Updates and Advantage Packs

So there's been quite a few posts about the subscription advantage packs that Autodesk released:

- Use the AutoCAD Advantage Pack for AutoCAD, AutoCAD MEP, and AutoCAD Architecture

- Revit MEP, Revit Structure and Revit Architecture have their own packs

- don't forget about Navisworks, too...

Get all of these by logging into your subscription center - but be aware, thar's some biggums up thar..200-300mb...

Also posted are updates for Navisworks, Revit MEP, AutoCAD MEP, Revit Architecture and AutoCAD Architecture:

AutoCAD MEP 2011 Update 1
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15757045&linkID=9240938

AutoCAD Architecture  2011 Update 1
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15756945&linkID=9240658

The AutoCAD 2011 Update 1.1 is also included with both of the above updates.

For Navisworks Manage 2011 Update 1

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15689177&linkID=10382102

Revit MEP 2011 Update 2 is on the product download page:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=14973660

Revit Architecture 2011 Update 2

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=14973244

Make sure you get these downloaded and loaded - and check the version to make sure you pick either 32 or 64 bit.

Start your downloads...

later - David B.

3 Helpful Posts on Inside the System for Revit MEP - Check them out!

An update to the Duct Fitting K-Factor Database:

http://inside-the-system.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/09/update-revit-mep-error-invalid-duct-fitting-k-factor-database.html

Helpful tips for Connecting Circuits to a Panel:

http://inside-the-system.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/09/connecting-to-a-panel.html

Controlling Workset Visibility in Revit 2011:

http://inside-the-system.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/09/workset-visibility-in-revit-2011.html

All good stuff - check it out!

thanks - David B.

Creating Plenum Spaces in Revit MEP 2011

While I was working on my classes, ran into this little undocumented feature. Autodesk added a new level type to 2011 (if they did in 2010, I never found it). When you want to create plenum spaces, you have to change the level to plenum - if you don't you won't see your spaces that you added - which, of course, I did about 20 times before I stopped and read the help file.

So, to do this correctly:

- Copy/Monitor your levels from the linked file - if the architect didn't add ceiling levels, you can add your own levels.
- Pick the ceiling level
- Go to the properties palette - change the type to Plenum
- Create a ceiling level view
- Add the spaces - make sure you change their energy analysis settings to plenum.

IES, Ecotect and Green Building all are a lot happier when you fill in the voids - so don't skip this step!

Later - David B.

IES Version 6.1.1 is available

Working on my AU class on energy analysis, and got an update from IES - they've release an update to version 6.1 - which I hadn't loaded yet...so go get it!

http://www.iesve.com/Support/Download-Centre

What's New in VE6.1.1?


Here's a summary of some of the major new features we've introduced in VE6.1.1.

ApacheHVAC Enhancements

We've added a whole host of enhancements to ApacheHVAC including improvement of modelling of DX cooling coils, air source heat pump multiplexing & sizing and fan data mapping for performance curves & auto-sizing.

Apache DHW Profile

Enhancements to Apache DHW (hot water) include optional operation on a separate profile to the
space occupancy and definition of incoming and supply water temperatures.

gbXML Import Enhancements

gbXML import from sources such as Autodesk Revit and Graphisoft ArchiCAD has been improved to give the most robust quality import yet.

To find out more and to read all about the great new features check out the New Features document and Release Notes.

Upgrading to VE6.1.1

It's easy to upgrade from previous versions to the latest one. If you have an active licence for VE6.1.0 or VE6.1.0.1 all you need to do to is visit our online Support Centre to upgrade to VE6.1.1.

If you have an active licence for versions earlier than VE6.1.0 head over to our online Download Centre to upgrade to VE6.1.1.

If you have any problems just drop an email to our team at support@iesve.com and we’ll help you get upgraded as quickly as we can.

Coming Soon!

We're working hard on our next major release which will be with you in the coming weeks. Watch this space for further details!

Man - I can't wait....see you at AU!

David B.

The 100th Post - whew! Miscellaneous Ramblings...

