BIMview

Welcome eTransmit to Revit

2011-07-06T14:59:00.003-04:00

eTransmit is now available for Revit, in Autodesk Labs, as a technology preview!
Automatically detach from central, include reference files like dwgs and dwfs. Great job Autodesk Labs.

Link http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/revit_etransmit/

File Upgrader for Revit

2011-05-27T12:44:00.000-04:00

New toy from the Autodesk Labs.
This plugin can be used to batch upgrade previous versions of Revit files to the Revit 2012 format. This utility tool is intended to help upgrade family contents. You can also use it to upgrade project files.

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/ADN_plugins/catalog/

Revit Bench Marks

2011-01-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

Some recent testing of Xeon and I7 processors, we tried to use closest comparable hardware.

Intel Core i7-950 Quad Core @ 3.07 Ghz
12GB RAM
Windows 7 64-bit
Nivida Qudro FX 1800
6 Opening and loading custom template
9 Creating the floor levels and grids
26 Creating a group of walls and doors
44 Modifying the group by adding a curtain wall
21 Creating the exterior curtain wall
10 Creating the sections
11 Changing the curtain wall panel type
36 Create 3D view and render
31 Export all views
194 TOTAL

Intel Xeon W3565 Quad Core @ 3.20 Ghz
12GB RAM
Windows 7 64-bit
Nivida Qudro 2000
4 Opening and loading custom template
8 Creating the floor levels and grids
24 Creating a group of walls and doors
43 Modifying the group by adding a curtain wall
18 Creating the exterior curtain wall
9 Creating the sections
9 Changing the curtain wall panel type
34 Create 3D view and render
29 Export all views
178 TOTAL

Structural Framing (the other stuff)

2011-01-19T08:55:00.000-05:00

Working with my structural design guys as they learn Revit, we found a few items worth mentioning about the additional framing that is added for braces, sag rods, opening frames and girts. My guys started by just following the how to books and some basic training. The tool mentioned to use for the additional framing, in the framing elevation, was braces. Brace tool works great for diagonal members, but is not as effective when placing vertical or horizontal members. When used for vert. or horz. members and changes were made to the larger framing, the bracing members tended to skew. When then started to use beams and columns with much better results.

Issue after starting to use beams and columns for the additional framing, was they were exporting into the analysis software. This was increasing the export/import for

unneeded items and engineers did not want them. We then found we could go to properties of the members and set Analyze As to Not for analysis.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

2011-01-18T22:28:00.001-05:00

Wow, Clay county in north Florida is hosting it's second Extreme Home Makeover. I attended the pep rally tonight. It started with a bang; Jackson deville from the Jaguars and Mr Biggs from Jacksonville Giants.

We heard from one of the producers, design team members, and the build team. We heard about how the show started and that the original name was Space Invaders. Looking forward to participating in the week to come.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Revisions Without Revision Bubbles

2011-01-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

Some companies like to denote full set issues like permit or construction in the Revision Schedule. This can become a problem when the only way some people know how to add revisions is to have a revision bubble on the sheet. Adding that revision bubble can be quite time consuming on a 200 sheet issue. Another way to do this is to add it through the sheet view properties.

Simply select your sheet in the browser, go to properties and look for Revisions On Sheet. Select edit.

Use the Revision On Sheet dialog to check off what revisions you would like to show on that sheet. Of course you would have to create a Revision for Construction Issue or whatever it might be.

Revit-Up

2010-12-27T14:54:00.000-05:00

Well finishing up this year and preparing for the new year.
I have spent some time building some application, creating content and starting our Revit Standards Manual. The key to creating the content and standards this year has been; keeping notes, documenting what the standards are and following some sort of guidelines.

To do this, I simple started with our old CAD Manual and the National CAD Standards. This gave me the basis of how the final drawings should look. I then proceeded to look for some Revit based standards for my content. I found that at on the Autodesk seek website http://seek.autodesk.com/revit.htm.

Finally, listen to your users. The guys using the software on the job everyday will tell you the issues. Some will ripe Revit apart others will tell you about the difficulties and success.

