Turning Off "Isolines" in a Section \ Elevation

By default, when you cut a Section or Elevation in AutoCAD Arch./MEP, "Isolines" will display for curved and circular objects (see below picture).

After the jump learn how to fix this issue...

Section Dimensions Don't Match the Model!!

If you ever model curved or circular structures with AutoCAD Arch. | MEP and have started your company template with the OTB Arch. or MEP template you may run into this issue.  Below I have modeled a circular concrete tank and then cut a Section right through the center of the tank.  As you can see the inner diameter of the tank is 100'-0" but when I measure the Section it measures 99'-11_1/16".  This is NO GOOD!!

After the jump see how to fix this issue...

Hidden Pipes and Valves below Slab or Grade

Have you ever wanted pipes and other mechanical building elements to show as hidden when they are below grade or a floor slab?  This can be done by toggling a drawing variable in the 'Options --> MEP Display Control' tab.

By default in AutoCAD MEP, when you draw something as below (image)...

Full Depth \ Advanced topics on Architecture & MEP

Another resource for getting in-depth on AutoCAD Architecture & MEP is Autodesk University Online Classes (http://au.autodesk.com/?nd=class_listing).  At this link you have 50-100 videos on how-to topics for these two programes and much more.  Simply change the search choice to the program you desire and click search.  Most classes come with the recorded video, powerpoint, and handout.

Some classes of note:
MP318-1 - Implementing 3D Design on Water and Wastewater Projects
AB114-5 - Breaking Free of the Plan: AutoCAD® Architecture Sections and Elevations
MP318-4 - Creating Electrical Panel Schedules in AutoCAD® MEP
ME316-1V - Smokin' Hot AutoCAD® MEP 2011 Tips
etc...
etc...

Enjoy...

MEP Clash Report and Joining Pipes

There are a couple of good posts on CAD Shack: http://cadshack.blogspot.com/search/label/ABS

Two in paticular:

AutoCAD MEP Clash Reports

Rejoin Broken Duct and Pipe

AutoCAD Architecture FREE How-To Videos

CADclips.com (http://www.cadclips.com/FreeCADclips.htm) has a great offering and posted some great How-To videos on AutoCAD Architecture.  Check it out.  Some topics covered:

• Door Window Assemblies Made Easy
• 3d Trusses In A Snap
• AEC Dimensions
• Leaders, Tags and Annotation

and much, much, much more!!  Some really good, advanced, stuff.

How to create a Network MEP Catalog & Copy Content

This video shows how to create an MEP network content catalog and copy content from the standard Autodesk provided calalogs into your new network catalog.  Enjoy...

[side note: I recorded this video on my deck Saturday morning.  I love how you can hear the birds in the background.  Oh well.]

AutoCAD MEP Exchange

If you are new to AutoCAD Architecture or MEP you may not know about AutoCAD Exchange.  This site contains product documentation, help, how-to videos, and much more.  Check it out at:

http://exchange.autodesk.com/autocadarchitecture/enu/home

http://exchange.autodesk.com/autocadmep/enu/home

Some great videos are Detailing with AutoCAD Architecture, Content Explorer, and the new Renovation tools in AutoCAD Architecture \ MEP.  Check them out and ENJOY!

Thanks, and I hope this helps...

Looking for Parts?

Are you looking for some content in AutoCAD Architecture or MEP that you are just having trouble finding.  Well check out Autodesk Seek or CAD Forum!

• 
• 

Object Enabler Commands

After the jump, check out some handy commands from the post AutoCAD Architecture 2011-AutoCAD MEP 2011 Object Enabler.  This relates to my post AutoCAD MEP into Civil 3D – Display View Representations on Civil 4D.com.

Enjoy...

Building Renovations in Architecture

This is a great video on how to complete building renovations in AutoCAD Architecture \ MEP.  Pretty cool stuff once setup and running.  Note this is a new feature in AutoCAD Arch. \ MEP 2011.  It was released as a bonus pack to AutoCAD Subscription Customers for 2010 and incorporated in 2011.