Beth's CAD Blog

Autodesk University 2011

2011-11-25T22:38:00.000-05:00

Autodesk University 2011 is now upon us with the kickoff in the next few days. I was not able to attend Autodesk University 2010 due to my cancer and recovery that was more mental than physical. I was very proud to be selected to present at AU2011 and have been working on my presentation and looking forward to being back in Vegas one more time.

Unfortunately, circumstances beyond my control have made this trip impossible and I've had to cancel. I hate letting people down and every time I see something about Vegas or AU it reminds me of the experiences I've had there to learn, teach, and visit with friends. It reminds me of the visits there with my late husband, Peter, and what we enjoyed off the strip after AU.

I've been struggling all year with doing something different with my life. I've been exploring other options and taking classes. I'm changing into a healthcare field. This would've been my final AU. That's why it was so tough to cancel. I didn't know at the time that I submitted my proposals for AU or when I accepted that I was going to find the career change that I'd been search for since my husband's death.

I've written several AutoCAD MEP articles for AUGIWorld and will have the final one coming out shortly. I've done my best over the years to show AutoCAD and AutoCAD MEP users just how easy AutoCAD can be with straightforward information. Not because I'm any smarter than anyone else, but because I believe in sharing what I can.

I'm starting a new blog to share things I learn in life, in my new classes, and whatever comes across my mind to write about.

Thank you to all who have followed me and inspired me. Learn all you can and share what you learn with others.

AutoCAD & PDF

2010-09-14T06:41:00.000-05:00

I want to write a few items over upcoming posts about my experience with creating and using PDF files in AutoCAD. What is your reason for using PDF files? Why PDF and not DWF? Do you put multiple types of files in a single PDF document? Do you use AutoCAD to make your PDF files if you have a new enough version or do you use another software package to do this?

Thanks for the concern

2010-09-14T06:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone that has contacted me to see how I am doing. My surgery went fine and they got all the cancer with no further need for treatments. I'm glad I paid attention to my body and went to the doctor when something was off. That meant catching it early. I'll be followed every 3 months for the next year.

My son and his wife have moved here from China and I have a special guardian angel that has taken a role in caring for me.

This weekend will mark the one year anniversary of my husband's death. It's hard to believe it's been a year.

I've been away from the blog longer than ever before. I have been searching for what I want to do in life. I'd rather get back into using AutoCAD more and am searching for a job currently. It doesn't matter where, but I would like to settle into a long term job and just work with AutoCAD as I started out doing almost 20 years ago now.

Status

2010-05-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

What's New? Well, you've probably already heard that the Autodesk 2011 products are out now. Autodesk University submission deadline has come and gone and now the courses are open for voting on what you'd like to see.

I've been out of touch in all this. I took a trip to China for a couple of week's for my son's wedding. I enjoyed the experience greatly and got to see a lot of China that the normal tourists wouldn't see. It was the trip of a lifetime.

Right before I left, I was diagnosed with endometral cancer. I will be having surgery on May 24. The hope is that surgery will remove it all and chemotherapy and radiation will not be needed. Time will tell. So I'm out of the loop for a little while.

Layer Keys in AutoCAD Architecture & AutoCAD MEP

2010-03-23T20:16:00.000-05:00

It's not new, but it's is worth repeating.

Generating the Layers in a Layer Key Style

This is David Koch's blog, The Architect's Desktop.

What can you do for Autodesk?

2010-03-05T12:45:00.001-05:00

I've been someone that likes to give back to any place where I have learned something and feel that I can share something I've learned with others. I began doing this back in 2000 when I first started teaching the free on-line training classes for AUGI. I think we were still on an email list back then before the current website, but I'm not sure I can remember details now. I've since tried to teach AUGI ATP classes as much as they'll have me and I have something of value to provide.

I have also been involved with providing feedback to Autodesk for a long time. I started as a beta tester and later continued on as a beta tester to be able to keep one step ahead and offer some feedback but mainly as a way to be more prepared when it becomes permitted to speak on the new release officially. I don't have to play catch up and can get the word out with more authority and understanding.

I have done usability testing that has involved online or phone interviews or hands-on experiences at Autodesk University. I have done other types of feedback that continue to expand through Autodesk aimed at specific industries or software. I'm big on volunteering for any of these.

Why? Because if we all sit quietly on our hands how would Autodesk know what we thought and be able to make an attempt to develop products or even their website without asking us. And I've never been good at keeping my mouth shut anyhow! May be part of the redhead thing.

When you install your software you will be prompted for an opportunity to give feedback through customer experience as well as for any error reports. I highly encourage you to do this. Don't just skip past the dialog box.

Beta testing typically takes place in the fall, but you can sign up at any time. It's not advised to install beta software on your work production computer, but a separate computer or if you're at the extreme side on the geek scale you could do this from your home computer.

Sign up to beta test.

Now, come on Spring...

New Whitewalls for the CAD Cruiser

2010-02-09T22:44:00.001-05:00

The CADmobile is sporting brand new white walls. This is the look before the hubcaps go on.

(Ignore the dirty car.)

Now if we could just stop having all this snow...

Are you getting the training you need?

2010-01-25T12:47:00.001-05:00

It's come to my attention recently that some of the available training out there has changed. One firm I know of rarely has enough students for a class and therefore the few that do sign up keep getting canceled from the class. This is frustrating for those students that do want to learn I am sure.

The other change is based on the economy and trying to do more with less people. I've also seen many areas that have not experienced a downturn and are as busy as always. When firms are busy, it makes it harder to justify training. Of course it can certainly be said that with some good training, you may increase productivity. It's just not an immediate return on your investment.

Those of you that have trained with me in the past know that I've never followed conventional training methods. Now it would seem, trainers and firms that train across the country are all looking for ways to train differently.

If you are looking for training, besides the experience of the trainer, you may want to ask some of these questions. I always encourage them of anyone with whom I do training.

Do you offer custom training (without a lot of extra cost) to allow my employees to only be out of the office 1/2 day at a time or break training into 1 day a week for x number of weeks?
Do you offer webinar training to enhance classroom training?
Do you offer follow up training a month after our training for areas where we need to review more or expand our knowledge a little more indepth?
What type of support do you offer along the way as we are learning this new software?
Can you use some of our files in training?

Get the training that will help you be successful. Don't just attend some 3-4 day class where you'll retain a small amount and not gain as much when you return to your office and begin working on a real project.

AutoCAD MEP Real System Requiremnts

2009-12-15T20:42:00.001-05:00

As recommended by Autodesk.

64-bit System Recommendations
• Intel Pentium 4 with Intel EM64T support & SSE2 technology or AMD Athlon™
64 with SSE2 technology
• Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 and later
• 4 GB RAM
• 4.7 GB disk space (full install)
• 1280 x 1024 True Color display resolution
• 256 MB or greater, Direct 3D Video Adapter Card

In real life, if you are doing drawings of large projects or are also using Revit MEP, I would suggest 6-8GB of RAM.

Note that XP will only recognize 3GB of RAM with some tweaking of what is called the 3GB switch. You cannot take advantage of anymore RAM with XP. You would need to use Vista or Windows 7. I would expect the new release out in the spring to be compatible with Windows 7. That might be a smart time to upgrade.

Make sure you check your graphics card and have one from the Certified Hardware List.

AutoCAD MEP Extensions Available from Subscription Center

2009-12-15T20:25:00.002-05:00

It was announced at AU that a new content extension for piping would be available from the Subscription Center that week. It was reported to contain over 300 pipe fittings.

There was also a lesser known extension from Subscription Center on duct transitions.

If you are a Subscription Customer, be sure and visit the Subscription Center to download these extras for AutoCAD MEP.

Service Pack 1 is also available this month.

More AutoCAD MEP Training

2009-12-14T17:30:00.003-05:00

I am in Wilmington, DE this week doing AutoCAD MEP training for EastCoast CAD/CAM users.

Post AU2009 - AutoCAD MEP 2010 Settings

2009-12-12T19:16:00.001-05:00

Another Autodesk University is behind us. It will be interesting to see if the new elements of AU such as the virtual AU will be the new norm.

The class I taught this year was a lab on AutoCAD MEP. It was aimed at the settings that are all too often overwhelming and not understood for those new to the AutoCAD MEP program. If you attended AU or are a Subscription Customer, you should be able to download the handout from the list of online classes.

One often overlooked and misunderstood parts of set up is Layer Keys. AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP both use layer keys to automate the process of placing types of objects on the correct layers. The layer keys that come with either program are based on the AIA layering standard. To some, that in itself is confusing.

When we drew in vanilla AutoCAD, we constantly changed to a layer, created geometry, changed to another layer for another type of geometry or dimensioning or text. If we realized after the fact that we had forgotten a note for example, we added it often without changing back to the text layer. That resulted in both time to change from layer to layer and often objects on the wrong layers.

Layer keys can be by object or system. The most common way that I have seen them used and used them is object-based. So if we are designing supply duct, the layer key will "think" it's a duct and it's for supply and then choose the appropriate layer of M-SY-DUCT-SUPPLY.

You can edit and even replace the layer key style, but I would encourage you to only modify one rather than trying to start from scratch. Always make sure you make a copy of the layer style before you modify it also. I normally recommend preceding the new style name with your company name.

I would encourage you to look on the AU website for classes that cover layer keys for more information as well.

AU 2009 Day 3 & 4

2009-12-03T21:25:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending two AutoCAD MEP classes taught by David Butts. I have always admired his knowledge of AutoCAD MEP and tried to take one of his in the past but never could manage to do so.

I was greatly impressed with his presentation skills and knowledge. He is a good presenter. If you want to download a good handout, go to AU Online and download any of his material. You will not be disappointed.

I also attended a class on video training.

I was disappointed in the AUGI Annual Meeting held Wednesday evening. The meeting wasn't opened, did not seem as professional as it did in previous years, and was not well attended. It turned into more of an awards ceremony than anything else.

There have been many changes within the organization and many of them are not for the better. My attempts at volunteering in recent years have fallen on deaf ears. I no longer wish to serve on the Board of Directors as I once did, and suspect that they would not have me anyhow.

I still support AUGI and believe it's the best place you can go for peer-to-peer support. I will always recommend it to anyone regardless of my opinions.

In past years, AUGI was a bigger more professional presence and there were daily AUGI bulletins, an assigned day to wear your AUGI-wear, and the annual meeting followed by the beer bust was THE event not to miss.

This year, besides the meeting being hugely disappointing, glasses were handed out but there was no excitement level and no mad rush to the beer bust. The exhibit hall didn't even open until more than an hour after the end of the meeting, so I chose to not attend. I didn't feel like standing around that long. Yet another indication that some of the magic of AU seems to be disappearing.

Today I presented my AutoCAD MEP class at 8:00. I had a good audience and believe the class went well. I would have liked to have had more time with the students, but this is AU and 90-minutes is it. I have had good reviews so far.

I also attended another AutoCAD MEP class by some well known AutoCAD MEP gurus. I have to say that I only picked up one trick, but found that while I have seen their names and followed them for several years they really are not good presenters. It is obvious that they know the product, but they know what's in it and not necessarily how to present it.

It is good to sit in on sessions on products that you know to see what you don't know or to see how other people present them. In this latter class, I found myself biting my tongue because they were typing all commands and didn't know where to tell users to find them. I certainly type commands and have for years, but when I teach a class I make a point to use the ribbon or tools available and to learn where everything is and show the students how to find them. I found this distracting, but I realize that I was being critical.

Tonight will be the final party, where I'm headed now. I will be leaving early in Friday morning to fly home.

AU 2009 Day 2

2009-12-02T18:52:00.001-05:00

I do believe that AU is scaled back in many ways from previous years.

While I normally am not a breakfast person, I at least like some orange juice in the morning. This year there was no breakfast served in the traditional sense as past years. There was only coffee, water, and some baked bread or muffins.

The main Keynote Address has always been a big deal. Each year outdoes the previous year. This year, there were some interesting points, but anyone speaking didn't seem all that enthusiastic and there was no excitement in the air at all. There was no grand finale at the end. A speaker finished speaking and that was it. It seemed as if everyone looked at each other as if to say "Was that it?".

The first AU that I attended was at the MGM Grand. It was claimed that the walk from the elevators where the rooms were to the conference area was a distance of 1 mile. The walk at the Venetian was long, but not quite as long. The longest distances are always to meals.

This year, the walk seemed as long as the MGM. I don't know what it is, but if I walk as fast as I can it takes me 15 minutes to get from the conference to the room. The walk has always been on carpeted floors, but at the Mandalay Bay it is hard floor, which is less comfortable to walk that distance.

The exhibit hall seemed much smaller too, but I do not have any facts on the actual size.

As I understand it there are a lot of Virtual AU attendees. I'm not sure if the high virtual presence had anything to do with attendance at the live conference or if it was the economy or just how these other areas I've noticed come into play.

There seem to be people talking about how it feels "cheapened" without being less money to attend.

After I've presented my class and have more time or after I've returned home, I'll have to catch up on the other blogs and see if anyone else made similar observations.

AU 2009 Day 1

2009-12-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Normally I arrive over the weekend before AU. This year, it was easier and the same or less expensive to leave very early Monday morning and arrive in Vegas at 10:30 AM. I simply stayed up all night so that I could not have to get up at 4:00 to get ready for a cab.

I arrived in Vegas, took the shuttle from the airport, and was surprised to check into the Mandalay Bay without having to wait until afternoon. I stowed my luggage, checked email, and went to register and attend the ATC Conference.

I normally do not attend ATC events, but I have been working with an ATC in Little Rock this year and had the opportunity to do so.

The Blogger Social and Speaker Social were scheduled for the same time and next to each other at Border's Grille. They sort of intermingled together so you couldn't tell where one started and the other ended. The AEC Mixer was also began later in the evening, though I did not attend it.

While I am not a party person, the social events at AU that are aimed at specific groups are a good way to meet people that you have only corresponded with or only get to see in person at AU.

I met Luciana Klein again and another person from Brazil. I met Sinith Babu again from India. I saw Melanie Perry, Lynn Allen, Shaan Hurley, Kate Morrical, Robin Caper and others whose name escapes me.

