[Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?

[Tim Johnson]

Did anyone come up with a solution for this issue?  It doesn't seem to be an issue with origin, file complexity, or AutoCAD version.  If I use AutoCAD 2014 it tells me I have an invalid file version.  Older versions act like they are working, but the layer list is empty.  It doesn't matter where I set my origin or how I set up the AutoCAD files.  I use a separate eQUEST layer for all my new model imports as previously described.  Could this be an issue with the installation?  I have eQUEST 3.64 installed on my machine as well and the file import works just fine.  Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tim



Tim Johnson, PE, BEMP, LEED AP
Mechanical Engineer
o 208.336.4900 | d 208.577.5645

>>> "Steven Savich" <ssavich at systemswestengineers.com> 10/10/2013 9:31 AM >>>

I use basically the same process to set up my CAD file for import.  Can’t stress enough how much time & headache you can save yourself in the Wizard CAD import process by taking some extra time up front to do exactly what Bruce describes below, especially resetting coordinates and making an equest layer.
 
If I’m working on a building with multiple floors that have different footprints or zone types/sizes, I also consolidate all of the zone outlines in one autocad file, with a separate layer for each floor, and match up the origin points.
 
Steven
 
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Easterbrook
Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 8:41 PM
To: Nick Caton
Cc: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org; brians at murraypc.com
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
 
Ditto, AutoCad is getting more complicated and the way it is used is much different than a decade ago.  I always double check the origin of the AutoCad drawing and reset it to 0,0.  I also set eQuest to 0,0 as well.  File sizes can be huge.  I always make an eQuest layer in AutoCad to simplify the co-ordinates and snap points, just a line diagram.  On big files I will dump everything except the layer I created.  When equest was created the CAD files were 500k, now they run 5M to 15M or more, 70 layers, xRefs.  I don't think eQuest was set up to get whacked like that.  It is just like an excel box when the number is too big, you just get number symbols.  AutoCad files used to be slim and trim, it amazed me what was on a drawing and how little file space it took on the hard drive, this is not the case now.  A big key is matching the origins on both programs.  For me the bottom left of the building or buildings is always 0,0.  There was an inquiry a week or so ago about a second building import overlaying the original building.  Same problem.  eQuest allows you to manipulate the origins.  You can set other buildings down where you want if you pay attention.  Computers have zero intelligence.  They do what you tell then, they have limitations.  If it doesn't fit in the box things explode in unintended ways.
Bruce Easterbrook P.Eng
Abode Engineering
On 09/10/2013 5:21 PM, Nick Caton wrote:
I’ve had good luck so far with a 3.65 project currently importing… 6 different CAD references… more to come however.
 
When you import a new file, are the origin coordinates wildly off?  If that is the issue, your “invisible” reference might appear far on the periphery if you zoom way out.  I did notice that occurring a few times in this project (although this issue happened with previous versions of eQuest) and corrected to match the coordinates of previous imports.  
 
I have no idea exactly what causes this behavior & how to prevent it in the first place.  Still, to sync coordinates I think the easiest way is when you first see the prompt on locating x/y coordinates for a new import, the CAD file name in that same dialog is a dropdown you can toggle to view the other imports you already have.  By reference you can edit/correct the new file’s settings to match the others.
 
Hope that helps!
 
~Nick
 

 
NICK CATON, P.E.
SENIOR ENGINEER
 
Smith & Boucher Engineers
25501 west valley parkway, suite 200
olathe, ks 66061
direct 913.344.0036
fax 913.345.0617
www.smithboucher.com 
 
From: Patrick J. O'Leary, Jr. [mailto:poleary1969 at gmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 3:25 PM
To: brians at murraypc.com
Cc: Nick Caton; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
 
any difference if using a different autocad version to import?  2004, 2007, 2011?  2004 had always worked best for me since it was less complicated than newer versions.

On 10/9/13 12:19 PM, Brian Smith wrote: 
In the new format I have been having trouble uploading a CAD drawing for a custom footprint. I'll go through the normal process of uploading the CAD, hit apply to add the CAD drawing background, and nothing will show up. I check the layer visibility and no layers are shown to check or uncheck. So I'll try to add a drawing again, same result or just outright freeze of eQuest. Anyone experiencing these problems
 
 
Thanks
Brian Smith, Mechanical Design Engineer
Murray & Associates, P.C.
T/907.780.6151 F/907.780.6182
www.murraypc.com
 
 
 




_______________________________________________
Equest-users mailing list
http://lists.onebuilding.org/listinfo.cgi/equest-users-onebuilding.org
To unsubscribe from this mailing list send  a blank message to EQUEST-USERS-UNSUBSCRIBE at ONEBUILDING.ORG
 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.onebuilding.org/pipermail/equest-users-onebuilding.org/attachments/20131029/5ca848d7/attachment-0002.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/gif
Size: 3502 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://lists.onebuilding.org/pipermail/equest-users-onebuilding.org/attachments/20131029/5ca848d7/attachment-0002.gif>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 1459 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://lists.onebuilding.org/pipermail/equest-users-onebuilding.org/attachments/20131029/5ca848d7/attachment-0002.jpeg>