CAD/LAN System Guidebook: System Requirements

Overview

The CAD/LAN computer system and its supporting network are in a constant state of evolution. Any of the information detailed in this section will most likely be outdated by the time you read this guidebook. That is the challenge any system administrator faces when reaching toward the limits of what technology can provide. CAD/LAN is constantly struggling with decisions as to when to upgrade to new hardware and application software. Will the upgrade actually slow work down? How will users get training? Is the current state of the system "Good enough"? We believe that there is a difference between the "Leading Edge" and the "Bleeding Edge" and we attempt to provide a smooth upgrade path while maintaining a stable, productive working environment.

The following section covers the CAD/LAN Computer System and network layout and then identifies the basic requirements for any computer workstation that would like to attach to it.

File Server Setup

The University has several file servers operating for the CAD environment. Both the particular campus and the technology present dictate the settings for these systems at the time of acquisition.

Currently AM Workflow (Cyco), E20II (HVAC Load Proj.), and NFC (National Fire Codes) are all running on a Dell PowerEdge 4400 server, with Dual Xeon 1 GHz processors and 1 GB of RAM.

Tape Backup

The CAD/LAN file server utilizes a tape backup system for data backup. The tape backup software used for the system is ArcServe. Tapes (Lawrence) are rotated on a bi-weekly basis. Twice a year, a full system backup is stored offsite away from the file server in a secure location.

When data is lost, the follow actions are taken: check workstation recycle bin (for non-networked drives), check for application backup files, check with CAD/LAN representative, possibly search for file on tape

UPS

A smart un-interuptable power supply (UPS) is attached to the server and allows for approximately five minutes of work to be done before the system shuts down. However, this will only assist the file server. Any workstation that has a drawing file open will be affected by power outages without a UPS attached locally and could result in loss of data or a corruption of the open file. At the current time, most individual workstations are not attached to an UPS.

Workstation Hardware Requirements (May 1998)

The following chart outlines the minimum and recommended hardware requirements for a workstation to attach to the CAD/LAN system as of May 1998.

CAD Software

Current Version of AutoCAD

The University has chosen AutoCAD as the standard CAD program due to its wide acceptance, ease of use, and capabilities. The University's current version is AutoCAD 2005. All data that is transferred within the University and between the University and outside consultants must be in AutoCAD.

Note: AutoCAD 2000 and 2002 share the same file format. Consequently, drawings created with either application comply with University standards.

AutoCAD Issues

This section contains important information on the use of AutoCAD in the CAD/LAN System.

• CAD/LAN Access

  ** See the Contacts section list of CAD/LAN representatives for access to CAD/LAN systems.

• Printing & Plotting

  • Plots should be made from Layouts (Paper Space) and the scale should be set at (1:).
  • To check the progress of a print or plot, use the Printer options under Settings on the Start Menu of the Windows Task Bar.
  ** See the Training section for information on Layouts and Model Space.

AutoCAD Tips

This section contains Tips & Tricks to help the AutoCAD user be more productive.

• Prototypes

  • Using a prototype drawing improves the coordination of drawing items and helps in the standardization of work.
  • CAD/LAN has created prototypes for use by Kansas University staff. These drawings contain important layers and text fonts. Prototypes are available to anyone who interfaces with the CAD/LAN system.

• Automatic File Saving

  • AutoCAD supports automatic saves. The time increment between saves can be set using AutoCAD's SAVETIME command. Please try and keep this set to a minimum of 20.

• File Size

  • AutoCAD is capable of doing partial saves. We recommend that the user avoid partial saves. Please set the ISAVEPERCENT variable to 0.

AutoCAD Methods

CAD/LAN makes recommendations concerning certain aspects of working with AutoCAD. Please make note of all items in the following section and incorporate them into your work.

** For a complete list of the University's CAD Standards see sections, Consultant Handbook, University of Kansas Font Standard and University of Kansas Layer Standard.

• Model Space & Paper Space

  • All items that relate to the production drawings should be drawn using real world units (1:1) in Model Space. The AIA refers to these drawings as model files. Model file objects describe a buildings geometry and its physica l components such as walls, doors and windows. The same also applies to Site pla n drawings, which describe the campus topology.
  • Paper Space objects or sheet files contain one or more independently scaled views of one or more models arranged within a border and title block. Basically, a sheet file is a "ready to plot" CAD file.
  • This method is beneficial because CAD drawings are often developed during design, long before the organization and layout of the construction documents is known. Early design models may be developed without concern for the specific layout of the individual construction documents that will follow. Sheets representing the construction document may be developed at a later stage, once the organization and content of the set are better understood.

• Drawing Name and File Name Convention

  • Please label all drawings by their sheet number. For example, a file containing sheet number A100 should be named A100.dwg.
  • No long filenames are allowed. Use the 8.3 format. This includes sheet files, model files, external references and all specification documents.
  • Always use the filename extension that is given by default from the application in use. The table below outlines acceptable filename extensions.
    

