[Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
Steven Savich
ssavich at systemswestengineers.com
Thu Oct 31 10:54:14 PDT 2013
No luck, the most current version appears to have the same autocad import bug.
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Steven Savich
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 10:43 AM
To: 'Nick Caton'; 'Tim Johnson'; 'R B'; 'eQUEST Users List'
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
On the download page http://doe2.com/download/equest/ I’m currently seeing four different postings of v3.65. I assume that each is a progressively updated version with bug fixes. The most recent .msi file upload is dated Thursday, October 24, 2013 11:26 PM.
I’m downloading that version right now for testing.
Best,
Steven
Steven Savich, LEED AP
Mechanical Designer, Energy Analyst
Systems West Engineers
411 High Street
Eugene, OR 97401-2427
p. 541.342.7210
f. 541.342.7220
systemswestengineers.com
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org <mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Nick Caton
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 10:06 AM
To: Tim Johnson; R B; eQUEST Users List
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
I’d like to briefly share a caution with respect to “data centers” in the 3.65 wizards as passed on to me by J. J. Hirsch.
If you select specific building types for your shells (such as hospitals), you will have the option to define “computer server” and “IT equipment” for your space use allocations later in the shell definition screens. Doing so will in turn will tell the wizards to call for a default “data center hvac” system. This is all something to AVOID, as they’re features of DOE2.3 which shouldn’t be appearing (yet) in eQuest.
On a related point, under specific circumstances you may see the option to tick a box that reads “Has a supply plenum” in the zone names and characteristics screen. This will define underfloor supply plenums (I observed this in the 3D view at one point), which are also “leaked” features of the DOE2.3 wizards that should be avoided at present.
If you run into these things, I advise avoiding them entirely. I personally ran into some rough wizard crashes that pushed me to re-start a project in 3.64.
Mr. Hirsch has shared his team intends to clean up these “leaked” features and to update the 3.65 install file posted online. I’m not sure if/when we’ll get a heads up that that has (or already has) happened, but in any case if you are choosing to use 3.65 for any new project I’d strongly recommend ensuring you are working with the most recent build available – check the posting dates in the name of your install file against what’s currently available on the doe2 website.
Best regards,
~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: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org <mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Tim Johnson
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 9:53 AM
To: R B; eQUEST Users List
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
I haven't used 3.65 that much, but I like the new airside summary and .sim viewer, they are quite a bit easier to use. You can also batch plot your reports, which will save a lot of time for LEED submittals. The other thing I noticed from my first real attempt at 3.65 the building shade definition. You can now use polygons for building shades. This will come in handy on occasion. I haven't seen big differences in modeling capabilities, but the interface improvements are appreciated.
Tim
>>> R B <slv3sat at gmail.com <mailto:slv3sat at gmail.com> > 10/31/2013 8:42 AM >>>
I am just now finishing up with a project using the new version - haven't come across anything different (could be that none of the updates are relevant to my project). Could you please describe some of the nice features that you mention?
Here is the stuff that looked different at the wizard level (haven't used it) -
1. Something about data center in the wizard - I think it helps with data center modelling? Also allows the location of thermostat in the zone vs return air
2. Humidity can be set at the wizard level.
3. Allows water side economizer input
4. A database related button at the zone level?
Don't think I saw anything new in the detailed level.
Thanks,
-Rohini
On Thu, Oct 31, 2013 at 9:14 AM, Tim Johnson <timj at ctagroup.com <mailto:timj at ctagroup.com> > wrote:
Hopefully these bugs can be worked out. There are some nice features with the new version, but with the autocad issues and the hourly report issues, I am with you, Brian. Jeff, I appreciate the update. We will be looking for the updates.
Thanks,
Tim
Tim Johnson
Mechanical Engineer
o 208.336.4900 <tel:208.336.4900> | d 208.577.5645 <tel:208.577.5645>
>>> Brian Smith <brians at murraypc.com <mailto:brians at murraypc.com> > 10/30/2013 10:49 AM >>>
Nathan's suggestion is the only one that I have been able to make work. It should be easier than this. I have tried re-installing and running in compatibility mode without much luck, backsaving and even saving as a .dxf, but the layer list continually remains empty after supposedly uploading. Might sit this update out unless I'm losing out on something huge
Regards
Brian Smith, Mechanical Design Engineer
Murray & Associates, P.C.
T/907.780.6151 <tel:907.780.6151> F/907.780.6182 <tel:907.780.6182>
www.murraypc.com <http://www.murraypc.com>
From: Nathan Miller [mailto:nathanm at rushingco.com <mailto:nathanm at rushingco.com> ]
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 1:46 PM
To: Tim Johnson; 'Bruce Easterbrook'; 'Nick Caton'; ssavich at systemswestengineers.com <mailto:ssavich at systemswestengineers.com>
Cc: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org <mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org> ; brians at murraypc.com <mailto:brians at murraypc.com>
Subject: RE: [Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
We have had the same issue, absolutely no success in getting an autoCAD file to show up in 3.65 despite multiple attempts at file format, file simplification, etc.
So far we have resorted to creating the building geometry in 3.64 and importing that into a “blank” 3.65 project. It is an awkward work-around at best.
Nathan Miller - PE, LEED®AP BD+C, CEM
Mechanical Engineer/Senior Energy Analyst
RUSHING | D 206-788-4577 <tel:206-788-4577> | O 206-285-7100 <tel:206-285-7100>
<http://www.rushingco.com/> www.rushingco.com
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org <mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Tim Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 2:24 PM
To: 'Bruce Easterbrook'; 'Nick Caton'; ssavich at systemswestengineers.com <mailto:ssavich at systemswestengineers.com>
Cc: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org <mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org> ; brians at murraypc.com <mailto:brians at murraypc.com>
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] 3.65 - new feature?
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 <tel:208.336.4900> | d 208.577.5645 <tel:208.577.5645>
>>> "Steven Savich" <ssavich at systemswestengineers.com <mailto: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> [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 <mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org> ; brians at murraypc.com <mailto: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 <tel:913.344.0036>
fax 913.345.0617 <tel:913.345.0617>
<http://www.smithboucher.com> 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 <mailto:brians at murraypc.com>
Cc: Nick Caton; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org <mailto: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 <tel:907.780.6151> F/907.780.6182 <tel:907.780.6182>
www.murraypc.com <http://www.murraypc.com>
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