RobiNZ CAD Blog

The ultimate CAD/BIM accessory, a Fiat 500 Mouse!

It looks great, should handle OK but I wonder about the wing mirrors being a bit 'pointy" on your hand. What could be better than Revit & AutoCAD Architecture 2010, running on a PC with Windows 7 64 and a Fiat 500 Mouse. * 

It goes straight to the Cool Hardware category  

Fiat 500 Mouse - Fiat Accessories & Merchandise

Fiat 500 Shaped Wireless USB mouse complete with scroll and working headlights and backlights.

* How many milliseconds will it take for the inevitable "a Mac" comment to appear?

Dana Probert to present at Team Blue22’s Civil 3D University NZ Event

The announcement below just arrived in my inbox. I only know Dana from her Blog and Tweets but it's great that she will be presenting at  the New Zealand Civil 3D University. If you are an AutoCAD Civil 3D in NZ check out the event details in this post.

As part of Team Blue22’s Civil 3D University event we are pleased to announce that we’ve managed to secure an extremely well known guest presenter from the USA – Dana Probert! 

DANA PROBERT – BRIEF BIO

Those that read the Autodesk discussion group postings may recognise Dana’s name and know of her standing within the Civil 3D user community.  Dana is a member of the “Civil Market Readiness Team” at Autodesk USA . Dana worked for private consulting firms in the US and Canada for nine years on a cross section of land development and environmental engineering projects including neighbourhood infrastructure design, land planning, utility design, stormwater management and stream restoration.

While working for an Autodesk reseller, Dana worked closely with many firms on their AutoCAD Civil 3D implementation plans, including pilot projects. Dana has been an instructor at Autodesk University, worked on Autodesk Official Training Courseware, and is coauthor of the books “Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008”, “Mastering Civil 3D 2009” and “Introducing Civil 3D 2009”. Dana has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech. 

Dana runs a blog at www.bimontherocks.typepad.com.

About the (real) Office Web Apps, should I be excited?

The team bringing Microsoft Office to the web are blogging. On the desktop Office is a (some say too) complex, powerful beast so it's interesting to see how they are approaching the web versions.

While this is an important move for Office I'm not sure how much I'll actually use it on the web. I have Office at work and home so no point there. It would be useful when travelling but work travel usually means taking a computer and I can't imagine much use for Office type documents on holiday. I use MindManager for planning my travels, exported to HTML for access anywhere, so Office Web isn't going to help there.

Of course it's supposed to be all about collaboration but how often does that mean editing the same document at the same time? For me, to date at least, in spite of having several applications that enable that I haven't required it. Perhaps that is peculiar to my role & work methods, or is it?

Other web based "Office'like" applications haven't tempted me away from the desktop, perhaps the real one will? Time will tell.

Office Web Apps: The Three Tenets - blogs.msdn.com/officewebapps/

For the first post to the Office Web Apps blog (not counting the 'hello world' post we did on Monday!) I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the tenets that drive our design and engineering. These tenets reflect the fundamentals that we aim to achieve and should provide insight into the tradeoffs we make...

Bill Gates remembers 1979

As Windows 7 heads for manufacture Bill Gates looks back 30 years*... 

Bill Gates: My 1979 Memories - Gizmodo

Our Gizmodo '79 celebration may have ended last week, but there's room for a final post, written by famed retiree and mosquito wrangler Bill Gates. It's no joke: Gates read the series then sent this in:

I read those 1979 stories all last week, and it put me in a nostalgic mood, so wanted to offer my own memory to add to the collection...

* I thought some of he Gizmodo 1979 milestones were a bit of a stretch, Concorde & Lego had been around a long time by then, but the series has been an interesting read.

Twits Progress?

You can't predict the future... 

Geek And Poke: The History Of Communication

They do read those CER reports, so don't just hit cancel!

I think I've filed a few Type 4 CER (see below) reports to Autodesk but can only remember one. It was on a workstation, running a beta where CER is not optional and shows on re-start if you crash out, I remember filing:

I suspect this crash was caused the power outage which happened at exactly the same time it occurred.