So I finally hit a hundred...I'm not as prolific as some of my fellow bloggers (Greg, yer wearin' me out) but hopefully some of these have been helpful.

First things first - the Revit MEP 2011 Advanced training courseware will be available in a couple of weeks. Emy and I have finished the write up and revisions, and she's in proof mode now. Expect to start seeing some classes and the book available on our website soon. We've added a few new exercises, and included items on custom panel schedules, etc. that address new features. for more info, check out http://www.advsolinc.com/.

Second - AU is slammed this year, there are a ton of good speakers...I'm going to try to hop into a few, but this year will be my busiest - 6 live classes (including a two hour lab - the Revit analysis class is back!) and 6 AUv events (yes, it will be weird watching my own presentation on the web while answering questions in the background - can't wait to get in front of the green screen...). Here's the schedule (anything that ends with a V in the course number will be an AU Virtual class):

Tuesday – Nov. 30th
7:00am AB214-1V
Building Better in AutoCAD® Architecture 2011
7:00am - 8:00am

10:00am PD220-1
Taking a Quick Spin Through the Autodesk® Plant Design Suite
10:00am - 11:00am

11:30am ME223-2
Rockin' Hot Revit® MEP 2011 Tips
11:30am - 12:30pm

3:30pm AB231-2
Building Better in AutoCAD® Architecture 2011
3:30pm - 4:30pm

5:00pm AB234-5V
Building Better in AutoCAD® Architecture 2011
5:00pm - 6:00pm

Wednesday - December 1

7:00am ME314-1V
Rockin' Hot Revit® MEP 2011 Tips
7:00am - 8:00am

8:00am ME316-1V
Smokin' Hot AutoCAD® MEP 2011 Tips
8:00am - 9:00am

10:00am ME320-1V
Smokin' Hot AutoCAD® MEP 2011 Tips
10:00am - 11:00am

1:00pm ME326-1V
Rockin' Hot Revit® MEP 2011 Tips
1:00pm - 2:00pm

4:30pm ME333-1
Smokin' Hot AutoCAD® MEP 2011 Tips
4:30pm - 5:30pm

Thursday - December 2

9:30am ME419-1L
Maximizing Autodesk® Revit® MEP 2011 for Design Efficiency
9:30am - 12:00pm
This class will include a 30 minute break

1:30pm ME427-1
Lessons Learned from a BIM Coordination Consultant
1:30pm - 2:30pm

Some of these (i.e. Revit MEP and ACAD MEP) will fill up fast - sign up early! We had some pretty long lines last year - we try to cram as many in as we can, but you don't want to miss your chance for cheap sunglasses or mardi gras beads...

And last but not least - we're welcoming some new people to the ASI team on the technical staff:

Columbus Office - Genevieve Jerome MSD TE – Genevieve is a recent Youngstown State University Mechanical Engineering graduate and her most recent work experience Invacare Corporation where she worked with the seating and positioning team for the world leading manufacturer and distributor of manual and powered wheelchairs.


Cincinnati Office - Dan Fluegeman BSD TE – Dan is a Mechanical Design Engineer with training experience, and over twenty years experience in the Mechanical/HVAC Design field. Manufacturing design experience includes Architectural Building Products, Controls, and Residential Heating/Cooling products. Particular strengths in system layout and design, heating and cooling load calculation, and equipment selection. Dan has prior Autodesk reseller experience and will be a great asset to the team.

Louisville Office - Jeff Maffeo Technical Support –Jeff comes to Advanced Solutions with 5 years of Help Desk experience. Jeff’s passion for customer service and experience working in high volume call center will be a great asset to our technical support team.

Louisville Office - Kyle Daugherty Technical Support – Kyle comes to Advanced Solutions with over 10 years experience in the Architecture industry working with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit Architecture experience. Kyle will be focused on delivering best in class support to our BSD clients.

And we're still hiring - looking for some Plant3D consultants, so if you're interested, please don't email me directly (that won't help) but go to http://www.advsolinc.com/ and apply online - that will get you in touch with the right people.

Have a great day!

David B.