Autocad MEP, who is really using the program? [Archive]

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myself

10th Jul 2010, 09:54 am

myself

13th Jul 2010, 10:07 pm

i hope that this lack of answers doesn’t mean that no one is using the program on the daily basis :D... im really looking forward to create an entire project with mep...

Noahma

14th Jul 2010, 12:54 am

i hope that this lack of answers doesn’t mean that no one is using the program on the daily basis :D... im really looking forward to create an entire project with mep...

There are a few on the board that uses it regularly. Is this a cold hop into the program? If it is, I would advise against hopping into the program cold, there is a steep learning curve for most of the AutoCAD Verticals, and it takes time to learn the ins and outs of the program.

StykFacE

15th Jul 2010, 03:07 am

hello everybody, im making this question because in my company we are thinking about really step forward from regular Autocad to MEP, until now we have been only creating some 3d models of some specific parts of some projects to explain better how the installation should be done. However now, my boss is pretty excited with MEP and he things that we should start a project on MEP and design everything on it, even the duct size should be calculated on MEP and the Air flow should be taken from the spaces requirements available when we import from GBXML files. My question is, is it anyone really using the program this way? Is it everything working properly, which problems have you faced when you start your first project with MEP?

Thank you very much for you help,

Best regards,

Rui Silva

Okay, sorry for the delay. First off, learning this program is a gradual process. You will spend the next year if not more just figuring things out, honestly. It has its benefits but has its downfalls too. Lots and lots of downfalls. And don't believe all the hype about the extra engineering tools (auto duct sizing, spaces, gmXML import/export) because it's a lengthy process to get it all synced and working correctly, and sometimes takes longer to set it up just to use these so-called "benefits" tenfold versus just doing manual calculations. However, I will say that once you start grasping the program and start fine tuning your methods and standards then yes, the program can be very robust in MEP designing.

If you want, PM me your email and I'll shoot you some links to our FTP so you can download some old jobs with a fully complete MEP model and construction documents for you to fiddle with. Sometimes this helps so much in the capabilities of the program - just to have a completed model to tinker with. 8)

CKinNC

22nd Jul 2010, 10:19 pm

As StykFace stated jumping into MEP cold turkey is a bit like taking a shower with your clothes on. does not do everything your saleman tells you. I've found with any "upgrade" the one thing that is glossed over is that you really must set things up properly as they relate to the firm you are working for. All the bells and whistles do you no good though if you do not understand the core concepts of what it is you are designing. MEP once set up is a good program to use on the design side but for the detailing manufacturing aspects I run an add on program over the top of MEP so jointing and such.

It for sure is better than standard AutoCAD though for MEP. 3-D is what we are taking so much to right now.

pvandrew

16th Aug 2010, 06:35 pm

I'm not sure if I am doing this right. I am in a degree program in college and taking a course in Revit Architecture. I would like to take advantage of the offer you made the other gentelman listed below. Thanks in advance.

Pete Vandrew
pvandrew@aol.com

Okay, sorry for the delay. First off, learning this program is a gradual process. You will spend the next year if not more just figuring things out, honestly. It has its benefits but has its downfalls too. Lots and lots of downfalls. And don't believe all the hype about the extra engineering tools (auto duct sizing, spaces, gmXML import/export) because it's a lengthy process to get it all synced and working correctly, and sometimes takes longer to set it up just to use these so-called "benefits" tenfold versus just doing manual calculations. However, I will say that once you start grasping the program and start fine tuning your methods and standards then yes, the program can be very robust in MEP designing.

If you want, PM me your email and I'll shoot you some links to our FTP so you can download some old jobs with a fully complete MEP model and construction documents for you to fiddle with. Sometimes this helps so much in the capabilities of the program - just to have a completed model to tinker with. 8)[/QUOTE]

StykFacE

16th Aug 2010, 06:54 pm

What would an AutoCAD MEP file help with learning Revit Architecture? I don't mind handing out material to learn from but I don't see the benefits.

pvandrew

16th Aug 2010, 07:08 pm

I'm not sure if you originally sent this but the statement below " Sometimes this helps so much in the capabilities of the program - just to have a completed model to tinker with." is why I sent the request.

If you want, PM me your email and I'll shoot you some links to our FTP so you can download some old jobs with a fully complete MEP model and construction documents for you to fiddle with. Sometimes this helps so much in the capabilities of the program - just to have a completed model to tinker with.

