Evolution

2 hours ago, glennw said:

 

Bob,

No, not correct.

Place an electrical/lighting symbol in the plan.

Select it - or group select several items.

Open the dbx and go to the Layer panel.

Change the layer.

Got it! Thanks Glenn!

11 hours ago, glennw said:

Also remember that layer/anno sets will not control what layer an electrical/lighting item is placed on.

You need to do that either through the Electrical Defaults dbx, by a saved library item, or by editing each individual (or group) of items.  

• Electrical defaults dbx: Open tools>defaults>Electrical> select the items I want to be placed on the power Plan? (Set up an anno and layer set for strictly power, in layer sets turn off everything I do not wish to show in the Power Plan, correct?)
• Saved Library Item: Once an item is placed (in the plan I have set up as my Power layer) select that item and save it to my user library such as ELECTRICAL, DUPLEX RECEPT?) These items will remain in my user library as long as I continue to use my template plan for project to project. 
• Editing each individual (or group) of items, I'm a little unsure of how to do this? Goes back to editing it in the Electrical Default dbx? 

I will work on these.  Our local area the Code AHJ's like to have plans broken down by discipline and even further when there is a lot going on in the plans. Site / Civil is another they like broken down even further.

I'll get it through my think skull, I'm sure, remembering it may be a challenge !.  One thing I've done for now, is save my plan with the anno and layer sets I've been working on to clean up, as my template. As Mick pointed out. All contributors who helped me in my plight, THANK YOU!

8 hours ago, glennw said:

Bob,

 

If I understand your situation correctly...

You have set up all your anno and layer sets OK, but you have done nothing to tell the lighting and electrical items to use those settings when you place them in the plan.

All lighting and electrical items go to the Electrical layer by default. 

You can do as Chopsaw says, or...

Open the Electrical Defaults dbx where you can select a Default Library Object for that electrical/lighting item.

If you click Edit...Layer Panel, you can assign a default layer for the various types of electrical and lighting items.

While you are in that dbx, you can set up a whole range of other defaults that will apply to that particular type of electrical/lighting item.

 

 

I'm sure it is much easier for the experts to understand, but being the inept novice I am, I'm hoping I'm headed in the right direction? Go to tools, electrical open the dbx and reassign the layer for say....anything related to power to the electrical anno-layer? Then for lighting open each device / fixtures DBX and reassign them to my lighting layer?

I have to have separate layer sets so I can separate the power plan from the lighting plan for code submittal.  I set up Anno sets  and layer sets for both, and set up different details for example, electrical power, on the anno and layer set for power.  Same for electrical lighting, for the lighting anno and layer set. When I go to my lighting  anno and attempt to add lighting only, the message is I need to turn on electrical layer, but I have a lighting layer set up to use instead, and have that selected but that doesn't work at all. Am I stuck with have to do a cad work around for lighting? or am I missing something? I suppose since lighting is electrical, I can't create a display for lighting and turn off electrical and have lighting only displayed?

FS2_RCP.zip

4 hours ago, HumbleChief said:

Any time you add a 'fixture, interior' like a toilet, Chief will put it on that layer - there's no choice and no way to spec which layer your interior fixtures go on - initially. So it is asking you to turn that layer on if you want to see them.

 

The only way (I know) to get them on that specific layer - which is very smart BTW, is to select them after you've placed them on fixtures,interior layer and reassign them each to PLUMBING interior fixtures.

 

Nice job on the Anno/Layer Sets. Really.

Larry, you're a life saver, but guess what?  that's exactly what I did, but it was just an experiment that worked for a change!

It's me again. I'm like a kid at Christmas now that I'm getting the hang of anno / layer sets.  One issue that popped up today, for my local plumbing contractors / and the city AHJ, I have to do a plumbing plan. So, I set up a PLUMBING ANNO SET AND LAYER SET. I thought I had it set up correctly until I put the fixtures in (just so I could make sure my plumbing would connect) but as soon as I went to stick a shower in, the message came up that I didn't have the interior fixture layer turned on. I knew I needed a layer for PLUMBING interior fixtures, so I added it when I was setting up the anno set.  You guys are better at this than me, but everything else I've set up since catching on to the process, worked just fine, until this one. I've attached my practice plan, I'm using for the floor plan; not the elevations and, perhaps you can see my error right away where I can't? P:S, I am overlaying a PDF of an ADA shower room template from way back when, if that looks a little screwy?

FS2 RCP.plan

On ‎9‎/‎26‎/‎2018 at 4:35 PM, Joe_Carrick said:

You have little faith  but in a way, you're right.  It's going to take several macros - at least 4-5 - as a package to do the job.

Joe, I don't know about the rest of these guys, but I think you're pretty incredible!

30 minutes ago, HumbleChief said:

I believe the default button is below it but it will be good for Bob to thrash a little more till he discovers it  

Larry, while you were laughing at me  I was thrashing around alright, between Bidders wearing me  out with questions, my office admin asking about what to do about them calling her (transfer the call I have broad shoulders, just no butt left) anyway, it was below the tool.  BTW I tried each one of them to see which one would turn it off, believe me I did! 

