Five presentations from AU 2007 available for all

Autodesk University 2007 is over but you can get some from it anyway.

• CV400-1 Three Sheets to the Wind (AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008) - Scott McEachron
• PM304-1 The Essential Guide to NavisWorks - Paul Jonathan Walker
• GD111-2 Getting Up to Speed on AutoCAD® 2008 - Lynn Allen
• CM311-3P CAD Manager’s Training and Standards Guide - Robert Green
• AB210-2P Sustainable Design Systems Based on Revit® Architecture - Kenneth Hall

You find these screencasts here without need to login. If you sign up you can access all sessions at http://au.autodesk.com/sessions.

NavisWorks class and lab at Autodesk University

I'm really a fan of the great NavisWorks applications that now are part of Autodesk. It's good news to see that a class and a lab has been added to AU 2008.

Via BIM Manager

A new CADMAN+Tussilago cartoon strip

Remember the backpack we got at AU 2005?

CADMAN+Tussilago home

AU 2005 handouts available

On AUGI the Autodesk University handouts for 2005 are available. If you select year 2005 and industry Plant Design you will find the two handouts for the courses I held.

Direct links to the handouts.

Multidiscipline CAD Usage at an EPC Company - - Here is a link to the PowerPoint presentation as a bonus. File size is 7.35 MB.

Plant Design Tips and Tricks - even some useful tips for non Plant Design usage. Dynamic Blocks, Block attribute extraction, dbConnect, CUI, 2D, 3D, etc.

Via AU 2005 class handouts now! available for download on AUGI.com

Autodesk Plant soon here

At Autodesk University 2006 there are several classes on Autodesk Plant. Seems like Peter Quinn, Derry Vaughan and the Autodesk team is getting close to a release of this new P&ID application.

PD11-1: Introduction to Autodesk® Plant: The New P&ID Solution from Autodesk

Learn how to use Autodesk Plant to draw intelligent Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) At the end of the session, you will understand how Autodesk Plant leverages standard AutoCAD productivity tools with user-customizable symbols to quickly and easily create and edit drawings in a way not possible using base AutoCAD...

PD12-1: Getting More from Autodesk® Plant: Reports, Leveraging External Databases, & Change Control

Most companies need to reuse and distribute the information on the P&IDs to other departments and engineering disciplines This class will show you how to create company-specific project reports that can be automatically generated from the information contained on the drawings...

PD13-1: Autodesk® Plant P&ID Project Setup and Customization: Managing Projects and Creating New Project Standards

Learn how to customize Autodesk Plant to suit your own company standards You will receive detailed step-by-step instructions on how to configure Autodesk Plant to suit your own company or site standards...

PD25-1L: A Quick Spin on the New Autodesk® Plant

We invite your input to help refine the user experience of Autodesk Plant, Autodesk’s new product for P&IDs...

tags: Autodesk+Plant, P&ID

Update based on Peter's comment below.

AU 2006 blog

Autodesk University 2006 now has a blog. Joseph Wurcher from Autodesk "will use this blog to keep you update on the “behind the scene” look of AU and what it takes to manage a 6000 plus attendee event."

Did you miss Autodesk University 2005?

According to AUGI HotNews "Autodesk is allowing AUGI Members to try out the service free for one week!" That means access to videos of 100 AU classes as well as the handouts and course materials from all 400 AU classes. If you're thinking about attending at the next Autodesk University take a look at all wealth of information that was provided last year.

To read AUGI HotNews you have to join AUGI. But it's free so no worries.

Vespa Beta

I hope I can squeeze in some time to try the Vespa Beta that Shaan just blogged about. I had the chance to try it at AU and it looked promising. Let's see... What is the answer Shaan? "Which in the above is hand drawn and which is by computer?" I cannot tell.

