The H-Factor

Hydratec Learning Resources

We have an ever-expanding repertoire of support options. Here is the menu:

For All Programs:

HydraCARDs: A Knowledge Base of all known solutions to problems users might encounter can be accessed from the HydraCARDs shortcut on the desktop or this link: HydraCARDs

This blog has entries for hundreds of topics on all of our programs, in addition to Microsoft, Autodesk and General Technology topics

Blog: https://hydratec.blogs.com/the_h_factor/

Index of Blog Topics: https://www.hydratecinc.com/topics

Getting the Latest Versions

Note: The Hydratec Customer Area can be accessed from our Homepage. Pick the Login button at upper right. You will then see a button to Login to ShareFile. This blog post covers how to set up an account and use our customer support area: Using the Hydratec Subscription Center

HydraCAD for AutoCAD

Manual: An electronic manual is placed on your computer when you install the software. You can access the HydraCAD manual on the Documentation flyout of the HydraCAD dropdown menu

Tutorials: An electronic set of tutorials is placed on your computer when you install the software. You can access the HydraCAD tutorials on the Documentation flyout of the HydraCAD dropdown menu

Help File: The help file can be accessed from the last item on the HydraCAD dropdown menu. All dialog boxes in HydraCAD have Help buttons which will display the help file pages for that topic

Instructional Videos: These are found in two places. Some videos are placed on your computer when you install the software. You will find these on the Documentation flyout in the How-to Videos on that flyout. Additional, very extensive Instructional Videos are found online in our ShareFile download area. Your company has access to this site and you may allow multiple users to sign up through our website. They are found in the HydraCAD->Instructional Videos folder on that site

How-To-Documents: These are also installed and can be found on the Documentation flyout of the HydraCAD pulldown menu in the How-to Documents and How-to Videos item

Knowledge Base: The HydraCARDs knowledge base of all known solutions to problems users might encounter can be accessed from the HydraCAD dropdown menu via the Support Flyout

HydraCALC

Manual: An electronic manual is placed on your computer when you install the software. You can access the HydraCALC manual from the Help dropdown menu

Tutorials: Five tutorials are found in the above HydraCALC manual

Help File: The help file can be accessed from the Help dropdown menu

Instructional Videos: These are found in two places. Some videos are placed on your computer when you install the software. You will find these on the Help dropdown menu. Additional, very extensive Instructional Videos are found online in our ShareFile download area. Your company has access to this site and you may allow multiple users to sign up through our website. They are found in the HydraCALC->Instructional Videos folder on that site

Knowledge Base: The HydraCARDs knowledge base of all known solutions to problems users might encounter can be accessed from the Help dropdown menu

HydraLIST

Manual: Electronic manuals are placed on your computer when you install the software. You can access the HydraLIST manuals from the Help dropdown menu

Tutorials: A tutorial is found in the above HydraLIST manual

Help File: The help file can be accessed from the Help dropdown menu

Instructional Videos: Extensive Instructional Videos are found online in our ShareFile download area. Your company has access to this site and you may allow multiple users to sign up through our website. They are found in the HydraLIST->Instructional Videos folder on that site

Knowledge Base: The HydraCARDs knowledge base of all known solutions to problems users might encounter can be accessed from the desktop shortcut

 

Defining Sprinkler Head Part Numbers for AutoList

Taking into consideration the large number of sprinkler heads available, we decided not to clutter up the database and avoided predefining most of them. This means that you will often run an AutoList and find that the Miscellaneous tab in HydraLIST has a number of yellow highlighted head entries without a description. That is because the part number for those heads does not exist.

