Beside the Cursor...

Detecting 32bit or 64bit OS in VBscript

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:36:00 +0000

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

Revit Flip Controls are ALWAYS Exterior

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:42:00 +0000

Remember, flip controls on objects in Revit are always on the Exterior side of the object.

Revit Experienced Architects - Job in ATL

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:22:00 +0000

I just heard about a local firm looking to add some Revit positions in the ATL... anyone with Real revit project experience looking for work? Contact me.

Buy Popcorn for the Cubscouts and help the troops too!

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:06:00 +0000

Trevor just created this message to help him earn a free camping trip this year. It would feel so good to buy some popcorn from this clever boy!

Did you know you can help me earn my own way in Scouting? Just click here and place an order on my behalf. There are new products offered online, like flavored almonds and a limited edition BSA tote.

70% of your purchase will be returned to me, my unit and my council. Online purchases help us fund fun, educational activities and help more kids experience all the things that make Scouting great.

Thanks for your support,
Trevor

If you cannot click on the link above, please copy and paste this full URL into your Internet browser address bar:

http://www.trails-end.com/estore/scouts/email_referral.jsp?id=2891302

Revit Swept Blends - Chimney WIP

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:14:00 +0000

Thought I'd share a work in progress.
Custom Home with Corkscrew Chimney.
This was accomplished using Revit 2009 using the swept blend tool and arrays.

Click on the image to download the family.

AUGI Career Center - It's NEW!

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:48:00 +0000

Get a Job, Get Noticed, Get your career advice at careers.augi.com. Check out the latest offering from your friends at AUGI.com - It is a Web-based career center that connects job seekers with prospective employers in our industry. AUGI's job board was made possible by connecting with Job services leader, Jobtarget. The new job board is available at careers.augi.com.

Fixing Missing Hatch Problems - Error Reading Hatch pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:51:00 +0000

From time to time you might run into this problem with files you receive from others.
Problem:

You receive an autocad drawing. You open the file and attempt to change or match a hatch pattern. You receive an error reading hatch pattern.

Solution:

List the hatch to find out name of the missing pattern.
Search for this pattern. In the example in the video below, I was able to find the pattern in a modified acad.pat file on a designers computer (c:drive).
Create a text file with the name that is the same as the missing pattern (case sensitive).
Paste the missing pattern into this file and save to a folder within the AutoCAD Support file search path.

Watch the video to see it in action - http://screenr.com/UKs using the "twitterized" screen capture software screenr. or check out the embedded blogger version below:

New Screencaster Video Twitter tool - Screenr.com

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:34:00 +0000

I thought I'd share this tool with you. I have found it very useful for doing a quick screen capture and then tweeting the video link directly inside twitter.

The tool is web based, it records high def video and audio. When it is done, you'll get a preview and the ability to tweet it directly, download the mp4 file, post it to Youtube, copy paste the embed link and or copy the url and send it via email using your own client. It is easy to use and free! What can be better than that!

How to create video using Screenr

Watch the video above to learn how easy it is use. I recorded myself recording a screenr video using Camtasia so you could see the entire process. I will, of course, continue to utilize camtasia for the videos I wish to edit, but when I need a quick video to post for someone, expect to see a screenr.com version. Want to see the output from screenr? Click the hyperlink below.

How to Video Created using Screenr

Removing Portions of a Continuous Dimension in Revit

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Want to remove portions of a continuous dimension string within Revit but don't want to delete and re-create the string? Use the grip and your Right Mouse Button (RMC). Delete Witness Lines is the command. Watch the video to learn how.

Content Browser Hotfix - Confiming the fix for ADT 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Although there is no official hotfix release yet, for the content browser drag and drop issue, I can confirm that the "unofficial" hotfix does indeed restore the missing functionality for all releases going as far back as ADT 2007. Those of you who know what I am talking about will find the files made available by Odin Cary on Archidigm.

Fellow blogger, David Koch, of The Architects Desktop also discussed the issue in a blog post. There is a thread in the Autodesk Discussion Group alluding to this fix, unfortunately, none of the resources linked to above mentioned Architectural Desktop 2007 which is still the bread and butter for many firms.