How to install a printer from a DWF

I have though about sharing this tip about "Printer Connector" a long time. I've got some emails from those wondering how it could be done after Shaan Hurley, Autodesk posted about a solution I made a few years ago at the company I work for. Now I got reminded again reading about Internal Facilities Management application by Scott Sheppard, Autodesk. I assisted Brian Mathews and Brian Pene at their class at Autodesk University 2005 in Florida and I really recommend you to take a look at the available class materials you can find on Scott's blog. Actually Brian was one of those wondering how I had solved installing the printers from a DWF hyperlink. Nice to see that it's used at Autodesk too. Now to the solution that is really simple but useful.

Start with a DWG drawing of the facility and add a block that represents a printer or plotter. Add a hyperlink on the block that links to a html file on a location available for all users. Use the name of the printer and maybe size and type as description. The content of the html file is here. Just change the server name and the printer name in the code. Now Plot or Publish the drawing to DWF. If you have several levels and buildings you can create a main html page that links to these DWF files. The DWF files can also be embedded into a html page and add some simple instructions that they should click on a printer etc.

<html>
<head>
</head>
<p><font face="Verdana">Printer connection...</font></p>
<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="VBScript">
<!--
on error resume next
Set WshNetwork = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
PrinterPath = "\\SERVERNAME\PRINTERNAME"
msg="Do you want " & PrinterPath & " to be Default printer?"
answ=msgbox(msg,vbYesNoCancel,"Add Printer")
If answ=vbYes then
  WshNetwork.AddWindowsPrinterConnection PrinterPath
  WshNetwork.SetDefaultPrinter PrinterPath
elseif answ=vbNo then
  WshNetwork.AddWindowsPrinterConnection PrinterPath
end if
history.back()
-->
</SCRIPT>
</html>

See this html code or check in the DWF Viewer Help.

<script language="vbscript">
<!--
on error resume next
if not IsObject(CreateObject("AdView.AdViewer")) then msgbox "You need the DWF Viewer!" & vbNewLine & vbNewLine & "Please contact the IT department."
function ShowPrinters
EView.Viewer.HighlightLinks = not EView.Viewer.HighlightLinks
end function
-->
</script>
<html>

<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=windows-1252">
<title>Printer Connector</title>
<style type="text/css">
a:link {color: #FFFFFF}
a:visited {color: #FFFFFF}
a:hover {color: #FF0000}
a:active {color: #FFFFFF}
</style>
</head>

<body bgcolor="#4083A8" topmargin="0">

<OBJECT
id=Eview
codeBase="file:///server/dwfviewer/installer/DwfViewerSetup.cab"
classid=clsid:A662DA7E-CCB7-4743-B71A-D817F6D575DF
width=100%
height=92% border="2" vspace="4">
<param name="_cx" value="38788">
<param name="_cy" value="25056">
<param name="BackColor" value="7895160">
<param name="EmbedDoc" value="0">
<param name="Src" value="Printers.dwf?NotifyMissingFonts = false">
<param name="ViewerParams" value="?NotifyMissingFonts = false">
</OBJECT>

<script language="vbscript">
<!--
; If multipage DWF's are used navigate to the page named "Level 8"
EView.Viewer.Page = "Level 8"
-->
</script>

<font face="Verdana" color="#FFFFFF" size="2">
<i>Click on the
<a title="Flash the printers" href="vbscript:ShowPrinters">printer</a> you want to have installed.
</i></font><br>
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><font color="#FFFFFF">Send mail to
<a href="mailto:HelpDesk%20IT?subject=Printer Connector">HelpDesk IT</a> or
the </font>
<a href="mailto:info@jtbworld.com?subject=Printer Connector">
Author</a><font color="#FFFFFF">
with questions or comments about Printer Connector.</font></font>
</body>

</html>

I recommend that you activate usage of single click to follow hyperlinks or include instructions to hold down CTRL + Click.

I hope you get the idea. Feel free to use it, have fun and impress on your management and users and IT. Feel free to contact me if you got any questions or post a comment.

Lock the users from messing with your dynamic blocks

Here is a tip from one of my classes at AU.