Plenum Spaces Revit MEP 2011

2010-10-18T08:27:00.002-04:00

I found a some new features in Revit MEP 2011 that is very useful for dealing with Plenum Spaces. First, you can set a type property of a level to tell the use of the level is for plenum space. This helps by creating a specific views for plenums, and all spaces added in these views will be assigned as plenums (instances property). Second item is the new instance property in spaces that assign it has a plenum space. This new property will allow for better calculation

Why are these plenum spaces relevant? Without plenum spaces the energy model for Heating Cooling Loads will be in accurate. Also you find that your gbXML exports not to work very well.

If statements in Revit.

2010-09-10T15:36:00.002-04:00

I have a storage rack family that I would like to have lower shelf height be the same as all the other shelves above. I also want to make the lower shelf another height if it is considered a bridge (drive through area below it). I used an if statement along with a yes/no parameter. So how this works;

Parameter Type       Parameter
Yes/No                   Bridge (B)
Length                     Shelf to Shelf Ht (SSH)
Length                     Bridge Ht (BH)
Length                     Lower Shelf Ht (LSH)

LSH = if(B,BH,SSH)

Simple terms if (B)Bridge is checked then it uses parameter or info after first comma (BH) or Bridge Ht, else it will use the info after the last comma (SSH) or Shelf to Shelf Ht. “IF(condition, what happens if true, what happens if false)”

Phasing - Demolition

2010-09-10T15:22:00.000-04:00

Often the biggest problem with phases is that users have created a Demolition phase. Demolition is actually a phase state within Revit and should not be used as an actual phase.

Revit 2011 Certified Professional

2010-08-16T16:28:00.000-04:00

The Beta Testing results for 2011 Autodesk Certification are in. I am happy to say I am still a certified professional per Autodesk testing.

Completed My Fist Revit App

2010-07-29T17:05:00.001-04:00

Created my first Revit App. Learning the API is a little bit of a challenge. The most challenging thing was learning VB.net, I have managed a little VBA, a decent amount of LISP and some scripting. Well VB.net is none of those.

The overall goal was to mimic a custom LISP routine that we use in AutoCAD.
1. Print a to DWF and or PDF to a Current Plot Folder
2. Copy the file or files to a archive record issue for the issue letter or number
3. The file name to Project Number-Sheet Number-Revision Number
4. Search the Plot folder for previous versions of that sheet and delete them
5. Seamless process without allot of user in put

The app requires you to print one view at a time, but it does read the sheet and file for all the information needed, no user input except to click OK if it finds an error (with reason) or OK that is complete.

Some Little Keyboard Helpers

2010-06-17T17:22:00.002-04:00

Press [Tab] key to select objects in line with the object you pick.

When object is selected [Alt] + [Enter] keys takes you to instant properties.

When object is selected [Ctrl] + [Enter] keys takes you to type properties.

[Ctrl] + [Left Arrow] will select previous objects.

Revit Pen Settings

2010-05-07T09:09:00.000-04:00

I have been working through our company pen settings over the past couple of weeks. I had plenty of feedback from co works about the pen weights. In the process of trying to tweak the different settings, I found through research (AUGI and Discussion Groups) that pens 1 and 2 (model) and pen 1 (drafting) effect majority of the hatching or fill patterns.

Model Pen 1 drives the model hatch pen weight. Model Pen 2 drives the ceiling grid pattern pen weight. All fill regions are assigned to Annotation Pen 1 by default.

To give myself more flexibility in our pens I have decided to move all objects off of pens 1 and 2. Seems a little bold, but I believe it will give us more flexibility in the long run.

Revit 2011 Release

2010-04-16T13:18:00.002-04:00

Just in case you did not see it yet. Revit 2011 (all flavors) have been released.

Second I just saw the posting on the subscription center that the Revit Extensions are available. They are very limited at this time, unless you are using Revit Structures (seems to be allot of Robot integration directly into Revit). Main one is the Shared Parameter Converter it provides the ability to change family parameters to Revit shared parameters. A second functionality is to add or replace shared parameters to one or multiple Revit families file in one process.

Finally several of the main stay tools are out for Revit 2011 products; Globe Link, Batch Print, Space Naming Utility, Autodesk Revit DB Link 2011, Worksharing Monitor and Autodesk Revit Model Review 2011.

Improved UI

2010-03-26T13:18:00.001-04:00

Many needed improvements have been made to the Revit UI.