Without a method of repairing my workstation, I was near "re-imaging" the pc in order to update some company standard tool palettes. To make a long story short, the hot fix mentioned in some of the above links does indeed work for ADT 2007. I have confirmed that. Those that wish to read about the ordeal can continue below...

After installing Revit Architecture Suite 2010, I was suprised to find out that my install of Architectural Desktop 2007 would no longer allow me to drag and drop palettes from the content browser to the application. Since the "AutoCAD" native import and export of tool palettes is disabled in the vertical products, I was left with attempting to rebuild tool palettes one tool at a time. This is unacceptable and left me without a means to re-build or extend some standard palettes in use by a large number of users. It also was an ALL Stop issue related to pushing out Revit Architecture 2010 to others in the firm.

After failing to uncover a hotfix, service pack, or mention of the problem related to ADT 2007 I resorted to standard processes. I attempted the fix on my own by doing the repair option. When this failed I resorted to the standard uninstall/reinstall dance. When that too I attempted a more vigorous repair option, this time by uninstalling all Autodesk products, purging the known hideouts and registry entries and then reinstalling in order of release.

Since none of these steps worked, I submitted a trouble call to Autodesk Web Support. While I waited for a response, I prepped my machine for a clean wipe and re-image for the hard drive. I was pleasantly surprised when Autodesk responded with an "as yet" unpublished Hotfix (see the Archidigm link). This am, I applied the Hotfix and was once again able to drag and drop palettes into ADT2007.

This fix is easy to apply, simply rename the offending file in the Autodesk Shared folder and copy in the new dll. You can get them at Archidigm or wait for Autodesk to post them.

Change your habits to speed up your Revit Model Response

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Are you one member of a team who is working in a Revit Model? Wish you could speed up your file access? You can, but you must enlist the help of your team mates. Create a new text based legend and always set it active when you STC. (See image below)

My teams use a legend with the following title: *****Open and Save*****
On this legend you'll find a project "ToDo List", "User Coordination Notes", and more.

We've got three special text styles for use on our ToDo List. A grey version that indicates the item is complete, a black version that indicates a current item, and a red style that identifies something as "Hot" or "Important".

Each open and save operation is much quicker when performed with this view active.

Revit Tip - Clearing overlapping walls and room separation lines.

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Keep your model performing optimally by eliminating conditions that result in overlapping room separation lines and walls. As an aid to assist you in finding these conditions, create a view template with these conditions:

A graphic override for room separation lines where lines are red and heavy
Model graphics style: set to wireframe.

Now whenever you need to clean up these conditions, you can apply the view template (see example image below) temporarily and you'll be able to see graphically where the "coincident" conditions exist.

Autodesk University 2009 - Have you Registered yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Did you know that AU registration is open? If you haven't yet registered, you'll want to hurry up and get registered. Do it now, before all the good classes are gone!

See you at Autodesk University 2009.

Adding Attributes to Dynamic Blocks - Don't forget ATTSYNC

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:27:00 +0000

I received a request to update some dynamic blocks this morning. The blocks were originally set up with a text entity that was allowed to be relocated much like an attribute, but was hardcoded to display a single value. Now that value had to be more "dynamic". Lets edit it and replace the text with an attribute.

The image shown displays two blocks, the one on the left has already been updated with an attribute. Notice that there is no text displayed. Remember this when you go to modify yours... You'll need to sync the attributes before the text will display appropriately. We'll cover that at the end of this post.

How to Add Attributes to Dynamic Blocks

Open the drawing containing your dynamic block

Select your block and right click choosing "Block Editor" from the context menu as shown here.

Delete your text and click the define attribute tool within the block editor.
Note: Your previously assigned actions will become disconnected as shown in the image below. This is not a cause for concern, we will fix that by double clicking and selecting our new attribute.

Enter the values for your new attribute and ensure that you LOCK the attribute position as indicated in this image.

Place your attribute and double click any "disconnected" actions then select your new attribute definition.

Close the block editor and update the block.

Type "ATTSYNC" and select your updated Dynamic Block.

Your edits are complete, now start using it.

You might have noticed that in practice your attribute will update upon changing the attribute value...no need to wait and click the "Apply" button to see the new value as shown in this image.

