tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88608296286355154132024-03-14T06:41:49.238-07:00Terminal AutoCADAutomating AutoCAD ElectricalStan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-64154898586211034032023-10-18T12:26:00.000-07:002023-10-18T12:26:52.024-07:00Catalog of PostsI haven’t been that happy with the search feature on this blog lately. Several times in the past few weeks I have been asked for something that I knew I had already wrote about. After several searches, I finally had to resort to looking through ALL the posts until I found it. <br />
Click the read more link to see the entire list.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h5>
Automation</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/06/running-lisp-or-command-on-file-open.html" title="Running a LISP, or Command, on File Open - (Fix_Me)">Running a LISP, or Command, on File Open - (Fix_Me)</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/auto-trim-wires-from-plc-io-utility.html" title="O Utility">Auto Trim Wires from the PLC I/O Utility</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/05/creating-keyboard-shortcuts-in-autocad.html" title="Creating Keyboard Shortcuts in AutoCAD Electrical">Creating Keyboard Shortcuts in AutoCAD Electrical</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/updating-all-drawing-settings.html" title="Updating All Drawing Settings (Descriptions) Using Excel">Updating All Drawing Settings (Descriptions) Using Excel</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/10/making-changes-to-entire-symbol-library.html" target="_blank">Making Changes to the ENTIRE Symbol Library</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2015/03/running-scripts-on-multiple-files.html">Running Scripts on Multiple Files</a><br />
<a href="https://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2019/09/autocad-palettes-for-the-autocad-electrical-user.html" target="_blank">Using Tool Palettes for Command Options</a><br />
<h5>
Cables</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2015/09/using-cables-in-autocad-electrical.html">Using Cables in AutoCAD Electrical</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2010/08/webcast-autocad-electrical-and-inventor_27.html" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2010/08/webcast-autocad-electrical-and-inventor_27.html">AutoCAD Electrical and Inventor – Follow Up</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2015/08/autocad-electricals-fan-inout-command.html">Understanding the Fan In/Out Command</a><br />
<h5>
Circuit Builder</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/03/circuit-builder-tutorial-video.html" title="Circuit Builder Tutorial Video's">Circuit Builder Tutorial Video's</a><br />
<h5>
Databases</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/10/controlling-what-table-is-selected-for.html" title="Controlling What Table Is Selected For Catalog Lookup">Controlling What Table Is Selected For Catalog Lookup</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/06/adding-missing-manufactures-to-autocad.html" title="Adding the Missing Manufactures to AutoCAD Electrical’s Catalog Database">Adding the Missing Manufactures to AutoCAD Electrical’s Catalog Database</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2016/10/easy-simplified-catalog-database-autocad-electrical.html" target="_blank" title="Easy Simplified Catalog Database – AutoCAD Electrical">Easy Simplified Catalog Database</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-import-components-into.html" title="How to import components into Electrical from a spreadsheet">How to import components into Electrical from a spreadsheet</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/08/adding-category-family-table-to-catalog.html">Adding a Category (Family Table) to the Catalog Database</a><div><a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/08/adding-category-family-table-to-catalog.html"></a><a href="https://resources.imaginit.com/how-tos/autodesk-autocad-electrical-sql-migration-part-1-of-2" target="_blank">Autodesk AutoCAD Electrical SQL Migration Part 1 of 2</a></div><div><a href="https://blogs.rand.com/support/2020/01/autodesk-autocad-electrical-sql-migration-part-2-of-2.html" target="_blank">Autodesk AutoCAD Electrical SQL Migration Part 2 of 2</a><br />
<h5>Humor </h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/11/shop-tools-real-definitions.html" title="Shop Tools & Real Definitions">Shop Tools & Real Definitions</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/08/electrical-humor.html" title="Electrical Humor">Electrical Humor</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-humor-outlet.html" title="The Humor Outlet">The Humor Outlet</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/10/be-patient-more-content-is-on-way.html">Tibetan Resistance</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-working-vacation.html">My Working Vacation</a><br />
<h5>
Ladders</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/changing-ladder-reference-style-project.html" title="Changing a Ladder Reference Style Project Wide">Changing a Ladder Reference Style Project Wide</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/understanding-and-customizing.html" title="Understanding and Customizing Electrical's Ladder Reference Numbers (MLR)">Understanding and Customizing Electrical's Ladder Reference Numbers (MLR)</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/07/linking-schematic-to-drawings-sheet.html">Linking the Schematic to the Drawing’s Sheet Number</a><br />
<h5>
Miscellaneous </h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-check-out-borrow-network-license.html" title="How to Check Out (Borrow) a Network License">How to Check Out (Borrow) a Network License</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/06/mass-dwg-save-as-back-to-older-release.html" title="Mass DWG Save-As Back To An Older Release">Mass DWG Save-As Back To An Older Release</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/04/mass-migration-of-dwg-files-using.html">Mass Migration of DWG Files Using AutoCAD Electrical</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/adding-express-tab-to-ribbon.html" title="Adding the Express Tab to the Ribbon">Adding the Express Tab to the Ribbon</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/always-qsave-always-qsave-always-qsave.html" title="Always QSAVE, Always QSAVE, Always QSAVE">Always QSAVE, Always QSAVE, Always QSAVE</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/translating-network-license-file-into.html" title="Translating a Network License File into English">Translating a Network License File into English</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/03/getting-rid-of-viewcube.html" title="Getting Rid of the ViewCube">Getting Rid of the ViewCube</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/01/where-my-open-dialog-box.html" title="Where Is My Open Dialog Box">Where Is My Open Dialog Box</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/03/presetting-surfer-zoom-distance-in.html" title="Presetting The Surfer's Zoom Distance in AutoCAD Electrical">Presetting The Surfer's Zoom Distance in AutoCAD Electrical</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/05/show-me-againturning-hidden-messages.html">Show Me Again–Turning Hidden Messages Back On</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/07/hiding-location-loc-and-installation.html">Hiding Location (LOC) and Installation (INST) Codes Project Wide</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/09/uninstalling-autodesk-design-suites.html">Uninstalling the Autodesk Design Suites</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2015/01/customizing-marking-menu-in-autocad.html">Customizing The Marking Menu</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2018/02/creating-a-detail-view-in-autocad.html" target="_blank">Creating a Detail View in AutoCAD</a><br />
<h5>
Panels</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/08/adding-cross-reference-xref-info-to.html" title="Adding Cross Reference (XREF) Info To Footprints – AutoCAD Electrical">Adding Cross Reference (XREF) Info To Footprints</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/08/flattening-3d-models-into-2d-footprints.html" title="Flattening 3D Models Into 2D Footprints – FLATSHOT">Flattening 3D Models Into 2D Footprints – FLATSHOT</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/03/understanding-how-din-rail-spreadsheet.html" title="Understanding How the Din Rail Spreadsheet (wddinrl.xls) Works">Understanding How the Din Rail Spreadsheet (wddinrl.xls) Works</a><br />
<h5>
Peer Symbols (HYD, PNEU, P&ID)</h5>
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2016/10/hydraulic-pneumatic-and-pid-schematics-in-autocad-electrical.html" target="_blank" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2010/08/penalty-for-getting-there-early_23.html">Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and P&ID Schematics In AutoCAD Electrical?</a><br />
<h5>
PLC’s</h5>
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2017/01/creating-a-custom-plc-style-in-autocad-electrical.html" target="_blank" title="Creating a custom PLC style in AutoCAD Electrical">Creating a custom PLC style in AutoCAD Electrical</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/07/plc-cards-randomly-adding-additional.html" title="PLC Cards Randomly Adding Additional Lines">PLC Cards Randomly Adding Additional Lines</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/auto-trim-wires-from-plc-io-utility.html" title="O Utility">Auto Trim Wires from the PLC I/O Utility</a><br />
<h5>
Projects</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/03/managing-projects-inside-of-autocad.html" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/03/managing-projects-inside-of-autocad.html">Managing Projects Inside of AutoCAD Electrical</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/06/surfing-project-using-wild-cards-fixme-2.html" title="Surfing a Project Using Wild Cards – Fix_Me 2">Surfing a Project Using Wild Cards – Fix_Me 2</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/closed-project-folders-return-after.html" title="Closed Project Folders Return After a Restart - lastproj.fil">Closed Project Folders Return After a Restart - lastproj.fil</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-make-previousnext-arrows-prompt.html">How to Make the Previous/Next Arrows Prompt For Save</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cadalyst.com/cad/autocad/carry-out-mass-project-path-updates-autocad-electrical-project-files-32624" target="_blank">Carry Out Mass Project Path Updates for AutoCAD Electrical Project Files</a><br />
<h5>
Reporting</h5>
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2017/01/overview-of-reports-in-autocad-electrical.html" target="_blank">Overview of Reports</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2011/12/batch-plotting-project-and-pc3-files.html" title="Batch Plotting a Project and PC3 files">Batch Plotting a Project and PC3 files</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2011/12/adding-user-created-attributes-to.html" title="Adding User Created Attributes to Reports in Electrical">Adding User Created Attributes to Reports in Electrical</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/10/inst-loc-codes-honor-wildcards-when.html" title="INST & LOC Codes Honor Wildcards When Searching">INST & LOC Codes Honor Wildcards When Searching</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2017/01/creating-a-table-of-contents-or-drawing-list-report-autocad-electrical.html" target="_blank" title="Creating a Table of Contents or Drawing List Report – AutoCAD Electrical">Creating a Table of Contents or Drawing List Report</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/03/consistent-reporting-in-autocad.html">Consistent Reporting in AutoCAD Electrical Using (.set) Settings Files</a><br />
<h5>
Settings and Properties</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/09/where-does-wdenv-path-get-set.html" title="Where Does The wd.env Path Get Set-">Where Does The wd.env Path Get Set?</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/breaking-wdenv-file-down-line-by-line.html" title="Breaking The wd.env File Down Line By Line">Breaking The wd.env File Down Line By Line</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2015/05/things-to-consider-when-installing.html">Things to Consider When Installing In a Multi-User Environment </a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/07/linking-schematic-to-drawings-sheet.html">Linking the Schematic to the Drawing’s Sheet Number</a><br />
<h5>
Symbols</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-basics-of-creating-autocad.html">The Basics of Creating an AutoCAD Electrical Symbol</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2014/01/symbol-building-beyond-basics-autocad.html">Symbol Building Beyond the Basics</a><br />
<a href="https://www.cadlinecommunity.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360000136085-AutoCAD-Electrical-2018-Schematic-Symbol-Wire-Connection-Attributes" target="_blank">Schematic Symbol Wire Connection Attributes</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/12/wildcards-for-device-tagging-and-wire.html" title="Wildcards for Device Tagging and Wire Numbering">Wildcards for Device Tagging and Wire Numbering</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/10/displaying-catalog-numbers-on-symbol.html" title="Displaying Catalog Numbers On The Symbol">Displaying Catalog Numbers On The Symbol</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-are-2-pole-components.html" title="Where are the 2 Pole Components-">Where are the 2 Pole Components?</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/08/mirroring-components-proper-way-autocad.html" title="Mirroring Components the Proper Way – AutoCAD Electrical">Mirroring Components the Proper Way</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/07/swapping-entire-symbol-libraries.html" title="Swapping Entire Symbol Libraries Project Wide">Swapping Entire Symbol Libraries Project Wide</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/06/modifying-attributes-in-existing-blocks.html" title="Modifying Attributes In Existing Blocks – AutoCAD Electrical">Modifying Attributes In Existing Blocks</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/04/adding-wire-numbers-to-symbols.html" title="Adding Wire Numbers to Symbols">Adding Wire Numbers to Symbols</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/autocad-electrical-wire-fromto.html" title="To Annotation On the Schematic">Wire From/To Annotation On the Schematic</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/10/making-changes-to-entire-symbol-library.html" target="_blank">Making Changes to the ENTIRE Symbol Library</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2016/11/aligning-components-autocad-electrical.html" target="_blank">Aligning Components</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2016/11/aligning-attributes-in-autocad-electrical.html" target="_blank">Aligning Attributes</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2016/11/autocad-block-attribute-tips.html" target="_blank">AutoCAD Block Attribute Tips</a><br />
<h5>
Terminal Strips</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2015/01/working-with-multiple-level-terminals.html">Working with Multiple Level Terminals</a><br />
<h5>
Title Block Update</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/autocad-electrical-title-block-update.html" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/autocad-electrical-title-block-update.html">Title Block Update - The Basics</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/autocad-electrical-title-block-update_5.html" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/autocad-electrical-title-block-update_5.html">Title Block Update - Mapping Project Wide Revisions</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/autocad-electrical-title-block-update_14.html" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/autocad-electrical-title-block-update_14.html">Title Block Update - Previous / Next Sheet Numbers</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/title-block-update-merging-multiple.html" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/title-block-update-merging-multiple.html">Title Block Update - Merging Multiple Fields Into One Attribute</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/09/i-need-more-fields-pushing-past-limits.html" title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/09/i-need-more-fields-pushing-past-limits.html">I Need More Fields! – Pushing Past The Limits of Title Block Update</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/updating-all-drawing-settings.html" title="Updating All Drawing Settings (Descriptions) Using Excel">Updating All Drawing Settings (Descriptions) Using Excel</a><br />
<h5>
Wires and Source/Destination Arrows</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/12/wildcards-for-device-tagging-and-wire.html" title="Wildcards for Device Tagging and Wire Numbering">Wildcards for Device Tagging and Wire Numbering</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/10/putting-twist-on-twisted-pair-symbol.html" title="Putting a Twist on the Twisted Pair Symbol">Putting a Twist on the Twisted Pair Symbol</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/06/using-wire-gap-feature-in-place-of.html" title="To Arrows">Using the Wire Gap Feature In Place Of From/To Arrows</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/05/mass-changes-to-sourcedestination.html" title="Destination Arrows">Mass Changes to Source/Destination Arrows</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/hidden-wires-and-wire-numbers.html" title="Hidden Wires and Wire Numbers">Hidden Wires and Wire Numbers</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/08/toggling-dots-to-angles-and-back-again.html" title="Toggling Dots to Angles and Back Again">Toggling Dots to Angles and Back Again</a></div><div><a href="https://resources.imaginit.com/manufacturing-solutions-blog/adding-color-convention-for-new-cables-in-autocad-electrical" target="_blank">Adding Color Convention for New Cables in AutoCAD Electrical</a><br />
<h5>
Wire Numbers</h5>
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/hidden-wires-and-wire-numbers.html" title="Hidden Wires and Wire Numbers">Hidden Wires and Wire Numbers</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/autocad-electrical-wire-fromto.html" title="To Annotation On the Schematic">Wire From/To Annotation On the Schematic</a><br />
<a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/company-wire-numbering-advancing-wire.html" title="Company Wire Numbering - Advancing Wire Numbers By One">Company Wire Numbering - Advancing Wire Numbers By One</a> </div>Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-86427974760470295202017-01-05T07:52:00.000-08:002017-01-05T07:52:13.887-08:00I'm sorry to have to report that this website will receive no new posts. All future posts will be here. <a href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/" target="_blank">http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/</a><br />
