Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Entering Angles in Surveyor's Angles

Many times in AutoCAD, users will enter an angle in Degrees. Maybe even in Degree/Minutes/Seconds. If you are a surveyor or are working with a survey drawing, you will see angles (or bearings) written something like this:

N45d20'6"E (where d is the degree symbol)

This means the angle is North 45 degrees, 20 minutes, 6 seconds, East.

Users can input angles just like this if we need to. When drawing a line, pick your first point, then type in:

Make sure to start with the '@' symbol. Then enter the distance, (here it is 200) then the less than sign (I would type it in but my blog thinks I am trying to type in an HTML tag!!) then N (for north or S for South) the angle number (45) d to let AutoCAD know it is the degree, then the minutes and seconds if any. Don't forget to type in the symbols ' for minutes and " for seconds. Finish up with your last direction e (E for east and W for west.)

This will draw a line 200 units long at 45d20'6" to the "right" (or east) of north (straight up)

It's that simple.

Happy CADDING

Monday, December 1, 2008

CAD & GIS Wikis

Are you looking for some great CAD or GIS tips, tricks and routines? Well Cadalyst and Geospatial Solutions have each developed some Wikis that can provide just that for you.

http://cadtips.cadalyst.com

and

http://wiki.geospatial-solutions.com/

are two places to go. Cadalyst and Geospatial Solutions are subsidiaries of Questex, a company that produces great content. I helped Cadalyst develop the CADTIPS wiki so I am very familiar with what it can do. It has all (yes all) Hot Tip Harry Routines in it! Soon they will start adding the weekly Tips and Tricks in it. I don't know if all of the tips will be added, but I know that they will start adding the new ones to it, eventually.

Check out these sites, I feel that you will fond them helpful.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Quick Tip - "Shift+Spacebar" To select Stacked Objects

How many times have you tried to pick an object that was underneath another object? Some times it's not so easy, especially if you have several objects in a busy area.

Solution: Start your command (move, copy, delete, whatever). Place your cross hair over the desired object (or stack of objects).

If you can't select the proper object, press the shift key and spacebar (Shift+Spacebar) simultaneously to toggle through the stacked objects. When the object you want is highlighted, pick it and you are on your way.

Happy CADDing.

(I had to edit this post because I wrote that you press the CTRL+Shift to do this - what a Moron I am. Sorry about that.)

Off Topic - Quote of the Day

Things are only impossible until they're not.

- Jean-Luc Picard

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Quick Tip - Open Pallets With Shortcuts

If you need to open the Tool Pallets pallet, Properties Pallet, Design Center, Sheet Set Manager, or one of several pallets in AutoCAD, here is a guide to use. Simply Press the Control Key (ctrl) + (a number key) to open or close specific pallets. It helps to spend less time looking for the button, ribbon panel, or menu when your most frequently used pallets are but 2 keystrokes away.

ctrl + 1 = Properties Pallet
ctrl + 2 = Design Center
ctrl + 3 = Tool Pallet
ctrl + 4 = Sheet Set Manager
ctrl + 5 = empty (perhaps you can find a use for it)
ctrl + 6 = db Connection Manager
ctrl + 7 = Mark Up Set Manager
ctrl + 8 = Quick Calculator (2008 and up only)
ctrl + 9 = Command Line
ctrl + 0 = Clean Screen

Happy CADDing.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Off Topic-How to Cheat at Guitar Hero

You might ave noticed that I have had some post's that were not CAD related, they were OFF TOPIC. This one is about the fantastically popular game, Guitar Hero. If it is getting you frustrated, upset, and you can't get the hang of, then here is a way you can "cheat" at guitar hero. Just create your own robot that can see the screen, interpret the chords and play them perfectly, every time.

I came across the article on Wired.com and wanted to share it with you because I thought it was interesting, clever, and shows how people can take a normal every day toy and geek it out.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

AUGI World Nov/Dec Out

The latest issue (November/December 2008) of AUGIWorld magazine “It’s Your Move: Strategies for Adopting New Technology” has just hit the shelves. This edition contains its regular number of high quality articles covering a spectrum of Autodesk products, and industry related items...
  • The Cad Manager - Dictums of Design Software Development
  • It’s Your Move - Strategies for Adopting New Technology
  • Autodesk Architecture - Prepare Yourself
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D - Today and Tomorrow for Civil Engineers
  • Architectural Visualization - Building a Rendering Pipeline
  • Autodesk Impression - Closing the Sale, with Style
  • Revit Architecture - Ride the “A” Train
  • Revit Structure - The BIM Effect
  • AutoCAD - Unlocking the Power of AutoCAD 2009
  • On The Back Page - Just so we understand each other...

The November/December 2008 issue of AUGIWorld magazine “It’s Your Move: Strategies for Adopting New Technology” can be downloaded from the AUGIWorld main page on AUGI.com.

AUGI November Hotnews is Out

AUGI’s official monthly email newsletter “AUGI HotNews - November 2008” hits the streets and the ‘inboxes’ of its members.

My favorite of course is this month's TIPniques: DO YOU HAVE STYLE? Wonder why I like it so much?

Here is a list of some of the other articles in this month's edition. They are even better than the TIPniques article.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The End of the Print Version - Going Fully Digital?

The wonderful resource, PC Magazine, (according to this article) is going to end publishing its print version of its magazine. Wow! I have picked up a copy of this mag many, many times. I have found it to be a wonderful resource for tech news (for the PC that is.)

Is this the fate of all magazines? I think eventually it will be, once digital readers are more mainstream. Here is what I see is a possible future for us (us being the world.)

Eventually we will not use paper for our news or magazines, but use the internet or wifi or cell phone type technology. It could even be a new fangled type of data transmitting tech. The exact how and what is not important, just that it will happen. Paper cost money. Printing on paper costs money. Delivering those prints on paper costs money. The way to get around that is to create a means of trnasmitting your letters, articles, magazines, news, blogs, and more is to transmit it digitally. There are so manu advantages to doing this, and disadvantages too.

Every reader must have a device that can read your digital articles. On print, all they need is their eyes. Those come cheap (realatively speaking.) Is it fair to expect everyone to have their own "Kindel" or similar device to be able to read a magazine or newspaper? Sure it is. Life's not fair. Their are always librarys right?

Have a reader built in to all cell phones is inevitable. Many phones can already read HTML and surf the internet. Who wants to read a book on that small of a screen? You can do it, but who wants to right? I can if I have to.

Imaganie that everyone has access to some kind of reader, all they have to do is go to the store, browse the "magazine" and "book" shelves for what they want. Find it and download it right their in the store. Users could hook up to a port right there or a wifi hotspot, enter in a store code, etc. and they just bought the book/magazine from that store. Many kindle books are sold at a reduced rate compared to the print edition because there is no cost in printing. Great deal for the buyer and it reduces the use on our natural resources. Peraps though, (playing devils advocate here) that it will increase our demand on energy. But perhaps it will take even less energy to download the files and power our digital readers than it will to cultivate the paper, process it, print it and dispose of it when we are finished reading. Hmm, something to think about any way.

Do you have children in school? Are you a college student? Do you have several giant heavy books? Do they cost every year? What do they cost a school system to maintain and to keep up to date? What is the cost to a school to buy a reader every year, give it to a student to use for a few years and download their books into the reader. Now the student has one book to carry around, to rememebr, to keep up with, and to maintain. Need the latest version of the book? Download it. What do you do with the old version? Delete it. Where does the waste go? There is no waste.

Is this a different idea? Sure. Would it take some time to get used to? Absolutley. Is it a good idea? I think it warrants taking a look at any way.

What do you think? Is going digital a good idea for a school system? Do you already pay book fees at your school? Do they cost as much as a new kindle stretched our over a few years (2 or 3)? Would you be willing to try it? Why would this be a bad/good idea?

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Chagning Display Colors in AutoCAD


We all see things differently. It's a matter of taste. As with all tings AutoCAD, all things are customizable. So are the colors of nearly each item in AutoCAD. One of the most common questions I receive here at CAD-a-Blog about AutoCAD is "How do I change the background color?" It's a good question. It is one of the first things I do when I load AutoCAD on a machine. I can't stand the white background.

To adjust the colors in AutoCAD, open the OPTIONS window. Type in OP at the command line to start the OPTIONS window.

Go the DISPLAY tab.

On the left of the window, near the center, there is a button with text in it labeled COLORS. Click it to edit the colors of AutoCAD.

This will open the color settings.

On the left side of that window, under the CONTEXT area, click the SHEET/LAYOUT option. This will bring up (on the right) the options that you can change for the layout/paper space area.

In the center of the window is the INTERFACE ELEMENT option. Pick the UNIFORMED BACKGROUND. That is the background. On the right, top, under COLOR, (obviously I guess) is where you pick the color.


Once you find the right button to push, and where Autodesk has hidden it!!! it's a rather easy thing to change.

