New Revit MEP Classes - Mechanical & Plumbing Fundamentals, Electrical Fundamentals

Ideate is pleased to introduce two new Autodesk Revit MEP Fundamentals courses Enroll now and save $200!

Revit MEP – Mechanical and Plumbing Fundamentals
Join Ideate to learn the basics of Revit MEP focusing on design and documentation of Mechanical and Plumbing systems. The class includes cross-discipline collaboration and coordination between engineering and architectural teams. You'll do hands-on exercises representing real-world design scenarios.

Complete course outline here.

>$895 introductory price for this 3-day course.

Revit MEP – Electrical Fundamentals
Need to navigate Revit MEP and use its tools to create and modify electrical systems - lighting and power? This course will teach you the required basic skills and recommended workflows.

Detailed course outline.

>$895 introductory price for this 3-day course

Ideate has Autodesk Authorized Training Centers in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento and San Jose. Our courses are structured around Autodesk certified courseware and taught by certified professionals, ensuring the highest quality training. Our trainers have real world experience and bring practical problem solving techniques and solutions to your class.

Contact us to find a training session in your city!

Why is "Reseller of Record" Important?

What exactly does it mean when you name "reseller of record" on your Autodesk software purchase?

With Ideate, Inc. as your dealer of record, your software subscription entitles you a wealth of resources. As long as you have an active Autodesk Subscription contract and Ideate is named as the dealer of record, you have access to Ideate web and telephone support, as well as Autodesk web support.

• Our team of professional Civil Engineers, Registered Architects, software programmers, and CAD and professionals can assist with process improvement, CAD/Engineering standards development, CAD integration, and software customization.
  
• As a leading Autodesk Authorized Training Center, Ideate can fulfill all your training needs with regularly scheduled classes, convenient eLearning or with customized instruction to meet specific needs.
  
• Check our Events page for a calendar of upcoming community events. Spend time with your peers in the engineering and architectural community to network and share ideas.
  
• Our Network Specialists can help you stay on top of the deployment of your Autodesk software.

Ideate offers a variety of free resources for our communities. Check out:

• Ideate Support – Links to licensing info, migration tips and more
  
• Case Studies – real world experience from Ideate customers
  
• White Papers – detailed technical information
  
• IdeateInc on Twitter – breaking news
  
• Ideate Solutions blog – customer news, tech tips, industry updates (look, you've already found it!)
  
• YouTube – watch recordings from Ideate’s Tech Experts

We measure our success on your success and focus our efforts on helping you achieve your goals and objectives.

To learn more, contact sales@ideateinc.com

AutoCAD Users - Survey on AutoCAD and the Internet

Announcement from our friends in the AutoCAD Product Design&Usability Group...

Dear AutoCAD User!

Please provide us with your opinions on the use of the internet when accomplishing CAD work. We need your expertise on what content you find valuable and useful to make sure that future releases support your work effectively.

Please dedicate 30- 35 min of your time by submitting your responses on this research.

Our Goal
To gain the most complete understanding about CAD-related internet usage so that we may be able to make effective design decisions.

Who Should Participate?
This survey is open to individual contributors (Designers, Drafters), CAD Managers and students using any AutoCAD release/variation for any period of time.

How To Participate?
Please submit your opinion via the AutoCAD and the Internet Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AutoCAD_Internet

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Thanks for your help!
AutoCAD Product Design&Usability Group
Autodesk, Inc
(On behalf of the group-Elena.fadeeva@autodesk.com)

Follow AutoCAD Research on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/AutoCADResearch

Free Autodesk 2011 Workshop - April 30, Portland, Oregon

Autodesk 2011 Solutions presented by the Ideate Tech Experts, and special guests from Autodesk!

Choose from two tracks at this free event.

Autodesk Solutions for BIM
We are pleased to welcome Jay Ayala, Autodesk AEC Solutions Engineer, who will talk about BIM for Renovation and Retrofit. Jay has more than 12 years of experience in the AEC Industry, using Autodesk product since 1993. The BIM for Buildings presentation will be followed by demonstrations of 2011 software:

• Revit Architecture 2011
  
• Revit MEP 2011
  
• Revit Structure 2011
• Ecotect Analysis 2011

Choose from a morning or afternoon session. Register here.