The printed instructions for this process can be found in the HydraLIST Manual on page 2-75. We will summarize below:

Steps

1. Go through all the usual steps to properly set up your sprinklers in the drawing, including choosing the part number
   
   
   
   

2. After AutoList, you get something like this in HydraLIST, because the part number is not in the database
   
   
   
   

3. To get these heads into the database, you need to be in HydraLIST. Choose the sprinkler head again, using the Heads button
   
   
   
   

4. This time, you will have the option to add the head to the database, after you pick the Collect Selected Head Data button
   
   
5. You will see a series of two dialog boxes. Answer in the affirmative
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. The part will be added to the database and ready to use as well as the long description
   
   
   
   This will take care of individual sprinkler types. To build part numbers for all heads of a specific manufacturer, you can use the HydraLIST database Import function
   
   

       

To share with others and distribute around the office: Copy the \HES\Hydlist\Ver50\Data\Setup folder from computer to computer, or copy just these two files:

Hanger Rod Cut Lengths - What Controls Them?

From a customer today (paraphrased):

"I’m having issues with HydraLIST keeping my rod cut lengths to the ½” length I assign it even with noting it as “CL”. It wants to always round up to nearest inch. This is primarily the 06 hanger I’m using. Is there a setting that forces this rounding?"

The answer is yes, there probably is. It may be a default setting in the data we ship, or it may be a company setting your organization created.

To the point, some companies use studs instead of cut rod for inch or two-inch length up to a certain value, like 6" or 12".

The documentation that covers this is in the HydraLIST manual which can be accessed by picking the Help pulldown in HydraLIST. This topic can be found on page 7-223. In it we look at a Type 01 hanger, but the rules apply to the other hangers as well. Viewing or changing all setup rules in HydraLIST is done by accessing the General Data by using the button shown below:

This is what it tells us:

The Makeup of a Type 01 Hanger

In HydraLIST, pick the General Data button. Select the Assembly Table tab with Use Hanger Grid not checked. Pull down the Assembly Number list and select the 01 60 hanger. This is a top beam clamp hanger which is a type 01 hanger. The 60 in the assembly number indicates that it is a hanger for 6-inch pipe.

The list of parts for this hanger appear in the lower section of the screen. There are part numbers for a rod, a 1/2" beam clamp, a 6" hanger ring, and a part number for the labor required to build the assembly.

If center-to-center distances are selected in the Hanger Project screen, the rod cut length must be calculated. For this reason, this item must be entered in a special way. Under the Quantity column is the formula L-6. When the hanger list is processed, the computer looks up the center-to-center distance from the Hanger Project screen, and subtracts 6 inches from it for the pipe ring takeout. The length remaining is the cut length of the hanger rod.

If cut length entries are entered in the Hanger Project screen, then L is taken as the length of the hanger rod and no takeout calculation is performed.

Hanger Sub-Assemblies

Note the part number for the threaded rod entry. It is #1/2ROD. This is a sub-assembly which is used so that the correct rod part number may be pulled from stock based on a range of sizes. Any assembly which begins with a # is a sub-assembly.

View the #1/2ROD assembly by finding it in the Assembly Number pull down list.

This is the #1/2ROD sub-assembly which ships with HydraLIST. The Quantity field specifies the range of lengths that are valid for the job entry. If the entry falls within the criteria, then the third character is executed. For example, on the first line the Quantity characters are 0,99999999,L. This is interpreted as any rod from 0 inches to 99999999 inches (a very long length!) is to be processed and printed as the length (L) entered in the Project screen. Note, the criteria in this column must be separated by commas. If you wish to have your hanger rods listed to have lengths as entered in the Project data screen, then use this option.

With the first line present, none of the other lines are executed since the first line will satisfy any rod requirement.

If your shop prefers to use studs which are pre-cut to length, then delete the first line so that the subsequent lines may be used by the process program.

The next line, Line 2, has an entry of 0,2,1. This is interpreted as any rod from 0 inches to 2 inches long will require 1 of part number 6027005020 to be removed from stock for the job. This part number relates to a 1/2" X 2" All Threaded Stud.

Line 3, has an entry of 2,3,1. This is interpreted as any rod from 2 inches to 3 inches long will require 1 of part number 6027005030 to be removed from stock for the job. This part number relates to a 1/2" X 3" All Threaded Stud.

