Sunday, December 21, 2008

New Revit Extensions

Here’s a few extensions I’ve come across recently

FilterTool – This is how Revit’s filter tool should work.

From their site: You're able to filter not only the categories of your selection but also the types. Your selection is level-based. Additionally, you can save pre-defined Filters, so whenever you need a recurring selection, just open a saved Filter selection in our FilterTool.

ideate explorer – Same as above except even more powerful. I need this and I need it now. Considering they are about the same price if you get the office version of filtertool, I think this is the right choice.

Revit Excel Import – Converts excel files to dxf so you can import them into Revit as a link. It’s not very ‘BIM’ that’s for sure, but there are times I could’ve have used this.

Metal Wood Framer – I know of many people that have been looking for this, it automatically creates wood or metal stud framing from your Revit walls

BIMreview – THE way to maintain standards in Revit.

I’ve only tried BIMreview so far because we are currently on a purchasing freeze. Stinkin economy is preventing me from having any fun.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

BIM Management Forum Now on AUGI!

augi_forums1

Mike Perry just invited me to be the moderator of the new BIM Management Forum on AUGI, I have graciously declin….wait….accepted!

So I am now the moderator of two forums on AUGI, the other being the NavisWorks Forum

Hmmm when do we get a QTO forum Mike?

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Advanced Options in NavisWorks

Came across this on the Connected blog. Since most people probably don’t read a buzzsaw blog for NavisWorks information I thought I would repost it here.

- Click Start.

- Click Run.

- Type in cmd in the Open field and click OK.

RESULT: A black command prompt window will open. Click into the black window so you can type commands in.

- Type: "CD C:\Program Files\Autodesk\NavisWorks Manage 2009"

RESULT: You will now be in the NavisWorks Program Directory

- Type "OptionsEditor.exe -a"

RESULT: The Global Options editor will open in advanced mode.

So many options, I have some digging to do. I will post if I find anything interesting.

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Friday, November 28, 2008

Autodesk University 2008

April? Really? I haven't posted since April. Wow, been busy.

We have made quite a bit of progress in that time, doing a lot with NavisWorks bringing it into the field and tying the model to the construction schedule. Have been training the construction project managers in Navis to view the model, measure, markup, etc.

We also hired a Revit Specialist so I can focus on the bigger BIM picture rather than just Revit. All of our projects are in Revit now, unfortunately with economy situation there are not many new jobs to speak of. We recently had layoffs and the possibility of more is very real.

But even with that bleakness we are still sending 18 people to Autodesk University! We still feel there is great value in it and you can't beat the training you get for the price.

I will be at the BIM Mixer, the Blogger Social, the AUGI Volunteer get together, AEC direction meeting (architecture and construction) and some other unconference events.

I'll be updating my twitter status (I'm stealing this idea from Greg) saying where I'm at so you can find me if you like. You can follow me here http://twitter.com/davidkingham

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Revit Detail Level and NavisWorks

Steve at HOK posted about Interference Detection and Detail Level which reminded me the same sort of thing applies in NavisWorks also, the NavisWorks exporter only exports geometry that is visible at a FINE level of detail, if fine is unchecked it will not be exported, and it does not matter what your view is set to if you select export current view, it will still go to fine.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

NavisWorks Forum Alive on AUGI


NavisWorks Forum
I will be moderating this forum on AUGI, will be posting some good stuff like search sets for revit categories soon.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Tools I use everyday

Thought I would share some of the tools I use that are not directly related to BIM but help me in getting the job done. Please share what you use!

nDroid
An application launcher similar to launchy or quicksilver only much much faster, I cannot live without this anymore.
xplorer²
A replacement for windows explorer, allows you to have two panes side by side, tabs, etc.

Notepad++
A replacement for notepad, this is invaluable when writing code, the best part is the syntax highlighting for virtually any programming language, also has tabs.
AutoHotkey
A programming language that is very simple to use to create very simple macros or hotkeys or fairly advanced programs (nDroid was created in AHK for example)
Mindmanger
For creating mindmaps, most people know what this is by now
7-Zip
Replacement for winzip, works for any compressed files and I like it better than winrar
Camtasia
For quick screen recordings
Captivate
If you want the very best program for creating help videos this is it.
CCleaner
Cleans out all the crap on your computer
GIMP
Free replacement for photoshop
Hatch Manager
Quickly make hatch patterns in AutoCAD
Firefox
If you don't know what this is you've been living under a rock. I won't even list all the extensions I have
PDFCreator
The best PDF writer ever.
SnagIt
Must have, great screen captures
StatBar
Helps keep an eye on system stats at all times
TerraCopy
Makes copying large files much easier
PDF Split and Merge
Just as it says, splits multi sheet pdfs up or merges single pdfs into one
Google Reader
RSS feed reader