Happy cadding.

Friday, October 31, 2008

GIS and CAD

I posted earlier today about my steps into the realm of 3D CAD. I am also playing with GIS, or Geographic Information System. Essentially that means it is a system that manages geographically related data. If data relates to geography in some way, GIS can be used to display it.

GIS can be used in many fields, so many. Architects, Civil Engineers, Planners, Police, Airlines, Hospitlas, Software Developers, Real esate Sales, Government, Election Workers, Politcal Parties, Miliary, Sales Departments, Health Department, and many many more.

GIS and CAD are two completely different tools. They are used differently, they work differently, and they have different porposes. With CAD, users create the data to make a drawing. With GIS, users turn on the data they want to see to create a drawing. However, there are exceptions to these rules in bot cases of course. Sometimes in CAD, users refernce other drawings (thus turning on the data they want to see) and in GIS they enter the data they want to use.

In CAD, users display geometric data, and in GIS users display geographic data. There are similarities too of course.

Which GIS program have (or do) you used? I have used Mapinfo, Map3D (from Autodesk) and Arcinfo. None of them full time and I am not an expert on any of them. How about you?

3D Rendering In AutoCAD


I would consider myself to be an advanced user in 2D Drafting with AutoCAD. Not so in 3D modeling. I have started taking on the task of learning the ropes of 3D. I know, it's a bout time. I may be the last one. I have the basic concepts figures out, see my article in AUGI Hotnews, but in order to make more complex objects, well, suffice it to say I still have much to learn.

The general concept of 3D modeling is very similar to 2D modeling. I have also started trying my hand at rendering. I am taking a class at our local Community College. Right now we have a project to create an office, of any type. It has to have tree walls, at least 20' long, a roof (not flat), openings in the walls, a desk, a vase, a lamp, lights, and more. I did that. I even put swords in mine! I like swords. I had the most difficulty with the lighting. My first attempt had the lights to dim, way too dim. You will see that in the images, they are a little bit dark. I'll get better, don't worry.

Anyway, so my question, how do you handle your lights? Do you make your own materials? Are you sad that Autodesk VIZ is no more? Should I write about 3D more?

Here are some images from my project. Which one is your favorite? Remember, this is my first model/rendering, but feel free to critique it.

Monday, October 27, 2008

How to be more Efficient in AutoCAD - Part 8

How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD
- Part 8 -

CAD-a-Blog has a theory, in order to get done more quickly in AutoCAD, do less work. I know, sounds stupid at first. Of course it will take me less time to do less work, duh!! (insert the proverbial slap to the forehead.) But I really mean it. We have all heard the mantra, “Work smarter, not harder.” That’s what I mean here. There are a plethora of tools in AutoCAD that can help us make drawings more accurately and at a quicker pace, so why aren’t we using them?

Part One talks about "double fisted" cadding. I call it Double Fisted because the theory takes advantage of both of the users hands to input commands and data. One hand works the keyboard while the other manipulates the mouse. This way time is saved by eliminating mouse movements across the screen to invoke commands.

Part Two discuses Template Use. Starting a file with a template provides a file that is already set up and ready to use. Users will not have to tale the time to get the file where it needs to be in order to draw. Another time saver.

Part Three looks at referencing files. Referencing files means that users can create a data source that can be used in multiple files. Change the model, or base file, and the sheet files are instantly updated. We also, briefly, discusses referencing OLE objects, sharing data between reports, letters, and drawings.

Part Four demonstrates how Sheet Sets can be used to manage your drawing sets, files, data management and batch plotting.

Part Five saw how fields can be used to maintain data in text, reduce revision time, share data between files. Again, going with the less is less theory.

In Part Six CAD-a-Blog talked about Dynamic block's ability to decrease the amount of blocks users need to create and maintain and their ability to change through grip edits.

Part Seven pointed out that Tool Pallets can be a place to store and mange blocks, hatch patterns, routines, and commands. Not to mention materials and much much more.


Now, in part 8 of this series, I want to talk about customization. AutoCAD became the industry standard many years ago for several reasons. One of those reasons is the fact that users can customize AutoCAD until it is unrecognizable anymore. That’s good and bad. That’s good because users can set their working environment in such a comfortable way that they are in drafting bliss. However, that form of bliss is based on one person’s perspective and familiarity.

Here is my advice for customization. Less is more. Do it, of course, but do as little of it as possible. The more you do it, the more you will have to do when you change work stations. When you update to a newer version, the less you have to port over, the easier, and quicker, it will port. When the interface system changes (like adding a ribbon and removing the toolbars and dashboard in AutoCAD 2009) the easier it will be to adapt.
Bottom line; use the interface that is available out of the box. Turn on what you need, turn off what you don’t. Create tool pallets because they are easily carried through. So are templates. Toolbars are a device of the past, whether any of us like it or not, the way to do things now is with a ribbon. It’s not just for Microsoft Office and AutoCAD; other software producers are using it and have been using it too. Be ready for change, expect change, and anticipate user interface change.

Create a profile in the options that can hold your basic settings (I “need” my crosshairs to extend the full length/height of the screen). I also hate Blipmode, and I want my right-click to act as the enter key. Beyond that I don’t change too much. Set up the ACAD.lsp file to establish some settings for you if you want to, that is very easy to port over regardless of the interface.

When it comes to Customization, in order to work more efficiently, do it, but go with the KISS method (Keep It Simple Stupid). Besides maintenance issues, the more complex you customize your system, the more difficult it is to navigate and the point to this is to make everything simpler.

If you insist on customizing, then use workspaces. Customize your workspace to have an environment that provides the tools you need to do a specific job. Perhaps it provides one or two tabs on the ribbon for annotation, if you are dimensioning a drawing. If you need to create a parking layout for a building, create a workspace with design tools for that type of project. This type of specific workspace customization will create a working environment that limits the tools on your screen thus giving you more screen real estate. This can improve efficiency.

How does customization of your working environment go along with CAD-a-Blog’s theory of doing less means getting done quicker? Well, if you set up your tools to be in a position to be easily accessible to you due to familiarity, then you will need to move your mouse less, you will have to think less about were a tool is, and therefore you will move more quickly and get done sooner.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Drafting/CAD Tools - What do you use to help?

Many of us started off as board drafters. I sort of did. 85% to 90% of my work has been done in CAD over a 15 year period. My first job was taking board drawings and redrawing them into CAD. One of my other jobs involved revising board drawings. Many of them were on linen!! I've used bond, vellum, sepia, mylar, and linen. Mostly bond and mylar. Over the years I took advantage of many different tools to help me draw.

On the board I used scum bags (one of my favorite), planemeters (did I spell that right), lettering guides, templates, and electric erasers (another favorite of mine). As a CAD Drafter I have used many tools to help me do my job. I used some of them in board drafting too, like a scale for example. When I first started CAD Drafting I was using AutoCAD release 10 in DOS! I think the workstation was a 386 processor with a math co-processor, 75 megahertz, 2 Gig hard drive, 15" CRT monitor, DUAL 5.25" flopy drive, SCSI Zip drive (high tech back up system), and a tablet with a 16 button puck (12 button number pad-like a phone, and 4 buttons at top.)

Back then we had a pen plotter. That was fun to watch. It took about an hour per D size plot, but it was fun to watch. It was always amazing to see the rack move back and forth, grab a pen from the carosel, move the paper (or mylar or vellum) and draw, one line at a time, pick the pen up, put it down, etc. I don't think there was a ryme of reason to the way it processed the drawing because it would often draw part of a line, switch pens, then go back to that pen a draw the rest of the old line. Why didn't it just draw every line,text, and object with that pen that it needed to before it switched pens?

In Release 10 we didn't have paper space yet, can you imagine???!!! No paper space? We had to scale everything, text, dimensions, borders, title blocks, what ever. I found a tool that helped me. The CAD Card. I still have it. In fact, I got a new one a few years ago. Honestly, I think I like the older one better. The CAD Card still lives by the way. They have even produced a metric version, and a mini version too!!

The CAD Card is a slider card that users can, well, use to help them find settings for text, scales, borders, and more for their cad drawings. It's a great tool that I am going to be talking about more. Keep your eyes open.

In the mean time, what types of tools do you use to help you draw? I still use machineries handbook as a refernce tool. How about you? Let me know.

Monday, October 20, 2008

How to be more Efficient at AutoCAD - Part 7

CAD-a-Blog began writing about efficiency in AutoCAD some time ago, and some steps users can take to be more efficient at it.

Part One talks about "double fisted" cadding. I call it Double Fisted because the theory takes advantage of both of the users hands to input commands and data. One hand works the keyboard while the other manipulates the mouse. This way time is saved by eliminating mouse movements across the screen to invoke commands.

Part Two discuses Template Use. Starting a file with a template provides a file that is already set up and ready to use. Users will not have to tale the time to get the file where it needs to be in order to draw. Another time saver.

