I wanted to personally inform you about some new developments to the First Trace website that you and CAD TechRx readers may find valuable. At http://www.firsttrace.com/ we have added a new Kinnosa Product Tour section that lets site visitors experience the different interface options provided by this flexible Engineering Document Management (EDM) solution.
Take the Kinnosa Product Tour yourself and invite others to witness how Kinnosa directly integrates with Windows Explorer, CAD Tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MicroStation, as well as Desktop Applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These multiple interface options provide tremendous flexibility to engineers needing to control their important CAD files and related documentation.
We have also created a new Webinar Series of live educational events for the engineering community. Please visit our Events Page to check out our upcoming events, including our next Webinar: The Five Pillars of Engineering Document Management. This event was born out of our most popular white paper of the same name, so we are holding 2 sessions of this Webinar on Sept 22 @ 10AM PT / 1PM ET and Sept 24 @ 12PM PT / 3PM ET.
Best Regards,
Kyle Blair
Product Marketing Manager
+1 480.940.2393
kblair@firsttrace.com
http://www.firsttrace.com/
Material Submitted to CADTechRx by Kyle Blair
7.9.09
CAD Watch – gINT Software - Graphic Displays of Geologic Data
gINT Software graphically displays geologic data from Soil Borings. Third Party Add-ons give users the ability to seamlessly utilize gINT data in AutoCAD, Excel (Langan-LagEq) and Esri ArcGIS (Datgal, Rockware). The most current version of gINT can create displays in Google Earth.
Geologic data is usually collected by geologic technicians in the field. It is brought back to the office and transcribed into gINT software later. Technicians may enter this data from the scientist's hand written field notes on gINT templates or import from specialized logging software like Plog.
Examples of Various gINT Boring Logs:
http://www.gintsoftware.com/reports_boringlogs.html
What is new in gINT - Google Earth
http://www.datgel.com/gINTVersion8_2.aspx
Geologic data is usually collected by geologic technicians in the field. It is brought back to the office and transcribed into gINT software later. Technicians may enter this data from the scientist's hand written field notes on gINT templates or import from specialized logging software like Plog.
Examples of Various gINT Boring Logs:
http://www.gintsoftware.com/reports_boringlogs.html
What is new in gINT - Google Earth
http://www.datgel.com/gINTVersion8_2.aspx
15.8.09
PDF Mark-Up or Signature Not Printing? Here's a Quick Fix!
Mark-ups and Signatures on Adobe PDF files may not always print as they appear on the original or the screen. In some cases, if markups originate from more than once source, it is possible to print out the document and discover that while some of the hand marked entries are visible others did not print at all.
To fix this: Check your settings in the print command. Set your Comments and Forms Drop down box to: Comments and Markups.
In our example, the bottom signature printed fine but not the top one when our Comments and Forms setting was Document. Changing our setting solved the problem.
To fix this: Check your settings in the print command. Set your Comments and Forms Drop down box to: Comments and Markups.
In our example, the bottom signature printed fine but not the top one when our Comments and Forms setting was Document. Changing our setting solved the problem.
21.7.09
AVG is FREE and Easy- Virus Protection
Our AVG Virus Protection subscription ran out and instead of renewing the paid subscription we installed the free version.
We like the free AVG better for our home office purposes than the more complex version, purchased a year ago. We never could figure out how to configure the FireWall in the purchased version. The FireWall settings look like they are designed for professional IT departments who are running AVG in a corporate environment.
The free version installed easily during our lunch break with no glitches. It was up and running in a few minutes. We don’t like the automatic scan daily but this can be stopped or paused (nice feature) by right clicking on the AVG tray icon.
An irritating new addition to the free version since we last used it is a browser toolbar. AVG recommends at install that you accept this feature, but it might be better to pass. This tool bar includes a superfluous search engine textbox which defaults to Yahoo and is difficult, at first glance, to configure or turn off. This unwelcome addition to our already bogged down Windows Browser hogs screen space below the Windows menu bar. In our opinion this makes Yahoo look like the wannabe. Can’t they find a more elegant way to advertise?
We like the free AVG better for our home office purposes than the more complex version, purchased a year ago. We never could figure out how to configure the FireWall in the purchased version. The FireWall settings look like they are designed for professional IT departments who are running AVG in a corporate environment.
The free version installed easily during our lunch break with no glitches. It was up and running in a few minutes. We don’t like the automatic scan daily but this can be stopped or paused (nice feature) by right clicking on the AVG tray icon.