For more info and help with Dynamic Blocks, visit the Dynamic Blocks forums at AUGI.com

Find the cure for MS - Help team Autodesk achieve their goal

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +0000

I received the following message from AUGI friend Roopinder Tara.

I'll be doing a charity ride for MS this weekend with Team Autodesk. We are
trying to raise money but are well short of our goal. Would you mind helping
spread the word on your blog? Any help from you to spread the word would be much
appreciated. I've included an ad in case you can use it, feel free to modify it
to fit your site.
BTW, if you know someone who is affected by MS, pls send me
the name. I will wear names of people on my back.

Thanks very much in advance.

Roopinder Tara
Editor TenLinks

More information on the Team Autodesk page:
You can also refer to the press release by TenLinks:http://www.tenlinks.com/About/News/071309_ms_ride.htm

Good Luck to you Roopinder and Team Autodesk!

Impression - Hand Rendered or Stylized? BOTH are possible

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:37:00 +0000

I held another Brown Bag Lunch yesterday with the focus on Autodesk Impression. As part of the discussion, I prepared some examples of entourage for review. One of the images below is a stylized tree created with Impression linework. The other is a hand rendered tree that was digitally remastered by scanning into Gimp, removing the background, and then converting into a block inside Impression. I added the same drop shadow style to both images.

You can download a copy of the the impression file containing both blocks by clicking on the below.

Trees_RLB.irf

For more info on Revit, read Brian Benton's articles in the latest issue of AUGIWorld Magazine.

ADOBE CS3 Font Issue Resolved - "something prevented the text engine from being initialized

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Having trouble with Adobe Photoshop? I ran across an issue with uneditable text in a photoshop file on a designer's pc. After uninstalling and reinstalling didn't work, I found a solution in adobe's online forums. If you get this message when opening a file:

"Could not complete your request because something prevented the text engine
from being initialized."

You can fix it by closing photoshop, and deleting the lst files found in this location:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Adobe\TypeSupport

Adobe will recreate the files next time pshop is launched and your problem will be gone.

Here is an image of what it looks like in photoshop.

AUGI AEC EDGE Magazine is THE Expert Resource for BIM and Revit

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Do you want to deliver your projects faster and more efficiently? Then you need to read AUGI AEC Edge. It is jam packed full of industry best practices, best of class Autodesk Revit advice, and case studies and white papers from industry experts.

AUGI AEC Edge is a brand new publication dedicated to delivering mission-critical information to Architects, Engineers, Designers, and Contractors using Autodesk AEC products.

The image above is a screen capture from the AUGI AEC EDGE microsite. Check it out and download your copy today.

Legacy VBA Error - For next loop may really mean If end if.

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:12:00 +0000

I was updating some legacy VBA code today and had to add some additional logic to a function. When I click the run button, I was faced with this dialog box

A quick check of the code indicates that there IS a closing "NEXT" statement for the "For Each..." loop. When this happens to you, check any "If...." logic constructs within the "For ... Next" loop. Chances are you'll find a missing "End if" statement.

Block Insertion Swap Routine for AutoCAD

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:44:00 +0000

I was asked today if I knew of a way to swap out a single block for another block? I knew that the Express tools could do this, but a global block redefinition was not what we were looking for.

So I did a quick search in the AUGI lisp forums and found a routine posted by Miff that was close to doing what I needed. In reviewing the routine, I realized that it would be nice to allow single or multiple selection. I modified the routine slightly to remove the SSGET modifier for single selection (ssget "_:S") resulting in this code:

(if (and (setq ss (ssget ":S" '((0 . "INSERT"))))
becoming this code:

(if (and (setq ss (ssget '((0 . "INSERT"))))

Since I wanted all the staff to be able to utilize this routine, I added an autoloader to the company standard acaddoc.lsp file and placed the newly named "blkswap.lsp" file out in the network applications folder:

(autoload "blkswap" '("blkswap"))

You're welcome to download my modified version here:blkswap.lsp
Or grab Miff's original from the AUGI forums.
Thanks Miff!
Thanks to AUGI as well for providing such a fantastic resource.

