Autodesk Support Answers on youtube

When a client calls me up with a support question and I can't seem to find the solution I contact Autodesk Support. Now Autodesk has two youtube channels dedicated to MEP support.

On the AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP support side at Autodesk I often speak with two individuals to find the solutions to our clients problems. The two MEP support specialists at Autodesk have launched two channels on youtube called SupportAcadMEP and SupportRevitMEP

At those channels you will find answers to questions that had been asked through Autodesk Support. Check them out you will find the videos very informative and helpful.

Don't forget to signup for a youtube account and subscribe to those channels and the many more channels offered by Autodesk on youtube.

enjoy!

William Wright
Application Consultant

Schedule Parameters from a Nested Family

So you have a family let's say a "Toilet". This toilet is working great in your project you can schedule all the parameters that belong too it, but one thing is missing. The "Flush Handle" of the toilet just wont schedule any of the parameters why is that?

Well if this is you then we have the solution, certain families at times you might want to have nested into another. Example would be two separate families the "Toilet" and the "Flush Handle". The Flush Handle is nested into the Toilet family so they load together in my Revit project.

However in order to have a nested family schedule you need to open the nested family "Flush Handle" select Family Categories and Parameters and make sure Shared is checked in the dialog box under Family Parameters (see photo)

hope this helps Enjoy!

Revit Content Keeps Coming

I was searching the net today and came across some companies that have launched more Revit Content. This content is more on the Architectural side and these companies are well known in the industry and have had content out on the past. Here is the breakdown

KONE - Provides solutions for the installation and maintenance of elevators, escalators & automatic doors.

• With the EcoSpace Toolbox, you can obtain 3D models and Specifications for the EcoSpace Elevator Product you selected based on your specs.
• after selecting and working through the configurator on the webpage click Draw 3D Revit Model
• Now the KONE's configurator will take some time and generate a Revit RFA file that you can now place into your model

Sto Corp - Sto is the world leader in cladding, coating and restoration systems.

• Sto has an Architectural Toolbox this configurator will generate wall types for Revit
• After selecting your options Bldg Type, Wall Structure, System Type & Product Series you are then presented a screen to download the Revit RVT File, download the Spec or Brochure on that Wall Type
• I have tested this and it works nicely.

Jeld Wen - Windows & Doors

• Jeld Wens Architectural Toolbox works much the same as above
• Able to generate Revit Content and Specs from it.

Pella - Windows and Doors

• Pella has a simple Architectural Toolbox you maybe asked to input an email address to view the Revit Content.
• Able to generate Revit content for the product line.

Oh and don't forget to check out CADdetails BIM 3D Design Content for even more manufacturers content.

The companies stated above do not just have Revit content, other content may include sketchup files, dwg files and vectorworks etc. My post is related to Revit.

I completely understand that some of this might not be new, but what I have discovered when speaking with clients is they have issues finding the content when going to the manufacturers website and that could be because a 3rd party company is providing the service / configurator.

I have tried to combine some of the latest I have found and will continue to add as the weeks go by. I hope I helped some people.

Enjoy!

Revit 2010 Switching to classic UI

I was browsing the Autodesk knowledge base and came across the link for switching your Revit 2010 software (Arch, Structure, MEP) user interface from the Ribbon to the 2009 and previous classic user interface.

Click on the following link Switching to pre-2010, Classic user interface

enjoy!

Solar Radiation Technology add on

Latest from Autodesk Labs is an add-on for Revit MEP and Revit Architecture called Solar Radiation Technology Preview. Use the Solar Radiation Technology Preview to analyze the effects of solar radiation on various surfaces of your conceptual building model.

You can find links to a video and read me files on using the add on in the link above. Be sure to have Revit Update #1 for 2010 installed before using this add on.

Revit MEP 2010 Update #1

Old news but good news, I just wanted to make the post link for the latest build for Revit MEP 2010 called Update #1. You can download the build from here Revit MEP 2010 Update #1. Remember that when an update comes out for one version of Revit, example Revit MEP, that same day a the same build will come out for Revit Architecture and Revit Structure.

When collaborating on a project coordinate and discuss with the other disciplines to stay on the same year and build number.

AUGI AEC Edge

AUGI has developed a downloadable mahazine called AUGI AEC Edge. This is an exciting new print and digital publication designed to enable architects, engineers, designers, and builders using Autodesk AEC products to be more productive, better informed and help keep them at the top of their game.

Link can be found here AUGI AEC Edge definately worth the read. I believe the magazine is out quarterly right now starting with this issue.

Control Linked Model Halftone

In my line of work I have clients asking me the question. “How can I control the line weights of an architects model that has been linked into my Revit MEP as a background.

So what has happened is when using Revit MEP, the workflow is to link in the Architects Revit model into your project. When you create views under any other MEP discipline the Architects model (background) is automatically grayed out and the line weights are control by the software. This is a hard coded feature inside of Revit MEP 2009 and previous releases.