Part Three looks at referencing files. Referencing files means that users can create a data source that can be used in multiple files. Change the model, or base file, and the sheet files are instantly updated. We also, briefly, discusses referencing OLE objects, sharing data between reports, letters, and drawings.

Part Four demonstrates how Sheet Sets can be used to manage your drawing sets, files, data management and batch plotting.

Part Five saw how fields can be used to maintain data in text, reduce revision time, share data between files. Again, going with the less is less theory.

In Part Six CAD-a-Blog talked about Dynamic block's ability to decrease the amount of blocks users need to create and maintain and their ability to change through grip edits.

How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD
- Part 7 -
In Part Six we looked at dynamic blocks, but where do you keep them? How do you find them? How do your users find your blocks? The answer to these questions and others, Tool Pallets!!
Tool Pallets have been around since AutoCAD 2004!! Yes that long ago. User can put almost anything in a tool pallet. The two most common items are blocks and hatch patterns. But you can do so much more than that.

Tool pallets are a way to hold and manage items to be used. It’s a list. It’s a list that isn’t that complicated either. The tool pallet is divided into tabs. On each tab is a list of whatever you want to be on it. Click on that item and it is inserted into your drawing. That object could be a block, a line, a circle, a hatch pattern, text, or even a command.

My AutoCAD Efficiency Theory, of doing less means spending less time doing, can be applied through tool pallets. The obvious way is that users do not have to hunt (as much) for standard objects. Which block do I use? The one in the tool pallet of course.

Have you ever had a user ask you? “What goes on this type of drawing?” Tool Pallets can help. Use them like a checklist. Create a Tool Pallet that has everything in it that belongs in a typical drawing. For example; labels, symbols, blocks, callouts, dimensions, design criteria, etc. Users can start at the top of the pallet and work their way down. Once at the bottom, the drawing is complete with the typical needs of the drawing met. This method also ensures your company’s drafting standards are met and that all drawings look the same making revisions and inter office workings much easier.

Another great feature about tool pallets is ease of maintenance. Tool Pallets can reference a block or file from a central location, like a network folder or file. If a particular block needs to be updated, do it one time and each user will now be current. They won’t ever now they were out of compliance!

Using Tool Pallets to insert standard blocks and styles is a great way to more with less effort. It creates a common place to go to get your work done. No more browsing for files. No more wondering if it’s the correct folder. No more hoping you updated your block file.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

AUGI AutoCAD Wish List Voting is now Open

Now is your chance to really make a difference in the way Autodesk does AutoCAD. It is AUGI's wish list.

Over the year, AUGI has collected "wish" items for AutoCAD from it's members. Now that list needs to be shortened. Go to the AUGI WISH LIST link and vote for you favorite TEN!

Some times that is very difficult to do, because there are so many items that users wish were in AutoCAD.

Now is your chance to make your voice hears. Vote or Die as the slogan goes. If you don't vote, you are letting others speak for you. Wait a minute, that's the wrong election. This ballot doesn't care what political party you are affiliated with, just vote.

quote of the day

"Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others."

- Jonathan Winters


This quote goes well with my all time favorite, and life moto:

"Do, or do not. There is no try."

- Master Yoda

Monday, October 13, 2008

Drafting Standards

When was the last time you or your company talked about Drafting Standards? Most discussions involving standards these days deal with CAD Standards. There is a difference, with some overlap of course.

Good "Old Fashioned" drafting standards are vital to proper CAD use. What units are you drawing in? What text size are you using? Spacing, line weight, line type, notes, details, etc. These are all drafting standards. And don't forget arrowheads, or ticks, or dots, or whatever you use.

What do you use? Ticks, dots, arrowheads? What font do you use? Text size? Or any other particular drafting style? And what is your discipline? (Architecture, Mechanical, Piping, Civil, Survey, Electrical, Manufacturing, etc.)

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

How to be More Efficient in AutoCAD - Part 6

CAD-a-Blog has been running a series called "How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD." Part 5 is going to take a look at using Fields to increase Efficiency and decrease errors.

Part One talks about "double fisted" cadding. I call it Double Fisted because the theory takes advantage of both of the users hands to input commands and data. One hand works the keyboard while the other manipulates the mouse. This way time is saved by eliminating mouse movements across the screen to invoke commands.

Part Two discuses Template Use. Starting a file with a template provides a file that is already set up and ready to use. Users will not have to tale the time to get the file where it needs to be in order to draw. Another time saver.

Part Three looks at referencing files. Referencing files means that users can create a data source that can be used in multiple files. Change the model, or base file, and the sheet files are instantly updated. We also, briefly, discusses referencing OLE objects, sharing data between reports, letters, and drawings.

Part Four demonstrates how Sheet Sets can be used to manage your drawing sets, files, data management and batch plotting.

Part Five saw how fields can be used to maintain data in text, reduce revision time, share data between files. Again, going with the less is less theory.

How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD
- Part 6 -

Do you use blocks to create repetitive line work? Peraps you have parts, structures, or symbols that are used over and over again. This is why we use CAD and this is why AutoCAD uses blocks.

Dynamic Blocks take us to a new level in repetitive task operations. It presents the user with a means to use line work over again and to change that line work with GRIPS. Yes, changing a dynamic block is a simple click and drag-done! Remember our hypothesis is that in order to get our work done more quickly, we need to do less work! Dynamic blocks help us do this.

A dynamic block is not static. It can be altered on the fly, to predetermined states, without having to edit the block. It allows users to have choices in their design. Before dynamic blocks, users would have to insert their company's standard block for a 1" hex head bolt. If your spec changed that bolt to a 2" hex head bolt, you would either edit the block, or insert a new one, after deleting the old one. Too much work. Now users can create a standard dynamic block that can be changed via grips to alter the size of the bolt, and even the length if so desired!

Having to change this block once or twice is not that big of a deal, I agree. But imagine if you had to change every bolt in the entire project! That is a lot of work. But with dynamic blocks you can change each block with one click and one drag, a lot less work. It is especially nice when there are specific blocks that ave to be changed.

Another benefit to dynamic blocks is in standard maintenance. Many users may not be aware of this problem because company standards are often taken care of by an individual or small group of individuals. Regardless, most users ave had to update blocks or templates at one time and it can devour our resources. Dynamic blocks help by reducing the number of blocks needed in a company standards library. Before, users had to crate blocks for every change, or option possible. Now users can create one block that has multiple options added in. If the basic design of te block needs to change, then you only change one block, not several. Again, doing less work and spending less time.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

AUGI Board of Directors Nominations

AUGI Board of Directors Nominations


Below information kindly supplied by Bill Adams (AUGI BoD member - Vice President).

October 1st is just the beginning... of what? A fantastic and rewarding experience for any hardworking volunteer!

So what’s happening that Wednesday? Members are given yet another way to be involved with AUGI. You can do this either by nominating someone for the Board of Directors or throwing your own hat into the ring for the next term.

Being a Director requires some work, effort and carries responsibility, but it offers many rewards as well. So how do I apply, you may ask? All the details can be found on this page “AUGI Board of Directors Nominations”.

If you are considering running for the Board, keep in mind that they meet in person three times per year. In January, June and at Autodesk University near year’s end (for a combined total of about two weeks minimum). There are also monthly teleconferences to keep everyone on the same page. So, you can anticipate about 15-20 hours per month (maybe more, depending on the level of your involvement).

Nominations need to be submitted to the AUGI Nominating Committee Chair no later than 5pm EDT Tuesday, October 21, 2008.

Monday, September 29, 2008

How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD - Part 5

CAD-a-Blog has been running a series called "How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD." Part 5 is going to take a look at using Fields to increase Efficiency and decrease errors.

Part One talks about "double fisted" cadding. I call it Double Fisted because the theory takes advantage of both of the users hands to input commands and data. One hand works the keyboard while the other manipulates the mouse. This way time is saved by eliminating mouse movements across the screen to invoke commands.

Part Two discuses Template Use. Starting a file with a template provides a file that is already set up and ready to use. Users will not have to tale the time to get the file where it needs to be in order to draw. Another time saver.

Part Three looks at referencing files. Referencing files means that users can create a data source that can be used in multiple files. Change the model, or base file, and the sheet files are instantly updated. We also, briefly, discusses referencing OLE objects, sharing data between reports, letters, and drawings.

Part Four demonstrates how Sheet Sets can be used to manage your drawing sets, files, data management and batch plotting.

How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD
- Part 5 -

In part four we introduced Sheet Sets. Sheet Sets can be used to hold and maintain project data. BUT how do users get that data into their files and drawings? Fields.

