may want to consider using List Definitions which can be used within Object Based or Style Based Property Set Definitions. In this article we will discuss how you can create a custom list of values to be set inside a Property Set Definition Style.To create a list of property values you will need to access the List Definitions category in the Style Manager. You can do this by activating the Style Manager and picking on List Definitions under the Multi-Purpose Objects category or you can simply type "ListDefinitions". In the illustration to the right I show that I have created a new List Definition that I have named "Appliance_Finishes-ARCHIdigm". On the Applies To tab of this new List Definition, I have checked the "Manual Property Definition" box so this list will be available for use in my custom Property Set Definition Style. Under the Items tab I have used the Add button to create a list of Names and Descriptions that will appear on a drop-down list later on. Notice that I have also checked the "Allow individual property values to vary from this list" box so users can type in an option that may not appear on this list. For some things you may want to allow individual value but for other things you probably want to use the list to prevent erroneous data entry. The sort order is, unfortunately, limited to alphabetical If you try to be clever by using numbers, you may pull your hair out trying to filter those number out in your Schedule. Adding the List to your Property Definition Style When you modify an existing or custom Property Set Definition Style, type "PropertySetDefine", be sure to check the "Applies To" tab to see if this Style is Style Based or Object Based. If you want your List to be available as a unique item for individual Objects, even identical ones, you will need to use a Property Set Definition Style that has been set to Object Based. In the illustration to the right, I show that I have added a Manual Property Definition row to my Property Set Definition and that I named it "Finish". Under the Type column, I used the drop-down list to set this definition to "List" and that allowed me to use another drop-down list under the Source column to select my custom Property List.In the illustration to the right I show that I have selected an example Appliance Multi-view Block whose Style uses a Property Set Definition with a List option for the Finish category. The list is not available for direct use on the Extended Data tab of the Properties Palette but can be accessed through the "Edit Style Property Set data" button. If the List Definition Style had been set inside a Property Set Definition that was Object Based, then the list would be available for direct use on the Extended Data tab.

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

You create solids from one of the basic solid shapes of box, cone, cylinder, sphere, torus, and wedge or by extruding a 2D object along a path or revolving a 2D object about an axis. Once you have created a solid in this manner, you can create more complex shapes by combining solids. You can join solids, subtract solids from each other, or find the common volume (overlapping portion) of solids. For more information, see Create a Composite Solid.

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

The block is defined in the current drawing and can be inserted at any time. Defining the Part Behavior of a Block-Based MvPart Go the MEP Common pull down menu, and choose Content Builder.