An irritating new addition to the free version since we last used it is a browser toolbar. AVG recommends at install that you accept this feature, but it might be better to pass. This tool bar includes a superfluous search engine textbox which defaults to Yahoo and is difficult, at first glance, to configure or turn off. This unwelcome addition to our already bogged down Windows Browser hogs screen space below the Windows menu bar. In our opinion this makes Yahoo look like the wannabe. Can’t they find a more elegant way to advertise?
Economic Downturn - We're Still Alive!
The economy has been so discouraging that for a time we gave up on CAD TechRX but then decided to continue to report our experiences and discoveries running a small business even when we are totally on the ground and very gritty. We know we’re not alone and maybe our experiences can help someone out!
5.4.09
CAD Manager's Job Description Evolves to CAD/BIM Manager
The job description of CAD Manager continues to evolve. We have noticed an increasing demand for CAD Managers whose skill set includes an in-depth knowledge of both AutoCAD and BIM from an Information Technology perspective.
This trend is eloquently described in a recent post on Mistress of Dorkness.
BIM Managers connect like CAD Managers
http://mistressofthedorkness.blogspot.com/2009/02/bim-managers-connect-like-cad-managers.html
This trend is eloquently described in a recent post on Mistress of Dorkness.
BIM Managers connect like CAD Managers
http://mistressofthedorkness.blogspot.com/2009/02/bim-managers-connect-like-cad-managers.html
2.3.09
MEP BIM Coordination Debate
"There is a general confusion when it comes to Revit. Revit is simply a different platform.
If you are coordinating a project, there is a common platform, such as NAVIS WORKS where all of the different elements come together to collaborate.
For example your steel can be created by Tecla, your architecture by Revit, your Fire Protection by FireCad, your HVAC/Mechanical piping by Maps software, your plumbing by Quickpen, and your electrical by Revit MEP.
All of the different file extrentions get loaded on to the NavisWorks File (NWF) reguardless from where they originated. The biggest issue emerging is the lack of understanding……and the fact that everyone is being misled by software vendors. As of today (and for at least the next 5-7 years) no one platform is capable of creating a true Building Information Model. "
This helpful information was submitted by:
Franklyn Lowder
BIM Coordinator
CADTECH, Inc
If you are coordinating a project, there is a common platform, such as NAVIS WORKS where all of the different elements come together to collaborate.
For example your steel can be created by Tecla, your architecture by Revit, your Fire Protection by FireCad, your HVAC/Mechanical piping by Maps software, your plumbing by Quickpen, and your electrical by Revit MEP.
All of the different file extrentions get loaded on to the NavisWorks File (NWF) reguardless from where they originated. The biggest issue emerging is the lack of understanding……and the fact that everyone is being misled by software vendors. As of today (and for at least the next 5-7 years) no one platform is capable of creating a true Building Information Model. "
This helpful information was submitted by:
Franklyn Lowder
BIM Coordinator
CADTECH, Inc
Computer Import Email Scam now Merging with Identity Theft!
This is an example of Email Spam that has been in circulation for some time. We were just contacted by a local firm that had received this email cc'd to our company! We had nothing to do with the sender or the receiver. Our corporate email address had been used without our knowledge to give fake legitimacy to the email. If you receive an email like this it is a scam. There are many variations in circulation. The senders want your confidential information.
Original Message ----- From: nelson anderson
Hello,How you doing? My name is Nelson,i hail from UK and right now i work in Germany I read description and am interested in your services,I will be importing some computer into the United States.The PC are laptops pentium 4 dell computer ..i want you to Install software, clean inner & outer computer components, update software to current status.Get back to me with you total cost for the services of 10 computer.i will like You to know that my mode of payment is by check.I await your urgent response so that i can put the arrangement in order.Thanks.
Original Message ----- From: nelson anderson
Hello,How you doing? My name is Nelson,i hail from UK and right now i work in Germany I read description and am interested in your services,I will be importing some computer into the United States.The PC are laptops pentium 4 dell computer ..i want you to Install software, clean inner & outer computer components, update software to current status.Get back to me with you total cost for the services of 10 computer.i will like You to know that my mode of payment is by check.I await your urgent response so that i can put the arrangement in order.Thanks.
17.2.09
OfficeMax $10.00 Ink Cartridge Refills - Recession Buster!
