bclydeb
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Posts posted by bclydeb
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Strange classes have appeared in our file(s). They begin with NNA# and have sequential numbers e.g NNA#4_Wall-Component-Ext Finish. And they titles (e.g. Wall-Component-Ext Finish) mimic the class names originally set up in the file.
Other problems are cropping up like stairs disappearing or not rendering/ being visible in 3D.
Our backups show the same corruption(s). We have three months of work going down the drain here!!!
Is our Vectorworks (Designer Rederworks, 2008 SP2 [build 83338]) corrupt or the file?
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The callout tool is giving us fits.
1. With the callout tool setup we entered in shoulder dim. of 1' so that all callouts would have a shoulder length of 12" at 1/4" inch scale. The idea is to have a short shoulder.
When we place a callout the shoulder is a scale 12' long at 1/4" scale and 144" (12') at 1:1 scale. No matter what scale this "default" we set is always far longer than what we wanted.
If we do 1/4" in the setup we get an invisible shoulder at 1/4" scale and a full 1/4" at 1:1 scale and proportionally for all other scales.
Net result we lose a lot of time re-inputting shoulder lengths for callouts.
Our current work around is to create a callout, set the shoulder length to the proportional length that we want for the view, then copy/duplicate it to create all other callouts in that view. Big nuisance.
We are using VW 2008 Design series for Mac. Yes, we are upgraded to the correct SP1 + SP2 build 83388. Happens on all machines, dual G5, MacBook pro intels 1.66 & 2.4Ghz, max. RAM in each machine.
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Boxjoint,
Go to the wish list and submit a "wish" for the feature you described. I think it is a good Idea!
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Further aspects of the Keynotes/General Notes data. It is a Big Problem to get keynotes for different subjects on the same sheet with the current keynotes system. Case in point: a combined plumbing (sanitary & waste), HVAC and Electrical plan (MEP plan) or some combination thereof.
The problem is partially mitigated when the Keynotes are applied at the design layer level - e.g. Sanitary Sewer/Waste keynotes on the Sanitary Sewer/Waste design layer, Domestic Water on that design layer, etc. and then combine them in the sheet viewport(s). The keynotes "stick" with the design layer and for just those Keynotes distinct note blocks are created.
However when trying to use two or more viewports on a sheet and trying to apply either keynotes or General Notes in the correct categories to the respective viewports the Key/General Notes stubbornly are added to the same keynotes block. Removing some potential flexibility from appropriate sheet composition for smaller projects or combined large scale plans for larger projects.
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Robert
We are experiencing odd, unexpected and "we don't know what to do now" problems with reconciling database notes.
See my related post.
http://techboard.nemetschek.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=95936&page=4#Post95936
This is possibly all related to features of the database which are probably not often encountered by notes database users who use it in straightforward fashion and don't attempt to use the support features. Therefore some bugs or imperfectly documented (lacking good how-to-use instructions) support features.
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Thanks Robert,
Kind of a "du-oh" experience - I got so close to the problem I hadn't thought to Look in the VW-prefs files. Neither did my employees.
We usually get away with only the default VW items and have generally ignored the VW prefs file sets because we do so much standards keeping in the .sta files for project types and do a lot with keeping up the keynotes databases.
Room finishes using the Space Tool are a new addition to our skill set here because we finally have a Space Tool which has some real functionality we can use. Previously we did finishes with an in house finish marker linked to a spreadsheet for the individual rooms with a canned boilerplate spreadsheet which contained the finish descriptions.
Our only fault finding to date is that we cannot have a finish marker diamond as we had before. Some feedback from the field (contractors) indicates they have trouble reconciling N,E,S,& W orientation of walls to the finish schedule. Despite our handy dandy North arrows on the plan and our meticulous ensuring that we show the North Wall finish. The diamond over split rectangle marker we had before was much easier for estimators and contractors to follow because the points of the square were oriented to the walls of the room and the split rectangle had the floor and base key. The way the space tool puts it on the plan is lame and un-helpful. (My opinion based on 38 years in architectural practice.)
Later this month we will take time (during post deadline breather) to see if we can restore the functionality of the old marker by linking to the 'Space.North Key', etc. data items.
Again, Thanks
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We have legacy notes from way back and keep moving the notes databases forward to each new version. Until VW2008they worked fine. In VW2008 we started having problems with disconnected notes. Particularly with files started in VW 11.5.x NA Vw 12.x.x So we attempted to reconcile notes on a current hot project.