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

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

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

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

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

Generating a Preview Image of a Block- Based MvPart

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

Adding Connectors to a Block- Based MvPart

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

A White Paper from AutodeskThis paper discusses the implementation and deployment of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection). Most organizations do not have a comprehensive or effective approach to applying new technology to existing processes. This paper explores the considerations necessary to make informed decisions, and presents strategic approaches to achieving the most effective implementation of AutoCAD MEP for your organization. Changing the Process An increasing number of engineers are making the switch from the traditional 2D drafting software to 3D object-based design software. However, with this switch comes the realization that existing processes themselves must be examined, adjusted, and refined, or perhaps, fundamentally redesigned in order to realize continuing gains in effectiveness and stay competitive in the industry. The challenge for most organizations in doing so is that day-to-day productivity must be maintained on projects in progress, affording little opportunity for the fundamental consideration of such process issues and no margin for error. In order to successfully implement any new technology, one must begin by identifying and defining the underlying processes necessary to produce their designs. Do your engineers work on projects in teams, or do they work individually? Do you have CAD standards that must be adhered to? How proficient are your engineers today in the use of your current technologies? Besides these common issues, you will have many unique to your organization that must also be identified early on. Object CAD Technology Object CAD technology has changed the way industry professionals think about how technology can be applied to engineering design. Instead of working with traditional lines, arcs, and circles, you work with 3D geometry, or “objects”, like equipment, ducts, and pipes that are representations of real-world objects. The objects know how to interact with other objects. For instance, a 12-inch duct knows that only 12-inch duct components can connect to it. By working with objects you create a complete model of your design and then through the use of automated tools generate conventional 2D construction documents. And because the model carries rich data about the design in the objects, design data can easily be extracted from the model to carry information downstream in the design process. Improving the Process Engineers who are reluctant to switch to an object CAD technology should ask themselves what their objective is – to make a drawing or to produce a design that can be effectively communicated for construction. Although the choice to make the switch may make sense and seem fundamental, all too often the barriers of implementation and deployment overwhelm organizations resulting in the continued use of outdated or inefficient technologies. With a clear understanding of existing processes, and an equal understanding of the capabilities of AutoCAD MEP and how they can be applied to your processes, planning a successful implementation can become clear and less daunting. All design and construction projects follow a general process that proceeds through certain phases from inception to completion, with minor variations depending on the requirements of the project. The phases in the process that are most common to engineering design and construction projects are: • Preliminary Design • Design Development • Construction Documents To improve the process using AutoCAD MEP, you need to look at each phase and determine specifically how this new technology can benefit your organization. Improvements in the Preliminary Design Phase Using traditional methods, developing preliminary design documents can be a very manual process; conceptualizing system designs from preliminary sketches, defining general size and area requirements by approximating the architecture of the building, identifying design criteria through time-consuming analyses and detailed calculations. With AutoCAD MEP you can reduce manual tasks throughout the preliminary design phase by producing a preliminary model of the spaces intended to be serviced. Through the massing of building elements like spaces, doors, and windows in an object-based CAD environment, much of the conceptual information required can be automatically generated for you. Benefit from calculated values for space dimensions, square footages and volumes, and estimated loads and quantities. Take advantage of the design data automatically generated to determine design criteria. Improvements in the Design Development Phase During the development of a building project, changes can cost time and money and negatively affect the project from staying on schedule and within budget. Traditional methods typically do not facilitate change effectively. The creation of design documents can be laborious and require a vast amount of low-value drafting tasks including manual checking of work. AutoCAD MEP allows a project team to make changes to the project at any time during the design process more quickly and effectively. With design data readily accessible in the model, critical design information is immediately available so that project-related decisions can be made efficiently. This gives the project team more time to focus on the actual design itself. In addition, AutoCAD MEP streamlines processes, such as part selection and system sizing, by offering intuitive tools that assist you in developing an accurate design. Parts can be selected directly from catalogs that provide an extensive collection of industry-standard parts. Systems can be sized based on the design data embedded in the model that was captured at the point of creation. This allows the project team to deliver better work faster, because it means that their design requires less time and effort. Improvements in the Construction Documents Phase The intent of a building systems design project is to create a building that will run efficiently. Using traditional methods, coordination between all the different disciplines is usually the biggest problem. When ever a change is made to the design capturing that change throughout the construction documents many times does not happen because of the time and effort required. The result is lack of coordination that ultimately can have significant impacts on the construction of the project. AutoCAD MEP helps to ensure design coordination by allowing you to take advantage of the design data captured in the model. With the use of automated tools, you can quickly produce many views of your model including sections, elevations and 3D representations, and gain feedback about your design by generating schedules and detecting spatial interferences. Whenever a change is made to the design, all the consequences of that change are automatically coordinated throughout the project ensuring that the change is reflected in all of your construction documents. The automated design coordination provided by AutoCAD MEP helps to eliminate coordination mistakes and improve the overall quality of your work. Assessment Once you have determined that AutoCAD MEP is a viable solution based on the benefits your organization can gain from process improvements, you must take a realistic look at the situation in your organization. The key to any successful software implementation is assessment. Many organizations are in the habit of looking at new technology to make their jobs easier and remain competitive. However, all too often the decision to adopt a new technology is made with the wrong expectations. In order to eliminate unrealistic expectations, maximize the value of your investment, and minimize implementation risks, it is imperative that you take a closer look at the more tangible issues surrounding implementing Autodesk Building Systems: • Hardware Requirements • Optimization and Configuration • Installation and Deployment • Training • Support Optimization and Configuration Out of the box AutoCAD MEP is set up for designing systems based on common industry standards. You can get up and running quickly using basic model and sheet templates that include generic layout tabs and borders; lay out systems based on AIA layer standards using predefined layer keys for layer assignment, color, linetype, and line weight, work with default part catalogs to generate designs based on common off-the-shelf parts, and use standard profiles to set up your workspace with general menus, tool palettes and tool bars. Even though AutoCAD MEP provides generalized configuration out of the box, additional set up is almost always necessary. Most organizations have CAD standards that must be adhered to, work on projects that require unique parts or equipment, and have established practices that demand custom workspaces and default settings. For an implementation of AutoCAD MEP to be successful it is crucial that day-to-day production is maintained. Through optimization and configuration you can provide users with a level of familiarity that helps to ease the transition to a new technology. Installation and Deployment Installation and deployment of a new technology depends heavily on your organizational structure. Determine how many users will be affected. What kind of time constraints do you have? What directory structure will be used? Are components being loaded locally or on a network? Your goal here is to leave nothing to chance. Failure to do so may result in production slow downs, or worse, broken systems. Determine the actual deployment process. Each step in the process should be looked at in detail, documented and tested. This will help to ensure that each deployment will be done identically. Create a contingency plan if your implementation schedule is interrupted like staggering deployments to individuals or groups, or leveraging nights and weekends for the actual installations to minimize down time. Training Training requirements significantly increase the implementation time and cost. First and fore most, you will need a training budget. In order to establish a training budget you need to ask yourself two important questions: 1. How will AutoCAD MEP be used in your organization? 2. What is the proficiency level of your users? The answers to these questions will help you determine the type of training needed as well as how MUCH training will be required. When it comes to CAD software, one can never have enough training. Remember that AutoCAD MEP presents a change in process when implemented successfully. Therefore, training requirements must be accurately identify in order to reap the full benefits of implementing this new technology. Process changes take time; established practices must change and old habits must be broken. Be realistic about training requirements and take them into consideration when planning the implementation. Look for ways to ease the transition. Provide training during or shortly after deployment to allow users to apply what they learned in training right away. Support Even after installation, deployment, and training takes place, the implementation process is not complete. Technical support must be available and easy to access for everyone. Don’t expect CAD users to attend training and return to the office knowing everything to make AutoCAD MEP purr on their desk. There is always a learning curve for new technology and by taking the steps necessary to provide adequate technical support, users will have the help they need back on the job. Every organization will have different ideas of how to provide ongoing technical support. Remember it is not necessarily the method of support but that support is available. Pilot Project Consider a pilot project. Most organizations that are talking about investing thousands of dollars in new technology want proof-of-concept. Set up a few users in a small-scale production environment to evaluate your implementation plan and to validate the results of your assessment. This will be a good indication if you identified the critical issues to be considered in your organization, accurately estimated time and costs, and set realistic goals that can successfully be attained. Summary Implementing a new technology, specifically AutoCAD MEP, may be frustrating at times; however when all is said and done your organization can reap tremendous rewards from a successful implementation. If you have considered each of the issues previously discussed and objectively weighed the strategic approaches presented, you will have addressed the critical steps in achieving the most effective implementation of AutoCAD MEP for your organization. Taking the time to strategize and plan for an implementation of AutoCAD MEP will minimize the time and efforts required for a successful implementation and maximize your return on investment.