Here is a short video detailing how to use the routine once it is available via autoload.

Facebook landgrab in full swing - have you got yours?

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:46:00 +0000

Just made my landgrab. Did you get your facebook landing page? Now anyone can visit my facebook page using this url: http://www.facebook.com/richard.binning

Apparently, facebook granted me two names cause http://www.facebook.com/richardbinning also works!

Want to get yours? Visit this link: http://www.facebook.com/username/ and claim yours today!

I read about this on techcrunch.

more info here...

Revit Tip - Fillet with Radius

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:59:00 +0000

New Revit users are constantly tripped up by the ghost of AutoCAD past! It may seem logical to think that the fillet with radius command would be an editing tool in any software package. After all, the default Trim tool in Revit does a Fillet Corner for pete's sake! Rather than delete the wall and draw a new one with the "Radius" option toggled on, try this:

Right-Click one of your walls and choose "Create Similar" to launch the Wall tool using the correct family.

Click your Sketch Options pull down and pick "Fillet Arc" and then immediately pick your two walls.

Now graphically stretch the arc into size.

You could toggle on the Radius option, but why not draw and then modify? It's all about iteration after all!

Revit Workflow in 3 Easy Steps - Think 3

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Think 3. The workflow is clockwise within the Revit editor, no matter what flavor you are using.

ONE (1) - You begin by selecting your tool from the design bar on the far left of Revit's screen. Various palettes are available containing context sensitive tools for use.

TWO (2) - Once you've selected your tool, move your eyes and your mouse to the top of the Revit screen and select/modify the options available in the options bar. You can drill down using the element properties button if necessary, but most of the general properties are available within the options bar itself as shown below.

THREE (3) - Third and final step is to place the element within the design window using the options selected in the previous step.

Note: Some elements like slabs and roofs, require you to complete your sketch within the drawing window and then complete the sketch by picking on the design bar. This is another reason why the workflow resembles a circle drawn clockwise.

Want to learn more? Visit AUGI.com and take an ATP course.

Get the AU Online Code!

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Many of you have attended Autodesk University and know the value of this fantastic training and networking event. But I know that many of you don't get an opportunity to attend for many reasons. Since I have access to the training materials, I thought I would share the code with those who've never attended.

Here's the deal: Send me an email stating why you want to experience AU through the online portal. I'll select five people and then send them a link that will let them register and gain access to the thousands of classes, handouts, and screencasts. Don't delay. This deal expires on June 1st, 2009.

AUGI Member Exclusive Download - AutoCAD 2010 Tips-n-Tricks Booklet by Lynn Allen

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Binning) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 03:23:00 +0000

AUGI Members Only Exclusive!

You all know the value of Lynn Allen’s Tips and Tricks. You know that she has saved you tons of time and effort. Now Lynn Allen, Autodesk technical Evangelist and AUGI Sweetheart, is offering an exclusive to our members. A sneak peek at the AutoCAD 2010 Tips and Tricks.

That’s right – before anyone else gets to see them, Autodesk is allowing AUGI members an exclusive downloadable version. This PDF download is stuffed with the best of the best from Lynn. You have used them in the past and they have made you more productive. Get the latest in a long stream of helpful hints directly from Lynn to AUGI members. You must be a member to download the booklet.

If you're not an AUGI member, be sure to sign up today! Membership is free. Once you're a member, you can download the booklet!

Visit the AutoCAD Community to download a copy now! - http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=98905

Better yet – download your preview copy, then go see Lynn and the tips live and in action at the Autodesk Imagine Tour at a city near you. You can get a hardcopy of the handy booklet at the event.

Join informative sessions, including Take Design Further: Lynn Allen's AutoCAD 2010 Tips & Techniques, and learn how AutoCAD 2010 delivers groundbreaking new capabilities to tackle the most challenging design problems with ease. In addition, you'll see our range of solutions in action in our industry sessions, including design and intelligent modeling solutions such as Autodesk® Inventor® software, Revit® software, AutoCAD® Map 3D software and Autodesk® 3ds Max® software.

www.autodesk.com/imagine

Want more? Visit Lynn's blog for even more tips… www.autodesk.com/lynnallen