I am currently in the process of moving all of these posts over there. I'll leave them active for some time but eventually remove them from this site. I am keeping the "Catalog of Posts" links up to date. I hope to start adding many more posts that are relevant to AutoCAD Electrical to this catalog once all posts have been moved over to the IMAGINiT blog.Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-47563160557522532932015-09-06T19:11:00.001-07:002015-09-06T19:16:29.370-07:00Using Cables in AutoCAD Electrical<p>Using the same schematic created in the previous post, lets get into the basics of cables. </p> <h3>Where Are the Symbols?</h3> <p>Access the cable marker symbols from either the Schematics tab/Insert Wires panel, or from the Icon Menu under Miscellaneous.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PsagvEt1Mvc/VezyHmfz37I/AAAAAAAAGRI/GeZI6i7k75o/s1600-h/image5.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G0JznOhGqZw/VezyH3Me6BI/AAAAAAAAGRM/ke6UG2MyHD8/image_thumb3%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="435" height="103"></a></p> <p>Both methods will end up here…<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SUmCehfQOMU/VezyIVXeUqI/AAAAAAAAGRU/kYCdV-JonEg/s1600-h/image11.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H3jhYy2INew/VezyJSgA2aI/AAAAAAAAGRg/FhJuJp3lZsk/image_thumb7.png?imgmax=800" width="490" height="154"></a></p> <p>Typically only the first symbol is used. A script starts that places the first (parent) followed by a series other (child 2+) marker blocks. All child marker blocks are automatically associated to the first symbol placed. </p> <h3>The Insertion Process</h3> <p>The command starts with the typical “Specify insertion point” prompt. Select the first wire to place the first symbol.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RoTks7SdHgM/VezyKS3StEI/AAAAAAAAGRo/QAaQitjDHMM/s1600-h/image15.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-um-jidM5XiQ/VezyKz4h6KI/AAAAAAAAGRw/q0wWuEV7fbs/image_thumb9.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="201"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-plHEIgJHA6I/VezyLT5jh6I/AAAAAAAAGR4/tiTQZHLuB7A/s1600-h/image20.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DIFiCndzFg/VezyL6volxI/AAAAAAAAGSA/yZW1Cdwv1f0/image_thumb12.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="395"></a><br>After populating the Edit Cable Marker dialog, the following is displayed. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r12VyeA3Ycs/VezyMKNRTvI/AAAAAAAAGSE/ZVi7HEqZLt4/s1600-h/image25.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3SFIxORyXY/VezyMgI5ryI/AAAAAAAAGSM/OtA6xQRx1lQ/image_thumb15%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="456" height="207"></a></p> <p>This is asking if the listed attributes should be hidden on the rest of the cables markers. The default is checked because typically these child marker blocks are directly under the parent. There is no need for the repetitive text on the drawing in such close proximity. Leave them as is and press OK Insert Child.</p> <p>The only information required for each child is the Wire Color/ID field. Of course if you have descriptions, INST/LOC codes fill them in as well.<br>I haven't been able to figure out what the difference is between the OK-Repeat and the OK button on this dialog.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WnP8hJW5q1s/VezyMziQGRI/AAAAAAAAGSU/t331inLs0KA/s1600-h/image31.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VJ2qd7yIVAc/VezyNTunijI/AAAAAAAAGSg/4l8T3kA5xLI/image_thumb19.png?imgmax=800" width="434" height="290"></a></p> <p>After the last child has been placed, press Esc to end the command. Typically this type of command will need to be followed up with the Align command just to clean of the drawing a bit.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jV4svQyL1hs/VezyNioV9WI/AAAAAAAAGSk/f8mq_Jema1U/s1600-h/image36.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZD7u05sj6Q/VezyN9KAgwI/AAAAAAAAGSs/kbNX7FSaQI0/image_thumb22.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="247"></a></p> <h3>And that’s it</h3> <p>This cable is now aware of the conductors running through it. And below is what the Cable From/To report looks like.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L2VZjPV7cQw/VezyOUM1gFI/AAAAAAAAGS4/55Sex42O8Zk/s1600-h/image41.png"><br><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y8RIGrF4eaQ/VezyOpacK9I/AAAAAAAAGTA/5Aj1Gdiwe4s/image_thumb25.png?imgmax=800" width="611" height="141"></a></p> <h3>And Now For the Options</h3> <p>If the Cable From/To report is not important, a parent could be placed directly on the _MULTI_WIRE line.</p> <p>This is quick, easy, relays nearly the same information on the print, and adds the cable to the bill of material. The only thing it cannot do is display any conductors running through it on the Cable From/To report.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yGBND5WBf2s/VezyPKFjy-I/AAAAAAAAGTE/Zw2ot1jQ5ag/s1600-h/image46.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KS5Td35ziFU/VezyPtOrk5I/AAAAAAAAGTQ/F7_7crGDFQY/image_thumb28.png?imgmax=800" width="690" height="254"></a></p> <p>What happens when the conductors run from page to page? How do you display the cables on the other pages? Using the schematic below, lets pretend the right side is on a different sheet and we need cable markers on it as well.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O_qXNwVgSe4/VezyQJ8lRrI/AAAAAAAAGTU/-S7uzw2iGYU/s1600-h/image56.png"><br><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-NGRmRH7to/VezyQZmUnbI/AAAAAAAAGTc/sD-2219GXDw/image_thumb34.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="337"></a></p> <p>You can’t just add another set of cable markers. That will add a new cable to both the bill of materials and the Cable From/To report. Out of the box we have limited options. One of them is to simply place extra markers on each conductor. .<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W8SC6D5IuaM/VezyQ2NtJtI/AAAAAAAAGTk/DgGAhAy9jkc/s1600-h/image62.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--iajw1YjmVs/VezyRFtFVII/AAAAAAAAGTs/ffR0hSwXcWc/image_thumb38.png?imgmax=800" width="504" height="159"></a></p> <p>This isn't a completely manual entry process. Pressing the Project button will display all cable conductors in the project. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z-UULKusfgw/VezyRrt56-I/AAAAAAAAGT0/jwrNNsmsae4/s1600-h/image67.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z2SNV-Q-wc0/VezyR5egRoI/AAAAAAAAGT8/ly1YbokbQNs/image_thumb41.png?imgmax=800" width="527" height="416"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Prl1tvBEBXo/VezyTLwcNxI/AAAAAAAAGUI/sQXtphrc76k/s1600-h/image72.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hrxiy6BygBE/VezyTqZwEYI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/anJ5P8qq5YQ/image_thumb44.png?imgmax=800" width="334" height="127"></a></p> <p>So you can select each conductor and the attributes are populated for you.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oPDxGmOgGBM/VezyT5N15QI/AAAAAAAAGUU/ZCNio-EU8J8/s1600-h/image76.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ez9VIQ9FjYY/VezyULnEQYI/AAAAAAAAGUc/zTpmWwoDkPM/image_thumb46.png?imgmax=800" width="443" height="208"></a></p> <p>This makes for a very quick symbol insertion and it looks quite good on the print.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s39AVzvb4i4/VezyUruklYI/AAAAAAAAGUk/hwNWJTX0xcE/s1600-h/image87.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0EQnylkX438/VezyU_nLM9I/AAAAAAAAGUw/Qoa-4X5KtKA/image_thumb53.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="341"></a></p> <p>The trouble is, there is no association to the parent cable markers on the original page. Should the cable move, or conductor ID’s change, the copy on the other side will not update to reflect these changes. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tJSOBeIeLXI/VezyVRVDJTI/AAAAAAAAGU0/iinyea8eQT4/s1600-h/image88.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xMeKrlhwh9s/VezyVxl9rII/AAAAAAAAGVA/xBK8qTfmZsk/image_thumb54.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="338"></a></p> <p>I have seen people use child type components for these other “copies” but that’s not a good plan either. Doing so adds additional conductors to the cable’s From/To report. And the Tag is the only thing that is linked. The Wire ID will try to link with the parent symbol only. There is no easy way to link to the child cable markers. So some functionality was lost and not much was gained. <strong>Use the dumb Extra Markers before using additional child markers.</strong> </p> <p>A third option would be a panel footprint of the cable marker block. This is really quite easy. Simply explode a cable marker parent type block and change the TAG1 attribute to P_TAG1. Then WBLOCK it out as something like CABLE_FOOTPRINT.dwg. Save this to your custom footprints folder. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EOmaVgdNAzg/VezyWENWmaI/AAAAAAAAGVE/Z0nEZ7V57sU/s1600-h/image4.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xq4r1y-1CPA/VezyW-Q4upI/AAAAAAAAGVM/7BziRfx6P-U/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="215"></a></p> <p>Then map all the cable to use this as its default footprint using the Footprint Database File Editor. If you skip this step, you will have some additional dialogs to dismiss each time this footprint is placed. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kx3MBtLBjCI/VezyXszJjEI/AAAAAAAAGVU/KyDSKqeEV6Q/s1600-h/image8.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vqd5gCmlutQ/VezyYAOzE3I/AAAAAAAAGVc/z7SuoV1H9WA/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="130"></a></p> <p>So with the tools discussed above, this is my suggestion. A custom footprint block as the “parent” followed by extra cable markers for the remaining conductors. And the tag has been removed from the extra markers. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3kfOHeQvI30/VezyYSSfz6I/AAAAAAAAGVo/AkH0Di1IR28/s1600-h/image13.png"><br><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-me2XZm4MY1A/VezyY_VGlOI/AAAAAAAAGVs/O0lFTYbQNI4/image_thumb6.png?imgmax=800" width="758" height="395"></a><br>Doing this will update the TAG should the cable retag, does not mess up the From/To reports, and makes picking the Wire ID’s easy with the Project button on the Extra Marker dialog. </p> <p>If anyone has a better suggestion, please let us know in the comments. </p> <h3>And More…</h3> <p>There are a number of other commands hiding away inside the Cable Markers side of the Icon Menu. An entire submenu of shielded cables…<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dsbLiB-10-k/VezyZC-THnI/AAAAAAAAGV0/6YDUiUyPgdE/s1600-h/image21.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pstjYVr8xE0/VezyZRuauTI/AAAAAAAAGWA/xErUMC2l0e8/image_thumb10.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="223"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W1y34E8VZUo/VezyZ_zoUsI/AAAAAAAAGWE/Gc5dMFP0ML4/s1600-h/image22.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HZlbqZvDM6c/VezyaP7gLBI/AAAAAAAAGWM/1cwET-J1AAI/image_thumb11.png?imgmax=800" width="485" height="484"></a></p> <p>The Twisted Pair and Twisted Marker are two other commands hidden under this submenu. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DRdFOc5qXgs/VezyaVEJSgI/AAAAAAAAGWU/YuplAMSC8q4/s1600-h/image28.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ej6eXb4CzeA/VezyajIngXI/AAAAAAAAGWg/Mg0emulaq5Y/image_thumb15.png?imgmax=800" width="161" height="53"></a><br>The Twisted Marker places a marker block over the selected wires. But the Twisted Pair command actually twists the wires on the schematic. <br>Awhile back I wrote this post about this command.<br><a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/10/putting-twist-on-twisted-pair-symbol.html" target="_blank">Putting a Twist on the Twisted Pair Symbol</a></p> <p>I guess that’s about it for cables. I hope you got something new out of it. Feel free to post comments, questions, or suggestions below. </p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-78577598495056629732015-08-05T18:24:00.001-07:002015-08-05T18:27:38.532-07:00AutoCAD Electrical’s Fan In/Out Command<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZAZwLO5nATg/VcK26TdqX2I/AAAAAAAAGKg/GcvN9_XuTqU/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wQFV5Hvg0Fg/VcK26o86rwI/AAAAAAAAGKk/D3U_hD4IQ2g/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="444" align="right" height="373"></a></p> <p>I started writing about cables. However I stopped and decided this command really needs to come first. Since they are typically used together, and because I wanted to point out some good things to know when using the two together. Not knowing how these two commands work can lead to issues come reporting time.</p> <p>This command gets a bit of a bad rap because it involves a lot of picks and clicks. However once mastered it’s a pretty nifty tool. </p> <p>The Fan In/Out tools are essentially an easier way to insert multiple source and destination arrows all at once. Simply name the first instance of the fan and each wire receives its own unique identifier from that point on. Of course you still need to add a description or you would never know how to attach the wires on the other side. Then its off to the other side and make the connections. </p> <p>I’ll walk through those steps and hopefully it will help you better understand how it works.</p> <p>First of all we need to create the actual wiring. The command only adds the source and destination markers. It does not add the graphical lines showing all the lines coming into one “multi-wire”.<br><br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iNxqAJ30v-c/VcK27MZ0zGI/AAAAAAAAGKw/ALC8cV9iclI/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9tueFP954EY/VcK27cCXiTI/AAAAAAAAGK0/v6fo8F51DAY/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="598" height="257"></a></p> <p>Now we can start the command. I’ll start my Fan In Source on the left side. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ArB_bKy3Khs/VcK277EZ_CI/AAAAAAAAGK8/JxF9wAyEB04/s1600-h/image%25255B15%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7e1ldsOLJ1o/VcK28KTVKII/AAAAAAAAGLI/zME31wq-jn4/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="151" align="left" height="240"></a><br>From the first dialog select the image that shows which side of the marker is a wire and which side is the multi-wire. In my case it will be the one of the left.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-al3t2jQE4Z8/VcK28qBU06I/AAAAAAAAGLM/qdo15ubibBI/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AW4PRQcdpvQ/VcK287NaNkI/AAAAAAAAGLU/WdH8DKTLoFc/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="183" align="left" height="240"></a></p> <p>You are then prompted to select an insertion point for the first marker. That would be the top red wire in my example. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FnGJPY3b3pg/VcK29PUGKyI/AAAAAAAAGLc/oa-KCW_YS6g/s1600-h/image%25255B23%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVWIdtUVNxA/VcK29lSG5xI/AAAAAAAAGLo/BNI6ghVbYc0/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="216" align="left" height="240"></a></p> <p><font color="#0000ff"><em>I’ll stop here and note that sometimes only this red X appears and the command ends. I have not been able to pinpoint what causes this and haven’t noticed it very often in the later releases. However if the command ends here, simply delete the symbol using Delete Component and try again. I have never seen it happen twice in a row.</em></font></p> <p>After selecting the insertion point a dialog appears asking for a more info.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R9tQC1r3bUI/VcK2-IQ5H5I/AAAAAAAAGLs/Ma_T3-9NERI/s1600-h/image%25255B27%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OKRqnV_mWm8/VcK2_PV9_5I/AAAAAAAAGL4/x3bv9qGznyE/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="644" height="316"></a></p> <p>The code is the unique identifier for this Fan Source. This will help us find it amongst all the other fan sources in the project when placing the destinations. Typically I like to end this code with a number. AutoCAD Electrical will auto number this field as more sources are selected keeping them all unique. Next fill in the Description with something about this wire. That will help make sure we select the correct wire on the other side. I will use a Code of FAN-TEST-1 and a Description of RED.</p> <p>Pressing OK brings up the next step in this process.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4NTq2rXE3PY/VcK2_c5p-EI/AAAAAAAAGL8/e0w7oA-hj5s/s1600-h/image%25255B33%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FRSS_71RG0E/VcK2__JjmNI/AAAAAAAAGME/u8wag2GRF-Y/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="442" align="left" height="232"></a> <br>Pressing No will repeat the last step and allow you to place another Fan Source on the next wire. No, don’t ask will not display this dialog again and continue asking for Fan Sources until you press Escape. </p> <p>Typically the reason one would use this command is because they have many wires they are feeding into a single multi-wire. So if you have anymore than one or two more sources to select, I recomned the Source Fence Insert button. This will allow the user to draw a line that crosses ALL wires and insert a source on all at once. </p> <p>That is what button I will show here.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oO__L4IY1oA/VcK3AH4b6wI/AAAAAAAAGMM/2oHmtljwPbU/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fQEsScyxaA8/VcK3Al2bH_I/AAAAAAAAGMU/EaU2cn9hhWg/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="374" align="right" height="480"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Ok now I see I may have drawn my wires a bit too close together in my little example. </p> <p>When drawing the source fence make sure the line starts ABOVE the first line to receive the next source. Many times I see new users click ON the line and then its hit or miss as to whether that line will receive a symbol. Right click or press Enter to continue after drawing the fence.</p> <p>The following dialog appears…<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Y6LipRmKNY/VcK3A5VxpyI/AAAAAAAAGMc/UvasC68V648/s1600-h/image%25255B44%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iQY4hCy7OkQ/VcK3BK99muI/AAAAAAAAGMo/jt0S5Xou7WI/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="289" height="284"></a></p> <p>The first path should be switched to Keep all, don’t ask. That will keep this dialog from displaying again during this command. If you have a few wires you wish to skip that are included in the fence, you would need to use the other two options, Keep this on and No, skip to next.<br>Do not uncheck the Show edit dialog after each because the description needs to be changed for each wire. Otherwise selecting the proper wire when placing the destination will be difficult.</p> <p>After pressing OK you will need to enter the description for each source. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e51DaSuONOI/VcK3BtNFQ2I/AAAAAAAAGMs/9XA4LtuDgM8/s1600-h/image%25255B49%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbjdmoNtN6A/VcK3CF24k-I/AAAAAAAAGM0/gyJ5BrxasE8/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="779" height="480"></a></p> <p>And after entering all the descriptions here we are… Then add some wire numbers and the sources should update as well…<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UQbDXLWetJ8/VcK3CXVumlI/AAAAAAAAGM8/ocmFj7DH9OY/s1600-h/image%25255B54%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jHV8f-DiKVA/VcK3C6FbsdI/AAAAAAAAGNE/aox33NVPrCs/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="341" height="480"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---kJTnfA-5g/VcK3DMrLKBI/AAAAAAAAGNM/x3tXZQBF4Zo/s1600-h/image%25255B59%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KHZeqfsnYI/VcK3Dht-D2I/AAAAAAAAGNU/rTX-eoffoRU/image_thumb%25255B35%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="335" height="480"></a></p> <p>If you think this is redundant information, wait until you add cable markers. However the unneeded wire numbers on the cable markers could be hid with the Hide Attribute command. And that leaves me with the following.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PuopSia3PrM/VcK3D_ZhMgI/AAAAAAAAGNc/qz6uJiF0-bw/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DUjbVuwmojc/VcK3EDA76YI/AAAAAAAAGNk/D7tgBZ9JY88/image_thumb%25255B37%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="186" align="left" height="144"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OHYsUXjkCa8/VcK3EvAAdLI/AAAAAAAAGNw/lUv-BcCILq4/s1600-h/image%25255B67%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xOGY3DqGsdo/VcK3FFhpIZI/AAAAAAAAGN4/uI2HX7Ob2_o/image_thumb%25255B39%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="484"></a></p> <p>Finally the Fan In Source is complete and we can move on to the Fan Out Destination.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KiQavCdd9U/VcK3MPYO92I/AAAAAAAAGOA/bxWPWhp5Ka0/s1600-h/image%25255B71%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1AUYEJyAl6A/VcK3MjA2K0I/AAAAAAAAGOI/sdu6w4QuDQM/image_thumb%25255B41%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="148" align="left" height="240"></a></p> <p>Again this brings up the starting dialog for the Fan command. Which side of the symbol will the multi-wire be on? In my example it will be the right image. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zyz00-LTc_Y/VcK3MwGohCI/AAAAAAAAGOM/_SSJo6Wk8c8/s1600-h/image%25255B75%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SgR5KdSUMx0/VcK3NVNYuUI/AAAAAAAAGOY/yIr1dCczcGY/image_thumb%25255B43%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="295" height="359"></a></p> <p>Clicking the image causes AutoCAD Electrical continue and again ask for an insertion point. Simply click on a wire.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N9YLRmI-r6s/VcK3N05jrdI/AAAAAAAAGOg/tBK5y7rl-GE/s1600-h/image%25255B81%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31hnzAjq8t8/VcK3ORW6wJI/AAAAAAAAGOk/y0s_CFzKb9U/image_thumb%25255B47%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="330" align="left" height="307"></a></p> <p>There is little to do in this dialog since we already placed the Fan Source symbols. Simply press Drawing or Project to see all Fan Source connections available. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOSPA-2mMas/VcK3Oj5K7yI/AAAAAAAAGOw/bngrrqm4byw/s1600-h/image%25255B89%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xy9aYpasF3A/VcK3PSPO07I/AAAAAAAAGO4/RlgxkywEDs4/image_thumb%25255B51%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="526" height="335"></a></p> <p>Typically when switching between sheets, the Freshen button will need to be pressed before all source codes will appear. Note that you can also choose Show unpaired. Since typically these are only going to be used once, selecting this will cause the used codes to drop from the list as they are selected.</p> <p>Since I gave each wire a description its is easy to find the correct source for this wires destination. Simply verify the Signal Code matches the fan in question and then select the appropriate description and press OK. That fills in the Destination From Arrow dialog with the selected information.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNHbwbdVl6s/VcK3QD2nwKI/AAAAAAAAGO8/GeJ6l5Tlik4/s1600-h/image%25255B94%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZ9UL_fV9A8/VcK3QT4U73I/AAAAAAAAGPE/eDCTPZe36_I/image_thumb%25255B54%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" align="left" height="223"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Press OK on this dialog and select the next wire. Press Project or Drawing again and the last source code should have disappeared. (if Show unpaired is selected) If you notice the source is still showing for some reason, press Freshen again and it should go away.