RobiNZ CAD Blog

The Kiwi Vectorworks Blogger

I'm not a Vectorworks user but was interested to see this Novedge interview with Jonathan Pickup, a Kiwi Vectorworks blogger.

NOVEDGE blog: Interview with Jonathan Pickup, Vectorworks Guru and Trainer

Every CAD system has its own group of fans and gurus. The excitement of CAD fans for their favorite design system doesn't stop in front of obstacles or barriers. Vectorworks fans are no exception...

Update all AutoCAD Architecture/MEP Palettes in a click

Everyone else probably realised this long ago but sometimes the obvious isn’t always… well, obvious.

AutoCAD Architecture (ACA) and MEP use Tool Palettes - like AutoCAD - but have the Content Browser to organise and share them. While the system has it’s quirks I’ve found it a brilliant way to share content, tools, and custom commands/process/tasks and it’s something I miss in Revit. Best of all it’s not CUI based and version independent so Tool Palettes/Tools/Groups created in ADT 2004 work fine in ACA 2010.

Manual, or Automatic?

You can have Tool Palettes update automatically when the application starts but if you have lots of tools it tends to slow things down. There is also little point as, once established, their content doesn’t change much as you can update/version object styles without re-creating their tools.

The other option is a manual update which can be forced by clicking the Refresh Icon on each Palette. You can refresh a Palette Set (group of palettes) from the Tool Palettes - Title Right Click Menu. Even that gets a bit tedious if you have lots of palette groups, especially as some can take a while to refresh.

The one click refresh

What wasn’t obvious, to me at least, is that in addition to the Palette Groups you create “All Palettes” is a Palette Set. For some reason I thought “Sets” referred to the groups (on the right side of the customise dialog) but no! You can switch to “All Palettes”, Right Click > Refresh Palette Set and update every palette with a click and, if you have hundreds tools like us, a quick coffee!

Microsoft's Secret Tablet is a Booklet?

Could Microsoft be about to out cool Apple? Will reality match the vision?

Lets hope this doesn’t become Origami 2, remember the UMPC tablet that never really happened*, because it looks too good to fail. The video demo is cool but I wonder, how would it cope with CAD design/review applications? If Microsoft want a tester…

Courier: First Details of Microsoft's Secret Tablet - Microsoft courier tablet – Gizmodo

Courier is a real device, and we've heard that it's in the "late prototype" stage of development. It's not a tablet, it's a booklet… (Click for more info, video and gallery)

Via Synergist

* Perhaps I need a “Cool Vapourware” category, but I hope not for this!

A typographic map of Paris

I love Marks typographical maps and art. This is the latest but check out New York, London and Amsterdam. 

Paris : Mark Andrew Webber
This Carving of Paris was done in two months of working flat out including pretty much all weekends, its 150cm X 180cm in size (thats the carved area). I hope to be able to make Prints ASAP, I will update this and let people know when they are done!.

Via SwissMiss

Autodesk University 2009 Preparation 1.01 – The Flat White

Find all the coffee vendors in the vicinity of Mandalay Bay Hotel and have them watch this so I don’t get puzzled looks, or worse, if I forget where I am and ask for a “Flat White”!

Notice it’s not sold by the gallon, doesn’t have “flavours” added (because it tastes of coffee), contains caffeine (as all coffee should) and has real – from cows that eat grass – milk!

(Prepared by Alan, The Falls Restaurant, Waitakere City, NZ)

The BIM Project mantra

This took me back to a discussion at the the last RUGAKL meeting about sharing models and ownership of data. Laura sums it up in a line, but read the post for context.

dODDS and ENDS: We All Work For The Project...

This past week, at the Vella Systems Customer Advisory Board in Boston, Laura Handler from Tocci put up a very simple slide at the end of her presentation. And it read:

"We All Work For The Project"

via bimboom.blogspot.com

It’s amazing, and sad, how many decisions are made without this being the primary consideration.

