The H-Factor

Changing Attribute Color, Height, Style and Rotation

Unbeknownst to many, HydraCAD has a command (shortcut CAP) that will change many properties of attributes within a block. I have used it mostly for changing the text style used or the color (usually set be the background author) of attributes, but it does more than that.

This command is also available on the HydraTools->Modify->Attributes menu and the HydraTools toolbar

Controlling Xref Fading in AutoCAD 2010

In 2010, xref'd layers are shown faded by default. According to JTB World there is a new AutoCAD variable that controls that: XDWGFADECTL

Go to tools > options > display tab > and at the bottom right corner find FADE CONTROL. Under it is xref display.

Or, type it in, and set it as you desire (from AutoCAD sysvar reference):

XDWGFADECTL

Type:	Integer
Saved in:	Registry
Initial value:	70

Controls the dimming for all DWG xref objects.

The valid XDWGFADECTL system variable value is between -90 and 90. When XDWGFADECTL is set to a negative value, the Xref Fading feature is not turned on, but the setting is stored.

0	DWG xref objects are not faded.
>0	When the value is positive, controls the percent of fading up to 90 percent.
<0	When the value is negative, xref objects are not faded, but the value is saved for switching to that value by changing the sign.

This and a list of other new 2010 variables can be found at JTB World New 2010 Variables

Changing the Size of Riser Nipples in V50/V51

From a Customer:

I was wondering if there is a way of changing the size of the “new” riser nipples (HYDRAPIPES)? I feel it is to small and when you pretty pipe and plot your drawing you can’t see the nipple, just the font.

Answer:

Yes, there is.

1.Type in SDO or pick the SMaRTools Options button from the HydraCAD SMaRT toolbar.

2. Pick the HydraPipe Settings tab.

3. Pick the Restore HydraCAD Defaults button. This usually does it. If you want a different size than that, then specify that in the Global Riser Diameter Settings fields to the left.

Turning Your Library of Blocks into a Tool Palette

I posted about this before, but not concerning a wholesale replacement of your blocks with tool palettes.

If you have a large library of your own details and blocks, you can convert entire folders at a time to tool palettes by using the Design Center:

1. Press CTRL+3 to open the tool palette (if not already open)
2. Now open up the Design Center using CTRL+2
3. Navigate to the folder where you have the blocks you want added to the palette
4. Right-click on the folder and pick Create Tool Palette

Repeat as necessary

This will create a palette named after the folder you selected and containing all the blocks in that folder.

See this post for more general details

Obtaining Updated HydraLIST Manual Content

From a customer:

Q: Is the latest HydraLIST Manual dated 1999?

A: Yes. The printed manual is for the most part very accurate. However, the Help file is constantly updated - usually with every HydraLIST update and even some partial updates. In addition, there was a new manual created specifically for the HydraLIST Select (50.16) Update and produced in PDF form. Also, the How Do I....? Feature in the Help file is also updated regularly.

For the HydraLIST Select (50.16) Update Manual:

Pick the Help pulldown menu in HydraLIST and pick the HydraLIST PDF Manuals item. From here you will get a few choices. Pick 'HydraLIST Select Update Manual_V50.0.16.pdf' for documentation on all the new Select features. Pick 'HydraLISTv50-14.pdf' for the original 1999 manual in PDF form.

For the Newest Features in Each Version:

Pick the Help pulldown menu in HydraLIST and pick Contents. From here you can select the How Do I....? item to see how to use many of the new features.

Creating Screen Captures

I hope everyone who is able to, is enjoying the end of their long holiday weekend.  I'll be taking  Memorial Day off in a couple weeks, so I thought I'd take another shot at adding to Art's great contributions to the H-Factor.

One of the best ways to convey your message in an email is via a screen capture.  I've been sent many screen captures over the years, but on occasion, I get a copy of the user's entire screen in an 8MB .BMP format file.  There are a couple tools you can use which will make your file smaller and more concise.

If you're using Windows Vista, there is a very handy application called the Snipping Tool.  You can find it by going to "Start|All Programs|Accessories|Snipping Tool".  The application window (shown below) will open up and your screen will look 'disabled' (for lack of a better term).

At this point, select window points around the area you would like to capture by clicking the start and end points.  Then, select the "File|Save As" command.  I usually save my files as .PNG files or .JPG files.  Either one works fine.  Make a note of where the file was saved to.

If you are using Windows XP, you're still stuck with Microsoft Paint, but there a couple options when you make your screen capture. 

1a. You can use the PRINT SCREEN button to capture your screen, however this copies your entire screen to the clipboard. 