This selection of threaded studs continues until 6" is reached. At this point, line 7 is executed. Line 7 has an entry of 06,99999999,L. This is interpreted as any rod from 6 inches to 999999999 inches (also a very long length) is to be processed and printed as the length (L) entered in the Project screen with the part number 6027005000 which relates to 1/2" All Threaded Rod.

Notice that all of these rules effectively round the rod length up to the nearest inch (for this assembly). Others may go every two inches, for example.

Please refer to Chapter 7 of the HydraLIST manual for more details about this subject.

Creating an Inventory Deduction File for Transfer to an External Program

Some customers need to produce a modified Raw Materials List to send to their accounting department so the items can get inventoried and/or billed. Here is how you do that:

*Note: These steps are outlined in the HydraLIST manual in the How Do I? section*

When the user processes a job, they need to check the Create Inventory Transfer File (ITF) option

This will create a small file in their \HES\Hydlist\Ver50\Data\Inven folder, that matches the Job Name and has an extension of ITF. This is an ASCII text file and can be opened in whatever you like.

Here is how you read that file

From the HydraLIST Manual, pages 8-283 through 8-285

 

Using Separate Part Number Databases in HydraLIST for Different Suppliers

From a customer today:

Question: Is it possible to set up separate databases for HydraLIST so that I can have part numbers that match up to the Supplier part nos.? I Know HydraLIST has alternate part-no options but I think it might be easier if I just set up a different database?

We primarily use 4 suppliers-

Viking Supplynet
Ferguson Fire
Core & Main (A/K/A HD Supply)
Fox Sprinkler

Answer, from Paul McKenna here at Hydratec:

You can create separate databases for each supplier -

1. Open Explorer or My Computer and go to the Hes\Hydlist\Ver50\data folder

2. Copy the SetUp folder 4 times and paste them in to the original Hes\Hydlist\Ver50\data folder

3. Rename the copied folders

                SetUp-CoreAndMain

                SetUp-Ferguson

                SetUp-Fox

                SetUp-Viking

You should end up the five folders names that start with SetUp

Inside HydraLIST you can switch from one vendor to another.

5. Pick the Utilities Pull down menu and select Switch General Data Location:

Click on Data folder in the tree. Pick on the folder you want to use

For this example we will pick on SetUp-Viking and pick OK

If you pick the Reset Default button the path will be setback to the original path to the original SetUp folder

You will get a message that lets you know that you are switching the data location. Pick OK

If you hover over the General Data Icon a tool tip will tell you which database you are currently using:

From here you can decide what needs to be done to each database. Contact us before you spend a lot of this altering the data in the folder, as there are preferred methods of altering the data in each folder.

 

 

Pointing HydraCALC (or HydraCAD/HydraLIST) to Look in Other Job Folders

ustomer from Sweden asked the following this week:

"I have a question about HydraCALC, is there a way to change the default path for where the program initially finds its projects to open?

For instance, now when I press OPEN, it always open “C:\HES\HydraCALC\Ver50\Data\Jobs”, we have our projects in a different location, so for me it would be nice if I could change the default location into our project folder."

 

The way to do this is through the desktop shortcut for HydraCALC. Right-click on the shortcut and pick Copy. Then right-click somewhere on your desktop and pick Paste. This will give you a second shortcut to work with, while preserving the original one,

Right-click on the shortcut and pick Properties. Then, pick the Shortcut Tab. Notice the Start in: field. That tells HydraCALC where to look for Jobs when you open or save one.

Change the Start in: field to be the location you want. Pick OK

Right-click again on the shortcut and pick Rename. Give the shortcut an appropriate name, so you can find it next time.

You can make as many shortcuts as you like, setting each one to a different job location. The same goes for HydraLIST and HydraCAD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Long Descriptions in HydraLIST

From a customer in Indiana:

Q: Over the past few years we have added several items to our database and many of the items require a long description. I have tried to abbreviate as much as I can but I am unable to get the description small enough to fit in the “Item” description box in HydraLIST.  Is there any way of getting this to be more than 30 characters long.  Thanks for all you help.