<br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfUuDj2dr1M/VcK3Q2qXR2I/AAAAAAAAGPQ/NbKbGBpqryY/s1600-h/image%25255B100%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P1qkwXLZgs0/VcK3RXYnMwI/AAAAAAAAGPY/FX7wk_XsZSs/image_thumb%25255B58%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="588" height="383"></a></p> <p>That’s it. Just repeat those few steps until all destinations are filled. Finally we need to deal with this last connecting wire. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jIknoObXO6o/VcK3R9cjFTI/AAAAAAAAGPg/XMspCdIm-Vs/s1600-h/image%25255B110%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YIsr8Xr_dq4/VcK3SB1VxTI/AAAAAAAAGPk/2HFLrPzWX0M/image_thumb%25255B64%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="627" height="318"></a></p> <p>The command changes the wire on the multi-wire side to a layer called _MULTI_WIRE. (Note the beginning underscore on this layer name) However the command isn’t smart enough to follow the wires and switch everything it touches to this layer as well. So these three lines are still “wires” and will receive their own wire numbers if they are not changed to a non-wire type layer.</p> <p>Select the wires, and then from the layers dropdown, change them to the layer _MULTI_WIRE. And you're done. The wires on the one side of the fan now feed across and connect on the other side. In my example all of the wires ended up in the same order. But they can be placed in any order when selecting them from the Project/Drawing list.</p> <p>Now lets talk about placing actual source and destination arrows on the _MULTI_WIRE line. Typically the Fan In is one one page and the Fan Out on another. Users would like to see an arrow showing this link. Since _MULTI_WIRE isn’t a true wire type the command will fail when attempting to add these arrows. </p> <p>This is not a problem. Simply switch the bottom horizontal line back to a wire type layer and then place the source arrow. Once the arrow is in place, switch the line back to the _MULTI_LINE layer. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hmr7sKfLGRY/VcK3SlFr19I/AAAAAAAAGPs/QCtDvR6K1MY/s1600-h/image%25255B115%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tcZ1XOFT8Wk/VcK3SzQtuII/AAAAAAAAGP0/UyfMGDCeNIk/image_thumb%25255B67%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="412" height="352"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrgjbLt6Zok/VcK3TOt8EnI/AAAAAAAAGP8/qEPyOwDsNqk/s1600-h/image%25255B122%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oYniEDa7_7Q/VcK3TsFAcvI/AAAAAAAAGQE/6p-55xBDNS0/image_thumb%25255B70%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="456" height="352"></a></p> <p>Place the destination by doing the same thing. Since there are no wire numbers (because this isn’t a wire) we need to follow up with another Hide Attribute command and hide the wire number attribute (???) on both the source and destination arrows. That should give us the page and the rung between the two arrows.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6qrSQncWlYI/VcK3TyD6l4I/AAAAAAAAGQM/Y-HdUy12Hzw/s1600-h/image%25255B118%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CcWZsLLVmxA/VcK3UJCd4CI/AAAAAAAAGQU/xYPLb4HERsk/image_thumb%25255B68%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="214" align="left" height="159"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9F0kGW95C98/VcK3UTecG2I/AAAAAAAAGQc/TAmYlKd6hVo/s1600-h/image%25255B127%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f80uHm59Bis/VcK3U3f4j8I/AAAAAAAAGQo/DZqIGk9y3wA/image_thumb%25255B73%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="493" height="374"></a></p> <p>I hope you found this useful. I plan on following up on this topic with a post about cables as my next post.</p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-46917104830348495692015-05-06T11:38:00.001-07:002015-05-06T11:38:07.043-07:00Things to Consider When Installing AutoCAD Electrical In a Multi-User Environment <p>In this post I want to review some of the files, and folder structure, that AutoCAD Electrical needs to function properly in a multi user environment. </p> <h1>Shared Folders</h1> <p>A network share is required as the most efficient means of sharing the databases and libraries. Folder structure should resemble something of the following… <p><strong> AutoCAD Electrical Standards<br></strong> Symbol Library<br> Custom Symbols<br> Standard Symbols (could also remain on the users C:\ drive from the standard install)<br> Subfolders by standard name<br> Custom Footprints<br> Subfolders by Manufacture <br> Subfolders by component type<br> Standard Footprints (these could also remain on the users C:\ drive from the standard install)<br> Subfolders by Manufacture<br> Subfolders by component type<br> Circuits<br><strong>Databases<br> </strong>Catalogs<br> PLC’s<br><strong>Templates</strong><br><strong>Icon Menus<br></strong> Menu Icons<br><strong>Support<br>Service Packs & Hotfixes</strong></p> <p><strong></strong> <h1>Shared Files</h1> <h3>The Environment File (wd.env)</h3> <p>This is the mapping file that AutoCAD Electrical uses for most of its search paths. This file should live in the shared Support folder listed above. All users should add this location as the first path in AutoCAD’s Support File Search Path.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gBngj1s-EBo/VUpffqGky8I/AAAAAAAAGIk/BubjFJQWDJY/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="clip_image002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BZv8a4bxa5c/VUpfgO396rI/AAAAAAAAGIs/Z76JVM7GC-w/clip_image002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="624" height="270"></a></p> <p>The wd.env file on the local disk should then be renamed or deleted. AutoCAD Electrical will then default to the one on the network. This makes changes to the environment file affect all users the next time the software is loaded. The default location is C:\Users\<<username>>\Documents\Acade 2015\AeData. <p>To verify the environment files location, right click on the active project and select Settings. The third path listed, is the path that is currently being used to find the environment file. Needed changes to the wd.env file can be found here. <a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/breaking-wdenv-file-down-line-by-line.html" target="_blank"><<Understanding the wd.env file>></a> <p><font size="4"><strong>Databases</strong></font></p> <p>The databases consist of the Catalog Lookup (default_cat.mdb), Footprint Lookup (footprint_lookup.mdb), Parametric PLC Lookup (ace_plc.mdb), and the Electrical Standards (ace_electrical_standards.mdb). <p>A secondary catalog lookup can be created as well and named whatever you desire. The secondary catalog lookup is defined in the environment file. Users can then switch to it anytime they are selecting catalog information. This gives you the option of having the default being the company standard components and a secondary containing everything else. <br><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sK-hv5X4Qjk/VUpfgvSxdGI/AAAAAAAAGIw/8yc2ixElOnk/s1600-h/clip_image001%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="clip_image001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="clip_image001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvDC1OJfzOI/VUpfgyJjPTI/AAAAAAAAGI8/rEXE9xf9VmA/clip_image001_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="223" height="102"></a> <p><b><font size="4">default_cat.mdb</font></b></p> <p>The catalog data should be reviewed. Some companies like to start with a completely blank database and add only their information. Others want all of the catalog information supplied by Autodesk from the start. On a slower network, loading these tables can take some time. <p>The manufactures included in the database are selected during the installation of AutoCAD Electrical. If you find some manufactures missing, go to Add/Remove Programs, select AutoCAD Electrical and then press Uninstall/Change. You will have an option to Add/Remove Features. From there, select the manufactures desired. <p>Manufactures include, AB, ABB, ANIXTER, AROMAT, AUTOMATIONDIRECT, BECKOFF, BELDEN, BURKLIN, BUSSMANN, DELIXI, EATON, ENTRELEC, FESTO, FUJI, GE, HARTING, HOFFMAN, HONEYWELL, HUBBELL, LAPP, LEGRAND, LG, LITTLEFUSE, MERLIN GERIN, MITSUBISHI, MODICON, MOELLER, MURRELEKTRONIK, NEWARK, NORGREN, OMRON, PANDUIT, PARKER, PEPPERL FUCHS, PHOENIX CONTACT, PILZ, PROSOFT, RITTAL, SCE, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC, SIEMENS, SQD, TELEMECANIQUE, TRICONEX, TURCK, WAGO, and WEIDMULLER. <p>For the most part, data is added/edited inside of AutoCAD Electrical. However these databases can be edited with Microsoft Access directly as well. This makes importing/merging existing part numbers and missing items quite easy at a mass level. There are three fields for additional information. USER1, USER2, and USER3. The headings can be changed to better fit the information entered. However do not change the order of the columns in the database or add any additional columns. <p>2D and 3D physical representation is now being added to this database as well under the SYMBOL2D and SYMBOL3D fields. These are being used by Inventor to create 3D representations based off of the schematic information. <p><b><font size="4">footprint_lookup.mdb</font></b></p> <p>This database is used to lookup the footprints needed for the 2D panel representation based off of catalog number. Since the same footprint can represent many catalog items, wildcards are used to limit the number of lines needed. <p>Note that the path starts at the “Footprints” folder. The manufacture and family subfolder names are still needed or AutoCAD Electrical will be unable to find the footprint drawing.<b></b> <p><font size="4"><strong>Icon Menus</strong></font></p> <p>The icon menus can, and should be, renamed. The default names are ace_jic_menu.dat and ace_panel_menu_jic.dat. Put the company name in place of the “ace” to easily verify that the correct menu is being used and edited. <p>These are simply text files, however editing them should be done using the Icon Menu Wizard inside of AutoCAD Electrical. <p>If editing/sharing of the extra menus (pneumatic, hydraulic, and piping and instrumentation) is needed, these files cannot be renamed and must live in the shared Support folder not the Icon Menus folder. New icons for these menus are saved in the Menu Icons folder with the other icon images. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0-h1yr1aRDg/VUpfhdYbTKI/AAAAAAAAGJE/d_v7vJWvbAs/s1600-h/clip_image003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="clip_image003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" hspace="12" alt="clip_image003" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fRDDRZioSwA/VUpfhkRcAzI/AAAAAAAAGJM/ZCF7IgJe-60/clip_image003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="209"></a><br>The Project Properties determine which icon menu is used. Once the environment file is set to determine the menus location and name, update any existing projects Project Properties to match. Select the path headers that have changed, and then press Default. <p><font size="4"><strong>Menu Icons</strong></font></p> <p>These images are created during the symbol creation process. They must be stored in a shared folder on the network. <p>A number of AutoCAD Slide Libraries (.slb) and their matching .dll files are needed in this folder as well. Without them the default icons will all be blank. <p><strong><font size="4">Templates</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cFgwVrC1BpA/VUpfibMejyI/AAAAAAAAGJU/5DipuAyOcsQ/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="clip_image004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" hspace="12" alt="clip_image004" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CPhrnhcH6UU/VUpfigrc3DI/AAAAAAAAGJc/08Q-ycLpRFc/clip_image004_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="292" align="right" height="228"></a>The term templates and title blocks are used interchangeably. However they are two different things. Templates contain a title block but also are the source of quite a bit of other information as well. The following is a quick list of things that should be included in company templates. </p> <p>AutoCAD Electrical uses the same template format as AutoCAD (.dwt). The default template location is set in the AutoCAD Options Files tab. (see image on right) <p><b>Title Block<br></b>Each template should contain a border and title block. Both can be contained in the same block as well. The actual ‘title block’ block name must be named consistently between different sizes and types of templates. Also, consistent attributes must be used between the different title blocks. The block names and their attributes are referenced by the .wdl and .wdt files that drive the title block update process.<b></b> <p><b>Wire Types<br></b>Wire types are simply layers designated as “wires.” However additional information can also be included with each wire type. <p><b>Layers<br></b>Layer naming, color, and style should be setup to match the company’s standards. The names need to match the Layers called out in the Drawing and Project Properties. <p><b>Properties<br></b>The template’s Drawing Properties should be reviewed and updated as needed. <p><b>Project File </b>(.wdp)<b><br></b>A template project file should be created with all properties set as desired. The project file’s properties will be referenced when creating new projects. <p><font size="4"><strong>Miscellaneous Files</strong></font></p> <p><b>Title Block Mapping Files </b>(default_wdtitle.wdl/default.wdt)<b><br></b>Both of these files are needed for the Title Block Updates utility to function properly. Both files should reside in the networked support path. <p><b>Installation and Location Reference Files </b>(default.inst/default.loc)<br>These files store commonly used installation and location codes. Both files should reside in the networked support path. <p><b>Component Description Reference File </b>(wd_desc.wdd)<br>Commonly used descriptions and labels are stored in this file for easy repeated use. This file should reside in the networked support path.</p> <h4>Considerations for Remote Users</h4> <p>Since so much of what AutoCAD Electrical needs to fully function now lives on the network, users working remotely need special consideration. Disconnecting from the network will leave users with no environment file, icon menus, symbols, and more. There are several options for this type of user. <p><strong><font size="3">Full Time VPN Connection</font></strong><br>This is the easiest option if a VPN connection is already available for users. <ul> <li><strong>Pros/Cons</strong><br>Users have a consistent work environment.<br>Always requires a network connection to work.<br>Can affect performance with a slow internet connection.</li></ul> <p><strong><font size="3">Network Folder Made Available Offline</font></strong><br>Right click on the network share and choose Make Available Offline. This will bring a copy of everything in the folder local. Whenever a network connection is present these files will sync. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Pros/Cons<br></strong>Easy to setup. Easy for users because no paths change. When the network is down users still see the offline network paths.<br>Modifying the sync partnerships inside of Microsoft Sync Center allows a one way data transfer. This sync should only pull from the network. Users should not be modifying any shared files while offline.<br>Setup Microsoft Sync Center will sometimes lose its associations due to changes on the network.<br>It can be hard for users to tell when they are truly connected and when they are working on local files. </li></ul> <p><font size="4"><strong>Manage the Shared Files with Vault<br></strong></font>All shared files are checked into Vault and users pull a copy locally. <ul> <li><strong>Pros/Cons<br></strong>This method works best if a ‘librarian’ is the only one making changes. Changes are made and then users are notified to re-pull the AutoCAD Electrical library files. <br>The databases can be quite large and pulling a new copy can take some time on a slow connection.<br>Users lose the ability to quickly add/modify the databases. Instead the file must be checked out from the Vault Client and then later checked back in.<br>Users can control when updates are pulled down from the network</li></ul> <p><strong><font size="4">Batch Files to Update Local Copy</font></strong><br>This method involves two batch files. One to swap environment files between a work online and a work offline environment. A second file, to refresh the local files to match the network files. <ul> <li><strong>Pros/Cons<br></strong>Takes a bit of setup followed by training on the end users part.<br>Gives end users the control of when they are offline/online<br>Users can control when updates are pulled down from the network<br>This method works best if a ‘librarian’ is the only one making changes. Changes are made and then users are notified to re-pull the AutoCAD Electrical library files. <br>More complex environment to manage and control. Also makes upgrades a bit more challenging. </li></ul> <p><br>I hope that gives some good food for thought. Feel free to continue this discussion below in the comments. </p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-42520541962605465892015-03-06T11:13:00.001-08:002015-03-06T11:13:02.951-08:00Running Scripts on Multiple Files – AutoCAD Electrical <p>Several times now I have been asked how to “do something” to every drawing in the project. The last one to come across my desk was to freeze all layers on all drawings project wide. AutoCAD Electrical actually has some really good tools for running scripts. I find myself turning to it even for non Electrical needs quite often. </p> <p><strong>Here are some examples I have encountered recently: <br></strong>Updating the company address, or copyright year, on all title blocks<br>Swapping title blocks on all drawings (Swap/Update Block)<br>Zoom Extents, set limits, and export PDF<br>Add company standards (layers, dim styles, ect) to all drawings<br>Freeze all layers</p> <h3>Pushing a Script Project Wide</h3> <p>This method involves a script file (.scr). A script file consists of only what you would type in the command line. Start Notepad and type everything command there as you would in the Command Line. For example to freeze all layers and then do zoom extents your script file would look like this.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HbXVsnseAA0/VPn8Jlh7guI/AAAAAAAAGGA/w2tqNEH6x1w/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MHyeWSaVIU8/VPn8KF6KnHI/AAAAAAAAGGI/GAu3gPicqHU/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="223" height="166"></a></p> <p>To test a script file simply drag and drop the file into the drawing window. The script will run and you will quickly see if it runs properly. If you script is complex, consider adding notes. Any line started with a semi-colon is ignored by the script file. Add comments starting with a semi-colon to make future edits easier to understand.</p> <p>And now to run this script on an entire project. Make the desired project active and then choose Utilities from the Project tab.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kd1P28QQuzE/VPn8KSbfHLI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/9Ocs4tF8cgY/s1600-h/image%25255B6%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s2Om6d7ZWeg/VPn8LfUesUI/AAAAAAAAGGY/S3JLWAlN9Kk/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="372" height="146"></a></p> <p>In this dialog, select ‘Run command script file’ and select the script file to run. After pressing OK the option for project wide is the default.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jj-6ICa6BU0/VPn8Ltt-2TI/AAAAAAAAGGc/aYlRoV8UdS4/s1600-h/image%25255B31%25255D.png"><br><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CcTsQi9drHQ/VPn8MKdFWwI/AAAAAAAAGGk/B6f2gaeFmQc/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="420" height="441"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lf9vV16SHos/VPn8MdU2HjI/AAAAAAAAGGs/xQB8oEXirD8/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9_WbYLhEeQA/VPn8Mj20rsI/AAAAAAAAGG0/zceNAsh0kxY/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="287" height="213"></a></p> <h3></h3> <h3>Pushing a Script On All Drawings in a Folder</h3> <p>This option is hidden under the Symbol Builder drop down menu. The command is Modify Symbol Library. This utility can be used to simply run an AutoCAD command or to run a script on all files in a folder.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wxbBdNBJg6w/VPn8NCfnQlI/AAAAAAAAGG8/v9Zry6nNXYA/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rm3PufMr7sM/VPn8NTgGmoI/AAAAAAAAGHE/Z6Uc8xdNmpM/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="113"></a></p> <p>The first thing the command asks for is a folder. After selecting the folder, the following dialog displays. I recommend creating a test folder with only a few drawings to prove out the script before running on a large number of files. <br>Check the Run AutoLISP box and enter a LISP command.