Between the Lines

85% Do Not Enter an Email in Their Error Reports

That's right when a AutoCAD 2007 user crashes (hopefully not) they are presented with a Customer Error Report "CER" dialog. These come into the AutoCAD development team and are researched for the cause. These are very important to Autodesk to improve the products and important for you to make sure we are researching your crash. Unfortunately only 15% of the people submitting a CER report enter an email address. Don't be afraid we do not use the email for any purpose other than to contact you for follow up and to request further information or a problem file if needed or to notify you that we fixed the issue you reported. So with AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 1 we have 85% of the people that reported issues and are unable to notify them we fixed their issue in the recent Service Pack.

Here is an actual email notification that was sent this week to a person who did enter their email address in the CER dialog.

More details on the Autodesk CER process.
AutoCAD - Customer Error Reporting (CER)

Autodesk Job Opening

The position is for a Technical Product Manager responsible for the licensing, installation, and other key technology components critical to in the Platform Technology Division.

You would be located in Northern California's sunny San Rafael a few minutes drive North of the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.

Link to Job Opening

George Omura Releases Another Great AutoCAD Book

Mastering AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT2007

This is a another great book to learn AutoCAD 2007and AutoCAD LT 2007 or even to get up to speed on new features. George has for years educated new users and existing users on AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT in a clear and easy way. You cannot go wrong with this book in your collection as a reference or training guide. I just received my copy and at 1188 pages there is a great deal of information and tutorials that I will be using to keep up to date myself as you never stop learning not even when you are on the product team.

Authors of books are a vital part of AutoCAD and customers success. If you are an author or considering writing a book on Autodesk products, please feel free to email me and get involved betas of pre-release product versions to get a head start on your book.

Cheers,
Shaan

The AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 1 is Released

AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 1

AutoCAD LT 2007 Service Pack 1

AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 1 for Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series 9.x

Primary Issues Resolved by the Service Pack

Problems Reported with the Customer Error Reporting Utility (keep sending in those CER reports!)

As a result detailed information from customers who used the Customer Error Reporting Utility, a number of problems were identified and fixed. Updates have been made in the following feature areas.

• 3D DWF
• Blocks
• Calculator
• Command line
• External references
• Fonts
• Grip tools
• Hatching
• Materials
• Modify
• Multiline text (Mtext)
• Navigation
• Object snaps
• PDF Export
• Plot and Publish
• Properties palette
• Raster image
• Recover
• Render
• Startup, Save, Open and Close
• Toolbars
• User Coordinate System (UCS)
• Views
• Visual styles
• Workspaces

General Updates

Other changes included in this service pack include the following updates.

3D Navigation

• Intellimouse scrolling with ZOOMWHEEL set to 1 now works as expected when in Orbit modes.
• 3DORBIT performance has been improved.

Customize User Interface

• '\' character is consistently recognized when used in macros.

Dimensioning

• Diameter symbol is correctly displayed when Unit format is set to Windows Desktop.

External References

• Constant reload of relative external references has been resolved.
• IMAGEATTACH of CMYK images no longer result in Invalid Image warnings.
• DWF files produced with Revit Structure 2 or 3 can now be attached to AutoCAD drawings.

Hatch

• Migrated drawings containing custom hatch patterns now work correctly.

Internet

• Opening drawing from an Internet site by means of i-Drop or File > Open now operates as expected.

Materials

• Materials applied to flat, or nearly flat, shells now display correctly.

Modify

• The following operations now perform correctly in files saved in AutoCAD 2000 and Release 14 file formats from AutoCAD 2007:
  • Copy and Paste
  • Cut and Paste
  • Block and Insert
  • Wblock and Insert
  • Drag and Drop operations
• STRETCH command used on polylines with opposing normals works as expected.

Multiline Text and Text

• %%D and %%P Mtext characters from Korean and Chinese SHX bigfonts display correctly.
• Lines of text containing spaces that use a bigfont text style display correctly.
• Multiline text containing stacked fractions problems corrected when TSPACETYPE is set to 2.
• Text width corrected when using MTEXT with the \T option.
• During a spell checking process, the replacement of extended characters with '?' has been resolved.
• Several issues fixed that allow Japanese MTEXT objects created in 2006-based drawings to display correctly when opened in AutoCAD 2007.
• SHX font flow, in bi-directional operating systems, now go in the right direction.
• Two key strokes are needed to enter any non-Unicode special symbols defined in Bigfont SHX files. In addition, two keystrokes are now required to remove these symbols.