A: From co-worker Paul McKenna - We have had a long description in HydraLIST for some time now although most people do not use them

You must be in the General Data section where you alter the data associated with HydraLIST. In there, pick P/N Table

The items that have long descriptions will have the description highlighted in orange.




The long description is accessed by right clicking on the fitting description.

Enter the long description and pick OK to save the description. Pick cancel to return to the P/N Table without saving. Pick Delete to remove the long description and return to the P/N table. Pick Audit to eliminate long descriptions that are in the long description file but have not entries in the P/N table. Long descriptions can be added to the database when picking sprinklers for the Head Selector or Valves for the Valve selector by answering ‘Yes’ when prompted when collecting data.

Long Descriptions are included in the data when exporting or importing data in the P/N table. You will see the Long Description when you print out the Raw Materials List

Listing Vic 001 / 009 Ells and Coupling

From a Customer, via a co-worker:

I have a quick question. How to I list 001 Victaulic 90’s and 009 Victaulic Couplings? Is there an equivalent? I cannot seem to locate them in HydraLIST

The answer depends on which program is being used:

For AutoList in HydraCAD:

Change your fitting mapping to one of the available Firelock Fitting with 009 Coupling Groups - that's all it takes

For HydraLIST:

All of the part numbers for these fittings are included in the standard part number database.

In the MISC Input - key in 009 or 26F Firelock Fittings into the Search field and pick FIND to display all the fittings. Enter quantities and select Clean Up when done to remove those items that are not quantified

 

 

 

Adding Miscellaneous Priced Items to a Stocklist

Many companies keep their HydraLIST database pricing current, at least to the best of their abilities given how often prices change. If you enter a part number into HydraLIST, the pricing gets pulled up when the list is processed. If you use certain parts regularly, it makes sense to update the HydraLIST Database with those prices. This can be done one-by-one or with one of the Wizard in HydraLIST.

But what if you just need to add some items that you only use once in a while, and don't feel like adding to the database. Can those be priced? Yes, they can.

On the Miscellaneous tab enter in the Quantity and Item descriptions. Instead of typing in the (non-existent) part number, type in the price instead, as seen below:

When the list is processed (assuming at least one of the pricing reports is turned on), these items will be priced under the Special Order Items, with the prices extended.

Note, however, that the items are not grouped with like items, but are instead tossed into the Special Order Items category. If you want them to show up with their buddies, then define them in the database.

Importing Parts into HydraLIST

Each HydraLIST update makes dozens of new parts and hundreds of new part numbers available for importing into the HydraLIST database. However, many people don't know this. Here is how to import parts:

In HydraLIST, pick the General Data button:

In the Data screen, on the P/N Table tab pick the Import Data button:

This will open a file dialog where you can select the data file to import. The contents vary based on what version(s) of HydraLIST you have installed. The screen shot below is from V50.21, which will set the standard for quite a while:

Pick the type of part to add. I picked 2-Grooved. I then picked Date Modified to sort by date and picked one of the new Victaulic I-R Fitting files:

This brings in the parts and their descriptions, weights, etc.

Pick Save Spreadsheet to save these to the database. The, pick the Project Data button to return to the Input screens

Done!

Keep a lookout for new parts after an update. And, feel free to contact us for parts you may be missing or would like to see in the database.

Setting a Central Location for HydraLIST Data Files

Many larger sprinkler companies and fabricators modify their HydraLIST data - part numbers, prices, assemblies, pipe types, etc. It can get really tiresome to copy the HydraLIST data files to each users' machine whenever data is changed. Enter the Master Data Location. To set this location to a common folder is really simple. Here are the steps:

1. Copy the contents of the master computers \HES\Hydlist\Ver50\Data\Setup folder to a common location, such as a network drive. Copy all the files the first time. After future updates, the master only need copy files whose dates are newer than the common folder file dates.