Autodesk Solutions for Construction & Civil Engineering
Guest speaker Paul Walker is the Technical Marketing Manager for Autodesk Construction solutions, including the Autodesk Navisworks and Autodesk Quantity Takeoff product lines. Paul is based in Sheffield, U.K., where Navisworks was originally developed. Paul worked with Navisworks for 8 years, previously managing the support, training and QA functions before the Autodesk acquisition of Navisworks in 2007. Paul is well versed in design and building techniques and issues, and has also developed expertise across the Autodesk product line, including the AutoCAD and Revit family of products. This learning track will include:

• Navisworks 2011
• AutoCAD 2011
  
• AutoCAD Civil 3D

Choose from a morning or afternoon session. Register here.

Seize the Opportunity with Autodesk 2011 Solutions!

April 29, Seattle - Seize the Opportunity with Autodesk 2011

Join us for lunch as the Ideate Tech Experts, and special guests from Autodesk, present the Autodesk 2011 software portfolio. Choose from two tracks at this free event.

Autodesk Solutions for BIM
We are pleased to welcome Jay Ayala, Autodesk AEC Solutions Engineer, who will talk about BIM for Renovation and Retrofit. Jay has more than 12 years of experience in the AEC Industry, using Autodesk product since 1993. The BIM for Buildings presentation will be followed by demonstrations of 2011 software:

• Revit Architecture 2011
  
• Revit MEP 2011
  
• Revit Structure 2011
  
• Ecotect Analysis 2011

Choose from a morning or afternoon session. Register here.

Autodesk Solutions for Construction & Civil Engineering
Guest speaker Heidi Hewett, Autodesk Technical Marketing Manager for AutoCAD, began using AutoCAD in 1986 and has been employed by Autodesk since 1992. At Autodesk, Heidi has held a variety of AutoCAD related positions including product support technician, training specialist, and senior applications engineer. In her current position as a technical marketing manager, Heidi helps develop and deliver technical marketing material for AutoCAD. This learning track will include:

• AutoCAD 2011
  
• AutoCAD Civil 3D
  
• Navisworks

Choose from a morning or afternoon session. Register here.

Seize the Opportunity with Autodesk 2011 Solutions!

Be (Autodesk) Resourceful

Do you know how to create a corridor from feature lines in Civil 3D?

Revit users, do you know the best way to generate schedules and perform quantity takeoffs?

Or, how to develop an indoor lighting analysis model in 3ds Max for LEED EQ 8.1 Credit?

These topics and many others are covered in the Autodesk Resource Centers.

www.resources.autodesk.com

The Autodesk Resource Centers offer countless How To's, Webcasts and White Papers for the products that you use everyday.

Take a look and become even more Resourceful!

Autodesk 3ds Max Tips - Apple Boot Camp, MAXscript errors

Autodesk 3ds Max Services & Support

Apple® Boot Camp Support for Autodesk 3ds Max

Issue: You want to know if you can run Autodesk® 3ds Max® on an Apple® computer using Apple Boot Camp software.

Solution: click here

Solution applies to:
Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2011
Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2010
Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2011
Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2010

MAXscript Rollout Handler Exception

Issue: You imported an fbx file from Revit that contains 'Pendant Light - Linear' lights. When you started the Light Lister from the Tools menu, you received the following error message: MAXscript Rollout Handler Exception

Solution: click here

Solution applies to:
Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2011
Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2010
Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2009
Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2011
Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2010
Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2009
Autodesk® 3ds Max® Entertainment Creation Suite 2011
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite 2010
Autodesk 3ds Max Real-Time Animation Suite 2010

New Ideate Training Course - 3ds Max Design 2011

Ideate's 3ds Max Design for Architects course is now available.

This fast-paced one-day class is geared towards students who want to learn how to extend the building information model for advanced rendering, animation, analysis and other visualization techniques.

