Workshared models with cloud lighting analysis

[Anonymous]

When I attempt to run a lighting analysis in the cloud I get the following error:

I am only able to get the plug-in to run by detaching and discarding worksets. If I detach and preserve worksets the lighting analysis plug-in will not function. Ideally I would be able to use the plug-in on a workshared model.

I'm using the latest version of the plug-in for Revit 2015. A co-worker is using a previously downloaded version of the plug-in and she seems to be able to run the lighting analysis plug-in on a workshared model.

Are other users getting the above message when running the plug-in on a workshared model or am I alone in this? If this message were so common I would think I would have seen other members commenting on it, but I don't find any other threads/posts mentioning this.

[scheerd · Accepted solution]

Hello.

Yes, we put in that default setting to help larger firms manage data locking warnings for larger team projects.  It is fairly easy to change the setting, as described below.  The workflow with the worksharing lock is as you describe, to detach and discard worksets.  

The nice thing about this method is that it preserves an iteration of the model with the analysis data, as each time a new analysis is run, the old analysis data is written over.  This way you can have a set of historical files to save iterations or design options.  The problem wtih it is that you need to enable worksharing in LAR to allow you to share analysis data with others in the share.

To enable worksharing, open the "LightThresholds.dll.config" file and change the flag for "EnableInWorksharedDoc" to "1" and resave the file.

Here are more detailed instructions:

1. Open the file LightThresholds.dll.config from 
    C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2015\AddIns\Revit Daylighting Analysis
    (your path may be slightly different depending on  your flavor of Revit)
    in a text editor like Notepad.
2. Modify the key for EnableInWorksharedDoc to read:
    <add key="EnableInWorksharedDoc" value="1"/>

3. Save the file, replacing the old one 
    (note, you may have to save the file to another location then copy it to the AddIns folder, depending on your permissions)

[Anonymous]

The workflow you describe where the worksharing lock is enabled makes a lot of sense. I'm gratified it's so easy to toggle the setting back and forth. Thank you.

[scheerd]

No problem.  Changing the config file is a bit of a pain, so we'll be putting those options in an 'options' dialog soon.

David

[Anonymous]

Is there an update to this info?  It appears that the file doesn't exist in 2016, 2017, 2018 to change this setting.  Alternatively, is there a way to get back to that setting without the file after you've changed it?  

It appears the only way to reset that value is to open a non-workshared file and start an analysis until you get to the configuration/settings dialog, then go in and change that setting.  Could you possibly publish the file location needed to configure that directly?

[mstein7484]

Hi @Anonymous

The LightThresholds.dll.config file for Revit 2018 can be found in this directory: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2018\AddIns\Insight.

And for 2017: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2017\AddIns\Insight360

Insight 360 was rebranded to Insight, thus the different folder names.

Let us know if you have more questions on this topic, otherwise please accept as a solution so that others can benefit from this information.

Regards,

[Anonymous]

Marjorie,

I just tested this and the LightThresholds.dll.config does not contain the settings referenced here, at least in 2017.2 with latest plugin.  I just checked the "Disable analysis for workshared models".  The setting is active (as I can no longer access these settings with a workshared model open), but the config file has not changed.  Here are the contents of my config:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<configuration>
  <appSettings>
    
  </appSettings>
<startup><supportedRuntime version="v4.0" sku=".NETFramework,Version=v4.5"/></startup></configuration>
</configuration>

And to verify the file is located in this directory: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2017\AddIns\Insight360 

The workaround seems to open a non-workshared file, initiate analysis, get to the final dialog that has the settings option, edit setting and save. Then go back to workshared file to do analysis.  

[scheerd]

The config settings are stored in a system file now, which is located wherever your computer is set up to store it.  It's actually easier to just open a non-workshared model, select <Run New Analysis> in the Lighting tool, then open the settings panel and click to allow Workshared models.  The settings will be saved on your machine after closing Revit.

[Anonymous]

Hi Sheerd,

I did figure out that work around, but it would be nice to know where that file, with the configuration information, is stored.   

Could you tell me where this system file is that you mentioned? I don't see anywhere that the location is configured in the program.  Is it an environment variable somewhere?