1b. Another option is to use ALT+PRINT SCREEN as this will only copy the current window to the clipboard.

2. Once your clipboard contains your screen image, go to "START|Programs|Accessories|Paint"

3. In Paint, go to Edit|Paste, and you'll see your image in the window.  Edit your image as necessary.

4. Save the image by going to "File|Save As".  Give the file a name, but before you click OK, note the area which says "Save as type".  Change this from a .BMP to either a .JPG or a .PNG.

Now that you've saved your screen capture, email the file to us and we'll be that much closer to answering your question.

Getting the Mouse Wheel to Display the HydraCAD Cursor Menu

Those of you who have set the option to use the third button/wheel as the cursor menu may have noticed that you get the condensed AutoCAD cursor menu, not the expanded HydraCAD cursor menu. Somewhere along the line AutoCAD 'broke' the way cursor menus are supposed to load, with the result being that AutoCAD's takes precedence unless you redirect it.

First of all, two things

A. Pick HydraTools->Options-> to set your wheel to your desired behavior using one of the last two items

B. The HydraCAD cursor menu can always be displayed by holding down the SHIFT button and Right-Clicking your mouse.

To get the HydraCAD Cursor menu when you press the wheel, you need to modify the CUI. So:

1. Type in CUI and press Enter
2. Locate the HCAD Shift+Click Button 2 entry as seen below
3. Highlight the Macro code and right-click to pick Copy

4. Now, slide down and locate the ACAD Partial CUI File entry for Click Button 3 as seen below
5. Highlight the Macro code and right-click to pick Paste

6. Pick OK to finalize your changes

This customization will stick around 'forever' unless you reinstall AutoCAD.

Using Overrides to list GOLs at Top or Bottom of Riser Nipples with V50

From a Customer, with a response by our guest commentator, Bill McKenna

Art,
I'm hoping you can help or direct this to someone else who can help.  We are using AutoCAD MEP 2008 and HydraCAD Version 50.1 Revision 2

The attached drawing is having a problem with the OVERRIDE -> TEE -> "Groove-O-Let Sid Out".  I have various notes on this drawing indicating how I have defined mains and lines for stocklisting.  When using this override block various errors show up in the stocklist on all (4) lines.  Can you look at this and tell what the problem is?

On a side note it looks as if the in OVERRIDE -> TEE -> "Groove-O-Let Sid Out", "Groove-O-Let Bottom", "Groove-O-Let Top" all use standard couplings.  In the attached drawing I have inserted groove-o-lets with firelock couplings.  What override do we use for groove-o-lets with firelock couplings?

Answer:

The V50 AutoLIST program is slightly different from the V45. Many of the overrides that were used in V45 as they are no longer required. The GOL outlets are one of the areas that will see this change.

 

In the V45 there was a GOL override for a Side outlet as well as Top and Bottom outlets.  This was required because V45 needed to define the type of outlet and the coupling associated with the outlet when it was inserted at a riser nipple. Therefore, the Top and Bottom GOL overrides needed to be set up for both STANDARD & FIRELOCK grooved couplings. The Top and Bottom GOL overrides reported the outlet type and the coupling on the riser nipple to HydraLIST.

 

In V50 the "Groove-O-Let Sid Out" override is the only GOL override needed because the AutoLIST program treats riser nipples differently.  When you insert the override at a riser nipple the command will ask if it should be inserted at the Top or Bottom.  The override should only report the outlet type at the end of the riser nipple to HydraLIST.  The listing tag inserted at the riser nipple will define the material for the grooved coupling (STANDARD or FIRELOCK).

 

Note: If you use "Groove-O-Let TOP" or "Groove-O-Let BOT" overrides in V50 AutoLIST an extra grooved coupling will be reported to HydraLIST.

 

In a future update you will see a trimmed down override list and only be able to find a Welded Grooved Outlet "GOL" TEE shape override.  The Welded Grooved Outlet will actually be a copy of the "Groove-O-Let Sid Out" with a new name in the override list.  For now use the "Groove-O-Let Sid Out" for ALL Welded Grooved TEE Outlets in any position with any grooved coupling type.

Transferring V45 Menu Setup/Workspaces to V50

According to me coworker, George, this seems to work fine even through we did not explicitly ship CUI files with V45. I believe you will be able to do it as long as you are staying on the same AutoCAD version or newer when you go to V50 from V45.

To transfer them, see my earlier post: Workspaces in V50

For the old timers out there (like me) - 72 Old Computer Ads

It is always fun when a new technology comes out because, well, everything is new. And,there are always a lot of choice until Darwin whittles them down to the survivors.

