How to install and run Drafix CAD Pro on Windows 10.

1)      Create a directory on C:\Program Files called Softdesk.

2)      Copy all Drafix files (originally contained on four mini-floppy drives) to C:\Program Files\Softdek

3)      Search for “windows features”

4)      Check “Internet Information Services”, click OK and wait for IIS to install.

5)      Search for “IIS”.

6)      Select “Internet Information Services Manager”.S

7)      In upper left see desktop name. Expand this (click on >) and click on “Application Pools”.

Right click on DefaultAppPool

9)      Select “Advanced Settings”.

10)   Turn on “Enable 32 bit applications.

11)   Click OK

12)   Reboot

How to run on Windows 11:

If you didn't have it running on previous versions of Windows, then start from scratch and follow the directions for Windows 10 above. Some of the nomenclature may have changed?, but you should be able to get there.

Once you have done that, then you may need to replace ctl3232.dll, which was removed by a Windows 11 update in the fall of 2025. I'm not sure if a later update put it back, but Drafix will tell you if the file is missing. You can find it on an older Windows computer or I can provide it if needed.

Next, right click on DFX.EXE, then click on Properties and select the Compatibility tab. Then check the following two items:

-Compatibility mode: Run this program in compatilbility mode for: Windows 8

-Settings: Run this program as administrator.

I am on the hunt for an Nth Engine graphics card. This is a video that provided hardware zooming for AutoCAD 2.5/2.62/9. The model I had connected to the monitor via 5 BNC connectors. If you see or know of one, please let me know!

Honeywell is less than forthcoming with information on the web. If anyone has diagrams they could supply it would be a big help.

I am specifically looking at these combinations.

MC-TAIH23    STIM
MC-TAOY23    DO32
MC-TAIH22    HLAI

Thanks

Does anyone know how to insert jump links into a PDF using Nitro?

Could anyone send me the rules for edge beam detailing.  Ths is my usual detail per my sections but I believe this is wrong for the edge beam Thanks in advance for your precious help.  Usually the ground on slab is a floating slab and should not be rigidly connected to the wall but rest on the well-compacted hard core filling.  However I have noted that compaction is rarely done and filled materials is made up of broken blocks, dried concrete and everything other thing other than choiced materials.  But I will like to know more on that subject matter and how we can get the best of two system.  thanks.

I know AutoCAD is the best and the industry standard. but I doesn't have an AutoCAD subscription.

is there any decent alternative? I dont do 3D Modelling or anything like that.

I have read some article about this: https://pctechtest.com/best-2d-cad-drafting-software , but not really sure about that which one is better?

Recently I was rethinking about how I detail rainwater drainage of a flat roof and I found number of issues with it and I will like your input on it.  Usually there is a screed over the flat roof to protect the slab that has been cast after curing time. I have seen that screed be broken into endless pieces due to extreme heat from the sun at a height of 6m from the natural ground level.  Actually the contractor had the screen only about 20-25 mm. and that may be the reason for its turning into flakes and dust. Lets say the screen is reinforced with chicken wire and is 50 mm. including tiles.  How then do we drain the rain water.  This is a new project and I have also post the proposed rain water but I do not think this is even possible especially with laying of tiles (also wondering what type of tiles will resist the heat from direct exposition to sunlight, here at 6 m height). 

Proposed RainWater Drainage.pdf FlatRoof RainWater Drainage Design.dwg

Can some1 plz advice me on !!! if ther are hvac software that can work out pipe sizeing etc....

ie what is a good software to design a plantroom,boilerhouse etc..heating systems..

Thanks

I can think of one reason and that is because of

1. Size

2. Noise

3. RPMs needed for higher flow

Would there be any benefits if Centrifugal blowers were used for computer cooling?

I'm interested in using a Centrifugal blower on a computer.

I took advantage of the AUTODESK education service; and downloaded Autodesk Inventor. Autodesk Simulation CFD is next for the purpose of testing this out.

I'm interested in this because the use of a centrifugal blower will let air flow more uniformly compared to an axial fan which has dead spots "no flow" in some areas.

I am looking for a simple, inexpensive program where you can:
- merge layers to the main layer
- Select all objects and assign layer color

Any ideas?