OfficeMax will refill your Printer Ink Cartridges for $10.00. Last week, skeptical but faced with a budget crunch, we took in our empty HP cartridge for a fill up. We only had to wait about 5 minutes while the cartridge was filled.
The refilled cartridge works fine, with some minor glitches. Our HP printer did not immediately recoginize that the ink had been replaced and for a few days we had to ignore dire "Out of Ink" Warnings, when printing. The warnings dissapeared and though a low ink level is still indicated when we print, our prints look normal.
Addendum- 3/02/08: Last week, we went back to OfficeMax with a color cartridge to refill and were told that there was such a long wait that it would take a day! We opted to buy a new cartridge, instead. After replacing our color cartridge with a new one, we noted that although the new HP cartridge registers as full, HP shows the refilled/full cartridge as empty.
24.1.09
CAD Watch - Allplan by Nemetschek - Europe's Popular BIM Solution
We were recently contacted by an architectural designer, looking for work who had just moved to the US, from Spain. He told us that the demand for Revit skills here was a surpise. According to him, Allplan is widely used for 3D architectural design in Europe and Revit is virtually unknown.
Lachmi Khemlani provides an in-depth summary of Allplan's history, strengths and weaknesses on her informative site, AECBYTES. She also states that Allplan is very popular in Europe. Allplan BIM 2008 Architecture
Here are some excerpts from Lachmi's article in which she outlines basic differences between Allplan and Revit
“…One of the most complex aspects of Allplan that needs to be understood before being able to work with it effectively is how the data is structured. A project is the main organizational unit, and unlike centralized model applications such as Revit, a project in Allplan is a folder containing a large number of sub-folders and files rather than a single file….”
“…Other pluses are its multi-disciplinary capability, all available within the same application, in contrast to other multi-disciplinary suites such as Revit and Bentley, which have different applications for the different disciplines….”
Nemetschek-Allplan
Lachmi Khemlani provides an in-depth summary of Allplan's history, strengths and weaknesses on her informative site, AECBYTES. She also states that Allplan is very popular in Europe. Allplan BIM 2008 Architecture
Here are some excerpts from Lachmi's article in which she outlines basic differences between Allplan and Revit
“…One of the most complex aspects of Allplan that needs to be understood before being able to work with it effectively is how the data is structured. A project is the main organizational unit, and unlike centralized model applications such as Revit, a project in Allplan is a folder containing a large number of sub-folders and files rather than a single file….”
“…Other pluses are its multi-disciplinary capability, all available within the same application, in contrast to other multi-disciplinary suites such as Revit and Bentley, which have different applications for the different disciplines….”
Nemetschek-Allplan
10.1.09
How to Scan Wrinkled Blueprints and Plans
To scan damaged plans which are badly wrinkled take two pieces of mylar that match the dimensions of the plans, make a pocket and sandwhich the paper plan in between the mylar. Run this through your scanner. Your scans should come out ironed. Tip submitted by Brian Kramer- FedEx/Kinko's
30.12.08
Convert NAD27 Data to NAD83
Here's a link to a helpful utility web page that will convert NAD27 numeric data to NAD83 and visa versa.NAD27 and NAD83 coordinates can be drawn in AutoCAD, but only as inert points.
NAD27 and NAD83 coordinates can be accurately plotted and converted graphically (NAD27 to NAD83 or vice versa) in AutoDesk Civil 3D, Autodesk Map, Autodesk Land Development Desktop and ESRI GIS.
16.11.08
Duplicate Block Name Nightmare - AutoCAD Block inserts with mystery entities
This block snafu question was submitted to us by a busy CAD operator who was driven nuts by unwanted entities which mysteriously inserted with his titleblocks. It is a useful example of how not to setup office blocks.
2. The 11x17 title block looks fine. There is no sign of other block entities in the drawing. We don't see an addtional 8.5x11 border in this drawing.
3. If the 11x17 Title block is inserted into a drawing in which the definition of the 8.5x11 border block already exists we see an unwanted block entity - the 8.5x11 border. Note that the 11x17 border block was not pulled up by the drawing. The existing definition was used. This results in a corrupted title block. The end user may be clueless as to the cause.
5. If you need a fast temporary fix, attach the TitleBlock as an XREF .
Best Practices: Keep block names distinctive, descriptive and different for each entity in your block library. This includes blocks you are using to build other blocks.
1. Two titleblocks are created with 2 different names. The border is a another block inside each titleblock.
The 8.5x11 border block in the 8.5x11 titleblock has the same name (TB_BORDER) as the 11x17 border block (TB_BORDER) in the 11x17 titleblock.