This post goes to show that, in addition to helping the coders with details of what happened prior to the crash, you can lift someone's day by being a bit creative.

Without A Net: "Dude, my PC just, like, totally freaked out, you know?"

"Typically, CER user comments fall into three categories:
1. No details at all.
2. Step-by-step details of what the user was doing when the crash occurred.
3. Swearing, fury and vitriol at Autodesk for the crash.
Every now and then, however, we come across CER comments that fall into a completely different category..."

Rapid and flexible CAD/BIM documentation using MindManager Map Parts

Isn't it a small world? Today I was documenting project process and made MindManager Map Parts to make it faster. I thought this might be a good topic for a blog post. I have written about Map Parts before, for documenting folder structures, but todays use was for various application UI elements.

Then the small world factor kicked in and saved me a whole lot of writing. I got home and on checking the days RSS feed activity found, thousands of kilometres and several time zones away, Michael Deutch (Mindjet’s Chief Evangelist) had been posting about Map Parts on the Mindjet Blog. That means I can concentrate on how & why I apply Map Parts, and another MindManager feature, then refer you to Michael's post for how to create, store & use them in a map.

Why use Map Parts for Process Documentation?

Repeatedly generating User Interface terms like "Project Browser", "Application Button", "Quick Access Toolbar" gets a bit tiresome, even using ActiveWords,

Creating map parts for these means adding topics just takes a click and also allowed me to build in some "MindManager smarts" to cope with a documentation challenge. Due to some of our projects being done with Revit toolbar based 2009 and ribboned 2010 (different consultants) I wanted to show both common & version specific task details for process.

The Text Map Markers in MindManager can be used to filter topics for viewing allowing one map to store & display multiple version documentation. My map parts have the correct markers applied where an element only occurs in one application version.

While this example is for versions of a single application you can use the same technique where a similar process is needed in different applications. It could be a task in Revit Architecture, MEP and Structure, perhaps Office Suite applications or different Web Browsers where the steps are similar but detail varies requiring different documentation.

Setting up Map Parts with Text Map Markers:

Before generating my Map Parts I created a Text Marker Group (1) called "Version" (2) with Text Markers for Common, 2009, 2010 and the Right Click > Mutually Exclusive (3) option ticked.This prevents you applying more than one Text Marker within a group to a topic. I applied these markers to the Map Parts and tested filtering, use, before adding them to the library (more on that later).

Structure your Map for Process, Task then Version Detail:

I structure the map so the process common to all versions are marked common. Where detail varies between versions there are duplicate topics with the appropriate marker applied. One advantage of this is if you just need a reminder of the steps required, without version detail, the collapsed Task topics can be used as an outline.

  

This example shows two common steps, one for Menu & Ribbon versions of the Export Command:

Application Specific views using Power Filter:

Using MindManager's Power Filter it's easy to show version specific views or create a Query (a saved filter configuration) for instant recall. Below you see the Power Filter configuration for Common + 2009 tasks and the effects of filtering the map for all, 2009 and 2010 markers.

  

A Power Filter configuration can be saved as a query for easy access from the Filter fly-out.

Using Map Parts with Text Markers:

When you add it to the Map Part Library the Map Part stores the Text Marker, but not the Text Marker Group. In the example maps above you see the Parts with Group:Marker:Marker Version:Common, Version:2009, Version:2010 etc. When added to the library only the Common, 2009, 2010 marker is stored. At first I thought this was a bit stupid but it's actually more flexible.

If you add the part to a target map and it's Text Marker is already defined it will adopt the host group. If the marker is not defined it will be created in a MindManager generated group called "General Text Markers". This is a special group which does not display so only the Text Marker is seen (below).

If you drag a Text Marker from "General Text Markers" to a user created group in the Map Marker pane (below shows "Common" dragged to "Group Name") all existing markers will update to display the Group. It means you could use the same part for groups called year, application or whatever is appropriate for that map.

