Autodesk Revit MEP

[#1]

AutoCAD MEP 2008 is a direct descendant of the Softdesk MEP package. So
since you are already familiar with the Softdesk product this would probably
be the closest thing to what you are using right now. Please keep in mind
AutoCAD MEP does create 3d objects for ducts etc... So this will be a change
to the way you are currently working. It is also quite a few releases of
software since the last softdesk product. One nice thing about it is that
is based on Vanilla AutoCAD so you can ease your self into using the new 3d
features and simply draw in 2d. What ever package you choose to go with, I
would strongly encourage you to invest in some training in the new package.


--
Jeff Hanson
Autodesk - AEC Technical Publications
Manchester, NH
_______________________________________

wrote in message news:5525099@discussion.autodesk.com...
I forgot to mention what Softdesk is. It is an add on that has all the
piping, fittings, equip, ducts, blah blah blah, already in it and quick.
(Softdesk is no longer)

Would it make sense to stay in ACAD and get an add on? If so, help, which
one?

THANKS

Fem

[#2]

LT would be a huge mistake. You cannot customize LT with "add-ons". And
don't let anyone tell you about "enablers" for LT customization. There are
still significant issues with such enablers that will limit your abilities.

--
R. Robert Bell


wrote in message news:5525730@discussion.autodesk.com...
Ah, sorry 'bout that, this is new to me.

We put in HVAC ducts and equip, plumbing for both HVAC and well, plumbing.
The electric for the equipment, so basically the controls. And also
sprinkler systems.

We xref in the Architects 2D drawnings (different companies, different
software).

Sometimes is is just schematics, and 1 line stuff, sometimes it is more
detailed but still just 2 line stuff. We are usually just looking down into
a floorplan, but sometimes will look into a room from the side.

Pretty basic, but it is nice because now we have R14 with an add in called
Softdesk that has library blocks that will come right in. It is all pretty
quick.

The purpose of upgrading isn't because what we have now doesn't work, it
does and does it well. We are looking to upgrade because it is becomeing
more and more difficult to find support and also to convert from the
architech's stuff.

We really like the thought of ACAD LT 2008, but can't run it plain. We are
looking for something to help, with out going overboard. Any thoughts?
Looking at Mech Q maybe?

*sigh*

THANKS for the input!

Fem

[#3]

LT does *not* have sufficient customization ability, IMHO, to support an MEP
firm.

--
R. Robert Bell


wrote in message news:5525890@discussion.autodesk.com...
from the sounds of things you want to be running ACAD LT probably 2007
although there are some AEC object issues with prior versions.
from there you could use any of the mfg provided blocks for details, and run
with line drawings.

depending on the # of seats you have one seat of full ACAD will give you
access to the AECTOACAD command to remove the AEC issues and give you more
power to tidy up incoming xrefs.

if you want to go 3D revit is the way to go, however it still has some
issues in the MEP areas, and Revit is not as widely used by architects (yet)
autodesk building systems may be something else to look into.

[#4]

really? 80% of my office uses it with some pretty heavy customization and automated block tweaking.

AutoLISP is still supported last i'd heard and is pretty customizable.

[#5]

LT has never supported Lisp.

metis wrote:
> really? 80% of my office uses it with some pretty heavy customization and automated block tweaking.
>
> AutoLISP is still supported last i'd heard and is pretty customizable.

[#6]

sorry, you're right, it's been one of those weeks.

i meant command line customization with toolbars/buttons. yes, it's no lisp, but it's still pretty powerful.

for practical purposes if theyr'e doing 2d drafting, with dynamic blocks in LT they've probably got all they need. granted it's not as automated as the dedicated MEP stuff, but from what the needs seem to be i'm not seeing the cost benefit of building systems or revit systemss/MEP

[#7]

Okay... glad I hadn't mis-read anything. :-)

Oh, in that case I understand... as I mentioned above, most of my MEP
contractors could likely get by with LT (as you say, as long as there is
at least one full seat to help deal with architects backgrounds, etc).

cheers.

Melanie Perry
***not all who wander are lost***
http://mistressofthedorkness.blogspot.com

metis wrote:
> sorry, you're right, it's been one of those weeks.
>
> i meant command line customization with toolbars/buttons. yes, it's no lisp, but it's still pretty powerful.
>
> for practical purposes if theyr'e doing 2d drafting, with dynamic blocks in LT they've probably got all they need. granted it's not as automated as the dedicated MEP stuff, but from what the needs seem to be i'm not seeing the cost benefit of building systems or revit systemss/MEP

[#8]

We use Design Master for our HVAC and electrical work (http://www.designmaster.biz). It requires full AutoCAD--AutoCAD LT won't work. You don't have to use the 3D in the HVAC part if you don't want to.

[#9]

Being someone who is VERY familiar with Softdesk, I used versions 7 and 8 and used it until the company I used to work for upgraded to ABS 2005. So, I'm also pretty familiar with the jump from R14 S8 to ABS/MEP. As has been stated here AutoCAD MEP is probably your best bet. It works very similarly to Softdesk in that you don't have to draw single lines and offset for double line ducts and pipes. You also don't have to go back to the symbol library and insert things like elbows and fittings. MEP does that for you on the fly. It is a 3D based software that draws at elevation but that can just be ignored since you only want 2D drawings. From a plan view you'll never be able to tell if the ducts and pipes are at an elevation or not.

Matt

[#10]

Very cool. Thanks for the info.
We have had contact with our local distributor. *grin*
We will evaluate AutoCAD MEP 08.

THANKS