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_k0XpE4ep2o/VPn8NoLtreI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/1D-sSNMXJfY/s1600-h/image%25255B30%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SfJvPGaD32w/VPn8OZvfXaI/AAAAAAAAGHY/_LkIfKnD9ns/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="488" height="357"></a></p> <p>This dialog checks your LISP command for proper formatting. If something is wrong the following will display.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S05yjxFSX_E/VPn8PPeY1hI/AAAAAAAAGHc/8_11BBGV2R4/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z-zr7YDs-94/VPn8PXQ4b6I/AAAAAAAAGHk/l-POzElYc04/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="298" height="154"></a></p> <p>Any AutoCAD command can be run in LISP by simply starting with “command”. Remember all LISP lines are enclosed in parentheses ().</p> <p>I entered the following to run my script file… <strong>(command "_.script" "C:\LayerLock.scr")<br></strong>Press Start and sit back while AutoCAD Electrical does all the work.</p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-87665442151828011342015-01-27T11:27:00.001-08:002015-01-27T11:27:52.489-08:00Customizing The Marking Menu in AutoCAD Electrical<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7CtSJJfI9Yo/VMfmiGcMldI/AAAAAAAAGCc/0yfxIpWCrqM/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--8gAVBcdLWs/VMfmiSK6N0I/AAAAAAAAGCk/GLONxhUNTLs/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="242" align="right" height="118"></a>First we should discuss what the marking menu is and how it works. If you recently upgraded from 2012 or previous, you noticed the right click menu has changed into a circle of commands instead of the usual menu. <br><br>This menu can be used exactly like the previous one. By first right clicking and then left clicking the desired command. However once you know the location, or direction, of the commands, simply hold right click and drag in the general direction and the command in that direction loads. <br><img border="0" src="https://public.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pFwHpoUTZIcnJisEe_MoxUfFZuxyvW7gPBaU0YcNgxWrhwO-1_CjJam_xsLT1vu2br5Nmi-FjFPoGuABey44kyg/Marking%20Menu%202.gif?psid=1" width="505" height="324"></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cFT-0Mekeso/VMfmkFufEvI/AAAAAAAAGCs/-CvWNGNZq7k/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CU2iApKfXtg/VMfmk2z8_0I/AAAAAAAAGC0/H6LLLc9Bd3Q/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" align="right" height="171"></a>Depending on your workflow, you may find that several of the options on the marking menu are not used that often. In my case I use Copy Wire Number far more than Bend Wire. In this example I will replace the Bend Wire command with Copy Wire Number.</p> <p>For the most part, everything about the user interface is driven by the .cuix file. Modify this file by selecting CUI at the command line. There are may things that can be done here but we will focus on modifying the right click menu on this post. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Peasvfjdaqo/VMfmlDN7DvI/AAAAAAAAGC4/GOiABO8xtbo/s1600-h/image%25255B13%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NryDM6jkSfU/VMfmltDzmYI/AAAAAAAAGDA/mb6DSrk-EzE/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" align="left" height="233"></a></p> <p>The marking menus are found under the heading “Shortcut Menus.” Expanding one of them shows the commands that would be shown on the marking menu when that menu was called for.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ghLNA8kBkw0/VMfml8pmOII/AAAAAAAAGDI/s-QuwUw1MOk/s1600-h/image%25255B18%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7QA_59lHacQ/VMfmmf12ltI/AAAAAAAAGDU/778oZ7jzgho/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="204" align="left" height="145"></a></p> <p>Not the number of menus… this isn’t as simple as changing one menu and your done. These menus are context sensitive. So there are several of each type. </p> <p>For wires there are the following menus: <font style="background-color: #ffff00">Wires</font>, <font style="background-color: #9bbb59">Hot Wire menu only – Wires</font>, and <font style="background-color: #ffc000">Hot Wire menu only - Wires with no gaps</font>. So all three may need to change depending on the command.</p> <p>Next we need to make sense of the order of the commands. The CUI editor shows them in list form. But the right click menu is a circle. I know we can simply swap out the one being replacing but its good to know the order. From the Electrical help I found the following.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1nd_kSJfWqo/VMfmm3o3hlI/AAAAAAAAGDY/gwHSplTa_mk/s1600-h/image%25255B23%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XNsf4BGMBt0/VMfmnd77OvI/AAAAAAAAGDk/8j8pyhB3myw/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="356" height="165"></a> <br>So that translates into the following.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z5bEilfHWN4/VMfmn6mbmaI/AAAAAAAAGDs/0HFYxJ0M6wg/s1600-h/menu%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="menu" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="menu" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yD4UF97nCoM/VMfmoUUX_wI/AAAAAAAAGD0/DSAYRLj37w0/menu_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="316" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OOGFPVqVd2g/VMfmoptYPWI/AAAAAAAAGD4/bDqQUP8nXXE/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ONokx4jkhLk/VMfmpAd3QLI/AAAAAAAAGEA/4mOzWr2ovzk/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="376" height="283"></a><br>On to making the command swap. I have found the command I wish to swap out…<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GjVDAdK5CcU/VMfmpQI-UaI/AAAAAAAAGEM/Ki7jpAmKWlo/s1600-h/image%25255B36%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SaAg-0tbFMU/VMfmqFdKbDI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/dON4p-wsIE8/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="146"></a><br>And now to find the command I wish to replace it with. Simply type the name of the command into the command search bar of the CUI window.<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ojTDLItUg5M/VMfmql3SM-I/AAAAAAAAGEY/Ve8TQp1_iag/s1600-h/image%25255B35%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WdRZG5VGXec/VMfmq8yIEBI/AAAAAAAAGEg/VZYGouX5hDY/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="124"></a></p> <p>Next drag the command from the search results up into the menu above.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Flb0M4uHY2Q/VMfmrFfHi7I/AAAAAAAAGEs/ujtHJkSbpws/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B2eTg4J5VvQ/VMfmrvIqs2I/AAAAAAAAGE0/B8tyISOfcRk/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="351" align="left" height="509"></a></p> <p>After Removing the Bend Wire command I’m done with this menu. On to the other wire menu with Bend Wire. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RBoC8S7R9Jk/VMfmsEGMlgI/AAAAAAAAGE4/-dmuEhas1FA/s1600-h/image%25255B44%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qjqx_ze_VHw/VMfms1EP7VI/AAAAAAAAGFE/X4XFxV5ap5U/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="147"></a></p> <p> And finally test the menu. <br> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nwreF8drd9A/VMfmtcbwc4I/AAAAAAAAGFM/QaXWUmqwdFY/s1600-h/image%25255B50%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vP7XIGCTSRw/VMfmt48_PWI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/V-G1fnb8XiE/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="242" height="106"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-82177307800927281642015-01-12T13:33:00.001-08:002015-01-12T13:42:56.290-08:00Working with Multiple Level Terminals – AutoCAD Electrical<p><a href="https://grabcad.com/library/terminal-block-4level-spring-cage-phoenix" target="_blank"><img title="" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y_Byc-h3VOs/VLQ9fY_aHjI/AAAAAAAAF_A/QyXsC30TtAE/MLT%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" align="right" height="194"></a>As multi-level terminals grow in popularity, we continue receiving questions about how to make them work in Electrical. Multi-level terminal blocks are unique in that they are represented by multiple schematic symbols but have a single BOM entry and panel footprint. </p> <p>There is nothing special about the blocks or footprints. The real magic happens in the database. There are a number of extra fields in the default.cat.mdb that store the extra information needed for associating the different levels together. </p> <h2>The Properties</h2> <p>Lets first look at the properties. In this document I am using AutoCAD Electrical 2015. If you have 2014 or older, you will have a slightly different method for getting to these properties. I’ll post some screen grabs at the bottom of this post that show the older tools.</p> <p>Simply edit a terminal and press Catalog Lookup. Then press the “Edit” button <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-koaQC01DRT8/VLQ9f2Y_m-I/AAAAAAAAF_E/gveKM4x4ARc/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n_pIC_v7lN4/VLQ9gW0QdaI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/EqSQ72F6IQM/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="23" height="21"></a> and scroll all the way to the right.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VrcMxPfK4YE/VLQ9g_-rJAI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/n9ymCrF9QUs/s1600-h/image%25255B46%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZlHqVRLkL0k/VLQ9hcVdoOI/AAAAAAAAF_c/3JYn6NwPx7w/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="519" height="312"></a></p> <p>Here you can see the additional properties dedicated to multi level terminals. Modifying them is quite easy. Simply enter the number of levels in the LEVELS cell and then click the <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pl2upIFOd-o/VLQ9h3uiRvI/AAAAAAAAF_k/rKUEclrkG1w/s1600-h/image%25255B18%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7LmeJuLRMt0/VLQ9iO9vhHI/AAAAAAAAF_s/nA0sn1FS9fc/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="24" height="28"></a> button to open the edit terminal property form. Enter all known information and press OK.<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4vPA3sCzYN0/VLQ9icCyIiI/AAAAAAAAF_4/4TXhi7biyvU/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3aQWrk-bPuo/VLQ9i3Zc3FI/AAAAAAAAGAA/hQkFroxOXqA/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="440" height="177"></a><br>To add/modify internal jumpers between the levels, click on the INTERNALJUMPER cell then click the <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7JSohaI1nM4/VLQ9jQP72RI/AAAAAAAAGAE/DxFmXpqo0bU/s1600-h/image%25255B27%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IeWeVDNB0m0/VLQ9jnRo_bI/AAAAAAAAGAM/VIYAmt--Vu4/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="24" height="28"></a> button. Select the levels to jumper and then press the Assign Jumper button.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tZqXJF1e0u8/VLQ9kKbSROI/AAAAAAAAGAU/q2b1XatViac/s1600-h/image%25255B44%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ivlcUtTjxhc/VLQ9kUHsQWI/AAAAAAAAGAc/3BRZV_4fJUE/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="300" height="202"></a></p> <h2>The Workflow for Associating Terminal Levels Between Symbols</h2> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jac8wMkI_lY/VLQ9k3eWw-I/AAAAAAAAGAo/gtyVy0ktqgk/s1600-h/image%25255B47%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dpQY_deNGYo/VLQ9lQIgfFI/AAAAAAAAGAs/t9VVLl5bbCs/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="300" align="left" height="251"></a>There are a number of ways to create the association between the terminals. In this short tutorial I will only show one. After the symbols have been placed, edit one of them. If multiple levels are present they will be listed in the Edit Terminal dialog.</p> <p>If no additional levels are present, press Details >> button, and then Catalog Lookup and select a multi-level terminal block.</p> <p>To create level associations press the Add/Modify button.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-toQ5WUX_ZRw/VLQ9lsfcj-I/AAAAAAAAGAw/LXvf9lvQp3A/s1600-h/image%25255B51%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_p4GkrwmXyo/VLQ9mAvgp2I/AAAAAAAAGA8/PgLZkzX3Acs/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="57"></a></p> <p>From the resulting dialog, select the terminal you wish to associate, then click the level to add it to, and finally press the Associate button.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6UDOH46CQoA/VLQ9mq9OJUI/AAAAAAAAGBE/9Y22xDNZJ-E/s1600-h/image%25255B62%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SdZbSK4VArA/VLQ9nJyFSsI/AAAAAAAAGBM/9lAwblBuLDY/image_thumb%25255B36%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="612" height="222"></a></p> <p>After the level associations are created, the order of the levels can be modified by using the Move Up and Move Down buttons. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qdExk-xbMC0/VLQ9n-69OfI/AAAAAAAAGBY/tR5wsHkT3zU/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-svepS6o4kPY/VLQ9oJJfnpI/AAAAAAAAGBc/xOUxBeiasK0/image_thumb%25255B37%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="366" height="173"></a></p> <p>That’s pretty much it. If this was too confusing, or involved too much clicking, terminals can be associated using the right click menu as well. Simply right click, Associate Terminals, and then click the “other” terminal. </p> <p>Placing/Updating the Terminal Strip will show the new associations. <br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wzBloRlOdcQ/VLQ9oa89mOI/AAAAAAAAGBk/rQf9nPGFjxU/s1600-h/image%25255B68%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rcQXGMKg6I4/VLQ9o6LHWMI/AAAAAAAAGBs/2jr1nYvt9E0/image_thumb%25255B40%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="595" height="277"></a></p> <h2><em><font color="#ff0000">Terminal Properties For AutoCAD Electrical 2014 and Previous Users</font></em></h2> <p>Edit the terminal properties by using the Terminal Properties Database Editor. Look at existing multi-level terminals and note the format needed for each field. (for example 2,2,2)<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NlhI7n0rlzo/VLQ_3HJ1LII/AAAAAAAAGB8/F1hueSvR5N8/s1600-h/image%25255B75%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M88nRl1_41s/VLQ_3xtjJ_I/AAAAAAAAGCA/IbSas2aM3UU/image_thumb%25255B45%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="193"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-84992386672734720592014-09-15T08:17:00.001-07:002014-09-15T08:17:25.731-07:00Uninstalling the Autodesk Design Suites<p>Over the weekend I sat down to write a post about setting default pin values. In the process I found I forgot to install all of the manufactures. So I ran through the setup to add them. <a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/06/adding-missing-manufactures-to-autocad.html" target="_blank"><<Adding Missing manufactures>></a> However during the setup process my workstation blue screened. After that, I could no open Electrical, after a profile error, it would switch over to AutoCAD Mechanical for some reason. I uninstalled it but the uninstalled failed halfway through and it was then missing from my uninstall list. I could also no longer install. Half way through the installer it states something about the software already being installed and it rolls the installation back off. I decided to uninstall EVERYTHING 2015 so I could clean out ALL 2015 user folders and the registry. That brings me to the uninstaller. Rather than uninstall all 20+ pieces of software that come with the Product Design Suite there is a nifty uninstaller.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q-IPpBSds80/VBcC-Q8aBwI/AAAAAAAAF84/t0psvGJ3bL8/s1600-h/Uninstall2%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="Uninstall2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Uninstall2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NKvI_GeNago/VBcC_AJc5LI/AAAAAAAAF9A/ZA4h4d28noY/Uninstall2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="494" align="right" height="578"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mx5ZNaQv-Ao/VBcC_-Ypm1I/AAAAAAAAF9I/Gwa-UMcBmxk/s1600-h/Uninstall0%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="Uninstall0" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Uninstall0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EiQuS1Q-V1s/VBcDA9E4i8I/AAAAAAAAF9Q/pgmGJsaNb4Y/Uninstall0_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="239" height="157"></a></p> <p>This tool is nice because it uninstall the software all at once and in the proper order. In the image to the right you can see Backburner and 3ds Max Populated Data are removed ahead of 3ds Max. Pretty cool. </p> <p>After doing some cleaning using the following pages as references…<br><a href="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Clean-uninstall-of-Inventor-2015.html?v=2015" target="_blank">Clean uninstall of Inventor 2015</a><br><a href="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/2015-Resolving-installation-issues-with-a-clean-install-of-AutoCAD-Civil-3D.html?v=2015" target="_blank">Clean install of AutoCAD Civil 3D 2015</a><br> I was able to properly reinstall the entire Product Design Suite again. </p> <p>I also found these two links…<br><a href="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-remove-all-Autodesk-products-from-a-Windows-system.html?v=2015" target="_blank">How to remove all Autodesk products from a Windows system</a></p> <p><a href="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-manually-uninstall-the-product-using-Microsoft-Fix-it.html?v=2015" target="_blank">How to manually uninstall the product using Microsoft Fix it</a><br>I didn’t see this option until the full uninstall was in progress. This looks like a much better option. If this option works for you please comment below letting us know.</p> <p>I could find no clean uninstall instructions for Electrical alone or the entire 2015 Product Design Suite. </p> <p>So not the post I originally planned on but a post that I hope helps someone out there.</p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-26814139369902390442014-08-11T10:07:00.001-07:002014-08-11T10:07:22.026-07:00Adding a Category (Family Table) to the Catalog Database<p>This command is a little hidden. It’s under the Other Tools drop down off of the Project tab. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SpKf-qH6QSA/U-j4Apld5MI/AAAAAAAAF5M/mXCaT6YV7B8/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1-ptpggOO5o/U-j4DXCrl8I/AAAAAAAAF5U/p_xLgOXMkrw/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="749" height="191"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CtiMpQlDpBI/U-j4EUS12KI/AAAAAAAAF5c/3iespSQLLjA/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iC76YpwQjN8/U-j4FmYiBAI/AAAAAAAAF5k/FCycVwVsxzc/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="200" align="left" height="125"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>In this post I’ll add a category named AT for my “test.” First we confirm that AT is missing from the category drop down. (Image on left)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3oPS_-uAkGA/U-j4HVHb0JI/AAAAAAAAF5s/QNicM5y9ZJc/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tZiaeGeBaEs/U-j4IrqEgTI/AAAAAAAAF50/DHus57yo53s/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="333" align="right" height="230"></a><br>The command first asks what database you wish to modify. Choose your current default_cat.mdb.</p> <p>Type in the new Category code and its description. This will create the table as well as modify the _FAMILY_DESCRIPTION table. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4zERtx9qpQY/U-j4KvrFobI/AAAAAAAAF58/A-capeW7tTU/s1600-h/image%25255B21%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9F1JlFvdQxI/U-j4L0JyCAI/AAAAAAAAF6E/J3Rv9f7tT_E/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="386" align="left" height="381"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XQhD5KR4814/U-j4NuyFNFI/AAAAAAAAF6M/f_JfW3qhJBw/s1600-h/image%25255B20%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XiaMZONM9fk/U-j4OhugsQI/AAAAAAAAF6U/GbBF5jVsD3I/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="143"></a></p> <p>And of course we need to verify that the new category is actually there…<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LcC0YD0dzRQ/U-j4PiHlBFI/AAAAAAAAF6c/NRmRmH-dR6c/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VqpnFutQw58/U-j4RXr8e3I/AAAAAAAAF6k/5i9xohv9FJA/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="243" height="143"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-78504786152790035212014-07-20T17:17:00.001-07:002014-07-20T17:17:16.573-07:00Linking the Schematic to the Drawing’s Sheet Number<p>Wouldn’t it be nice if changing the order of the sheets in the project didn’t screw up the ladders, components, and wire numbers? If your drawings follow a numbering scheme that is directly tied to the sheet number, it is time to update a few property settings.</p> <p>What things are tied to sheet number in this type of numbering scheme? Well there’s the ladder rung numbers for one. Then we have the components tag finally the wire numbers. </p> <p>Lets start out creating a new project. I’ll go over modifying an existing project at the end of this post.