StykFacE

16th Aug 2010, 07:09 pm

I understand, but what I'm saying is if you're studying Revit Architecture then I don't see where having a file created in AutoCAD MEP would help you. Two different programs for two different types of designing.

pvandrew

16th Aug 2010, 07:20 pm

OK! Thanks anyway.

frazer

20th Aug 2010, 03:30 pm

aye stykeface could i perhaps have a link to an old job also i really want to see a properly modelled job, i have been using for a while but its very on and off use to produce drawings of my boiler houses, also my welding catalogue has no welded shoes is this correct a basic fitting such as this is missing if? If so i cant even prodcue a basic fabrication drawing im using MEP 2010 by the way

viviancarvalho

29th Aug 2010, 03:09 pm

Okay, sorry for the delay. First off, learning this program is a gradual process. You will spend the next year if not more just figuring things out, honestly. It has its benefits but has its downfalls too. Lots and lots of downfalls. And don't believe all the hype about the extra engineering tools (auto duct sizing, spaces, gmXML import/export) because it's a lengthy process to get it all synced and working correctly, and sometimes takes longer to set it up just to use these so-called "benefits" tenfold versus just doing manual calculations. However, I will say that once you start grasping the program and start fine tuning your methods and standards then yes, the program can be very robust in MEP designing.

If you want, PM me your email and I'll shoot you some links to our FTP so you can download some old jobs with a fully complete MEP model and construction documents for you to fiddle with. Sometimes this helps so much in the capabilities of the program - just to have a completed model to tinker with. 8)

Hi Stykface
I am also facing the same situation & would like to study a complete MEP project worked out on Autocad MEP. If you dont mind can i get the links.
My email id viviancarvalho15@gmail.com.

Thanks & regards
Vivian.

StykFacE

29th Aug 2010, 10:42 pm

No problems.... let me do some digging and I'll see what I can do Monday or Tuesday. I'll probably just post it on my site.

viviancarvalho

5th Sep 2010, 06:59 am

No problems.... let me do some digging and I'll see what I can do Monday or Tuesday. I'll probably just post it on my site.

Hi StykFace
Still waiting eagerly.

Maikel_81

17th Sep 2010, 08:46 am

Hello, I'm new to this forum, and I learn a lot from this new program I have in my job. I've never used so any help will be of great help to this novice that I am.

Regards

PS: I hope to learn and that in Spain nobody uses this wonderful program!

viviancarvalho

20th Oct 2010, 09:35 am

Hi StykFace
Still waiting eagerly.

I am still waiting for the drawings.

Nick-H-

20th Oct 2010, 11:49 am

Could you also send me one of your old jobs to look at :) nick.hartley@whgood.co.uk

also i need a bit of help, on pipe displays, is there any way of getting piping under 25mm shown in full, as it just shows as single line on my model and i need to it show in full

please help :)

StykFacE

20th Oct 2010, 02:26 pm

Guys, I will do it this weekend. It's about 80MB worth of files that I need to get in order and upload to my web server. I'll make myself a reminder so I get this done. I rarely have time to sit at my computer at home anymore and my weekends are usually far too busy for me to remember to do this.

I feel like such a slacker sometimes..... :oops:

**EDIT** It is confirmed: A reminder in Outlook is set for this Saturday Morning. Hopefully I'm not staying at my girlfriend's place so I can just wake up and get'r done. I'll post a link when finished, including the Navisworks files.

Maikel_81

21st Oct 2010, 10:35 am

If I can move on to me too, I'd be very grateful.
Greetings
fperezdoblado@gmail.com

StykFacE

24th Oct 2010, 12:06 am

Here is the link:
http://www.tannarzane.com/files/Providence_Coordination.zip

There are two main files designed in AutoCAD MEP 2010: M-FP01.DWG & M-FP02.DWG. These represent each floor of mechanical ductwork. The roof plan is XREF'ed into the M-FP02 file (named M-RP.DWG). The other two DWG files are simply the 2D architectural backgrounds. If you have Navisworks Freedom Viewer, you can view the Navisworks file that has all the 3D architectural, structural, truss webbing, piping/plumbing, and electrical files combined to get the entire building model.

Enjoy. 8)

viviancarvalho

24th Oct 2010, 07:18 am

Maikel_81

26th Oct 2010, 07:49 am

I be very helpful.
Today I bring my new workstation to enjoy this program!

Midinix

15th Dec 2010, 04:28 pm

Thanks StykFacE :shock:

blackeagle1245

18th Jan 2011, 10:11 am

hello,
Stykface your project is really good. It would be very helpful for everyone I guess. I have questions. Can we see riser diagram in mep?. And Is there a way for annotating automatically for ducts?.