72 Old Computer Ads

Take the Franklin Ace1200 special features:

Apple II-compatible
128K of RAM
Built-in floppy disk drive
80 column card (note: no monitor included)
Serial interface
Parallel interface
Upper and lower case (sounds like an infomercial - "You get your upper AND your lower case keys - not just one!)
Numeric pad

I miss the fun of the first three color game, or first game with sound...

Including 3D Risers Details in Your NavisWorks Model

From a customer:

Art, I have a couple questions about V50.

If I make a 3D detail will I be able insert it into navisworks similar to the solidpipes? Can I integrate 3D details with all of my piping? Second, my understanding of BIM is that upon completion the building management/owner would be able to see a full building MEP model then select a part (say a sprinkler valve) and it would display information on what it is/size/location etc. Is this something that can be done?

1: Yes – If it is on your plan, it will automatically show in 3D when you go to 3D mode

2: Yes - – One thing to do is to draw it on your plan right where is would go in real life (ie – the riser room). When you go to 3D, all the piping and connections to the riser will be in the right place.

3: Not now. Honestly, I think it will be years before a standard is created for this. Also, each block will need that info attached to it, and that is a lot of typing for someone

 

Adding Blocks and Details to the Tool Palette

In V50 we have created tool palettes to not only allow you to drag and drop details and blocks onto your drawing, but to also make it easy for you to add your own blocks. In the past it was difficult to do this because we used slide files and menus - both were not at all user friendly.

From a blog entry a couple of years ago:

To make your own tool palettes:

1. Press CTRL+3 to open the tool palette (if not already open)
2. Right click on the tool palette and pick New Palette. Give it a name you like, i.e. My Blocks
3. Now open up the Design Center using CTRL+2
4. Navigate to the folder where you have the blocks you want added to the palette
5. Select a block and drag it to your palette and let go

That's it! When you want to insert a block just drag it off the palette into your drawing or click on it.

Controlling the scale, rotation angle and properties of your palette blocks:

You can control a number of things about how your block gets inserted from a tool palette. Right click on your block and pick Properties. This will give you the properties you can control. Scale, Rotation and Prompt for Rotation are found in the Insert section. In the General section you will find options like Color, Layer and Linetype to set specific for those (otherwise they adopt the current layer and color settings).

Create as many palettes as you like. Next I'll show you how to group them and Export them to some one else's machine

Saving and sharing your palettes:

Once you have your palette(s) set the way you want them, you may want to be nice and share them with others. This will require and Export from you and an Import to them. But first you may want to combine them into a Group.

Right-Click on the tool palette and pick Customize Palettes... This will bring up a two-columned dialog box. On the left are the palettes in your AutoCAD - Note this is not a per-drawing thing - you only have ONE set of tool palettes. On the right you can right-click and pick New Group. Name this Group.

Now drag the palettes you want from the left into the right. Once this is done, right-click on the Group you created (or on the left right-click on just one palette if that is all you want to export) and pick Export. Give your Group a name and location you can later find. Copy this file to a network location or somewhere on another users computer. The file extension will be .xtp if you Exported a palette and .xtg if you Exported a Group.

To place the palettes on another computer, bring up the tool palette on their computer (CTRL+3) and pick Customize Palettes... and pick Import. Now right-click on the left or right depending on whether you are Importing a palette or a Group of palettes.

Once you have your palette(s) set the way you want them, you may want to be nice and share them with others. This will require and Export from you and an Import to them. But first you may want to combine them into a Group.

Right-Click on the tool palette and pick Customize Palettes... This will bring up a two-columned dialog box. On the left are the palettes in your AutoCAD - Note this is not a per-drawing thing - you only have ONE set of tool palettes. On the right you can right-click and pick New Group. Name this Group.

Now drag the palettes you want from the left into the right. Once this is done, right-click on the Group you created (or on the left right-click on just one palette if that is all you want to export) and pick Export. Give your Group a name and location you can later find. Copy this file to a network location or somewhere on another users computer. The file extension will be .xtp if you Exported a palette and .xtg if you Exported a Group.

To place the palettes on another computer, bring up the tool palette on their computer (CTRL+3) and pick Customize Palettes... and pick Import. Now right-click on the left or right depending on whether you are Importing a palette or a Group of palettes.

Purging Out All the Bad Stuff

The updated Purge All Unused Layers and Blocks (PURG) in Rev 2 of V50.01 goes further, fixes more and is easier to use than our older command.