</p> <h4>The Ladder</h4> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kXH6br7UJXA/U8xbuydu76I/AAAAAAAAF1U/YsMqyz1-6Rc/s1600-h/image12%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B0MynI80gl4/U8xbvheII2I/AAAAAAAAF1c/gExwCY1PKgk/image12_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="437" align="right" height="467"></a>Before the ladder is placed, the style needs to be selected from the drawing’s properties. </p> <p>From the Drawing Format tab, select Setup. This new dialog allows us to set ‘Sheet and numbers’. After choosing this setting, place the ladder, or ladders, on the sheet. Remember that the sheets number will be in front of each rung. So the starting rung number will be 00 or 01. <br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qmnN30IBtWc/U8xbwORegjI/AAAAAAAAF1k/W5E_QSHS8sU/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E6PfimJN7Zo/U8xbwyXISjI/AAAAAAAAF1s/B0kvhVAr46c/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="358" height="359"></a></p> <p>If no sheet number has been placed on the current sheet, the rung numbers will start with question makes. Add a sheet number to the drawing and watch the ladder update. Pretty sweet right? Wait until the components and wire numbers updates as well. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rPi3eUM2f1E/U8xbxgcZL1I/AAAAAAAAF10/h7rGJSgFBZs/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1zIWRf-ioL4/U8xbyOD4oDI/AAAAAAAAF18/i6sas3WrsSs/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="182" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qW8jAqBlQvw/U8xbynbHfuI/AAAAAAAAF2E/8voKZlaV0v4/s1600-h/image%25255B12%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Npal2JmE98A/U8xbzOZHwtI/AAAAAAAAF2M/uChIwnL-uxE/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="180" height="244"></a><br>We can’t stop here. Because the rungs are actually named 00, 01, ect. So components and wire numbers will be missing the sheet numbers and that would lead to duplicates. </p> <p>Note: If the drawing had a sheet number and it is blanked out, the rung numbers are given two zeros in place of the question marks.</p> <h4>The Components</h4> <p>To update this numbering style on the components, it’s back to the Drawing Properties. This time we are adding a %S between the %F (family) and %N (reference number). So the number is %F%S%N or Family, Sheet, Reference Number. All with no spaces or extra characters. Make sure these letters not in lowercase.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4VmMvmA05YM/U8xbz2Vn3UI/AAAAAAAAF2U/RYqmzeocRxM/s1600-h/image%25255B18%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O7jUjhIjcfM/U8xb0a3_k6I/AAAAAAAAF2Y/GWamDwyU4XE/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="576" height="196"></a><br>While we are here we can take care of the cross-reference style as well. Here we do not need the family but do need to add the sheet number (%S).<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bR3prp3XgGs/U8xb0rqLKaI/AAAAAAAAF2k/KQV9nssyBkA/s1600-h/image9%25255B1%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rxUtPuxgCVM/U8xb1Z69AZI/AAAAAAAAF2s/FHQjw5udv3c/image9_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="644" height="228"></a></p> <p>If the sheet number is blank, the component will have question marks in place of sheet numbers just like the ladder did. However unlike the ladder, the component tags do not automatically update after a sheet number change. To update the components tag, simply run the ‘Retag Components’ command.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bABCoSnv-bU/U8xb15zUmHI/AAAAAAAAF2w/hix5Lr3IdN0/s1600-h/image%25255B42%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-niIKoPC2Ifw/U8xb2nQCcUI/AAAAAAAAF28/JIj3QvoY8TM/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="197" height="80"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W8gWm9lnhFo/U8xb3CWZkkI/AAAAAAAAF3A/Wl3gdhA5JX0/s1600-h/image%25255B35%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HDPbXnMlxF0/U8xb3y2RB4I/AAAAAAAAF3I/NtSOX6q0hIg/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="206" height="70"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mkl0UXF2DBI/U8xb4QLxY2I/AAAAAAAAF3U/n3F2XR4zG8c/s1600-h/image%25255B43%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BLThGpgXNz8/U8xb5A4WAjI/AAAAAAAAF3c/TRAV_zaXo-k/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="92"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFKz7x_MZMM/U8xb6Nvh6_I/AAAAAAAAF3k/9qgh7n3umxo/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--CTmU7KbSlY/U8xb697cNlI/AAAAAAAAF3s/StNiD9IIwOk/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="199" height="86"></a></p> <p>If there are existing cross-references that should be updated as well, be sure to run the Component Cross-Reference command to update these cross-references to match the new style. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bs87JzHnF_g/U8xb7d2M5sI/AAAAAAAAF30/XCC4d--RmII/s1600-h/image%25255B59%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C3ErMByJoXk/U8xb8IaaS_I/AAAAAAAAF38/WCojK0m3alk/image_thumb%25255B31%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="394" height="105"></a></p> <h4>The Wire Numbers</h4> <p>And finally we have the Wire numbers. By now you should know where we are headed. Back to the Drawing Properties again. This time the Wire Numbers tab. Simply add the %S to the front of the Wire Number Format cell and we’re done.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hy-SSMNX0QY/U8xb88rB83I/AAAAAAAAF4E/AGbuRK3xVfw/s1600-h/image6%25255B1%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-85XZW2R7ex8/U8xb9d_lp5I/AAAAAAAAF4M/n-uClEPwMd0/image6_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="580" height="201"></a></p> <p>Wire numbers are easy. If they are already placed, simply rerun the Wire Numbers <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MUhgNBqUe50/U8xb9tbE24I/AAAAAAAAF4U/VqqP45IjuTY/s1600-h/image%25255B54%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QJkDzcWdmKc/U8xb-A-lI7I/AAAAAAAAF4c/VugrAWEJhcU/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="64" height="75"></a>command again and they update. Either way, run the Wire Numbers command. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HiA1UzsHPtc/U8xb--z8jAI/AAAAAAAAF4k/g3gYyg71Ob4/s1600-h/image%25255B47%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V_HxtVZsX5w/U8xcAKKALkI/AAAAAAAAF4s/Q8nObIDGagM/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="633" height="65"></a></p> <p>With these settings the drawings can be placed in any order at any time. Simply update the sheet numbers manually, using the Title Block Update, or the Project Wide Update/Retag commands. Then rerun the ‘Retag Component’, ‘Component Cross-Reference’ and ‘Wire Number’ commands Project Wide to refresh the sheets to match the new numbers. </p> <hr> <h4>Updating an Existing Project to Reference Sheet Number</h4> <p>The component tags and wire numbers are easy. Simply follow the instructions above and then run the ‘Retag Component’, ‘Component Cross-<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UAXG44WDyXk/U8xcA2-bcFI/AAAAAAAAF40/fC4y0P3q4ig/s1600-h/image%25255B64%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VY9AIX_Fyc8/U8xcBQjZ78I/AAAAAAAAF48/S3gP5DuoQQE/image_thumb%25255B34%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="98" align="left" height="84"></a>Reference’ and ‘Wire Number’ commands Project Wide to refresh existing components. </p> <p>All of these can be run at the same time using the Project Wide Update/Retag command. But that’s a blog post for another day.</p> <p> </p> <p>The big problem with changing an existing project to this new numbering style is the ladders. The %S%N is actually a different MLR (Master Ladder Reference) block that the ladders use. So changing the ladder style in the drawing properties will not update the existing ladders. I wrote a post on swapping MLR blocks here… <a title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/changing-ladder-reference-style-project.html" href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/04/changing-ladder-reference-style-project.html">Changing a Ladder Reference Style Project Wide</a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-43336447503007269912014-07-20T16:18:00.001-07:002014-07-20T16:19:04.442-07:00AutoCAD Electrical IdeaStation Is Here!<p><a title="http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/ideas/v2/ideaexchangepage/blog-id/37/tab/most-recent" href="http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/ideas/v2/ideaexchangepage/blog-id/37/tab/most-recent">http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/ideas/v2/ideaexchangepage/blog-id/37/tab/most-recent</a> <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U420d07dl1g/U8xOUX4XH6I/AAAAAAAAF08/IKR5QVFRAg4/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SyncxlKtGSg/U8xOVWu1f5I/AAAAAAAAF1E/Uw0EezAVq4E/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="951" height="283"></a></p> <p>Ever wished for a much needed feature inside of AutoCAD Electrical? Or maybe you have an idea for some added functionality to an existing feature… Now you have a direct link to the team working on future releases. Use the link above to access the Electrical IdeaStation and start posting your requests. Or review the existing requests, add your feedback, or simply give some ‘Kudos’ to add some weight to a topic. </p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-88774511766263662892014-07-13T16:58:00.001-07:002014-07-13T16:58:31.604-07:00Hiding Location (LOC) and Installation (INST) Codes Project Wide<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tjWed33Rb0Y/U8Mc9MOgxgI/AAAAAAAAFy8/qAmBIWeO3t4/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WOAhPVhMjZ4/U8Mc-oMlFlI/AAAAAAAAFzE/fv3I1XKPJ2w/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="425" align="right" height="480"></a> <p>There is a check box in the Project Properties that will hide any LOC or INST code that matches the Drawing Properties codes. When first checking this you will be informed of the following alert…<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cUIeZ9Vb1kI/U8Mc_jZk3aI/AAAAAAAAFzM/z5DkrzEOpiM/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43VAZlagkIg/U8MdBLki_KI/AAAAAAAAFzU/yebPyy1NVss/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="391" height="160"></a><br><br>If the Drawing Properties codes ever change, a Component Cross-Reference is all that is needed to update the LOC/INST visibility again. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wZgYonSV5Go/U8MdB2W5jSI/AAAAAAAAFzc/-QgW0FZjhPA/s1600-h/image%25255B18%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dcUzKlmMSaI/U8MdC1rqCXI/AAAAAAAAFzk/PqmduVvw33A/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="405" height="149"></a></p> <h3>But I want them ALL hidden!</h3> <p>So the build in tool only turns off the visibility if the values match the drawings same code. What if all location and installation codes need to be hidden? Well the easiest way would be to simply turn off their layer. It’s LOC by default. The layer names are set on the last tab of the drawing and project properties. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3-tSNIWMcYc/U8MdDZ0AaMI/AAAAAAAAFzs/dbvvIYX5Bhs/s1600-h/image%25255B26%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S9gaC84mNSU/U8MdE8hB0oI/AAAAAAAAFz0/CYSvu5K15uQ/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="123" height="69"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RshuRfYz8CY/U8MdFrYmHbI/AAAAAAAAFz8/PUTJFZWbsjQ/s1600-h/image%25255B27%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_0p3mQiVFTc/U8MdGdUZPrI/AAAAAAAAF0E/FabblrnyOk8/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="513" align="left" height="480"></a></p> <p>Checking the Freeze check box here will freeze the layer on the drawing. For some reason these boxes are not available on the Project Properties side.</p> <p>This is really no different then using the standard AutoCAD Layers tools. It simply freezes the layer.</p> <p>However this doesn’t help someone with a 60 page project who was just told to hide all location codes project wide. This would require manually opening 60 pages and then involve several additional clicks on each page.</p> <p>This is still an easy fix but requires making a simple script file. Open Notepad and create the following. Note the two extra enter presses. The first is to get out of the layer selection part of the command. The second is to end the command.<br>I would normally post a link to an uploaded copy of any script… but I think you can handle this one.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jn0uTsZ2fYw/U8MdHFqF43I/AAAAAAAAF0M/xATrwfV-4p0/s1600-h/image%25255B30%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h8mIhLILhrs/U8MdHo-zIAI/AAAAAAAAF0U/FriOFiqGlSI/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="214" height="170"></a></p> <p>Now to run the script project wide. Make sure the project is the active project and then load the Project-Wide Utilities from the Project tab.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CTt0aCtw6Sk/U8MdIeDJnoI/AAAAAAAAF0c/l8Fss515zpc/s1600-h/image%25255B36%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ANg1jdai_uA/U8MdJJOfNUI/AAAAAAAAF0k/_i4foeO-_zk/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="464" height="480"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-77836277599806856552014-05-16T07:26:00.001-07:002014-05-16T07:26:22.766-07:00Show Me Again–Turning Hidden Messages Back On<p><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wa2wbqnfoSM/U3Yfzm7mC5I/AAAAAAAAFss/9Xw001a_tUQ/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NItCxVHF5LI/U3Yf0jNu1kI/AAAAAAAAFsw/bmqw9TOqPeM/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="616" height="140"></a></p> <p>I actually taught an Electrical class again! After being buried under a huge project since last August, it was good to get back into AutoCAD Electrical again. If you follow this blog even the slightest bit, you noticed my lack of posts over the past few months. From my class, I kept a list of things that I thought would make good blog posts. Here is the first one from the list.</p> <p>When first entering the catalog lookup dialog, the data is filtered by some defaults. Mark Flayler tells us how that default filter works here…<br> <a title="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2010/10/autocad-electrical-change-default-catalog-lookup-filters.html" href="http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2010/10/autocad-electrical-change-default-catalog-lookup-filters.html">http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2010/10/autocad-electrical-change-default-catalog-lookup-filters.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IIblDoEYFzI/U3Yf1dYMgTI/AAAAAAAAFs8/mGJ7UyksEDQ/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bBdozg3ED4E/U3Yf2sj1HyI/AAAAAAAAFtE/hxKNGbv-4qA/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="197" align="left" height="123"></a>Clear these filters from the dialog by simply pressing the clear filters button. However after pressing it, a pop up asks if you are sure you want to clear the filters.</p> <p>In class this week I suggested an engineer check the “Do not show me this again” box. He was hesitant and I suddenly realized I haven't a clue how to get that dialog back once the box is checked. <br>Lucky for me he didn’t ask. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W7u0oZB2boU/U3Yf3QjRzCI/AAAAAAAAFtM/2jX3Gf9GAlA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><br>However, later I dug though the AutoCAD Options and just couldn’t find it. I finally discovered, the option to turn it back on is only present if you have checked the “Do not show me this again” box. I would guess there are a number of others that would appear here as well. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NeasAfufPN0/U3Yf4Yq709I/AAAAAAAAFtU/4VQ6r54uJ7I/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"></p> <p><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3mFMn9pRrx4/U3YgDKHXazI/AAAAAAAAFtc/wUPUdAN-jQQ/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="720" height="324"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-66018890147920134582014-04-23T06:22:00.001-07:002014-04-23T06:30:25.240-07:00Mass Migration of DWG Files Using AutoCAD Electrical<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Isx88eKbVqA/U1e-iKgqsRI/AAAAAAAAFmM/d803RQt-0BI/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l54sbr39yGo/U1e-kDyDm_I/AAAAAAAAFmU/W_UK0VClDQY/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="247" align="left" height="160"></a>Over the weekend I ran into a case where I had several thousand DWG files that were older than AutoCAD Release 14. Vault would not rename them because of this. Inventor’s Task Scheduler wouldn’t migrate them for some reason either. After a few other attempts to migrate, I was running out of options. <strong>Then I noticed AutoCAD Electrical on one of the workstations!</strong> I checked all of the files out to that workstation, and then used the Modify Symbol Library utility to basically do nothing more than save each DWG.</p> <p> </p> <p><br> </p> <p>The Start button remains greyed out even after checking the “Do a SAVE even if no change” box. The dialog wants some actual work. So I had it Zoom Extents on each drawing and that satisfied the dialog. This ran extremely fast! Much faster that Inventor’s Task Scheduler would have. We ran through several thousand DWG’s in under 30 minutes! Of course this workstation is running on SSD’s but still… </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qJPzl_tBRJI/U1e-lJNOOYI/AAAAAAAAFmc/e_j_gE6fwWk/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BOLTEitwo4Q/U1e-mJauHiI/AAAAAAAAFmk/bey8helx-6U/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="639" height="433"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-78140680347530772572014-03-27T14:16:00.001-07:002014-03-27T14:16:22.686-07:00What’s New in AutoCAD Electrical 2015<p>Autodesk took care of this post for me.</p> <p><a title="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-E7CCE591-F83C-4158-B9A9-EC1EC5B968FA-htm.html" href="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-E7CCE591-F83C-4158-B9A9-EC1EC5B968FA-htm.html"><font size="5"><u>What's New in AutoCAD Electrical 2015</u></font></a></p> <p><a title="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-8DA8AE80-1DF2-4FDD-AEAA-E6DF34535085-htm.html" href="http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-electrical/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-8DA8AE80-1DF2-4FDD-AEAA-E6DF34535085-htm.html" target="_blank"><font size="5"><u>AutoCAD Electrical 2015 New Features Video</u></font></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-9840623106117396942014-03-26T12:05:00.001-07:002014-03-26T12:05:17.880-07:00Consistent Reporting in AutoCAD Electrical Using (.set) Settings Files<p>It can be a real pain setting up reports because the reported fields and formatting resets to default with each new report. I have seen users save a report as a template, and then insert the sheet into the project, as a way of controlling the reports format. However the following can be saved as a .set file and referenced on future reports. </p> <ul> <li>The various include/exclude report options depending on report type <li>Display and grouping options <li>Predefined filters in the Location/Installation fields <li>Special break and header information <li>Predefine the output type <li>What fields are displayed and their order <li>The “Put on Drawing” options like column width, text color, layer to be used ,ect.</li></ul> <p>Like most other external files in AutoCAD Electrical, these are simply text files and as such could be edited using a simple text editor. However their format can be quite confusing. The Electrical dialogs for creating/editing these files is defiantly the way to go when creating or modifying saved report formats.</p> <h3>Saving Report Formats</h3> <p>Create these .set files using the Report Format Setup dialog. Its button is on the Reports tab. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zYmAZxpILqU/UzMkj9TrjBI/AAAAAAAAFjM/a9WcL4uZkV4/s1600-h/image3.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cvHIZfCM8OQ/UzMklIQ7qvI/AAAAAAAAFjU/QOh_wsimBTo/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="128" height="15"></a> The dialog is quite busy. Here is a quick breakdown of its features. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vL7XNum7MdE/UzMkmvJ3c7I/AAAAAAAAFjc/p3Hn4LvCFjs/s1600-h/image9.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uww4X31DaFg/UzMkoPBR0XI/AAAAAAAAFjk/Ux3Qk6ngFGs/image_thumb5.png?imgmax=800" width="737" height="495"></a></p> <ol> <li>Start here. Choose the type of report and all options on the right update. <li>Review and select any report options. This area is mostly include/exclude and grouping type options. <li>This section allows filtering by Installation and Location codes. <ol> <li>For more information on the power of these codes see this post. <a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/10/inst-loc-codes-honor-wildcards-when.html" target="_blank">INST & LOC Codes Honor Wildcards When Searching</a></li></ol> <li>Options for type of report export, what fields are reported and in what order. To give an idea what what options are hidden behind the four buttons I have included screen shots of each. <ul> <li>Save Report to File <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DN9NsKlJ3_0/UzMkpZXUOgI/AAAAAAAAFjs/E4NrHWHXozI/s1600-h/image16.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vHJOJHUv2ms/UzMkql0g9NI/AAAAAAAAFjw/wqQmtM_3X8g/image_thumb10.png?imgmax=800" width="607" height="291"></a> <li>Put on Drawing<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y0R08P1w6tU/UzMkrzBOvUI/AAAAAAAAFj8/MAH3cU2bHuM/s1600-h/image21.