lbuttery

I would rather not spend hours working this out with macros Scott: I agree, I have advocated for macros for a decade now but I believe that MOST features/functions should be accessable/useable without them Macros are suppose to be for Power users as a way to "automate" their workflow Macros should not be the primary/only way to do a task if macros become "the way" then the majority of the users will be lost in the dust when I want a symbol - I have to pay someone to make it for me it should be the same way for those who don't know macros and Ruby and don't want to know Lew

Patrick: I'm serious about this stuff weighing a ton I think it would cost $$$$ to mail Lew

Patrick: I have a "ton" of training material and cd collections and library items from the X1 era If you live within driving distance of Buffalo NY we could meet and you could have it+ mailing would cost $$$$ Lew

one tip: it can get crazy with all the models and specs and the brain starts to swim pick a fairly decent PC for about $2K, study the spec list use that as a reference list as you evaluate others if you find something better - make it your reference PC when you have had enough brain melt - buy that one Lew

I've been satisfied with HP Lew

the reason for the "slap" is to prevent users from letting SSA lapse then when an upgrade arrives jumping back on the wagon CA needs the SSA fees to pay for development costs etc in my view if you are in business then paying for SSA and keeping it active is a no-brainer Lew

Turn off Chief's "Living Area" by dbl. clicking the select tool. Use a living area macro instead. It will then stay where you want it or put it. Sure would be nice if it would work correctly we shouldn't have to mess with macros this PITA has been around since I started in 2005 Lew

Newell: check out this service - the fee might be worth it ??? http://www.eagleview.com/ Lew

SSA does not have to be active to get into the digital locker thanks for the clarification Lew

Michael: I think SSA has to be active to get into the digital locker Lew

Jenny: if you downloaded all of the install files and library files etc then you should be able to install on as many computers as desired but if not - then ??? once installed on multiple computers your should be able to deactivate one and activate another if you can't do that then you will probably need to contact CA's tech support but they are closed on weekends open 6 AM - 5 PM Pacific maybe someone here can assist - but ??? Lew

some files have to be zipped to be attached Lew

Adam: if you have X7 with SSA the contact CA's tech support by sending them the plan etc Lew

Mthd: sorry to see you go that is the problem with workarounds they are sweet and neat at first some can be down right elegant then in time they become annoying knowing the software can do the task but having to deal with the "hassle" of doing or not doing the task for awhile and then forgetting those elegant steps and having to re-learn the workaround Lew

export the ML to Excel then fuss with the calcs Lew

Can we not lock certain parts of the model so we can add and build new parts without affecting the existing? Brian: I have been suggesting the need for "locks" for walls, rooms, floors for almost a decade CA has been highly resistant to the idea good luck Lew

Charlie: I customized a marquee back around 2007 as I had to shift an entire wing by 2' that was probably X2 Lew

I used a Disto to measure remod's to 1/16 create model to 1/16 where it mattered - 1/2" where it didn't when creating final permit set - I would display to 1" unless the fractions mattered for new construction tried to keep everything to 1" doing fractions only when it mattered Lew

Could you please provide a practical example of when and how this could work? Glenn: you would know better than I if memory serves I would use the dbx to change settings then want to rebuild just that roof plane remember I usually had trouble with roofs and would take the auto-gen as far as I could then my partner Joe would clean them up I made these suggestions years ago - maybe things have changed ? Lew

get frustrated re-blocking and placing the home back on the terrain every time the client wanted a change Joy: yes, it would be nice if there was x-ref capability and the master plan was auto-updated if the "sub" plan was changed Lew

Joy: its never been an issue but I also did fewer plans than most most of the time the client wants to see the house and variations once in awhile we did "site planning" where the terrain was the main focus Lew

auto build to start, then switch to manual this is what most users do some only do manual while Chief can do over 24+ auto roof styles and it can do many, maybe most with full auto it can't do all with full auto Lew

Todd: Glenn probably has the "way" but for me I find it easier to have the plan in a separate plan and then save it as a 3D symbol then place the symbol into the master terrain plan I only do this if there is complex terrain or multiple buildings in the master this method seems to avoid all the "hassles" Lew

this is one reason why I have suggested that we be allowed to select a roof plane and say "rebuild this one" or to be able to draw a marquee and rebuild only included roof planes Lew

VERY NICE INDEED I wasn't overly impressed with the new features in X7 I am very impressed with the new features in X8 SSA is well worth the cost yeah CA !!! Lew