GerryT

Short answer is: it’s not easy and deliberately so. Since Chief will not support access to their internal data and is not likely to do so, I don’t recommend it. But a workaround: You must provide an ID for each object (roof plane) that you want to total the data for. This is because Chief does not permit object IDs (handles in other software). You can only do this by making a macro for each object with a unique ID # assigned within. This means a unique macro for each object (roof plane). You can copy the same macro and just edit the ID field within each then change the macro name. You then copy the referenced data to a Global Storage variable (Hash). Then add up the separate pieces of data from Global memory. It has to be done this way because macro execution cannot be controlled by the user. IOW – it’s easier to just use the material list. But Attached is a sample plan showing the process.

The primary difference between electrical and MP lies in the codes. The electrical does not require any significant level of functionality. It is chiefly a safely code. The plumbing code requires a minimum level of performance. – Toilets must flush. Therefore, in the electrical, functionality is required by the designer. i.e the placement of lighting fixtures and switches. Other than that, most electrical plans are just “fluff” to pacify unfamiliar reviewers as most electrical plans almost never address code other than receptacles. For the plumbing, performance is built in to the code, so that layout is covered and usually need not be addressed by the designer. Although most larger authorities do now require a isometric or a piping layout for anything over 3-4+ bathrooms. It’s hard to “screw up” 1-2 bathrooms using the minimum 3” drain pipe. The chief difference here is in the higher order structures where minimum requirements may not meet the comfort level required. So it really depends on the target user and the level of services offered. I can’t imagine that the designer of a commercial structure or a large complex residence would allow those decisions to be completely left to the “low Bid” sub-contractor. Whether one handles this via specifications or plan details is really a matter of convenience for the designer/builder. I seen both but in many cases one or the other is required. IMO. Chief’s decision to not offer MEP tools limits its target base and leaves a lot on the table for other designers and their software who will realize the gains in offering those services.

This might give you some ideas and maybe more questions. You have to use a reference macro since labels are limited to one line --- another squeaky wheel? The secret to making it look like a label is to put the reference line on a separate layer and turn off that layer. the line will still stay connected.

Using a helper function" -- You will have to open the macro manager and click the ft_in once to enter it into the plan -- Bummer

Need to see your example -- Should not be a problem.

Also take a look at KB-02840 in the help Database. Both the article and the video use the the 2D molding line tool, which isn't very practical for drain piping and somewhat misleading. The problems in using the 3D vs 2D molding line, however, can be overcome per my previous comments & the article.

This can be done, somewhat, using 3D molding lines and circular profiles as the pipe. No need to import a symbol. You can easily make all of the turns by working between ortho views and breaking and turning the line in the right direction. Multiple monitors makes this very easy to do. The slope can be set accurately by adjusting the angle from xy field in the selected line DBX field, or you can just "eyeball", but I doubt that you would notice on a 3D image -- Best to use a notation there. You may find it difficult to select the molding line, so just make up a molding layer set and lock everything except the molding lines. Only real problem is in transitioning from one size to another as Chief will not transition different size moldings. You would have to create transition fitting symbols, which is simple to do but tedious, and cut the same into the 3D molding line. Use the revolve tool to create Transitions. You only need to create one size and then re-size it for different size pipes. Positioning is difficult and tedious because there are no snaps provided although you can somewhat position by looking at the selected line values or use the arrow keys and set the grid snap at a low value (.1"). Insertions can be made by breaking the line in small segments and setting the fitting segment to "no molding", then move in the fitting. The Chief video on spiral pipe should provide some direction and ideas. In short this can be done and is fairly straight forward but very time consuming to get the fittings looking right. Much easier to just use a heavy line(s) and notations. I don't believe Chief intends to provide this level of detail anytime soon?

FYI -- You don't need to remember the spelling. Just open the > icon which will list all the standard Chief macros. You may need to expand the text box to see it.

In Chief it's not. In rich text,a tab will only insert a couple of spaces with no alignment. Tab control & alignment, is only possible with the standard text box in Chief. But , of course, that box, has no line formatting capability. This has been a long standing and often repeated request. The squeaky wheel? Also, tabs from the Ruby script engine are simply converted to spaces in either case.

Nope -- The chief defaults are in a fixed direction only. However, You can achieved the same by selecting the lever handle style you want in the library and copy it to your user library. Then open that symbol and rotate around the y axis and save. You then use your new custom symbol by selecting the library tab in the door DBX ubder handles.

Done in by Spell Check -- but I like wenches a lot better anyway!!

Room Labels use the default text box set up under Defaults (wench) Room -- Room label -- Attributes.

FYI -- There is no standard hatch pattern format. Chief uses the format developed and used by AutoCad which are the same rules referenced by Joe. That's why I referenced you to the Autocad help site which also give a couple more commands. They have several examples that show how to develop repeating irregular patterns. Software such as PhotoShop & others use a different pattern even though they all use the same Pat file extension. Any site that offers free AutoCad hatch files can be downloaded and will also work in Chief. Hatchkit will save in AutoCad format and in several others. If you see a good Photoshop patten, I believe you can load into Hachkit and resave in AutoCad format. -- Haven't tried it but they offer a 30 day trial.

Hatch Patterns are just text files in which you can create simple ones like brick patterns yourself by following a few simple rules. Do a web search for "Overview of hatch patterns" by Autocad. Autocad has a good tutorial on their help site which gives all the rules and has some good examples. If you want something a little more complex -- try the Hatchkit 2.7 software. -- Some what difficult to use and their tutorial is not so good but works.. However, for simple brick patterns, you only need a few lines which you can do with a text file. But most brick patterns are also offered free on various sites.

AFAIK - Cjhief does not e-mail a notification when new catalogs are issued . They do, however, usually anounce them under their anouncement thread.. so if you monitor this forum, you should see any new catalog notifications. Once you load a catalog, if you do a update, it will update any out of date catalogs but will not load new catalogs.

Unfortunately you picked the one in which the table/chairs are one symbol and the light fixture another, so you can’t explode these further than that. Take a look at the bonus catalog under grouped dining rooms. There are several there. You can explode a couple and then mix and match chairs and tables as you like. Then regroup. Several of the chairs will allow you to change materials separately for the seat and legs. Search the library and you can add accessories to the table as you like to produce the runner effect.

OK -- How do you turn on the spell check -- I'm using Firefox and it's turned on here on my end?-- Worked just fine on the old site?

That depends on the symbol you are using? You can not edit a Symbol -- only remakeit. But a number of table combinations in the library are NOT a single symbol but architectural blocks which can be exploded and the chairs moved and copied. The tables can then be scaled -- so with some effort you could make your own version out of some of the Chief offerings.

Is it my imagination or did Chief just change the site resolution? I now have to use the scrollbar with long width messages. Don't have this problem on other web sites and did not have this problem before. My resolulion is 1280 x 960 -- old eyes. It would be nice if Chief woiuld stay with the standard? Also lost my auto spell check. Is it Chief or my machine?