Quick Access Toolbar Modifications
1. Single QAT in both project and family editor.
2. Increase number of default commands out of the box, not only that, but they are sensible.
3. Customization of the QAT, including moving items and adding separators.

Side Browsers (Project Browser, Systems)
1. You can now stack Browsers, like Project and System Browsers.
2. New Properties Browser has been added, this allows users to level their property dialog box up when working in a project, verses opening and closing.

Modify Tools
1. Yes, the modification tools have been moved to the left end of the Ribbon to maintain consistent tool locations.
2. The modify Tab now includes object specific commands (move, copy, array, etc.)
3. Modify commands are now available prior to selection or after, like AutoCAD.
4. Type Selector has been moved to Property Browser.
5. When placing objects, the contextual tab (like Place Wall) has been merged with the Modify tab. This will greatly reduce the need to bounce from one tab to another.
6. Several tool icons have been updated for easier access and readability.

Revit 2011 Text Updates

2010-03-26T12:35:00.001-04:00

Leader Enhancements

Something we have all been asking for, the ability to specify the location of the leader from our text. Many of us have CAD standards that specify 1st line, center or last line of text. Revit only gave us the ability for the top line of text. Revit now has the ability to specify four new locations (Middle Left and Right and Bottom Left and Right).

Text Borders

New option in the text type properties allow you to show the text border. In type properties lock for a check box parameter called show border. This will box out the notes.
Also you can now control the margins of the text box (which we can also consider the masking region for Opaque option). This setting is found in the text type properties also, called Leader/Border Offset.

AUGI World March/April

2010-03-09T14:40:00.001-05:00

ATTENTION
My boy, Felix, was publish this month in AUGI World. Please skip past all the other pages and go to page 26. Felix Gonzalez, with Hunton Brady, has a great article about schedules in Revit. If anyone knows something about schedules it is Felix. He has created some of the most integrated schedules in Revit Architecture I have seen. Great job Felix.

AUGI is pleased to announce that the latest issue of AUGIWorld is now available for download.

Click Here to download the AUGIWorld March/April 2010 issue

PS. After you read Felix’s article, feel free to flip back and catch another couple of articles on Revit.

Bentley / Revit Integration

2010-02-25T09:34:00.000-05:00

There are several new plugins by Bentley that attempt to address interoperability with Revit.

First is the iModel Plugin that translates a Revit model to Microstation V8i. You can read more about it and download here http://communities.bentley.com/UserGroups/GroupDetail.aspx?GroupID=80

Seciond is a Revit plugin for the Bentley Integrated Structural Model (ISM). You can read more about it and download here http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Promo/ISM/downloads.htm#revit

I hope this provides a better means to work between Revit and Bentley products without using IFC or Navisworks and I'd like to know if anybody is having any success with this workflow.

Revit Structure 2010 and RAM Steel Link

2010-02-24T08:35:00.001-05:00

If you have been looking for the RAM Steel/Revit Link for the 2010 products, you have probably been getting the same story. "It is being test it will be ready soon", "Within the next month" and so on. Well, they still have not released one "the latest word is March of 2010". Just in time for the Revit 2011 releases.

Well I have found out that RAM does have a prerelease version of the Revit 2010 link. You must contact RAM "Bentley" directly. It is a little tricky, 1st the basic install then replacing some files. Also, there is still no 64bit option for RAM or its Link.

Temporary Dimensions

2010-02-24T08:26:00.000-05:00

I have seen this idea posted or mentioned in various areas. I thought I might throw it out there again, mainly because I just reset it on my new machine.

Temporary dimensions have a standard text size that you cannot change in the program. You can however modify the Revit.ini file to change the size. Browse to the file under C:\Program Files\Your Version/Flavor\Program and open it in Notepad or something. Search for the [Graphics] section of the file and add just the second line below or at the very end of the file add all of the following:

[Graphics]
TempDimFontSizeInPoints = X

X represents the size the text. The default size of temporary dimensions is 8.

Adding Symbols in Text Box

2010-02-19T08:49:00.000-05:00

I am working with our group to start creating details in Revit. We came across the issue of adding symbols in our text. We started by just typing abbreviations, this added to our normal note size. I did some research and found Revit supports Windows Character Mapping.
Here are the simple steps to do this;
1. Ensure Number Lock is on
2. Hold the [ALT] Key
3. While Holding [ALT] type in code suing Number Key Pad (Number pad on right side of keyboard
4. Release [ALT] Key
If I would like to add the degree symbol in a note all I have to do is Hold the ALT key and type in character map code "0176".

