SusanC

I'm trying to figure out if Chief has an APi (application programming interface) that would allow me to connect to one of these relational database options. Just wondering if anyone else has tried this.

I want to be able to store Chief schedules into a relational database such as Oracle, etc. so that I will have a central database for all of our projects and can manage them easier. For example, timing of shipping, orders received, etc. Be able to query and generate a report.

Does anyone know if it is possible to connect Chief to a relational database such as Oracle, Sqlserver or MS Access?

I have had two (1) hour private sessions with a Chief Personal Trainer named Kayla Lockhart who specializes in RTRT and I found it to be very helpful. There are definitely a few tricks to setting up the combination of the backdrop, the sun, the light set, the camera exposure, the materials, etc. to get the right balance in a render. I'm no expert, but I'm now able to produce RTRT renders for clients after having some one on one help from Chief.

Check out this page on system requirements: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/products/sysreq.html

I recently had a 1 hour personal training session with a Chief Architect trainer they set me up with named Kayla Lockhart. There are some tricks to getting the settings correct in the new real time ray tracing and I found it very helpful to have some one on one instruction. I'd highly recommend this option as the lighting and the material adjustments make a big difference in the quality of the ray trace produced.

The problem currently is on the Mac end, not the Chief end. There are several threads about this topic if you search back over the past 6 months. If you put your hardware specs in your signature it will be helpful. I have to use a Mac for work so my work around was to purchase a dedicated pc for the real time ray tracing which has proven to be a great solution for me.

I just had an hour long training on RTRT with one of Chief's personal trainers and I found it incredibly helpful. The new ray tracing engine does not work the same way as the old one did and requires a different combination of settings from what I was used to. Just wanted to share that the personal training really is very helpful and worthwhile!

You can also select the "Interior Dimension" tool and this will snap to the interior walls.

Christie, There are other ways to bring your As Built into your plan and put it on its own layer so you can turn it on and off. Reference Layer just happens to be a very efficient method, but not the only method. Here are a couple that do not require access to Reference Layers: 1. In your As Built plan, create a CAD detail and make an "As Built Mask" that can be put on its own layer and turned on and off. I like to make my As Built Mask in red, dotted lines. https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-02208/showing-the-as-built-in-a-remodel-plan-using-cad.html 2. This Chief video covers several methods, including one of making CAD blocks placed on a remodel layer and placing those blocks on top of walls that are moving. Easy to control seeing them or not by turning the layer on and off. https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/9867/remodel-process.html Good luck!

I tried using an external graphics card on my previous MacBook Pro and not only did it not fix the problem, it created others and I wound up having to purchase a new MacBook Pro. I would not recommend going that route. Since I have to use a Mac for work (our entire office uses Macs), I finally decided to purchase a gaming pc today and can finally run the real time ray tracing. I can open files I created on the Mac and work on the ray trace on the pc.

Update: I'm happy to report that the files started on my Mac open up with no problem on my new pc and I'm able to render them in 3 seconds - wow!

Thanks Dermot! So glad to hear that the Mac file can be opened on the pc to use the ray trace! Looking forward to trying that this weekend. Susan

Never mind. I found the threads.

My apologies in advance if this has already been answered, but I cannot seem to locate any threads. I know the new X13 Ray Trace engine does not work with Mac, but is there a work-around? 1. An external GPU with a Mac? 2. If a file is created on a Mac, can it be uploaded to a pc to use the ray tracing capabilities? Thank you, Susan

In the catalog downloads on Chief's website: Lighting section: Lighting 5: Deck and Path Lighting 9: Exterior Chief's core catalog: Architectural / Lighting / Outdoor Lighting

Yes, worthy of a "Like" and another "Thank You" to Chopsaw!! I'm so appreciative of the generosity of everyone on this forum.

Oh wow, it worked!! Thank you so much Chopsaw!

I actually was looking for a way to change the automatically generated width, height, depth columns. I'm assuming you are showing custom columns you created and manually entered the measurements into?

Hi, Is there a way to change the dimensions in a schedule to metric from imperial without having to start with a metric plan? We use both European and American cabinetry but I prefer to use imperial, not metric for my plan template. Thanks, Susan

Thanks!

Wow! Thank you for the tips Robert. I especially like the second suggestion. It's funny how you learn to do something one way and then never realize there are several other, more efficient, ways to do the same thing.

Oh boy, now I'm feeling ignorant - where do I find the tool that will draw the 3d molding polyline without having to convert?

Great! Most of the time the moldings specified through the cabinet dbx work just fine, but I will use the 3d molding polyline when there is something unusual, like a short wall, 2 cabinets next to each other that are different colors and the program wants to dominate with one color, etc. The 3d molding polyline gives you more control.

I looked at your attachments. I can't tell you in technical terms why the moldings are behaving that way, but I can tell you that you will have complete control over the molding if you use a 3d molding polyline. In plan view, select a CAD line and draw around your cabinet. There is a tool that looks like a wand that allows you to convert that CAD line to a 3d molding polyline and select which molding, what height, etc. Now you will be able to put your end wall where you need it and the molding will stay in place.