CorelDRAW Awkward? Really?

No application is perfect but the question - "Is CorelDRAW Awkward" - posed by Vectortuts+ got my attention. As an unofficial support geek I’m sometimes asked about image editing and graphics. People use lots of applications for that at work, even (my nightmare) Word, but there is one product line where I can’t help much.

People are usually surprised when.my response to a Photoshop problem is: “I can probably help with the process but not the detail, I don’t use Photoshop”. This it usually followed by one of those awkward, cue whistling wind and rolling tumbleweed imagery, silences as they wonder how you could do anything to an image without Photoshop.

The answer is CorelDRAW, which has been my graphic tool of choice since, well since I used CorelDRAW 3, way back in the mists of time. I admit the initial reason was cost as Corel sold older versions at a heavy discount. It was a clever idea that got me hooked when the equivalent Adobe applications cost much more. Even when I purchased the current version of CorelDRAW Suite - which bundles Draw (vector layout/illustration tool), Paint (bitmap) and a selection of other tools – it cost less than Photoshop alone.

I must admit when I first used CorelDRAW it was awkward but my graphics experience prior to that was required markers, pastels, typeset or Letraset type, scalpel and gum.  Yes, I am old enough to remember when cut ‘n paste meant dealing with blades and the aroma of solvent based gum. M’mmm Bull Gum…

CorelDRAW introduced me to new concepts like the difference between Vector and Bitmap graphic editing, RGB or CMYK and a myriad of other things that were unique in this digital world. The first time I edited a Bezier curve was in CorelDraw. While they were awkward at first It still offers a degree of node control that I wish a some other applications could match. The same could be said for gradient/mesh fills, transparency, extrusion and shadow tools.

Although CorelDRAW, primarily a vector editor, integrates its basic bitmap tools PhotoPaint is the stand-alone “photo editor” that enables me to avoid Photoshop. It did suffer from a lack of development for several years – when Corel was lost in corporate meanderings - but still offers a pretty comprehensive set of image processing tools. Corel have acquired several other bitmap editors, Painter and PaintShop Pro, along the way which lead me to wonder if Corel PhotoPaint would be retired. Each has it’s strengths and own market share and, so far at least,  Corel seem to be developing them all.

I don’t use CorelTrace, a bitmap to vector convertor, much but now but loved it when I had to make those “line drawings” you see in newspaper advertisements (back when I was a contractor). A decent photo could be vectorised and look quite hand drawn by the time it was done. CorelDRAW didn’t make me a graphic designer but gave me the tools to achieve just about any graphic need for my role. Want to create a logo (or blog header), business card, advertisement, brochure, maybe just a barcode or edit an image? Fire up CorelDRAW.

So is CorelDRAW awkward? Not compared to manual editing or, from my experience, it’s opposition. It has even some UX features I wish others would consider. My favourite is its “one hand mouse only copy” where you select an object, drag it to where you want a duplicate and right click before releasing the left button to get a duplicate. (No control on the keyboard required). After a session in CorelDRAW I tend to try that in other applications! There are limitations, in Corel PhotoPaint more than Draw, but like any powerful software it rewards time and passion.

Check out the Vectortuts+ post which outlines their take on CorelDRAW features/pains. I don’t agree with some (why have Space Bar equal Pan when press/hold mouse button does?) but it’s worth a read and showcases a stunning collection of CorelDRAW work from real graphic artists.

Is CorelDRAW Awkward? - Vectortuts+

CorelDRAW had its 20th anniversary just recently. If a software can stand for 20 years it couldn't be that bad, right? But yes, it looks awkward and many people simply ignore it, since it is not "cool" enough. Its designer community isn't large and the software itself has some disadvantages, which make it look a bit awkward. Let's reviews some advantages and disadvantages of using this software…

via www.unleash.com

iThink it’s nearly my time for the Phone with an i

It’s not that I don’t like Apple, just their “our way or no way” attitude and the fanatic devotees annoy (but not Phil, Matt, Adam, Terrance and other iFanatics I know!). I’m not really into cults, except one, but will change my mind if the evidence stacks up. Today a few things happened that might, just might, be enough to make me consider actually getting an iPhone.