    Application	Extension
    AutoCAD	*.dwg
    Microsoft Word	*.doc
    Microsoft Excel	*.xls
    Lotus 123	*.wks
    Microsoft Access	*.mdb

• 2D & 3D Drawings

  • All CAD drawings must be produced in a 2D format. A 3D format may only be included as a separate file for clarification.

• 3rd Party Add-on Software

  • The University does not presently endorse or utilize a software add-on for its AutoCAD users. If one is utilized, please make sure that the menu file associated with the drawing is the menu that ships with the release of AutoCAD and not specific to other programs.

• External References

  • External reference or reference file usage is encouraged due to the ability to share common data without increasing file size. External reference files allow CAD drawings to be combined for plotting or viewing, allowing more flexibility and greater reuse of information. However, due to current software capabilities, please be sure to bind all referenced drawings to the parent drawing before completing the delivery of any and all drawing files. Remember to use the INSERT option of the XREF command's BIND option when binding references to avoid long and cumbersome layer names. Using this method will facilitate the transfer of information between departments within the University and transfers between the University and outside consultants.

• Layers

  • The University CAD Planning Group has adopted the National Cad Standard - Version 1
  • The NCS was developed by NIBS/FIC. For information call 1-202-289-7800 or by downloading, printing, and faxing back the order form available on the NIBS NCS Web Page.
  • The NCS consists of:
    • CAD Layer Guidelines (CLG), 2nd Edition published by the AIA. This defines a system of nomenclature for CAD drawing file names and CAD Layer Names.
    • The Uniform Drawing System (USD) Modules 1-3, published by the CDI. This defines standards for the graphic format and organization of building construction drawings.
    • The Plotting Guidelines of the U.S. Coast Guard, as promulgated by the Tri-Service CADD/GIS Technology Center of the U.S. Department of Defense. This defines pen colors and line weight assignments for CAD drawings.
    • The Report of the National CAD Standard Project Committee, published by the National Institute of Building Sciences. This resolves minor discrepancies between the above documents.
  • At this time, the University of Kansas employs only the CAD Layer Guidelines portion of the NCS. Any suggestions for modifications should be forwarded to the CAD Managers on the respective campuses.
  • The AIA Guidelines establish a framework for the naming of layers and are available through the American Institute of Architect's Press. CAD users are encouraged to obtain a copy of these guidelines and use it as a detailed reference. Their website can be found at http://www.aia.org.
  ** See section University of Kansas Layer Standard for a complete master listing of layers. This list may be printed or downloaded as a Microsoft Word file.

• Fonts

  • To simplify coordination of drawings and maintain consistency for production type drawings, the University has chosen a short list of acceptable fonts. The University has standardized on three shape style fonts files (.shx) and numerous TrueType fonts.
    • Shape fonts files (.shx)
      The University has standardized on three shape file fonts. These include Romans.shx, Helv.shx and Archstyl.shx. Romans.shx is included with AutoCAD.
    • True Type Fonts
      AutoCAD recently added "full" support for some TrueType fonts. AutoCAD supports oblique angles, widths, rotation and more for these fonts. This full support is available for a subset of the TrueType fonts that are installed on any particular workstation. The University allows the use of only the TrueType Fonts that ship with AutoCAD. References to these can be found in AutoCAD's on-line help.

• Font Tips

  • Missing Fonts
    If some text does not appear in a drawing, please make sure that the correct font file is located in the appropriate font directory. If the file in question has been deleted or is missing, contact the appropriate CAD Manager.
  • Speed
    Use true type fonts sparingly. On older workstations, drawings that contain a lot of text using TrueType fonts can slow system performance. Many outside consultants use TrueType fonts for their title blocks (sheet files) and use .shx fonts for their model files. This seems to be a good mix.

• Blocks and Symbols

  • Each department within the University maintains their own block/symbol libraries. Many departments maintain separate prototype drawings. These libraries and prototype drawings may be obtained from the department in question for use by other departments within the University and by outside consultants.

• Redefined Commands

  • A few AutoCAD commands have been redefined to perform extra tasks automatically:
    • SAVE
      The SAVE command purges all un-referenced blocks.
    • QSAVE
      The QSAVE command purges all un-referenced blocks.
    • END
      The END command purges everything not referenced in the drawing.
    • DCM Library
      The Acadlibr directory contains all typical drawings and documents for the department. The blocks/symbols are contained in subdirectories named after the CSI format for easier cross-referencing to estimates, schedules, etc.
      The detail library can be be found online from the DCM website at http://www.dcm.ku.edu/.
    • FO Library
      In progress
    • NTS Library
      In progress

• Blocks and Symbols Tips

  • In most cases, items in a block/symbol should be created on the layer named zero (0) in order for them to transfer to the correct layer upon insertion into the drawing. Do not forget to set the correct layer before block/symbol insertion.

• AutoCAD Quick Keys

  • To maximize the efficiency of the system, the Acad.pgp file has been modified to enable faster input from the keyboard instead of relying on pull-down menus or toolbars. Use the quick keys listed below for heads down operation and improved productivity.
    