Autodesk Fields are links to data sources that display that data inside text. If the data is changed, then the field will update inside the text. Fields are used most inside of Title Blocks. They can display Project Names, Drafter Names, Company names, Sheet Numbers, Titles, and so on. There are many preset field values available in Sheet Sets. Sometimes users need more, or more unique data fields than what are provided. Easy enough. If you want the data to be project related just add the property to the Custom Sheet Sets Properties and link your field to it. If you want the field to be in the DWG file, open the file properties and add the appropriate info.

Fields can also read object data and display it. Add the field, and select the object in the file. Any data that can be displayed in a field will be listed. Just pick it. When that specific data of that object changes, the field will be update. This procedure can be useful for bill of materials, or descriptions, etc. Here is an example: Users may need to display the area of an object. Insert a field, select the object and pick the area data. It's that easy. Now change that object and see the field update. No need to change the object, determine the new area, and edit the text. There are at least two chances to make a mistake. Using a field for the area, just change the object's area and you are done. Also note that the user saved two steps. If there are several sets of areas that need changed and displayed then the time saved will add up.

Fields are definitely a big part of the "Less is Less" practice of efficient CAD work.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Animation - Lens Resolution

The September issue of AUGI Hotnews featured an article in the Tip-Niques column about creating animations in AutoCAD. I think it's it a great article, but of course I am biased.

I have received some questions about something I left out of the article. Users are asking me how to adjust the camera view. When a real camera is used, users can zoom in for a close tight shot, or they can zoom out for a wide angle shot. AutoCAD can do that to.

Adjust the LENSLENGTH setting. The default setting is 50, but you can set it to what you need. The setting is measured in millimeters, just like a real camera lens. Using a larger number value for the lenslength setting will produce a tight, closeup view. A lower number will produce more of a zoomed out, panoramic view.

Which ever camera view you need, simply adjust the lenslength setting to accommodate.

Happy CADDING.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

How to be More Efficent at AutoCAD - Part 4

CAD-a-Blog has been discussing ways to be more efficient at AutoCAD. This will be Part 4 in the series, Sheet Sets.

Part One talks about "double fisted" cadding. I call it Double Fisted because the theory takes advantage of both of the users hands to input commands and data. One hand works the keyboard while the other manipulates the mouse. This way time is saved by eliminating mouse movements across the screen to invoke commands.

Part Two discuses Template Use. Starting a file with a template provides a file that is already set up and ready to use. Users will not have to tale the time to get the file where it needs to be in order to draw. Another time saver.

Part Three looks at referencing files. Referencing files means that users can create a data source that can be used in multiple files. Change the model, or base file, and the sheet files are instantly updated. We also, briefly, discusses referencing OLE objects, sharing data between reports, letters, and drawings.

How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD
- Part 4 -

Sheet Sets were introduced into AutoCAD several releases ago (release 2005 I believe) but many of us are not using them, YET!!!! Sheet Sets is a group of tools used to manage , well, a set of sheet files. It also much more than that. It is also a means to manage project data, to some extent. At a minimum, users can use Sheet Sets to organize and manage files. This will place the project files in order and allow easy access to them. Clicking on a file in the list will open it. No more keeping track of each departments "strange" file naming procedures. Plotting can also be done through the Sheet Set Manager, as well as publishing. If there are multiple sheets in a project, and your client needs 15 sets plotted, just do your batch plotting through the Sheet Set Manager. Right Click on the Set, select PRINT, and tell the print manager how many copies you need.

Sheet Sets can also manage the way your users create new files. You can set which template is to be used for new files, thus taking advantage of Part Two's advice, using templates.

One of the biggest advantages to using Sheet Sets is its data management abilities. Project information can be stored in the Sheet Set and applied to drawing files. In Part Five will will look at fields and how they can reference data from sheet sets. Sheet Sets can be a place to store data that needs to be shown on multiple drawings. Some examples are: Project Name, Sheet Numbers, Project Information (Like number of parts, rooms, etc.), Client Name, Engineer/Architect Name, or anything that is needed to display.

These features follow the theory we have been discussing. Less is Less. For example, project names often change throughout the design life. How annoying is it to set up all of your drawings with a project name in a title block, notes, etc. only to have the client decide they want the name the development something else. GRRRRR!! Now you have to go, open each file, change it, and so on. If you stored that information is a Sheet Set, and referenced that data, all you have to do is to change the data in the Sheet Set and every drawing is now updated!! No brainer here.

The concept here is similar to using x-ref's for a drawing's geometry. Sheet Sets are an "x-ref" for data. Any data that needs to be in multiple drawings and could potentially change should be in the projects Sheet Set. Important data used for the design, or calculations, should also go into the sheet set even if the information does not need to be displayed in a drawing. That way the data can easily be accessed by anyone that will need to know it.

Sheet Sets are a place to store and share data. They also provide a means for file management and batch plotting. Use them, you will do less work throughout the project's life span.

Happy Cadding.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

AUGI-Hotnews for September 2008

AUGI's September issue of Hotnews is out. This month I have an article called "Lets Get Animated."

This article takes a very basic look at the animation capabilities in AutoCAD. If you have ever wanted to create a simple animation for a presentation or project proposal with AutoCAD, check out this article. It will give you enough information on how to di it.

Happy CADDING.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Ten Ways to be More Efficient at AutoCAD - Part 3

Do any of you want or need to do your work in AutoCAD more quickly? Do yo need your work to be preformed in a more accurate fashion? CAD-a-Blog has been discussing a theory of AutoCAD use based upon the cliche "Less is More." The less work you have to do, the less time it will take. The less you touch the files, the fewer the opportunities there will be for error. This post is Part Three of the series, "Ten Ways to be More Efficient at AutoCAD."

In Part One we discussed using Keyboard Commands as a form of input to decrease the time needed to work. Using both hands to input your commands and data is naturally more efficient than making movements back and forth from button to button. For more in depth discussion see the post.

Part Two took a look at using templates. This concept involves starting a new file with a customized template (a DWT file.) Doing so will allow your users to all start at the same point. Everyone in the firm will be using the same fonts, dimension styles, and layers. It also eliminates the need to devote time to setting up files the way you want them to be.

How to be More Efficient at AutoCAD-Part Three

In Part Three of this series I want to discuss using file references. Many of us already use X-refs in our design file process. But are you using them efficiently? Why do you use them? How should you use them? What goes in them? When shouldn't I use them?

If you have used any of Autodesk's verticals (like Civil3D) then the concept of DATA REFERENCING is not knew to you. If you ave never used an Autodesk Vertical, and only "vanilla" CAD, and have used x-ref's then you ARE familiar with data referencing.

There are essentially two main uses of DWG files (there are of course exceptions to the rule, but generally speaking there are only two.) The most common use of a DWG file is as a Sheet File. This is the file used as a drawing, and is printed out for the client. We ave all used DWG files in this function many times. The other function of a DWG file is as a MODEL file. This file contains the project's line work or geometry and is referenced by the sheet files. This is where users create the design objects.

Let's look at a few examples. An architect (should be using Arcitectural Desktop or Revit, but in this case is using AutoCAD) will design a building in a file. When drawings are needed, a new file is created (the sheet file) with a title block, border and the model file x-ref'd into it. Now, in the sheet file, create all notes, dimensions, callouts, bill of materials, etc.

Now go on and create all sheet files required to produce the construction documents.

Now the client calls and wants the Architect to remove a room on the east side and extend the room on the south. Since you used x-ref's all you have to do is change the model file's line work one time. Open the sheet files affected and update the annotation. The alternative is to be forced to change the linework in every file, along with the affected annotation. One change, one time.

Besides saved time, accuracy is ensured. Well, at least it is ensured that all sheets will have the same data. Either they are all wrong, or all correct! It happens.

What goes in a model file? Linework. Annotation belongs in the sheet file. Data defining the objects, that will be frozen in the sheet file, can be placed in the model as a sort of meta-data.

Another form of referencing envolves OLE objects. These are outside files like a spreadsheet or word processing document. Using this type of data link can also speed up drafting time and ensure acuracy, especially if you use the spreadsheet in a report. This way the drawings and the report are ensured to contain the same data.

Changes in design and design data occur througout the design process of any project. Using references will speed up revision time and increase accuracy throught the construction and design documents.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Off Topic - 42 and the Meaning of Life

I have always been a geek, nerd, dork, ok, not a dork (tough some may argue this.) I can remember reading Hitchhikers Guide as a kid and loving it. I never read any other books in the series, but I loved the humor behind. in fact, I love the quotes from Douglas Adams. I recently watched the movie that was made back in 2005 and thus began reminiscing the Hitchhikers guide. 42 is the meaning of life, for so many reasons that I don't want to get into that discussion here. Anyway, for those of you that may know what I am talking about, I feel sorry for you, but you are not alone.

I just discovered after reading about 42 and the meaning of life in Wikipedia that if you place the following into a Google search:

the answer to life, the universe, and everything

exactly as typed, you get 42.

How cool is that huh?