I also had some discussions with the Autodesk folks. They wanted to know what my blog audience wants to hear? Well, I don't blog for an audience and that's what I said. If I get a question through support for something that I think should be heard by everyone, I translate the support question into a blog entry.

If I learn something new or want to point out something that comes up when I am writing training materials, I make a blog post. I'm not here to impress anyone and I'm not here to be swayed by any one firm. If I see a problem, I'll write about it.

I was also interviewed on camera for Exchange and asked what blogs I follow. Well, thanks to Robin Caper of RobiNZ CAD Blog, I have followed RSS Feeds for a while. I don't do the daily newspaper or watch morning talk shows. I go to Bloglines and read the blogs that have new posts.

Tomorrow is the first official day of AU. Need to hit the ground running and go from breakfast through a day of classes. The class (lab) that I'm presenting is the first thing on Thursday morning. I'll fly out Friday morning.

Attending and Presenting at AU 2009

2009-11-28T13:23:00.001-05:00

It has been difficult to focus on AU, even though each year I am primed and ready to go from the time registration opens forward. This year is much more subdued and it is all I can do to follow through and make this trip. I can't disappoint the AU staff and I can't disappoint the students that have signed up for my class.

This year I was scheduled to teach two classes in AutoCAD MEP, but it has been reduced down to one lab now.

For the past almost two years now I have been specializing in AutoCAD MEP exclusively and working with EastCoast CAD/CAM to train their customers both online and in the classroom. Because of that experience, I have seen how difficult it is for users that are presented with AutoCAD MEP to have any idea where to begin.

In most cases, either the program is not used or it is used to do 2D linework and with the same methods that were used in AutoCAD. That was why I proposed to teach this class.

This will be my third year in a row teaching a class. This will be my second lab taught at AU. This will be the most difficult one to date.

If you are not able to join AU or Virtual AU this year and have access to the AU website, be sure and check the class after the event is over and download the handout. I regret that it was not available further in advance.

I look forward to see you at AU!

My absence and mourning

2009-09-21T21:51:00.002-05:00

I have been absent from my blog due to my husband, Peter's deteriorating health. He finally is at peace now and I am in mourning. I will resume by blog in a few weeks. Thank you for your patience. I have kept up his blog here and you'll find the actual post of his death.

I will miss him greatly and will love him forever.

Working with Revit MEP

2009-08-29T22:12:00.002-05:00

Since AutoCAD MEP has been around longer than Revit MEP, I've got more experience with the AutoCAD MEP program. I have been around Revit and was on the scene working for a reseller when Revit MEP came out. I followed it closely for the first couple of years and then just watched from the outside as an MEP consultant.

If you find your firm going to Revit MEP, it's probably because you have landed or want to land a project where it is required. If you have some AutoCAD MEP experience, you will at least understand systems and connections. If you have Revit Architecture or Revit Structure experience, then you will at least understand Revit and families.

Two questions always come up. First, what are the system requirements. For most Autodesk programs you can find these at the Autodesk website. For Revit MEP, I believe these specifications are inadequate for real world use. The second questions is always whether the product is ready for prime time. It's getting better, but it's a matter of question and debate.

You'll find the Revit MEP System Requirements here.

What I recommend for Revit MEP is that you read some posts in the AUGI Forums on the experiences of other users. You'll learn some of the following that I gleaned today.

Revit MEP files can be 75-150MB in size. Add to this a possible additional 500 MB in linked models. You may have both a structural model and an architectural model.

You need to anticipate file size and how your network is going to access these files. Network speed and capacity is going to play a role here, not just what computers you buy.

Revit does not yet take advantage of multi-core machines. Rendering is the only portion that can use multi-core as I understand it. Clock speed and RAM seem to have the biggest impact. Seems to be 12MB is the minimum RAM.

When you start to look at your pilot project, you'll also want to visit and discuss with other users different methods that work better in addition to whomever will be handling your implementation. You're going to need help to do this right.

Some firms separate disciplines into different central files while others create a workset per floor per discipline. Most seem to strip the architectural file to decrease the size. You'll want to review the pros and cons of these actions since some methods almost defeat the purpose of using Revit because you lose the ability to connect when you split up to more manageable file sizes.

Here are some threads and resources that I recommend you investigate before you invest in a system or begin a new workflow.

Happy with your Hardware?

Revit MEP Afterthoughts

Revit - Hardware & Operating Systems

Revit MEP Resource Center

Autodesk Model Performance Technical Note (.pdf)

Autodesk Whitepaper on Hybrid MEP Design and Documentation (.pdf)

Blogs

Revit Garage

The MEP CAD Engineer

Revit MEP Blog

Inside the System

CAD Shack

The BIM Bulletin

Hybrid Design with AutoCAD MEP & Revit MEP

2009-08-22T20:52:00.003-05:00

Autodesk Webcast on MEP Engineering Webcast Series: Hybrid Design & Documentation with Autodesk MEP Engineering Solutions
Date and Time: 2009-Aug-26
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Pacific Daylight Time

Read this whitepaper on hybrid designs with AutoCAD MEP & Revit MEP.

Check out more resources on the Revit MEP Resource Center and the AutoCAD MEP Resource Center.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Turn off warnings

2009-08-21T12:29:00.006-05:00

AutoCAD MEP 2010 has solution tips as did 2009. Many users call these "warnings" which is why they often have trouble finding information about them in the Help file.

Under the View tab of the ribbon you will find an MEP View Panel that contains toggles to turn on and off Flow Arrows, Solution Tips, and the Compass.

New Revit MEP Blog

2009-08-21T08:20:00.003-05:00

A new blog by another AutoCAD MEP consultant like me. Welcome.

The BIM Bulletin

AutoCAD Selection Tip

2009-08-18T18:05:00.005-05:00

You may have followed my Top Tips post late last year. The top support request that I get is always around selection. It's either one of two things.

Both of these are solved from the Selection Tab of Options. Both of these are caused by events other than the user changing them in the Selection Tab of Options.

Noun/Verb Selection
This allows user to select the object and then select the command or select the command and then select the object. If you are selecting the object followed by the command and then are prompted to "select objects", then this is probably unchecked.

Use Shift to add to selection
This was created for the small population of people that have a fear of selecting too many objects at once (not counting window or crossing). When this is checked, let's say you select the erase command. You select an object and then click to select a second object and the first one becomes unselected. If you didn't have too many martinis for lunch then this box probably needs to be unchecked.

Both of these go back at least to R11 when I began using AutoCAD and I'm sure way before then. The dinosaurs probably used these commands first.

Home Run Arrows in AutoCAD MEP

2009-08-17T11:06:00.002-05:00

In AutoCAD MEP, the Annotation Tab of Electrical Preferences allows you to control the tick marks, the home run arrows, connections, and crossings.

If you do not want tick marks or do not want tick marks shown on a home run, you can un-check the options.

To change the home run arrow, you choose arrow type in a similar manner to choosing arrows in a dimension style. In fact, the drop down list will look very familiar to you if you've changed arrows in dimension styles.

Paper distance fields in the dialog box are the plotted height of the annotation.

Autodesk University Early Registration Opens August 12, 2009

2009-08-10T18:35:00.003-05:00

If you are an AUGI member, Subscription Member, or Member of AU Online you can register for Autodesk University August 12th. Don't miss the best training available, bar none.

Copy & Paste vs. Block Library

2009-07-26T16:07:00.001-05:00

I'm often asked and often see examples of copy and pasting AutoCAD entities through Windows Clipboard.

Because users today are more acclimated to Windows than some of us old dogs who started using AutoCAD in DOS, I see people copy and paste from drawing to drawing. So, the question is:

When should I use Copy & Paste?

First, Copy and Paste are Windows commands. They copy whatever you select to the Windows Clipboard and then make it available to Paste in any Windows program. It's often overused because it's so easy.

The general Copy and Paste commands copy the entities in whatever native format they are in. so if you copy something from a web page and paste it in Word, it generally comes is as html or something other than basic text.

In most Windows programs, there is also a Paste Special command. This can be found under the Edit pulldown menu in most cases. Using Paste Special provides you with the ability to choose how you are going to paste. You can paste something in Word for example as unformatted text. You can paste something in AutoCAD as a type of AutoCAD object.

In AutoCAD, you can choose various copy and paste commands from the Edit pulldown menu as well. You can copy with a base point or paste as a block. When you paste as a block, AutoCAD makes up a name for the block that is a series of letter and numbers. You can tell when someone has done a lot of copy and paste when you look at the names of the blocks in a drawing and see names like that.

Why shouldn't you use copy and paste? If you are using something more than once, then you should take the time to make it a block and save it in a block library. This is when WBLOCK comes in handy. This is also a possible use for Tool Palettes if you have similar types of blocks that you will be using often.

Depending on what you copy and paste and how you do it, you can increase a drawing file size. You also will still have a number of individual entities to contend with unless you paste as a block. If you're going to do that, then you probably should have just made a block to begin with.

Having a block library meets one of the two Cardinal Rules of CAD that my first CAD instructor taught me. Never draw anything twice. This goes for copying and pasting too.

If you do have notes or text that do not fit the bill to be made into a block, then start a piece of MTEXT and right click inside the text window to paste. This will keep the formatting for your text from MSWord and paste it exactly as it was written.

Solar Radiation for Revit MEP in Autodesk Labs

2009-07-26T13:54:00.002-05:00

An interesting new download for Revit Architecture and Revit MEP from Autodesk Labs on Solar Radiation.

Use the Solar Radiation Technology Preview to analyze the effects of solar radiation on various surfaces of your conceptual building model.

AutoCAD Architecture Layer Button

2009-07-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

I always knew that there were a lot of buttons available in AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP at the top of the Layer Manager Palette. Had I been more involved, perhaps I would have investigated every one more carefully.

I learned this week that in 2009 and some previous versions there was a button that essentially made a new layer based on AIA standards. I was somewhat shocked that I didn't know about this button and explained Layer Keys to the person, but this magic button did sound far easier.

In the Autodesk discussion groups I found the simple answer to do this in 2010. LAYERDLGMODE. Turning this on made everything better for this user.

So if you are one of the select group that are missing this button, now you know what to do.

Adding AutoCAD OSNAP Toolbar to AutoCAD MEP 2010

2009-07-08T13:39:00.005-05:00

Editing the .cui to copy AutoCAD toolbars to AutoCAD MEP 2010

View here.

Presenting two classes at Autodesk University 2009

2009-07-05T21:01:00.004-05:00

I am quite honored to have been chosen to present two classes in the AutoCAD MEP field for AU this year.

AutoCAD MEP: Setting Up for Mechanical Designs

AutoCAD® MEP: Creating Custom Tags

Class schedule and possible changes should be in place later this month for registration to begin in early August.

Autodesk Labs Utilities - Using Google Earth with AutoCAD Architecture

2009-06-18T13:37:00.005-05:00

Autodesk Labs has another great beta tool for you AutoCAD Architecture users. You can use Google Earth with your 3D designs with an easy to use wizard, Google Earth Extension.

Be sure you follow Scott Sheppard's blog, It's Alive in the Lab for more information on this.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Ribbon Contextual Tab States

2009-06-10T19:35:00.003-05:00

One of the new features in the AutoCAD MEP 2010 Ribbon is the option for contextual tab states.

What this means is that when you make certain selections, a new tab appears in the ribbon. By default, this is set to occur on a single click of operations. This happens when you right-click on some MEP objects and when you are working with .pdf's for example.

You'll find this under the Selection tab of the Options dialog box in the lower left hand corner.

Microsoft Office 2007 Download to save to .pdf

2009-06-02T18:15:00.005-05:00

I just discovered, by accident, that you can download from Microsoft an add-in for Microsoft Office 2007. This allows you to do a SAVE AS to .pdf.

No outside program needed.

Thought I'd pass this little tidbit on to you.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-System Requirements and Advice

2009-06-02T17:17:00.012-05:00

First and foremost, regardless of the new features 2010 brings us, you need to look at the System Requirements.

You can find these at the Autodesk website and choosing AutoCAD MEP from the product list.
You'll see System Requirements on the left hand menu.

It is also important to note where to find and how to understand the importance of the Certified Hardware list.

It's not easy to find. It can only be found under AutoCAD. I know, it SHOULD be under every AutoCAD based product, but this is where you find it. That's probably another reason that not enough people are aware of it.

Choose Support under the left hand menu of the AutoCAD page.

Then you will choose Data & Downloads.

You will see Certified Hardware listed on this page.

This list contains all the graphics cards that Autodesk has tested and shows you, depending on the options you check, which ones perform better.

One of the biggest mistakes I see from users or especially their IT Departments is that they fail to order new computers with the correct graphics cards. Perhaps they asked someone that didn't give them good information or outdated information.

Many times people have the misconception that gaming computers or gaming graphics cards are the best and therefore should work for AutoCAD. That couldn't be any further from the truth.

The list is hard to find and of course there is a chance that you might have a graphics card that they have not tested that works fine. Still, the best chance at problem-free operation is to start off right with a graphics card that has been tested and performs well.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Electrical Workspaces

2009-06-02T16:39:00.004-05:00

We've looked at the duct and piping workspaces, now let's see what the new electrical workspaces look like.

Just like the other workspaces, the Build panel under the Home tab gives access to devices, wiring, electrical equipment, conduit, and cable trays.

The Annotate tab gives us access to not just electrical tags and schedules, but also to the panel schedules.

The Analyze tab provides us with the Circuit Manager and Power Totals and the other tools that are available in all the MEP workspaces.

The Manage tab gives us Style Manager and the electrical definitions and styles as well as the electrical preferences. Electrical System Definitions, load category definitions, electrical panel styles, electrical device styles, and wire styles are found here.

A rare chance to give

2009-06-01T14:00:00.002-05:00

I am embarking on an unusual journey today. My husband is not able to make white blood cells. I knew we were the same blood type, but was tested yesterday to be sure we are an exact match and that I have no physical problems.

The labs came back that I am an exact match in every way (I always knew we were compatible!) and all my blood work shows that I am in good health.

