Revit Implementation

Need a lift

2012-02-10T10:29:00.001+11:00

If you are looking for a Revit lift (Elevator) family….look no further, the guys from digipara have created a Revit add on that seems to check all the boxes.

I have just completed the install of their software, and licensed (1 year free license) which, so far has been been a seamless process.

Take a look at their video (below)

Also, they have 2 other cool programs (Lift designer and Escalator designer)

From www.digipara.com

Dimension Override

2012-01-25T09:44:00.000+11:00

I love a workaround. I really don’t like it when I get told, “No you can’t do that…” So here we go….

I found this tip on Todd Shackelford’s blog (CADSHACK), while it is considered an “EVIL” tip to most Reviteers, I like it.

Disclaimer….I do not claim or advise that you should use this tip in your projects, but, if …..for whatever reason…you need it, use at your own discretion.

Usual way of overriding dimensions, left click on dimension value, replace with text.

The twist is when you right click and replace the text with an Inserted Unicode control character.

I chose LRM for metric number override instead of US, as Todd chose for the Imperial dimension override, as my numerical spacing remained the same as it was previously.

Below is a video, showing Revit complaining because I entered numbers, followed by the override.

Enjoy….oh…and use responsibly :)

Unable to display content. Adobe Flash is required.

Dimension override

Copying Schedules between projects

2012-01-19T11:11:00.000+11:00

Here’s a cool quick tip:

If you want to copy schedules between projects, just place the schedules you want to copy on a sheet, then copy & paste into your new project (or template)

Bonus: All unique schedule parameters created in the original schedule will paste into the new project too.

Copy-Paste to the rescue again…

Mobile computing continued

2012-01-11T22:03:00.001+11:00

In a bid to blog more ( new years resolution) , I am testing an Acer tab... that's right... not an Ipad which may seem uncool, but hey, I started using Revit when it wasn't cool yet:-)

RAC 2012 update available

2011-11-22T09:58:00.002+11:00

New build, Improvements made in Update 2 build (20110916_2132) available for download.

Here’s the link to the update.

Update enhancement snip from Autodesk:

Improvements made in Update 2 build (20110916_2132):

Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2012 Enhancements

· Regenerates Stair and Railing after making adjustments in Edit Baluster Placement or Edit Rail Placement dialogs and selecting the Apply button.

· Improves the regeneration of a detail number, within an elevation view on a sheet, when the detail number is updated within the properties palette.

· Improves stability when switching the visibility setting of linked file from By Linked View to By Host View.

· Corrects Ambient Shadow on objects which are contained within a mirrored linked file.

· Improves the import of IFC files which contain overlapping walls.

· Improves stability when exporting a project to DXF which contains a dimension style that is referenced more than 255 times within the project.

· Corrects the resolution of the background image when calculating offset and scale.

· Corrects duplicate column creation when using Create columns by Grid when some columns are already created on the grid.

· Improves stability when setting a view to Realistic display mode.

· Improves stability when navigating in 3D view after canceling a Print operation.

· Corrects silhouette display for perspective views in projects with linked files.

· Corrects the angle of Photometric Web based light sources when exported to FBX.

· Retains the original IES files when exporting to FBX.

· Reduces the scenarios where element IDs may become remapped or removed when Synchronizing to Central.

· Improves stability when removing layers from floors, roofs and walls.

· Corrects gbXML export of curtain walls where window openings were classified as air opening when using simple complexity mode.

· Improves stability when accessing Help.

· Corrects mapping of Cable Tray, Cable Tray Fittings, Conduit and Conduit Fittings when exported to IFC.

· Improves the consistency of beams being unique objects when exported to IFC.

· Improves the placement of slabs when exported to IFC.

· Improves the creation of beams, such as length, when imported from IFC.

· Disables switching to 3D view if current view only is set when exporting to IFC.

· Enables the export of filled regions to IFC.

· Enables mass based curtain panels and mullions to be individual elements when exported to IFC.

· Enables Structural Columns to be exported to IFC.

· Allows elements hidden by category to be ignored when project is exported to IFC.

· Enables Unicode support for both Import and Export of families.

· Changes setting for “Export views on sheets and links as external references” to be enabled when exporting to DGN.

· Allows exporting to DWFx if the view is blank.

· Improves stability when exporting to DWG.

· Improves the export of custom wall hatch patterns to DWG.

· Improves stability after displaying a warning message.

· Enables the use of Family Parameter when using the Material Browser Paint tool.

· Improves stability when modifying part assemblies.

· Improves stability when working within the Phases dialog.

· Improves placement of linked point clouds based upon their origin.

· Improves stability when printing to PDF in batch mode.

· Improves stability when saving a family into the same folder as the type catalog.

· Improves stability when upgrading projects.

· Improves stability when setting a workset from Editable to non-Editable.