*You must use the number pad, traditional numbers above the letters will not work.

Some of the Standard Codes:
0176 Degree
0248 Diameter
0178 Squared
0179 Cubed
0177 Plus-Minus
0174 Registered
0169 Copy Right

**Laptop users can not use the numbers on the traditional keyboard above the letters. Majority of laptops have a number pad overlaid into the keyboard area that you can utilize with the number lock key and the same method.
***You can also utilize this same method in AutoCAD and other Windows Programs.

Converting AutoCAD Details to Revit

2010-02-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

I have been working on a process to quickly and efficiently convert our detail libraries to Revit. I have come across several ideas and methods. This concept is based on bring AutoCAD entities into Revit to become Revit based line work and text.

1. Clean up AutoCAD files
2. Get rid of hatch patterns, hatches bring allot of extra junk into Revit
3. Explode everything, blocks from AutoCAD become junk in Revit.
4. Ensure all your multiple lines of text are MText (use Express Tools to convert)
5. Create Line Styles in Revit for Company Standards (pen weights, line tpyes, colors)
6. Use AutoCAD's Layer Translator command to convert Layers (If the AutoCAD layer is an "Exact" match to a line style in Revit it will not create an extra Line Style)
7. Purge file, till clean. Also try -PU, and option R to purge Registered Apps.
8. Import file to Revit (Not your project, a junk file), explode (full) the import.
9. Use Window Select and Filter to clean up miscellaneous objects
10. Add Regions (Hatches) and Leaders to Text as needed.
11. Copy Detail from the Junk Project to your project or to a detail library (this will leave behind all the extra AutoCAD junk in the Junk file.)

2009-09-10T08:39:00.002-04:00

I started working on interiors in Revit also. I ran into several little things as I worked through my first attempts. Some key points

1. Don't just render a high quality image right away. Takes time and you don't have any idea of your lighting. I start with a quick draft to check lighting.
2. If doing a render with sun and artificial light, you may need to tweak the light out put of interior lights or adjust render exposure. I also found changing the sun angle from 35 deg to 70 deg.
3. Play with your materials, you can adjust settings for all materials, you are not stuck with out of the box materials.

First Try at Rending in Revit

2009-09-09T13:37:00.007-04:00

Here are the results of my first tries at Rendering in Revit. I have been busy work in a different areas in Revit, but I have not spent much time on rendering. I found the quality of the images to be pretty good for my first major attempt.
I have noticed a few items. First the Exterior Rendering is easy. Make sure you add some ground below it, looks funny floating in mid air. I did this by creating a separate project for the site. I created a Topo Surface and divided it to create the parking area and grass. I also created a floor for the concrete walks and added some plantings.

This image is a dark, but shows the concept. I added exterior lighting and created a night rendering. I had to adjust my materials on the CAD EXPO sign at the top of the building. I adjusted the materials and adjusted an area for the material called self-Illumination. I would also adjust the exposure settings the next time I render the view. That would allow me to adjust the exposure.

Up Date: I have adjusted the exposure setting and rendered it again.

Revit Building Construction Types

2009-08-17T14:18:00.002-04:00

I have had several people ask about this. How does Revit MEP under stand construction of the building and R values. Let's first say "there is no connection between the MEP Space and the Architectural Objects." We are required to specify this information.

What are you saying?

Revit model requires us to tell it what the construction type of the; floors, roofs, walls and glass. This data is added in the Project Information under Energy Data. You will find Building Construction click the "edit" button, that will open a dialog box that will list different construction objects. You will then choose from the drop down lists what primary Construction Type is for the objects. This will set the defualt for all the MEP spaces. You can over ride the construction types per space as needed.

I can't find the Construction Type I need.

Then you will need to add it to Revit. It is very simple to modify the constructions list, as well as add new wall types. Under C:\Program Files\Revit MEP 2010\Program\Constructions.xml you can open the constructions file with wordpad, and using the same format as the pre-defined ones add your specific wall, roof and window types. Make sure to keep the syntax the same, as well as keep the ID unique. Here is the xml format:Important things to note are, make sure you place your new construction under teh correct type, for example c for ceiling, w for wall etc. As I mentioned before also make sure to name the id unique. After you make the changes simply restart Revit and tehy should appear in the construction types.