Friday, September 19, 2008

Ten Ways to be More Efficient at AutoCAD-Part 2

Previously I began posting on a series called "Ten Ways to be More Efficient at AutoCAD." Part one introduced our discussion of increased efficiency.

My efficiency philosophy is to do less work. It's not because I am lazy, instead I base this theory on my experience using AutoCAD, and other design/drafting software. The theory is that the less I have to do, the quicker and more accurate I am. It is easier and quicker to draw one line than it is to draw two or three lines. Also, drawing one line means that I have one chance to be wrong, where as if I draw two lines I now have 2 chances to be wrong. Therefore, working less means it takes less time and there is less opportunity to make a mistake.

Part One discussed using Keyboard input rather than toolbars or menus. The idea was to use both hands, not just one. Two hands (one on the keyboard, one on the mouse) can do twice the work in less time. Use the mouse to position the cursor while the other hand inputs the commands and data.

In Part Two we will discus using Templates. I am sure most user take advantage of templates, even if they are not aware of it. AutoCAD comes standard with many different types of template files and most companies have established their own set of templates. Fantastic. Why are templates so important? Templates are the starting point of every model file or sheet file. Without a template, users would be forced to recreate each file every time they started one. Why would you do this? Even when we were still drafting on the board we used standard sheets pre-made with borders and title block lines. We even used sticky back sheets to apply standard notes and details. Yes, old timers used "blocks" even before CAD was invented.

There are many benefits to using templates. The main benefit is that users start off doing less. The drawing environment is already set. In theory, the user should open the proper template and begin drafting or modeling. If the user is required to change settings and variables, load layers, line types, text styles, or dimension styles, the template is not doing its job. Remember, the key to efficiency is to do as little as possible. Therefore, if users find they need to set up a file before they can use it then analyze those settings and find a way to incorporate them into the template. Perhaps a new template should be created.

What should be contained in a template? Here is a short list: layers, dimension styles, plot styles, text styles, multi-leader styles, table styles, and any type of style used. Are you getting the idea? Templates should contain the basic building blocks in drawing creation. Before Paper Space, users would often set up templates to common drawing scales. That was a headache to maintain. When ever a standard layer, dim style, or block changed, it had to be updated in each template. I recommend that users make as few templates as possible in order to be more efficient and more accurate, applying the same theory, less work requires less time spent.

What about blocks? Should blocks be in a template? Perhaps there are a few that meet a specific function that could go into a template. I am of the opinion that, generally speaking, blocks do not belong in a template. the belong in a block library and accessed through Tool Pallets. That way, according to our efficiency theory, they are kept in one place and only have to be updated once. Less work, less time, more accuracy. If users have a block that never changes and is used in every drawing, then that might be an exception to the rule. However, keeping to a standard is very important in maintaining best efficiency practices.

In conclusion, use templates. Set the variables the way you or your users need it to be in order to produce the construction drawings as required. Keep them up to date, according with company standards, and make as few as possible.

Happy CADDING.

Quote of the Day

'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
- Abraham Lincoln

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Ten Ways to be More Efficient at AutoCAD

After 15 years of experience using AutoCAD and other Autodesk products, I have put together a list of ten tools and methods (not in any particular order) anyone can use to be more efficient in AutoCAD.

  • Keyboard Commands - pgp file
  • Templates - star with dwt files
  • X-ref and Data Reference - why do things twice
  • Sheet Sets - organize your work
  • Fields - change your data globally
  • Dynamic Blocks - minimize your library, make quick changes
  • Tool Pallets - find it, drag it
  • CUI - put your tools where you want them
  • Standards - keep everyone on the same page
  • Drafting Tools - classic osnaps, tracking, and more
There are so many things, steps, and tricks and you can use and take in order to make your design documents more quickly and accurately. I have come up with these ten basic concepts that I will delve into more deeply in future posts.

It is my experience that CAD users need to work less, not faster, to increase accuracy and to decrease drafting time. Let me explain the theory here. The less I have to do, the quicker I can get it done. What I mean is that use the tools in AutoCAD to automate your work. The above tips focus on this concept.

I do not mean for drafters to do less work, well, ok I do. The only way to draw faster is to move the mouse less, click less, pick less, and type less. One other tip is to be a two handed drafter. Keep one hand on the keyboard and one on the mouse. Forget toolbars, menus, ribbon, etc. and enter your commands with one hand on the keyboard while positioning your cursor with the other. If you take the time to move the mouse, click, move it again, click, and then start working you have wasted much time. BUT if you move and type at the same time, eventually you will get your work finished sooner.

This is one way in which AutoCAD users can work more quickly. I will take a look at my other ideas later on.

But before that starts, what do you think? What do you feel is the number one thing AutoCAD users can do to be more efficient? Why? What do you do? How do you use it in your day to day routine?

Happy CADDING.

Georeferenced DWF Files-From the CAD Geek

DWF files are one of the best methods of providing drawing data to outside vendors, clients, or agencies. Donnie Gladfelter, the CAD Geek, has written a great post on setting up and using DWF files to share your data in a safe manner.

I suggest that you book mark this post for future reference.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

AUGIWorld Salary Survey

AUGI World's Annual Salary Survey is out. Here is a link to the article.

Check out this survey. My friend Melanie manages it and she does a fantastic job. This article breaks down the data collected into several categories. This year it was decided to release the survey earlier than normal.

Save Time With Impression Blocks

AUGI World Magazine's September/October edition is out! There are several great articles, as usual.

My article, Save Time With Impression Blocks, is there on page 14. This article takes a look at using and applying blocks in Impression. It also discusses how to use the block library, edit blocks, and more.

Check it out. If you are using Impression, how do you use blocks in it? Do you create new ones for each project? Or do you import the blocks from AutoCAD?

Let me know.

Happy CADDING!

Monday, September 8, 2008

FREE AutoCAD Navigation Tool

YES ITS FREE!! Autodesk is providing its users with a free navigation tool!

The new tool (did I mention it's free?) allows for forward and backward navigation inside of AutoCAD. It acts much like the forward/backward navigation within a web browser.

It is like a zoom previous, but more intuitive.

I am told that this navigation tool works in AutoCAD 2008 and in AutoCAD 2009. It integrates with the ribbon in 2009, of course.

You can get this NAVIGATION TOOL at the Autodesk Labs web site. The Labs has a ton of free and up-and-coming things. Impression got a start here, as well as Inventor Light,and other add-ons.

What to use, and why?

There are few tings in this world that I would consider myself advanced in. AutoCAD and 2D Drafting are members of that short list. I am venturing into 3D CAD and know which direction I am going there, as many as possible!! However, I am having difficulty determining where to go into visual design.

What is the difference between 3DS Max and Maya? And what about Flame, Smoke, Flint, Inferno, Combustion, and Toxik? I want to venture into visualization software but I don't know where to start.

My first applications would be to add content to websites and videos.

So, I am turning to the great readers of CAD-a-Blog.com. What do you use? for what and why? What is the difference between the programs?

Tanks for the help.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

New Features Workshop

Do you update (I would say UPGRADE, but new doesn't guarantee better) your AutoCAD software regularly? Or do you update it in intervals? Regardless, it can be difficult to know and understand what the new version has to offer. There is a built in tool inside of AutoCAD that will help you know and understand the new features and improvements in AutoCAD. It is called the NEW FEATURES WORKSHOP.

When a user starts AutoCAD for the first time a window pops up. It is the New Features Workshop window. When the New Features Workshop window appear, you can turn it off FOREVER, turn it off until the next time you start AutoCAD, or view it now. I ask that if you don't want to view it now, wait till later to view it, or else you might forget. Don't just turn it off right away, it's easy to forget that way.

If it is turned off, you can get it back, don't worry. Go to the HELP function and it will be an option there.

Each new feature will be broken down in its appropriate section.  Some of the instructions now ave a very short animation to more clearly demonstrate the new process.  Each tip can be viewed over and over again.  

If you are a manager, or simply in need of material, you can use the New Features Workshop as a training guide, especially after a new install.  This works well for instructors because it eliminates the need to develop training material, at least for the new features.

The New Features Workshop has new features for the past Three (3) releases.  If you just installed AutoCAD 2009, there will be information for releases 2007, 2008, and 2009.  This is handy as several of us AutoCAD users often don't update every release, but will skip one, two or even three.  This means that what you missed in past releases can easily be picked up on by you and your users.

If you haven't use the New Features Workshop in AutoCAD before, thats ok, try it out and you might be amazed by what you didn't know!

Happy CADDING.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Earning Respect

In a previous post I asked, As a CAD User, What Are Your Issues? Several of you expressed a lack of respect, or understanding as to what you bring to your firm with your skill set as a CAD User. I have experienced this as well as the opposite. It is much more appealing to be treated with respect and to be viewed as a valuable employee. Respect is easy to deal with. But how do we, as CAD users, meaning non-licensed professionals, deal with supervisors that don’t appreciate what we do?