Click here for the complete outline. Bring your designs to life today!

Ideate has Autodesk Authorized Training Centers in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento and San Jose. Our courses are structured around Autodesk certified courseware and taught by certified professionals, ensuring highest quality training. Our trainers have real world experience and bring practical problem solving techniques and solutions to your class.

Contact us to find a training session in your city!

Obscure but Useful Readme Tip – Part I

Part I in a sporadic series of Readme-related tips from the Ideate Tech Experts.

While we always recommend reading the readme, sometimes even we forget and it comes back to bite us. Today’s tidbit from the readme has surfaced a handful of times in our tech support cases so we thought it was worthy of your time:

Issue: Revit currently reserves file name strings ending in digits following a dot as backup file designations.

Solution: File Name strings ending in digits should use separations other than a dot. For example: instead of naming a file MJB_00.6078.000.rvt, use MJB_00-6078-000.rvt.

This applies to all flavors of Revit up to and including version 2011.

Let us know if you found this tip helpful.

- Submitted by Paul Hristov, AEC Application Specialist
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from University of St. Ivan Rilski, Bulgaria. In the past several years he has been developing Revit implementation strategies, techniques, and procedures for architectural and MEP companies. Paul has been actively establishing and updating company standards and best practices, assisting project teams with pilot projects, implementations, on-site project consulting and custom content creation. He provides training in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP, Revit Architecture, Revit MEP and Navisworks. Paul is also an Autodesk Revit Implementation Certified Expert.

April 29, Seattle - Autodesk 2011 Workshop

Learn how the Autodesk 2011 software solutions will benefit your business.

Ideate will present two free workshops in Seattle on April 29 covering all the best new features in the Autodesk 2011 product. Choose from two event tracks - both include access to exclusive sessions and software demonstrations.

Register for Autodesk 2011 Solutions for Construction and Civil Engineering

• Heidi Hewett presents AutoCAD 2011 - As Technical Marketing Manager for AutoCAD, Heidi helps develop and deliver technical marketing material for AutoCAD and will give great insight on AutoCAD 2011.
• AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011
• Navisworks 2011

Or choose Autodesk 2011 Solutions for BIM

• Jay Ayala presents BIM for Building - Jay, Autodesk AEC Solutions Engineer, has more than 12 years experience in the AEC industry. He will talk about the benefits utilizing BIM for renovation and retrofit.
• Revit Architecture 2011
• Revit MEP 2011
• Revit Structure 2011
• Ecotect 2011

Not in Seattle? Don't worry, we're also hosting events in Portland, San Jose, Sacramento and San Jose too. See the complete Ideate event calendar.

New Ideate Training Course - Revit Architecture 2011 Families

Ideate is pleased to announce our new Revit Architecture 2011 Families course.

This fast-paced class is designed for advanced Revit students who are interested in creating parametric Revit content. Students will learn methods for testing and creating both the graphical and data elements of Revit Families through the study of two different family types: a bench and a door. This class will also include Shared Parameters, Family Nesting, and tips for standardizing custom Revit content.

Complete course outline, schedule and registration link.

Did you know that Ideate can work with your firm to develop customized training? Contact education@ideateinc.com to learn more.

Revit 2011 Tips from Autodesk Services & Support

We've gathered some of the key tips and updates recently released by Autodesk Revit Services and Support for your reference...

Issue: You want to know where the KeyboardShortcuts.xml file is stored for Revit 2011 products after customizing keyboard shortcuts.
Solution: click here

Issue: You would like to know how to create a custom elevation tag in Autodesk Revit 2011 products.
Solution: click here

Issue: You would like to control workset visibility for a Revit link in the host project.
Solution: click here

Issue: You are unable to tag a room object located in a linked Revit project file.
Solution: click here

Issue: There may be circumstances where Autodesk Revit 2011 products need to be removed from the workstation. The following process will ensure all residual files are properly removed as well.
Solution: click here