Today I will have a rare opportunity to help him more than I ever thought possible. I will be given a growth factor shot and a steroid tablet to force my body to produce extra white blood cells. I am told that I will feel achy like I have the flu due to the overproduction.

Tomorrow morning I will go have an IV stuck in each arm and sit for 3 hours while an apheresis machine takes the white blood cells out of me. Those white blood cells will then be transfused into my husband. They will only live in him for a couple of days before they die off, but will help him to have some white cells to fight infection.

I can only do this twice to most likely the process will take place again in 6 days.

I am nervous, but feel so good to be able to help in such a fantastic and personal way.

More AutoCAD MEP 2010 Workspaces

2009-05-25T11:03:00.004-05:00

The Piping Workspace for AutoCAD MEP 2010 chances the Home tab Build panel to piping tools.

The Annotate tab contains tags and schedules for piping.

Sloped piping is improved in AutoCAD MEP 2010 and besides using the Properties Palette, you will find tools under the Analyze tab.

The Manage tab will provide you with Piping Preferences as well as Style Manager, Piping System Definitions, and Routing Preference Definitions.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Workspaces

2009-05-25T10:23:00.005-05:00

The Workspaces in AutoCAD MEP 2010 are still available, but more robust. It may not be obvious where you see the list of workspaces since toolbars are not active when you start the program so you don't see the Workspaces Toolbar.

In the Status Bar, you will see the current workspace listed along with a drop down arrow beside it. This was there in 2009 as well, but you may not have noticed it.

In all workspaces, you will have a Tools Ribbon Panel. This is where you will find access to the Tool Palettes (only called Tools so you'll need to look at the icon), Content Browser, and the Properties Palette. The Parametric Part Wizard is also located here.

Workspaces control several Ribbon tabs and panels. Of course you can always create your own workspace and edit what is displayed with workspaces with the CUI Editor.

The Home tab has a Build Ribbon Panel that is workspace specific.

The Annotate tab has both tags and schedules. These can also be found on Tool Palettes as well, though you may find you are not using the tool palettes as much with everything on the ribbon.

The Analyze tab includes Interference Detection. I like that Distance and QuickCalc are there as well. Any engineering calculation tools are found under Analyze.

The Manage tab under each workspace has Style Manager with short-cuts to the appropriate system definitions and preferences per discipline.

Vote for upcoming AU Classes

2009-05-04T17:06:00.004-05:00

As of today, you can now vote from all the classes submitted. There appear to be plenty of submissions in all areas. Some are submitted by those of us who have taught at previous AU's and some are from talented people who believe they have something of value to share with AU attendees.

Voting is only through May 8, 2009. Voting helps the AU Committee know what you'd like as well as the surveys at the end of each AU. The committee doesn't use just one method to determine what classes will be in the 2009 lineup, but use several for a fair and balanced decision.

If you'd like to see the proposed classes or vote, please visit Autodesk University to vote. Use your AU login or register to be able to vote or view class submissions.

You will note that some classes are listed in one of the following class types.

90 minute class
90 minute lab
3.5 hour class
virtual
unplugged

Don't worry too much about the class type for voting as the class itself is really what you are voting for at this time. The planning committee may change the class type once the schedule is made.

You will note that this is the first year that virtual classes are offered. This is going to be a new venue for AU and I think it will be a good one.

Also, the unplugged unconference sessions are listed right along with the classes now so all can be planned together. In the past, the unplugged sessions were done separately later.

Final class selection should be complete and instructors notified by mid-June and the class list to go online around the end of July. Registration for AU 2009 will be about August 12.

You may also want to stay tuned to the Autodesk University Blog for more information on AU 2009.

Hope to see you there!

Virtual Office Tools

2009-05-01T09:10:00.002-05:00

Recently I read this article, 5 Ways to Build Your Virtual Office in Entrepreneur magazine. I found it interesting and wasn't aware that there were so many businesses out there that focus on the virtual office.

I was introduced to Skype well over a year ago when my son moved to China to live. He set it up for me and a webcam with microphone.

I never thought of myself as being an instant messenger type of person, but found that there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not using Skype. I rarely use the webcam or microphone, but it's there if I need it. Sometimes I just use the microphone like a telephone and we talk with no video when we have a lot to talk about and get tired of typing.

I was also pleasantly surprised that one of the customers that I work with the most use Skype for their main communication within their office. It prevents inbox clutter and conference calls are easy no matter where employees happen to be.

I've since found several Skype tools and am trying those out as well.

The above-mentioned article got me thinking about a virtual receptionist. I have a simple, pre-paid cell phone to use for calls when traveling. I may graduate to something more sophisticated, but I don't relish being tied to a cell phone and turn it off when I'm in a restaurant or doctor's office.

I discovered that one customer I have always tries the cell number first and since I keep it off when I am at home in my office he then has to leave a message and call my home office number. I was looking at a solution so that not only this customer, but any customer that wanted to reach me could call just one number and be forwarded to wherever I might be.

There are several different firms that offer this service. Some have plans that start out just for me in mind with low monthly costs, while others are aimed at big businesses and offer replacements for the standard PBX phone systems.

I spent a week researching and comparing and broke it down to two solutions. One being Onebox and the other being gotvmail, which I eventually went with.

As a backup, I also subscribed to a Skype-In number that could also be set to voicemail or forwarded to a phone.

I always thought I was up on technology, but now realize that there's a lot I don't know. I love learning new things!

5 Ways to Build Your Virtual Office - Entrepreneur.com

2009-05-01T09:09:00.002-05:00

5 Ways to Build Your Virtual Office - Entrepreneur.com

Posted using ShareThis

AutoCAD MEP 2010-New File Format

2009-04-07T18:09:00.003-05:00

O.K., so it's probably rather old news now and it's not just AutoCAD MEP. The file format has changed for 2010 AutoCAD products.

Yes, you can still save back to earlier versions.

Why am I telling you about this now? Because it's more likely that you are receiving your 2010 products if you are on subscription and just now giving some thought to installing them or at least installing one to try. Don't let this stop you though.

It's only a fact to be aware of. And to be aware that it is certainly possible for someone to send you a 2010 file so you can consider yourself informed.

If you are going to try out a copy and don't want to (or may not remember) to SAVE AS an earlier version for others, you can always go to the Open and Save tab in Options and set AutoCAD to save to whatever version you like each and every time.

Progress will continue to move forward so don't save back for too long!

AutoCAD MEP 2010-Better Parts Catalogs

2009-03-23T17:11:00.004-05:00

AutoCAD MEP, and before that Building Systems, has always offered content in the form of catalogs. The catalogs have been somewhat rigid and you had to take all or none though.

Now with AutoCAD MEP 2010, we have separate catalogs that make more sense.

Pipe is especially important to me. See how the catalogs are broken down by type. I can use just the catalog types that I need.

Thanks, Autodesk.

AutoCAD MEP 2010-DWF & PDF underlay

2009-03-05T11:51:00.004-05:00

AutoCAD 2009 subscription customers had a bonus several months ago to download additional tools to use .pdf files as an underlay. This is a real benefit and shows that perhaps Autodesk finally understands that while we'd love to have the perfect world file sharing that is certainly possible with the electronic age and with Autodesk or CAD products, it isn't the way the world works.

Due to liability issues from what I can understand, many firms will only send .pdf files and not .dwg files. Sometimes though this is also the least common denominator among general contractors distributing documents to many subcontractors. These general contractors may not be well versed in .dwg files or CAD. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

I spent some time trying to explore this subscription bonus for 2009 only to sadly discover that it was for AutoCAD only and not for the vertical products of AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP. For 2010, now we finally have the tools. Here's a look at what you'll see

First, when you go to the Insert tab of the ribbon, you'll see a new Reference Panel.

You can set layers now for your underlays and turn snap on to snap to objects, though I didn't have any luck with the sample .pdf I tried.

Notice that when you choose to attach a file you have many more files types available now.

Here, I've chosen to attach a .pdf file.

You won't see this PDF Underlay tab on the ribbon unless you right click on the border of your .pdf. This shows you several options available.

This is a real plus for AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP 2010.

I referenced several blogs in a previous post that discuss features of AutoCAD 2010 in general. If you didn't already come across it, you'll want to read the AutoCAD 2010 Preview Guide from Heidi Hewett.

AutoCAD MEP 2010

2009-03-02T14:46:00.004-05:00

Beta testing for the 2010 Autodesk products is over and it's that time of year when the new releases of software starts shipping.

AutoCAD is always the first with an approximate ship date of March 24. Every few weeks after that a new Autodesk product will ship. If you want to know the exact date your particular product will ship if you are currently covered by Autodesk Subscription, contact your reseller.

One thing I would certainly like to see would be a renaming of the products. I don't mean to call Building Systems software AutoCAD MEP, but to get away from the years as part of the product name. I doubt that anyone else really cares and Autodesk has been using year names since their 2000 product lineup when we went from release names. The last release before release 2000 was R14.

The reason that I am not happy about the year names is that it is rather confusing to some of us. We have to get used to writing 2009 after January 1 and then we're talking about 2010 in terms of software. Maybe it's just me, but some days I have a hard time knowing what year it really is by the calendar because of the software year names. I talked about 2009 all last year so when 2009 rolled around on the calendar it seemed old.

Autodesk has gone to a lot more work on the piping side of AutoCAD MEP for the 2010 release. They've made some improvements to sloped piping and pipe fittings. Pipe catalogs have also been divided out in such a way that you can load or unload catalogs that you may or may not need and keep PVC pipe separate from Schedule 40 pipe.

In general in AutoCAD 2010, the ribbon and interface has taken the next logical step towards greater customizations which of course rolls over to AutoCAD MEP. And AutoCAD MEP has separate ribbons now per discipline.

Content from Autodesk Inventor is also reported to be easier now.

Hatching is one improvement I like in AutoCAD 2010.

Here are some general AutoCAD 2010 blog entries that you may wish to review to familiarize yourself with the new line. And, yes, the file format did change. See a list here of file formats for different releases and years.

Shaan Hurley's list of blogs on 2010

I would also check out these blogs for good information, tips, and tutorials on how to do things in the newest version of AutoCAD.

Between the Lines-Shaan Hurley
AutoCAD Insider-Heidi Hewett
LT Unlimited-Kate Morrical
Lynn Allen's Blog-Lynn Allen

I'll have more on new features in AutoCAD MEP 2010 in upcoming posts.

Turn Off Tag Insertion Dialog Box

2009-02-03T22:40:00.002-05:00

If you find it annoying to have a dialog box pop up every time you insert a tag, here's how you can turn it off.

Go to Options
Choose the AEC Content tab (scroll to the end of tabs if necessary)
Uncheck the box to "Display Edit Property Data During Tag Insertion"

Creating Schedule Tags With Multiple Property Sets

2009-02-02T19:24:00.006-05:00

If you want to create a schedule tag and use the tag wizard available in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP 2009, you can't do it using Mtext. You can do it using plain single-line text.

Using single-line text allows you to choose several lines to associate multiple property sets.

Here's an example of one reason why you might use two property sets for top of duct and bottom of duct on one tag.

AutoCAD Webcasts and Whitepapers

2009-01-14T20:45:00.002-05:00

As I tell all my students, whether you use AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or AutoCAD MEP you can benefit from material from Heidi Hewett.

View webcasts from the Autodesk website.

AutoCAD Resource Center

AutoCAD Whitepapers

Autodesk Certified Hardware List

Heidi's Excellent Annotation Info

Heidi's Excellent Sheet Set Info

Heidi's Excellent CUI Info

View Autodesk University Online Classes

Traveling and Teaching AutoCAD MEP this week

2009-01-12T22:59:00.002-05:00

This week I have traveled to the great white north to frigid temperatures. Airline travel and lines at the airport were extremely light.

I'm teaching AutoCAD MEP to new users.

AutoCAD Options-Files Tab-Pt. II

2009-01-04T20:40:00.008-05:00

When setting the Plot Style Table Search Path, choose a location other than the default location. Preferably, this should be under your appropriate directory on your network with CAD Standards.

After you create your template, store it in a network directory as well under your CAD Standards. Then point QNEW to your template. This will begin all new drawings with your template.

If you do not yet have a template, choose one of the default templates.

If you only have AutoCAD, you will not see such an extensive list. If you have AutoCAD Architecture, you will see templates that begin with AEC. Those will be divided between Model and Sheet. Those with the Sheet name will contain a sample titleblock. There will also be choices for .ctb and .stb plot styles.

If you have AutoCAD MEP, you will have all of the above, but also choices of AECB with similar choices mentioned above and possibly choices of Imperial, Metric, and Global.

If you use a special CUI file, you can point to that under Main Customization File. If your company has a separate CUI file, you can point to that under Enterprise Customization File.

One often overlooked are of customization and efficiency is the Custom Dictionary File, which is a .cus file type. If you point to the default file, every time you do spell check and add a word it will be added to this file. When you install a new version of the program or get a new computer, you have to start this process all over again. Why repeat the past?

All a .cus file is really is a simple notepad file. You can create a notepad file either blank or with a list of words on each line. Save this file in your CAD Standards and point to it. Call it your company name or your name. When you are faced with a new program or computer, you can simply point to that file. I've actually been using the same .cui file for about 10 years now.

AutoCAD Options-Files Tab

2008-12-18T21:18:00.006-05:00

I find that few people really know the meaning or importance of the Files tab in the Options dialog box in AutoCAD products. This tab is nothing more than a list of items that point to locations. That's it. Nothing more.

The Support Files Search Path, is a list of locations that AutoCAD uses to look for files related to support. What I mean by support is that when AutoCAD starts up or needs to access a file such as a plot style, template, or CUI file for example this is where it looks.

The Support Files Search Path is searched by AutoCAD in the order listed. By default it lists the out of the box support file paths, but you can add your own.

More importantly, you can point to where your templates are stored and define QNEW for your template to use. You can point to where your plot styles are under Printer Support File Path.

I'll go over each of these areas in the next posts.

This is why it's important to first have a location set, preferably on your server, to store your files. If you don't already have this set in place, take this time to set up a folder with subdirectories now.

Set up a few folders to get you started. You may want other folders for standard blocks.