This question is asked by every employee in every industry. Here are some general guidelines to help you build your reputation at work in a positive way.

Speak to your boss frequently. BUT don’t be annoying! And don’t talk so much that your boss feels you talk more than you work! Balance. Discuss your boss’s expectations of your work and make every effort to reach them, at a minimum.

Seek a mentor. Somebody at your firm has probably worked there longer than you have. Glean from their experience.

Ask for Advice and take their criticism. Nobody knows everything, no not even me. Don’t act like you do. You don’t know what you don’t know. When given instruction, follow it. I the given instructions cannot be done, explain that in a positive way. Demonstrate the issues that make the request unable to be accomplished. These actions will help to build a relationship with you and your boss in a positive manner. If you take instruction then your boss will feel you can be trusted and will give you more.

Demonstrate Leadership Qualities. Be proactive, confident and assertive. Do not be aggressive or arrogant. Be brave. If you are unwilling to make an attempt, you could be labeled as timid and will not be respected. Look for ways that you can improve.

Exceed your boss’s expectations. Remember that your job is not your job, or at least not all of it. When asked to do a task that needs done but nobody wants to do, do it. But don’t be taken advantage of. Take on more responsibility when the opportunity arises, even if your pay does not increase. Think outside of the box (even if you work in a cubicle.) Look for ways to increase your skill set. Volunteer to assist a different department. This will make you more valuable to your employer.

You are a professional, act like one. Remember that you are at work, not a friend’s house, and not your house. Keep your workspace neat and organized. Keep the pets and toys at home. Dress accordingly and speak like a professional.

I am sure that most of you are doing these things and more. What other tips do you have that have worked for you?

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Google Chrome - review

Google has released their very own browser.  It is called CHROME.  With all of the browsers out there why would anyone want to release yet another one?  More importantly, why would anyone want to switch browsers?

I can give one reason-it's better.  Yup.  I have been using Chrome for about a day now and I have to say that it is much better in performance than Windows Internet Explorer.  What has long been the standard method for users to surf the internet is now the worst option that any one can take.  These are strong words I'm sure, but it is my honest opinion.  

Users are much better off using either Firefox, Safaria or Chrome.  I have been a loyal user of Firefox for a long time and I love it.  I have test run Safari for the past several months and I feel it too is a much better solution than Internet Explorer.  It's lacking in a few areas of adons, but give it some more time.

Now enter CHROME!!  That name sounds like one of the stars of the American Gladiator show!  After I downloaded the beta (yes, it's only in beta now) and installed it I ran it.  The screen asked if I wanted to import all of my Firefox or I.E. bookmarks, cookies, passwords, etc.  I said yes and it did!!  Great feature for switching over, and a must in my book.

There are two features that I particularly enjoy about Chrome.  It's simplicity and it's speed.

By simplicity I mean that the interface is neat and clean.  There are no extra frills making more room for screen real estate.  By speed I mean its lightning fast.  I didn't run any benchmark tests, but it is visibly faster.  Try loading this blog on your normal browser, then load it on Chrome.  See what I mean?  WOW!!  That's the very first thing I said when I tried it out.

One short coming when compared to Firefox is Chrome's lack of add ons.  But give it time, with Google's mode of operations, thhey will be here soon.

Anyway, I recomend trying Chrome.  

Monday, September 1, 2008

As a CAD User, what are your issues?

Tell me your problems. I don't mean problems in using CAD, like how do I divide a line into three equal parts? I mean work related issues. For example:

  • How do I deal with a difficult CAD Manager?
  • How do I deal with difficult CAD Users?
  • My boss knows nothing about CAD but tells me how to use it?
  • Our CAD Standards are awful.
  • My hardware is unreliable, what do I do?
  • How do I improve my skills?
  • My boss is a jerk, now what?
  • I need a job, so what do I do?
I am looking for questions from a CAD Technician's point of view, or from a CAD Users perspective. I am not looking for CAD Managers issues, though the two often share the same problems.

So, what are your problems? And how do you handle them?

Thursday, August 28, 2008

How to teach yourself CAD

I received e-mails asking how users or potential users can teach themselves to use AutoCAD or one of Autodesk's verticals. Well, I was reminded today by Shaan Hurley's post about the Autodesk Student Community.

If you are a student (meaning you have a student e-mail address from your school) you can sign up to be a member of Autodesk's Student Community. I have been a student for a few years now (I'm working on an Associates Degree in Design Drafting) and a member of the student community almost as long.

There are many benefits to being a member of this group. One is the free software. Yes I said FREE!!! There are a few catches of course. One is that there is a 13 month time limit. Users will receive a special student license number. If it isn't imputed, then it becomes a regular 30 day trial version.

The other "catch" is that the software becomes a "Student Version." That means that each file made will have a watermark inserted on it every time it is printed. This isn't an issue for users that are, well, students. That keeps users from using free software for production purposes.

One other thing to keep in mind is that all objects saved in a student version will be "tagged" as being made in a student version. If you insert any student version object into a file with a "regular" version of AutoCAD, that file will be tagged as being made by a student version. It could corrupt your production files so be careful not to mix them up.

Benefits. There are several. Users get to actually use the software they are going to be using as professionals. It provides a chance to have real experience and thus require less training time once employed. The Community Web Site has tons of tutorials which are very easy to use and follow. There are also tips, newsletters, and forums where students can ask and answer questions. It is also a place where users can network with other student users.

So, if you are a student, check out Autodesk's Student Community. It's a great place to try out software and learn it.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

AUGI Article-Units

Check out my latest article for AUGI Hotnews, MEASURING UP. It is an article that discuses units and how to set your AutoCAD files units of measurement.

The article also looks at methods on properly setting up your drawing units.

Happy CADDING.

Design the NEW Top DAUG Logo and win . . .

Design the NEW TOP DAUG Logo and you could win a prize worth over a thousand dollars or more!!!

AUGI is pleased to announce the “Second Annual Top DAUG T-Shirt Design competition”.

Last year’s Top DAUG T-shirt competition was a great success. We had almost 70 submissions. Robert Geiger was chosen by the members as the final winner, and will be enjoying a free trip to Autodesk University this year. Here is your chance to submit your design and win this trip in 2009. Here are the details.

The challenge:

Submit a design to be printed on the front of the AUGI Top DAUG T-shirt. The t-shirt will be distributed at Autodesk University 2008 to all who participate in the AUGI Top DAUG challenge at AU as well as Top DAUG contests held in conjunction with AUGI CAD Camp events in the 2008-09 season.

The qualifications:

  1. Participants must be AUGI members.
  2. Autodesk employees are not eligible to submit a design.
  3. You do not have to attend AU 2008 to submit a design.

The specs:

  1. Designs must be created with an Autodesk software product.
  2. Designs are to be submitted as a DWF (Drawing Web Format) file.
  3. Size of design should not exceed 9" (22.8 cm) x 9" (22.8 cm).
  4. Members may submit more than one design, if desired.
  5. Designs should be submitted in black & white only. Grey tones are acceptable.
  6. Each design needs to include the words “AUGI” and “Top DAUG” (Logos from Top DAUG sponsors Autodesk and HP will be added to the t-shirt sleeves for final printing).

The design deadline:

Designs must be submitted by October 3, 2008, 11:59 AM PDT. Submit your design(s) to topdaugtshirt@augi.com.

Then what?

  1. Each eligible design will be posted on AUGI.com for voting from October 6 - October 17, 2008.
  2. AUGI members will vote for their top pick.
  3. Members can vote only once.
  4. The design with the most votes will be awarded the Grand Prize.

What you can win:

Besides the fame that goes along with being the creator of the winning design, the grand prize winner and nine other contestants will win these more tangible prizes.

  1. Grand Prize, for the individual whose design is selected by AUGI members’ votes, is a free pass to AU 2009.
  2. Winners in 2nd through 10th place will receive exclusive AUGI merchandise.

The Grand Prize winner will be revealed at the start of the Top DAUG contest on Tuesday night in the AUGI booth. In the event of a tie for the favorite design, AUGI’s Board of Directors will select the grand prize winning design. The top 10 designs will be displayed in the AUGI booth for the duration of Autodesk University 2008.

Send your design (and/or questions and comments) to topdaugtshirt@augi.com. Don’t delay... the deadline is October 3rd!

Quick Tip-Mtext Upper to Lower Case and Back

Here is an Mtext Quick Tip that I am "borrowing" from Cadalyst's latest Tips and Tools Weekly.

Have you ever typed a note in AutoCAD's Mtext editor only to find out that your caps lock was on (or off depending on what you want to accomplish)? There are a few things you can do to fix it. Right click in the editor and select the CHANGE CASE option. Or, press Ctrl + Shift + U to set the text to Upper Case, OR . . . . press Ctrl + Shift + L to set the test to Lower Case.

Very simple but handy.