2. In HydraLIST, pick the Utilities pull down menu, then pick Alter Master Data Location (below)

3. This will bring up a folder selection tool. Pick the common folder you created.

When a remote HydraLIST client opens the program, it will check the specified path above to see if any of the remote files are newer. If they are, they will be automatically copied to the client workstation. Check the box for Force Load of Data Always if you want the system to overwrite the files regardless of the date.

 

 

 

Windows 10

Good news! HydraCAD Versions 52 and 53, along with HydraLIST and and HydraCALC work great with Windows 10 Preview Edition 64-bit. I did not test the 32-bit version of Win 10, however I don't expect there should be any difficulties with that version, with the exception that V53 already does not support 32-bit platforms, by design. If users run into any unforeseen difficulties with Win 10, they are encouraged, as always, to bring them to our attention.

With Windows 10, Microsoft seems to have put in some real effort to make it compatible with existing software, and that is always a good thing (and greatly appreciated).

I have not switched over, and won't even consider doing so until the release version is out at the end of July (having been burned with the dead-end that was the Win 8 Preview version), but I think I might actually be up for upgrading to Win 10 from the Win 7 I am using now.

This is not a full review on my part, but a few things I liked instantly with Win 10:

1. The return of the Start Menu (and an improved one at that). It seems to seamlessly blend both the Win 8 Metro interface with the classic Start Menu of days of old. Notice the All apps button at the bottom left (circled in Red). That is the former All Programs that was so missed in Win 8/8.1

Another nice new feature (especially for power users) is the new menu that comes up when you right-click on the Start Button. You can do almost anything you want from this screen, and I, for one, really like it:

I even have to say that I like the new, crisp look of File Explorer

You may have heard the Internet Explorer is dead with this release, and that is true. That does not mean that no browser is installed with Win 10, however. The new browser is code named Project Spartan, which is a not-too-subtle hint on the simple design philosophy behind it. The official release name for Spartan is Microsoft Edge, by the way.

How Listing Quantities work - 'Feet' versus 'Each'

From a customer:

Q: On the Miscellaneous tab I put the following, thinking I would get twelve 1" diameter 21’ pieces of pipe...

Quantity: 12
PN: 00004DB110 (the part number for 1" schedule 40 domestic pipe)
Description: 1” diameter Dom Blk Sch 40 Pipe

...Thinking I would get 12-21’ pieces of pipe. However, the processed list only listed 12 FT of 1” pipe. Did I input this wrong or is this a glitch in the program?

A: The units for that item is set to 'FT' (for feet) in the Part Number (P/N) table. So, all quantities entered are assumed to be length based. If you need a count of items, then you need to set the units for the parts to 'EA' (for each).

Note: If you are pricing material with HydraLIST, the cost is based on the units. With the units set at FT the price is based on a foot of pipe. With the units set at EA, the price is based on the stock length of pipe (21', 24', 25', etc). The default database has both unit length and stock length part numbers created.

Furthermore, if the part number is used as a pipe type option for mains or lines then the units are required to be 'FT'. Many of our customers carry pipe in 21’ 24’ and 25’ lengths. When the mains and lines are entered, the appropriate pipe type is selected based on the pipe description which includes a stock length. Our default units are setup based on this use.

Below is an example where I first listed Schedule 40 Domestic pipe in the traditional Lines and Mains tabs, and also added pipe in Miscellaneous where the units were the default of 'FT'.

I then changed the units of the parts in my database to EA for the stock lengths of the pipe part numbers and processed the report again:
Before:

After:

Note that the last five items now report the units of EA as opposed to the default of FT.

How to change the units? Here is how:

1. In HydraLIST, pick the General Data button:

2. Put in the first few characters of the Part Number into the Search PN Mask field and pick Find. This will help you find the exact parts easier. In the example below, I put in 00004DB.