2. The 11x17 title block looks fine. There is no sign of other block entities in the drawing. We don't see an addtional 8.5x11 border in this drawing.
3. If the 11x17 Title block is inserted into a drawing in which the definition of the 8.5x11 border block already exists we see an unwanted block entity - the 8.5x11 border. Note that the 11x17 border block was not pulled up by the drawing. The existing definition was used. This results in a corrupted title block. The end user may be clueless as to the cause.4. To fix. Rename the internal TB_BORDER block. You can use the RENAME command without exploding the blocks.
5. If you need a fast temporary fix, attach the TitleBlock as an XREF .
Best Practices: Keep block names distinctive, descriptive and different for each entity in your block library. This includes blocks you are using to build other blocks.
3.11.08
Looking for an Online Fax Service? - We Recommend GotVMail
We really like GotVMail's Online Toll-Free Fax Service. Client's who need to share drawings with us can easily fax in their plans.
GotVMail's TIFFServer interface gives us the ability to mark-up our incoming faxes and save them to PDF or JPG.
The dashboard features include: Convert to PDF, Scroll pages, Fit, Zoom, Format, Add a Sticky Note, Add text, Highlight, Add an arrow, Stamp. The Stamp cursor menu, shown in the screen shot below, provides a selection of messages to choose from.
Although GotVMail's 800 numbers can double as a fax line we don't recommend this for anyone who relies on their fax. Clients complained that transmission was intermittant when they faxed to our Gotvmail 800 number. Adding a dedicated GotVMail fax line solved the problem.
GotVMail's technical support team is responsive and available via phone or email. They can customize your setup.
Visit GotVMail.com for more information.
Although GotVMail's 800 numbers can double as a fax line we don't recommend this for anyone who relies on their fax. Clients complained that transmission was intermittant when they faxed to our Gotvmail 800 number. Adding a dedicated GotVMail fax line solved the problem.
GotVMail's technical support team is responsive and available via phone or email. They can customize your setup.
Visit GotVMail.com for more information.
15.9.08
AutoCAD to TurboCAD - Fix Corrupted Text Glitch
TurboCAD 8 corrupted some of our dimensions in an imported AutoCAD DWG file with romans.shx/MTEXT. Note that the Diameter symbols (created with %%c) are huge. TurboCAD also rotated the correctly placed AutoCAD dimensions and moved them off to the right. Inside AutoCAD, we exploded the MTEXT in our Dimensions. Our client reported that this did the trick when he pulled the revised DWG into TurboCAD.
16.8.08
PDF2WORD v3.0 - Works like a charm! - Convert PDF to Word for FREE
This little app is a miracle worker. It downloads and installs quickly with no glitches. A dialog box will ask you to register but hit the Try button and go to the File menu. Pull up your PDF and convert. You will be given 99 free tries. Warning: Opening the application counts as a try even if you don't actually convert a file.
The verypdf.com web site states that the letter S will be inserted randomly into your Doc by the trial version. We could not find any additional letters in our test run.
The test app will only convert docs with 5 pages or less. In order to convert larger PDF files you will have to purchase the software. We think the purchase price of $39.95 is worth it!
Our PDF came out formatted correctly in Word. We noted that our Word.doc's font did not match that of the original PDF. The font defaulted to Times New Roman in Word. Our images converted correctly.
Get your PDF2Word 3.0 here:
The verypdf.com web site states that the letter S will be inserted randomly into your Doc by the trial version. We could not find any additional letters in our test run.
The test app will only convert docs with 5 pages or less. In order to convert larger PDF files you will have to purchase the software. We think the purchase price of $39.95 is worth it!
Our PDF came out formatted correctly in Word. We noted that our Word.doc's font did not match that of the original PDF. The font defaulted to Times New Roman in Word. Our images converted correctly.
Get your PDF2Word 3.0 here:
25.7.08
Recommended for CADD + Technical Training - American River College, Sacramento, CA
Employers and Career Counselors recommend Indian River College in Sacramento, CA. They say that Indian River's Technology graduates can hit the ground running.
These Indian River programs include CADD + technical training.
CAD classes can be taken up to 4 times using different software releases!
CADD - Drafting & Design Technology
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Design-Technology-DESGN.htm
CADD - Engineering Technology
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Engineering-ENGR.htm
DIGITAL - Art New Media
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Art-New-Media-ARTNM.htm
Helpful Staff are available at the college to answer your questions, via phone.
