AutoCAD LT Webcast: Annotation Unlimited: Making the Most of Annotation Tools in AutoCAD LT

Date & Time: Thursday, October 2, 2008 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. PDT
Time in your time zone.

Annotating drawings is something that everybody has to do. No matter how clearly a plan or detail is drawn, it almost always needs some text inserted to convey all the information it should. With AutoCAD® LT, however, that task is easier than ever. In this webcast, AutoCAD LT Technical marketing manager Kate Morrical will explain and demonstrate how built-in tools make adding annotations a snap, whether they’re simple text objects, intelligent dimensions, or detailed tables. She’ll also cover newer features, such as fields and annotation scaling.

REGISTER HERE

New Hotmail around the corner

Soon you will not have the option of the “full” and “classic” versions that has been around for a while but you'll get the best of both worlds according to Microsoft.

Faster than ever. It'll be up to 70 percent faster to sign in and see your e-mail.¹ Of course, along with more speed, you'll get powerful technology that deflects spam and helps protect you against viruses and scams.

Simpler, cleaner design. We're combining the classic and full versions of Hotmail, so you get access to everything Hotmail has to offer. The reading pane will let you check out your e-mail without having to open it up.

Put more you in your e-mail. New themes and colors will let you design the look of your inbox, so your personality can really shine through.

Closer to your contacts. Just start typing in the "To" line and you'll get a choice of e-mail contacts that most closely match what you've typed. Plus, it'll be even easier to e-mail groups of people.

Cool stuff coming soon. We've got even more great updates to Hotmail for you to look forward to, like ever-increasing storage², the ability to IM right from Hotmail, and new calendar features that make it easier to share your calendar with family and friends.

Another things is that TREND MICRO is replaced with Microsoft’s own Windows Live OneCare to scan the emails.

        

More on Windows Live Wire

WLW WebException accessing Blogger posts

Blogger has according to Microsoft introduced a problem that shows itself this way within Windows Live Writer.
 

It happened when I used File>Open and changed from 25 to 50 or more items to select from.

System.Net.WebException: The remote server returned an error: (400) Bad Request.
   at System.Net.HttpWebRequest.GetResponse()
   at WindowsLive.Writer.BlogClient.Clients.RedirectHelper.GetResponse(String initialUri, RequestFactory requestFactory)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.BlogClient.Clients.XmlRestRequestHelper.Get(Uri& uri, HttpRequestFilter filter, WebHeaderCollection& responseHeaders, String[] parameters)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.BlogClient.Clients.XmlRestRequestHelper.Get(Uri& uri, HttpRequestFilter filter, String[] parameters)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.BlogClient.Clients.AtomClient.GetRecentPostsInternal(String uri, Int32 maxPosts, Boolean includeCategories)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.BlogClient.Clients.BloggerAtomClient.GetRecentPosts(String blogId, Int32 maxPosts, Boolean includeCategories)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.BlogClient.Blog.GetRecentPosts(Int32 maxPosts, Boolean includeCategories)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.PostEditor.RemoteWeblogBlogPostSource.GetPosts(RecentPostRequest request, Boolean getPages)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.PostEditor.RemoteWeblogBlogPostSource.GetRecentPosts(RecentPostRequest request)
   at WindowsLive.Writer.PostEditor.OpenPost.BlogPostListBox.GetRecentPostsAsyncOperation.DoWork()
   at WindowsLive.Writer.CoreServices.AsyncOperation.InternalStart()

Microsoft are waiting for them to make a fix and unfortunately don’t have an ETA.

Update 2008-10-02 This problem has now been fixed.

AutoCAD Plant 3D Alpha 1 is available

“Stella” is Autodesk’s 3D modelling software application built specifically for the design of process plant facilities. The product is intended for use by plant designers at EPCs and Owner–Operators in process industries.

All I can say at this point is that it sure looks promising.

See In the Pipes for details how to get access to it.

