If you are going to AU, or just interested on keeping up with things, follow the Autodesk University twitter feed at AU_Online.

http://twitter.com/AU_Online

This year they are planning various things for the AU twits, including some fun things.  If you suddenly see 20% of the population run in the direction of the vender expo area, it’s probably AU twitter, and someone announced a ‘blue light special’. 

Log into your Autodesk University profile, and in the edits select the twitter setup button. 

Be sure to include the tag #AU2009 it in your tweets.

Community AU Twitter scan

If you don’t have a profile (and don’t want to set it up), you can still watch all the AU tweets using a tag scan.  I could see all AU_Online tweets, but not the rest of the community. Here I am using twhirl to illustrate.  It took me awhile to figure it out. 

Just go to search, and swap over to tweetscan, then scan for #AU2009.  The list will come up.

Then check the Add to home and Notify boxes.

Now on your home box, you’ll see them, even if you don’t follow the author.  Pretty sweet.

I still have not figured out what to do with Facebook, but twitter has become part of my daily life.  I’m looking forward to how it will shake out this December.

Now, if I can just figure out how to get this functionality on my WM6 phone…

Autodesk released the Subscription Advantage Pack recently, and can be downloaded at he subscription site.  I’ll summarize some of the items that we were shown during the preview.

Point Cloud support

• New point cloud objects
• Control display density, thematic display control
• Ability to snap to points in object

The point cloud utility is included in this SAP to prepare the market, and to stage future integrations into other applications.

Dana Probert added a 1 gig dataset of the Manchester office, and showed us some properties that included dataset count limitation (she was at 500K), and styling (which included display size and categorical coloring by elevation range). While the main dialog was up, I noticed that multiple sources can be used to create the cloud.

It looked awesome.  You could see every detail.  Imagine being able to walk the site, preplan your storage and parking, and see vertical problems that might not have been noted on a survey.

I am concerned about the impact the dataset will have on a processor and RAM.  There is no way currently to thin the cloud density.  Subsequent discussions with co-workers has brought up various scenarios for the use of the tool, but also many reasons not to.

I think that as Autodesk enhances the toolset, and broadens the scope of it’s adaptation, we will see many more demands for this type of data, and many uses we have not yet conceived.

Next is Roundabouts!

Are you going to AU this year? Stop by the LinkedIn AU group and tell us what you have planned, and what you are looking forward to. 

Come join he discussion and help me figure out who is going where and when ( and where I am supposed to be next). 

Autodesk University LinkedIn Group

Recently Autodesk hosted a blogger day invitation to preview the new Civil 3D subscription advantage pack.

I missed the meeting.  I had formatted my machine, and had no updates or email for a few days.  David Mills was kind enough to get me up to speed.

The SAP contains numerous tools, but here are the highlights:

• Point Cloud support
• Roundabout layout
• Visualization and Analysis tools
• Transportation productivity tools
• Survey productivity tools

Dana showed us the layout of the SAP, which shows up in your toolbox located in the Toolspace.  Each category is contained in the familiar tree view containing Alignment, inquiry, Point Clouds, Points, profile, Roundabaouts, Surface, and Visibility Checks.

I’ll cover various topics on this over the next few days, and add some screenshots as well.

You can download this from the subscription site.  You must have Civil 3D SP2 installed before attempting this addon.

That’s right ladies and gentlemen…  I got a sponsor, so…

I’m goin’ to Autodesk University 2009!!!

No one here would take a picture of me tap dancing on my desk, and no video either. 

Now all I have to do is figure out how to get there…ummm.

In an attempt to fill in the gaps, I’ll also be working my oshiri off as a lab assistant.  It appears as though I will be assisting in the following classes:

• CV214-4L Designed for Success
• CV118-6L  Making the Grade
• CV204-1L  Making the Grade

I was unable to get any manufacturing labs, sorry folks.  But that’s ok, I’m happy to get any of them. It’s kind of like going off to college and getting a part time job.

If you will be nearby, check me out after the class (just not during please, as they will string me up if I am chatting during duty hours, very strict).  Manufacturing, Education, and Civil Engineering, everyone.