The folder for Customization would be a location to store .cui files or if you have lisp files or other types of customization.

The Plot Styles folder would contain your own plot styles, but you could also copy any out of the box plot styles such as the monochrome plot style here. If you receive plot styles from outside sources that send you drawings and include their plot styles, you would place their plot styles in this directory as well.

Profiles folder would contain the company profile as well as a secure network location for users to export their profile once they have AutoCAD set up the way they want it.

Templates (.dwt files) would go under the Template folder and all users would point to this location.

It's a good idea to store a .dwg file of your titleblock separately so you can easily make changes even if you have your titleblock in your template file.

And of course every situation does well with a Misc. folder for anything that doesn't easily fit in other places. The .cus file for your custom dictionary is a good example of this.

After AU 08

2008-12-09T20:18:00.002-05:00

AU is now over and I'm back and think recovering. I normally always stay until Saturday or Sunday to avoid the rush to the airport, but because of traveling alone and wanting to get back to my husband and save money on extra nights at the hotel I flew out of Las Vegas Friday afternoon.

Friday morning I attended an Education level class that was interesting, but there was a lot of emphasis on a certain set of books that was a little too much like selling to me. It was nice to see things from a different angle though and while the classroom was freezing, I enjoyed the class.

Next year, if you haven't already heard, AU will move to Mandalay Bay. It will still be in Las Vegas and still be the week after Thanksgiving. So make plans now for December 1-4, 2009.

It will be interesting to learn of any advantages of this new location. Will this hotel hold more space for classes? Will the rooms be less expensive? Will Internet access be provided in the rooms with the room charge? What was the main reason for the change? I'm hoping that the AU Blog will provide us with some info later on this. I'm looking forward to different surroundings.

One complaint I always hear, and experience myself, is how freezing cold the rooms are for classes. From some of my AutoCAD MEP work, I'm guessing that the rooms are set for a certain number of people and the temperatures are set for that many warm bodies. Perhaps if there are less warm bodies this makes it too cold? I even had someone tell me the day after my class that they had to leave because it was just too cold. I had a heavy sweater with me in most classes, but at least 2 classes were too cold even with the long-sleeve shirt and sweater.

This year I took the airport shuttle to the hotel when I flew in to Las Vegas. I could've purchased a round trip ticket for a shuttle ride back, but since I knew in advance that AU was offering a shuttle and baggage service on Friday I decided to just use that service.

It was a good idea that I believe has been in place for more than just this year. The two flaws I saw were that there was too much confusion on where to catch that shuttle. I didn't end up using the service because I discovered that I would've needed to carry my full suitcase and loaded backpack all the way across the hotel and conference portion to check my bag and purchase a ticket. For me, it was easier to take my bag down to the desk and let the bell service check it and then catch a shuttle at the front door instead of at the rear of the hotel.

This was a great conference that went really fast. The new AU website is now live with expanded features that we can use all year and not just once a year. It looks fantastic.

I have not been able to view recorded session as of yet or login, but I'm sure there are a few kinks to work out and I've emailed for some assistance. I think this is going to be a huge asset.

Every year I wonder how AU can get any better and then it does!

AU 2008 CAD Standards: How to Get Started

2008-12-05T00:43:00.002-05:00

The class I taught this evening was on CAD Standards. That's my biggest soap box topic. My goal was to help those people that have small offices or perhaps even work alone to have some basic standards as far as a template. We talked about saving files on a network such as plot styles, templates, titleblocks, etc. We talked about options and profiles.

I was surprised that with the class being at 5:15 on the last full day of AU that 100 of the 177 people registered showed up and very few left.

One of the big changes this year at AU that is just great for presenters is the new online system for scanning badges and giving evaluations. I realize that the evaluation system will need some tweaking before next year, but I think it's an excellent start.

As a presenter, I was able to log in this evening and see immediately that 100 people had scanned their badges and entered the room. I was also able to see anyone that so far has given their feedback. I received good scores and some good feedback comments.

When we had the paper forms, it would take weeks to get results and there were less likely to be comments perhaps.

Thank you to those dedicated souls who attended. Thank you to the AU team for putting on this event and giving me the opportunity to present again this year.

AU 2008 Last Full Day of Classes

2008-12-04T16:55:00.002-05:00

I knew this event would fly by. It always does and this year was no different. It seems like you just get here and it's time to pack your bags and go back through airport security again.

I attended what I thought was going to be a beta discussion on AutoCAD MEP, but instead it really was just a demo. The room was freezing cold and even with a heavy sweater I was shivering. I had hoped for more. I had also hoped to meet the product manager, but that didn't happen.

I went to my room and loaded up on night time cold medicine and went to bed at 7:00 Wednesday night. I thought about not getting up this morning and sleeping until time for the class I'm teaching, but finally convinced myself that I needed to have some breakfast and attend one of the CAD Standards classes I wanted to hear.

I won't mention the class name or presenter, but it was not even close to what I expected from the description. There were no handouts left when I got there and there were people sitting all around the room on the floor. There were plenty of available chairs, but they were all in the middle of rows in an island of people surrounding them.

A lot of people left throughout the presentation, but I was determined to see it through. The speaker was a very good speaker. I could only hope to reach his level of speaking ability someday. His slides were terrible. They were all black background with white text and everyone was filled with text. There were no images or breaks at all.

What he was talking about was interesting, it just wasn't at all what I came to hear. I sat through the entire presentation and he never 'got there'.

I like to sit in on classes, even if I think I know the material, just because there is always someone with a different outlook and there's often a chance where I look at things differently or learn something new. So don't let your attitudes stand in your way of learning at AU. Whether you're a student or a speaker, allow yourself to hear things you 'think' you know and see what you learn.

I also like to hear how other speakers present. In this case, the speaker was very good at public speaking. That gave me inspiration. His slides were terrible, which made me more appreciate my own approach of less slides with more space and images on each slide. So that was helpful to allow me to see 'what not to do'.

My class isn't until 5:15 this evening and runs until 6:45. That is very late. I'm curious just how many people will actually attend.

So many classes on CAD Standards talk about all sorts of topics, but for those people that work alone or have only a few users in a small office, there is NO information on how to create a template and in effect a CAD Standard. That's what my class this evening is addressing. I'm attempting to fill a gap in information and will not be relying on PowerPoint slides, but instead on walking through AutoCAD and actually changing settings and creating a template file to be the start of a CAD Standard.

With the new evaluation system, there are no doubt some improvements to be made. I have not been able to evaluate the classes I have attended from the comfort of my own laptop, but have had to go to special computers in the registration room to provide my evals. With this extra effort, people aren't as likely to do this but there is an incentive of one free pass to AU next year for each time slot class reviewed.

Speaking of next year, AU for 2009 will be December 1-4 and will not be at the Venetian, but at Mandalay Bay instead. Same city, but at least we will have some different scenery.

AU 2008-Day Two

2008-12-03T19:53:00.002-05:00

Well, I officially have a cold. I feel miserable! I have cold medicine that I'm taking, but I keep sneezing and blowing my nose. I'm sure I made a great impression on the two classes where I worked as a lab assistant.

This morning I attended an Unplugged session that was an opportunity to ask the AUGI Board anything. I tried to behave myself, but time was running out and I rushed some comments and concerns in at the end. There are a lot of changes that I fear may happen in AUGI and I'm a little overprotective of AUGI and always try to help them be the great user group that they are. If they really want to hear from members, they will make the email address more accessible to that members can contact them.

My Unplugged topic was scheduled immediately after the AUGI session. It was voted as one of the top sessions, but no one showed up at all. Oh well. I was there.

I was a lab assistant in a class on using Camtasia to create training videos. That was my first experience as a lab assistant. I think it's important to try all the job duties possible and see what things look like from different perspectives.

I had a back to back class where I was a lab assistant on Project Navigator. The instructor was good, but fast and there were only two of us there as lab assistants and we were constantly hopping to keep people caught up. I need a bonus on that one!

I do think these experiences will help me be a better presenter.

This evening I have a special meeting with the Product Manager of AutoCAD MEP on the beta program. It's at the same time as the AUGI Meeting and Beer Bust so I guess I'll miss my mug for the year.

I'll probably go to bed early with some night time cold medicine. Tomorrow is my class at the end of the day.

AU 2008-First Official Day Review

2008-12-03T00:20:00.004-05:00

Two of the places near classes to relax.

I attended 3 classes today. One was good and taught by someone that I already knew and respected in the subject. One was a class by a manufacturer, something new this year. I knew it would be slanted, but since I used the firm's products I didn't mind. It really turned out to be nothing like what I expected, but I sat through it to be polite.

Maybe I'm getting old, but there seems to be a lack of manners among some of the attendees. It's nothing for someone to get up and leave the session and then let the door just slam behind them. Lots of people left the second two sessions that I attended.

The third session started out good and was good content, but one person disrupted the class constantly. We needed a bouncer to toss him out since he obviously didn't have a clue what he was doing.

The presenters did a good job of going over what they were going to cover. This is important so that if it really wasn't what you thought you could leave then. This was an overview of MEP content and was an important topic that I wanted to hear. One person in the class interrupted after almost every bullet point on the slide to ask when something was going to be fixed or changed in the software or to add a wish for an item. Unfortunately the presenters didn't do a good job of shutting him down so he continued and then others in the class thought this was an open discussion and it just got out of hand. I feel badly for the presenters. And of course as an eager student wanting to hear the content of the presentation, I am one of many that lost out because of this.

Tomorrow is probably going to be my longest day yet and I almost feel like I have a cold coming on. That's very typical for Vegas due to the dryness not to mention all the people. I've got that 'feelilng' in my throat. Sure don't want to go through the next two days sick. I have a lot of responsibility.

This evening I attended the blogger social. It's funny how many people I have seen at AU with a blogger 'ribbon' on their badge. We have ribbons that indicate certain properties about us such as blogger, my feedback (beta), subscription, or the discipline. There are a lot of people out there with a blog on a lot of subjects. Not all are updated regularly and I'm certainly guilty of not always updating as often as I like. I am proud that I am one of the veteran bloggers and I have Shaan Hurley to thank for that.

I met R.K. McSwain of CAD Panacea, Steve Bennett of , Lee Ambrosius of HyperPics and a lot of other great things over the years, Kate Morrical of LT Unlimited, Donnie Gladfelter of The CAD Geek Blog I also finally had the honor to meet Roopinder Tara in person of CAD Insider and TenLinks fame.

The Exhibit Hall opened without the inaugural AUGI Beer Bust. It was a little depressing not to have the two coincide. How did this happen?

AU 2008 off to a good start

2008-12-01T14:46:00.003-05:00

I arrived at AU late last night. Normally I would have been flying from Roanoke, VA and depending on the airline would have had to go through one of the cities that was having big delays.

When I booked this flight, I had an added choice of American Airlines that I don't have from Roanoke. All the other airlines were going to send me to their hubs further east than Little Rock where I was departing. That seemed really silly to me. Not only does it seem like extra miles, but it's extra time. So, I chose American because their hub is in Dallas and I could fly from Little Rock, AR to Dallas, TX and then from Dallas to Las Vegas. And here I am!

I ended up getting to my room about 12:30-1:00 AM after getting here from the airport and checking in. I was really tired since I'd been up early in the morning and my body clock was still on CST.

In typical fashion, I had some trouble accessing the Internet and had to call support for the modem to be rebooted before I checked my email. What a geek that I couldn't go to bed without doing this. I also needed to email a couple of people and let them know that I made it safely since it was insanely too late to call them.

This morning I went to AU Registration. It's now at the very far end of the conference past where we have meals and everything. Luckily you don't have to go there every day.

I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew constantly on the way to registration and then to the Speaker Ready Room. As soon as I stepped off the elevator I saw Assis Haubert, followed shortly thereafter by Mike Perry, and then CAD Mama herself, Donnia Tabor-Hanson and several Autodesk employees that I have known over the years.

The bags are rather funky this year. I get the idea behind them. They are black with a different color stripe down the middle. They are lots of different designs. Some are solid colors and others (like the one I was given) look like a souvenir from a Blue Man Group concert. I wonder if there will be trading of bags going on during the conference between attendees or if there will end up being one coveted 'style'.

A lot has been done to make things more environmentally friendly at the event from not providing schedules to a cardboard binder for your handouts. I almost threw mine away because I thought it was a cardboard filler for the messenger bag.

I really want to take one of the certification tests, but the times are so limited that there is no way to fit it in.

I'm practicing my presentation this afternoon and helping a client with some questions and then off to the Speaker Social.

I think bedtime will be quite early tonight. Tomorrow is the first of several long and busy days.

AU 2008 Itinerary

2008-11-29T22:45:00.002-05:00

Sunday, 11/30

10:35 PM Arrive Las Vegas

Monday, 12/1

Wedding Anniversary
Registration & Check-in at Speaker Ready Room
6:30-9:00 Speaker Social

Tuesday, 12/2

6:30-8:30 Breakfast
8:15-9:45 Managing the AutoCAD CUI and Empowering Users
10:30-12:00 AU Keynote Address, General Session "Design Innovation"
12:00-1:30 Networking Lunch - Birds of a Feather
1:00-2:30 Tips and Tricks: Get The Most From Your Desktop or Laptop
3:00-4:30 Content Theory for AutoCAD MEP
4:00-5:30 Blogger Social
5:00-7:00 International User Community Meeting
7:00-10:00 Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

Wednesday, 12/3

6:30-8:30 Breakfast
9:00-9:50 Unplugged Session on AUGI
10:00-10:50 My Unplugged Session on CAD Standards: How to Get Started
12:00-1:30 Lunch
1:15-2:45 Lab Assistant to Creating Desktop Training Videos
3:00-4:30 Lab Assistant to A Quick Spin on Project Navigator
5:00-6:00 AUGI Annual Meeting
5:30-6:30 MEP Meeting on Kraken beta with Product Manager

Thursday, 12/4

6:30-8:30 Breakfast
8:15-9:45 Creating and Maintaining a CAD Manual
10:15-11:45 Developing Custom Websites and Applications with DWF
11:30-1:30 Lunch
1:15-2:45 The National CAD Standard-Revitized
5:15-6:45 My Class on CAD Standards: How to Get Started
6:30-9:00 AU Party

Friday, 12/5

6:30-8:30 Breakfast
8:00-9:30 Easing the Transition from AutoCAD to AutoCAD Architecture
10:15-11:45 Designing Trainers
3:20 PM Leave Las Vegas

Tip for successful Tool Paletttes

2008-11-28T23:46:00.003-05:00

A Quick tip. Before you begin creating tool palettes in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP, close any current projects you may have open.