I hope this will give you some additional in site and help.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

2008-12-29T15:41:00.002-05:00

Here is a trick to create the look of a true standing seam metal roof in Revit.

First start by creating the roof with generic roofs that are thin I use 2". I was then able to duplicate each of my roofs in their same locations. I changed one of my roof types to "slopped glazing", this is a roof type that is a curtain system.

Second I set up our roof types. Start with the easy one, customized the type "Generic 2 inch" to "Seams" with correct material settings for the metal roofing (we will come back to this roof later). Then "Sloped Glazing" to "Metal Roof", this one will take some modifications. You will need to created a curtain panel that is 1/4" thick to use for the main field of the metal roof. We will also need a profile shape that is the size and shape of our standard field seams. I used a simple rectangle with type parameters to adjust width and height as needed. Then go to your new "Metal Roof" type and edit the type properties. Set Grid 1 Pattern to spacing for seams. Set Grid Mullions - Interior Type to Metal Roof Seam Profile. (You may have to adjust the profile insertion location up and down to have it site on top of the roof.

Now you should have two roofs with in each other. The final touch was to use "Opening by Face" tool on each of the roof faces or the Seams roof "the basic roof" to cut out for the Metal roof to show through. This will give you both the seamed in-field and the ridge/hip/valley pieces.

2008-12-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

Tip: Monday means make a new local file.
On Friday afternoon the BIM manager will have done the entire cleanup necessary for CentralFile maintenance. After going through all these maintenance methods or if it is just Mondaymorning make a new Local File. By creating a new Local File every Monday morning the userwill not bring any old problems back into the Central File.

2008-12-02T17:20:00.003-05:00

*Now I have created a Central File, where do I go next?

You do not actually work in the Central File, you work on local copies. Local copies are created by copying or saving the project to a your workstation. When this happens a data link is created to help check and reference data between the local copy and the central file.

*What is the best way to create a local copy and is there any suggestions?

The two main ways are to save as and copying while in windows explorer. Copying with window explorer is my preferred option. First, it takes less time, you do not have to open it and and then re-save. Second, most people open the Central file and forget to save it to their local workstation.

*Is there some best practices for file name to reduce confusion.

Yes, always add in all caps CENTRAL to the end of the central file when naming and as users create there local copies they should remove CENTRAL and add there user name in all caps.

Revit Workshare Post 2

2008-10-08T15:43:00.004-04:00

As I discussed in the previous post workshare in Revit is more of a process than a command.

This first step in this process is to enable Worksets. You do this by going to the File Pulldown Menu and selecting Worksets. This will bring up a dialog box for Worksharing. You will see that all levels and grids will go to one workset and all other items go to another workset. Note: This step can not be undone. Then you will have the Workset dialog box come up for creating additional worksets.

So, what does this mean? We need to start by understanding worksets. Worksets are collections of elements, such as walls, windows doors or even levels. Okay, why? Originally the concept that Revit used to allow multiple users to work on a project at the same time was through allowing users to check out and work on one workset at a time, which prevented other users from using those items (preventing confilicting objects). This concept as evolved in the programing to become more automated and can now be done in what we refer to a "Borrow As You Go." With that in mind we can leverage worksets still for other means. Worksets can be used to subdivide the project in to managable pieces. Example, when working with a 3D exterior we would like to turn off the interior elements, this is where we could divide the elements into two worksets for interiors and exteriors.

By grouping elements into related worksets we can find easier ways to manage the project.
1. Checking out a workset(s) due to major design change can prevent and signal other users that changes are being made on a larger scale and may effect what they are about to work on.
2. Turning off worksets that are not needed. This is can greatly improve system performance.
3. Change visibility of categories from one workset to another.
4. Checking out a workset to work on that area outside the office and not need to communicate to the central file on the server.

These are just examples of the areas that can be managed by using worksets.

What worksets did I need to create? This varies greatly between project sizes, number of users in the project and the number of disciplines in the project.

