Conversion How-To

[controlsgirl]

Is there any literature detailing a system of approaches to convert "non" ACE set of drawings into something that has more functionality. For example, I am coming across projects at work where I notice that the symbols and layers are organized in some meaningful way. I've learned that I can assign different layer names to typical ACE layers. I've gotten lucky and have found some projects where the wires were all on some layer "210". After that I compare some of the symbols to ACE symbols. I will make some changes to the ACE symbol to make it fit the way the existing one does. Then I will use the block find/replace command to convert the symbols project wide. This may seem cumbersome and perhaps it is. I haven't ever been given enough time to dive deeper into developing a certain sequence of operations. I'm wondering if documentation already exists other than the help files. 

[Icemanau · Accepted solution]

I'm not aware of any literature dealing with converting plain ACAD dwgs to ACADE dwgs.

That said, I've also converted a few dwgs.

Usual start point is to add the plain ACAD dwg to a project.

In my case, I move the wires to the appropriately named layers first.

Then I go through and swap the current symbols for ACADE ones or just insert the ACADE ones when the drafter has just drawn the lines for their symbol.

I don't modify the ACADE symbols as they are closer to the 'Standard' than used by some drafters.

The only symbols I've made or modified have been for items like multifunction protection relays or propriety control cards.

After ALL the symbols have been changed, I go in and number all the wires. This can't be done automatically if the numbers jump around as a lot of manually numbered dwgs do.

Next, I do is to swap out the old title block to the latest version set up for ACADE and make sure the cross reference system is set up correctly.

Finally, after all the dwgs are converted, I do a project wide cross reference update.

Regards Brad

[Yong.Jing]

Please follow the help about Convert Non-AutoCAD Electrical Blocks.About Converting Non-AutoCAD Electrical blocks

When you convert non ACE dwg, you must clear the ACE tag. As I have convert some symbol block, not quite a lot, I am following the help to make the convert. 

[controlsgirl]

Yong.Ying, I appreciate the reply. I am looking for a higher overview though. For example, I think it might benefit to first do an attribute mapping from the old "non-autocad" blocks to ACE block attributes. This way, when you do the swap, the attributes will carry over (I think). 

From that example, I would be looking for instructions that mention doing the attribute mapping before the block swap and other helpful tips that would give the best outcome of the overall project. The first response to my post was more of what I was looking for. If anyone has more to share along those lines, it would be great.

[rhesusminus]

Could you post a drawing here? That way we could have a look, and then maybe write a little "how to"?
Could be useful for others later on as well...

[dougmcalexander]

I'm assuming that non-ACE drawings means drawings made with plain "vanilla" AutoCAD, or some form of export from another platform via DXF.  If so, I deal with this quite often as numerous converts to AutoCAD Electrical are moving forward from the plain AutoCAD environment.  There is an overview guide for this available on the Tips/Tricks page of my web site at www.ECADconsultant.com.  You can click the link below to go directly to that section.

http://www.ecadconsultant.com/tips.html#Legacy_AutoCAD_to_AcadE