The fine print on the lab assistant agreement was real small and hard to read,  so if you see me dressed in a bellhop getup, carrying some Autodesk tech’s luggage, don’t worry.  Just laugh and point, and get a cold one ready. 

Ok, I blew it.  I recently had a fight with my domain server, and lost.  I ended up renaming my computer to work around it.  It’s never been a problem in the past.  Well, at least I didn’t realize it was.

ADMS is getting its content from an SQL server on a site.  That site is my computer, and when renamed, it was lost.  My entire ADMS and Vault was gone for all applications.

Autodesk had this to say about the errors

Issue

During the installation of Vault or Productstream Server (ADMS), you received the following pre-check error message:

The SQL Server instance you have selected is not enabled with Autodesk Productstream Replicator. To enable it, upgrade site '<computername>'. Contact your reseller for Autodesk Producstream Replicator.

Solution

This error is the result of renaming the computer or adding it to a domain while the previous version of ADMS was installed even though replication has never been enabled on this particular computer.

This can be resolved by uninstalling SQL 2005, using Add or Remove Programs (Windows), and then reinstalling it either manually or automatically using the Vault/Productstream Server installation.

Alternatively, you can run the ADMS Console in command line mode and use the -OSiteRename switch. For detailed instructions, refer to the ADMS Console Help menu (available by pressing the F1 function key).

oSiteRename

This function will rewrite the server strings to attach to the libraries at the new site location.  I suspect there is access through  file or registry for this, but I am not sure.  The operation should be simple and the info online would indicate that it is.  Don’t be worried about the HUGE STRING command entry. Copy the entry examples shown in the links at the bottom of the page, into a text editor, and edit the option to what you have at your location.  Then it is easy to past it to the command dialog.

Still fouled

This did not work, but I wasn’t paying much attention while I was trying.  Something else was missing.  After the site change, I ended up trying to reinstall Vault Server.   After the client install, the ADMS checks were completed with warnings.  The warnings lead me to this, which stopped m dead in my tracks.  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300956

Somewhere along the line I got creative, and well it won’t work.  I will probably have to reinstall SQL up to get it back.

D. Jeffrey is a wiz at Autodesk server installs, and suggested I back down to the desktop client.  So that’s what I did to get running.  I go my project completed, so not the end of the world, but my Vault installs are wounded.

Should have…

I should have renamed my computer back, and prepared the server migration beforehand.

-or-

I should have stopped prior to installing the desktop content, and reverted my system to the previous day. I trid too many things and the control for the testing was gone.  Reverting to the prior day would have cleaned it up.

-or-

I should have performed the rename, and immediately went to reinstall the Vault clients and server.  This may have got it running, but since I got creative, well it’s impossible to know.  The –OSiteRename function SHOULD have worked, and should work for you.  You may have to restart the OS to get it going.  

Links

Discussion-> http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums/thread.jspa?messageID=6252834&#6252834

Discussion –> http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums/thread.jspa?messageID=6256152&#6256152

Tekni article –> http://teknigroup.com/enews/2009/creativenews3-31-2009.html

I’d like to see a way to get the Frame Generator tools to access the parameters.  I am a top down kind of guy, and like using extrusions and dependent sketches for my frame skeletons.  I derive almost everything to keep all my parameters centrally located. 

The design I am currently engaged in was started without some specs, and after receiving them I find that he builder does not want any weld gapping.  So I have to run through every weld and remove the gaps.

It would be nice to set the gaps a local parameter that is factored from a derived parameter, like ‘NomWeldGap = MatThickness * NomWeldGapFactorl’ or something similar.  This way I can change the NomWeldGapFactor in the skeleton, and all the gap would alter in relation to their individual material thicknesses. 

Recently Autodesk released the Free trip to AU contest.  3 winners chosen from popular vote will be given a free pass to AU 2009.  Now that’s cool. 

Why AU?

Everyone knows I am a nut for AU.  I mean over the top.  Why?

• The technical classes
• The instructors
• The people you meet
• Mentors
• The awesome amenities
• The ability to reach Industry people that were normally ‘out of reach’
• The new business and personal relationships built
• The advertisement and networking
• Vegas
• Free Certification opportunities
• Amazing shows, food, and meetings
• Chance to solidify a relationship with AUGI JP
• Did I mention Vegas?

