New truss tool issues

[Jake Wilson]

Why is is that when I try to use the truss tool what was a simple process has become drawn out and convoluted?

 

Why do I need to add the truss properties when my libraries are full of truss symbols?

 

Why when I change the cross section to Christie B Type for example, do I still need to add name, type and weight?

 

Why does this not get pulled from the libraries VW claims to have been building for decades to support customers? I don't feel very supported.

 

Why when I add truss do I only get a 2D triangle symbol with a trim height of 5.8979433558475e305' What does this even mean?

 

Why when I try to change the trim height nothing happens?

 

Why does VW ask is I want to delete disconnected motors after last action, when all i've done is shift a stick of truss a few feet? FYI this is a stupid question and the answer is always NO! I will simply move the motors. 

 

This is not the "improvements" Vectorworks needs.

 

Did anyone from Vectorworks bother to speak to daily average users in the entertainment industry? 

 

We don't need the truss tool to slow down out workflow, when I click the truss tool all I need it to do is add a stick of truss that I can choose from the libraries, set the position, length and height and move on with my job.

 

And NO, I do not want to use the straight truss tool, which has always been garbage.

 

 I paid a lot of money for this software and I would be very happy if the legacy tools that work were left alone.

[Scott C. Parker]

Hello Jake,

I hear your frustration. Would you please either post here, or send directly, a couple of example drawings in which you find you need to make updates to truss obtained via the stock library?

you shouldn’t need to do some of the editing you’ve described. 
thanks, Scott

[Scott C. Parker]

PS. Please try refreshing your Resource manager to be sure you're using an up to date library.

You may need to clear your local RM cache file. Refreshing the RM doesn't always do this. Delete the RM Cache folder and then refresh the RM and it'll pull down a complete set of updated RM files.
Win: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Nemetschek\Vectorworks RMCache\rm2024
Mac: /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Vectorworks RMCache/rm2024
Remember to replace the “username” with your computer username if you copy and paste the file paths
Your file location might differ.

[Jake Wilson]

Hi Scott,

 

Thanks for the advice however I am using VW DS 2025 which I updated from 2024 less than a month ago, and I do keep my resource manager updated monthly. As mentioned this is a recent update so I can't see how the cache could be full, unless the cache folder does not clear during an update?

 

The VW team keeps talking about workflow, work does not flow if I constantly have to stop working to add parameters to a symbol that was included in the libraries on all previous versions of the software.

 

For example in the new truss properties popup I choose the change cross section option and pick B type, but nothing other than the name UID is added, Why has the tool not added the parameters to the symbol?

 

Even after I have added the parameters manually the truss does not appear, only a triangle with magnets.

 

When I right click and choose properties, the new truss properties window does not open, the OIP opens, why does this not open the new properties for the new tool?

 

Then I try to replace the truss type using the rigging menu under the spotlight tab and I am forced to add an inventory, why? I use different truss all the time, its called cross renting, many companies do it to supplement their inventory during busy times and I cant always get truss to match my Prolyte and there are things even Prolyte can't do.

 

This inventory idea is just a waste of time and does not work. I added all the truss from the VW library and  when I choose B type nothing happens, in fact it does not matter what type of truss I choose the option only shows the truss I just tried to create.

 

I have refreshed the truss inventory twice and i still cant use the B type truss I asked for.

 

I don't need VW to be an inventory management system, I pay for Rental point for that. 

 

I need VW to be a design program.

 

I need VW to stay in its lane and go pack to being a productive intuitive tool.

 

The VW development team needs to be reminded that they are not the be all and end all, there are other games in town.

 

 

[Scott C. Parker]

3 hours ago, Jake Wilson said:

Thanks for the advice however I am using VW DS 2025 which I updated from 2024 less than a month ago, and I do keep my resource manager updated monthly. As mentioned this is a recent update so I can't see how the cache could be full, unless the cache folder does not clear during an update?

Hi Jake,

Yes, as mentioned, sometimes the cache does not clear during an update. 

 

You have listed many issues, and I'd like to take care of the one that seems to be at the root of your frustration first. That is why you're finding yourself needing to use the truss properties dialog with existing truss from the published libraries. 

 

Would you please do a full reset of your RM cache and then refresh the RM? Then, try importing the truss from the library you're having trouble with. Once you have that and it gives you the same issue, I'd like to see that truss in a sample file for testing. Once we narrow that down, we can explore the other issues within our control.

 

Reminder

Refreshing your Resource Manager will update your library to the latest published symbols. You may need to clear your local RM cache file. Refreshing the RM doesn't always do this. Delete the RM Cache folder and then refresh the RM and it'll pull down a complete set of updated RM files.
Win: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Nemetschek\Vectorworks RMCache\rm202x
Mac: /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Vectorworks RMCache/rm202x
Remember to replace the “username” with your computer username if you copy and paste the file paths
Your file location might differ.

 

 

[Jake Wilson]

19 hours ago, Scott C. Parker said:

Hi Jake,

Yes, as mentioned, sometimes the cache does not clear during an update. 