Networks

• Network License Manager updated so restricted users can successfully start the network version of AutoCAD on certain localized operating systems.

Performance

• A number of improvements made to use memory more efficiently.
• Significant improvements made in the speed of opening certain types of drawings created in MAP and Civil 3D products.
• Sheet Set Manager field evaluation has been improved to allow for significantly faster opening and publishing of the drawings.

Plotting and Publishing

• Raster images now plot correctly if they are part of the block inserted in the table cell.
• Bitonal transparent raster images no longer loose transparency when plotted.
• Line weight of certain objects is correctly interpreted when plotting to PDF files.
• FIELDEVAL setting now maintained after publishing drawings.
• Special non-ASCII characters are now correctly interpreted in the Plot Styles (STB and CTB files).

  ---

  Note: If you created a plot style file in an AutoCAD 2007 product with non-ASCII characters in the style name or description, then you will have to rename those characters and resave the plot style file.

  ---

Security

• Drawing properties are now encrypted during password protection of drawings when you select that option. If you are exchanging drawings with customers using the 'Encrypt drawing properties' feature, they must also install this service pack 1.

Solid Modeling

• Improvements made to allow editing of very large solid models.

Startup, Save, Open and Close

• Corrupted or zero-byte drawings no longer created when insufficient disk space conditions are detected.

Submit Feedback Direct to the Autodesk Product Teams

There is a Contact Us link on the main http://www.autodesk.com. From that link you can naviugate to where you can provide feedback on the Autodesk.com website or select the Products. and provide feedback on Autodesk products. These forms when submitted go direct to the products teams. I can speak in the case of AutoCAD that many of these are answered and all are read by the key product team members.

 

Options on the Contact Us page:

• Product Help
  For help with your Autodesk product, a number of free and fee-based options are available.
• Feedback
  We’re interested in your comments and ideas and like hearing from you. Share your thoughts and suggestions about Autodesk products and services, or submit a product wish.
• Locate Offices
  Here's contact information for Autodesk® offices worldwide.
• Phone Numbers
  Can't find what you need online? Find out how to contact Autodesk or an Autodesk Representative in your area for more help

There is also an online bug report form for Autodesk products located at http://www.autodesk.com/submitbug

Autodesk Plant P&ID aka Guinness Beta?

Jimmy is very observant by reviewing the Autodesk University 2006 class schedule he noticed something new an interesting. My fellow team mate Peter Quinn responded to Jimmy's post with an invitation for beta testing.

Jimmy,
Thanks for the plug. Derry Vaughan is leading the effort on the P&ID product, not me. Anyway, If anyone is interested in beta testing the P&ID application, see the instructions below:

For new MyFeedback Portal users:
To enroll in the Guinness Beta please go to: http://myfeedback.autodesk.com and select Sign up from the Active Zone Menu.

If you are an existing MyFeedback member please see Updating Beta Profile below. If you are new to the Autodesk MyFeedback portal, you will then be asked to fill out a profile.
Please use GuinnessBeta in the Beta Code field (at the top of the sign up page). Only select the products that you would like us to consider you a beta candidate for and be sure to select P&ID in your selection. If approved, you will be emailed a password for the general site once the beta team has reviewed your application.

When you logon, you will be able to see all the zones you are a member of - initially this may be none. When you are added to a new zone you will be emailed a notice and the new project will appear on your MyFeedback portal page under MyFeedback Zones when logged in.

The process of adding participants to zones is not automatic and requests are reviewed periodically during business hours. Please allow 1-2 business days for the process to be completed. Some betas may not be active or require a slight wait until the start date.

For previously registered MyFeedback Portal users:
If you are already a member of MyFeedback Beta portal ( http://myfeedback.autodesk.com), login and click on the User button to update your user profile. Add GuinnessBeta in the beta code field of your user profile and be sure to select P&ID in your selection. Once the profile is updated, it will be reviewed by the beta coordinator and you will either be granted or denied access to the beta program.