Thanks ya'll!

Sorry folks for this trivial post, but doing my mechanical plan, and I guess I turned the fillet tool on (?) now I can't turn it off. I didn't see anything in help? I thought if you check it to turn it on you just un-check it but that didn't work for me.  I know you all have bigger fist to fry than helping me with this  and I'm sure its simple, if I can get anywhere with Anno sets and layers sets I should be able to do this too?

16 minutes ago, HumbleChief said:

Always good advice Steve,

 

Key to all of this ANNonsense is that Anno Sets drive Layer Sets, not the other way around. Big discussion on the benefits of each but Anno driving Layers won out.

 

I almost never select a Layer Set independently of an Anno Set. Takes a LOT of repetition and muscle memory to remember every time but change your views through Anno Sets NOT Layer Sets, it will keep you sane.

I'm learning Larry! Keep prodding me along, and I'll make it.  

27 minutes ago, SNestor said:

Just a tip regarding ANNO Sets.  

 

If/when you create your own ANNO SET I would always make sure it's pointing to a specific LAYER SET.  If you use a Chief OOB ANNO SET...you better make sure it is pointing to a specific LAYER SET also...some of the OOB ANNO SETS default to "Use Active Layer Set"....which means the last layer set you were using is still the "active" layer set. 

 

If I were you...I'd open one of Chiefs OOB templates...save it as your own template...give it any name you want...or something basic like "My Residential Plan Template"....then modify the defaults, then create the layer sets you know you use in every plan set, then create your ANNO Sets and point them to these specific layer sets.  You can always export layer and anno sets from a plan you have been working on...and import them into your template plan.  I just think it's a better method when you are just starting to wade into the wacky world of ANNO SETS.

 

When you learn to use plan views...you will love them.  The best thing about them really is that you can assign specific "REF SETS" to each PLAN VIEW.  This is nice when you are sending views to layout and you want to shown things that are on a different floor level. 

 

Just my two cents...good luck.  It's an adventure for sure.

Steve, anything and everything I can learn from you guys is GOOD STUFF! The "Use Active Layer Set, I WISH CA could fix it so, that wouldn't happen, but I just have to learn to be more attentive to that little nuance!

Thanks for all the good help!

12 minutes ago, Joe_Carrick said:

That works and it can turn corners as well.  More than one way to skin a cat.

Shucks, I think I deserve a one-up for that Haha!

Hey guys, just out of curiosity, could he also use a molding poly line (stupid huh?) maybe a closet rod profile? Just asking (but please don't make fun of me) :-) Joe I know you ask why would he (I guess I would ask that too)!

4 hours ago, DRAWZILLA said:

f you use the SAM method like Scott does, you do not need to keep up with the templates and update them, you simply just start the new drawing with an old one, then erase what you need to and start drawing. I don't use the sam personally but I can see how it eliminates some drawing time with setup.  I actually get away using maybe 15 annosets and 15 layersets , using the SAM method you can see how those guys have many many layer and annosets, they just build up and it's too much for me ,so I stick with using 1 template and work off of that.  My brain just can't handle hundreds of anno's and layersets. Those guys seem to be doing fine with it. Whatever floats your boat is good.

Perry, I think for now, I'm going to use the SAM as well until I get a better handle and understanding of setting up and using Anno's and Layers. One thing I learned from Larry Hawes (watch those videos he made for me a thousand time, seriously) and my latest attempt at them seems to be working accordingly, you have to watch it when you're switching from one Anno/Layer to another (as my attached screen shots show) to be sure your annos and layers match. 

You need to fill out your signature with the software vs you are using. It would also help if you posted the plan so someone could look at it.  Your post is not exactly helpful as submitted.

3 minutes ago, HumbleChief said:

Remember this all needs to be done only once for each new Anno/Layer Set as they are plan specific. Meaning once you get Anno/Layer Sets set up you can save that plan as a template and you're done - until you find a need for another Anno/Layer Set which you will, then save that as a template etc..

Larry, that is the next thing I have to do a better job at is building templates to re-use as much as possible! For another day and time!

35 minutes ago, HumbleChief said:

Yes PLAN VIEWS are probably one the best features Chief has implemented in a long time. I would suggest you understand Anno and Layer Sets before diving in to PLAN VIEWS but your call of course.

SCOTT, right now, I DO need to learn Anno - layer set, so I can set them up without so much confusion. I hope I can stay up to speed on everything. I'm afraid though, when my next big project kicks off (starting up with bid packages now) I'll have to get back into the Sr PM roll and won't have as much (as little) time. So, for now plan sets will have to wait! Thanks for your input too Scott, and Mark! you guys are the BOMB! I hope you know I'll use what I'm learning from you, to help someone else if ever that opportunity presents itself.

1 hour ago, HumbleChief said:

Maybe a little more clarity...

 

...and you don't have to 'copy' an existing Anno Set you can choose new...