Speed up Sync with Central

2011-11-10T09:26:00.001+11:00

After you have gone through the usual lists of reducing file size, working to the prescribed methods of "Synching" and it is stll taking longer than you want, add a quick step before you Synchronizing with Central to save you time when you are ready to dash out of work at the end of the day, (Or during the day if you are tired of waiting for your computer)

Most Revit users will know this trick, but if you don't here goes....
Close hidden windows, before synchronizing.

The more windows you have open the longer the Synch will take.
You will notice the "hidden windows" generate graphics while the file is updating, if you have multiple files open.

Give it a try...

Revit MEP guns out there?

2011-08-03T15:45:00.000+10:00

If you are a Revit MEP user, or Revit user and very keen to learn MEP and looking for a career change into the training sector, send me a mail and I'll put you in touch with a company that is looking for a Revit MEP trainer/implementer.
This is a great opportunity and suited to someone that is looking to improve their skills and enjoys travelling.
The position is based in Australia and available to Australians or have an appropriate Australian or New Zealand work visa.

e-mail me at: revitimplementation@gmail.com if you are intersested.

Revit Implementation is Mobile

2011-08-03T13:21:00.004+10:00

Try out Revit Implementation on your mobile, it has now been modified for mobile use.
Let me know what you think.

What's new in Revit 2012

2011-03-24T14:02:00.001+11:00

Yip!!! It's that time of year again!!
Instead of writing a long post on the new features in 2012, I am adding links back to Autodesk's website where they have already done the work :)

Revit Architecture 2012
Revit Structure 2012
Revit MEP 2012

Nice features, but still quite a few core features missing.
Back in 2009 when the ribbon was added I wrote a POST comparing Revit 2010 to the Delorian from Back to the Future.

"Another comparison could be respraying an old car without fixing the fundamental flaws, such as the smoking engine or failing brakes or heaven forbid...the flux capacitor.

So here is hoping that with this new flashy interface complete, the factory will now be free to focus on the fundamental wish list to get the engine, brakes and hopefully the flux capacitor working again."

I fear that this, to a degree is still apparent... But maybe the Delorean is the newer one that flies???

Looks good, works (in theory), but...still an old car

New Links and Info

2011-03-11T13:45:00.000+11:00

Forums
www.augi.com
www.revitcity.com
http://forums.autodesk.com/

Useful resource
http://www.youtube.com/user/AutodeskEd
http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Revit/enu/2011
http://revitoped.blogspot.com/p/augi-aec-edge.html
http://inside-the-system.typepad.com/files/mep_hydronic_piping.pdf

Have you seen
http://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2011/02/project-nucleus-now-available.html
http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/vasari/
http://labs.autodesk.com

KarelCAD resources
KMA
Revit for BIM Managers
Revit Users Group
www.karelcad.com.au
http://www.karelcadevolve.com.au/
http://www.karelcad.com.au/KC2010/COURSEOUTLINE/Revit%20for%20BIM%20Managers.pdf
http://www.designcontent.com.au/
http://www.tools4revit.com/KARELCAD-download-page-003/

Other links and resources
http://www.pkhlineworks.ca/revved.php
http://www.cadtechnologycenter.com/ctc-products.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=21&category_id=1

Link to Revit Family exporter
http://whatrevitwants.blogspot.com/2010/11/save-all-families-in-project-to-rfas.html

Quotes from the past

2010-08-30T02:27:00.001+10:00

Found this on CadDigest, it relates to the original purchasing of Revit by AutoDesk in 2002, I found the Graphisoft quote amusing:

“If the government approves, Autodesk hopes to complete its US$133 million-purchase of Revit Technologies by the end of July. Government approval is not a given, however, because the concentration of ownership. How do competitors Graphisoft and Nemetschek feel about it? Graphisoft likes the purchase because it eliminates a competitor; they think Revit will go the way of SoftDesk”

You can find the full article HERE

I will be investigating to try and find out just how many Revit users there are now.

Displaying RPC’s in Revit

2010-08-11T14:14:00.001+10:00

This might not be the only way to display your RPC libraries in Revit, but it works for me.

You need to place your RPC content into the folder....
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Materials2011\assetlibrary_base.fbm\RPCs
For some reason, they have placed this into a 32bit folder (If you are working on a 64bit machine, it may have been confusing to find the path).

You will then see your RPC library, when you replace the RPC type.

For more RPC content, go to www.archvision.com

AUGI | EDGE Magazine

2010-08-10T15:42:00.001+10:00

Steve Stafford has done it again. I am not sure where he gets the time, but the latest issue of the AUGI|EDGE magazine is available.

You can find the latest edition here

Exporting FBX from Revit to Max

2010-07-13T18:00:00.001+10:00

If you have tried opening FBX files in Max from a Revit FBX Export, you will have noticed that it did nothing in 3ds Max.