Some clients felt that the view was way to light and had troubles viewing the background when the view was printed. In Revit MEP 2009 and previous releases you had to change your MEP views to a different discipline either to Coordination or Architectural and then control the linked model components individually using object styles. This can be a pain especially when you are trying to use the software to its fullest and utilize MEP disciplines to clean up the project browser.

In Revit MEP 2010 the display of the background is still the same hardcoded however Autodesk has created a new setting under Manage > Settings called Halftone / Underlay that will allow you to modify the linked background line weights within a few clicks of the mouse. See screenshots below.

Image 1: As you can see the image to the right shows that I have my 1 – Mech view under Mechanical discipline and HVAC Sub-Discipline.

Image 2: Shows the Architectural background as Revit MEPs default hard coded line weights.

Image 3: In Revit MEP 2010 with your view open that you wish to make the underlay change to click on Manage then click on Settings and activate the Halftone / Underlay tool.

Image 4: With the Halftone / Underlay box open you are able to control the underlay line weight by clicking on the No Override fly out and changing the Weight to a different line weight. Make sure you uncheck Apply Halftone box for this override to work.

Image 5: Or you can click on the reset button and control the halftone of the underlay as indicated in this photos.

This has been a long post, but I hope that the post has helped many of you with your underlay line weight issues. Again assuming you have upgraded to Revit MEP 2010.

Revit MEP Manufactured Content

Revit MEP users have been waiting for a long time ever since the inception of Revit Building Systems now called Revit MEP for Manufactured Specific Content.

Well wait no longer as more and more manufacturers on the mechanical side are creating content for Revit MEP. I have compiled a list of the ones I know of. If you know of more please let me know and I will add them as well. Be careful when using manufacturer content, as some content may be bloated and slow down your model. It is difficult to know who actually build the families for these manufacturers.

Below click on the manufacturer and you will be taken to the Revit content page. Some of the sites require you to create a login.

McQuay International

Trane

Loren Cook

GreenHeck

Price

Titus

York

Ruskin

A.O. Smith

I hope I have been able to help some Revit MEP users with these links. My posts have been far and few between lately, however I will post topics as I find them interesting enough to share.

Autodesk MyFeedback Portal and Forums Closing May 30th 2009

This is a link to another blog post on the subject "Autodesk MyFeedback Portal and Forums Closing May 30th 2009". Visit Shaan Hurley's blog to find out more information regarding the closing of Autodesk's MyFeedback Portal and the new site that Autodesk will be launching in replace of MyFeedback Portal.

Revit 2009 - Productive Tool

I came across this tool earlier today when working in Revit MEP. This has been around since the launch of 2009 but I never seen it before today, as I am not much of a right-click menu type user.

You can now access temporary snap overrides from the right-click context menu when you place an element or component in the drawing area, or while moving, copying, rotating, or arraying existing elements.

AU 2009 - Location Picked

Wow we just finish this AU 2008 and they have posted the location for the next years Autodesk University 2009.

Save the Dates
18th Annual Autodesk University
December 1-5, 2009
The Mandalay Bay Hotel Las Vegas, NV
Registration opens mid August, 2009

here is the link to website information on AU 2009

I also want to mention that Autodesk is relaunching AU online here some of you may have not been aware classes were taped and now can be viewed online starting Monday December 8th.

Not to mention AU Dailys weblink here

Revit MEP 2009 - Update #3

Autodesk has released update #3 for Revit MEP 2009.

Here are the links below

Revit MEP Service Pack Readme File

Revit MEP Web Update Enhancement List

Revit MEP Suite 2009 Product Update #3

Many improvements have been made with this update, I recommend reading the Readme file.

Don't forget to turn on communication center if you have not done so already. That way you will always stay up to date.

Autodesk University 2008 - Las Vegas

Well once again it's been awhile since I have posted. I was busy over the past 7 months with helping my wife plan our wedding. I have been recently married as of November 4th, 2008. We had 36 guests join us in Cuba at the Occidental Royal Hideaway Ensenachos Resort where we exchanged vows drank a lot and had a great time.

Been back in Canada for a few weeks and then gone to Vegas for AU 2008. I just returned yesterday and I have to say AU is well worth attending if you have never been. I went with a few co-workers specializing in the AEC and MSD world of Autodesk and each of them had great things to say. Seeing some of the software that Autodesk is working on for the future was really neat. I took mostly the Revit MEP content creation classes, although a couple of the classes lack advance knowledge which I was looking for I still got a better understanding of even the basic knowledge and quicker ways of doing things.

But overall most classes were great and the most important thing I find with Autodesk University if meeting new people and seeing how they are doing things in the real world. As a reseller I get to see the user use the programs but it's great to hear in person from users all over the world.

Look forward to next year maybe then I can make some money back from the tables :)

Google Chrome - Web Browser

For this post I have decided to put the industry aside for a day and tell you about some geek news on a different level. A great new web browser has been launched this past week by Google and they call it CHROME.

Google has taken a different approach on a web browser and have decided to create a browser for today's web based user requirements, such as watching and uploading videos, chatting over the Internet and playing web-based games.