In this view you can see both the per unit length and stock length parts

3. In the Units field, simply double-click on the FT and type in EA. I did that on three diameters of pipe, below:

4. Pick the Save SpreadSheet button, then pick the Project Data button and your changes will be saved. Note that this means you will use a different part number for the stock (Miscellaneous) lengths as opposed to the by length pipes (Lines and Mains)

 

 

 

Using Libraries to Point to HydraCALC and HydraLIST Jobs

This idea is from long time customer and frequent good advice giver, Larry Howell at L & K Fire Protection in Marion, Illinois

"I wanted to share windows file explorer libraries with the blog users, as I just discovered their usefulness. When choosing a place to save calculations and stock listing files, the default does not work for us, finding the right directory on the server takes several clicks and looking. When choosing where to save the file, favorites do not appear but libraries do appear in the save options, if current job files are added to the libraries you can be only a couple clicks away. This would save more time with the more calculations and listings you have. This also saves us from moving files from our local “hes” folder to the proper directory for the project on the file server."

Using graphics to illustrate Larry's suggestion, here is how to do this:

Say that you, like Larry, want to write your listing (or calc) jobs to a location other than our default location. This is typically done by picking the Browse button and steering to the desired location:

But... this can get tedious and tiring, especially if the location is buried deep in a path structure on a different drive.

So,

1. Find the folder to be your Listing files location

2. Right-click on it, pick Include in library, then pick Create new library

This will create a new Library with the same name as the folder you clicked on

3. Now when you pick Browse in the Start AutoList (or Start AutoCalc) command, the folder you created is very easy to locate and select. The HydraLIST job will be created in that folder!

Getting Automatic Main/Line Tags with AutoList

One of the best features added in HydraCAD V50+ (long overdue IMHO), was the addition of automatic line and main tags.Where are the settings for adding these found?

When you start AutoList (SAL), pick the Options button:

In the Listing Options, you will find two options pertaining to the tags, one for lines and one for mains. Select the ones you want to see and away you go. These settings are now stored on your computer for each subsequent job.

PS - A recent update turned on the welded Line option, as many people were not aware of that feature.

Changing Default Pipe Stock Lengths in HydraLIST

From a customer today:

Where do you change the standard length for a piece of pipe so optimization will work for 20’-0” pieces. We are doing a stainless job.

Here is how...

Open HydraLIST and pick the General Data button, below:

Pick the Pipe Length Tables tab. On the left, you will notice 27 pipe types. 'Default' is the only one shipped with HydraLIST. It is preset for 21 foot lengths of pipe. The other 26 alphabetical choices are used to record specific lengths for a particular pipe type.

Pick the yellow Default button to fill out the tables with the current settings:

If you want to change the Default length to say, 25', then enter 25 in all the fields that currently have 21. Pick Save to record those changes, then pick the Project Data button (same icon as the General Datas button) to go back to HydraLIST Input:

If, however, you want to create a set of pipe lengths for a particular pipe type (in this case, Type S for Stainless), then pick the letter of the Type you want to work on.

This will show an empty table if the type has not been previously filled out:

Enter the particulars for this pipe type. Stainless usually comes in lengths of 20', so we would enter 20 in the Std Length 1, Std Length 2 and Length Between Couplings columns for all sizes.

Some other entries in these tables:

Max Nipple Length -  the longest length that can be considered a nipple. A part number is required to be set up for all lengths up to this length

Max Scrap - the longest piece conidered to be scrap

Brk Main List - Check this box for each size to force a break in the pipe at the Length Between Couplings (LBC) distance. This is the usual condition for most users. Basically it means that if you enter a pipe longer than the LBC distance, it will be automatically broken in the stock list and a coupling added. If listing from the drawing, this never comes in to play unless to neglect to cut couplings in and/or cut them in at a length longer than the LBC.

Tolerance - The main will only be broken if the pipe length exceeds the LBC plus the tolerance

Again, pick the Save button and then the Project Data button when finished.

