Schedule those Levels - A Method

This post outlines a method for scheduling levels using the excellent 'Coordinate Scheduling Tool' from the guys over at Excitech.

This method provides a pretty robust workaround to the absence of the ability to directly schedule the levels themselves

Firstly, download and install the utility from here



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlsSsGz2Ux4&feature=player_embedded
With reference to the video, the main points are as follows:

• Create a new Generic Model Family. The family will essentially be empty, but for reference, add some symbolic detail. This can be whatever floats your boat, but in this case I've added a circle.
• Under the 'Type Comments' parameter formula box, add the word 'Level'. This will allow us to isolate the family once its loaded into the project.
• Under the family category parameters, make sure 'Always Vertical' and 'Work Plane Based' are checked
• Load the family into the project. Under 'Addin' tab, on the 'Excitech Tools' panel, select 'Create Parameters'. Check 'Generic Models' and apply.
• Create a new design option set called 'Level Marks'. Rename the primary option to 'Blank' and create a second option called 'Level Marks'
• In a plan view, set the design options to 'Level Marks' and insert the Generic Model family. In this case, at a known grid point. Ensure 'Place on Work Plane' is selected
• Copy the symbol to the clipboard and select 'Paste', 'Paste to Selected Levels'. Highlight and pick the remaining levels
• Set the design option back to 'Main Model'. The symbols will now disappear. This provides some control by locking away the symbols, so they cannot easily be deleted
• Create a new multi-category schedule called 'Level List'
• Add the parameters 'Family', 'Type Comments', 'Level' and 'ExcitechZ'
• Add a new calculated value 'Level (m)'. This is to convert the 'ExcitechZ' parameter from millimetres to metres, so divide it by 1000 in the formula
• Under the 'Filter' tab, set to 'Type Comments' equals Level
• Under the 'Sorting/Grouping' tab, set to 'Level' and check ascending (or descending if that's your preference). Uncheck 'Itemize every instance' (this will mean only one entry will show, even if the level contains more than one instance of the symbol)
• Under the 'Formatting' tab, set to 'Family','Type Comments' and 'ExcitechZ to hidden. For the 'Level (m)' parameter, amend the field format to 3 decimal places. Ensure suppress trailing zeros is unchecked. Apply and hit ok
• In the schedule parameters, under visibility/graphics, set the design option to 'Level Marks'
• Under 'Addin' tab, on the 'Excitech Tools' panel, select 'User Options'. Check 'Generic Models'. Select the 'Coordinate Schedule' button. The level values will now populate the schedule

Using Advanced Renamer to create sequential numbered filenames

1. Download and install Advanced Renamer
2. Open Advanced Renamer. Add - Directory and choose the folder that contains the sequential set of files.
3. Add method. Choose 'New Name' from the dropdown list.
4. In the entry box, use a name like the following:
   .bmp
5. This will create 4 digit sequential filenames ending in BMP. The first file name will be 1731.bmp
6. Click 'Start Batch' (you can use 'Test Batch' if you want to check the results of the rename process first).

These sequential bitmaps can then be joined into a AVI file. Refer to the main post entitled Distributed Parallel Rendering in Revit.

Reduce Precision of AutoCAD file for insertion into Revit (too many decimals!)

Let's say you have AutoCAD file of unknown origin, and it has some wacky or imprecise units (like the distance between two walls is 8250.092234897). What you need to do is reduce the precision, such that all the decimal points get 'chopped off'.

To do this:

• Open the offending DWG in AutoCAD.
• 'Save As' and choose a DXF format.
• Go to Tools menu - Options (see below)

• Choose DXF Options, ASCII Format and set the 'Decimal Places of Accuracy' to the desired value (choosing 0 will remove all decimal places):

• Hit Save.

I recommend that you now open the DXF file you saved, and then resave it as a DWG file.
Now you can insert your file into Revit, and you won't have to deal with imprecise units.
Please note that this process may result in some 'rounding off' of values - you may want to double check the resulting file.

Multiple Revit Instances when working on the Same Central File

You can increase your productivity by opening Multiple Instances of Revit when working on the same Central file. This is particularly useful if you want to set one instance to render a view, and continue modelling or drafting in the other Revit instance.

This is how to do it:

1. Open Revit, and open a local copy of the Central file. This instance will be using your normal user name (eg. Luke).
2. Open another instance of Revit. Click the 'R' button, and go to 'Options'.
3. Under General, type a different Username into the applicable box (eg. Luke-SECOND)
4. Click OK.
5. In this second instance, open another local copy of the Central file. This is done by navigating to the Central, and then ensuring that the 'Create New Local' box is ticked before opening the Central.
6. You now have two instances working on the same Central file. You can test this by 'Synchronizing' each instance.

If you have Worksharing Monitor installed, open it up and have a look at the two instances. You should see something like that shown below:Please note that you will need a decent PC to take advantage of this ability. It will be particularly useful if you have 4 or even 8 processing cores available.