Thanks in advance

StykFacE

18th Jan 2011, 02:54 pm

Single Line riser diagrams cannot be done easily straight from a model such as the one I posted. You can use the Schematic workspace to generate something like that. And yes you can automatically annotate duct very easily. Open the HVAC Tool Palette, click on the Annotation tab. From there you can use the Label tool. Or type LABELCURVEADD.

blackeagle1245

18th Jan 2011, 03:47 pm

Thanks for quick answer. And I wonder to walk in the project as you did in navisworks do we need to do anything special ?. I have never done that is this a special progress or just to open it with that program. I have been tring to use the Mep for approximately 2 months so I have many thing to learn.

StykFacE

18th Jan 2011, 03:57 pm

AutoCAD MEP doesn't have the same unique 3D navigation tools as Navisworks. Plus, Navisworks loads the file in a special way to greatly increase performance from it's own compression techniques, which makes the performance far better when compared to AutoCAD MEP. You'll need a high end computer to fly around the 3D rendered model in AutoCAD MEP with ease.

But, I do have a tip for you. :)

Download and install Autodesk Design Review if you haven't already. Also, download and install Autodesk Navisworks Freedom. Now, as you're designing in AutoCAD MEP and you want to use Navisworks to fly around the model, then here's what you do. In AutoCAD MEP, type PUBLISH. From here, delete the layout tabs, leaving only the Model available. Under "Publish To" choose DWFx, and click the checkbox that says "3D DWF". When you create the DWFx file, you can then open this file in Navisworks Freedom and use this as a 3D navigation tool instead of AutoCAD MEP. Hope this helps you some.

blackeagle1245

18th Jan 2011, 04:03 pm

Thank you very much. In fact I have a lot of questions. But first of all I would like to learn of your working strategy for 3d working in mep. What advices could you give me as a general?. I think you are very experinced with this program. I need a lot of advices and tips :) Thanks again.

StykFacE

18th Jan 2011, 04:19 pm

I need to record and upload a video tutorial. I've been thinking about it. Hmmm.... maybe a weekend project for me? :whistle:

I have just one video before. Try it... it's on YouTube, and make sure to select the HD video and make it full screen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5-WHc5GSbE

blackeagle1245

18th Jan 2011, 04:58 pm

Thanks a lot . In fact I just need a video while you are just working. If you try to do it as a tutorial it would be easier I guess. Because you may see the things are normal but for beginner users like me could be very important. And shortcuts,tips we can learn a lot. If you could It would be just perfect. Thanks for the video by the way.

StykFacE

18th Jan 2011, 05:01 pm

Oh I understand. A video that simulates "looking over my shoulder". These types of educating videos work wonders, and would be the way I would do it. Plus, I need to write down all my little tips and techniques that I personally have learned and do a video of just those as well. That's where the real fun is at for beginners.

blackeagle1245

18th Jan 2011, 07:43 pm

At least the way that I describe you dont need to spend any effort just need to start the program. :) I think experience is the best teacher for the people who really want to learn these programs. We are waiting for your videos and tips.

StykFacE

18th Jan 2011, 08:07 pm

We are waiting for your videos and tips.I wouldn't hold my breath... but I'll see what I can do. If I'm going to put forth the effort, I'll make them good for all who watch. :)

blackeagle1245

19th Jan 2011, 09:19 am

I'm reading posts to learn more. And I saw your posts that you wrote

Originally Posted by Strix http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/images/buttons_cadtutor/viewpost-right.png (http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?p=306008#post306008)
If you're willing to learn, our members have all the time in the world for you
Couldn't have said it better. The reason why I give as much as possible back, is because if you go back 4+ years and read my first set of posts, you'll find out that I owe almost everything of my skills to this forum and the people involved. This board was the foundation of launching my career and helping create my passion and talent. And still I have such a long ways to go, Lord Almighty do I. 8)

Now I'm passing throught the way you passed 3 years ago. I may have very easy questions but I guess in this forum everybody helps to everyone. Thats what I'm going to do it also as soon as I learn :)

I have two questions. I'm first taking my original architectural dwg as element. (I'm opening it and saving it as an element. ) Then I change the things which I want. Then I open category in construct then I create construct e.g Hvac first floor. Then I attach element to this construct. Is this a true way to work?.

For example I need to draw a duct from ground to roof. How can I do that?. I mean is there a way to see that in second floor plan? Or in general view when I put all the things together.

Thanks and sorry for long post :)

StykFacE

20th Jan 2011, 01:04 am

Start a new thread please. :)