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jNA4DNfW41U/UzMktE6tXWI/AAAAAAAAFkE/knt8OVoqfzE/image_thumb13.png?imgmax=800" width="612" height="375"></a><br>also note the Column Width “Define” option…<br> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-blcropOsZzQ/UzMkuRMNKLI/AAAAAAAAFkM/XvSmTk_DJrQ/s1600-h/image25.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sH15zxOOLOs/UzMkvhx1NDI/AAAAAAAAFkU/IoLLQnDkT2Y/image_thumb15.png?imgmax=800" width="200" height="240"></a> <li>Change Report Format<br>Of course the fields available are determined by the type of report chosen. Also note the field name and justification can be modified here for each selected field.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gdjzZaCZi-s/UzMkw8QLtLI/AAAAAAAAFkc/MN3RlRiwm4o/s1600-h/image30.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EtZrPNu_a8U/UzMkyQi18CI/AAAAAAAAFkk/GH1gDonAnhw/image_thumb18.png?imgmax=800" width="428" height="350"></a> <li>Sort Fields<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WwnUOupcvdI/UzMk0AOGqiI/AAAAAAAAFks/gb7CRMWt0mk/s1600-h/image35.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H0uv3Aji71w/UzMk1e5TiZI/AAAAAAAAFk0/v6bHV6dfxIE/image_thumb21.png?imgmax=800" width="332" height="184"></a></li></ul> <li>Each report type can be broken into separate tables based on various fields such as location code, manufacture name, block filename, ect. <li>This is where the options selected are finally saved into a settings file. Pressing Save Format File will prompt for <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e6bN9Y5_rXA/UzMk2QdAPMI/AAAAAAAAFk8/RJ9YDoGfBIs/s1600-h/image41.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ownb5oatXCU/UzMk3yfL9WI/AAAAAAAAFlE/rV2krQvpJgg/image_thumb25.png?imgmax=800" width="523" align="right" height="104"></a>a filename if not yet named. Open Format File will load all selected options after opening an existing .set file. And finally Save As Format File will prompt for a new name and not overwrite the loaded .set file. The loaded .set files name is displayed in the top right corner of the Report Format File Setup dialog.<br><br><strong>When opening settings files, only .set files for the currently selected report type are displayed.</strong> However when saving, all .set files are displayed to keep from overwriting any other setting files.</li></ol> <h3>.SET File Default Location</h3> <p>The default location for the settings (.set) files is buried in a hidden folder under each users name. <br>C:\Users\swile\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical 2014\R19.1\enu\Support\User\…</p> <p>However this location can changed in the wd.env file on line (<font color="#ff0000">*WD_SET_FILES,x:/some path/,folder for report ".set" files</font><font color="#333333">) </font><font color="#333333">Remove the asterisk (*) from the front of the line and then replace the path with your own shared network path. </font></p> <h3> Referencing the Saved Report Settings</h3> <p>Now that a .set file has been created lets use it. Both the Schematic and Panel Reports dialogs have a Format button that allows selection of any .set file for the currently selected report type. If you are not seeing the .set file desired, double check that the correct report type is selected. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-psrGy1LNV6k/UzMk5F-sClI/AAAAAAAAFlM/Cr5pxsW1wcY/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-83OLXkw_wlw/UzMk6ZWxWNI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/wzzYI9yQj4k/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="419"></a></p> <p>These settings files are also used with the Automatic Report Selection tool. I’ll try to cover that in a future post. </p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-43966200590355102132014-03-01T19:58:00.001-08:002014-06-13T14:41:10.157-07:00My Working Vacation<p>I took a week and a half off this month. My vacation goal was to build an office desk/work bench. I had this idea in my head but really nothing on paper. I started on the Inventor model on Saturday last week and today finished the desk. I had no idea this project would involve so many people and I’m deeply grateful to all that helped. Technically this desk is not 100% complete. I have a good bit of sanding and painting on the routered grooves left to do. However I was so excited by the final results I had to share them. </p> <p>My original conceptual drawings. The little end table picture was from the letters section of an American Woodworker magazine. Sorry I can’t find the magazine it came from anymore, so I can’t give credits for the picture. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a_quFi_T2TM/U4NEDaIjk7I/AAAAAAAAFxU/cYp8MRqJ-l4/s1600-h/2014-05-26%25252009.31.16%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="201405260931" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="201405260931" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y78HDVV96GQ/U4NEEMf2M-I/AAAAAAAAFxc/zz376FKUNto/2014-05-26%25252009.31.16_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="448"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-im-ZHQtodEg/U4NEE27SrkI/AAAAAAAAFxk/Fkw2UlGe6jY/s1600-h/2014-05-26%25252009.31.26%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="201405260931" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="201405260931" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gT_dlUCrHmo/U4NEFAt_DHI/AAAAAAAAFxs/2zek27J3ves/2014-05-26%25252009.31.26_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="254"></a></p> <p>Final Inventor Print..<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cAALa-2a1vc/UxKsIB-TVbI/AAAAAAAAFg8/rE7Cfj2Yo0E/s1600-h/Office%252520Work%252520Bench%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Office Work Bench" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Office Work Bench" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6muGQk2Osu8/UxKsIwS5ioI/AAAAAAAAFhE/JeKr3IIme-s/Office%252520Work%252520Bench_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="642" height="323"></a></p> <p>Finished design (before paint) The plan is to have the grooves the same color green as the walls. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4qgeSlEoc9I/UxKsJXre6QI/AAAAAAAAFhM/wRi-MI9K-Qg/s1600-h/2014-03-01%25252018.03.42%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-03-01 18.03.42" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-03-01 18.03.42" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gdCwPgNHLa0/UxKsKdadkMI/AAAAAAAAFhU/D4PE5BM4c0A/2014-03-01%25252018.03.42_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Kfu9Hs4qSs/UxKsLNLY7YI/AAAAAAAAFhc/fyhcpL4Fugw/s1600-h/2014-03-01%25252020.51.53%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-03-01 20.51.53" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-03-01 20.51.53" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OgEVwpBp9F4/UxKsLgcWZVI/AAAAAAAAFhk/RxmkkK7G0Mg/2014-03-01%25252020.51.53_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>Before more pictures, I would like to give a huge thank you to my parents for helping transfer and the pieces from OH to SC and for all the help assembling once it was home. Also a huge huge shout out to Dean and Wayne at <a href="http://wengerdwood.com/4.html" target="_blank">Wengerd Wood</a> for all the routing and CNC programing time. </p> <h2>Production Photos</h2> <p>Three sheets of 3/4 inch cherry veneer MDF coming home from the finishers. We bought the wood from <a href="http://www.keimlumber.com/" target="_blank">Kiem Lumber</a> but I can’t remember the name of the finisher. <br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IN-8av0gpOM/UxKsMA0o2-I/AAAAAAAAFhs/Aq1TKSXNVTA/s1600-h/2014-02-26%25252009.17.10%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-02-26 09.17.10" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-02-26 09.17.10" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wJyjf_MvVC4/UxKsMrhGM6I/AAAAAAAAFh0/ZK8yyh0SoFo/2014-02-26%25252009.17.10_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>First sheet on the router. I must say, I was a bit nervous as the bit first cut into it. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Urk9mPN9zg/UxKsNaHZQ1I/AAAAAAAAFh8/I-61JlwxdG4/s1600-h/2014-02-26%25252013.18.53%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-02-26 13.18.53" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-02-26 13.18.53" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TELNxVWDb0A/UxKsOEMZDwI/AAAAAAAAFiE/lz6mG1ELZZs/2014-02-26%25252013.18.53_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>Tabletop and middle front just about finished.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1MKrNmd8B_g/UxKsOh-thSI/AAAAAAAAFiM/TS3votK8G5A/s1600-h/2014-02-26%25252019.49.24%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-02-26 19.49.24" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-02-26 19.49.24" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TQadc0Y70sE/UxKsPPd9qMI/AAAAAAAAFiU/pZmjg0a1s7Y/2014-02-26%25252019.49.24_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>The grooves vary from 1/8th to nearly 3/4 inch deep. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mGJ-xXC7in8/UxKsPyLlUVI/AAAAAAAAFic/fiUVYIVgmXI/s1600-h/2014-02-26%25252018.59.27%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><br><img title="2014-02-26 18.59.27" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-02-26 18.59.27" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jzh2hWPVgGQ/UxKsQTiBSNI/AAAAAAAAFik/bWB9cZLTH4M/2014-02-26%25252018.59.27_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>All the parts finished ready to be wrapped up to head to SC. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BASv3av4n1Y/UxKsRPkel8I/AAAAAAAAFis/CbRcOEuynng/s1600-h/2014-02-27%25252012.14.47%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><br><img title="2014-02-27 12.14.47" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-02-27 12.14.47" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SxaIgINWRBs/UxKsRstiMBI/AAAAAAAAFiw/Nn_Ya48YJCk/2014-02-27%25252012.14.47_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>3/27/14 Update<br>I have 99% of the sanding and smoothing complete now. Just about ready to paint.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z91VPRILes4/UzTHjNekOUI/AAAAAAAAFlk/M8ztALuQYWg/s1600-h/2014-03-18%25252023.05.39%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="201403182305" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="201403182305" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2zgIe7DXFwI/UzTHkEwsdfI/AAAAAAAAFls/uL_PkSDqR5M/2014-03-18%25252023.05.39_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="435"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C7icArAlpbE/UzTHlNyIVFI/AAAAAAAAFl0/PP7nATPrKoc/s1600-h/2014-03-26%25252021.43.39%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-03-26 21.43.39" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-03-26 21.43.39" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Os4imPVmNL0/UzTHmbPhX6I/AAAAAAAAFl4/zB8-55QseSM/2014-03-26%25252021.43.39_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>5-16-14 Update<br>On all of the front edges, we extended the cuts an extra inch and then cut a 90 deg. V from the back side all the way through. The little triangle that was left we folded over and glued and nailed into place. I spent a good bit of time manually recreating a few of the knobs that broke off when creating the folds for the front edges. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--IXe_7gJWkc/U4NBpT17OeI/AAAAAAAAFwg/Dq_G_hLBv0w/s1600-h/image%25255B18%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XvznH_dqBAo/U4NBqEucXqI/AAAAAAAAFwo/xfYfjxB7X-I/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="299" height="409"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yARYmY_4bEA/U4NBq21aJpI/AAAAAAAAFww/PffBairbcqg/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--K7ERgE8yHk/U4NBsbjm_TI/AAAAAAAAFw4/GEwg40Fx_Z4/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="523" height="359"></a><br>That extra work is what makes the transitions look so seamless. <br>I started priming the grooves yesterday. This first drawer took about an hour. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5H7_gEvicHc/U3YjHXtBxbI/AAAAAAAAFto/HLxnEjini9E/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> I know, I said the grooves will be a very light green… But, man does that white pop! I have a feeling a final coat of high gloss white will be the finishing touch to this desk. The good thing is I will be able to see what white will look like once the primer coat is completed. It may end up being too much white for the room?<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hzNnUGwSLhQ/U3YjJCDezZI/AAAAAAAAFtw/J-UsrfdRH10/s1600-h/2014-05-15%25252022.54.46%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-15 22.54.46" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-15 22.54.46" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kKYYCNEe8_0/U3YjKxXRe_I/AAAAAAAAFt4/VwE3onlHFTc/2014-05-15%25252022.54.46_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--8vhKnhM6Zk/U3YjMeIyhvI/AAAAAAAAFt8/tSSvUDvQlAw/s1600-h/2014-05-16%25252008.20.05%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-16 08.20.05" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-16 08.20.05" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L8NEeH2JTQA/U3YjN71iJxI/AAAAAAAAFuI/bFMgBi7ptAE/2014-05-16%25252008.20.05_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>5-26-14 Update<br>I spent a large part of Saturday and a few hours Sunday night painting again. You can’t see it in the pictures below but I painted behind the drawers as well. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f8VDS3Y2Qkw/U4NBtJG2ERI/AAAAAAAAFxA/wvhYIzsvwMc/s1600-h/2014-05-26%25252000.49.39%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-26 00.49.39" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-26 00.49.39" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6LT3A_m8omA/U4NBt_htXrI/AAAAAAAAFxI/TmZ9Iur-93M/2014-05-26%25252000.49.39_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p>6-1-14 Update<br>I updated/finished the 3D model<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U0hiwgudDTQ/U5tv211lwnI/AAAAAAAAFx8/gMM2PZsCnLY/s1600-h/No%252520background%25255B6%25255D.png"><img title="No background" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="No background" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aHveKRAgY4s/U5tv4lNh3_I/AAAAAAAAFyE/pAufQ3uTea8/No%252520background_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="877" height="665"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P9fL93b12yU/U5tv57P4TuI/AAAAAAAAFyM/ZROFvBzKm5g/s1600-h/Office%252520Work%252520Bench%252520Exploded%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="Office Work Bench Exploded" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Office Work Bench Exploded" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZeZVwyEM37Q/U5tv67M673I/AAAAAAAAFyU/BKIg_FI-htU/Office%252520Work%252520Bench%252520Exploded_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="783" height="509"></a></p> <p>6-13-14 Update<br>I have finished sanding the primer and will start painting this weekend. The white will stay!. I am going with a high gloss white. <br>I posted the model to GrabCAD… <a title="https://grabcad.com/library/my-hobby-work-bench-1" href="https://grabcad.com/library/my-hobby-work-bench-1">https://grabcad.com/library/my-hobby-work-bench-1</a> <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ms1sUs9DeWQ/U5tv7x_G-2I/AAAAAAAAFyc/65SZiDqkNxI/s1600-h/2014-06-08%25252017.39.02%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="201406081739" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="201406081739" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FQRwzDfMRNk/U5tv83Rh7aI/AAAAAAAAFyk/zQrf9As0pb4/2014-06-08%25252017.39.02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="392"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-88703092657712802802014-02-03T12:05:00.001-08:002014-02-03T13:39:33.464-08:00Overview of Reports in AutoCAD Electrical<p>There are three types of reports in AutoCAD Electrical. Schematic, Panel, and the Drawing List report. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r7-OYQjFb8I/Uu_19s8vzlI/AAAAAAAAFd0/JjmFGD2WeNo/s1600-h/image5.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OeN5Iqys4AI/Uu_1_CTkK8I/AAAAAAAAFd8/tlMrSYKqmNY/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="374" height="108"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xzt7EAKteHw/Uu_2A8yXzwI/AAAAAAAAFeE/IM2KVHGgWkQ/s1600-h/image9%25255B1%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nst5fWKMalk/Uu_2CP3c8xI/AAAAAAAAFeM/1bOZF1LIXSk/image_thumb5.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="73"></a><br>Schematic reports only pull values from schematic symbols on the drawings in the project. Panel reports only pull values from the panel footprints. However the Panel report has an option (Full) that will include all values from ALL components. The Drawing List report uses the data stored in the project descriptions and drawing properties. Of course a few other types could be added to the list if the audits and export options were included. </p> <p>Reports are broken down into the following categories. Each of the categories come with their own options, sorting, and reportable properties list. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CdIaKLNoaHY/Uu_2DsMY-qI/AAAAAAAAFeU/MNV1LV7FkF4/s1600-h/image6.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x7hWFmdosFw/Uu_2E6Y1zSI/AAAAAAAAFec/rRFvlE-sedM/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="172" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zKx82_Me01s/Uu_2FxmOQ2I/AAAAAAAAFek/eYc1G9S6hB4/s1600-h/image9.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jg3NGhfx6D0/Uu_2HSkRz3I/AAAAAAAAFes/hUVJ1_Vs9BY/image_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" width="208" height="166"></a></p> <h3>The Basics</h3> <p>All of the reports allow project wide as well as active drawing wide reporting. Project wide isn't necessarily all drawings. A separate drawing selection dialog opens to allow selection of individual drawings as needed. Most of the reports also have an option for a manual selection (pick) of components to report on. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8ksGM9ZJR2s/Uu_2IWtMYCI/AAAAAAAAFe0/xFqBQpGdYgU/s1600-h/image12.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4sWNZgRreHw/Uu_2JuW391I/AAAAAAAAFe8/xyXjJfENsA0/image_thumb3%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="131" height="79"></a></p> <ul> <li>Note: If “Active drawing” is not available it is more than likely because the drawing is not a part of the active project. Any Project report, in this case, will be from the active project and NOT the project the active drawing is from.</li></ul> <p>Filtering by Installation or Location Code can further limit the components being reported on. This filtering is far more powerful than single values. See the blog post about wild cards to see how to include/exclude multiple values. <br> <a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/10/inst-loc-codes-honor-wildcards-when.html" target="_blank">INST & LOC Codes Honor Wildcards When Searching</a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UNK0aao-Lyw/Uu_2K3EyuvI/AAAAAAAAFfE/Eua-0CMXM1U/s1600-h/image15.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9IO6fWizQdg/Uu_2MJiBDDI/AAAAAAAAFfM/jRdusOERkMg/image_thumb4.png?imgmax=800" width="217" height="197"></a></p> <p>Typically there are a number of report type specific options in the middle of the Reports dialog. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xjGFQlU1jSM/Uu_2NJIq8LI/AAAAAAAAFfU/wni41cmYKCo/s1600-h/image18.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gX3rtWt1s0o/Uu_2OStz6bI/AAAAAAAAFfc/lQXB3NvgNcg/image_thumb5%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="131" height="143"></a></p> <p>All of the report types have a Format button. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jt2sIPefpVc/Uu_2P5bdc0I/AAAAAAAAFfk/FUJ_CKy004U/s1600-h/image25.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--CYQ9gJDjCs/Uu_2RE-m4sI/AAAAAAAAFfs/Kv_wjKP1DS4/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" width="65" height="22"></a> Pressing this button opens a new dialog that allows the user to select a report settings (.set) file. The .set files store formatting and selection options. These are created from the Report Format Setup command.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8g1bQ5Lp3q8/Uu_2SP6hwxI/AAAAAAAAFf0/7DqgdMQNvhw/s1600-h/image24.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c4zPicdTV4Q/Uu_2TUUMidI/AAAAAAAAFf8/5i2rfl_Pk0M/image_thumb7.png?imgmax=800" width="242" height="50"></a></p> <p>The Report Generator <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AOtTaWAbTr0/Uu_2UXkbkCI/AAAAAAAAFgE/uvfBgwYIWbs/s1600-h/image29.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5UIrDk2MAvI/Uu_2V1rYTrI/AAAAAAAAFgM/6WeoXqW33mc/image_thumb10.png?imgmax=800" width="644" height="371"></a></p> <p>The Report Generator shows a preview of what records will be reported and what data about each record will be included. Here header information can be added, sorting and grouping can take place, and columns can be added or removed from the table. The User Post button allows scripts to run on the data. Typically there are one or two scripts already provided under User Post for the different types of reports. </p> <p>Finally either Put on Drawing or Save to File is pressed. Put on Drawing brings up a table wizard that allows control of the report table formatting. Save to File gives the following file types as exports.