We got a screen which looked like the .png "Reconcile Notes 1" (go -here: http://gallery.mac.com/bclydebeck_arch#100045&view=carouseljs&sel=1)
The Notes on the right do not apparently match any in the database files. Clicking on a note to select it brings up the box shown in "Reconcile Notes 2".
What is going on here? Why the new box? What is it's utility? How do we use it? What will it do for us? Why doesn't the program allow us to move these right hand notes into our databses?
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Where are the finishes items data kept? In the project file?, In a VW preference? Where is this file located on a Mac? On a Windows Machine?
Is this file modifiable by another means besides from within the space tool? We would like to set up a master list of finishes which would be able to be distributed across all computers with licensed copies which are at various work locations (think virtual office) and the main office server.
We have the distinct impression that the finishes are too file specific. We cannot reuse finish definitions created in one file in a different file and have to re-enter laboriously.
Cases in point:
We defined some new finishes on a project computer in the office and sent it to another computer (laptop) which goes to and from the main and virtual office. (Employee works from home.)None of the finish definitions appear on that computer and it is not clear where the VW Preference files are kept in VW folders, nor if they are "portable". At least not clear to us.
Yes -we do do VW stationery (.sta) files and update them periodically by copying in new info, etc. And we do create customized .sta files from projects which go outside the box and we recognize that we need a new "building type" file.
But - there seems to be a disconnect with the finishes tools which makes them laborious to use and keep up the databases.
It would also be nice if we could create & maintain separate finish data files for residential and commercial.
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I am Kgood's employer. He and I have run all the Apple supplied diagnostics and TechTool type stuff I have as well. No explanations. I advised Kgood to take this problem to the Apple Store Guru desk. So he will set up an appointment there.
The volume was not network mounted.
I know where the destroyed folder was located on his computer. It was not in the VW folder, nor in the VW folder in Library>Application Support>etc., but in a "normal" documents place. I suspect a corrupted disk directory, but the recovery program did not find any deleted file entities to restore/recover.
Computers are the weirdest things. They "save time" only to wipe everything out by things which can only be explained by the operation of the 2nd Law OF Thermodynamics. (Order decays to disorder - via changes in energy - no reverse mechanism is known to exist.)
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I am getting a consistent failure when trying to install the SP2 on my Macintosh dual 2.5Ghz G5. 102GB hard drive with 91.67 GB Free, 8 GB RAM.
The error message states that it failed to install due to an error in the installer program. The error code then bombs and I cannot read fast enough get the error number.
Prior to failure of installation the installer is engaged in a long (upwards of 20 minutes) download of file 2 of 2.
I have also tried downloading the installer off the site twice to get a "fresh" copy and get the same error problem.
I had no (nada, zip) problems updating my intel Mac powerbook pro.
8+ hours of trying to get it to work!
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Alistair
Have you tried to get .dwg or .dxf files from sites such as Thomas Industries PartSpec or even fromt he manufacturer?
Such drawings/views can be imported into Vectorworks and used as you wish.
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Roch,
While VW does not currently have an import function for STL files - it does produce them (STL files).
Perhaps you could run the parts the other way - export the STL from VW and then import into the other program to merge the models?
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I would like to know if Nemetschek will be putting out a "viewer" for 2008 soon?
The past versions have been very helpful to my business in several ways.
First is sending files to sophisticated clientele who want to view the files from several "angles" and print them out for comments by staff or contractors/sub-contractors. The Viewer is easy for them to use and they do not have to be fully literate in VectorWorks use nor modify the drawings accidentally.
Second - the reprographic service I use can use the viewer's print mode to directly print sets without our creating an intermediate plot or requiring we send them a slow printing format (PDF) or a .plt file.
Another feature for the viewer is that we can dedicate an older computer and a non-CAD literate operator to plot in-house and use our program licenses for the productivity people.
PDF review and comments works for some clients and not others.
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I hope VectorWorks employees who are monitoring this file understand the imprtance of this major limitation of VW.
Isometric dimensioning has been a staple of many other programs going back 10 years at least!
I wonder how many sales they are losing because of the lack of this feature?
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Is there going to be a Viewer/print utility for VW2008 as we have had in the past for prior versions?http://techboard.nemetschek.net/ubbthreads/images/icons/default/smile.gif
Will it come out soon?http://techboard.nemetschek.net/ubbthreads/images/icons/default/lightbulb.gif
I have client relationships which are used to making use of this utility who don't need to buy the CAD program to review my work.