Other web browsers like IE, firefox, maxthon and safari all were designed many many years ago based on the IE architecture when people just used the web for browsing the internet. Google has taken a fresh approach to the web browser and I think you are going to like it.

You can download the Google Chrome from here, after install you will be presented with a streamlined web browser with two tabs. What I like most about the browser is how Google created quick easy to watch videos on some of the features of Chrome and also a comic book explaining the story about Chrome being development and the theory being the browser.

I tested Chrome this past weekend and I must say I am very impressed. I used Maxthon for the past 4 years I felt Maxthon was a great browser far better than firefox and IE. however Google has now made web browsing smoother and faster. I have now officially made Chrome my default browser.

Below I will list some of the features:

Crash Control

- Every tab you're using is run independently in the browser, so if one app crashes it won't take anything else down. Basically each tab runs as a separate process.

Application Shortcuts

- Use web applications without opening your browser. Application shortcuts can directly load your favorite online app.

Incognito Mode

- Don't want pages you visit to show up in your web history? Choose incognito mode for private browsing

Simpler Downloads

- No intrusive download manager; you see your download's status at the bottom of your current window.

Those are just a few of the features available. So what are you waiting for? This browser is a must download and try. I am sure within a week you will be making Google Chrome your default web browser.

Autodesk working on a 3D Plant Package?

Not sure who all knows about this or if it's relatively recent news. I received an e-mail last week from my feedback portal that Autodesk will be hosting a sneak peak at AutoCAD Plant 3D.

Three sessions will be hosted on Wed. July 30th, 2008 at the following times.

7:30 am (PDT, GMT-7hours)

10:00 am (PDT, GMT-7hours)

6:00 pm (PDT, GMT-7hours)

This application is a follow on to AutoCAD P&ID and is for 3D piping design and modeling. I am excited to see what Autodesk will be showing.

My questions I hope to have answered would be will this package compete with other software on the market place like ProCAD, and CADWorx?

Will we soon seen a Revit Plant package? I think that is what everyone is wondering and hoping for. I guess Autodesk feels it's better to bring the AutoCAD solution for plant before the Revit solution. Either way I can't wait to see what's they have in store.

Well that's about it from now, I will post more on this down the road, I have yet to get my hands on a beta version and from my knowledge one has not been released yet.

AutoCAD MEP 2009 - Update #1

Autodesk has released update #1 for AutoCAD MEP 2009 release date July 25th, 2008.

Here are the links below

AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2009 Product Update #1 32-bit only

AutoCAD MEP 2009 Product Update #1 32-bit

AutoCAD MEP 2009 Product Update #1 64-bit

Many improvements have been made with this update, I recommend reading the Readme file.

Don't forget to turn on communication center if you have not done so already. That way you will always stay up to date.

ARCAT - free library of BIM objects

We all know now about Autodesk Seek, BIM World, Revit City three main locations for Revit users to find content. Well here we go again, just as I finish my previous post I receive information in my inbox on another website this time offering free BIM object libraries.

Company name is ARCAT Inc. ARCAT provides building product information for architects, spec writers, engineers and contractors. Including 10,500 manufacturers with thousands of their cad details, specifications, wizards, links to every web site and other information. This data assists professionals in making informed product selections.

However that's not all the company has to offer, you can download BIM families, CAD libraries free. Here is the link ARCAT BIM Library

I downloaded a couple of families and yes they have a ton of information the families very spec driven which is what ARCAT is about. However on the MEP side of things they are missing the Electrical and Mechanical Connectors, that can created more work on our own end if using the MEP families. Some families are very detailed so some tweaking and cleaning up might be involved.

You also have to register before downloading any of the families no different then other sites offering free content. I have to say that surfing through some of the content that I am impressed with what is offered and how clean the interface is to browse for the content. Best of all every family has a 3D view showing.

I hope this post has opened your eyes to yet another company providing Revit content and that you can utilize some of the content for future projects.

Enjoy!!

Broutek - buy Revit Families

I believe this company was posted about last year on another blog, I wanted to post again for some of the new comers to the Revit Family of products.

Broutek Ltd. is a London-based company providing ready-to-use product families for Autodesk's Revit Platform.

You can request content that Broutek will create for your company and Broutek states they can have the content created in less than 48 hours. with no extra charge or obligation to purchase

If you want to buy families already created they have credit packs that you may purchase example would be $300 for 5 families. Currently posted on the web site I counted roughly 780 families available for purchase.

All families are fully parametric, and Broutek has sample families you can download. Here is the web site address Broutek Ltd.

Many companies such as Broutek are providing similar content over the web at a cost. So if your firm is in a bind for a specific family and does not have the staff or someone who knows family creation these companies might be the best alternative.

Revit 2009 Update #1 Released

Hello everyone, it's been awhile since I have posted on my blog, a few months actually. Things have been hectic with wedding planning and work. I have not found the time to post.

Autodesk has released web update #1 for Revit MEP, Structure and Architecture. You can find more information on the download pages. Build # (20080602 1900).

Download and Enjoy!