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FF9uWIuQfgc/Uu_2XAfHrjI/AAAAAAAAFgU/oDZVsgKU6kg/s1600-h/image34.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-69E_uGF_HrY/Uu_2YqYEqcI/AAAAAAAAFgc/_BGbc2x3K1I/image_thumb13.png?imgmax=800" width="432" height="289"></a></p> <h3>Updating Existing Reports</h3> <p>Currently reports are not updated automatically as changes are made to the schematic. Simply rerun the report and then choose Place on Drawing. If that report was already placed somewhere in the project, the Table Generation Setup will default to Update Existing. Simply press OK and any changes will update in the existing table. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N2KUx0UiAmI/Uu_2ZhQQcHI/AAAAAAAAFgk/GlVqBLZo-1M/s1600-h/image37.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lVBFEcV2CJQ/Uu_2bn-Lf1I/AAAAAAAAFgs/H0y6IbOfLFU/image_thumb14.png?imgmax=800" width="210" height="135"></a></p> <p>When saving the report out to a file, saving a new report export can save over the old export. (Electrical will prompt stating a file will be overwrote) Just be aware of this because any changes made to the original export will be lost as the new file completely saves over it.</p> <p>I have several unique report configuration requests that will follow this post.</p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-33984523767016769202014-01-10T17:31:00.001-08:002014-01-10T17:31:09.656-08:00MyACADE’s 2013’s Blog Stat’s<p>I’m not sure if its me being an engineer, or me being a true nerd, but for some reason I’m fascinated by the stats that can be created from a webpage. Below are a few interesting things about this blog from last year. All statistics are shown for the year 2013 only.</p> <p><strong>Total blog (not page) visits: 8,309<br></strong>Directly entered web address (not referred): 29.10%<br>From a search engine (Bing, Google, ect): 21.87%<br>Mobile and tablet traffic: 4.39%</p> <p><strong>Visits grouped by browser:<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DjMZtPreass/UtCewc0k8aI/AAAAAAAAFb8/kTzucGo0sfw/s1600-h/image33.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-73ROkeu52ts/UtCew0SXPAI/AAAAAAAAFcA/dK41xed5G1A/image_thumb19.png?imgmax=800" width="419" height="255"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Number of new posts: 37<br></strong>My official (posted) goal was 24 posts for last year. My personal goal was 52. I’m not sure if 37 is a win or not.</p> <p><strong>Most active blog post: </strong><a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/03/autocad-electrical-2013-new-features_27.html" target="_blank"><strong>AutoCAD Electrical 2013 New Features!</strong></a><strong> (2,210 Views)<br></strong><a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/breaking-wdenv-file-down-line-by-line.html" target="_blank">Breaking The wd.env File Down Line By Line</a> (908 Views)<br><a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/autocad-electrical-wire-fromto.html" target="_blank">Wire From/To Annotation On the Schematic</a> (694 Views)<br><a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2011/01/creating-custom-plc-style-in-autocad_20.html" target="_blank">Creating a custom PLC style</a> (620 Views)<br><a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/01/autocad-electrical-title-block-update_14.html" target="_blank">Title Block Update - Previous / Next Sheet Numbers</a> (604 Views)</p> <p><strong>Number of new people I have personally met because this blog: 2</strong></p> <p><strong>Number of pages viewed per blog visit:<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DKEkY4ZYIcM/UtCexINIfuI/AAAAAAAAFcM/AsdxuBIJKrQ/s1600-h/image3.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MnorPqAsqn8/UtCexgBAKRI/AAAAAAAAFcU/LxZTjpp9l0Q/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="228"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Average time (in minutes) spent per page visited:<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iEzAAvNM0qw/UtCeyBT_15I/AAAAAAAAFcc/o48BfpiRO8M/s1600-h/image8.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cb2Pyzdt9JE/UtCey5H3qLI/AAAAAAAAFck/tuyAyLwZ44A/image_thumb4.png?imgmax=800" width="466" height="170"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Visits by location:<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hobwjG6jnM0/UtCezP1jSsI/AAAAAAAAFcs/jV096qDN2co/s1600-h/image13.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zXhFLJ84ypY/UtCezp2EaJI/AAAAAAAAFc0/ldJzIBqjLBI/image_thumb7.png?imgmax=800" width="425" height="263"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Top ten locations:</strong><strong><br></strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UDhj92HeC4g/UtCe0PkyrlI/AAAAAAAAFc8/VzKA9y7NSZQ/s1600-h/image18.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M9WcLJ3MkRY/UtCe03WBr8I/AAAAAAAAFdE/nqMoUEUbkn4/image_thumb10.png?imgmax=800" width="527" height="265"></a></p> <p><strong>Percent of new viewers vs returning viewers: 54.36% New on Average<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9WQ1X2WdPt4/UtCe1a8w5II/AAAAAAAAFdM/3rp4zyaVqGk/s1600-h/image23.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--xrQk6MK5c4/UtCe197WSRI/AAAAAAAAFdU/xE9qIktmloo/image_thumb13.png?imgmax=800" width="467" height="168"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>This years visits per day <br></strong>The dips are weekends.<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oiCBGUcFVkI/UtCe2Q32bTI/AAAAAAAAFdc/YwlOYE-cOn0/s1600-h/image28.png"><strong><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2HayQZvU9ec/UtCe27gTOhI/AAAAAAAAFdk/_O7lW_MvuvU/image_thumb16.png?imgmax=800" width="1024" height="158"></strong></a></p> <p>I hope you enjoyed this useless information. I have a series of reporting posts in the works. </p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-36512713541462058242014-01-04T11:36:00.001-08:002014-01-04T11:36:58.862-08:00Symbol Building Beyond the Basics – AutoCAD Electrical<p>In this post we will walk through the steps needed to create something more complex. I was thinking of a block for the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rockwell+turbo+encabulator&sm=3" target="_blank">Rockwell Turbo-Encabulator</a>. However Jason Moore has been waiting patiently for a Rockwell Power Flex 40 AC Drive block for over three months now. Oh well, I wasn’t sure how I was going to draw the six hydrocoptic marzlevanes anyway. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4VwTxJfZgec/UshicwKl75I/AAAAAAAAFVE/yhQs2Vs9fJw/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ara97JmfteI/UshidV9ltcI/AAAAAAAAFVI/wzp7UeOZpk0/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="95" height="240"></a>Jason and I discussed using the parametric PLC symbols but decided it would change the look too much and be more work then necessary for this single block.</p> <p>So here is our starting AutoCAD geometry (on the left). Currently it is all simple geometry and text. No blocks or attributes. It has already been broken into two halves so lets start with the top half by taking it into the Symbol Builder. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j-vpcKb-_DM/Ushidlv1T3I/AAAAAAAAFVU/64akKiFBfRI/s1600-h/image%25255B20%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BDJhYMI5vYA/UshieJMtZHI/AAAAAAAAFVc/1s3hBkk7IKc/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="228" height="240"></a><br>Start the Symbol Builder command. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_ylRu_Ty00U/Ushie0yitFI/AAAAAAAAFVk/1jxIEWYYQ-c/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dHby1UkhMrc/UshifVV5yRI/AAAAAAAAFVs/aEGdDnCJGxg/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="83" height="63"></a> Select the geometry from for the top of the drive. I choose the left quadrant of the “R” terminal as my insertion point. That should make it easier to place into exiting wires rather than using the upper most corner of the block as the insertion point.</p> <p>STOP! If your confused by this point, you need to stop reading this post and go read this one first…. <a href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-basics-of-creating-autocad.html" target="_blank">The Basics Of Creating A Block</a> I do not plan to show the basics of each dialog again in this post. Instead I want to focus on little tips and tricks that can be applied here to help make the end users job easier. </p> <p>Since drives (DR) do not have a standard attribute template simply use the generic (GNR) one. That should be all that’s needed before pressing OK and moving into the Block Editor environment.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-15mtquN-u4s/UshigMNsUrI/AAAAAAAAFV0/shCa5R9anJQ/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--tayX21zH1g/UshigkwA-jI/AAAAAAAAFV4/lv3ICxBTuXs/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="187" height="240"></a></p> <h3>Placing The Attributes</h3> <p>I plan to start at the top of this block and work down. First thing is to place the needed attributes. Below you can see TAG1 and the DESC attributes have already been placed. I went into the properties palette to modify the justification of the DESC attributes. To make the MODEL NUMBER text always display the catalog number, use the Convert Text option. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l77CpHme9kI/UshihLRg07I/AAAAAAAAFWE/vcEnPAtx5To/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JQXaihaSBME/UshihovUpII/AAAAAAAAFWM/d75sfQv3l_Q/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="191"></a></p> <p>However after converting the text be sure to remove the default value (See image below). Anytime text is converted the original text becomes the attributes default value. Most of the time this needs to be modified or removed. In this case I’ll remove the entire value. Also the CAT attribute is invisible by default. In this case we want it to display. Using the Properties palette toggle Invisible to No. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NriXfxWqMmc/Ushih2A4cHI/AAAAAAAAFWU/0dt8ageWcsc/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FQ9HL3qGGl8/UshiiZ7H2YI/AAAAAAAAFWY/fR1QDsD3yAA/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="148"></a></p> <p>Before we move on away from the attributes, be sure to set the default FAMILY attribute to DR. This will make sure the catalog defaults to the Drives (DR) table.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D38ZhHi_WhU/Ushii34TZOI/AAAAAAAAFWg/mQAjLBNGWys/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a_fdid9swHY/UshijBIiW8I/AAAAAAAAFWo/Xg7ApaB9wgE/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="134" height="95"></a></p> <h3>Placing Wire Connections<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZrN7d1V4VwI/UshijqExxqI/AAAAAAAAFW0/D2MZptmDctk/s1600-h/image%25255B50%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lrf9mHD2GGo/UshikJHMzdI/AAAAAAAAFW8/ISJMxN_hQTs/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="374" height="310"></a></h3> <p>Next we place the wire connections. From the image on the right, you can see I placed all of the terminals on the left and then, after switching direction, placed all of the right connections. </p> <p>Since these terminals all seem to have standard letters/numbers, lets make the terminals take on those as defaults. Select each terminal’s attribute in the palette and then choose Convert Text, then select the proper terminals id. This copies the location and formatting of the original text. Pretty cool!<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Oq3EaGrIAo/UshiktnO83I/AAAAAAAAFXA/RouUuReotro/s1600-h/image%25255B65%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2PIzSiuZHbs/UshimJ7aD1I/AAAAAAAAFXM/xfmK9APZHf4/image_thumb%25255B41%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="371" height="99"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j8VBhGSn9pM/UshimnXAtPI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/QGpJWc-tXQc/s1600-h/image%25255B66%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L5FGcCLrG8o/Ushim1LKZOI/AAAAAAAAFXc/WVtmV4a00qg/image_thumb%25255B42%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="371" height="112"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oIkVTVadwe0/UshinreAmyI/AAAAAAAAFXk/x_Jbqi4Wuw0/s1600-h/image%25255B77%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lBspT5OFdK0/UshioAzx--I/AAAAAAAAFXs/PZ4gk3BPkjM/image_thumb%25255B49%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="366" height="415"></a>For the ground terminal, since I can’t use a symbol, I chose to use GND and simply make the attribute invisible. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x69UybROQJQ/Ushiotom8PI/AAAAAAAAFX0/Fzm-zmVv6uM/s1600-h/image%25255B71%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UJTa1AE5zXM/UshipN8mROI/AAAAAAAAFX8/IIYm_HzE4eE/image_thumb%25255B45%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="369" height="83"></a><br>Finish up the rest of the terminals.</p> <h3>Dynamic Clean Up</h3> <p>That takes us down to the DIP switches. Since this symbol will be for multiple drives, lets make these switches actually functional using a Dynamic Flip function. More than likely you have closed the Block Authoring palette by now. It can be opened again <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U_HnqdKbbgs/UshipmAdNsI/AAAAAAAAFYA/B6wu9p76DYg/s1600-h/image%25255B84%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1-bhnw66H0M/UshiqOO_QOI/AAAAAAAAFYM/wRpN-ycBn7g/image_thumb%25255B52%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="54" height="63"></a>from the Block Editor tab. For the switches the Flip parameter <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hq-8dTf1hbI/UshiqgBrzsI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/tA0ZP8ZSWz8/s1600-h/image%25255B85%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e5QfQ2jdmYw/UshirFsUs4I/AAAAAAAAFYY/NPSiwn_gPWU/image_thumb%25255B53%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="51" height="29"></a>makes the most sense. If you are unfamiliar with Dynamic Blocks a Flip is a good place to start. Simply follow the prompts. In this case the Flip Parameter is setting the mirror line for the flip/mirror. Once the Parameter has been placed, I used the move command and moved it off to the side a bit. Just be sure to not move the the Parameter up or down because doing so would change the mirror line for the Flip Action.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W-m8Z2AHky8/UshirZljmSI/AAAAAAAAFYk/IfLAce48Tss/s1600-h/image%25255B90%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KiwfbDs5zR0/Ushir008dHI/AAAAAAAAFYo/Bk1pW2b3P60/image_thumb%25255B56%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="193" height="166"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K4KK3YVUlRA/UshisTwkMcI/AAAAAAAAFY0/63ffvY1eRNc/s1600-h/image%25255B110%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gfgHS5gRfiI/Ushis6OdIqI/AAAAAAAAFY8/FCTe2Vg_h0E/image_thumb%25255B64%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="184" height="174"></a>After placing a Parameter, its time to place an Action. Switch to the Action tab on the Block Authoring palette and choose the Flip <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_HjwzgE5TgA/UshitFG47XI/AAAAAAAAFZA/RWHF9BbtOQI/s1600-h/image%25255B94%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UTPwnEG570E/Ushitgd2EPI/AAAAAAAAFZI/AEkxo9Dtu2w/image_thumb%25255B58%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="55" height="31"></a> Action. Actions always start with selecting what Parameter the Action is to be associated with. So select the Flip Parameter and then select the geometry that is to flip. Then right click to continue. Done. <br><br>Dynamic additions to bocks are so easy and add so much functionality. Do the same to the switch on the other side. Anytime your working with Dynamic Blocks, its good to test the Parameters/Actions before before leaving the Block Editor environment. There is a handy tool on the Block Editor tab <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d4NOAiaF9-U/UshiuC0NPHI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/VSeoF40qH5s/s1600-h/image%25255B98%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8UphkQ3wmdA/UshiubZXDzI/AAAAAAAAFZc/jgUz_roFerU/image_thumb%25255B60%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="32" height="63"></a>that does just that. Inside the test environment, select the block to display the dynamic handles. Note the Flip arrows. If you placed the Parameters and Actions properly the switches should change position by simply clicking the Flip arrows. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pTEPo-dIr1c/Ushiu7ncghI/AAAAAAAAFZg/r-jXmDuo_SE/s1600-h/image%25255B112%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BsCjdD3bo6M/UshivVY5u8I/AAAAAAAAFZo/RX2GnyMrPyI/image_thumb%25255B66%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="178" height="204"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lMxJjxd8qIA/Ushiv_fOamI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/qtyb0IFjt7o/s1600-h/image%25255B111%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iISYK5bU9qA/UshiwTXHbNI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/X0xAOE_sJnY/image_thumb%25255B65%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="182" height="204"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZgbDRy-3Uuk/Ushiw3cY7vI/AAAAAAAAFaE/KszeSEakAZA/s1600-h/image%25255B113%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ensQ82Zsbv4/UshixTEYjmI/AAAAAAAAFaM/jghIpHHQPOE/image_thumb%25255B67%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="179" height="204"></a><br>To leave the test environment press the Close Test Block Window button.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C1cts3obG3g/Ushix-p2l0I/AAAAAAAAFaQ/Muoqy8eIyVw/s1600-h/image%25255B117%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3_N-ll3kYrU/UshiyBRMpnI/AAAAAAAAFaY/ocYAD8caTP4/image_thumb%25255B69%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="134" height="41"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GR-caL0s1zU/UshiyuDcidI/AAAAAAAAFag/5mubdYGPn4Y/s1600-h/image%25255B124%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mkX-ZFjvfjw/UshizOpNStI/AAAAAAAAFao/5Xg2ZufVidk/image_thumb%25255B72%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="217"></a>That should finish up this block. We added the needed attributes, wire connections, and ended with a little Dynamic Block action. </p> <p>Exit the Block Editor environment using the Done button on the Symbol Builder tab. Since we chose Generic as the type at the start of this process, be sure to change the Symbol name drop down to Drives. That will update the block name to DR. Also modify the Unique identifier as well. Be sure to verify, and change if necessary, the icon and symbol save paths. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JIXUCDadBZo/UshizXUmM0I/AAAAAAAAFa0/ZDo-ibdAbw4/s1600-h/image%25255B128%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1id5lnKkMQk/Ushiz18DNpI/AAAAAAAAFa8/r5i1f6IKh1M/image_thumb%25255B74%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="207"></a></p> <p>Then place the symbol and verify the attributes and wire connections work as expected. On the right is my test symbol. The catalog attribute is working as well as the wire connection points. </p> <p>If all is well, add the symbol to the Icon Menu.</p> <p>But that’s not all. That was only the top half. Lets start the process over for the bottom half of the drive symbol. The only difference between the two pieces of this block, is setting the bottom half as a child. How you do that is easy. Simply choose the Horizontal Child attribute template before entering the Block Editor environment. <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-toiceGoC1og/Ushi0YroDnI/AAAAAAAAFbA/FRV_Upb55GI/s1600-h/image%25255B133%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0Acgbq8ICf0/Ushi0mWWBDI/AAAAAAAAFbM/P0VTAIZkPqQ/image_thumb%25255B77%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="109"></a></p> <p>Place the attributes, wire connections, and add some more flip actions to the bottom half of the drive and we’re done. I chose the same Unique identifier keeping the two block names the same except for the fourth character. Parents fourth digit are a 1 and children are 2’s. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jCBeWd_zass/Ushi1L8vLII/AAAAAAAAFbQ/oU8cuIzNqcM/s1600-h/image%25255B136%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-elRb2kfQGtY/Ushi1tNS3sI/AAAAAAAAFbY/9Y2l0IqvRoA/image_thumb%25255B78%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="65"></a></p> <p>Place and test the child block. Link it to its parent and the relationship should be established and the parent attribute values should carry across.<br></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BqkCTnt-vr0/Ushi2DJ-U5I/AAAAAAAAFbk/vnYgtmxa49I/s1600-h/image%25255B142%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eEU7suiqTiU/Ushi2enTPVI/AAAAAAAAFbo/06SgqlJbbz8/image_thumb%25255B82%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="191"></a>I hope this post demonstrates how easy it is to turn any existing AutoCAD geometry into intelligent AutoCAD Electrical symbols. </p> <p>I have recorded the entire process I used making these blocks and it will eventually be posted to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/imaginittech" target="_blank">IMAGINiT’s YouTube channel.