American River College - Sacramento
4700 College Oak Dr
Sacramento, CA 95841-4286
Phone General: (916) 484-8011
Admissions: (916) 484-8261
Financial aid: (916) 484-8437
http://www.arc.losrios.edu/
These Indian River programs include CADD + technical training.
CAD classes can be taken up to 4 times using different software releases!
CADD - Drafting & Design Technology
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Design-Technology-DESGN.htm
CADD - Engineering Technology
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Engineering-ENGR.htm
DIGITAL - Art New Media
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Art-New-Media-ARTNM.htm
Helpful Staff are available at the college to answer your questions, via phone.
American River College - Sacramento
4700 College Oak Dr
Sacramento, CA 95841-4286
Phone General: (916) 484-8011
Admissions: (916) 484-8261
Financial aid: (916) 484-8437
http://www.arc.losrios.edu/
12.7.08
Tips on How to Convert 2D AutoCAD DWG to 3D in Chief Architect
Chief X1 is compatible with AutoCAD 2008 DXF format.
The New CAD to Walls feature improves 2D to 3D Conversion inside Chief Architect.
Tips on how to convert 2D AutoCAD drawings to 3D in Chief Architect
1. Trace over the imported 2D AutoCAD file using CAD snaps and dims. Chief Architect can then build the 3D model.
2. Use the improved CAD to Walls feature in X1
Tip: Layer granularity in the AutoCAD drawing will help. Make sure all entities are on a dedicated layer in AutoCAD, i.e. walls, windows, doors etc. Chief Architect can then recognize them and build the model. Coordinate the layers you will need with your AutoCAD client before they get started, if possible.
It is also possible to import your DWG as an AutoCAD 3D file.
We recommend that you download a trial version of Chief Architect to test compatibility issues with AutoCAD files. It is not possible to plot in the trial version.
Chief Architect's sales team is informative and available via the phone. Call 1-208-664-4204 for more information.
The New CAD to Walls feature improves 2D to 3D Conversion inside Chief Architect.
Tips on how to convert 2D AutoCAD drawings to 3D in Chief Architect
1. Trace over the imported 2D AutoCAD file using CAD snaps and dims. Chief Architect can then build the 3D model.
2. Use the improved CAD to Walls feature in X1
Tip: Layer granularity in the AutoCAD drawing will help. Make sure all entities are on a dedicated layer in AutoCAD, i.e. walls, windows, doors etc. Chief Architect can then recognize them and build the model. Coordinate the layers you will need with your AutoCAD client before they get started, if possible.
It is also possible to import your DWG as an AutoCAD 3D file.
We recommend that you download a trial version of Chief Architect to test compatibility issues with AutoCAD files. It is not possible to plot in the trial version.
Chief Architect's sales team is informative and available via the phone. Call 1-208-664-4204 for more information.
ADDENDUM: 1/30/08 - How does Chief Architect rate? - Hail to the Chief!
http://aec.cadalyst.com/aec/Column:+AEC+Insight/BIM-Goes-Residential-AEC-Insight-Column/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/526899
16.6.08
How to Extract RAR "Zip" Files for Free
Occasionally, people send us AutoCAD Drawings compressed in RAR archived files.
We finally installed 7ZIPFREE and are glad we did. Download your copy at 7-zip.org
Not only does this handy free utility open and extract RAR files, it gives us an alternative with more options & control than the standard Zip function in Windows.
By right clicking any Zip file and choosing Z-Zip from the Curser Menu we can select from choices like: Zip to Email, Extract to a specific directory, Use 7Z or Zip.
Unlike the Windows Zip utility, 7Zip allows you to monitor where your extracted files will end up. A dialog box pops up with selections such as Ask Before Overwrite and Password Entry.
7Z does not create RAR files. If you want to create RAR, find out about WinRAR
We finally installed 7ZIPFREE and are glad we did. Download your copy at 7-zip.org
Not only does this handy free utility open and extract RAR files, it gives us an alternative with more options & control than the standard Zip function in Windows.
By right clicking any Zip file and choosing Z-Zip from the Curser Menu we can select from choices like: Zip to Email, Extract to a specific directory, Use 7Z or Zip.
Unlike the Windows Zip utility, 7Zip allows you to monitor where your extracted files will end up. A dialog box pops up with selections such as Ask Before Overwrite and Password Entry.
7Z does not create RAR files. If you want to create RAR, find out about WinRAR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