Yes Kiwifrenzy, I know that even means tolerating iTunes which I’ve happily avoided, hard since Apple try & sneak it in with (also avoided because it’s rubbish) QuickTime downloads. If you’d asked me when I woke up this morning “Do you want an iPhone?” the answer would have been “No!” but 12 hours later I’m close to the iTipping Point!

Maybe because I Sketch?

Well, cool as it is Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile wouldn’t have me rushing out to buy an iPhone. I saw it in action on a colleagues phone today and was impressed but I wonder if I’d really use it that often? The application is astoundingly good value but not having an iPhone makes the price of admission high. Tilting, but not tipping…

Perhaps, because I Map?

Given I map just about everything that’s important and a lot that isn’t this one is a no-brainer. It’s Mindjet for iPhone which pushed me close to the tipping point.

Mindjet for iPhone from Mindjet on Vimeo.

But there is something missing!

As I watch various iPhone demos it’s apparent there is a problem. Many of my potential uses require typing, entering URLs, navigating the net and the like. While it has a wonderful touch UX and (not so sure it’s wonderful) virtual keyboard there is a glaring omission.. To do that stuff iActiveWords but the iPhone doesn’t. What about it Buzz? ActiveWords for iPhone would have at least one customer!

So, am I converted? Is there an iGod?

My atheism extends to the world of IT which is why I like this Geek & Poke Strip which also appeared today! Divine intervention or coincidence? You can probably guess what iThink!

  See the rest

My Fiat 500 mouse has arrived

It’s arrived!

I stumbled upon this at the Fiat U.K. website but found they are available in New Zealand from Andrew Simms European (parts dept). I even had a choice of colour, metallic pearl white or red, but it had to be red!

First impressions are the build quality is good, the shape is useable (even the side mirrors don’t annoy) and I love the LED lights! On the USB base station red taillights indicate the power is on and the headlights indicate charging. You can use the mouse with the lights off to save power, “eco mode”, but why would you?

A full test drive will follow after it’s been properly run in!

Build LONDON Live 2009

Build LONDON Live is on again with the challenge to create a master plan for a hypothetical Thames estuary site. This year Judges include Lachmi Khemlani, founder/editor of AECbytes.

Build LONDON Live - www.buildlondonlive.com/

Building on the success of Build LONDON Live 2008, Asite, AEC3 and BIM Products announce Build LONDON Live 2009 (Bll2009). This year’s event will take place from 6th - 8th October, and will culminate with an exhibition at the Building Centre in Central London on the October 9th.

For this years challenge, a hypothetical site set on a man-made island in the Thames Estuary has been established. Teams from all over the world will work together during the 48 hours and contribute to a master plan which will be linked to the proposed Thames Estuary Airport Island. Click through for full details.

UPDATE 2009-09-24: IMPORTANT NOTICE - CHANGE OF COMPETITION DATE

We’ve already had a number of teams sign up for BLL2009 and preparations are already underway for what promises to be another exciting and successful Build London Live competition.  Unfortunately, we’ve had a large number of enquiries from teams who would like to enter, but don’t have the time to pull a team together or prepare for BLL2009.  It’s imperative that we get as many teams as possible to generate the media interest that will benefit us all.  The organising committee have therefore decided to postpone the event which will now take place over 48 hours on 15th 16th & 17th December.

AutoCAD Architecture & MEP 2010 Update released

I’m waiting for Windows 7 64 before deploying 2010 at work so haven’t tried these. Lots of fixes, I mean updates, and they incorporate the recent AutoCAD 2010 update. Currently installing the AutoCAD Architecture update on my home machine to see how it goes.