 

 

I think I did it correctly Larry. Thanks for taking your time (as precious as it is) to make the video.  Now to add to this, I went back and looked at your other video of a few days back to see how to change the cad layer, at about 9:56 in the video is the key to changing CAD layer info.  I was doing that incorrectly. But now, I'm starting to get it straight!

This video has really been a great tool for me.  I know I've watched it a hundred times! I still think something isn't quite jiving, and since I'm still trying to learn this, I changed each item (layer for each Cad, text etc.) and I'll give it a try on my practice plan. It's still a time consuming process setting all this up for each anno - layer set.

I am trying to learn Anno - Layer sets, really I am! I spent hours this week-end, watching CA videos and Humble Chief's video he did for me, to help me learn how to set up anno's and corresponding layer sets. During my highest times of frustration I rested, but the rest of the time I watched videos until my eyes burned!

I may be interpreting it all wrong, but I thought you set up your layer set, then your anno?  But when I attempted to set up the anno's I couldn't change them to match my layer.  I set up a new plan, copied my existing plan, and pasted it into my new plan. I'm using it to practice setting up Anno's and Layers. After I copied a layer set, Changed it to my reflected ceiling set, I open the active default anno to set it up to the new reflected ceiling set, then everything goes haywire.  It appeared if I set the anno set up first, then I can go back to layer sets, copy the set I used to set my anno set up from, then change it's name to the same name I used for my new anno set, but of course it says I already have a layer with that name, so I tried to delete it. I followed the KB help file, but for some reason it won't let me delete the layer I set up even though I highlight it first?   I can highlight any of the others and the delete option is not grayed out. 

SF2 RCP.plan

Thanks guys. Not sure exactly what I did, but I kept working on the Cad from view, and finally opened the original elevation I used to make the cad from view, then, I add the canopy there, and fixed! Actually Joey, I've been using only live views, but got braved and decided to try Cad from view.  I like using it, as I can take out unwanted or confusing lines etc., and make subtle adjustments. 

Is there a way to update a "Cad-from-view" after it has been detailed and sent to layout? Key word search in the forum and KB didn't give me anything.

I did a cross section elevation, then after opening, did cad from view.  I've spent several hours adding details etc., and sent it to layout.  Then the owner asked me to add a canopy, which I had modeled for another project and saved to my library. I used that canopy and it shows up in the cross section view but there doesn't appear to be a way to update the Elevation Cad View in my layout sheet.  I haven't had any issue updating elevations in layout, as long as I haven't converted them to Cad from view, they update fine. 

4 hours ago, jjifmeyer said:

Are there pre-made Gable Brackets or a tool to help build these

Any direction on a way to accomplish would be appreciated

Looked on the tutorials but can't find.

 

Thanks

 

 

Buid5.plan

I built the trusses in the screen shots for a lake house modeled them out of P-solids and for a novice I think they turned out well. They built the house last year and everything looks just like the model. 

2 hours ago, jjifmeyer said:

Thanks you made that so easy.

Great videos.

Do you know how to separate the interior and exterior of an enclosed porch or deck

so I can separate the wall materials to show properly.

• Inside of Enclosed Deck to be Drywall finish
• While maintaining Siding on the exterior wall

I would think the program smart enough to do that automatically.

You set that up in your wall type DBX, but you have to create a different wall type for each. Humble Chief where are you with your Video's? Oh, it is better if you start a new thread for this question too.

47 minutes ago, WhistlerBuilder said:

Never mind... I just got it to work. Thank you.

 

WB, how did you get it to work? Just curious.

On ‎9‎/‎7‎/‎2018 at 2:12 PM, solver said:

I broke this wall into 3 sections. Applied a new material via the Material panel on the outer 2 sections.

 

Unsure of what or how you are doing similar.

 

Eric, as I originally said, when starting this plan (and in a hurry to get it ready for the City Board to look at) I kept having issues as I stated.  I had created a wall def I called 10" PEMB (10" Girts with metal siding Pre Engineered Metal Building). and A 10" PEMB with Brick. Then 6" ditto (to be built with Galv Met Studs and Metal siding) and 6" ditto w/ Brick.  I set it up just like I would build it in real life. I painted the metal siding with the color (from a photo of the existing building) saved as a new mat'l.  But each time I would select a wall (breaking it not just in the corner, but trying it in several places, when changing to one wall type for one wall, another for the other It would always change all the walls to the same.  I remembered from a few years back (2015) when I was attempting to do different wall finishes and having a similar issue, one of the Chiefers (maybe in experienced like me, suggested I use the material painter tool. Glenn Woodward told me then you never use the MP to change a wall type. And, I usually didn't it was quicker getting the plan ready for the City to take a quick look at and give me the go ahead with the project. The only way I've been able to make it work, is the open a wall DBX, copy/save give it a new name, and material definition so, I did likewise for the 5 different wall types being used in this building. It is fixed now. I did check all the walls and opened their DBX and made sure I have brick for brick and metal siding where it is supposed to be metal siding, not painted metal siding on brick.

Thanks!