In it you can see how to create specs, place equipment, model basic structures, route pipe, and all sorts of other groovy piping stuff (though not isometrics - it's coming - promise!).

Windows Live Writer bug with link to source picture

I found that the latest Windows Live Writer Beta (WLW Build 14.0.5025.904) sometimes have a problem with Link to Source Picture not working as expected. It is supposed to open the source image when you click on it but for some reason it does not work.

Here is a workaround to solve this problem.

• Open up the recently posted post.
• Select the image.
• Select Link to and set it to none.
• Then set it to Source Picture.
• Publish the post again.

Solved and now it works as expected. Not sure though what triggers this problem because it can happen on just some of the images in a blog post.

IE7Pro not compatible with IE8 Beta 2

Well the name might need to change to IE8Pro eventually. Anyway. I got some strange crashes in Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 and found that IE7Pro was causing them.

If you have problems like the following you might want to uninstall IE7Pro and see it that helps until it has been fixed. I have tried IE7Pro 2.4 and it still has these problems.

These specific crashes I have now happens when or directly after a tab or IE
is closed “Internet Explorer has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to the problem… A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.” followed by "Internet Explorer was closed. To help protect your computer, Data Execution Prevention has closed Internet Explorer. Click to learn more."

I get two events after a crash looking like this.
First even 1000 followed by 1001

Log Name:      Application
Source:        Application Error
Event ID:      1000
Task Category: (100)
Level:         Error
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Description:
Faulting application iexplore.exe, version 8.0.6001.18241, time stamp
0x48ae8fee, faulting module gdiplus.dll_unloaded, version 0.0.0.0, time stamp
0x48180344, exception code 0xc0000005, fault offset 0x73df73f6, process id
0xcc8, application start time 0x01c91a6af8edc05e.

Log Name:      Application
Source:        Windows Error Reporting
Event ID:      1001
Task Category: None
Level:         Information
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Description:
Fault bucket 328601984, type 5
Event Name: BEX
Response: None
Cab Id: 0

Problem signature:
P1: iexplore.exe
P2: 8.0.6001.18241
P3: 48ae8fee
P4: gdiplus.dll_unloaded
P5: 0.0.0.0
P6: 48180344
P7: 73df73f6
P8: c0000005
P9: 00000008
P10:

Version=1
EventType=BEX
EventTime=128663115436512745
ReportType=2
Consent=1
UploadTime=128663115468932545
Response.BucketId=328601984
Response.BucketTable=5
Response.type=4
Sig[0].Name=Application Name
Sig[0].Value=iexplore.exe
Sig[1].Name=Application Version
Sig[1].Value=8.0.6001.18241
Sig[2].Name=Application Timestamp
Sig[2].Value=48ae8fee
Sig[3].Name=Fault Module Name
Sig[3].Value=gdiplus.dll_unloaded
Sig[4].Name=Fault Module Version
Sig[4].Value=0.0.0.0
Sig[5].Name=Fault Module Timestamp
Sig[5].Value=48180344
Sig[6].Name=Exception Offset
Sig[6].Value=73df73f6
Sig[7].Name=Exception Code
Sig[7].Value=c0000005
Sig[8].Name=Exception Data
Sig[8].Value=00000008
DynamicSig[1].Name=OS Version
DynamicSig[1].Value=6.0.6001.2.1.0.256.1
DynamicSig[2].Name=Locale ID
DynamicSig[2].Value=1053
DynamicSig[22].Name=Additional Information 1
DynamicSig[22].Value=2b5e
DynamicSig[23].Name=Additional Information 2
DynamicSig[23].Value=d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e
DynamicSig[24].Name=Additional Information 3
DynamicSig[24].Value=9258
DynamicSig[25].Name=Additional Information 4
DynamicSig[25].Value=2ab8630b2dc7cd4405dafaafed592944
UI[2]=C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
UI[3]=Internet Explorer has stopped working
UI[4]=Windows can check online for a solution to the problem.
UI[5]=Check online for a solution and close the program
UI[6]=Check online for a solution later and close the program
UI[7]=Close the program
State[0].Key=Transport.DoneStage1
State[0].Value=1
FriendlyEventName=Stopped working
ConsentKey=BEX
AppName=Internet Explorer
AppPath=C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe

dear Autodesk

This is a relatively new site where you can say what you think about Autodesk and its products. Let’s see if Autodesk listens.