Quick fix (thank you AutoDesk) make sure you have downloaded the latest updates for FBX.

You can click on the link HERE

In addition, if you are importing from Revit to Max, make sure your MAX settings are set to feet not millimetres before you import. (If you use Metric settings) This brings in your materials at the correct scale. You can adjust your settings back to millimetres once your file is imported.

unTwitterable@twitter

2010-06-19T00:16:00.001+10:00

There must be too many @WorldCup2010 @fans on @twitter @ the moment

SixthSense technology

2010-06-18T11:30:00.001+10:00

Echoing Steve Stafford’s post on mind control and Revit, I found a great video on SixthSense technology by Pranav Mistry showing a demo on physical interaction with the world of data where he explores ways of technology working for humans, illustrating how we do not have to be “machines sitting behind machines”.

Can you imagine the possibilities ……

You can read more about SixthSense technology and Pranav Mistry here

HAPPY STAR WARS DAY!!!!!

2010-05-05T02:11:00.001+10:00

Thanks to Dario Mariuzzi for pointing out STAR WARS day!!!!

AutoCad Architecture…. (Not Revit related)

2010-04-26T16:51:00.001+10:00

I am helping out at a firm that uses ACA 2010.

So I am dusting off my cobwebs to try and remember tools that I thought I wouldn’t have to try and remember again.

This won’t become an ACA blog….I promise…but I switched on ACA this morning to see that my ribbon tabs were not displaying.

So on my quick search on AUGI, I found a quick solution:

Solution by “cadstorm” :

“To fix this, type 'cui' to open the 'Customize User Interface' window.
Make sure you are on the customize tab (should be default)
Make sure the top left window is expanded (the Customizations in All Files window)
Scroll to the very top and right-click 'ACA'
Then select 'Reset ACA.CUIX'
Click 'Continue' on the pop up window.
Then I had to close and re-open AutoCAD for the ribbon to reappear.”

……..funny, I have never had to worry about this in Revit.

K E E P R E V I T I N G !!!

Do wishes come true???

2010-04-24T18:52:00.001+10:00

Well…..I know for a fact that in Revit they do.

I have been very excited on previous releases to see wishes I have requested, added to the Revit program.

If you have a logical wish for the developers to consider, log into AUGI and submit your wish.

A snip from the AUGI mail received….

“It is time to vote!

AUGI Members, it is time once again to let Autodesk know what you would like to see in future releases of AutoCAD and Revit Architecture. Each year, AUGI members submit suggestions to improve their beloved software. AUGI volunteer experts then take these wishes, review them, clarify them, and if needed, reach out to the submitter for clarification to get them ready for you. Then we develop a ballot and hand it over to you! This time around there are 85 wishes for AutoCAD and 65 for Revit Architecture.

Does your vote matter? YES IT DOES.”

There is also a you tube movie by Shaan Hurley showing wishes that have come true.

Wishes Come true

Revit team leader/co-ordinator

2010-04-20T21:59:00.001+10:00

Anyone looking for a super Revit position in the UK, see below text from Kevin Johnson.

Global player with global opportunities.

We are looking for an ambitious Revit boffin. Initially you will be co-ordinating an existing multi-disciplinary Revit team and have responsibility for assembling the Revit model for a major £200m project.

Beyond that, as one of the most valuable Revit experts within this major international multi-disciplinary company, there are opportunities to work on major projects all over the world or you could choose a more strategic role in the UK. Either way this company will invest in keeping you at the forefront of BIM.

Please call Kevin Johnson on 01275 349000 or

email: kevin@uberCAD.com

Revit 2030, Sneak preview

2010-04-14T14:50:00.003+10:00

We can only dream, but I want this technology now!!!!
Click this LINK to see it!!!
“A strange man uses holographic tools to build a world for the woman he loves. This is a short by filmmaker Bruce Branit known also as the co-creator of 405.”

2011 ... par où commencer

2010-04-06T02:31:00.001+10:00

Cette entrée est exclusivement pour tout le monde à l'île Maurice ....
Premièrement / / S'il vous plaît excuser mon français ....
Wow, un autre cycle Autodesk a eu lieu. J'ai cessé de travailler en années, mais plutôt dans les versions d'Autodesk. Alors qui me met dans l'année 2011.
Au lieu de les divagations d'habitude des nouvelles fonctionnalités des suites fantastiques Revit pour leur communiqué de 2011, j'ai compilé une liste des meilleurs blogs que j'ai trouvé détaillant toutes les dernières fonctionnalités.
Pour les utilisateurs Revit plus âgés, je pourrais facilement comparer ceci à l'excitation que j'ai eu quand Revit 7.1 a été libéré. Pour les partisans encore plus vieux Autodesk, c'est le saut à partir d'AutoCAD v10 à v 12, voire 2000, V10.
Blogs à lire pour les caractéristiques Revit plus tard:

David Light a été dès le départ avec son revit.blogspot blog, bien David et je partage la passion Revit même, bien qu'il ait passé beaucoup temps plus de documenter la plupart des nouvelles fonctionnalités. Si vous n'avez pas fait partie blog de David, de votre café du matin, lire, assurez-vous de l'ajouter.
Gregory Arkin de la Floride, USA (bimboom.blogspot) ont également affiché la liste complète des nouveautés dans Revit Architecture2011
À l'intérieur de l'usine a posté un lien de choses sur tous les nouveaux produits dévoilés Revit, relie aussi à un blog de David.
Comme toujours Steve Stafford fournit un aperçu sans fin dans le monde de Revit sur son blog qui est devenu un rituel quotidien à la compréhension de tout ce qui est Revit pour moi sur une base quotidienne. Assurez-vous de lire ce post
Dans leur quête de publier Mastering Revit 2011 n'oubliez pas de consulter le blog où vous êtes sûr de trouver des infos relatives à Revit et les dernières tendances de la technologie (ainsi que cool apps Apple et les produits Phil Read)
Enfin pour mon premier véritable (en l'an 2011 ... AutoDesk outre appelé AD2011), s'assurer de lire le AUGI magazine EDGE. Il s'agit d'une véritable ressource de l'information et je tiens à remercier Steve Stafford de me faire paraître plus intelligent que je suis avec sa patience et la prouesse éditoriale, avec l'article que j'ai présenté. (Cheers Steve, soit 2 bières que je vous dois maintenant)
Pour ceux qui sont sur abonnement .... Profitez de 2011 Revit voyage!

2011 … where to start

2010-04-05T03:35:00.001+10:00

Wow, another Autodesk cycle has occurred. I have stopped working in years but rather in Autodesk releases. So that puts me in the year 2011.

Instead of the usual ramblings of the new features of the fantastic Revit Suites for their 2011 release, I have compiled a list of the best blogs I have found detailing all of the latest features.

For the older Revit users, I could easily compare this to the excitement I had when Revit 7.1 was released. For even older Autodesk supporters, this is the jump from AutoCad v10 to v 12 or even 2000 from v10.

Blogs to read for the latest Revit features:

David Light was first off the bat with his blog revit.blogspot, clearly David and I share the same Revit passion, although he spent A LOT more time documenting most of the new features. If you have not made David’s blog part of your morning coffee read, be sure to add it.
Gregory Arkin from Florida, USA (bimboom.blogspot) also posted the full list of what’s new in Revit Architecture2011
Inside the factory posted a great link about all of the new unveiled Revit products, also linking to David’s blog.
As always Steve Stafford provides an unending insight into the world of Revit on his blog which has become a daily ritual to the insight of everything that is Revit for me on a daily basis. Be sure to read this post

In their quest to publish Mastering Revit 2011 be sure to check out Phil Read’s blog where you are sure to find info relating to Revit and the latest technology trends (as well as cool Apple apps and products)

Lastly for my first real post (in the AutoDesk year 2011…furthermore known as AD2011) be sure to read the AUGI-EDGE magazine. This is a real resource of information and I would like to thank Steve Stafford for making me seem more intelligent than I am with his patience and editorial prowess, with the article I submitted. (Cheers Steve, that’s 2 beers I owe you now)

To everyone that is on subscription….enjoy the Revit 2011 journey!!!

New Year, new postings, New Revits

2010-04-01T23:37:00.001+11:00

Ok, so this year has been crazy from the get go.

So…. lots of work to do, to play catch up on blog writing.

Watch this space.

Last post for 2009

2009-12-17T21:47:00.001+11:00

This is my last post for 2009, I would like to thank everyone that has read this blog over the last year.

2009 has brought many new blogs, my favourite new blog of the year would be Zach Kron’s Buildz blog. Practical notes on making Impractical things. If you haven’t had a chance to read his blog yet…click HERE.

Again through 2009, Steve Stafford’s Revit OpEd has been a wealth of information, another blog that I have subscribed to is Arch | Tech Design + Technology, by Phil Read, James Van & Eddy Krygiel. It is a fascinating & thoroughly entertaining blog.

Revit Implementation has had 142 475 visits since starting the blog, thank you once again.

This blog still comes up first in Google when you search for “ Revit Implementation” …yeah!!!!

Monthly Site visits for 2009, maintained pretty stable. I am not sure what happened in July though.

On doing a Sitemeter check on the last 100 visits, it is plain to see how blogging is such an international means of communication, making our village that little bit smaller with technology.

I have had such a busy year this year, with training and implementing Revit, not only locally, but in destinations I would never had imagined a few years ago. From Botswana to Mauritius, thank you to all of the new friends I have made this year.

Happy Holidays to everyone and may 2010 bring all your hopes and wishes to reality.