From the File pulldown menu, choose Project Browser. Even if you've never used Project Browser to create a project, typically there is a project active. You'll see one project in bold if it is active. Simply right click and choose to close the project.

Then it's safe to create new tool palettes and not loose them.

When you create a tool palette when a project is active, it becomes associated with that project only. That's why we closed all active projects first.

For those of you attending AU, I'll be arriving Sunday night and hope to see you there.

AutoCAD MEP: Take advantage of architectural tools

2008-11-19T21:23:00.007-05:00

One of the little known features of AutoCAD MEP is that it is built on AutoCAD Architecture and contains commands and content for architectural design.

I often show this feature when teaching AutoCAD MEP classes because while Autodesk shows how well a 3D model created in AutoCAD Architecture comes into AutoCAD MEP that is not often the way it works in the real world.

Unfortunately, even if an architect designs a 3D building in AutoCAD Architecture, that doesn't mean that is the file that will be sent to you. You could receive a .pdf file or a flattened drawing with all the objects exploded to 2D linework.

Some cases are due to liability to the architects and some are simply a means of sending a file in the least common denominator. In AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP there is a command under the File pulldown menu to Export to AutoCAD.

If someone doesn't know that you have an Autodesk product that can take advantage of their 3D model, this Export to AutoCAD reduces their design to a plain AutoCAD 2D file that more people can use they figure.

Also, often General Contractors will request .pdf files from everyone involved in a project. They don't know or perhaps understand proper ways to share files and collaborate designs.

With any luck, you can contact the designing architect and request the 3D model so that when you add your 3D MEP objects you can view and interference check with the architectural objects. In some cases, architects are reluctant to provide their designs citing liability issues. In fewer cases, they may even request a fee to provide their designs in 3D.

Because of all of this, you may find it useful to create some quick 3D walls. You can do this by tracing over an xref of the 2D linework with the wall command.

One way to use the architectural tools is to change your workspace to Architectural.

This will provide you with the Architectural Tool Palette. The Design Palette will give you simple design tools. If you'd like to know more on how to create with these tools, I invite you to review my material from AU 2007.

You can also install AutoCAD MEP to have a shortcut for AutoCAD Architecture. The advantage of this is if you launch the AutoCAD Architecture shortcut, you have all the tools as if you only had AutoCAD Architecture. If you think you may use architectural tools more than an occasional wall or have a separate person that may take on some of those duties, this is the best option.

I recommend renaming the shortcuts though to MEP and Arch though since you have to expand each one with the default installation or you won't know which one is which.

AU 2008 is only a week away!

2008-11-18T13:24:00.006-05:00

I get really excited the closer it gets to AU! Forget Thanksgiving. AU is where my geeky brain is focusing right now.

When we get down to the last two weeks, I listen to all the webcasts for speakers again, look over any mention of AU anywhere, focus on my session, and review my calendar.

I have my flight reserved, hotel reserved, and am participating in more this year than ever before. Last year was my first year to present at AU and I did a lab where I feel most comfortable. Unfortunately I handed out a number of business cards and provided my email address for students to contact me with questions, but when I returned from AU I found myself fired from the Autodesk reseller where I had worked for the past 4 years with no opportunity to even access my email account. Their loss.

This year I have been on my own all year and survived. I am presenting a 90 minute session that is not a lab. So far there are 160 students signed up for it. I'm a little nervous about speaking in front of such a big group, but since the topic is CAD Standards that I am so passionate about I have to believe that I am just there to share my knowledge and experience with a bunch of people. Oh, gee, I just read that the session is also going to be recorded...talk about another reason to be nervous!

I also was requested to be a lab assistant for one class and signed up to help another instructor as a lab assistant so I'm assisting two labs.

Last year was the first year for what was called Unconference topics. I volunteered and was accepted to lead one that was the same topic as my class. I volunteered again this year to also have one that would be in line with my class and will again be doing an Unconference.

The Unconference is a meeting of the minds and not an instructor teaching, but simply a leader bringing up topics to get the group talking and sharing information on the topic.

Unfortunately this will be the first year that I am traveling alone. I realize that there are a lot of friends and acquaintances at AU and lots of people all around, but I won't have anyone to come back to in the evening this year. My husband, Peter, is in the hospital in Little Rock, AR where he is having a stem cell transplant to treat Multiple Myeloma. We've attended every AU together so far so it will seem lonely there without him and somewhat stressful with me leaving him at the hospital to board a plane for Vegas. Last year after AU was over we were married at the Valley of Fire in a private Celtic Ceremony.

I leave for AU a week from today. If you want to meet up with me during my stay, I'll be at the Venetian and will be checking my email daily. I'll also be at the Speaker Social, the Blogger Social, an AutoCAD MEP special invitation event, and probably will end up doing some usability testing or whatever I can as I did last year.

Hope to see you there and to post on this blog while I'm at AU.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving to those of you that will be celebrating the holiday. There is always so much for which to be thankful. Don't just wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks.

Annotative Scaling with Tags for AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP

2008-11-16T13:03:00.004-05:00

It was a great thing when AutoCAD Architecture made it easier to create schedule tags. Anyone can do it.

I was teaching a class on AutoCAD MEP last week and for the first time annotative scale came into play with the tag creation and didn't have the behavior I was expecting. Since I honestly haven't made a tags with annotative scaling, I contacted AutoCAD Architecture expert, David Koch. He was nice enough to put information on this on his blog this weekend. Thanks, David!

If you want to know about anything AutoCAD Architecture or annotation of any kind that would also carry over to AutoCAD MEP, be sure and visit David's blog.

For other information on general AutoCAD annotation scaling, be sure and visit Heidi Hewett's blog. She has the best information out there on that feature.

If you choose Annotation from the list of categories on the left, you will find many useful posts specifically about annotation in AutoCAD.

MEP Content

2008-11-13T19:40:00.002-05:00

I was just reading the AutoCAD MEP blog and see that there is now new content available from Autodesk. It is only available to subscription customers.

You will find more information on content at on the blog.

There is also a second service pack out now for AutoCAD MEP. Be sure and download it here. You'll need to have the first service pack installed before installing the second service pack. See all service packs and hotfixes.

Top 9 AutoCAD Tips

2008-11-10T22:00:00.002-05:00

I had the pleasure of working with some of the nicest people in Perry, OK last week. I went to their firm to help them learn AutoCAD MEP and helped them set CAD Standards and incorporate them into AutoCAD. It was a fantastic facility with a great training room. What a pleasant experience!

They were really receptive to so much that I showed them and tips and tricks that I gave them that I wrote down each time they were overly impressed and expressed themselves. I have nine tips, so it's not a Top 10 list.

Here are Beth's Nine Tips to Know in AutoCAD

Right click customization...to get rid of that stupid shortcut menu when you right click to end a command.
Selection...to get rid of the default Selection Preview when you move over geometry or objects
Ortho Close...for closing walls in a rectangular shape
Scale Reference...an option under the Scale command when you don't know or want to match the size of an object you are modifying
QNEW...sets your default template for when you start AutoCAD or select to create a new drawing from the icon
Shift + Right Click for OSNAPS
Add Selected...to add an object with the same properties
CONVERTPSTYLES...converts a .ctb drawing to .stb or vice versa
Isolate....the 'light bulb' icon in the drawing status bar to isolate or hide objects rather than trying to freeze layers

One of my favorite AU Experiences

2008-10-22T18:48:00.002-05:00

This year will be my third year to attend Autodesk University. If you've never attended AU before, the first year is pure shock factor. You cannot possibly comprehend the size of this event and all that there is with it until you are actually there. In addition, the first year there you will make the mistake of signing up every spare moment with classes and with all the other types of things at the event you will never have the energy to do it all.

Last year was my first year to present a class at AU and I was honored. The best thing that happened during my week there was that I met several international AUGI members. This meant so much to me because I served I two year term on the AUGI Board of Directors during 2002-2003.

I don't mention my term on the BOD very often. I sometimes don't think I accomplished enough during that term, but in hindsight several things we have today were started during that time. I had three duties during my term. One was that I helped co-chair the AUGI online training program (ATP). That is something that I am passionate about and have been involved in at some level since 2000 when I taught my first ATP class on CAD Standards and broke every record for attendance at the time with over 300 students.

During this time on the BOD and shortly afterwards, not only did I teach classes fairly often but I recruited instructors. I met a lot of people through this experience.

If you aren't aware of the ATP, be sure to visit the AUGI website and click on the Education section of the menu ribbon across the top and check it out. There are several years' worth of archived classes and new classes every month. Each class is made up of 3 sessions for which you are able to download handouts and a forum to ask questions and discuss. I plan to teach more classes for 2009 so watch for me there.

But I digress...another area for which I was over was Publications. At that time we had a newsletter called Paperspace. I wrote articles for that newsletter for several years and then became the Layout Editor and put it all together. During my BOD term the AUGIWorld magazine was born. So I helped that get kicked off. I am very proud of what AUGIWorld has become and have a soft spot for it because of that.

But my last duty is perhaps what has grown the most and is the topic of my titled post of favorite AU experiences.

The other duty that I had while on the BOD was a new position of International Coordinator ( I can't remember if Coordinator was the title, but it was close). There were a lot of other user groups for Autodesk products all around the globe. I would do searches for these groups and send emails to them to establish relationships. I kept a spreadsheet of all my contacts and was amazed at where in the world some were.

This was the start of what we now have as an International community and International Chapters across the world. It's very exciting! And it nearly didn't happen because the person that took over this after my term ended really dropped the ball on it. Luckily it was picked up again and expanded on.

Part of the International expansion and part of the ATP instructor recruiting led me to Brazil and India. While at the blogger social at AU 2007 I was thrilled to meet Assis Haubert who thanked me for my time on the AUGI BOD because since then there is now a AUGI Brazil and he is on their Board.

I also met Luciana Klein. I recruited Luciana to teach ATP classes in Portugese for several years. What a thrill to meet her. Both she and Assis are part of CADKlein in Brazil.

Last, but certainly not least, Sunith Babu came up to me during the Birds of A Feather lunch where I was volunteering for AUGI and shook my hand to also thank me. He remembered me contacting him for the same reasons as mentioned above and was proud to tell me that he was now the President of AUGI India. He also teaches for the AUGI ATP program.

Meeting the three of these people made my AU, my year, and have really touched my heart. I don't want to be famous or draw attention to myself. It is certainly nice to know that I made such a difference to each of these people and helped them to make a difference in turn to a lot of other people. My term did have meaning besides being an extraordinary opportunity.

Sadly, I provided them with my business card for the reseller where I was employed when I left for AU, but I found myself not employed any longer by that reseller when I returned from AU. If they wrote to me I never received their emails. I did get business cards from them and wanted to write, but stuck them in my jacket pocket that day and ended up leaving my jacket on the back of the desk chair in the Venetian when we checked out of the room.

I just recently was able to find them again through LinkedIn, an online networking tool. You'll find me listed there.

I hope to see each of them at AU 2008 and meet several other people that I have only corresponded with through AUGI. This year's even is not much more than a month away! Hope to see you there.

AutoCAD Annotation Template

2008-10-06T16:09:00.005-05:00

When using the new annotation scale feature in AutoCAD, it is best to set annotation in your basic styles in your template.

Use the Annotate Ribbon as a good starting point to setting up styles for annotation.

Annotative Text Styles will have the annotation symbol beside them.

Check the Annotative box for Text Style to use Annotative Scale.

Select the Fit tab in a Dimension Style to choose Annotative.

Or choose Annotative when you create a new Dimension Style.

Creating a new Multileader Style will also give you an Annotative check box.

As will the Leader Structure tab of a Multileader Style.

AutoCAD MEP Blogs

2008-09-29T00:11:00.001-05:00

Two blogs of interest that I follow...
The MEP CAD Engineer
AutoCAD MEP

I also follow CAD Shack, though it also covers Revit MEP.

AutoCAD MEP Customer Council

2008-09-26T19:05:00.002-05:00

If you use AutoCAD MEP and want to have direct communication with Autodesk about the product, join the AutoCAD MEP Customer Council here.

Other ways to know what's going on or give feedback are Autodesk Labs. This is where technology is explored and the customer is included in the process.

You can also sign up to be a beta tester at the Autodesk MyFeedback Portal.

Where in space do you put annotation?

2008-09-19T17:48:00.002-05:00

For as many years as I can remember, there have been debates over whether to put dimensions and text in model space or paper space. It does seem like the war is not as fierce as it was several years ago. I've found that most users put their dimensions, text, and other annotation in model space unless it is something that would be on all layouts such as a note.

Annotation has become even friendlier in recent years with the annotation scaling as well as the ability to freeze certain layers per viewport.

While I have always dimensioned my model in model space, I am open to discussions of reasons for those of you that want to dimension in paper space. I keep an open mind and don't claim to know all. Most often when I ask this question of others, it turns out that users may have just been taught to dimension in paper space or to have simply not known any other way due to lack of more formal training.

So what do you do and why?

Why Templates Are Important

2008-08-27T08:59:00.003-05:00

When it comes to CAD Standards, the very basic standard is a template. Why a template?

Templates are your biggest time saver and your easiest way to standardize. You already probably use templates and don't even realize it.

When you start Microsoft Word or your email program, you are creating a document based on a template. In Word, for example, the template that Word is using specifies what font is being used and what your margins are.

In AutoCAD (or any AutoCAD-based product), you don't want to take the time with each drawing you begin by adding layers, setting your dimension style, or changing options. For this reason, you create a template. You set a drawing up exactly the way you want it once, then you save it as a template.

In AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP, templates can involve even more. For example, AutoCAD MEP has various preferences and system definitions. These need to be set to make the most out of using the program efficiently. Once you have these set to your desired results, they should be part of your template.