How to create and use Map Parts:

It's now I can just say, go & read this post on the Mindjet Blog*:

The Mindjet Blog » Build Better Maps Faster with Map Parts

Here’s a time-saving feature in both MindManager for Windows and Mac that will help you build better maps with less time and effort.
It’s a feature called Map Parts. Today, I’ll show you how to use it with MindManager 8 for Windows. Tomorrow, I’ll explore the same with MindManager 7 for Mac.

* Thanks Michael

Notice of Revit User Group Wellington July Meeting

Details of the next Revit User Group - Wellington (RUGWELL) meeting:

22nd July 2009 - Meeting No. 15 - Proposed Agenda
Location : ProductSpec HQ, 14 Holland, Wellington, New Zealand

As discussed at the AGM in June, we are going to try a new format for presentations.  Remember that the RUGWELL is for all skill levels and interests, so if you have a question bring it along to the meeting.  If you are too shy to present but would like to see something presented email Jason or Matthew and they will see what they can do.  If you've never presented before but come along regularly we recommend giving a little back, say 10mins.  This shorter presentation format is designed to allow everyone a chance to give a presentation and prevent long boring presentations while also letting everyone be informed and back to your families\evenings at a reasonable time.

5:30 pm : Doors Open
6:00 pm : Welcome and Presentation Kick off.
6:05pm : Short Presentation 1 - RTC Overview by Jason Howden
6:20pm : Q&A Session 1 / Drinks break
6:25pm : Short Presentation 2 - Backups and recovery in Revit by Matthew Pettengell
6:40pm : Q&A Session 2 / Drinks break
6:45pm : Short Presentation 3 - Introducing  the new MyProjects - a collaborative tool for the industry by Jon Thompson, Productspec
7:00pm : Q&A Session 3 / Drinks break
7:05pm : Feature Presentation A year in Revit - Dan Clendon and Maurice Hartnett present a large residential project in Revit
7:35pm : Open forum and One to One catch up with presenters
8:00pm : Wind down

CPD Points available : 15 (NZRAB)

Please rsvp to Jason@archaus.co.nz so we can make sure there are enough seats. A suggested $5 donation would be appreciated to help to cover costs of the refreshments.

Fixtures Close Up, a retail fixture blog!

I haven't found many retail fit-out/design specific blogs in my net travels. Perhaps it's a niche but given the number of shops, and potential other uses for shop fittings, I think there is an audience.That's why I was pleased to find Tony's retail fixture blog today. If you're interested in retail or storage solutions have a browse, I've subscribed.  

Fixtures Close Up – A Pictorial Blog

This blog is a pictorial inventory of unique or otherwise interesting small-scale fixtures seen across the entire range of retailing.  Just as a city-scape is built up of individual bricks, beams and boards, so a store is constructed of many small-scale fixtures that combine to help create the selling-floor environment.

Many of these small elements are unsung heros in creating an effective, functional, appealing merchandising space for goods. Because of the wide-ranging creativity of designers, similar display problems are often solved in unique ways.  This site attempts to document these varying solutions … and provide a source of ideas and inspiration for additional new solutions.

The site is maintained by the Tony Kadysewski, Marketing Communications Manager of Trion Industries, Inc., but is meant to be totally independent, informational, and non-promotional. It is resource for Trion staff as well as others interested in retail and point-of-purchase fixtures.

Via retaildesigndiva.blogs.com

Notice of Revit User Group Auckland July Meeting

Details of the next Revit User Group - Auckland (RUGAKL) meeting:

Wednesday 15th July
Jasmax Offices
2 Marston Street, Parnell
Best Parking on Parnell Rise by the Park

Join us from 5.30pm for Drinks and Nibbles ($5 donation - receipts available)
 
AGENDA 
6pm: Welcome and Introduction of Presentations by RUGAKL Chair - Kerry Thompson
 
PRESENTATIONS: 
1. Revit Technology Conference - Melbourne Wrap Up - With Roy Qian, Aurecon &  Michelle Leonard, Jasmax 
2. Tips & Tricks Session

Please RSVP via the link on  the website - http://www.rugakl.org/ - by 4pm Tuesday prior to the meeting  (for catering  purposes)

Team Blue22 launch Civil 3D University New Zealand!