I also have a reprographic service which uses the viewer to print sets of drawings directly from my files to the reprographic printer.http://techboard.nemetschek.net/ubbthreads/images/icons/default/exclamation.gif
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Nice tool - but?
In developing seating layouts for Restaurants, hotel banquest rooms, church halls, event venues, etc. The Tables & Chairs PIO makes short work of creating layouts but?
?> The count of tables and chairs has to be done by hand and not spreadsheet/worksheet.
Why? Because the PIO stores the numer of chairs as TEXT not as a number. So in a Worksheet, =(('Tables and Chairs'.'Side chairs')) for a table with 6 chairs results in a column displaying the text representation of the chair count but that cannot be added to get the total number of chairs required for the room.
Solution: Store the chair count as a number in the PIO taht is recognized as anumber in the Worksheet formulas. Ditto tables, etc.
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The beam PIO should allow the 3D beams and joists to have differntial end elevations and roatation about the web centroidal axis.
Currently I have to use 3D modeling (convert to Mesh or extrude along path) to create sloped steel or wood beams.
Also, in some applications (side loaded girts for example) it is necessary to model the steel beams, angles, channels, etc. rotated about the centroid axis so that the item lays on it's side. Resisting side thrust loads, e.g. wind or earthquake.
(No - rafter tool is apparently specifically for wood rafters not beams and doesn't model steel shapes, I joists, etc. - only wood)
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I am voting for this suggestion too.
A pain to see the viewport name when we want to via the data pane.
Let's get the Viewport Name right up front in all places we need to see it.
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On the positive side - my world before VW was frustrated by what cold not be done.
In the pencil era:
I had to laboriously use orthgraphic projection techniques to do building sections to see if the roof intersections were going to work out.
In the MiniCad era I could do some angled section cuts to check. The redo the cut after changes were made to verify.
In the VW era, we now have live sections which simplify checking and verifying and illustrating to the construction crew that, yes the Blankety-blank architect knows what is going on and the problem is already solved by following the drawings.
By the way - I don't do McMansions, whatever they are. So Vectorworks doesn't really straightjacket me. Maybe it's because I think outta-da-box and try to use the VW tools in ways the programmers may not have intended.
This results in my discovering that they improve the tool one day and it stops doing what I found useful. One case in point - I used to be able to convert spreadsheets to line and text objects before exporting them to ACAD (for my engineers and to fit the delivery specs of clients that all facility drawings be in ACAD vxxy format). So they (NNA) "fixed the bug" and I had to do all sorts of work arounds to include tables of info in my output.
Well, I'm out of lunch time and haven't eaten a bite - so I stop ranting and raving here. (For now.)
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Gentlemen, (I don't think anyone who has chimed in so far is a lady)
I am glad I stirred up some discussion here. I hope that Nemetschek is eavesdropping in too. Mr. Andersen, Katie? Others?.
I am posting later today on the wishlist for including sloping beams, etc. Please join me in this.
Mike OZ, I really appreciate your work down under. And you really have made a lot of helpful posts to others in the past.
Petri, you too do a lot of help the novices, confused and assisting the frustrated posts.
Islandmon, I get a lot out of your posts and a lot of laughs too from your tongue in cheek comments.
Pete Cipes, Your insights are always rewarding.
So keep up the good work, and let us all gang up on Nemetschek to give us the tools we need and make it easier for the novices to do stuff us "old hands" know how to do.
Starting simply, adding differential beam ends and rotating beam sections about all three axis in the joist programs would be a big help.
Morphing the beam program to a column parametric which allows using steel shapes with some variation much as is possible in the current column tool which has a lot of features for modeling the "classic" style columns. e.g. take a WF shape and vary it's width to create a moment frame bent along a nurbs profile. I know I can, Islemon has posted examples - petri, Oz, can, but how many others wish they can, but can't put in the time to learn to use the flexible tools?
I Tinker - just like most of you do, and discover what VW can do. Then use that to get my job done. What about the ones who are unable to make the leap that results in "let's see if this works?", save the file open a copy under a new name and then try to convert a parametric object to mesh or 3D polys, etc. and create a work around?
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Islandmon,
An OK idea. It can work as a work around until Nemetschek gets deeper into steel working and gives us some tools for using standard PIO steel shapes the way we use them in real life. Like ends at different heights and rotated 90? for side force resisting girts.
I'll have to continue to put up with attaching record info to the hybrids.