dear Autodesk is a Digg-like open comment site for people with messages for Autodesk. The idea is to provide an open environment so you can say what you really think.

http://www.dearautodesk.com/ and the FAQ.

Via blog nauseam

AutoCAD 2009 Readme online

It is available online too. Knowledge Base document: AutoCAD 2009 Readme

AutoCAD 2009 Update 2

AutoCAD 2009 Update 2 includes Update 1.

I like the pace Autodesk comes with these updates.

Available at:

Knowledge Base document: AutoCAD 2009 Update 2

Knowledge Base document: AutoCAD LT 2009 Update 2

Updates have been made in the following commands and features:

• 3DORBIT
• Annotation Scaling
• Blocks
• HATCH
• LAYER
• MATERIALS
• Menu Browser
• OPEN/SAVE
• PLOT
• Properties Palette
• PUBLISH
• RENDER

The following defects have also been fixed:

3D Navigation Tools - When you use the ViewCube in some drawings, AutoCAD freezes.

.NET API - If you create a wipeout object through .NET API, a fatal error may occur.

Annotation Scaling - The scale of annotative text changes when you use LISP entmod() to change the properties of the annotative text.

Attributes - When a drawing contains xrefs, the -ATTEDIT command fails.

Autodesk Buzzsaw - In the File Navigation dialog box, when you use the Add a Buzzsaw location shortcut option, AutoCAD crashes.

Blocks - When you copy and paste a dynamic block, associative hatches do not work. After you redefine a block definition, associative hatches in dynamic blocks display incorrectly. When you open a drawing, a polyline in a block may have a very large width. After you open a drawing, some dynamic blocks lose their dynamic properties.

Data Extraction - Data Extraction cannot finish operations in some cases. The Data Extraction Combine Record Mode > Sum values option does not work correctly.

DGN Support - When you import some DGN files, AutoCAD crashes.

DIM - If alternate units is on and you edit dimension text, the alternate units text is duplicated.

Export a Layout to Model Space - If .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1 is installed and you use the EXPORTLAYOUT command on some layouts, AutoCAD may stop responding.

Find - The FIND command performs slowly when you search for text.

Groups - Rollover highlighting does not go away.

Hatch - When you bind a drawing with an xref that contains annotative hatches, AutoCAD crashes.

Hide/Shade - When you use the HIDE command with a drawing that contains text, some objects may not be hidden.

Image - When you attach a corrupted raster image to a drawing, AutoCAD crashes.

Layer - When you zoom to a locked viewport, the Layer palette updates.

Layouts - When you attempt to switch layouts in drawings, an Out of Memory crash may occur.

Materials - When you import a 3DS file with texture, AutoCAD may crash.

Menu/Toolbar - Some menu macros do not work.

Multileader (mleader) - Mleader custom arrowheads are not brought over to the drawing from the Tool palette.

Multiline Text (mtext) - When you edit mtext in a viewport, it may be duplicated in other viewports.

Object Snaps - Osnaps on polylines and mesh objects do not work correctly.

Plot - When you plot upside-down, an OLE object does not plot correctly. A drawing that contains hatches and gradients may plot slowly. When plot area is set to View, AutoCAD LT may crash.

Publish - When you attempt to publish multiple sheets with PUBLISHCOLLATE=1, only the first sheet of the set is plotted.

Quick Properties - When you edit multiple mtext objects through the Quick Properties palette, AutoCAD crashes.