The classes I attended in 2006-2007 helped propel my career forward.  People I met there advised me through the years, and continue to be valuable sources of advice and encouragement.  I used all the awesome information and notes, and began pushing what I learned to new levels, and applying it in ways that was not part of the mainstream application. 

Certifiable

I got certified.  It is possible that those wonderful people in training and certification that I met at AU would work so hard for anyone, but I sincerely believe meeting them at AU made a difference.  They bent over backwards to get me through my tests.  For a week I was some kind of freakshow novelty.  ‘There is this guy who wants to take 4 tests in 1 day…’.  ImaginIt and Autodesk did a jam up job.  Awesome group.  Make sure you thank them if you see them at AU…Barbara, Nancy, and Michelle.

New Possibilities

By the grace of God I still have my Civil Engineering job at GCT.  They have permitted me the flexibility to pursue my troubleshooting/ manufacturing authoring career in parallel with my daily routine.  AUGI World Mag has picked me up as a columnist; Dennis Jeffrey has invited me into the Tekni fold; I just got up a new client via raw motivation and performance.  None of this would have been possible without cementing the relationships and skills developed while attending AU. 

Emotions, AU, and Poker

Most of my followers know I love blackjack and poker.   Some of us Autodesk community peeps even get together to play now and then.  When I watch poker pro’s on TV, my wife shouts, “Hey, this must be like Entertainment Tonight for poker nuts”.  You damn skippy. 

Phil Helmuth, a popular pro is repeatedly shown putting a guy on notice, saying “It’s just poker to you, but to me this is my life!!!”

Well folks that is EXACTLY how I feel about AU.  For me it is the goalposts, endgame, the finale for the year, the icing on the cake.  It’s not reaching the top of the mountain; it’s sitting on it and looking at where you just climbed all year long (with a beer in hand).  That’s AU to me.

Past mistakes and Resolve

I have resolved not to pull the stunts I did last year trying to go.  I bugged everyone, no lie.  There was not a stone unturned.  If there is a way, I was gonna be the guy getting the opportunity. But the wake I was making was too disturbing to me and everyone else. 

As my first year submitting AU class outlines I was not picked up, but I hope that I’ll do better next year.  In the mean time I am working through the AU industry trying to get on as a tech assistant for Inventor Or Civil 3D.  This is the best approach for the future (and it doesn’t piss anyone off).

The Contest

The contest was a great idea.  I appreciate Autodesk offering a way for a few that just can’t go.  Thank you.

This is what we planned, me in the foreground dryly noting all the wonderful things about AU, while my boys hold up big cards in the background with the ‘real’ reasons to go, all the while changing into all of my AU shirts (I have about 15), and coming back for more cards.  The dog walks through wearing her AU outfit. Eventually the boys start fighting over a card in the background and shoving each other off the set as the video ends.  Man it would have been great. 

I did not participate in the contest.  Not enough time for responsibilities, studies, language, writing, AUGI World Magazine, and now a design client;  I was really agonizing over it.  The more I thought about it, the more I regretted the time lost with my family, that was being used for ‘getting to AU’.

Reality

I realized that most people that have a good job, are bailing the boat too fast to worry about plugging the hole.  Those that aren’t are not worried about busting their hump to get the chance to go to AU.  It’s just part of their job, and they will have to go.  Those that need the passes typically can’t afford the airfare to get there.

We are bailing the boat non-stop.  We aint sunk yet, praise God, but my boys don’t get any time with me as it is.  In the past I’d say ‘man, what I wouldn’t give to go this year’; well no more. 

I’ll miss you all tremendously, but there will be other opportunities.  Don’t get me wrong, I still look forward to being there this year. The opportunity to sit down with AUGI JP again is hard to back away from.  If the opportunity arises, awesome.  Hell Tekni may send someone this year!! (that’s a hint!!!)  But in the mean time, I’ll just continue to focus on what’s right here in front of me.