    

    Quick Keys AutoCAD Command A ARC AR ARRAY B BLOCK BR BREAK C COPY CI CIRCLE CP CHPROP D DIST DA DDATTE DCP DDCHPROP DE DDEDIT DI DDINSERT DL DDLMODES DM DDMODIFY E ERASE ET EXTEND EX EXPLODE F FILLET H HATCH I INSERT L LINE LA LAYER

    Quick Keys AutoCAD Command LE LENGTHEN LT LINETYPE M MOVE MR MIRROR O OFFSET P PAN PE PEDIT PL PLINE QS QSAVE R REDRAW RG REGEN RP RTPAN RT ROTATE RZ RTZOOM S LIST ST STRETCH T DTEXT TR TRIM WB WBLOCK X XREF Z ZOOM 3DLINE LINE

• Lisp Routines

  • The University has created several lisp routines that automate certain procedures. These lisp routines behave very much like regular AutoCAD commands. Simply input the command listed below on the keyboard and follow the prompts.
    • Sqt
      Adds square feet and room numbers to drawing after picking a bounding polyline.
    • Pn
      Creates a rounded rectangle with an attached leader containing the project number. The objects are placed on the correct layer by user inputs in a dialog box.

Document Management Software

CYCO Workflow Document Manager

The Technical Electronic Document Management software chosen as the University's standard is AutoManager Workflow (CYCO). The current version being employed at this date is version 6.1. This program is suited to those users who need toexamine AutoCAD drawings and over 200 other document types but do not need to or care to learn the applications that created the documents. However, it's primary strengths lie in project document management, document viewing and document printing. In addition, CYCO provides a true workflow approach for electronic datastorage and retrieval. As more electronic technical documents are imported into the system, both CAD users and non-CAD users will utilize CYCO for document retrieval.

CYCO Issues

Common issues and concerns facing CYCO users.

• Printing and Plotting

  • Printing and plotting documents is available through CYCO. All documents that are supported by the Document Management system may be printed/plotted without the need of loading the application that created the document. Any printer that is on the network and is accessible from the workstation can be used. LaserJets and DesignJet large format plotters can be employed to create differently formatted output.
  • If you do not see a printer/plotter listed as a choice from the CYCO print document dialog box as your CAD Manager to install the device for you.

  ** See the Training section on the Web site for further information on printing and plotting.

• Communicating through Redline, Memo and Todo

  • Redlining
    Redlining is a feature that enables selected participants to make graphic "notations" to certain types of documents. These notations are created and categorized by department. Redlines are created in a different color to help differentiate between departments.
  • Memo
    Memos can be used for project tracking and may include a user name, date and time stamp for accurate project coordination. The memo field is often used to clarify the intentions of redlines.
  • Todo
    Todo can be used to assign work or notify other users of action items. They are commonly utilized in conjunction with redlines and memos. A manager might redline an AutoCAD drawing concerning a needed change, then use the memo field to add information that could not be conveyed using redlines. Next, the manager might use the todo field to assign the task to a technician for completion by a certain date.

• Log Out

  • Please log out of CYCO when you are not actively using the software. The University has purchased a finite number of licenses that must be shared across the campus.

• Locked Out

  • In the unlikely event that CYCO crashes while you are at work you may not be able to log back in. Contact CAD/LAN personnel and they will quickly correct the situation.

  ** See the Contacts section for a list of CAD/LAN personnel, their phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

• Training

  • The necessary training associated with CYCO is considerably shorter than that of AutoCAD, accelerating the placement of users of this software into the system.
    • CD-ROM
      A CD-ROM tutorial is available that covers many important topics. Ask you CAD manager to check out a copy.
    • Online Help
      CYCO has on-line help that closely mimics the set of manuals that ship with the software.
    • CAD/LAN
      CAN/LAN provides periodic classes that cover both beginning and advanced topics. Contact the CAD/LAN department for the next available class.

  ** See the Training section on the Web site for on-line tutorials These may also be downloaded in Microsoft Word 97 format.

CYCO Tips

Tips to help new and experienced users.

• Environments

  CYCO currently contains seven different working environments. Each environment provides access to different types of data. If you do not find the information you require you may be looking in the wrong environment. A list of these environments is shown below.

  • Facility
    Small Scales and Current drawings. The data here consists of current floor plans including room numbers and square footage information.
  • Haz_mat
    Hazardous materials surveys
  • Planning
    Planning information
  • Projects
    Project data internal and external to the University
  • Scanned
    All scanned drawings and specifications
  • Site
    Site plans with contours and utility information
  • Site-pro
    Site-related projects

• Customizing

  The environemnts that users are utilizing when working in CYCO are customizable. As users' needs and experience evolve so can an environment. These modifications may include new navigation views or new fields. Please inform your system administrator of any modification requests.

• Web Site

  CYCO maintains an excellent web site which can be found at http://www.cyco.com/.