Please let me know the general principle regarding the positioning of the 2 main openable panels for a 4 Panels on 2 Rails Sliding Door. 

Many thanks in advance. 

Never mind.  My laptop just isn't up to running Blender 3.3.  My apologies for the post.  It can be taken down.

Recently I found myself doing a lot of work with drainage system design and I was wondering if maybe some members of this forum have an experience in this field.

As described by the topic title I'm searching for an open channel, field drainage, drainage ditch design software/ maybe an addon for Autocad that can generate longitudinal and cross-section profiles. I found myself working with a lot of culvert design too so maybe there are some recommendations for this too.

Perhaps someone can recommend software generally for these types of purposes.

I understand I should start with some deep dive in a Googe and going through some software trial versions but I figure maybe I save some time and ask here for possible recommendations.

For now I just mainly use an Autocad with some different lisps to get my tasks done but I am in a search of something more efficient.  

Thanks in advance for any help in this matter. 

Please tell me your experience and what the strenghts and weaknesses are!

I recently started a new job a month ago and they are upgrading their server. My boss asked me about what I thought about it as I'd be the most computer savy in the office. 

They were given a quote of 9.5k for a server. It has an 8 core xeon, 64GB ram, 24TB storage and 10Gb card. Sorry I forget the exact specs but that's more or less what I remembered. 

I think that it's a bit overkill (pun intended) to go with that. I was thinking of a synology nas rack mount solution of some sort instead, seeing as it's only 10 people connecting to the server at any one time. Saving CAD files, word docs and the odd sketchup file so there wouldn't be a huge strain on the server. 

I was thinking of something like this:

8 x 4TB hard drives @ 115×8 = €920

Synology RackStation RS1221+ (Bare unit) @ €1,700

What do you guys and gals think? 

or a geometrical staircase.  Any guides, hints or tutorials will be helpful.  I undestand that waist thickness should be constant (say 150 mm.) 

Thanks. 

Here is a project where I will like to receive some comments/feedback especially with respect to Raised Concrete Platform as there are new upstand beam here and there and there is a need to have platform to go from one room to another.  The TV Room and Living are already very small spaces + the raised concrete platform.  I will also like to get the specifications for slope to Balcony floor and ways to prevent rain water from going from one floor down to another.  There is a column next to the balcony and I can have 1 down pipe and having 45 degree pipe getting into it but are there other solution to it?  Also I have casting the slab in 1 go meaning same level slab between the living areas and the balcony but with a kicker under the wall and door between the living and the balcony.  Is a 100 mm. kicker enough?  Your comments and advice will be great. Thank you all in advance.

Small TV Room and Living.dwg Uprised Concrete Floor.pdf Front Elevation.pdf Section B-B.pdf Slope to Drain Rain Water from Balcony.pdf

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/autodesk-reveals-it-was-targeted-by-russian-solarwinds-hackers/

Quote

We identified a compromised SolarWinds server and promptly took steps to contain and remediate the incidents," Autodesk said in a recent 10-Q SEC filing.

Quote

While we believe that no customer operations or Autodesk products were disrupted as a result of this attack, other, similar attacks could have a significant negative impact on our systems and operations.

I would like to post questions and interact vs simply reading someone's posts..

thx

I noticed that you can use Lisp & C# with this program.  It looks simular

to AutoCAD with paperspace & modelspace.

Is there any other CAD alternatives that I might be able to use Lisp & C#.net 

with? Maybe there is something better.

Thank you, 

I have used various CAD programs over the years in industry. Now I am using Fusion360 as a hobbyist.

I am trying to make a detailed wing of a bird of prey. I've made a selection of detailed feathers to use. The .stl files are around 50k poly count each feather.

I've been trying to copy and arrange them in Fusion but its struggling and becomes very slow. I would also like to be able to manipulate the feathers to close gaps when they overlap.

I have tried to warp them in Meshmixer which proves to be difficult to keep the original form. I'm quite new to this kind of modelling as my CAD experience has been with engineering not sculpting.

Which program would you recommend for what I'm trying to achieve?

thanks in advance!