Thanks for the insight and example references.
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kellhammer,
To add to the helpful info by Christiaan, my solo-practitioner approach works several ways. First method is, I have template files with standard details ready to go. Details reside and are edited in design layers. Sheet viewports for one or more details on the appropriate sheet layers - full sheet and/or sprinkled around. Elevation viewports pre-set to capture the cardinal exterior elevations, etc. etc.
2nd Method of work is an (8 1/2 x 11) file of master details. Kept up to date and editied in that file and workgroup referenced as needed into current project files. Sheet viewports used as above.
3rd method is to create section viewports on sheets containing details and scale up the section, crop the desired portion, and complete the detail using detailing items like cut wood, steel profiles, linear materials and other linework, dims, and notes.
The 3rd method lends itself to making details a bit self updating when changes occur and - when checking a file, helps you to see any problem with the detail (stuff out of place/aligned, etc.) and correct it. This is particularly helpful to keep custom details looking like the real condition designed. Avoids contractor and tradesman snickers, field and bidding questions, RFI replies, etc.
Some ideas for presenting details. Normally I "box" details on a dedicated sheet (e.g. foundation details) - industry standard approach. Some details become large and don't neatly fit in boxes and so I use custom crops using the polygon tool to isolate and keep the parts together for irregularly shaped details in the viewport(s).
When sprinkling details - e.g. say elevation detail vignettes on plan or elevation sheets or blow up details on section sheets, I often crop the detail, enclosing it with a circle or ellipse crop to call attention to the detail. Of course and pointer arrow too.
Exterior elevations are extremely rare as classic 2D in my office anymore. It is so easy to use viewports with selected layers & classes turned on to display elevation views. They can be annotated and enhanced using annotations. They also update automatically. Move window/ change door/ add a dormer, etc. - elevation is already up to date. Section viewports do interior, courtyard and oblique wall orthographic elevations. Especially important on custom kitchens, large multi-story buildings and complexes and detailed interiors. No need to go back and "fix" 2D views. The most recent strictly 2D elevation I used was a photo-montage pair showing what happens to an existing wall of a building. One was demolition instructions with circles and arrows and callouts. The other was the same photo overlaid with a viewport showing what changes were to be made.
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willofmaine,
More ram certainly helps lots of 3D RenderWorks refreshes in VW. My Macs (Dual G5, 8GB and intel PB-Pro, 4GB) are loaded to the hilt and do renderings of complex buildings fast enough I can do Final (customized) Renderworks in meetings, keep the client's/ planning commission's attention, and twirl the ideas around for discussion.
I don't know if the Apple downloads update firmware on the Apple supplied video card(s). Maybe we'd both better check oout the Apple knowledge base.
I hope this helps you.
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I have a couple problems to solve.
One is modeling with steel beams. Select Detailing (joist tool) steel beams then select the type of steel beam and draw.
Great tool, produces an accurate 3D model of the structure. But?, I cannot rotate the beam or slope it!
I have a project where I would like to model Wide Flange columns and beams rotated 90? from their usual upright position. (Handling lateral loads.) Some of the beams need to tilt down to create framing for ramps, roofs & ramped structures. Finally I'd like the beams neatly labeled in plan, labels "stick" to the object and data appears in the materials take off spreadsheet.
I have discovered that I can convert the beam objects to mesh objects, pick a view and rotate the mesh 90? to get the beam turned on it's side. I can either convert a horizontal beam (joist tool) and then roate the Mesh vertical /or/ I can use the beam profile tool, select the beam and plant it in plan view, convert to group and extrude to the column height. Great for modeling but the data and labeling are lost unless I make a database record and laboriously assign the data to each column (or beam)mesh object.
Sloping a beam also requires mesh conversion & loses data. Joist tool will not allow one end higher than the other. Only angle changes in the horizontal plane are allowed.
Anyone have similar problems? Are my solutions the only way to get the results? Is this an item for the wish list? Or - am I the only Architect making steel frame 2D/3D models of sophisticated structures?
Strange classes have appeared in our file(s)
in Architecture
Posted
Christian,
Thanks for your insight. I have experimented to verify that the strange classes were not affecting the stairs. They appear to be separate issues. I notice in other places in the forums there are quite a few of us frustrated with the stair tool. It works but not really!
I have also discovered that deleting the offending classes clears up the too many classes to scroll through issue. The file is free from the extra NNA#? classes and they have not returned. (Yet!)
Again, thanks for your insight.