Issue: You would like to know how to install Autodesk Revit 2011 Products as a standalone license.
Solution: click here

Issue: When you enable the Revit realistic visual style some families containing a filled or masking region appear white.
Solution: click here

Issue: In Revit 2011 products when you attempt to enter a PANTONE® color value in the Find Color search field no color is returned.
Solution: click here

Issue: When you create a material with a custom texture outside the default render appearance library location the material texture is not visible in a realistic visual style.
Solution: click here

Issue: When you attempt to place an adaptive component family from the place a component tool the adaptive component family does not appear in the list.
Solution: click here

Solutions apply to:
Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2011
Autodesk® Revit® MEP 2011
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2011

Autodesk Tip - Enabling 3GB

Autodesk Services & Support

Issue: You want to enable the 3GB switch on the Windows Vista™ operating system.

Solution: Click here for complete details.

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2010
AutoCAD® 2009
AutoCAD® 2008
AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2008
AutoCAD® MEP 2008
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2008
Revit® Architecture 2008
Revit® Structure 2008

Autodesk Navisworks Subscription Benefit: Access to Additional Tools

Are you an Autodesk Navisworks Subscription customer?

Autodesk has made a decision to consolidate the Autodesk® Navisworks® 2011 product portfolio, delivering powerful simulation and analysis tools to more Navisworks customers. Autodesk Navisworks Review software is retired as of 2nd April 2010. The Navisworks 2011 product line now comprises:

• Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2011 software
  
• Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2011 software
  
• Autodesk Navisworks Freedom 2011 software

As a Navisworks Review 2010 Autodesk Subscription customer, you are entitled to the Navisworks Simulate 2011 upgrade, when it releases and provided your Navisworks Review 2010 Subscription contract is up to date. Navisworks Simulate 2011 provides you with access to previous Navisworks Review functionality, plus additional tools that help you to simulate, analyze and review your projects, including:

4D Simulation - Help to reduce delays and sequencing problems by visualizing project activities and analyzing the viability of your construction schedules.

Object Animation - Animate objects within your project model to help simulate real-world behaviors. Link animations to construction tasks so that you can simulate how various components are planned to be built.

Visualization - Advanced visualization features enable you to develop compelling movies and imagery to present projects to stakeholders.

After installing Navisworks Simulate 2011 you can start working with powerful new features, including an updated interface with task-based organization, enhanced sectioning tools, and a batch processing utility, along with new and updated file readers and exporters. Your subscription provides powerful tools to help you work smarter, not harder.

Download and install the Navisworks® 2011 upgrade today.

For more information about Autodesk's transition plan for Autodesk Navisworks customers, contact Ideate Sales.

Join Ideate, Learn About Autodesk 2011

Learn all about the Autodesk 2011 software solutions - in two ways!

From your desktop...
Register now for the April 19th Autodesk Seize the Opportunity Virtual Event, your chance to see how Autodesk 2011 software solutions transform your business challenges into opportunities.

Live events...
After previewing the Autodesk 2011 Solutions in the Virtual Event, join us for live Seize the Opportunity events in five cities. The Ideate Tech Experts will share all the best new features in the Autodesk 2011 product.

Event tracks Autodesk 2011 Solutions for BIM - or- Autodesk 2011 Solutions for Construction and Civil Engineering will include access to exclusive sessions and software demonstrations.

We're pleased that the Ideate Tech Experts will be joined at our live events by special guest speakers from Autodesk.

Heidi Hewett, Autodesk Technical Marketing Manager for AutoCAD (Seattle) - Heidi helps develop and deliver technical marketing material for AutoCAD and will give great insight on AutoCAD 2011.

Jay Ayala, Autodesk AEC Solutions Engineer (Seattle, Portland) - Jay has more than 12 years experience in the AEC industry and will talk about utilizing BIM for renovation and retrofit.

Scott Davis, Autodesk AEC Technical Specialist (Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose) - Scott specializes in Revit Architecture and will cover BIM for buildings.

Check www.ideateinc.com/events for the specific event dates in a city near you.

