MoeGia

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Posts posted by MoeGia

  1. I usually create two layout files toward the end of the project.  I copy paste the layout and delete the 3D views from the working drawing layout so I can move more quickly.  Then I can combine the view pages from the full layout with the working drawing pages in a PDF editor.  Not ideal, but I can move along a lot faster.

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  2. When Chief was reinstalled, it put it's files in it's default location.  If you open Preference you can see what folder paths Chief defaults to.  Look at advanced options.  I'm not at my computer so excuse my generalizations.  I'd also look on the other machines as well so you understand how Chief works with folder locations.

     

    You can import the catalogs from your CA X11 folders.  Any catalogs you got while on X12 won't be there, but it's a start.

     

    Does Dropbox have a recycling bin?  Maybe your catalogs we're moved/deleted there.  Do you have backups of the downloads?

     

    Good luck.

  3. I think it would be great if Chief's Global Macros could be modified to report data such as percent glazing.  In my post above, I started with the global room area and tried to multiply it by .08, which you can't do.  I didn't understand that those macros don't work with ruby.  I accept that they don't, but I don't have a enough of a grasp of Ruby to understand the nuances.

     

    I'm glad to see others have requested it in the past and it's on the list.

  4. Thank you.  I'd love to see global macros 'shortcuts'.  It would be a huge help to those of us that need info out but don't understand the Ruby world.  With my limited understanding, I can do a lot of damage pretty quick!

  5. Following along, I'm wondering why the Chief supplied macros don't work with multiplication.

     

    Room.area.internal is Chief's macro, which doesn't work with multiplication.  Yet Room.internal_area does.

     

    It seems like the program supplied macros should be editable.  Obviously macros aren't my forte!

    Glazing macro.PNG

  6. It's a known issue.  I have reported it.  You should as well.  It's a time sink with templates and really frustrating when creating multiple options to show the same views with the various options.  Keeping the camera views the same allows the customer to easily compare the views.  I've started sending JPGs because the layout views do not remain at the same zoom level when the plans are relinked.

  7. Windows need some attention.  They are basically blocks in a rough opening.  No sill profile is a big problem and has been noted numerous times.  I would never measure the glass size from a CA generated window.  I go directly to the manufacturer's information.

     

    Doors are similarly quirky, but I won't go there.

  8. If you open the 3D view and your model is very far away your building is most likely too far from the origin (0,0).  Or you have an 3D object very far from your model.  that's causing Z fighting.  You can search that term here for more info.

     

    Look for objects far away--In plan view zoom way out and marquis select the entire screen.  the offending object, should be selected in the bounding box.  Delete it.  Do this for each floor.

     

    To find the origin, place a point and set it to 0,0.  If 0,0 is a long distance away, you'll have to move your model closer.  I'd use the Edit Area All Floors, Transform Replicate to move it closer.  Make note of the distance you move it because your elevation and section CAD will have to be moved that distance too.

  9. Set up a warehouse plan for the Andersen 100 Series.  Make the windows there and copy to you plan.  Before long you'll have all of your regularly used windows.  Without the bloat Michael mentioned.

     

    You can add the windows to the user library if you prefer to keep them there.

  10. I recently set up a new Windows laptop and adjusted my toolbars (removed icons) to fit the laptop screen (3240x2160, scaling 200%). 

    Working on the Windows desktop, I moved a few more icons to the side bar to shorten the length. (2560x1440,Scaling 125%)

     

    Now my toolbars are moving on a very regular basis.  

     

    I think switching to the layout file (different toolbars) triggered the problem yesterday. (Per Glenn's observation)

     

  11. You should get the glazing area from the window manufacturer.  Glass area is dependent on how they build their windows.  I would not scale this number off a Chief window unless you model the window and sash exactly as the manufacturer builds it.  Too much liability; get the number from the manufacturer.

  12. A simple head casing can be defined on the lintel tab when setting your window defaults.  More complex head trim can be achieved on the treatments tab.  You'll find a lot of good information with a forum search or with F! (help).

     

    If that doesn't help, you'll need to be more specific about what you're trying to accomplish.  Post a picture.

  13. A tip I got from this forum years ago is to create a library of 'skylight windows' with the appropriate size and label. 

     

    I use Chiefs skylights in plan and elevation.  I drop the 'skylight window' into the plan in an unseen wall (usually on the attic level).  The callout then shows in my window schedule and I manually add the callout to my plan and elevation.  Not perfect, but once you set them up, it's less of a workaround to get the proper look and accuracy.

     

    I do wish Chief would give us full functioning skylights.

  14. Deck House still uses most of those same details.  They have always built the mahogany windows and doors on site.  Deck House and Acorn were direct, but friendly, competitors for many years.  Acorn focused on solar technology during the '70's and 80's.  Both were located in Acton, MA.

     

    Deck House bought out Acorn during the downturn in the 90's.  My husband who also worked at Acorn, went over to Deck House to continue building the Acorn product line (he ran the panel fabrication division at both places).  I chose not to go so I could focus on my own business. 

     

    In the 2008 recession Deck House went under, and was purchased by a local builder.  Here's a link to the current company:  https://www.deckhouse.com/portfolio/  It was a great place to work, we did a lot of innovative work!

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