Templates are .dwt files instead of .dwg files. They are easy to make. That's the topic of my presentation at this year's AU.

You can set your template to be QNEW in Options so that it always loads when you start the program or begin a new drawing.

Templates are the building block of CAD Standards and the most efficient start of saving time in AutoCAD.

Autodesk University Time!

2008-08-10T18:17:00.002-05:00

Due to some problems with blogger.com, that hosts this blog, my blog was marked as spam and I could not post for several days. I went through their process to have my blog reviewed and waited for notification that did not arrive. I finally found information that this was a problem they were having.

The registration is now officially open for Autodesk University 2008!

This is the one event of the year that you do not want to miss. If training budgets are tight, make sure you spend it on this for the best bang for your buck. You will get more learning out of the classes and networking at AU than anywhere else. And the learning doesn't stop with the flight home. You will have access to all class material presented at AU to read and share with your co-workers afterwards. Priceless.

I am very proud to be chosen for the second year in a row to present among the world's greatest presenters. Last year was my first year as a presenter. I taught a lab aimed at beginners with Autodesk Architecture. This year my topic is a CAD Management topic. CM319-2, CAD Standards: How to Get Started.

When I first learned about CAD Standards the topic was almost unheard of; not as popular as it is today. I took a class on CAD Standards and it made so much sense to a personality like mine that I began creating CAD Standards for the company where I worked at the time and documented them into a CAD Manual.

Later, when I became CAD Manager and found myself managing several users at several different offices, CAD Standards became even more important and a template to ensure compliance was very important.

Not everyone has CAD Standards and of those that do many of those don't truly have CAD Standards. My goal is to take users and managers by the hand and show them exactly what to do and how to do it. Everyone can have CAD Standards. No office is too small.

I'll see you at AU 2008!

Clearing up the AutoCAD MEP Workspace Confusion

2008-07-29T13:55:00.005-05:00

I recently returned from Salt Lake City. It was my first visit there and with the price of airline tickets we drove our PT Cruiser there instead. We have a 5-speed and drive conservatively as well as keep 5lbs. of extra air in the tires, use K & N filters for air and oil, and changed over before the trip to synthetic oil. We always get 35-37 mpg. We got 35 mpg religiously. Gas was mostly $4.09 a gallon almost everywhere except when we stopped to visit my mother in Tulsa it was about $3.89 and it was slightly less than that when we returned to Roanoke. We put almost 5,000 miles on the car for the entire trip.

So, enough of my personal baloney. What about these workspaces?

Tool palettes are one of those can't live without features whether you're using vanilla AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or AutoCAD MEP. They came out in 2004 and keep improving.

AutoCAD MEP has discipline specific tool palettes for HVAC, Piping, Electrical, Plumbing, Schematic, and access to some basic architectural tools with an Architectural tool palette. There are also related pulldown menus. The pulldown menus are how you get to specific preferences and system definitions.

When you start AutoCAD MEP for the first time your default workspace is HVAC. That will give you the HVAC tool palette and the HVAC pulldown menu.

Most users don't realize what the workspace is or what it does. What happens most of the time is that a user decides to see what is on another tool palette such as piping.

The user right clicks on the Tool Palette and selects the other Tool Palette. Note: If your tool palette is docked (allow docking checked above), it may not have the menu bar on the side as shown above. Depending on the version it will have this menu bar along the top for you to right click or for versions prior to 2009 will have stripped area at the top.

The workspace has settings to save changes. When this is set, any changes you make to your toolbars will stay with the workspace. Normally this is helpful so that when you close the program and reopen it your workspace will be the way you like it. It's no different than having your stapler on the right side of your monitor and your tape dispenser on the left. There's nothing worse than someone borrowing your stapler from your desk and returning it to the wrong place or not returning it at all! But I digress.

If you've changed to your piping palette and your workspace is set to automatically save, then you will have your piping palette saved with your HVAC workspace. In this situation, you would just need to change back to your HVAC palette and be sure that your workspace settings are set to automatically save changes.

You can get to your workspace settings by selecting the tool above that looks like a little gear or by selecting from the drop down list.

All this is done in the background within the CUI.

If you want to have some HVAC and some Piping palettes under one palette or under a workspace called your name, you can do so in the cui or by choosing Customize Palettes when you right click on the tool palette menu bar.

You can drag individual palette names from the left hand side to the appropriate tool palette group on the right hand side. You can also right click on either side to add new groups or new palettes.

I hope this helps to clear up some of the confusion. Let the workspace work for you instead of working against it.

Learning More About Schedules & Property Sets

2008-07-21T12:19:00.003-05:00

As mentioned previously, schedules are really a great feature in AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP.

Property Sets can be automatic or manual. They contain property information about the object you are trying to schedule.

Automatic property sets might be the duct height from bottom of duct, top of duct, duct size, duct system.

A manual property set can be added to allow you to add in any information that you want to call out about an object.

You can also use formulas to calculate and create a property set based on calculations.

If you understand property sets, you'll understand schedules. Two of the best methods that I have used to understand property sets and schedules are:

Autodesk University previous sessions. Especially Matt Dillon's sessions. Paul Aubin's are good too, but I particularly am partial to Matt's for schedules and property sets.
David Koch's blog, The Architect's Desktop. David is very good about tags, property sets, and schedules.

Don't try to learn everything at once. Just pick one small schedule that you need. Find one that is close from Content Browser. Then use the tools above to learn how to edit that schedule or make a very simple one with only a few property sets.

AutoCAD MEP Schedules

2008-07-11T12:44:00.004-05:00

Schedules are one of the great advantages to using AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP. Schedules are also often under-utilized because they are not truly understood.

In AutoCAD MEP, there is a Tags and Schedules Tool Palette provided with each type of discipline. The schedules on this palette are simply examples of what is available.

To access other out-of-the-box schedules, you can find many more in the Content Browser.

You can drag a schedule from the Content Browser to your drawing or to your Tool Palette.

***Tip: Be sure to right-click on the menu bar of the Content Browser and select to keep it on top to make it easier to drag from it.

Right-click on the schedule to edit the schedule table style and modify it to better fit your needs or to see what type of data populates the schedule.

Star City Motor Madness

2008-06-27T17:26:00.003-05:00

This is the time of year that I always make sure I'm in town for and am so fortunate to live here.
This is the 7th year of Star City Motor Madness and it just keeps getting bigger and better. We had a little rain this afternoon, but it's time to head out and cruise now and I can see the sun.

Next week will be more fun with Music for Americans that has also become an annual event for us.

Duct Length in AutoCAD MEP

2008-06-13T22:20:00.005-05:00

Many fabricators want to show duct in specific lengths when using AutoCAD MEP. This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways.

First, you can set this preference so that all duct is broken into these preset lengths.

From your HVAC pulldown menu, choose Duct>Preferences. In the middle right side of the Routing tab you will see Duct Length. You can make the length any number you need. When the box is checked, duct will be shown in those lengths.

Keep in mind that if you are using duct labeling, every duct segment will be labeled as well.

You can also right click on any piece of duct and chose Duct Length.

You can apply the duct length to selected objects or a duct run.

Once you break the duct into lengths, you can always take away the segments by right clicking on one duct segment and choosing Merge in the Duct Length dialog box.

Help in AutoCAD MEP

2008-06-13T22:17:00.002-05:00

From the Help pulldown menu, choose Learning Resources and you will be presented with this nicely laid out menu of topics. Some are related to the help file system. Some are links to discussion groups. Some are movies. This is one of the better resources I've seen associated with program help from Autodesk.

OSNAPS in AutoCAD MEP 2009

2008-05-30T10:56:00.002-05:00

In a previous post, I discussed Object Snaps often being a common problem area.

On of the differences in 2009 software, is that when you right-click on the OSNAP toggle in your status bar, you will not just receive a choice of settings, but you will see all the OSNAPS listed.

At first, I thought this was a different way to choose an OSNAP, but I soon learned that this was not the case. This list simply shows you which OSNAPS you have currently selected to be on.

Also, different in 2009, is the Object Snap tab of the Drafting Settings dialog box. This is what you will see when you choose Settings after you right-click on the OSNAP button mentioned above.

Before 2009, there was a separate tab shown for MEP Object Snaps. Now, all are together under one tab. There is also a section for AutoCAD Architecture.

You can reduce or expand each section with the small arrow on the right portion of the section. You can also use the check box beside that arrow to select all or clear all OSNAPS for that section. That is not as intuitive as Autodesk might have counted on.

Common New User Mistakes-OSNAPS

2008-05-19T21:30:00.004-05:00

I get a lot of questions that I can answer in my head and add to a list of common user mistakes almost before the person finishes asking the question.

Many users are self-taught or learn on the fly from someone else in their office and know only what they need to know to go through the motions to do their job. While other users may take a class, they are still going through the motions and not enough attention is given on these common mistakes.

One mistake that I see a lot is with the use of OSNAPS.

For AutoCAD users, OSNAPS that are turned on at the bottom (called running OSNAPS) often cause snapping to objects you had no intention of snapping to at all. Often training has you turn these on, but I much prefer to only teach to use then when you are dimensioning or are drawing something with a lot of repetition and need for these. Otherwise, I recommend using the OSNAP toolbar or using Shift + Right-click to access the shortcut menu of OSNAPS.

To turn the running OSNAPS on and off, you simply left-click the OSNAP button in your drawing status bar. In 2009, it's not an actual button, but you still click it to turn it on and off.

To set which OSNAPS are on, you right-click and choose Settings.

This will bring up your Drafting Settings Dialog box.

These are the basic AutoCAD OSNAPS.

For AutoCAD MEP users, there are separate settings for MEP. They are MEP snaps, but you access them in the same way. There is just a separate MEP tab for releases before 2009.

When you are using MEP snaps, you do NOT want to use any AutoCAD snaps. Let MEP snap on the type of MEP object it is. You don't want an AutoCAD OSNAP snapping the endpoint or midpoint of a piece of duct work. You want to connect with the Duct Connector.

So check how you are using OSNAPS.

Making an Impression

2008-04-30T10:02:00.003-05:00

Autodesk Impression is in it's second official release now. It is no longer a free download on the Autodesk website, but can be downloaded for free to Autodesk Subscription customers.

If you have any need to provide a more hand-drawn look for a website, a client proposal, displays, or anything else, this is by far the easiest way to do it.

I am presenting classes in this at the upcoming Charlotte and Philadelphia CAD Camps.

Last week I attended a Photoshop seminar. I've never used the program and don't currently have it. I have had many clients over the years that use Photoshop to create a separate design for clients. It is a complex program and I would say that you need to know more than a one-day seminar to be able to create some of the stunning effects I've seen of proposed buildings.

The beauty of Impression is that you use your AutoCAD drawing so you are not reinventing the wheel. Plus, you don't have to have AutoCAD installed on your system so you could have someone in your office do your Impression designs. You can open or insert your AutoCAD files as well as many other file types.

Visit the Impression Community to learn more.

Also, I recommend the following material from the Autodesk University sessions.

Content Browser in AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP

2008-04-19T21:19:00.003-05:00

One of the great things about Autodesk University is that even months after the event is over, you are continuing to learn through the content available.

I was reviewing everything I thought I knew about Content Browser in preparation for the Charlotte CAD Camp where I will be presenting a class on Content Browser. I read all the AU material on the subject for anything new and found something interesting.

Besides the OOTB content catalogs that you see when you open Content Browser, you can do a search in Windows Explorer for *.atc files and drag other catalogs right into Content Browser.

I wanted to share my new found knowledge with you so that you will also be amazed and impressed. :)

My absence

2008-04-08T12:29:00.002-05:00

This is the first time that more than two weeks have gone by since I last made a blog entry. There is certainly lots to blog about with the release of the new 2009 Autodesk products.

I have been overwhelmed with personal issues relating to my husband's health and updating his blog. My apologies.

I am currently working on content for the Charlotte, NC CAD Camp where I will be presenting 4 topics. One will be my AU 2007 topic of Start Using AutoCAD Architecture Now!. (You can download this from the AU 2007 website.)

I made proposals for AU 2008, but it will be some time until I know if I'll have the honor of being selected for the second year in a row. I'm hopeful since I don't believe there is any greater honor and attending AU is of high importance to me to be able to learn from my peers.

Where do your PUBLISH files go?

2008-02-28T11:37:00.004-05:00

I've long been an advocate of the PUBLISH command. When utilizing named page setups it is very easy so send an entire set of drawings to a single .dwf file or to a plotter.

The PUBLISH command has changed its interface over the years, even though it basically has similar options. In earlier versions, such as 2004, the user clearly saw the path chosen for the .dwf file you were creating.

It's a little tougher to tell at first glance where you are saving your .dwf file and how to select to be prompted for the location.

In Autodesk 2008 products, you choose Publish Options.

Generally you would want a multi-sheet .dwf, which allows you to have multiple sheets in one file similar to .pdf documents you may view.

For DWF Naming, choose Prompt for name so that when you PUBLISH you will have an opportunity to browse to where you want to save the file and what you want to name it.

You may also want to include layer and/or block information if you want the end user that will be viewing the files to have the ability to turn layers on and off in Design Review or to see information about block names.

AutoCAD MEP Material

2008-02-18T10:09:00.003-05:00

There is a real shortage of reference material and training material for AutoCAD MEP or really for all the Autodesk MEP offerings.

Here is some information that you may find useful.

First, did you know that you can request from your reseller to have a copy in book form of the AutoCAD MEP Tutorials and the AutoCAD MEP User Guide? It's so much easier to follow along with the tutorial than having to flip between screens or share screens. Ask about it.

There should be more whitepapers available for such a robust program. (hint, hint) Some of the whitepapers on the Autodesk site are old and simply have been updated to have terminology for the latest release and name change.

The system requirements can be expected to change soon with the 2009 products releasing.

Some of the best information can be found from the Autodesk University (AU) website. If you attended or are a subscription customer, you will have access to this information on sessions.