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With the release of ABS 2007, what were previously called Haloed Lines have been globally renamed to Hidden Lines globally across the product. For those running a version below ABS 2006, replacereferences to Hidden Lines with Haloed Lines.Hidden Line RoutineThe Hidden Line routine determines what portions of ABS objects will need to have the Hidden appearance, due to other ABS objects being located above them. These portions of the ABS object deemed to be “hidden” are then assigned to the “hidden” Display Components. This allows for complete control of the Hidden Line Layer, Color, Linetype, Lineweight, and LT Scale in the program.Fig 1 – Hidden Display ComponentsThese settings are typically defined by the Layer assigned to the Hidden Display Components. The remaining Hidden Display Component properties are set to BYLAYER, which maps them to the Layer’s properties. Assigning the same Layer to the Hidden Display Components of all ABS objects allows for one layer to control the display of Hidden Lines throughout an entire drawing. In this scenario, modification of something like the Color of the Hidden Line Layer will propagate to all Hidden Lines.Control of Hidden Line DisplayThe item that controls whether Hidden Lines are used for a particular ABS object type is the Display Representation (DR) that’s used to display that object in the current viewport. The Display Representation that’s used is controlled by the current Display Configuration. See the diagram below for illustration of this fact.Fig 2 – Display Representation AssignmentFor ABS Objects, the Plan Display Representation utilizes the Hidden Line feature. In previous versions the HaloedLine Display Representation utilized the Hidden Lines feature.If you wanted to create a Display Configuration that does not utilize the Hidden Lines feature, you would associate that Display Configuration with a Display Set which does not assign the Plan Display Representation to ABS objects. You will most likely use the 2 Line Display Representation instead, which displays objects in the same way as the Plan Display Representation, without Hidden Lines. The MEP Basic 2-Line DC, which is contained in the default ABS template, is a good example of such a Display Configuration.Hidden Line GapsThe Hidden Line routine also has the ability to apply a gap in the display of an ABS object when the routine detects that a portion of that object is hidden by an object above. See the figure below to illustrate this feature.Fig 3 – Hidden Line GapsThis feature produces a visual effect that complies with some existing drafting standards, and is a desired effect for the production of Construction Documents.This is a drawing-specific setting, and is controlled in the ABS Crossed Objects tab of the Options dialog, see below.Fig 4 – Hidden Line Gap SettingsEnabling this feature will result in an additional calculation added to the Hidden Line Routine.