Happy CADDING!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Off Topic - Me

When I started this blog I didn't want to talk about my personal life, unless it was to toot my own horn or to pat myself on the back!! I have tried to stay away from that. Today, for at least one post I feel compelled to write about the events in my life from last week. Oh what a week I had!!

It started on Sunday afternoon. Tropical Storm Fay was headed our way. It was a complete unknown at the time so we felt we should start to prepare. Our house has three levels to it and we wanted to get the storm shutters up on the third floor windows. I, my son, and my wife went outside to the garage to get started. Well, everyone made it down the outside stairs except my wife. She missed the very bottom step, rolled her ankle left and fell to the right breaking her left leg in three places. The next day (Monday) she had surgery, inserting two plates and 13 screws to help mend her broken leg bones.

While she was in the hospital, the doctors noticed she had an accelerated heart rate. She has been feeling bad since January when her father passed away from pancreatic cancer (yea, its been a bad year). By the way, her grandmother passed away about two weeks before her father. we thought she was sick from the stress.

Thursday she came home from the Hospital and had scheduled a doctors appointment on Friday to check out her heart rate, etc. Before I left work on Thursday to go take her home, my boss laid me off, as well as seven other employees, leaving only the engineers in the office. The really bad news is that at Heidt & Associates, Inc., your termination day is the last day you covered by health insurance! OUCH!! Perfect timing. My former boss felt bad though, so that helps.

On Friday (our last day of insurance-they gave me an extra day of insurance), my wife saw the doctor and he diagnosed her with Grave's Disease. Now she has a broken leg (that won't heal for at least 12 weeks), can't walk (she broke one leg and twisted the other) or do anything alone, she has Grave's Disease (means she has a hyperactive thyroid and her heart could fail because of it), I have no job and we have no insurance.

That's the bad news. The good news is that all of these issues can and will be resolved. My wife's thyroid can be treated, her leg will heal and i will find a job, eventually. These past events are but a minor bump in the road of life.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Resume

BRIAN C. BENTON
Email: bbenton@cad-a-blog.com


OBJECTIVE: To utilize my drafting skills, extensive CAD knowledge, inspection experience, and writing abilities in the field of engineering, design drafting and technical writing.

SUMMARY: I am intelligent, creative, and a hardworking husband and father of two. I am able to work well with a group, or alone on a project or task. Resourceful, able to visualize clearly using knowledge, personal experience and imagination. Also able to meet deadlines and take on a heavy load. Nearly fifteen years of experience of drafting work using cad systems like I/draft by Intergraph, Microstation and AutoCAD versions ten through 2008. I am also a Beta Tester for Autodesk, CAD Tip Patroller for Cadalyst Magazine, writer for AUGI World Magazine, writer for AUGI Hotnews, AUGI ATP Instructor, and Autodesk University Instructor.

EDUCATION
2006-2008 Edison College, (Drafting & Design Program)
1993 Purdue University Calumet, Engineering
1992 Calumet High School
Graduated National Honor Society, Top ten percent of class of 1992
Chosen for “Who’s Who” among American H.S. Students during Senior Year

EXPERIENCE: CAD TECHNICIAN/DRAFTER/DESIGNER/DETAILER/INSPECTOR

8/03-8/08 HEIDT & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Senior Engineering Cad Technician: Supervised Engineering CAD Department, Civil and survey drafting & design, details and layout work. Wastewater, water main and road design. Site and road grading. Site planning and development. Record drawing coordination and management. Survey checking, drafting and field work. IT support, developed CAD standards manual for office and assisted in developing Company Wide Standards.

3/01-8/03 ENSPECT, INC.
Structural inspector- primarily for the industrial services (cranes, steel structures), Structural drafting, detailing and layout design.

3/00-1/01 B & H TECHNICAL SERVICES
Application Engineer: Demonstrated/installed plotter/printer software and hardware to customers and troubleshooted problems for clients.

6/95-3/00 STAMPER ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC.
Mechanical Layouts/Details, Structural/Civil Layouts using AutoCAD. Contract work for Union Tank Car Company, Hoogovens Technical Services Inc., and Steel Equipment Specialists, Inc.

11/93-6/95 MECA ENG. & ESPO ENGINEERING
Contracted to Union Tank Car Company through the companies listed. Mechanical drafting using I/draft CAD system by Intergraph, and Microstation.

References available upon request

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Some of my Favorite Quotations

I love quotes. I have collected some over the past few years. Here are some of them:

"It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said,
'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of
your arm.'"
- Sam Levenson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The above quote from Sam Levenson is one of my favorite. I try to live by this. I hate depending on others for my well being. If I fail, that's ok, but If I fail because of the actions (or inaction) of others, then that is not ok with me. If you want something or need something in life, it is up to you to see that it is done. You are no bodies responsibility. You are your own responsibility. Depending on others for your well being will leave you wanting.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After the last of 16 mounting screws has been removed from an access cover, it will
be discovered that the wrong access cover has been removed.
- De La Lastra's Law
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Once the game is over, the King and the pawn go back in the same box."
- Italian Proverb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is another one of my favorites. We are all equal in rights and acountability to our creator. During life, we are not equal in power, abilities, or resources. None of us are equal. I can do things that others can't, there are many things others do that I can not. Therefore we are not all equall in abilities. I do believe that we all should have equal opportunity to use our abilities to the fullest, being limited by nothing that ourselves.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.
- Bertolt Brecht
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Needing someone is like needing a parachute. If they aren't there the first time,
chances are you won't be needing them again.
-Unknown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
-Will Rogers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
- Pablo Picasso
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How else are you going to make progress in your life?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engineering is a great profession. There is the satisfaction of watching a figment of
the imagination emerge through the aid of science to a plan on paper. Then it moves
to realization in stone or metal or energy. Then it brings homes to men or women.
Then it elevates the standard of living and adds to the comforts of life. This is the
engineer's high privilege.
Herbert Hoover
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required.
Sir Winston Churchill

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Laid Off

Ok, today I was Laid Off due to the company's lack of work. If anyone is hiring please let me know. Here is my resume (it still needs to be updated, so I will post an better resume later on.)

Also, I am the Tip Patroller For Cadalyst Magazine, I help with their implementation of the CAD Tips WIKI, I am a writer for AUGI World Magazine and AUGI Hotnews online magazine. I am going to be an instructor at Autodesk University this year.

I have over 15 years experience as a drafter, detailer, designer, inspector, manager, and more. I can use AutoCAD, CIvil3D, Office, GIS, and more.


BRIAN C. BENTON

Email:Benton.brian@gmail.com


OBJECTIVE: To utilize my drafting skills and inspection experience in the field of engineering.

SUMMARY: Intelligent, creative, young and hardworking husband and father of two. Able to work well with a group, or alone on a project or task. Resourceful, able to visualize clearly using knowledge, personal experience and imagination. Also able to meet deadlines and take on a heavy load. Over thirteen years of experience of drafting work using cad systems like I/draft by Intergraph, Microstation and AutoCAD versions ten and higher.

EDUCATION

2006-Present Edison College, Fort Myers, FL (Currently enrolled in the Drafting & Design

Program)

1993 Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN

Currently have two semesters completed, Engineering

1992 Calumet High School, Calumet Township, IN

Graduated National Honor Society, Top ten percent of class of 1992

Chosen for “Who’s Who” among American H.S. Students during Senior Year

EXPERIENCE: CAD TECHNICIAN / DRAFTSMAN / DETAILER / INSPECTOR

8/03-Present HEIDT & ASSOCIATES, INC. Fort Myers, FL

Cad Technician: Civil and survey drafting, details and layout work. Sewer, water main and road design. Site and road grading. Site planning and development. Record drawing coordination and management. Survey checking. IT support, developed CAD standards manual for office and assisted for Company Wide Standards.

3/01-8/03 ENSPECT, INC. Merrillville, IN

Structural inspector primarily for the industrial services (cranes, steel structures) and Structural drafting, detailing and layout.

3/00-1/01 B & H TECHNICAL SERVICES Merrillville, IN

Application Engineer: Demonstrated/installed plotter/printer software and hardware to customers and troubleshooted minor problems for clients.

6/95-3/00 STAMPER ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC. Merrillville, IN

Mechanical Layouts/Details, Structural/Civil Layouts using AutoCAD. Contract work for Union Tank Car Company, Hoogovens Technical Services Inc., and Steel Equipment Specialists, Inc.

11/93-6/95 MECA ENG. & ESPO ENGINEERING East Chicago, IN

Contracted to Union Tank Car Company through the companies listed. Mechanical drafting using I/draft CAD system by Intergraph, and with Microstation.