The new command purges the drawing, runs an AUDIT and then purges it again. Try it.

Denoting a Peaked Roof with Multiple Pitches

A wooden roof with dormers - many of us see the all the time, but how to label it so that HydraCAD can elevate it properly - that is another thing.

The drawing below shows how to handle this. If you download and install the HydraCAD V50.1 Rev2 update from our website, this drawing will be installed into your Training Drawings folder reachable through HydraTools->Tools->Training Drawings

Deleting an Info Sheet in HydraCALC

From a Customer:

I have a suggestion for your next revision: The info sheet button could have a pull down tab so that a different info sheet can be used.

Quite often I will use the first calc, modify it and do a standpipe calc. The only problem is the info sheet can not be changed. So I have to copy my input and transfer it all over to a new sheet so that I can bring in the right information sheet. Making the info sheet tab a pull down tab that gives us more choices would be very nice.

Answer - When you want to get rid of an info sheet, open it up and pick the File pull down on that info sheet and pick Clear Data/Change Form!

Looking up Part Numbers in HydraLIST

From a customer question:

...for the Part Masks, I was hoping there was a quicker, easier way to bring them up and/or print out a matrix to use when I am (or others less experienced in Hydratec software are) looking for parts (or specific manufacturers) to bring into a model.

The PN LookUp button has been added to the P/N Table in the General System Data window and in the miscellaneous Items tab of the project data window. This button allows access to the items that appear in the Fittings Dialog Popup in Lines and Mains as well a new set of miscellaneous item descriptions.

To find an item pick the PN LookUp button, select a Fitting Class and then an Item type and all the items for the section appear in the window for your use. In addition to the traditional items that appear in the dialog popup there is a new group of items that can be displayed for use only for miscellaneous items.

The new category of items is setup in the Fittings Table in the General System Data window with the traditional items that are setup in the window. Fitting Class can be set up for VALVE, HANGER, MISC and any other class of items that will be listed as loose items. Descriptions of items can be set up for each item to be picked in each class. A part mask should be entered to match each description. The mask for the miscellaneous items used question marks to fill the mask for the wild card characters. The number of outlets, Takeout A and Takeout B are set to 0. The question marks in the part mask distinguish the items to be listed as miscellaneous form the traditional items which are made on the
mains and lines.

Click here for the full pdf and an example

Autodesk Announces an Assistance Program

I don't imagine this will help too many sprinkler designers out there, but Autodesk has announced the following program:

• Free Software License*: Any student license of AutoCAD®, Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional, and/or AutoCAD® Civil 3D® software.
• Free Online Training: On-demand training available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Reduced-Cost Classroom Training:  Many Autodesk Authorized Value Added Resellers and Autodesk Training Center (ATC®) partners are offering classroom  training at their training facilities for free or for a significantly reduced fee.  (Offerings will vary, please check with your local reseller or ATC to get details)
• Certification: Certification preparation and exams available at discounted rates.

Complete details are at: Autodesk Assistance Program.

One Warning - Drawings produced by the Student Version will have an Educational Stamp written across every plot. There is no practical way to remove this, since Student versions are not to be used for commercial work.

Yet Even More About Sizing Armovers

Lets say you have a ton of branch lines with retrofitted armovers that go off in all directions. There is no easy way to size these, right?

Try this:

Size all your branch lines by selecting the Lines option in the Size Pipe toolbar. Also select Use Directional Filter and select either Horizontal or Vertical, depending on your branch line direction.

Now that all your branch lines are sized, size the armovers as follows - In Size Pipe choose your Diameter, select the Lines option, deselect Use Directional Filter and then select Do Not Resize Pipes Already Sized. This will ensure that only the armovers will get sizes. Now pick all the branch lines and armovers.

Problem solved?

Configuring 2009/2010 to look like what you are used to

In 2009 and newer you might have grumbled once or twice about the fact that the good old SNAP/ORTHO/OSNAP/etc. buttons at the bottom of the screen have been replaced by icons that require that you hover over them to figure out what the heck they mean. This is not an improvement in my opinion.

If you want your old buttons back, right-click on one of the new icons and pick Show Icons to uncheck it.

You will now be happy like me.

About the New Data and Backup Files Created by the V50 Install

If you choose to install the new databases for HydraLIST and HydraCALC – here is where the existing files get backed up to:

 

Note the two Backup folders, one under each program.

 

Also note the folders named Standard Data under each. Regardless of whether or not you choose to replace the data, a copy of the new data ALWAYS gets put in these folders. That way you can always copy over the new data yourself.