At a recent Autodesk Solutions 2009 event Team Blue22 announced they would be hosting a New Zealand "Civil 3D University" in mid-August. It focuses on Autodesk Civil 3D related subjects offering a mix of industry based training sessions and networking opportunities in a format inspired by Autodesk University. It's great to see this kind of opportunity offered locally as the cost & time commitment limits the number of Kiwis who can attend Autodesk University. If you are a Civil 3D user, or considering making the switch, this is a great opportunity to learn from the best. Check out the schedule and registration details at the links below.

Team Blue22 - More info on NZ's First Civil 3D University or Download PDF Brochure & Application Form

My new car, was $617,000, now only...

Oops, this was meant for the other blog...

Craig Venter shows Richard Dawkins around The Institute for Genomic Research

This isn't CAD or BIM but the hardware, technology and science seen in this tour of The Institute for Genomic Research is amazing. Genome sequencing depends on high end computer technology and the progress being made is astounding. Although 27,000,000² pairwise comparisons were required to analyse the human genome the challenge, having achieved it, is to do it faster & cheaper.

Craig Venter gives Richard Dawkins an informal tour of the facility and talks about the science, technology, history and future potential of this fascinating research.

This footage was shot with the intention of editing for a television program. What you see here is the full extended interview, which includes a lot of rough camera transitions that were edited out of the final program (along with a lot of content).

MailWasher, a work in progress update

I find MailWasher an essential tool allowing me to see all mail that comes to my accounts but ensure no spam reaches my Inbox. While many ISP's & mail services have their own spam filters MailWasher gives the user control to preview, accept or reject mail before it's downloaded. It removes the risk of spam filters stopping mail you actually do want but has rules to allow the majority of spam to be eliminated without any effort. I also use its preview window to read and process quite a lot of wanted email before it even gets to my Inbox!

MailWasher have released a YouTube showing their current beta in action. Although the new MailWasher looks quite different it works the same way as the current version. If you want to try the current release get it from Firetrust.com MailWasher. I can recommend it as one step toward "Inbox zero" is dealing with stuff before it even gets there!

Tags: mailwasher

AutoCAD Architecture AND Revit?

Guillermo Melantoni's recent post on AutoCAD AND Revit prompted me to share how AutoCAD Architecture (ACA) can help your Revit work-flow. Yes, you read that right, ACA can help with Revit.

I'm not going to steal Guillermo's thunder by merging AutoCAD Mesh models with Revit (below). My example is rather more prosaic but I think it's a convincing reason to consider installing the AutoCAD Architecture, rather than just pain plain AutoCAD, included in AutoCAD Revit Suite.

AutoCAD AND Revit? yeah! - whatamesh.typepad.com

Imagine a world where everything isn't designed in Revit (yes really) and you need to collaborate with, or re-use old, AutoCAD content. One of the best things you can do is remove as much "AutoCAD overhead" by cleaning up dwg files before linking them to Revit. In my case it was a site layout designed in another AutoCAD'like package which I was using as the background for a Revit Model. I only needed the line work so wanted to clean out hatches, most notes, dimensions and other junk ready for Revit. While you can remove layers from linked dwg's in Revit I find its tools to be a bit too "all or nothing".

The AutoCAD Architecture has a "Select Similar" command which allows you to select object(s) like hatch, text etc then Right Click > Select Similar to instantly find all similar items (type & layer) for deletion. Although AutoCAD has "Quick Select" I find Select Similar much faster and you won't find it in AutoCAD. Even if you only use the AutoCAD portion of your Revit Suite for dealing to legacy content consider installing AutoCAD Architecture. Perhaps it's the best AutoCAD for Revit.