Peter Quinn
Autodesk

Link to JTB World Blog: Interested testing Autodesk Plant P&ID aka GuinnessBeta?

What Was That AutoCAD System Variable or Command?

As I get older and more years of AutoCAD under my belt I find myself not remembering all the command and system variables. I know you cannot memorize them all. I even wrote a command and system variable map years back and now Lee Ambrosius updated and improved it. With AutoCAD 2006 there is a nice helpful way to jar the memory called AutoComplete. You must at least guess what the command or system variable starts with.

Start typing at the command line the beginning for example I was looking for the system variable that controls the mouse wheel zoom speed. I typed ZOOM and then hit the TAB key and get the options and found ZOOMFACTOR. Funny I forgot as I had that system variable default changed from 40 to 60 back in AutoCAD 2004. Wade through the dimension system variables and commands with DIM or when you are really forgetful just enter D and go through everything that starts with the letter D.

CAD Campfire?

I work remotely now from Utah and thought "hey CAD camping, why not". Perhaps this year or next I can organize an informal campfire discussion outing. Imagine discussing all sorts of ideas and topics and exchanging knowledge in a real camp under the stars with a campfire roaring. Topics could be CAD, 3D, animation, visualization, IT, and all topics of a geek nature. It is just something I was thinking about since here in the Western United States and Utah we have so many campgrounds and natural beauty. So this is just something I thought we be fun for those and their families that could make it. Bring your fishing poles, sleeping bags, and campfire stories instead of dressing up and watching PowerPoint in a room of uncomfortable chairs. I will kick the idea around and see if this is something that could really be done and the interest levels.

Utah Map

What do you think?

-Shaan

Violate Large-Scale Tonal Hierarchy

What am I talking about? I am talking about HDR (High Dynamic Range) images as they are absolutly awesome! You are essentially compositing photos at differeing exposures to achieve a range not possible thus violating tonal hierarchy. You can also create/use HDR images from visualization applications such Autodesk’s 3ds Max and Maya products but in this post I am refering to the technique for digital photography.

Below is an image and links to a HDR Tutorial as well as other cool photography editing techniques.

Credit: Mathew Spolin

http://news.com.com/2300-1041_3-6102446-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/high-dynamic-range.htm

AutoCAD Electrical Screencast

See an online presentation of AutoCAD Electrical by Shellie Smith and Nate Holt.

AutoCAD 2007 CAD Management Training

There is a newly released AOTC (Autodesk Official training Courseware) on CAD Management by well respected CAD Management figure Robert Green. The courseware is 377 pages and a CD of training designed for those that manage AutoCAD as a CAD Manager.

Contents:
Chapter 1: The CAD Management Mission (2 lessons)
Chapter 2: Installation Topology (2 lessons)
Chapter 3: Optimizing the Installation (4 lessons)
Chapter 4: Customizing the Installation (10 lessons)
Chapter 5: File Library Management (9 lessons)
Chapter 6: Standardizing the Installation (2 lessons)
Appendix A: Tools and Resources
Appendix B: Additional Resources

The book should be available soon from the AOTC eStore as I just got my copy as well as the AOTC courseware for AutoCAD 2007 Creating Intelligent Tables and Schedules.

Lynn Allen is Officially Off the Market, Sorry Folks

Congratulations to Lynn Allen and Craig for getting married in the Grand Cayman Islands! I guess she forgot she could have gotten married at Autodesk University in Las Vegas this year. Maybe thousands of people in attendance at AU this year can raise a toast similar to the thousands of coconuts in the audience when John Cleese of Monty Python was at AU 2003 and showed the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie.

 

Read All About It

Wedding Pictures

Free AUGI ATP Classes

AUGI members get free training in the form of ATP courses. This is a great way to sharpen your skills or learn some new ones from fellow AUGI members.