 

You have listed many issues, and I'd like to take care of the one that seems to be at the root of your frustration first. That is why you're finding yourself needing to use the truss properties dialog with existing truss from the published libraries. 

 

Would you please do a full reset of your RM cache and then refresh the RM? Then, try importing the truss from the library you're having trouble with. Once you have that and it gives you the same issue, I'd like to see that truss in a sample file for testing. Once we narrow that down, we can explore the other issues within our control.

 

Reminder

Refreshing your Resource Manager will update your library to the latest published symbols. You may need to clear your local RM cache file. Refreshing the RM doesn't always do this. Delete the RM Cache folder and then refresh the RM and it'll pull down a complete set of updated RM files.
Win: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Nemetschek\Vectorworks RMCache\rm202x
Mac: /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Vectorworks RMCache/rm202x
Remember to replace the “username” with your computer username if you copy and paste the file paths
Your file location might differ.

 

 

Hello Scott

 

Attached is a file I tried to use the truss tool on after removing all the cache files from 2023 - 25 which were all moved to a folder on my desktop.

I then opened a blank Spotlight template file I set up for fresh drawings which I have been using for many years, I added my settings to it in about 2016 and saved it as a template that I call "My Spotlight".

 

Basically its just a blank page setup with my chosen page size, scale, layer hierarchy, a few custom classes, Doc settings etc...

 

The same issue persists with the truss tool.

 

Up until the install of 2025 this template has been working great for me.

 

I decided to open a new blank Document instead of my template and the truss tool works fine, so the issue seems to be with Vectorworks not liking my templates.

 

This is a real problem for me as I have about 50 3D venue templates I have created over the last 10 years and now the truss tool will not work with any of them. All of my venue templates were created using My Spotlight template.

 

I do not have the time to recreate all my template files and considering the money I Pay for this software I should not be expected to.

 

 

 

 

 

After cache dump.vwx

[Scott C. Parker]

31 minutes ago, Jake Wilson said:

Attached is a file

Thanks. Taking a look. 

[Scott C. Parker]

Hi Jake,
I opened your file and found the triangle has a truss record attached, which is causing it to think it's a truss and preview the end snapping points of the truss. Then, when I used the truss insertion tool and selected the Type B truss from your file, the truss was inserted as expected. I made a video.
As VW features improve and are updated, it's worth considering updating and/or renewing existing template files that have symbols based on older workflows. Though VW does forward translations when opening older files, some items may claim to be something they're not.

 

The triangle is a mystery here. I've checked with others, and we have no idea how your triangle has managed to claim it's a truss object.

 

As you watch the video, understand that my blathering is more my trying to figure it out and not a reflection of your experience level. 

 

 

 

 

[JustinVanHassel]

As Scott mentioned, with improvements from version to version the content and accompanying workflows may get updated to work with the new features. The shipped content and templates are always setup with the changes for the new functionality. We do realize that users make their own content and therefore must make those changes to their content for the next version themselves so the planners, engineers, and CAD Content team work very closely with Tech Pubs to make sure those changes done to content for new features is documented in the help so users know what to do.

[Jake Wilson]

Hi Scott,

 

Thank you for the video, I will make these changes and hope for the best.

 

This Triangle issue only appeared after I updated to VW 2025, until now I have never had a problem adding truss to a drawing.

 

The very first time I tried to use the new truss tool in VW 2025 the triangle appeared, I have not assigned it to anything or assigned anything to it.

 

I have also noticed that when I open old drawings, like to custom truss project I spoke to Justin VW about, to update them, a section of curved wall appears.

I did not place it or activate the wall tool, I almost never use the curved wall tool.

 

2025 needs a close examination

[Scott C. Parker]

13 hours ago, Jake Wilson said:

issue only appeared after I updated to VW 2025,

Hi Jake,
I completely understand. I once opened an old file to find an entertainment object, thinking it was a kitchen cabinet. The file was so old that some item internal flag had before corrupted and caused an identity crises.

 

I looked at the sample file you shared; it was originally built seven versions ago.

 

When I encounter this in my files, I open both the old file and a new blank document. I then import layers from the old file into the new one, and this often leaves the odd stuff behind. You'll get the dialog asking if you want to use the old records and information or the new information/settings offered by the newer file. Always choose the new information from the current file. 

 

Yes, this will take a bit of time, but the reduction in frustration and the improved performance of current file data will be worth the effort.

[Jake Wilson]

On 11/1/2024 at 7:01 AM, Scott C. Parker said:

Hi Jake,
I completely understand. I once opened an old file to find an entertainment object, thinking it was a kitchen cabinet. The file was so old that some item internal flag had before corrupted and caused an identity crises.

 

I looked at the sample file you shared; it was originally built seven versions ago.

 

When I encounter this in my files, I open both the old file and a new blank document. I then import layers from the old file into the new one, and this often leaves the odd stuff behind. You'll get the dialog asking if you want to use the old records and information or the new information/settings offered by the newer file. Always choose the new information from the current file. 

 

Yes, this will take a bit of time, but the reduction in frustration and the improved performance of current file data will be worth the effort.

Thank you Scott,

 

I didn't realize how much of my old versions were affecting my daily use.