</a> I’ll post a direct link here as well once its up. </p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-67331310939288763312013-12-18T19:24:00.001-08:002013-12-20T07:09:20.201-08:00The Basics of Creating an AutoCAD Electrical Symbol<p>The Symbol Builder guides you in the making of symbols. Its very easy and quick to create your own “intelligent” symbols. In this post we will look at the basic workflow and some general guidelines used when building symbols. </p> <h2>Starting the Symbol Builder<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4SOVyfjwC7Y/UrJmae9ATSI/AAAAAAAAFOc/4dOFG8GdzEQ/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qJ-FoXDY3sI/UrJmbPEA8xI/AAAAAAAAFOg/_8ynULuBx-s/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="87" height="55"></a></h2> <p>The command is on both the Schematic and Panel tabs. There is no differences in how the command starts, or its options, between the two locations. </p> <h2>Select Symbol Objects and Attribute Template<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GSjdXsZHxHc/UrJmbvuOEFI/AAAAAAAAFOs/OpE3wy4QfbY/s1600-h/image%25255B12%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q7v0b7QGxlM/UrJmcRiB1RI/AAAAAAAAFOw/cTPUCbQKpnQ/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="415" height="342"></a></h2> <p>If the reference geometry is already in block form, it can be selected from the (1) embedded block list drop. If the block is external, it can be selected by pressing the Browse button. The block can also be simply selected using the (2) <em>select objects </em>button. </p> <p>Any existing geometry, text, and attributes, not in block form, can be selected using the (2) <em>select objects</em> button as well. Nothing is required here since the entire block can be created inside the Block Editor environment. </p> <p><font color="#0000ff">Tip: Verify the symbols size will match up with the default wire connection spacing for the desired standard. If wire connection spacing is not consistent between symbols extra clean up will be required when swapping blocks. </font></p> <p>Specify the insertion point using the (3) <em>pick point</em> button. This can be changed later but it will make working in the Block Editor easier if this is specified now. </p> <p>Next we choose the proper attribute template (4) The path points is to the default symbol library NOT where you wish to save this block. The attribute blocks are saved there. Just make sure the proper standard is selected. The other two menus narrow down which attribute template will be used. They also aid in naming the block later. A later post will discuss attribute template blocks in more detail.</p> <p>The preview area (5) should show a little view of the geometry that was selected. If a block was selected the attribute names will show instead of the actual values the attributes hold. Pressing OK opens the Block Editor</p> <h2><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EQt3c66vDWs/UrJmdVBecaI/AAAAAAAAFO8/ZwVnSSX7yGQ/s1600-h/image%25255B25%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: right; display: inline" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eLXWZ7ziVlA/UrJmeP3DvCI/AAAAAAAAFPE/lUbupQR1Vyw/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="488" height="299"></a>The Block Editor</h2> <p>First a quick overview of the Symbol Builders Block Editor environment. </p> <p>(1) The biggest thing on the Symbol Builder tab is the option to toggle the visibility of the (2) Symbol Builder Attribute Editor panel. Use the Done button once the symbol is complete.</p> <p>The (2) Symbol Builder Attribute Editor panel is the heart of this little environment. It allows easy insertion of required attributes based on the previously selected attribute template as well as wire connection locations. We will discuss it in detail in the next section of this post.</p> <p>There is really no reason for the (3) Project Manager. It could be closed and reopened from the Project tab after the symbol creation. The same can be done for the (4) Dynamic Block Authoring Palette. It is used in the creation of dynamic blocks and rarely used in AutoCAD Electrical. It can be toggled back on from the Block Editor tab.</p> <p>The (5) graphic area is the blocks model space. If additional geometry, text, or attributes are needed, simply switch to the Home tab and add or modify as required. Pretty much anything that can be created in AutoCAD can be created here in the Block Editor environment. </p> <h2>Using the Symbol Builder Attribute Editor</h2> <p>When this palette first came out it had a lot of people really upset. I’m not sure why. From the start I felt this was about 1200 times better then the black box symbol builder dialog. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KF7Kai3Vo4A/UrJmeqa9LuI/AAAAAAAAFPI/M94KJ07HigA/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HOZbzog7y6M/UrJmfW4fwlI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/MkOtQYWREK0/image_thumb%25255B22%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" height="69"></a></p> <p>Before we get into the attributes, I want to point out this button. This button opens a dialog that allows a new attribute template to be selected. It also allows a new insertion point to be selected but you will have that option later as well.</p> <p><br><strong>Attributes<br></strong>Now onto attribute placement. This is really slick. Simply select the desired attribute and press the first little icon. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NI7Jer-qAPk/UrJmgMKdUII/AAAAAAAAFPY/zUDWuL1EiBg/s1600-h/image%25255B49%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NiOfQirvXww/UrJmg6dnmtI/AAAAAAAAFPg/9GGTSGPcT8k/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="14" height="14"></a> If the icons are<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-59gOJO40Y5k/UrJmhSYRpDI/AAAAAAAAFPs/un-uAc2qLm8/s1600-h/image%25255B37%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9sOUL0RtpHI/UrJmiYVLIaI/AAAAAAAAFP0/f4L7Suk_IzQ/image_thumb%25255B25%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a> too small for you, right click and all of the same options are available there as well. After choosing Insert, click to place the attribute in the graphics window. Another way to insert, is to select the desired attribute and then simply click and drag the attribute line into the graphics window. When the mouse button is released the attribute will be waiting for placement. </p> <p>Note the second option is Convert Text <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rjVwThtvfig/UrJmjURnIRI/AAAAAAAAFP4/SMiyEVL6NBA/s1600-h/image%25255B48%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v1cJyGu493g/UrJmj8PkghI/AAAAAAAAFQE/cbfMl846EdE/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="14" height="14"></a> (third icon). This is a great command when converting existing <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y4AFk17WFcs/UrJmkShY6YI/AAAAAAAAFQI/yAkM6amKsuc/s1600-h/image%25255B57%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-shcV8c2GDYI/UrJmlDnasBI/AAAAAAAAFQU/8iLO-mIadQ8/image_thumb%25255B37%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a>AutoCAD blocks. Selecting text will carry the text formatting into the attribute keeping the same look. A side effect to this is the text value becomes the attributes default value. This can cause a problem if selecting text stating LT100. That will become the new default prefix for all tags when using this symbol. After all attributes are placed, review the attribute defaults before continuing to the next step.</p> <p>To reuse existing attributes from an existing AutoCAD block, simply double click it and rename its TAG to match a desired attribute line. What do I mean by this? Note the image below already has an attribute for TAG called TAGNUMBER.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g8ugGspaR6s/UrJmlvN-wjI/AAAAAAAAFQc/c7kkMVgNXEs/s1600-h/image%25255B101%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FcmLHdK6-RI/UrJmmLibjRI/AAAAAAAAFQg/ueN2sA3W34Q/image_thumb%25255B65%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="109"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xF9JjH25AkE/UrJmmhbqAKI/AAAAAAAAFQs/Nw9s14rpjd4/s1600-h/image%25255B104%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y-MmE1lcbVk/UrJmnMkFBWI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/8OeMfKgag8w/image_thumb%25255B66%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="165" height="90"></a><br>If I rename this original attribute to AutoCAD Electrical’s default TAG1, immediately the TAG1 attribute line is confirmed. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HlNUb7q_-vs/UrJmnyX2jnI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/D_TcoqKyZ7k/s1600-h/image%25255B107%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qsuWiR0JsLg/UrJmoED9xpI/AAAAAAAAFRA/hrcL5r0-FTY/image_thumb%25255B67%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zFjv8F9ZrfM/UrJmorEApiI/AAAAAAAAFRI/UzVvVhgrsCo/s1600-h/image%25255B114%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pri6HEgp9cw/UrJmpSK6MLI/AAAAAAAAFRU/orUGj2v9Ve4/image_thumb%25255B70%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="103" height="102"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iTTA-UZE_eo/UrJmpmp1XVI/AAAAAAAAFRY/ms_pZm7S1rE/s1600-h/image%25255B110%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HfxH_gWhjBI/UrJmqHDbP6I/AAAAAAAAFRk/tOcjZrOxlC4/image_thumb%25255B68%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="166" height="80"></a></p> <p>If a symbol has no text to convert and it’s the default size, all attributes can be placed at the same time. Select all of the attributes in the palette and then insert them as a group. The insertion will be based off of the attribute templates origin and where that attribute lives in the template. So zoom out a bit because some of the attributes may be slightly off screen when placing.<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SPryMc4dwd4/UrJmqtJTM3I/AAAAAAAAFRs/MoE8rQc7Xew/s1600-h/image%25255B96%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="display: inline" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JRFcuZLdaP0/UrJmrKzTg3I/AAAAAAAAFR0/LCx_rBe2LqE/image_thumb%25255B62%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="363" height="200"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nt3cXEjyO_c/UrJmrspulKI/AAAAAAAAFR8/DvDrlSgNz_g/s1600-h/image%25255B98%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c_TQUXZ8vc4/UrJmsX3P9sI/AAAAAAAAFSE/Zil_OsbtUvM/image_thumb%25255B64%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="157" height="200"></a><br>Some attribute templates will have some optional templates that can be placed as well. Remember this is AutoCAD. Place any extra attributes necessary. They can always be edited using the AutoCAD attribute editors and their values can also be used in reports later.</p> <p><strong>Wire Connections<br></strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-reSNaqrkpTM/UrJms4y-ZEI/AAAAAAAAFSM/btMlCiZCdNQ/s1600-h/image%25255B70%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q2GuDWZq8Ag/UrJmtYfV1zI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/X3_OgO0JMpM/image_thumb%25255B46%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="277" height="144"></a>Wire connections consist of two attributes and could be placed manually. However this utility will place and name them properly for you. Click in the white space beside Left/None and a drop down arrow will appear. Click the arrow and all of the possible wire connections are available for selection. Choose one and then press the little icon <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pTBHPjAX9PY/UrJmt380YOI/AAAAAAAAFSY/N8ehAgYuucU/s1600-h/image%25255B66%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FZpEx7HxFU0/UrJmuJA-M_I/AAAAAAAAFSg/KjfxWuJRSjY/image_thumb%25255B42%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="14" height="14"></a> above it to place a new connection in the graphics window. Remember to use OSNAP’s when placing these connections. (Shift+Right Click) The wires will end on the attributes insertion point not the geometry being selected. <br></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>If a series of connections is needed simply keep clicking. Wire connections will continue to be placed. Remember to switch connection types as needed or wires will not connect properly. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8A1p-b9Cofs/UrJmuhl-1FI/AAAAAAAAFSs/3UJbivsoLPY/s1600-h/image%25255B75%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gxz0uW4Vok0/UrJmvTiypHI/AAAAAAAAFSw/U2GMElFvHVg/image_thumb%25255B49%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="70"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5bwLcxgWs-0/UrJmv8ZPhQI/AAAAAAAAFS8/XUGVO53vMkk/s1600-h/image%25255B79%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-agSHLNHI584/UrJmwW-XhcI/AAAAAAAAFTE/j1OOsodjY20/image_thumb%25255B51%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="87"></a></p> <p>If this symbol will always receive the same pin numbers, they can be called out here in the attribute default area.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Link Lines<br></strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wv1z-jY_U0Y/UrJmw0k7BqI/AAAAAAAAFTM/cuF_jK7dL6o/s1600-h/image%25255B87%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EpIQ6bojukA/UrJmxfoeqAI/AAAAAAAAFTU/fh4MfIU9zZ8/image_thumb%25255B57%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="313" height="115"></a></p> <p>Dash linked lines are setup pretty much the same as wire connections. Make sure to add all possible directions for the symbols needs. </p> <p>In the example below, you can see the need for both sides of the connection in most symbols needing link lines. The exploded blocks on the right are copies of the linked selector switch on the left. The link line attributes are shown on the image on the right. </p> <p><br> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RLtkompOrHA/UrJmyP-TroI/AAAAAAAAFUk/CHCdyjIr2LE/s1600-h/image%25255B145%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1NfNkSuS0dA/UrJmybf42EI/AAAAAAAAFUs/qmIgNrfVKI0/image_thumb%25255B89%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="308" height="363"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xdI-3h1WZKI/UrJmzIib-PI/AAAAAAAAFU0/xQ7z0j9Iyqg/s1600-h/image%25255B146%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4tEyLPhxWd4/UrJmzvyWmrI/AAAAAAAAFU8/dw6b5b8Oy9k/image_thumb%25255B90%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="300" height="359"></a></p> <h2>Close Block Editor: Saving the Symbol</h2> <p>Ok so that’s about it for the basics. How bout we turn this into a block and test it? From the Symbol Builder tab select Done.<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U_QYgTfsODk/UrJm0eZogyI/AAAAAAAAFT8/Tx62QhsK4Us/s1600-h/image%25255B139%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TEGUznm4uOk/UrJm0xQeFgI/AAAAAAAAFUE/pPlld0foJAM/image_thumb%25255B85%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="434" height="391"></a></p> <p>Once again note the ability to set the base point. The insertion point should be set by now but if not this is the last chance. </p> <p>Choose if this block should be (1) imbedded in this drawing only (block) or wrote to an external dwg (wblock). Then we move on to naming the block. The symbol prefix is already taken care of. Simply update the (2) unique identifier field and then click/tab out of the field. This will cause the bock and image name to update. If no icon image is needed, clear the check (3) for icon image.</p> <p>The (4) file paths should be set by the wd.env file. Even so verify the paths are pointing to the proper locations. </p> <blockquote> <p>Finally review the errors found by the block audit by pressing the (5) Details button.</p> <p>After pressing OK you are given the option to insert the block after closing the block editor. The correct answer here is Yes. Verify that the wire connections work and attributes are in their proper location. If not, take the block right back into the Block Editor and fix the problem.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vKfQ5UA-spw/UrJm1cRzH7I/AAAAAAAAFUI/SIHw12NtFcI/s1600-h/image%25255B143%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FaAR4Wv03lU/UrJm1nfqdxI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/cwZ3gepeeYY/image_thumb%25255B87%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="620" height="144"></a></p></blockquote> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-41008349533907899032013-10-29T09:02:00.001-07:002013-10-29T09:03:00.000-07:00Be Patient More Content Is On The Way…<p>With AU just around the corner, I have been using any free time I find to work on my presentation. I promise more content is in the works.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-twdvMJd_ENc/Um_cLjQi8aI/AAAAAAAAFLk/_mnh5yFlPk8/s1600-h/Tibetan%252520resistance%252520movement%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tibetan resistance movement" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Tibetan resistance movement" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kf7R5ocoldA/Um_cMcX1rrI/AAAAAAAAFLs/I7azn55SzZQ/Tibetan%252520resistance%252520movement_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="480"></a>Image used with permission from Laco Mandor Laurincik at <a title="http://www.mandor.sk/" href="http://www.mandor.sk/">http://www.mandor.sk/</a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-7164114537195911582013-10-29T08:44:00.001-07:002013-10-29T08:46:18.531-07:00How to Make the Previous/Next Arrows Prompt For Save – AutoCAD Electrical<img style="float: left; display: inline" border="0" alt="[image69.png]" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mQhHlFtmGas/URsLVy-cEbI/AAAAAAAAELw/TvWMmentZEA/s1600/image69.png"> <p>These arrows are nice to use since they close each previous drawing as the new drawings are opened. However a down side to this automatic functionality is that any changes are SAVED automatically. </p> <p>This can be good or this can be very bad. The drawings are saved and then closed. So the undo history is lost.</p> <p>However there is a setting in the wd.env file that can be enabled. Simply find the following row…<br><font color="#ff0000">*WD_PROMPT_SAVE,1,set to 1 to trigger "Save changes" prompt when using open dwg next/prev arrows buttons</font></p> <p>By default this row is commented out (*), and Electrical saves automatically if there are pending changes. Remove the asterisk from this row and the Next/Previous buttons will prompt for a Save if there are any pending changes needing a save. After pressing Yes or NO the drawing will close and move on to the Next/Previous drawing. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--kcgN1QtFu8/URsLWgsmIrI/AAAAAAAAEMA/UW1iTpOQTCU/s1600-h/image74.png"><img title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GnVJgl26Evs/URsLW31MgnI/AAAAAAAAEMI/9e4zOHJrIFo/image_thumb43.png?imgmax=800" width="249" height="118"></a></p> <p>For more information on the wd.env file see these past posts.<br><a title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/09/where-does-wdenv-path-get-set.html" href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/09/where-does-wdenv-path-get-set.html">http://myacade.blogspot.com/2012/09/where-does-wdenv-path-get-set.html</a> <br><a title="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/breaking-wdenv-file-down-line-by-line.html" href="http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/breaking-wdenv-file-down-line-by-line.html">http://myacade.blogspot.com/2013/02/breaking-wdenv-file-down-line-by-line.html</a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860829628635515413.post-90664730993457196572013-10-04T08:06:00.001-07:002013-10-04T08:06:44.970-07:00Making Changes to the ENTIRE Symbol Library – AutoCAD Electrical<p>I noticed this call coming into our <a href="http://www.imaginit.com/support" target="_blank">support desk</a> today. The user needed to change the scale of every symbol in the entire JIC or NFPA library. That’s quite the task to tackle manually. There are over 1,700 symbols in the NFPA folder with another 133 in the 1- subfolder. The IEC library contains over 3,300 symbols! Opening each and every symbol to simply change a scale or change an attributes text height is an extremely time consuming and monotonous task.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KwK_VkhpftI/Uk7ZdOdFfII/AAAAAAAAFCU/B1heKgvRWa0/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1_TMZ5-RF9c/Uk7ZeAlUrtI/AAAAAAAAFCc/9JIw-8iq5dU/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="173" height="156"></a>Instead of “there’s an app for that,” I can say wait “there’s a utility for that.” It’s slightly hidden. Its under the Symbol Builder button. </p> <p><strong>Make a backup of the library folder first of all.</strong> Then start the Modify Symbol Library utility. After selecting the library folder to modify, the final dialog allows all kinds of changes. Also note the ability to run a LISP expression. So pretty much anything can be done to each and every symbol in the library. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vqpky4ZVZII/Uk7ZfkXEDwI/AAAAAAAAFCk/uDEh2Qt3pIU/s1600-h/image%25255B13%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZbCfGc4-sXg/Uk7Zg0_kkgI/AAAAAAAAFCs/T1kCYp0kiho/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="654" height="446"></a></p> Stan Wilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255945575898038298noreply@blogger.com0