Here are some of the ones that I found best.
ME214-1 AutoCAD MEP: Power Tips for Templates by David Butts
ME204-1 A Simple Plan for Implementing AutoCAD MEP by Todd M. Shackelford
ME218-2 Workflows for Harnessing the Power of AutoCAD MEP by Peter Basso Associates, Inc.
ME300-1 New Tips and Tricks for Piping in AutoCAD MEP by Gregg Stanley
ME114-2 Levraging AutoCAD MEP for Calculation and Quantity Take-offs by Dustin Tiemeyer
ME210-2 Easily Create Ingelligent Equipment in AutoCAD MEP by T.J. Meehan
ME218-3L Creating Block-Based Multiview Parts with Mass Elements in AutoCAD MEP by Eric Bogenschutz

Besides the blog link to Todd Shackelford listed above, there are only a few other blogs related to AutoCAD MEP.
AutoCAD MEP by Scott Brisk
Space and Elevation aimed at AutoCAD MEP fabrication with Eastcoast CAD/CAM software

Good Training Material

2008-02-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

It doesn't matter how great of a class you teach or presentation you give, there is no substitute for good training materials.

The philosophy that I follow is to provide step-by-step instructions with lots of large screen captures to students. The success of training is measure, in my opinion, in how well the student is able to put the new information to use.

If the student is so busy taking notes that he cannot keep up with what you are showing or in trying to follow along on the computer, then the experience is not going to be successful. If you can provide good material to the student, then when he returns to the office and attempts the new process the material can help to help find the right dialog box or setting to use.

For this reason, I normally write my own material and usually share what I write with AUGI by teaching the same (or very similar) material in an AUGI ATP online class.

If you are planning on attending training or are searching for classes, be sure and inquire whether you will be given material such as this or a generic book of exercises.

The other important factor that I believe in is that we all learn in different ways. For this reason, I always provide a list of resources whenever possible for books, websites, webcasts, blogs, and any other medium that I think would be relevant to the subject.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Webcast

2008-02-05T11:10:00.000-05:00

If you've been wanting to know more about BIM and don't know where to start within your firm, there is a webcast just for you.

You'll want to attend this webcast on February 20, 2008. It's from 10-11:00 PST so if you're here on the Atlantic side, be sure to mark your calendar for 1:00.

Amy Fietkau from Autodesk will explain some of the principles and give you information on how to get started. If you've attended any of Amy's webcasts, you'll know that she is easy going and very good at explaining what can sometimes be complicated topics in a very easy to understand way.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Webcast: The Path to BIM for Small Firms

Date & Time: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PST

Setting Up AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP

2008-01-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

The class I taught at AU and training I have done has shown me that there are plenty of users out there who have either AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP that use it as AutoCAD and not just as AutoCAD, but probably an old version of AutoCAD.

Besides learning new features of AutoCAD and small steps you can use to begin using the software, users often don't know where to begin in setting up either program.

Try as many out-of-the-box (OOTB) settings as you can for the pilot project. After the pilot project is complete you can lay the plotted set of plans on the table next to an old set and see what you absolutely can't live with. Be open-minded about this!
Start with a template specific to the product you are using. The OOTB templates that begin with AEC are for AutoCAD Architecture and the templates beginning with ABS are for AutoCAD MEP. See this post.
Define Styles and for MEP define System Definitions. For MEP also create MEP Preferences.
Set Layer Key Style.
Set Tool Palettes.

There are 5 easy steps to get you started.

Content Browser

2008-01-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

One of the advantages that AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP has is the Content Browser.

Content Browser has the same information as can be found in Style Manager going to Content, but is in a visual form.

The Content Browser files are located by default under Documents and Settings... They can be installed in other locations during installation.

When they are installed under the default location, each user logged in has his or her own "My Tool Catalog". This is where you can store custom content. You can store this on the network and share it between users.

From the home page of Content Browser, you can find additional content. For HVAC tags, you would choose the MEP Documentation Tool Catalog because tags are considered documentation items.

Under Documentation you will see headings for each discipline. HVAC lists Schedules and Tags. Choosing Tags will give you another four categories.

All tags provide the same information, but simply have different appearances.

These are Text Tags.

You can hold your cursor over the "i" and it will change to an i-dropper. You can then drag a tag into a drawing to use or to your Tool Palette.

New MEP Blog for Fabrication

2007-12-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

Dave Quigley with EastCoast CAD/CAM has started a blog, Space and Elevation. EastCoast has started a new training program for AutoCAD MEP that is aimed at fabrication.

A Photo to Share

2007-12-20T18:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to All!

Getting Started with AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP

2007-12-14T22:23:00.000-05:00

Most users that have either AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP either use it as AutoCAD or don't know much about the features that they have. It's natural in the busy world to do what you need to do to get jobs done with the software.

Where do you start?

Start a new template. Template files are .dwt files and drawing files are .dwg files. They are not one in the same. Be sure you begin with a template for your program and insert your own titleblock. Also be sure to set it as QNEW.
Start using Tool Palettes. Sign up for a webcast on this from Steve Bennett on his blog, 2D or not 2D.
Use this fresh start to go over or set up CAD Standards. Here are some good ideas from Mark Kiker.

December is a month of new beginnings...

2007-12-12T11:52:00.000-05:00

AU 2007 ended on Friday, November 30. On Saturday, December 1, Peter Powell and I were married at the Valley of Fire in a Celtic Wedding Ceremony. Now I am officially Mrs. Powell. I've used the name officially so as not to confuse anyone when it changed so in a way it was my pen name. I will have some photos to post as soon as we receive them from the photographer.

As of December 3rd, I am no longer working for a reseller. At this time I am working full-time with my CAD Fuel Design business that I have owned since 2001. That is why the photo has changed from the CJ5 Jeep to my plate with the AUGI frame. There seem to be a wealth of other opportunities available as well, though I suspect none until after the first of the year.

The past two days I have had the pleasure of participating in the first ever AutoCAD MEP training aimed at fabricators through Eastcoast CAD. There are two classes held as a pilot project. One is on the West coast and the other was held in Roanoke, VA.

The students were really great and since they were from different areas they were not in competition with each other and shared knowledge and helped each other in class. What a great experience!

AutoCAD MEP (formerly Building Systems) has typically been aimed at engineers. In the U.K. however, it has been the opposite. Fabricators have been more of the focus.

In AutoCAD MEP 2008, the U.K. Tools have been added to the U.S. product as the first stage to aim at the fabrication industry. You can see these tools by choosing your Global shortcut, which loads a profile with the metric Global content. You'll see very different tools here aimed just at fabrication.

Autodesk has a strategic partner in Eastcoast to work on future releases of both products.

If you would like to make an influence in letting Autodesk know what you would like to see in AutoCAD MEP with regards to fabrication, you have several options.

Post specific command wishes to the AUGI Wish List or the Wish List on the Autodesk Discussion Groups.
Join the MEP Customer Council.
Sign up to participate in Usability Testing. Help Autodesk understand your business needs and how you use their products.
Sign up to participate in beta testing. Beta testing takes place at this time of the year for the release of new products in the Spring of each year. More about this and from Shaan.

I'll be posting more about MEP in the upcoming days. Another blog that I recommend for AutoCAD MEP, though not specifically about fabrication is from Todd Shackelford.

AU 07 is Over

2007-12-03T15:50:00.000-05:00

What an experience! The surprising thing was really just how fast it went. I found myself sitting at the airport for my flight home and it felt as if I'd just arrived the day before.

Friday I spent the entire morning learning about Windows Vista. Being that I'd never truly seen it, I was happy to be able to expand my knowledge about what I know I need to learn.

The class was very helpful and was professionally done even though it was the last class on the last day. I learned about installation, security, and saw many ins and outs and pros and cons. I'm feeling pretty excited about it now.

Friday afternoon we took the convertible out and discovered that the day turned out to be a cold and rainy one. I later heard on the news that it was the first substantial rain that Vegas has had since 2002 or somewhere close to that. It was an all day and night rain. We even ran into power outages that evening on our way home.

Friday after the conference we went to the Black Bear Diner for lunch. The food was excellent, though the the portions were so large we hated wasting so much. When you don't have the ability to take leftovers back to a hotel it really is a shame.

Then we went to The Gun Store. We "turned money into noise, smoke, and fire" by renting a Thompson .45 caliber and an M-16. Both are automatic weapons and are money changers. We bought our budgeted amount of ammo and a pair of targets and let loose. It was a lot of fun to release tension after spending a morning in a Windows Vista session!

Finally, we visited the Titanic exhibit at the Tropicana Hotel. I had heard it was very moving and it certainly was just that.

We collapsed into the last night in our luxury suite.

AU 2007 Usability Testing

2007-11-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

Today is the last full day of AU. Tomorrow the conference will end at noon. That's just the on site conference. The AU team has continued to out do themselves with many different ways to participate after leaving Vegas.

Yesterday was my longest day here. I had a 15+ hour day. I attended some great classes.

Tuesday I was really disappointed because I had signed up for Matt Dillon's class on Revit families. This is one area that I really need to see in person or get help with because it is the most important aspect of Revit and I don't feel that I have a handle on it yet from just reading tutorials and books. I arrived at the class and there was a sign that the class was full, though no one stopped me from going in the door. When I got inside the huge ballroom every seat appeared to be taken and the walls were lined with people. The only spot to stand was right in front of the door. I stood there a few minutes but could see that this wasn't going to work.

I also didn't mention that on Tuesday I had volunteered through AUGI to help with the Birds of a Feather lunch. My duty was to encourage everyone table by table to complete the game cards and to collect the completed cards. I didn't know what I was in for!

My feet were so tired after walking several times all over what I believe was a parking garage converted to our meal area. A real bonus was that I met a user from India that I had corresponded with and helped during my time on the AUGI BOD. I'll save that story for another blog post. Those are the things that really make a difference.

Last night I attended a reception and heard about the direction of Autodesk into the HVAC fabrication field with EastCoast CAD. I can't talk about it, but it was very interesting and I met some folks from my own back yard and had some good discussion about their situation. I love learning how different users do different things.

After that I went straight to the AutoCAD usability study. They could not thank me enough times for coming! The day before I had done a web usability study.

If you are wondering what usability study is, it basically is a way to capture how and why you do things to help the direction of whatever the usability study is. So when I did the web study I had someone asking me questions and someone writing down notes as I showed them why I visit the Autodesk website and what I do there.

At the AutoCAD usability study I used the beta product and went through a 68 page book. You didn't have to complete the whole book and could leave whenever you wanted, but I guess that shows what a geek I really am because not only did I complete the entire book and three surveys online, but I also participated in one on the other side of the room relating to the desktop shortcuts and how you launch the program. I spent an entire 2 hours doing both and ended at 9:00 PM. I was exhausted and hadn't managed to fit in dinner yet so picked up some take out food from the food court to take to my room and had a quick bite before collapsing into bed.

I believe strongly in beta testing and usability. How else would Autodesk know what to do for us if we don't participate in these programs?

Today I am leading an unconference topic on the same topic as my class. It dawned on me that I should've mentioned that in class too. From talking with some other attendees there was a lot of confusion on how to register for these. I'm hoping this won't affect the attendance.

Tonight is the 1982 party. I am not a party person and the 80's were not my time and I never got into any of the music or entertainment of the time. Normally I try to participate in all things at AU, but this time I decided to opt out of this one. I'm sure there will be lots of photos, videos, and coverage in blogs on it to review later. We are going to the Las Vegas Speedway for some laps around the track in an Indy car. That's my Christmas present to my husband.

Tomorrow I have one long class that will last until noon. It is on Windows Vista, something I need to learn.

If you're attending AU, I hope you are getting as much out of the experience as I am. If you are not here, I hope you will be able to attend next year.

AU 2007 Beginnings

2007-11-28T09:40:00.000-05:00

Today begins Day 2 officially, though for me it began Sunday and Monday.

Sunday we walked to the Mirage to pick up our tickets for the LOVE concert that night and then walked through the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes.

I met Shaan Hurley at the front desk as he was checking in and returning from his hike mentioned on his blog.

That afternoon we walked over to where AU would be held as they were setting up to get a lay of the land. This doesn't come off easily, though Autodesk would leave you to believe that the way the finished conference looks. There is a lot of hard behind the scenes work. Thank you AU you staff!

I found the Speaker Ready Room and almost felt goosebumps walking in there. I was there. I was still having a hard time believing that I was finally chosen as a speaker. Thank you for your confidence.

I met Robert Bell's wife and the man whom I admire that is all AU, Joseph Wurcher.

The speaker shirts and AU messenger bags are all black with red letters for AU. It's almost ominous to see all this black all around the hallways. I was all dressed in black on Tuesday since that was the day I presented and almost felt a part of some cult or previous portion of 20th century history. I didn't march, however.

Watching all the attendees walking the halls with their badges on and the way we are herded into the main stage or for meals almost makes me fearful that we are going to collect our Soylent Green. O.K., so maybe I enjoy history and old movies a little too much!

My class went off beautifully. I believe that I am the luckiest of presenters here as my class was at the top of the list and was the first session of the first day. The students were wonderful. I was very fortunate to have two top notch lab assistants. Steve Bennett is well known through AUGI and his dedication is amazing. Matt Stachoni I confess I have not heard of previously, but was really amazed to find that he is also an AU presenter. How great to have a fellow presenter be your lab assistant!

The workstations in the lab I taught were very nice HP machines and the technicians were very helpful. There wasn't a single hitch with equipment during the 90-minute lab.

I visited with several students as they were filing into the class to get a feel for why they were really there and what they did. I met some really good people and was able to gauge the fact that everyone really did want to learn exactly what I was going to be teaching. There really are a lot of people out there that have AutoCAD Architecture and only use it to draw lines as if it was only AutoCAD.

I met a lot of people in just the first day. Some were people I'd only known through the Internet and some I hadn't seen in a number of years. I met at least half of the AUGI BOD that I served with during my term. I met 3 people from Brazil including the couple that are involved in the Brazilian Chapter and will be hosting the first ever Brazil CAD Camp next week. I met old friends from AUG-JP from Japan that I met during my term on the BOD and at the last AU I attended in 2004. I met Melanie Perry finally after reading her blog for so long. I also met in person some people with EastCoast CAD that have asked me to teach a day and a half AutoCAD MEP session in conjunction with them for their fabrication product.