Between the Walls: AutoCAD Architecture 2010 and MEP 2010 Product Update 1

Simon’s BIM BS…

I’m kind of embarrassed I hadn’t blogged about this before, so here ‘tis now. Simon is a local Revit Guru, who will be speaking at AU currently devoted to getting the Building Services world to stop drawing lines. This recent post on Revit 2010s network license timeout foibles is worth reading if you have encountered that problem.

BIM BS (Building Services of course!) - bim-bs.blogspot.com

Your Subscription expires soon? Soon?

It seems time flies at Autodesk or “soon” means something different in New Zealand.

Last week was my Subscription renewal anniversary. A couple of days after getting through that trauma (well, not really but…) a reminder email arrived. I nearly deleted it thinking it related to the, just completed, 09/2009 transaction but then noticed the date.

While it isn’t long in terms of human history when you’re talking about an annual subscription I wouldn’t call “in 363 days time” soon!

Jay Leno @ McLaren

Jay Leno visits the McLaren Technology Centre to look at the new MP4-12C road car. The building is a Foster and Partners design, there is a glimpse of Bruce’s first car and a 1968 high wing M7C F1 car similar to the one featured in my current blog header (photographed at a F1 Design Exhibit in Wellington).

Notice of Revit User Group Auckland September Meeting

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

Wednesday 16th September 
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)
6pm - Welcome and Introduction of Presentations by RUGAKL Chair - Kerry Thompson
Presentation 1:  Revit 2010 on Windows 7 64bit - Jason Howden, Archaus Architects
Presentation 2:  Top Tips on Tagging - Michelle Leonard, Jasmax Architects
7.00pm - Tips and Tricks

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

New Zealand Architectural Design History online

New Zealand Design Review was the journal of the Architectural Centre, Inc., Wellington. The New Zealand Electronic Text Centre have digitised issues from 1948-53 on-line. It’s a nice snapshot of some classic Kiwi design, both architectural and graphic (look at those covers!).

New Zealand Design Review | NZETC

The Wellington Architectural Centre began the two-monthly publication of Design Review in 1948. The Wellington Architectural Centre was founded in 1946, and began the first architectural school in Wellington (1947) and the first town planning school in New Zealand (1949). The Centre was unique at the time of its founding in that it invited members interested in a broad range of design and the arts, rather than restricting membership to professional architects and architectural students. Internationally it is one of the oldest organisations of its type.

Revit fade to black?

I’ve seen Revit do some odd things trying to output images but usually closing & re-opening the project will sort that out. Today a png image linked to Revit, which had been in the project for several weeks, suddenly went solid black.

• Saving & closing, re-opening the project didn’t help.
• Closing & re-starting Revit (Architecture 2009 32 bit in this case) didn’t help.
• Was not design option, phase or view setting dependent (the image was used in several views combining mixtures of all).
• Linking another image, or even new insert of the same image, was fine but the existing instances remained solid black.

It wasn’t until a complete machine shutdown and cold boot that the image came back to normal. Can only presume it was scrambled graphics, machine memory, cache or something but it had me scratching my head!

Things to avoid in a software presentation

I don’t do “sales” demos but there are some useful tips in this article for any software presentation. I suspect I’ve been guilty of all of them!

Stunningly Awful Demos: Five Things Not To Do in a Demo : The World Idea Hub

Here is a collection of poor tactics, bad errors, and faulty steps you can take to increase the likelihood that your demo will be a failure…

Spring clean your browser bookmarks - AM-DeadLink

OK, it's a bit late for spring cleaning up North but not for my southern hemisphere readers. I find this utility handy for cleaning out obsolete favourites/bookmarks and AM-DeadLink is Freeware!

AM-DeadLink - Download FavIcons and detect dead links in your browser bookmarks
AM-DeadLink detects dead links and duplicates in browser bookmarks and text files. If a bookmark has become unavailable you can verify and delete it permanently. Additionally you can download FavIcons for all your Favorites and Bookmarks.