Hidden Line CacheThe Hidden Line Cache is a feature that was implemented in order to improve the loading performance of drawings that contain ABS Objects, with the Hidden Line feature turned ON. It’s usage, which is a drawing-specific setting, is controlled in the ABS Crossed Objects tab of the Options dialog.Fig 5 – Hidden Line Cache ControlAs described in the Hidden Line Routine section, the end result of the Hidden Line routine is the assignment of portions of ABS objects to a Hidden Display Component. This assignment is not actually stored on the object themselves, but rather in a separate section of data.The Hidden Line Cache feature allows for this data to be saved into the drawing database itself. This means that the data will not need to be rebuilt the next time that drawing is opened, since it already exists in the drawing. Without this option checked, the Hidden Line data will re-built each time the drawing is loaded, and exist only in the system RAM until the drawing is closed. The storage of the data in the Hidden Lines Cache will increase the overall size of the drawing file, sometimes significantly depending on the Hidden Line data generated by the routine. The tradeoff is that the drawing will load significantly faster with the Cache in place at time of load.Hidden Lines and XrefsThe existence of loaded xrefs that contain ABS objects, which are set to display Hidden Lines, in a host drawing will have a significant impact on the behavior of Hidden Line data for the host drawing. Since the xrefs contain ABS objects that will be factored into the Hidden Line routine, the program cannot know if those objects have changed significantly since the last time the host drawing was opened. Such a change would result in any data saved in the host drawing’s Hidden Line Cache not to be in sync.Because of this potential for incorrect Hidden Line data of xrefed ABS objects, the data is never saved in the host drawing’s Hidden Line Cache, regardless of the setting highlighted in figure 5. This means that the Hidden Line data will be to be re-built EVERY time that the host drawing is loaded. This process can take a significant amount of time to complete, depending on the complexity of the layout.This is why there may be a significant difference in load time between simply opening the xref directly and opening a host drawing that contains that xref.Hidden Lines and Viewports on LayoutsIn a given layout, each viewport has its own active Display Configuration setting. You change this by double-clicking in the viewport and making it active, and then changing the active Display Configuration. This allows for different viewports to display the same objects in a different way. An example of this would be a 1-Line and 2-Line display, as seen below.Fig 6 – Different Display in ViewportsIn some circumstances, a new Viewport is created with an active Display Configuration that uses Hidden Lines. Be aware of this setting, and make sure to use a Display Configuration that does not utilize Hidden Lines if the feature is not needed.Mitigating Performance Impact of Hidden LinesWith a better understanding of the Hidden Line feature and how to control it, one can better make decisions regarding its impact on performance. The following items may be helpful in mitigating the performance impact of the Hidden Line feature.