Seats for the live events are limited - register now!

AutoCAD 2011 Tip - Redundant vs. Distributed License Installations

AutoCAD Services & Support

You are planning a network installation of an AutoCAD-based program, and you want to know the differences between redundant and distributed license installations.

Click here for a description of each type of server, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of redundant and distributed license installations. Autodesk Product Support strongly recommends the distributed server configuration for most applications.

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2011
AutoCAD® 2010
AutoCAD® 2009
AutoCAD® 2008

Revit Structure Tip - Resetting User Interface

Autodesk Revit Structure Services & Support

Issue: You would like to reset the Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2011 user interface back to the out-of-the-box version and remove any customization that has been applied.

Solution: click here

Applies to:
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2011

Ideate 2011 Migration Tips - OS, Virtual PC, XP Mode

Are you on Subscription, ready to download 2011, or considering a move to the new release? Ideate's Technical Support team has put together the key things you need to know - answers to frequently asked questions about migrating to Autodesk 2011 products, including hardware recommendations and network considerations.

Operating System (OS) Recommendations per Product and Software Version

Selecting the right OS is an important decision. Autodesk subscription holders have the right to install and run older versions of the software in addition to the most recent version.

Bear in mind that newer operating systems, such as Windows 7, while more efficient in many ways, may not support the installation of older versions of Autodesk software, printers, or other programs. If you are considering Win 7 64-bit you need to learn about Virtual PC - see below.

Ideate believes that Win 7 64-bit will earn our "Preferred" status for all of the Autodesk 2011 products but we have not yet completed our testing.

What You Need to Know About Virtual PC and XP Mode

Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 makes it easy to install and run many Windows XP productivity applications directly from your Windows 7-based PC. It utilizes virtualization technology, such as Windows Virtual PC, to provide a virtual Windows XP environment for Windows 7.

Please note that not all hardware is going to support XP Mode in windows 7. Only CPUs w/ Hardware Virtualization Technology will be able to run the XP Mode. Microsoft provides a tool that lets you scan your system to see if it will support Virtualization/ WinXP Mode.

Ideate customers with Autodesk Subscription or Ideate Premium Support should not hesitate to contact Ideate Support with questions regarding support for older version. Ideate also provides migration consulting - contact your Ideate Account Manager for more information.

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

Curtain Walls - Medieval History, Current Revit Practices

Quite often my kids teach me new things, like what a “silly band” is OR that moms really should have long hair...Yesterday I learned new information about curtain walls. Thought I would share this info for those who think it’s all about the glass.
Enjoy!

Description of the Curtain Wall
The Curtain was an outer wall which surrounded the bailey (Motte and Bailey castles) or Medieval castle buildings. The purpose of the curtain wall was to protect the interior of the castle. The wall was often connected by flanking towers which could house castle defenders. Sometimes arrow slits were a feature of the curtain wall enabling castle defenders to safely shoot at any attackers. Built for defence the curtain wall varied in size from 6 - 20 feet thick, up to 45 feet high and up to 1,500 feet long!

History of the Curtain Wall
The curtain wall was one of the most important forms of defence and, as such, its history dates back to the Hillforts of the Iron and Bronze Ages. The early curtain walls were made of heavy timbers and were originally called Palisades. The wooden curtain wall was a feature of the Motte and Bailey Castles which were built by the Normans. The wooden wall was subject to rot when built on an earth base and could be destroyed by fire. The wooden walls were therefore replaced by stone curtain walls. Crenellations (battlements) were added to Medieval curtain walls which provided a fighting platform and good vantage point from which soldiers launched arrows. The Crenellations also provided defenders with a solid defence to hide behind when they were not launching arrows from the gaps in between the stone battlements. Attackers would scale the curtain wall and scaling ladders had hooks designed to fit over the crenels.

Origin, Meaning of the word 'Curtain Wall'
The Origin and Meaning of the word 'Curtain' wall derives from the Latin words 'cortina and curtian' meaning a court or enclosure surrounded by walls.