Key ideas is to break down the project into related areas "not related elements that is what categories do." Take a hotel project for example;
Exterior - for all exterior elements
Building Core - for major elements spanning multiple floors; stair and elevator shafts
Lobby - elements making up the main lobby and store ares
Structural - for structural columns and beams

Revit Workshare, Post 1

2008-09-08T13:22:00.004-04:00

I have noticed Worksharing is an area that many people are looking for information on in Revit. I have decided to do a series of post to revolve around worksharing, in Revit.

First we need to understand the need or concept of worksharing. Revit project files typically consist of an entire plan set and model for a particular discipline. Instead of breaking the drawings down into multiple files we work with one file. Just like many other softwares this can be an issue when multiple people need to access the file and make changes simultaneously. Revit developed the Workshare concept to resolve this issue.

I have had several people ask me where do I find the command workshare. Workshare is not a command in Revit it is process. Here is a basic outline of the process;

1. The process of work share starts from a basic Revit Project file.
2. You enable or create worksets.
3. Finally save the file, this will create a central file, workshare is setup
4. Loacl copies can be made at this time.

At this point workshare is setup and ready go. I want to look at this process a little more indepth on my next post.

Door Family with Jambs

2008-08-27T21:10:00.006-04:00

I have had several request for a door family that has jambs included in the rough opening. This is something Revit does not have out of the box. It is made for walls that are either concrete or block construction that we need to be able to dimension to the door rough opening. So, I have put together a basic door to get you started with. Select link at bottom of post to download.

It is basically a single hung flush door. The Jamb and door together make up the open size. In the type settings you can change door height and width along with jamb depth (all three sides) jamb width for sides and jamb width for head jamb. Under the instance or Element you can change the door inset (this controls the offset of the door from wall face on the non-swing side. The rough opening also automatically reports the correct width and height by adding Jambs and width/height.

Single-Flush-Jamb-RR.rfa

Upgrading Families in Revit

2008-08-18T16:20:00.001-04:00

Although it is not necessary to upgrade all families before using them in a new version, it may be desirable to upgrade your family files (especially your larger ones) to avoid upgrade delays when you add families to projects.

The utility is located on the installation dvd for Revit. You will need to look in the Install Tools and Utilities area and then utilities from the left hand margin be directed to the utilities on the dvd. Files are designed to first find any existing family that you have, then upgrade them to the current release.

1. Copy the files into a directory common to your family files
2. Double click on the Batch Family File Generator (upgrade_rfa.bat). After a moment a file named famlist.txt will be created.
3. Drag and drop the Family File Upgrade Utility (upgrade_rfa.txt) onto the Revit Icon (or shortcut). Revit will now start, open and save all of the family files found in the family.txt file.

NOTE: Be sure that the file identified in the "family.txt" files should be upgraded before running the "upgrade_rfa.txt" utility. It is advisable to review the files found in the "family_rfa.txt" before proceeding. Once a file is upgraded it cannot be brought back to the previous release.

NOTE: Also note that family files marked as "read only" cannot be upgraded and will cause the upgrade_rfa.txt file to "run out of sequence" and the process will be stopped.

DO NOT modify these downloads to upgrade project files ! ! !

Site Analysis- Permeable vs Non-permeable

2008-08-06T16:40:00.003-04:00

How about using the AREA tool to create a visual analysis of Permeable vs Non-permeable surfaces on a site plan. Revit can easily be used to compare the areas in both numerical view (Schedule) or visual with a color fill plan. An idea is to create a permeable parameter. You can then create a new view change view settings to see the site objects. Create some spaces and fill the parameter for permeable with Permeable or Non-permeable. Apply color fill based on permeable parameter. Finally create a schedule to extract information for square footage of each.

Green Building Studio

2008-05-12T12:51:00.002-04:00

Well, in case you have not notice Green Building Studio has been officially acquired by Autodesk. I noticed the Autodesk logo on the website this weekend and the site was temporally down for maintenance www.greenbuildingstudio.com. I ma looking forward to see what kind of software interaction we will see from this acquisition.

HVAC zones

2008-04-09T20:03:00.003-04:00

New feature to Revit MEP 2009 is Zones. Zones will allow engineers break up the rooms in the building in to, based on engineering volumes. This adds another great tool that is part of the typical mechanical design work flow for system equipment selection as well as to perform accurate heating and cooling loads calculations.