Using the CPVC List Command to Generate a Stocklist

The CPVC command on the Listing toolbar very quickly generates a raw material list for plastic. And, it creates a file that can be imported into HydraLIST to check for availability of fittings and swapping of bushings for other fittings.

Once selected, you get a dialog box:

The program automatically filters out pipes size larger than the setting seen in the Largest diameter of CPVC item. I pick OK on the following drawing and select what I want to list:

And I get this list, within seconds:

You could edit this notepad document for any changes you might like to make, and print it for the shop. Or, you could import it in HydraLIST and check to see which fittings are in your database and make changes there.

Open HydraLIST and save a new job - ie. CPVC Test. Switch to the Miscellaneous tab and enter a new Section ID named CPVC (exact name unimportant). Pick Load List. You will see LastCPVCList.itf in the list. Select it and pick OPEN.

This loads the most recent list created by the CPVC list program:

Pick the Error Check Section button. This will search the database and flag parts that, although they may be manufactured, are not likely to be used, and therefore are not in your database:

Note these are usually crosses or reducing fittings that most companies do not stock because they prefer the use of straight fittings and bushings. I will replace the three different reducing crosses with a 2" straight cross and add bushings. I click on the first open line of the list and pick CPVC Fittings from the left and pick Find. This adds all the available fittings:

I locate 2" CPVC CROSS and put in a quantity of 10 (the sum of the three reducing crosses being replaced). I also locate the bushings and put a quantity of 16 next to the 2 X 1 CPVC BUSHING and 5 next to the 2 X 1-1/4 CPVC BUSHING. I also find the 1-1/4" CPVC 90 ELL and enter 1 for that and 1 for a 1-1/4 X 1 CPVC BUSHING. I then pick the Clean Up button to add those to the list.

Lastly, I click on each of the replaced fittings and pick Delete to clear them. This gives you a list you can then process and hand to the shop!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setting 'None' to the Default Color for Listing Tags

From a customer:

"With the fabricators current technology tagging piping with system names and main/line numbers, we prefer to not use painted color marking on the pipe bundles.

Can I change the default pipe color to None? Seems like every time I start a list, It wants to default to Red..."

Yes - and here is how:

1. Open up the listing tag setup dialog box

2. Pick the Edit Colors button at upper right

This will display a notepad document containing the list of colors.

3. Swap the first two 'colors' - change the word RED to the word NONE and NONE to RED. Final result is seen below.

The new listing tags will still be red but the word NONE will print on the list.

Listing Hangers - Loose or Fabricated?

This topic also came from my co-worker Paul, who was asked to assist a customer with his question:

From the Customer: Although we may stocklist hangers to ensure we have a good amount of material, we do not actually fabricate any hangers...Is there a way to have hangers marked as “loose” from the get go so they don’t print on the misc “fabbed” report AND show up as “L” in the inventory transfer file?

Paul's Response: Hanger material is assumed to be fabricated by default. To make the hanger material report loose:

1. Open the Assembly Table in the General Data area
2. Check the boxes that say 'Use Hanger Grid' and 'List as Hanger'
3. Enter the letter L in the M/L column and save the assembly

This will make all the material in the assembly list as loose

Below is a list of options for the M/L column, from the HydraLIST manual:

 

Listing Nipples - Loose or Fabricated?

This topic came from my co-worker Paul, who was asked to assist a customer with his problem:

From the Customer:  I either want the nipples and associated fittings to be entirely loose (listed on the “loose” picklist and eliminated from the lines fabrication sheet), or entirely made on (leave them in the fabrication sheets but add the items to the “fabbed” picklist.  As it is, there is confusion as to what is actually “loose” and what is “pulled on”, as well as inventory issues associated with the missed fabricated items.

Paul's Response: Pick the Process buttons, then pick the general Setup Tab and check the box that says Count Make On’s for Nipples. If this is checked, then nipples and fittings for nipples are treated as fabricated material. If unchecked nipples and fittings for nipples are treated as loose material.