The Curtain Wall
The Curtain Wall was introduced in England in the Iron and Bronze Age Hillforts. It was included in the designs of Norman and Plantagenet castles during the Medieval period 1066 - 1485. The old Medieval Castles were a symbol of wealth and power and were often the centre of historic battles and Medieval sieges. These great old castles were built for Medieval warfare and defence and new parts of the castle were designed accordingly and the curtain walls grew higher and thicker! This section of 'Castles' provides interesting facts and information about the many different parts of Castles! The Curtain Wall was an essential Castle part for as a form of defence against intruders.

Excerpted from http://www.castles.me.uk/curtain-wall.htm

Interested in learning more about Revit Curtain Walls?

April 14, Sacramento
Join Ideate and special guest Gregory Jones from LPAS Architecture and Design. Gregory will review the process used in the California Lottery Headquarters project, the pitfalls LPAS ran into and some of the workarounds and lessons learned from the whole experience. Registration link here.

April 23, Portland
Ideate will host a Revit Curtain Wall panel at the Portland Revit User Group, with special guests Celeste Warren from YGH Architects and Russell Holzinger of SERA Architects who will provide overviews of specific projects their firms have completed using Revit Curtain Walls. The session will include a panel discussion featuring Celeste, Russell, Eric Miller from BOORA Architects and Amy Hensley, Designer representing Benson Industries, the curtain wall manufacturer currently working with SERA Architects on the Edith Green project. Registration link here.

Submitted by Glynnis Patterson, N.C.A.R.B. – Director of Services
Glynnis is a Registered Architect and has worked within the BIM industry since 1998. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, she has worked as an architect, educator and construction site manager. Glynnis is currently the Director of Development Services at Ideate, Inc. and continues to work with AEC clients across the nation, developing, and implementing best practices solutions. In her spare time Glynnis is a member of the Morristown Environmental Commission and builds Legos.

Autodesk Revit 2011 - Top Features

Ideate has the best technical team on the West Coast, including architects and engineers with real world experience.

We've reviewed the Autodesk 2011 product releases, considered what’s most important to your business, and distilled the information down to our Top 11 in 2011. Here are information-packed tools for you to learn about the features and benefits of Autodesk Revit 2011 software.

Top New Feature lists:

Revit 2011 Platform
Revit Architecture 2011
Revit MEP 2011
Revit Structure 2011

Screencasts:

Revit Architecture 2011: Annotations Features
Revit Architecture 2011: User Interface Features
Revit Architecture 2011: Tagging Links, Structural Tools
Revit MEP 2011: Electrical Features
Revit MEP 2011: Mechanical Features
Revit Structure 2011: Top New Features

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

Congrats to BetterBricks Winners & Finalists

One of the great joys for Ideate is to see our clients succeed and be recognized for their leadership and hard work.

Recently, the 2010 Puget Sound BetterBricks Awards honored champions of high performance buildings. Among those recognized for their commitment and vision of energy efficient, commercial buildings in the Northwest were several Ideate clients:

Architect Winner: NBBJ
Architect Finalize: ZGF Architects
Design Engineer Winner: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Design Engineer Finalist: Arup

Click here for complete details.

Contact sales@ideateinc.com for more information about Autodesk solutions for high performance buildings.

Ideate 2011 Migration Tips - Autodesk on the MAC OSX

Are you on Subscription, ready to download 2011, or considering a move to the new release? Ideate's Technical Support team has put together the key things you need to know - answers to frequently asked questions about migrating to Autodesk 2011 products, including hardware recommendations and network considerations.

Using AEC Autodesk Products on the MAC OSX
AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Ecotect, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Navisworks can all be run on a Macintosh operating system with the following guidelines/restrictions.

1. The processor must be Intel-based (approximately all post-2006 Macs).

2. A valid Windows operating system license is required (Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7) – either 32 bit or 64 bit.

