Oops Jason already posted my last tip on his blog last year, and I’m even subscribed to his blog…oh well. Maybe this will help raise the awareness of QTO.
So far I’ve found Jason’s blog:
and…
last and never least…
Anyone else have any good QTO resources?
In Windows 7 you will receive the following error when attempting to open a file in QTO
Fortunately Autodesk support was extremely fast to respond (3 hours) with this solution:
The ADOX file is a file required for VBA applications that the 2010 QTO installer does not install into Windows 7. A manual copy of the Vista version of this file into the program should correct this issue. You will need Administrator rights to perform this operation. Here is a process for you to try:
Copy and install the ADOX file:
1.) Close Quantity Takeoff.
2.) Locate the following path\file on the install DVD: \x86\Autodesk\QTO\Vista\ADOX.DLL
3.) Copy the ADOX.DLL file to the installed QTO directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2010\
4.) Restart QTO.
5.) Open a new or existing project.
Daryl posted a good tip for placing model text on a curved wall. While it is a creative solution I believe I have a better method for you all.
First off create a new family from the Generic Model – Face Based template. Put in a piece of model text, give the model text an instance parameter so you can change it in the project, you can also give parameters for material and depth. Load this into your project and place on the face of the wall (which can be done in plan, elevation or 3d)
Now in plan view array some ref planes around the center point of the wall to get your spacing between the letters correct, to align these just select and drag to align with the ref plane, you cannot use the align tool. Now if the wall ever changes the text will go along with it.
A former associate of mine has started up a new BIM blog called BIMbytes, Grant was one of our best Revit users and had quite a bit of exposure to real world BIM working for us. He just finished college and was focused on structural engineering, his thesis was on using BIM in a integrated educational environment and is teaching a class at AU on this subject (needs more people to sign up so it doesn’t get canceled though!)
Grant is also seeking employment as well, so if you know of anyone that needs a Revit/BIM Manager please give him a call!
By now you have all seen the new features (go here if you haven't) Instead of re-hashing that I'm going to run through some of the lesser known or undocumented features.
The GOOD
Performance has been improved over 2009, in my testing it is the fastest version yet (seat of the pants testing), but most people are reporting it's about the same speed as 2008 was (which is good!)
You can now add the current revision to your drawing list.
In a worksetted file you can discard your changes AND relinquish at the same time, before you had to just close out, don't relinquish, re-open and then relinquish.
Instance Properties dialog is now re-sizeable.
In print setup you can now have halftone print as thin lines (there is a checkbox under options)
You're now able to create filters for sections, elevations and callouts. So for example you could turn off interior elevations by creating a new filter with the elevation category and filter by family and type of interior elevations, add the filter to your view and turn the filter off.
Keyboard shortcuts were added for the following: Gray inactive worksets, each dimensions type (aligned, linear, angular, radial, arc length) Extend is now it's own tool so you can create a shortcut for this as well. ALL of the items in the view control bar now can have shortcuts (except for the scales of course) Borrow and return license
External tools can have shortcuts too, this is what it looks like in the keyboardshortcuts file:
; Add-Ins
"NW" ribbon:"Add_Ins-External-External Tools-Navisworks 2010"
The BAD
Type Properties is NOT re-sizable
Orient to view/direction has no keyboard shortcuts anymore, you now have to right click the view cube, if you need to orient to a plane you have to right click on the steering wheel. This is a major step backwards.
Switch windows isn't easily accessible anymore, but can be added to the Quick access toolbar
Same with the worksets selector and the type selector.
My thoughts on the ribbon...it's great for new users and discoverability of tools, which sounds like this was the main intent from reading their blog. For advanced or even slightly experienced users this is a step backwards for productivity. If you don't use keyboard shortcuts now, you better start. This is the only way you will remain efficient in 2010. There will be a lot of disappointment around this release, when Phil Read is putting up angry blog posts you know things are bad.
With that, we will be upgrading. It is certainly not a rush though, I'm going to wait at least a month to let the users play around in it first because it is going to be a major disruption.
Overall I give this release a thumbs down. Maybe in 2011 they will address the users needs rather than corporate's...
Beyond the Paper has been around for quite some time but has been focused on DWF, now Volker will also be posting about Navisworks.
Volker has a couple of posts already...
Welcome to the Navisworks world Volker!