• First and foremost, have a Display Configuration that does not use the feature, and use this when display of Hidden Lines are not needed. Using such a “non-hidden line” Display Configuration will result in a significant improvement in load performance of a drawing, especially when there are xrefs containing ABS objects that use Hidden Line feature to display. Additionally, the existence of the Hidden Line data in the system RAM can have a significant impact on overall program performance. When new ABS objects are placed in the drawing, or existing ABS objects are moved, the Hidden Line data may need to be updated. This can add additional time to commands, potentially reducing productivity.
• On a Paper Space layout, be sure to set the active Display Configuration for a viewport to a “hidden lines” Display Configuration only if such display is needed. If there is only text or non-ABS objects in the viewport, make sure to set active a “non-hidden lines” Display Configuration. This can make a significant impact on the time it takes to display the Layout.
• If only using Hidden Lines for coordination, consider turning off Hidden Line gaps. This additional calculation in the Hidden Line routine contributes to the overall calculation time, and adds additional size to the Hidden Line data stored in system RAM.
• Because of the impact of xrefs in a host drawing, as discussed in the Hidden Line and Xrefs section of this document, consider how you plan to structure your project drawings, and what xref relationships will be created as a result.
• Unless there are specific reasons to reduce the physical size of drawings, consider using the Hidden Line Cache feature when possible. This will help to improve drawing load performance in situations when the Cache is utilized.
• Flex Duct objects contain annotation lines that give them the “flex” appearance. The style of these annotation lines can be controlled by the user. Some of these styles use extensive linework to give the desired look for Flex Ducts. These annotation lines are included in the Hidden Line Routine, and can add significant complexity to the calculation. Unless you require that Flex Ducts be shown with Hidden Lines, consider using the 2 Line Display Representation to display these objects in your drawings. This can reduce the complexity of the Hidden Lines Routine, thus improving load time and reducing the overall size of the Hidden Line data stored in the system RAM.

Why does MEP objects change the elevation and break the layout when changing the inlet and outlet sizes on vav boxes? For one thing, duct inserts differently than equipment as far as elevations go. Duct inserts to the center of the duct, but you can set it so that the elevation is to the bottom or top of the duct. But equipment and devices are always inserted to the bottom of the equipment. The problem is that the content creator made the insertion point (0,0,0 BCS) at the bottom corner. So when you swap out sizes, you are actually swapping out the parts. Since parts, like AutoCAD blocks, reference the same 0,0,0, the insertion point of both parts are at the same location in your drawing. However, since the new part is larger, the distance between the insertion point and the connector is larger causing the connector location to shift breaking the layout. Picking an insertion point for an MvPart is an art. Typically, equipment that is placed first (before duct) has its insertion point at its base or top. For parts placed in-line after duct is drawn, the insertion point is at the connector. If you want to change the VAV boxes so that the insertion point is at the connectors, navigate to the VAV dwg file located in the catalog (typically here: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACDMEP_2008\enu\Aecb Catalogs\MvParts US Imperial\Mechanical\VAV Units\VAV Boxes), redefine all the model blocks to have the the appropriate connector at 0,0,0. Then, make a block of one of the symbols, then purge all the otherblocks (top, bottom, etc.). Now start content builder, modify that part, and regenerate the missing blocks. You should now be all set.

AutoCAD MEP 2008 and AutoCAD Architecture 2008 is not backwards compatible with older versions of ABS and ADT. When you perform a save as, and save back to an older version, that only saves AutoCAD objects, and not MEP or Architecture objects. The 2008 objects will give errors when opened in 2006 even after the save as was performed. When you perform an Export To Autocad command, it breaks all of the 2008 MEP objects down to 3D solids and there will no longer be MEP or Architectural objects. Now AutoCAD and older releases of AutoCAD MEP can read them without getting errors, but the drawing no longer has the intelligence or data attached to the drawing.Object enablers only work for programs of the same version, of different verticals such as Architecture, Civil or plain AutoCAD.If you install AutoCAD MEP 2008 or AutoCAD Architecture 2008 and open and saved a 2007 ABS/ADT drawing, users of ABS/ADT 2007 will no longer be able to open the drawing without getting ARX errors now. In order not to get the ARX errors in ABS/ADT 2007, the drawing will need to be broken and converted to autocad solids. Because it is not backwards compatible, you will only be able to view the MEP or Architectural objects after an Export to AutoCAD has been done. Door, walls and windows will now be just 3D solids, and not doors, walls and windows.Vertical programs like Architecture and MEP are not backwards compatible like AutoCAD is. It is a big misconception with our customers and we're trying to educate them on how the drawings behave before they ruin some of their production drawings. I have run into this many times in the past, and have been trying to spread the word. There are ways that older ABS/ADT versions can view the 2008 format drawings, but not in it's original or intended format.