3. There are two (2) ways to use Autodesk PC-based products on a Mac. Autodesk products only runs on Microsoft Windows operating system:

a. Apple “Boot Camp”. This is provided free with Apple operating system (i.e. Snow Leopard). It is a dual-boot software. The user is either in a Windows environment or an Apple environment. The choice is made at computer boot up.

b. VM Fusion or Parallels. This is a virtual machine. Virtual machine means that the Windows operating system resides inside the Mac operating system. This allows the user to switch between operating systems without rebooting. More RAM is required to run this methodology – minimum 4 GB.

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

AutoCAD Users - Toolbar and Menus Feedback Requested

Here's an announcement from our friends at the AutoCAD Product Design & Usability Group:

ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear AutoCAD User!-

Please provide us with your opinion!

Who Should Participate? Any AutoCAD user

How To Participate? Submit your opinion via the Toolbars and Menus Survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Toolbars

Thanks for your help!-
AutoCAD Product Design&Usability Group
(Contact: elena.fadeeva@autodesk.com)

Follow AutoCAD Research on Twitter!:
http://twitter.com/AutoCADResearch

You'll find Ideate on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IdeateInc

Ideate 2011 Migration Tips - Avoid Top Mistakes...

Are you on Subscription, ready to download 2011, or considering a move to the new release? Ideate's Technical Support team has put together the key things you need to know - answers to frequently asked questions about migrating to Autodesk 2011 products, including hardware recommendations and network considerations.

Avoid the Top Migration Mistakes
CRITICAL NOTE: We recommend that you perform a generic, "out-of-the-box" installation first, then test the environment for plotting, file opening, and a few basic procedures. After the generic installation has been confirmed, you should proceed with migrating any environments or customization. It's difficult to troubleshoot installation issues if you are simultaneously installing and migrating your customization.

Civil 3D, AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP
While "vanilla" AutoCAD is backwards compatible these "flavors" of AutoCAD contain unique objects that are not compatible with earlier versions of the software. We recommend migrating all machines at once, or on a per-project basis. Do not mix-and-match your software versions.

Revit
For Worksharing enabled projects, before you upgrade to 2011, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, review the Help file instructions for upgrading worksharing projects.

Navisworks
New Object Enablers may be required to support the 2011 objects. Particularly if you are handling non-Autodesk files within Navisworks you should review that company's Object Enabler plug-in to confirm compatibility.

Network Licensing
After downloading your 2011 product you will need to request a new network license file. Contact Autodesk at 800-551-1490 with the product serial number, the server name, and MAC address (where the license manager resides.) Ideate also recommends upgrading the license manager software, LMtools, to the latest version (current version included on 2011 products - 11.7) It is located under "Tools and Utilities" in the installation setup.

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

Autodesk Tip - Licensing Error

Autodesk Services & Support

Licensing errors

Issue: You received network licensing errors when using your Autodesk product, and you want to diagnose the issue.

Solution: Click here for complete details.

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2010
AutoCAD® 2009
AutoCAD® 2008
Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2010
Revit® Architecture 2009
Revit® Architecture 2008

Ideate Tech Team Welcomes Cesar Escalante AIA, LEED AP, CCCA

We are pleased to welcome Cesar Escalante, AIA, LEED AP, CCCA, to the Ideate technical team in the role of AEC Specialist.

Cesar has a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Central America in El Salvador. He is a Registered Architect with the State of California and a LEED accredited professional and Certified Construction Contract Administrator - to mention just a few of his licenses and certifications.

Cesar's work experience has included the role of Project Manager at VDK Architects and Project Captain at RPR Architects, both located in Oakland, California.

Cesar will be based out of Ideate's Authorized Training Center in San Francisco, California, reporting to David Haynes, Director of AEC Services.

To learn more about the Ideate Tech Experts and how we can help your business, contact education@ideateinc.com.

Ideate 2011 Migration Tips - Network Considerations

Are you on Subscription, ready to download 2011, or considering a move to the new release? Ideate's Technical Support team has put together the key things you need to know - answers to frequently asked questions about migrating to Autodesk 2011 products, including hardware recommendations and network considerations.