Laughter

Last night I resolved to ignore the lack of AU contest submittal.  I said I would ignore my ‘responsibilities’ for an hour, and my oldest boy agreed to try his clarinet, which seems to feel like a burden to him lately.  I grabbed my guitar, and we laughed while we tried to play together.  I’m still smiling.

Recently I was trying to work around more an more missing EG data, and trying to retune my corridor to get a early preliminary plan out.  I was so in such a hurry to get thing out, and so frustrated in how things were going, that I failed to retune my corridor after adjusting the assemblies.  I thought it might be a good post.

I am using some lame cross section colors; EG ad FG are the same red.  Sorry.

Notice below that the daylight in the template really isn’t trying.  Where it does cross the FG, the telltale intersection marker is not there.

Think methodically.  The daylight is carried out by following the instructions in the assembly.  Double check the assembly, and we find everything is ok.  We just changed it.

Then the daylight instructions are carried out in accordance with the targets passed down by the corridor.  Check the corridor.

A review the target assignments leads us to the problem.  It can’t daylight if it is blind. 

When we remove and replace an assembly daylight, that old corridor component link is gone, and with it the instructions of what to target.  When the new link comes in, there are no target instructions either since it’s new to the corridor.  So we reassign the targets and rebuild the corridor.

Now the corridor responds properly.

This weekend I was up to my neck in a problem with having to rebuild a fast and dirty project.  It was built for pretty only.  The problem was that a weekend build did not cover enough time to do the job right. Shortcuts lead to failures in Inventor.

I had constrained latches of a door in the door assembly, and then reversed my build and snapped the cut edges off the latch in the door part, and cut out the hole.  It was fast and I didn’t need solid build, just fast.  Hmmm, sounds familiar.  Don’t have time to do it right, but always have time to do it over….  And do it over you will.

I started the job with a skeleton containing the global resources, and the overall shell.  This worked like  champ.  Eventually as I began to run out of time, I started to cut corners.  Portions of the projected geometry began to fail for one reason or another (because of the shortcuts).  Everything was fine until I had to make a change.

So was tired of recreating my ‘shortcut’ doors, and decided to get a better shortcut.  The latch plate had to recut for each change. 

Use the iFeature to reduce repetitive steps

Rather than create it for the third time (eventually even I learn from my mistakes), I created an iFeature.  This part however had no geometry and was just the solid model.  Fine.  I created a cut extrusion from sketched cut edges, an sent it out in all directions.

This is what I was left with.  Perfect, as this will be the hole cut out in the door part.  I extracted the iFeature, and then used it for the cutouts.  Insert the iFeature onto the door, rotated accordingly, and poof.  Instant cutouts.

Positioning the under constrained iFeature

The only problem with this method is the solid that was the basis.  There is no constraint geometry.  The feature is being held together by the references linked to the solid.  What happens when the iFeature is extracted? The links are broken, and the geometry contained in the iFeature becomes completely unconstrained.  This is a large problem when trying to constrain the iFeature on placement, as the feature begins to warp during the positioning process.

One option is to fix it for the future use.  Reconstrain all the geometry, such that it is a useful tool for the future.  I didn’t have time to do that , and you may not either.  We need to constrain it, but how is the question.

After the sketch is created, the cut edges are referenced in.  Break the links to the original solid.  Then Auto Dimension the part.  Sure the dimensioning will be crazy an not well conceived, but who cares.  We need it fast.  Auto-dimension will constrain out the DOF for us in a second.  When that is done, create the Cut extrusion, and extract the iFeature.   Oh, don’t forget; Don’t save the original part file.  Otherwise that latch plate I was monkeying with would be junk.

For the permanent solution, well balanced Geometric and Dimensional constraints can be planned, including part sizing for other latches using the same base features.  Then add in the additional placement features to allow automatic and adjustable placement. 

iFeatures are a great way to cut down on repetitive steps, as well as preplanned features that can be well catalogued for future use.  Once you get past the fast fix, it would be a good idea to go back and recreate the iFeature with the permanent solution.  If you used it once, you might end up using it numerous times.

Creative Inventor

Don’t forget we will have great instruction, troubleshooting, and exercises for iFeatures in the Creative Inventor series at Tekni.  As other lessons become available, we will add them to the course selection.

Tekni web site