Render - When you render some drawings, AutoCAD runs out of memory.

Ribbon - If the ribbon is displayed and you select portions of a mtext object that contains multiple formats, the mtext object becomes distorted.

Selection - When you select objects in groups, AutoCAD may crash.

Tables - When you edit text with space before or after the text within a table cell, AutoCAD crashes.

Text - When you move text to a new position within a drawing, it disappears.

Tool Palettes -When you attempt to edit the properties of multiple Tool Palette tools, an Out of Memory crash may occur.

WAN Acceleration Hotfix is also included. Earlier described here.

Via Between the Lines – read about the importance of CER.

New Windows Ultimate Extras – time for a break

Only if you have Windows Ultimate.

Microsoft Tinker is a casual game that provides players with short puzzle game play sessions set in a warm, calming environment.

How to play Tinker

The objective of the game is to complete levels by navigating the robot around the obstacles to reach the end tile.

The game levels are organized into sets. Each set has twenty levels. The first level in each set is unlocked. To unlock the next level in a set, you must first complete the previous level. To obtain better results and earn achievement stars, you can return to levels previously completed.

Here is a YouTube video I put up showing it in action.

Ultimate Extras Sounds from Microsoft Tinker: Based on the positive feedback we received from the release of additional Windows Sound Schemes in April, we've integrated the unique audio sounds from Microsoft Tinker into a new sound scheme.

Windows DreamScene Content Pack #4 which adds three additional nature-setting Windows DreamScenes. 

Via the Windows Vista Team Blog

JTB FlexReport 5 alpha 3

Several fixes has been done among others to solve some date format issues that made it impossible for some to try previous versions. If you’re interested in the new version contact me to get access to JTB FlexReport 5 alpha 3.

Previous post on alpha 1.

Dynamic text on sheets within a Sheet Set

In a recent Cadalyst Tips & Tools Weekly there was a nice tutorial by Ron Brees and Brad Beuchat. Control Construction Notes with Sheet Set Manager a PDF tutorial for AutoCAD 2006 and later versions to control construction notes dynamically from one location without using an external reference.

SSM, Custom Sheet Set Properties and fields are used to achieve this.

Good reading about BIM, IPD, LOD, MPS, etc

Building Information Modelling (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Level of Detail (LOD), Model Progression Specification (MPS) are discussed in this article on AECbytes about Organizing the Development of a Building Information Model.

Representations of building elements in a BIM, though, are exact, whether they’re intended to be or not, and can give a false indication of the precision actually known at a given point in the design process. … The need for a framework for defining a BIM’s precision and suitability for specific uses becomes obvious.

AIACC IPD Task Force Technology Subcommittee has developed the broad-based consensus around this process:

Paul Audsley, NBBJ Architects
Jim Awe, Autodesk
Jim Bedrick, Webcor Builders (chair)
Dan Gonzales, Swinerton Builders
Mario Guttman, HOK Architects
Atul Khanzode, DPR Construction
Greg Luth, GPLA Engineers
Tony Rinella, Anshen + Allen Architects
John Wynne, Lucasfilm (owner)

Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide - a 62 pages PDF file can be downloaded for free.

100% Anti-Virus protection with application whitelisting

Seems like an interesting product in a company environment that have strict rules on what to install and run.

new anti-virus product from a company called CoreTrace. The product, called BOUNCER, takes an entirely different approach to blocking unwanted malware. Instead of using a blacklist like today’s anti-virus products do, the software does application whitelisting. This type of security is so effective that at the recent DEFCON conference, CoreTrace’s app stopped 100% of the computer viruses during the ‘Race to Zero” competition.

I also like this feature. I understand it could make it easier for beta testers, CAD managers and the like.

Higher employee productivity due to NEW “Trusted Change” (patent pending) that allows users to install and upgrade applications from trusted sources without involving IT staff each time.

Via on10