Network Considerations:

1. Workstation - each workstation should have a gigbit ethernet card. This can be checked by going to My Computer>Properties>Hardware>Device Manager.

2. Cables - should be Cat5e or Cat6 throughout. Check the cable from the computer to the wall. If the in-wall cables have not be installed or modified prior to January 2005 then there's a good chance that they will not meet this criteria.

3. Network Switch - the network switch should be a gigabit switch. You may need to research the model number online to determine whether it meets this criteria.

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

Autodesk Tip - Windows 7 Explorer Fails to Restart

Autodesk Services & Support

Windows 7 Explorer fails to restart after uninstalling an Autodesk product

Issue: During the final stage of uninstalling an Autodesk product in Windows 7, you were presented with a warning dialog that Windows Explorer needed to be closed and would attempt to be restarted after the uninstallation is complete.

Solution: Click here for complete details.

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2010
AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2010
AutoCAD LT® 2010
AutoCAD® Map 3D 2010
AutoCAD® Revit® Architecture Suite 2010
Autodesk® Maya® 2010

Ideate 2011 Migration Tips - Hardware

Are you on Subscription, ready to download 2011, or considering a move to the new release? Ideate's Technical Support team has put together the key things you need to know - answers to frequently asked questions about migrating to Autodesk 2011 products, including hardware recommendations and network considerations.

Let's start with hardware recommendations...

These general hardware recommendations from Ideate are intended for those working in a production environment using any one of the following Autodesk 2011 products: Civil 3D, Revit (all flavors) and Autodesk Navisworks.

1. Purchase computers that are capable of at least 16GB whether you put the memory in now or later. Laptops need a capability of 8GB.

2. Put no less than 8GB in all machines that are doing production work. RAM is affordable and really needed to do larger or more complex projects.

3. 64-bit machines are generally preferred over 32-bit machines due to the memory limitations (4GB) for the 32-bit machines.

4. Refer to the Operating System (OS) Chart for more detailed OS recommendations.

5. Dual screen monitors are a must for both laptop and workstation users (productivity increases exponentially). 1900x1200 is recommended for external monitors – 24” LCD or larger preferred.

6. Do not purchase an integrated video card (where the video card is taking from the machine’s RAM.) Do not use gaming type video cards.

7. Video cards should have RAM (512MB should work). Keep video card drivers up-to-date. Refer to your Autodesk product for details on certified graphics cards. We highly recommend purchasing and testing one video card, even if it's certified, before settling on a system.

8. There are some benefits in using 7200 RPM hard drives. SSD hard drives are best, but too small and too expensive right now. Size of hard drive is totally dependent on where the data is held (network vs. locally.) Ideate recommends network locations, so hard drive size in the 500GB should be sufficient.

9. If you get a chance to get a i7 processor – that is the latest processor (therefore the fastest.)

Visit the Ideate 2011 Portal for everything you need to know about Autodesk's newest software products.

Autodesk Subscription Tip - Autodesk Impression 3

Windows 7 users: Autodesk has released a hotfix for Autodesk Impression 3: click here.

For earlier versions of Impression, other enhancements can be found here.

Autodesk Impression 3 is available to Autodesk Subscription members. If you have not downloaded it yet, visit your Subscription web page. In the Downloads section, under the Product Enhancements, you will find a link for Autodesk Impression.



Submitted by Ron Palma, AEC Application Specialist.

Ron will be presenting his popular Autodesk University 2009 Impressions classes in Seattle on May 17.

Click here to register for the free sessions!

Autodesk Subscription Tip - Download or DVD?

The Autodesk 2011 product portfolio is in the process of being released.

This year, Autodesk has changed the standard product delivery method from DVD's and CD's to download to reduce the environmental impact of producing and shipping materials worldwide.

If you are on Subscription, and would prefer DVD to the standard download, Ideate's Support Manager Derek Wielkopolski has put together a quick tutorial on how to update your profile in Subscription Center.

Click here to view the video.

Not yet on Subscription? Contact sales@ideateinc.com to learn all the advantages that Subscription offers you and your firm.