Courses starting August 7th, 2006
ATP127 Schedule Tables 101 FastTrack - ADT
ATP133 Using AutoLISP to Standardize Your AutoCAD Network Installation - AutoLISP for CAD Managers
ATP135 ASSEMBLY using AutoDesk Inventor – Learn the Easy Way. FastTrack - Inventor
ATP138 New Features Workshop: 2007 - AutoCAD
ATP139 DWF Force Reconnaissance - DWF
ATP141 Parametric Fittings in ABS 2006/2007 - ABS
ATP142 Utilisation des murs et leurs outils - Revit (Français)
ATP152 Isometrics in AutoCAD FastTrack - AutoCAD

To Register go to the Current AUGI ATP Courses page.

Early Priority Registration for AUGI members is now open for the 14th annual Autodesk University User Conference

Free AUGI membership has its many benefits. I did not include the registration link as you would get it if you were an AUGI member, sorry.

From an AUGI email today:

If you register for AU now, you would receive an instant $500 discount and have the opportunity to register one full week before registration opens to the general community!

Why should Early Registration be important to you?

• You'll have the best chance of getting the exact classes you want. (Many classes fill up quickly, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity.)
• And, you'll save $500 by enrolling early.

What can you expect at Autodesk University 2006?

• AUGI Annual Meeting and exciting contests and activities in the AUGI booth.
• Twice as many intermediate and advanced classes, including new classes for power users. 
• Classes and programs clustered in a General Design Campus to promote networking and sharing of insights and best practices.
• Exhibits and demos of leading-edge solutions from Autodesk and its software partners
• More than 400 multi-level classes and hands-on labs.
• Great ways to make valuable connections with peers and industry leaders
• Opportunities to talk directly with AutoCAD product managers

Where and when?

• When: Tuesday, November 28 - Friday, December 1.
• Where: The Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas.

Autodesk Vault Mirror Beta in Autodesk Labs

A new tool was added Friday to the Autodesk Labs web page for Autodesk Vault 5 or Productstream users.

Vault Mirror creates a read-only mirror of the files within a Vault.  The mirror will contain the same files and directory structure as seen from Vault Explorer.  It's similar to running the "Get Entire Folder" command on the root folder, but Vault Mirror is smart enough to pull down only the needed files.  When used with Task Scheduler, Vault Mirror can be used to create remote copy of the latest versions of the Vault file tree.

Requirements:
The user must heave either Vault 5 or Productstream 5. Microsoft .NET 1.1 is also required.

There will also be a new look coming soon to the Autodesk Labs as well as more downloads coming.

Autodesk Labs Website http://labs.autodesk.com

Autodesk University 2006 Blog

There is now an official Autodesk University 2006 blog by Autodesk employee Joseph Wurcher the tall guy behind the AU scenes will give you all the latest on AU 2006. http://auol.wordpress.com/

AUGI members will soon get early registration for AU 2006. That is another great benefit to joining AUGI which is all free!

See you at AU 2006!

Ted Boardman aka Mr. Viz has a New Blog

I have assisted in Ted's classes on 3D Studio Viz and Visualization at Autodesk University. This is one of the most respected masters of 3ds Max and Viz and visualization as well as overall wisdom. Ted also authors some great books and articles for various magazines and online resources. I am sure his blog will be full of great tips and humor.

http://www.tbmax.net/blog

Here is a photo of Ted from AU 2004. He frequently gets confused with one of the ZZTop band members.

Another AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT Book: AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies

I just spotted a new book authored by two people I know Lee Ambrosius and David Byrnes. Congratulations on the new book!

I love the statement on the front “10 Books in 1”.

AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies
David Byrnes, Lee Ambrosius
ISBN: 0-471-75260-6
816 pages

How to Submit Feedback on AutoCAD Help

For several releases of AutoCAD now customers have been able to submit their own feedback on AutoCAD Help topics. There is a link at the bottom of most pages “Please send us your comment about this page“ that you can click to submit your feedback.  The feedback is read by the AutoCAD Technical Publications group and in many cases they will reply or request further clarification but only if you include your email address in the feedback form. The information sent is only what you included as well as what version of AutoCAD and Help topic you were on. The form is not intended to be for product support or sales questions. So if you see something in the AutoCAD Help that is not clear or could be improved please send your feedback by clicking the link in Help as it is read.

Cheers,
Shaan