Since we started using AutoCAD 2006 I've added this row to our acad.lsp that loads for all users.
(setvar "BLOCKEDITLOCK" 1)

By setting the system variable BLOCKEDITLOCK to 1 you disallows opening of the Block Editor and editing of dynamic block definitions.
In a multiuser company it can be useful if you have prepared a lot of dynamic blocks and don't want the users to mess with them.

From the help documentation about BLOCKEDITLOCK:
Disallows opening of the Block Editor and editing of dynamic block definitions. When BLOCKEDITLOCK is set to 1, double-clicking a dynamic block in a drawing opens the Reference Edit dialog box. If the block contains attributes, double-clicking the block reference opens the Enhanced Attribute Editor
0 - Specifies that the Block Editor can be opened
1 - Specifies that the Block Editor cannot be opened

Architectural Desktop 2006 Expert Certification

Here at http://www.adt-experts.com are the Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006 Certified Experts listed. And I'm one of them after taking the exam at AU 2005 in Orlando, Florida. ;-)

Autodesk University Main Stage Presentation download available

This post is via RobiNZ that I met at AU. We had to fly quite a lot to meet each other. Robin's distance Auckland, New Zealand - Orlando, Florida 13007km/8082miles Jimmy's distance Gothenburg, Sweden - Orlando, Florida 7730km/4803miles

Autodesk University Main Stage Presentation download available By RobiNZ on CAD Autodesk University Scott Sheppard has posted video of the Autodesk University Main stage presentation. ... It’s a big, or huge, video file to down-load but well worth seeing. If you want to view it as presented at AU you’ll need a 20 x 80 ft screen, but it still looks great on a desktop monitor

Autodesk – Discussion Groups – DWF – Autodesk University Main Stage presentation.

Handouts from AU 2005 classes

PDF handouts from my classes can now be downloaded from AU Online http://www.autodesk.com/auonline
(They where updated with the latest yesterday so if you already downloaded them, do it again to get the latest)
I had two Plant Design classes PD12-1 (Multidiscipline CAD Usage at an EPC Company) and PD13-1 (Plant Design Tips and Tricks)
To get the files I used in the PD13-1 class log in to AU Connect. You will find the files on the group Plant Design. Look for Shared Group Files.

I also had the chance to assist three classes that where interesting:
Hands-On Migration Class with Bud Schroeder
People, People, Everywhere: Build your own graphical facility Phone Directory with DWF with Brian Mathews
Introduction to dbConnect for Facilities Management with Scott McFarlane

I also attanded several classes and labs as well as some usability studies.
But there were so many other classes I would have loved to go to so it's great with having
so much posted on Au Online. So now I can continue my AU studies from home.

Update: The PD13-1 session was unfortunately not recorded in good quality and will not be available to view.

AU 2005 recap

I'm back from AU 2005 since a few days ago. This was the first AU I've been to and naturally the first I spoke at as well. Me and my wife stayed at the Swan hotel some days before the event and some days after to have a chance to see Disneyland and the surroundings of Orlando. Since it was nearly 5700 attendees the hotel was real empty and deserted after AU. I wished I could duplicate to be everywhere since so much where going on at the same time.

I was great to meet many of those I've not met in person as well as a few I met before. Shaan Hurley, Robert Green, Mark Douglas, Mike Perry, Melanie Stone, Beau Turner, Mark Kiker, Nate Bartley, Jerry Milana, Lynn Allen, Jon Beltran, Lee Ambrosious, Bill Glennie, Chris Yanchar, Darren Myles, Robin Capper, Bud Schroeder, Brian Mathews, Scott McFarlane, Misha Belilovskiy, Jonathan Knowles, Mark Fritts, Peter Quinn, Christer Johansson, Darren Young, Heinz Baumann, Richard Binning, Shawn Gilmour, Julian Gonzalez and many many more as well as many I didn't get a chance to meet among all attendees. Good to meet you all!

AutoCAD is getting more 3D power, new products that might show up like Vespa a non photorealistic illustration tool, 64-bit processing and multithreading is something that will be supported for many of the products. I had also the chance to see things that I cannot speak about right now other than more is to come.

