Beside the Cursor...

Revit 2011 Build Checker Application #4 Released

I've updated the Revit Build checker for the 2011 products. Looks like I get to wait until April 8th to try it out, so if anyone would like to test and report back, I would welcome it. Here is a new build updated for Revit 2011 products.

Download a copy here: RevitBuildChecker-4.zip

Note: I'll probably revisit this app in the near future, with the following improvements in mind.

Network Version: - Check across all pc's or select pc's on a domain.
Logging Feature: - Write to a csv file for review.

Labels: Autodesk, CAD Management, Revit 2011, Revit Structure Architecture MEP Autodesk, VBScript

Detecting 32bit or 64bit OS in VBscript

As part of the process of updating some machines to 64bit this week, I realized that I'll have to adjust existing code to automate updates and service packs on the affected machines. I wrote previously about a similar function in lisp here.

Here is the VBScript version:

On Error Resume Next

Dim WshShell
Dim OsType

Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")

OsType = WshShell.RegRead("HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment\PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE")

If OsType = "x86" then
wscript.echo "Windows 32bit system detected"
elseif OsType = "AMD64" then
wscript.echo "Windows 64bit system detected"
end if

Labels: CAD Management, VBScript

AutoCAD Architectural Schedule Formula Tip

Problem: Schedule Formula (simple area addition) does not display as intended.

Solution: Check your format for the underlying property set variables.

As you can see from the image above, the combined area of two properties is not displaying as intended. What can I do to get a simple sum that displays in square feet? Here is the executive summary.

1.) Verify that your Schedule Cell format is set to Area.
2.) Now check each variable in the formula and scroll to the right setting their format to "standard" instead of area as shown in the following image.

That's it! Your Problem is solved!

Continue reading below for the step by step version.

Step by Step:
Step 1: Select your schedule table, right click your mouse and choose "Edit Schedule Table Style..." from the pop up menu.

Step Two: When the Style Editor dialog box appears, navigate to the offending column and select it by left clicking with your mouse. Now move your mouse to the "Modify..." button at the bottom of the dialog box and left click it with your mouse. Now find the sample values list area indicated by #3 in the image below and left click and hold your mouse button down while sliding your mouse to the right. When you can see the format column you can let go of the mouse and continue to the next step.

Step Three: Double check that your chosen data format is "Area" for the Column Properties as shown in #1 in the image below. Next move your mouse back to the sample values list and change the format value for your variables to "standard" from "Area" as shown in the image below next to #2 and #3 in the image.