JTB DST Tool 1.4 released

JTB DST Tool has been updated to version 1.4. JTB DST Tool can merge, purge and convert Sheet Set DST files for AutoCAD, BricsCAD, GstarCAD and any other CAD software using Sheet Set DST files. For example AutoCAD's Sheet Set Manager (SSM) or AutoCAD Architecture's Project Navigator (PN) Sheet Set View.

News in version 1.4:

• Added ability to merge custom properties when DST files are merged.
• Added network license feature.

If you’re interested in this app a free trial is available.

Existing customers of JTB DST Tool can upgrade for free.

Data Extraction in AutoCAD shows DeleteMe in Excel

If you run into this there is an explanation in this Autodesk Community post. Here’s the result after running DATAEXTRACTION and making the output to Excel.

I noticed the problem in AutoCAD 2018 and it seems like it is the same with older versions of AutoCAD too.

The solution is not a good one as you may put your computer in danger by uninstalling the Windows security updates.

We have become aware that Microsoft recently released some security updates for Windows operating systems. There are currently three updates that I am aware of that break functionality in Core AutoCAD and its connection with Microsoft Excel.  For instance, customers can expect that when running a Data Extraction and saving the results in an Excel spreadsheet, the first cell (A1) will display ‘DeleteMe’ and no other data will appear.

The three update numbers are:

• KB4041676
• KB4041691
• KB4041681

The remedy at this point in time is to simply uninstall the security updates until a more permanent solution is determined. Removal should restore full functionality of the features.

Inventor 2015-2011 also appears to be affected. Removal of the security updates will restore functionality of placing such features as holes and threads. Another solution, to be taken at the customer’s own risk is to change the following registry key setting:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\Inventor\RegistryVersion XX.0\System\Preference\Part\UseExcelToReadthreadFile to 1

UPDATE 2017-11-15: Windows November updates like kb4048952 or kb4048955 or possibly Windows 10 OS Build 15063.674 fixes this issue.

JTB XClipClean 2.2 released

JTB XClipClean 2.2 for AutoCAD is now released.

JTB XClipClean is an Xclip-cutter app for AutoCAD to clean up xrefs or blocks that been clipped so that the information that is outside the clip is removed. This is useful when you need to remove hidden geometry and minimize DWG file size.

Here are the news in version 2.2:

• Minor bugs fixed that could cause the app to not work in some environments
• Added test to see if VBA and Express Tools are installed

The upgrade is free for customers of this app. If purchase was done via Autodesk App Store the download is available on My Downloads page. Sign in with the same account used when purchasing. Otherwise contact us for a link to download.

More about JTB XClipClean here.

What do you want automated in AutoCAD, Revit, BricsCAD or other CAD systems? We can help. Contact us with your inquiry.

JTB FlexReport Services automatically stops – solution

Here’s a problem and solution I wanted to share that caused our network license monitoring solution JTB FlexReport (specifically the report Client/Service) not working.

Question: When using Test Service Engines I get the error: Please start the Services before testing. The remote name could not be resolved: 'localHost'. But I had started the services right before pressing the test buttons in the JTB FlexReport Service Configurator. The client configurator also shows error when testing service engines.

Another error showing in a dialog box and also in Windows Event Logs: Could not load type 'System.Runtime.Diagnostics.ITraceSourceStringProvider' from assembly 'System.ServiceModel.Internals. Version=4.0.0.0. Culture=neutral. PublicKeyToken=31bf3856ad364e35'.

When manually checking if the JTB FlexReport Auto Chart Service and JTB FlexReport Chart Service are running I find that they are not running and after starting them they stops directly.

.NET Framework 4.5 is installed.

Answer: This issue can be resolved by installing .NET Framework 4.5.2 or newer (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=42642)
After that you will need to restart the server and the issue should be fixed.

AutoCAD Architecture 2018.0.3 Update

Another update for AutoCAD Architecture 2018 is released Sept 29, 2017. Get it via Autodesk Desktop App or from the Autodesk Account website. It’s not on the Autodesk Knowledge Network so it’s only for those on maintenance/subscription.

Issues fixed in 2018.0.3 according to the readme:

Project Navigator

• Creating a new view from the Project Navigator in a zero doc state crashes the application.

Dialog Box

• Detail Component Manager dialog box does not remember size and location.

• Wall Style Properties dialog box does not remember size and location.

Security

• LandXMLSDK.Aec.dll has been rebuilt with compiler security flags.

Export To AutoCAD

• ExporttoAutoCAD using bind option does not migrate all architecture specific layers.

• AutoCAD 2018 file format is missing in the application menu.

Section

• BLDGSECTIONLINEGENERATE and 2DSECTIONRESULTREFRESH produces unexpected results when geometry is added to a building.

• When section is generated on solids, some geometry is not shown in the section result.

User Interface

• Wall objects are not displayed in 3D realistic view for some drawings.

In the About dialog box we can find the Product Version: 8.0.73.0 and if you want to find it using AutoLISP here’s how: How to know what service pack is installed for AutoCAD

Some other updates you may want to take a look at are AutoCAD MEP 2018.0.2 Update, Vehicle Tracking 2018.1 Update and AutoCAD Civil 3D 2018.1 Update.

Previous update AutoCAD Architecture 2018.0.2 Update and latest AutoCAD update AutoCAD 2018.1.1 Update.