The AUGI Wish List Top Ten for AutoCAD was released

1. Multiple leaders
2. Translucent/transparent layers
3. Spell check improvement
4. 3D dynamic blocks
5. Dynamic linetypes
6. Greater control with tabs
7. Improved tools for manipulating layouts
8. Paragraph spacing in Mtext
9. Easier way to add sheets to a sheet set
10. Improved support for dual monitors.

Let's see within some month what ends up in AutoCAD 2007.

Of these 10 ones I want most are Translucent/transparent layers as well as 3D dynamic blocks. On my top wish list is better graphic performance when working with large 3D models, better performance working with Sheet Set Manager and Reference Manager. Something like a VISRETAIN=2 would be needed to be able to handle nested xrefs in several levels. Etc...

I also took the ADT exam and I am now a Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006 Certified Expert.

Maybe I see you at next AU (not in Las Vegas) or somewhere else.

/Jimmy Bergmark

Introducing CADMAN+Tussilago cartoon strip

Do you know how your wife or girlfriend looks at you? Now you can get a hint.

I am Jimmy, a CAD and computer nerd. Therése, my wife since 1993 and the cartoonist of CADMAN+Tussilago knows by experience. CADMAN+Tussilago is a cartoon strip on how it is to be married to a computer nerd like me from my wife's point of view. The strips always makes me smile and sometimes gives me a little kick in the butt.

Maybe you too recognizes yourself. Have fun!

Click here to see the first cartoon strip.

CHARACTERS
CADMAN - A typical CAD and computer nerd.
Tussilago - The wife of CADMAN. Here name Tussilago comes from the Swedish name for the little yellow spring flower coltsfoot.

TRIVIA
CADMAN+Tussilago was first introduced to the public in November 27:th 2005 at Autodesk University 2005 in Florida as part of Jimmy Bergmark's business card and at the end of the handouts and presentations for the classes he held.

Reproduce CADMAN+Tussilago
Permission to reproduce CADMAN+Tussilago on your Website, blog, corporate Intranet, publication or other means is granted on a case-by-case basis. Fees and restrictions vary depending upon usage. For rates and availability, contact Therése Bergmark at info@jtbworld.com

Autodesk University 2005 teaser

I'm working right now on preparing for my class PD13-1: Plant Design Tips and Tricks and even though it's related to Plant Design, most things I will go through can be applicable to any discipline. Things I will cover are a lot of the new functionality that came in AutoCAD 2006 and how to apply this in your daily work. I combine this with lots of older useful functions that you might never used. All in all this will increase your productivity using AutoCAD and it's a lot of fun doing it too.
How about this?
Convert your old blocks to smart dynamic blocks. Put them on a tool palette. Add them to a drawing a make a BOM that is updatable. Learn some tricks about tables and fields. Connect to external datasources and reuse that data instead of typing it in a second time and when the master data is changed the text on the drawings can easily be updated. Work smart in 2D/3D and make use of CUI.
Here is my profile at AU Connect.

AU Connect

Shaan Hurley has apparently also looked at AU Connect. An interesting tool to connect with other AU visitors. Shaan also mentions a good IE tips. This is useful for example if you already have IE open and AutoCAD or some other application crashes and after showing CER opens a new URL in the same window.