References available upon request

Categories

AutoDesk (110) autocad (109) AutoCAD 2009 (40) augi (40) efficient (38) news (37) drafting (33) training (33) articles (30) CADaBlog (29) AutoCAD WS (23) Update (23) quick tip (22) video (21) mobile (19) review (19) cad (16) 3D Mouse (15) 3Dconnexion (15) Impression (15) Android (14) AutoCAD 2013 (14) cadalyst (14) me (14) AutoCAD 2010 (13) text (13) off topic (12) survey (12) Apps (11) hotfix (11) tips (11) 3D (10) AU (10) AutoCAD 2011 (10) service pack (10) workstation (10) Autodesk Labs (9) CAD Manager (9) annotation (9) blocks (9) cloud (9) fun (9) inventor (9) HP (8) Review-Product (8) autocad lt (8) videos (8) AutoCAD 2014 (7) Autodesk 360 (7) CUI (7) Windows 8 (7) iOS (7) new (7) IMSI Design (6) cad standards (6) files (6) google (6) infinite skills (6) printers (6) reference (6) ribbon (6) support (6) updates (6) workaround (6) RSS (5) TurboViewer (5) Upgrade (5) data (5) email (5) fields (5) guest post (5) keyboard (5) layers (5) paper space (5) pi (5) pi day (5) quotes (5) rant (5) selection (5) standards (5) styles (5) subscription (5) tech (5) 2D (4) AutoCAD Exchange (4) AutoCAD for Mac (4) Mac (4) Mastering AutoCAD (4) SketchBook (4) TurboCAD (4) UI (4) action recorder (4) dimension (4) driver (4) fills (4) large format printing (4) leaders (4) math (4) mobile workstation (4) salary (4) sheet sets (4) Amazon (3) Apple (3) AutoCAD 2012 (3) AutoCAD 2015 (3) AutoCAD 360 (3) AutoCAD Fundamentals (3) Civil 3D (3) DVD (3) DWF (3) Fusion (3) GIS (3) Kindle Fire (3) Lenovo (3) Microsoft (3) Review-Software (3) Wiley (3) Windows Phone 8 (3) Windows RT (3) annimation (3) announcements (3) autodesk plm (3) book (3) command alias (3) contest (3) filters (3) find (3) hardware (3) history (3) iPad (3) license (3) license software (3) lisp (3) menu browser (3) properties (3) purge (3) quick view (3) saas (3) tables (3) toolbars (3) weekend rant (3) what not to CAD (3) what not to do (3) #CADaBlogDVD2013 (2) 3D Modeling (2) 3ds Max (2) AutoCAD LT 2013 (2) AutoCAD LT for Mac (2) AutoCAD MAC (2) Autodesk. (2) BIM (2) CAD Services (2) CADSpeed (2) DWG (2) DXF (2) Designjet (2) Error (2) FAIL (2) Facecast (2) Freestyle (2) Fusion for Mac (2) George Omura (2) Mac OS (2) Mountain Lion (2) Novedge (2) Recomend (2) Review-Book (2) Revit LT (2) SpaceMouse Pro (2) Sybex (2) Tablet (2) Thinkstation (2) TurboReview (2) TurboViewer X (2) What Not To Do In AutoCAD (2) What's New (2) Windows (2) array (2) as-builts (2) beta (2) blog (2) circles (2) civil (2) civil design (2) collaboration (2) color (2) command line (2) commands (2) computer (2) copy (2) design (2) design review (2) dim style (2) download (2) eBook (2) eTransmit (2) file naming (2) free (2) geek stuff (2) grid (2) hotnews (2) interview (2) jobs (2) knowledge base (2) limits (2) look back (2) mouse (2) pallets (2) pgp (2) plotting (2) posts (2) press release (2) pricing (2) purchase (2) redlines (2) reference files (2) rental plans (2) shortcuts (2) sketchup (2) status bar (2) technology preview (2) tool pallet (2) tooltips (2) tv (2) units (2) video editing (2) viewer (2) webinar (2) 123D (1) 123D Catch (1) 123D Create (1) 123D Make (1) 2014 (1) 2015 (1) 3d Printing (1) ACAD/Medre.A (1) ADR (1) AEC (1) AUGI World (1) Account (1) Adobe (1) Apps Tab (1) AutoCAD 2016 (1) AutoCAD Error (1) AutoCAD LT 2012 (1) AutoCAD LT 2014 (1) AutoCAD LT 2015 (1) AutoCAD Mechanical (1) AutoCAD Revit Suite (1) Autodesk Account (1) Autodesk BIM 360 (1) Autodesk Instant (1) Autodesk PLM 360 (1) Autodesk ReCap (1) Award (1) CADDork (1) CADO (1) CTB (1) CadMouse (1) Camtasia (1) Communication Center (1) Corel (1) DWFx (1) Dassault Systemes (1) Death Star (1) Dell (1) Design Feed (1) Design Suites (1) DesignCAD (1) DoubleCAD (1) Duratec (1) E32 (1) ESET (1) ESRI (1) EliteBook (1) Epson (1) Evernote (1) Exchange Apps (1) FTP (1) ForceEffect (1) Free Form (1) Fusion 360 (1) GIS Day (1) GeoViewer (1) Geographic Information Systems (1) Geographic Location (1) Google Chromebook Pixel (1) Google Earth (1) Google Earth Pro (1) HP Designjet T2300 eMFP (1) HP EliteBook (1) HP EliteBook 8570w (1) HP Z1 (1) Help (1) Homestyler (1) IT (1) Infocenter (1) Inforbix (1) InfraWorks (1) InfraWorks 360 Pro (1) Infrastructure Modeler (1) Instant (1) Inventor 2013 (1) Inventor 2013 SP1 (1) Inventor LT (1) JPEG 2000 (1) Kickstarter (1) Kindle (1) Language packs (1) Lawsuit (1) Lenovo Thinkstation E32 (1) LizardTech (1) MS Exchange (1) Map 3D (1) Maya (1) MrSID (1) OS (1) OS X (1) Office Suite (1) Orange Juice Studios (1) P-Series (1) PLM (1) Photoshop (1) Pixel (1) Pixlr (1) Pixlr Express (1) Pixlr-o-matic (1) Plant (1) PogoPlug (1) Point Cloud (1) Previous (1) Project Artoo (1) Project Geppetto (1) Project Snap (1) R&D (1) Red Dot Award (1) Review-Service (1) Revit (1) Revit LT 2013 (1) Rhino (1) SDK (1) SMS (1) Secureload (1) Socialcam (1) Softimage (1) Solid Edge (1) SolidWorks (1) SpaceMouse Wireless (1) SpaceNavigator (1) Star Wars (1) SureColor (1) T-Series (1) TechSmith (1) The Future (1) Thinkstation E32 (1) Touch Screen (1) Trimble (1) TurboSite (1) TurboSite Reader (1) TurboViewer Pro (1) Unreconciled Layers (1) VBA (1) VOIP (1) Vault (1) Vault 2012 (1) Vela Systems (1) Visualization (1) WebOS (1) Welcome Screen (1) Windows Vista (1) Windows XP (1) Z1 (1) acad.doc (1) acad.lsp (1) acaddoc.lsp (1) acquisition (1) advice (1) aerial (1) all-in-one (1) angles (1) archive (1) arcs (1) author (1) autocad 2012. autocad lt 2012 (1) autocad. autocad for mac (1) autodesk logo (1) background (1) break (1) burrito (1) business (1) celebrate (1) check (1) checklist (1) chrome (1) chrome os (1) chromebook (1) climate (1) coming soon (1) communicate (1) constraints (1) construction (1) copier (1) crowd funding (1) customize (1) deadlines (1) design process (1) designer (1) desktop subscription (1) different language (1) draftsight (1) eMFP (1) ePrint (1) employee (1) employer (1) engineer (1) environment (1) event (1) feeds (1) file sharing (1) filepath (1) fix it (1) folders (1) font (1) government fail (1) groups (1) guide (1) hatching (1) imagery (1) initial setup (1) input (1) install (1) intel (1) internet (1) investment (1) isometrics (1) labels (1) layer manager (1) linetype (1) livestream (1) logo (1) macro (1) malware (1) message (1) mice (1) model space (1) modeling (1) multi leaders (1) navigation (1) newsletter (1) notifications (1) offset (1) opinion (1) options (1) overrides status bar (1) parametrics (1) patches (1) pay-as-you-go (1) perpetual license (1) podcast (1) poll (1) polyline (1) prank (1) printer failure (1) printers color (1) project draw (1) project files (1) project workflow (1) questions (1) recommend (1) release (1) remove (1) rent (1) repair (1) resume (1) reverse line direction (1) right click (1) save (1) scale (1) scanner (1) screen capture (1) sea turtles (1) send files (1) settings (1) snap (1) software (1) solutions (1) sony (1) student (1) subscription center (1) sustainability (1) system variables (1) tabs (1) tech snob (1) transparency (1) trial (1) undo (1) uninstall (1) viewports (1) virus (1) webcast (1) wiki (1) workplace (1)