The new zones integrate seamlessly into the current tools of Revit MEP. Zones will have the ability to export the newly created HVAC zone datafor use in the IES. Heating and cooling loads reports have also been enhanced to reflect the powerful HVAC zones and spaces functionality.

AutoCAD's 2009 Ribbon Bar

2008-04-02T16:05:00.003-04:00

If you have seen AutoCAD 2009 release you know that Autodesk has change the interface. I noticed that if you have been modifying the dashboard and setting that up in 2008, it is no long in the 2009 release. The new "Ribbon" interface has replaced the dashboard. You can see a screen shot of the Ribbon from a previous post below.

Some new commands that will help you with the new interface:

ribbon - this command turns on the ribbon bar
ribbonclose - this command turns off the ribbon bar
menubar - this is a new system variable <0> menus turned off and <1> menus turned on

Hope this helps you in setting up your new 2009 seats of AutoCAD.

Workshare in 2009

2008-03-25T22:25:00.003-04:00

Revit users, are you on subscription? If you are on subscription, Revit has a new tool for monitoring worksharing in 2009. The Workshare monitor is avalible to suscription users to display instant inforation on project team members in the current project.

Have you ever wanted to know quickly; who was in the project, is my local copy up to date, when is my save to central going to finish, has my request to borrow elements been granted? The new Worksharing monitor does just that. Once you are ready start sharing projects in your office and you are subscrption member, you can go out to the Autodesk customer subscripton web page and download and install this exernal tool. Once installed you can open a Revit project, and select Tools menu -> External Tools -> Workshare Monitor.

The Workshare monitor will displays notifications when editing requests are made by other team members. When a user saves to the central file, a progress bar displays. A list of other users also displays, showing when they have last saved to central.

Dimensions in Revit 2009

2008-03-24T19:47:00.005-04:00

I have to admit the guys over at Autodesk do listen to us. I was browsing the new features to Revit Architecture 2009 and found they finally implemented some of the wish list items we have been asking for.

First off, I know that we all need to override a dimension and place just text in locations, such as "varies." That is just one of many items you can do to the dimensions in 2009. Check out this dialog box;

As you can see we can modify our dimensions in several ways; from prefix to suffix, above and below and replace with text. Okay, now how do I get to that? That is simple select a dimension, and yes it can be a string or single dimension, then select the dimension number "text" that is now blue, then modify as needed. I will say that Revit does not want you to over ride a dimension with a different dimension that is incorrect. In this dialog box, I have a dimension reading 65'-4". I can change it to read "Varies" or "place bolts every 6" o.c." I know my first question with this override was "Can I change it to read "63'-10" now?" No, Revit will not allow you to do this you will receive a warning, as you see below:

AutoCAD 2009

2008-03-19T08:43:00.000-04:00

Yes I know my blog says "BIMview" and my focus is going to be Revit and BIM ideas, but we can not pass up the release of AutoCAD 2009.

We have been anticipating the release of AutoCAD 2009 since AU 2007. Those who were there may have had the opportunity to see the software others just heard bits and pieces. Well the what is over or just about. The first shipments should be anytime now.

I had some time to Beta test the '09 product and get a feel for what was to come. I can say that the initial look as it launched for the first time was one of "shock and aw".

My Second thought was Microsoft Office 2007. Yes, the Ribbon Gui from Microsoft migrated to AutoCAD.

I had the opportunity to poll a large group of users on the new interface and talk about, thank you JAG User Group. I showed Word 2007 first and asked if anyone ahas used the new 2007 Office product line, about a third of the group now uses it or has used it. Their opinion was "I can not find anything." I asked was there any other opinions, several people spoke up and said that once they got use to using it it was easier to use and quick to find things.

In closing this post, I think that you need try new technology and give it a chance, before you jump to criticize it.

A New Blog

2008-03-19T08:31:00.000-04:00

Welcome to a new log spot that will focus on Revit BIM technology along with some AutoCAD tips and tricks. My name is Rick Ross, I am out of Jacksonville, FL. I have been working with Autodesk products since 1991. Through my career I have seen many different products and ideas to achieve better building practices. My focus is to explore those ideas through Revit and still throw out some good AutoCAD tips and tricks for my readers.