Autodesk University 2005 reminder

I will hold two classes at AU 2005.
Even though these classes are on Plant Design I think many other disciplines can find them valuable. Especially the one about how we work with the engineering tools at Pharmadule Emtunga. We have the following disciplines in-house: Architectural, Structural, HVAC, Electrical, Instrumentation, Telecommunication, Utility Piping and Process Piping. What problems have we run into and how have we solved them? What tools have we chosen and why? How have we integrated all this together? What have we developed in-house? How are we improving our time to market? These questions and a lot more is something I will share with you. Welcome!
From a previous post:
If this sounds interesting sign in for one or both of them. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
PD12-1: Multidiscipline CAD Usage at an EPC Company.
Session Type: 1.5 hr. Class
Date: November 28
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 11:30 AM
Expertise: All Levels
Description: This case study will discuss CAD usage at Pharmadule Emtunga. They are aiming for project execution using a mix of CAD applications that best suit their needs. AutoCAD, Autodesk Architectural Desktop, PDMS, third-party applications as well as in-house-developed tools are used. An engineering database application is a hub for the information flow. EDM and ERP are also deployed. A data-centric P&ID application is on its way.
Topics Covered
- Computer-integrated engineering and project execution
- AutoCAD integration with PDMS
- 2D, 3D, and BIM
- P&ID and engineering databases
- Customization of AutoCAD
Who Should Attend
AEC engineers, drafters, CAD managers
PD13-1: Plant Design Tips and Tricks
Type: 1.5 hr.
ClassDate: November 28
Start Time: 01:00 PM
End Time: 02:30 PM
Expertise: All Levels
Description: This session is a generic tips and tricks class that focuses on how to use AutoCAD features for plant design. Topics covered will be how new features in AutoCAD 2006, such as Dynamic Blocks, Block attribute extraction, and Tables can be used for creating schematics and isometrics, making calculations, and Bill of Materials. The class leader is the CAD manager at an EPC company with a focus on Plant Design. Learn from his experience, increase your productivity, and learn to have a lot of fun using AutoCAD as well.
Topics Covered
- How to use your CAD tools in your daily work
- Dynamic Blocks
- Block attribute extraction
- Tables
- Fields
- 2D/3D
- Practical uses of dbConnect and MS Access
- Hidden or forgotten gems in AutoCAD
Who Should Attend
Plant design engineers and designers of all engineering disciplines who want to learn how to better use AutoCAD 2006.
http://www.autodeskevents.com/au2005/
There are a lot of other great classes to attend as well. I will assist on some of the labs and attend some others. See you there!

Autodesk University 2005 info

I will hold one additional class at AU 2005.
So now there are two classes. If this sounds interesting sign in for one or both of them. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
PD12-1: Multidiscipline CAD Usage at an EPC Company.
Session Type: 1.5 hr. Class
Date: November 28
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 11:30 AM
Expertise: All Levels
Description: This case study will discuss CAD usage at Pharmadule Emtunga. They are aiming for project execution using a mix of CAD applications that best suit their needs. AutoCAD, Autodesk Architectural Desktop, PDMS, third-party applications as well as in-house-developed tools are used. An engineering database application is a hub for the information flow. EDM and ERP are also deployed. A data-centric P&ID application is on its way.
Topics Covered
- Computer-integrated engineering and project execution
- AutoCAD integration with PDMS
- 2D, 3D, and BIM
- P&ID and engineering databases
- Customization of AutoCAD
Who Should Attend
AEC engineers, drafters, CAD managers
PD13-1: Plant Design Tips and TricksSession
Type: 1.5 hr.
ClassDate: November 28
Start Time: 01:00 PM
End Time: 02:30 PM
Expertise: All Levels
Description: This session is a generic tips and tricks class that focuses on how to use AutoCAD features for plant design. Topics covered will be how new features in AutoCAD 2006, such as Dynamic Blocks, Block attribute extraction, and Tables can be used for creating schematics and isometrics, making calculations, and Bill of Materials. The class leader is the CAD manager at an EPC company with a focus on Plant Design. Learn from his experience, increase your productivity, and learn to have a lot of fun using AutoCAD as well.
Topics Covered
- How to use your CAD tools in your daily work
- Dynamic Blocks
- Block attribute extraction
- Tables
- Fields
- 2D/3D
- Practical uses of dbConnect and MS Access
- Hidden or forgotten gems in AutoCAD
Who Should Attend
Plant design engineers and designers of all engineering disciplines who want to learn how to better use AutoCAD 2006.
http://www.autodeskevents.com/au2005/

Register for Autodesk University 2005 on Monday

Registration for AU 2005 will open by August 1, 2005 http://www.autodeskevents.com/au2005/ I'll be there. Will you? http://jtbworld.blogspot.com/2005/07/i-will-speak-at-autodesk-university.html