There were many more people and is much more to tell. Now it's time to head downstairs and get a start on what will be my longest day here yet.

We also visited the Imperial Palace Auto Collection on Monday before I attended the Speaker's Social and the Beta & Bloggers event that night.

More later...(including The Birds of a Feather Lunch)

AU Arrival

2007-11-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well, we are here! The airline portion of the trip was very uneventful. I think we must have picked the perfect day to fly. We were there at the airport in plenty of time and there was no line at all. The flight out of Roanoke wasn't even near full. Everything was on time and there was no rushing around.

We picked up our convertible at the car rental. It's a brand new car with only 158 miles on it. A Chrysler Sebring. We couldn't believe our luck since the last time we came here we rented a Jeep with only 6 miles on it.

Then we hit The Strip traffic. We sat for 2 hours trying to get to the Venetian. Very aggravating. We didn't get there until midnight. That's when our luck started turning sour.

We are not rich people and I very carefully had planned and budgeted out everything on this trip and allowed for some unexpected expenses. I have been buying tickets, making reservations, and planning since the summer. That way everything was paid for well in advance of even thinking about leaving home.

Well, the Venetian has a policy of $150/day required as a hold on your credit card. Ouch! I hadn't prepared for that sort of unexpected expense. I figured a few hundred dollars for the entire stay.

Then there was just one problem after another relating to registration and payment. It was so late and we were so tired (it was really after 3:00 AM according to our EST bodies) that I was just ready to go sleep in the car. They finally allowed us to just check in for the night and said the rest could be straightened out tomorrow when their office opened. Good night!

Saturday I wrongly assumed that we could complete our check-in process and be on the way to the places on our itinerary. Instead, we spend all day fighting with the Venetian until 2:00 PM that afternoon. By 10:00 AM I decided that we would just check out and come back and check in on Monday. They wouldn't let us check out or we would lose all the reservation for AU. I attempted to get them some information that they needed from the Internet, but they would not allow me an Internet code to do so. I ended up carrying my laptop downstairs to a free WiFi area to get info out of my email.

Because it was a weekend everything was really multiplied in difficulty and I was greatly unimpressed with the way the Venetian handled it. Besides that, we were still tired and realized that we hadn't eaten since breakfast on Friday at home.

I was finally able to call someone at home from my office and get them involved. We didn't even stay around to see it through and simply trusted that it would all work itself out. We paid for our personal nights and the incidentals and got out of there as fast as we could for some breakfast off the strip at a great local place.

So, we missed our Lake Mead cruise which I had paid for in advance. We attempted to go to the Hoover Dam anyhow even though it was late in the day, but by the time we got there we saw miles and miles and miles of traffic waiting to get there. So those pre-paid tickets went to waste as well. So much for planning.

We had planned on seeing the dam and lake and then traveling along Rt. 66 to stay for a free night Saturday night and then seeing more sights on Sunday before returning to Vegas for the Beatles LOVE show. It was so late there wasn't any point in heading out from the dam and we wouldn't have been along Rt. 66 until dark. It was too late to cancel our reservation for our free night so we lost that too.

We returned to the Venetian and collapsed. We went to bed early and slept 12 hours. What a stressful day.

Sunday we wandered around and did some walking until I got checked in at the Speaker Ready Room. It was great to finally meet several people that I'd only known through email or webcasts. I saw several people I knew along the way including Shaan Hurley. It amazes me that people even remember who I am.

The LOVE show Sunday night was fantastic! There was so much to look at that it was hard to know what you were missing. The music was great. Beatles music is my all time favorite. Peter was at the final Beatles concert and while the concert was not all that great, it was the experience. He's my own little piece of history.

Monday we will take the car out again and go out for breakfast off the strip and try to salvage some time to ourselves. I am rehearsing my presentation. I want to be the best speaker of all the new speakers. I realize it's a long-shot with all the great presenters here, but I'm sure going to give it my best.

Tonight there is a speaker's dinner and then two parties/mixers (there are really many) including the bloggers and beta testers and the Revit mixer. It will be nice to put some faces to names.

Tomorrow the real work/fun begins!

Travel Woes

2007-11-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

Are you sick of hearing all the media reports about how bad the airlines are or how busy travel is this time of year? I certainly am.

I'm getting ready to leave for Autodesk University on Friday. Why Friday? Well it seemed like it might be the least busy time of the Thanksgiving weekend to travel. Also, that gives me the weekend before AU to see some sites and relax before the big week.

My son is in China right now. He was scheduled to leave last Friday (11/16). I took him to the airport at 4:30 AM! He had a flight on Northwest Airlines to Detroit and then a layover until the daily flight to Shanghai, China.

Wouldn't you know it that there was a maintenance issue and two flights were cancelled that morning. He was on standby all day to get to Detroit where NWA had reserved a hotel and shuttle for him until Saturday's flight to Shanghai. He spent 12 hours on standby until he finally caught a break and got to Detroit.

Because he wanted to "see the world" and has had this trip planned for what seems like forever and we were heading to AU, we simply cancelled Thanksgiving as a family. After all, we have lots to be thankful for and are not bashful in giving thanks. We also have a tradition since he moved out of our house to set aside Sunday nights as a family night. He either makes us dinner or takes us out to dinner and then we may watch a movie together or play a board game. It's been great.

So, we'll be passing each other with our travels. He's visiting a Pen Pal in China and experiencing life and will not be back home until very late Tuesday night. We are leaving this Friday. We'll catch up on 12/2/07 for a reunion and our family afternoon and evening together to share travel stories and photos.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Beth's Autodesk University 2007 Itinerary

2007-11-20T10:55:00.000-05:00

I have only been to Las Vegas once and that was for AU 2004. I was very overwhelmed by it all. During that trip, we (my fiance and I) did stay an extra two days and rented a brand new Jeep with only 6 miles on it. We went out to Red Rocks and drove off road as much as we dared so as not to return the vehicle with damage. We also drove to Lake Havasu City, AZ to visit a friend from the EarlyCJ5.com club. We didn't really have any money to spend to see any sites, but did a lot of research on what we'd like to do on our next trip.

Well, it's time for the next trip and while we can't do everything on the list (have to save something for another time), we are going to have a great time. We are not gamblers and always try to get out of the tourist areas wherever we go so we will be "off the strip."

I've been very overwhelmed with all the invitations for special parties, meetings, and presentations.

Joseph Wurcher, Manager of AU Program Development, has posted on his blog a list of Ten Things that will "make AU 2007. For me, my main goals are:

Send attendees of my sessions go away with a positive learning experience.

Learn as much as I can.

Enjoy time with the love of my life.

I will check email at least once a day should you need to reach me.

Lodging: The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino

Air Travel: Northwest Airlines

Leave Roanoke, VA 11/23/07 4:10 PM
Arrive Las Vegas, NV 9:05 PM
Return from Las Vegas, NV 12/2/07 1:00 AM
Arrive Roanoke, VA 12/2/07 12:05 PM

Renting a convertible for the duration of the stay. We'll use this for our trips on the weekends and non-AU times and Peter can use this for jaunts out while I'm attending classes when he's not working at the AUGI booth. (He does have to earn his keep and he knows that AUGI is #1!)

Personal Schedule

Saturday 11/24
Hoover Dam

Lake Mead Cruises

Chloride Mining Town, U.S. 93 at the NV/AZ line, Chloride, AZ

RT 66

Williams, AZ

Free Night Stay at:
Quality Inn, Flagstaff, AZ

Sunday 11/25
Planes of Fame Museum

Grand Canyon National Park

Powell Point

7:00 PM Cirque du Soleil – The Beatles LOVE

Monday 11/26
Titanic Artifact Exhibit

Star Trek Experience

Scout out room for class and visit Speaker's Room as well as prepare for the week.

Thursday 11/29
8:00 PM Mario Andretti Indy Car Racing for Peter (his Christmas gift)

Friday 11/30 (After AU classes end at 12:00 PM)
Atomic Testing Museum

Machine Gun Shooting! (Pete will re-visit sources and select our destination earlier in the week.)

9:00 PM Larry G. Jones: A Man of 1002 Voices

Saturday 12/1
12:00 PM Celtic Wedding – Valley of Fire

Imperial Palace Auto Collection

Autodesk University 2007 Personal Schedule for Beth Powell

Monday 11/26
6:30 PM
Speaker’s Social Event (special invitation)
Bouchon Restaurant

6:30-8:30 PM
Blogger & Beta Social Event (special invitation)
La Scena Lounge

7:30-9:30 PM
Revit Mixer (special invitation)
Palazzo Ballroom P

Tuesday 11/27
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
MS100-1
Exhibit Hall D General Session - Designing the Future

10:00 AM-11:30 AM
AB104-1L
Murano - 3201 Start Using AutoCAD® Architecture Now!
CLASS I’M TEACHING

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Networking Lunch - Birds of a Feather (Beth help AUGI)

1:00 PM-2:30 PM
ME110-1
Lido - 3002 Design to Fabrication in AutoCAD® MEP – Why Engineers Should Care About Downstream Fabrication

2:30 Autodesk Web Usability Testing (special invitation)
Titan 2306, Level 2

3:00 PM-4:30 PM
AB114-3P
Palazzo I-J All in the Family: Creating Parametric Parts in Revit® Architecture

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. AUGI® Annual Meeting
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open/AUGI Beer Bust

Wednesday 11/28
AUGI Day – Wear your AUGI shirts!

6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
MS200-1
Exhibit Hall D Building the Future - AEC Industry Presentation

10:00 AM-11:30 AM
ME204-1
Lido - 3005 A Simple Plan for Implementing AutoCAD® MEP

11:30-1:00
Revit MEP Feedback Luncheon (special invitation)
11:30-12:00 – Introductions and Lunch
12:00-12:30 – Open Feedback Session – Workflow Barriers
12:30-1:00 – Next Steps – Collaborative Prioritization
Nerf Bats will be provided for frustration release

(Pete-AUGI Booth 11:00-12:00)

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm The Future of AutoCAD (special invitation)

Marco Polo 806 & 807

1:00 PM-2:30 PM
AB210-3
Marcello - 4505 Opening the Door to Curtain Walls in AutoCAD® Architecture, Part I

3:00 PM-4:30 PM
AB214-4
Murano - 3205 Cross-Discipline Coordination in the Autodesk's Revit® Platform

5:00 PM-6:30 PM
AB218-2
Lido - 3005 AutoCAD® Architecture Installation Secrets and Techniques

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
MEP & Fabrication Customer Focus Group – Meeting and Reception (special invitation)

Marco Polo 806 & 807 Autodesk MEP Product Managers & Eastcoast CAD

6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open

7:00 – 9:00 PM AutoCAD Sneak Peek & Test Drive (special invitation)
Venetian Hotel, Room Titian 2205

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Technology Main-Stage Presentation

6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.Networking Event: Caribbean Island Hopping

Thursday 11/29
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
AB300-5
San Polo - 3501 Breaking Free of the Plan -- AutoCAD® Architecture Sections and Elevations

10:00 AM-11:30 AM
AB304-4
Lido - 3103 AutoCAD® Architecture Solutions: The Power User’s Challenge

11:00-11:50 AM
UNCONFERENCE
Are you using AutoCAD Architecture (ADT) only as AutoCAD?
TITAN 2204
SESSION I AM LEADING

(Pete-AUGI Booth 11:00-12:00)

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch

(Beth-AUGI Booth 1:00-1:30)

1:00 PM-2:30 PM
AB310-3
San Polo - 3403 Rendering Using mental ray® in AutoCAD® Architecture

3:00 PM-4:30 PM
ME314-2
Lido - 3101 MEP Design with Revit MEP 2008 - A Real-World Implementation, Part I

5:00 PM-6:30 PM
ME318-2
Lido - 3101 MEP Design with Revit MEP 2008 - A Real-World Implementation, Part II

6:30 p.m. – 11:00 pm Dinner & Entertainment Event: Party Like It’s 1982

Friday 11/30
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 AM-12:00 PM
CM501-2
Lando - 4303 Windows Vista: The New Frontier

12:00 PM End of Conference (Whew!)

Revit Additions & MEP Customer Council

2007-11-20T09:07:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't hear it elsewhere, there is a new build of Revit to download in several flavors as well as new Revit MEP Content.

Thank you, Kyle and team, for the new content!

There is also a new MEP Customer Council. Sign up today if you are part of this industry.

Autodesk University Helpful Information

2007-11-14T08:49:00.000-05:00

Almost in unison, Elise Moss wrote an article on Tips for Autodesk University for CAD Digest while Lynn Allen's AU 2007 Primer Webcast is now available for download on the Autodesk University Blog.

Both of these contain good information. If this will be your first time attending AU, I can speak from experience that you will probably be overwelmed.

Don't laugh off all the discussion of dryness. The humidity is normally in the teens there and you will not believe how dry it feels both inside and outside. Your lips and mouth will feel dry and you will feel very stuffy. Airliner air just adds to that and you may think you are coming down with a cold.

I know of people that ship, buy, or rent humidifiers for their hotel rooms during their stay at AU. I know personally how stuffy it feels and the desire for nasal moisturizers and/or decongestant.

I have only been to AU one time and that was when I was on the AUGI Board of Directors 4 years ago. I am attending this year because I am honored to be selected to be both a presenter and a leader in an unconference session. AU has changed so much that it will be almost like the first time again.

I will post my personal schedule next week of what types of things I'll be doing while I'm there that are outside of AU.

CAD related License Plates

2007-11-13T18:52:00.000-05:00

I have seen some fun posts recently of license plates that remind you of CAD somehow. And there there are some folks that have been around a while (not that they are old or anything) and have plates that match their login names such as CADMama from AUGI.

I was behind this one the other day and while I am doubtful that the person has anything to do with AutoCAD, that's what came to mind when I saw it.

Here is one of my own. The name of my business is CAD Fuel Design, but you wouldn't believe how many people come up to me and want to know what kind of fuel the PT Cruiser runs on. They think CAD Fuel is some sort of alternative fuel!