CadWebinar: Cable and Harness

Join Ian Cross, Technical Consultant, Cadgroup for an introductory overview of Cable and Harness and how the process can improve your efficiencies in your design process.

The webinar will also cover linking your AutoCAD Electrical Schematics to Inventors Cable and Harness Environment.

Title: Autodesk Inventor 2014: Introduction to Cable and Harness
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Time: 13:00 PM - 14:00 PM AEST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Mac®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.6 or newer

Mobile attendees
Required: iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phone or Android tablet

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now:
Register Now

My first Plugin (Revit API).

We've had a few people ask recently about API's and what is the best way to get some training on how to program them. I posted recently about the Autodesk Developer Network which is avaluable source on information on creating Revit API's (as well as other macros, scripts etc for other Autodesk packages).

Hidden away in the pages of the Autodesk Website is part called "My First Plug-in Training" My First Plug-in training (Revit API)
The page consists of a 7 step exercise that takes you hands-on through the process of creating a simple API for Revit. By following the exercise you will gain an understanding of what's required to set yourself up to create Revit Plug-ins.

It might just give you a taste to get into it in more depth. Have fun!

Windows 8 Support on Autodesk 2013 Products

Autodesk has released SP2 for AutoCAD/AutoCAD LT 2013 that will support Windows 8. You could download and apply SP2 for AutoCAD/LT 2013 from links provided below.

AutoCAD 2013 SP2 - http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL21764214

AutoCAD LT 2013 - http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL21764300

The Autodesk products listed below have been tested and are confirmed as working correctly on Microsoft Windows 8 operating system:

• AutoCAD 2013 (requires installation of Service Pack 2)
• AutoCAD LT 2013 (requires installation of Service Pack 2)
• Autodesk 3ds Max 2013
• Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2013
• Autodesk Maya 2013
• Autodesk MotionBuilder 2013
• Autodesk Mudbox 2013
• Autodesk Softimage 2013
• Autodesk SketchBook Designer 2013

The Autodesk Developer Network.

The Autodesk Developer Network Autodesk Developer network HOMEwas created for software developers seeking proven tools and technologies to extend Autodesk products and technologies to produce superior design, geospatial, and media & entertainment software solutions. Whether you plan to customize existing Autodesk® software, create a plug-in, or tightly integrate Autodesk technology into your workflow and enterprise, Autodesk is committed to making technology that is accessible to you.

The site offers live webinars to assist advanced users to extend their knowledge of the product as well as providing a platform for you to comunicate with others via the community forum.

In addition to workshops (for the US market), there are also live workshop webinars and also a repository of archived webinars which are incredibly useful sources of information.
One example is the webscast created to assist users in developing API's for Revit which provides an overview of the process of developing a 3rd party plugin for Revit. At the very least it will provide an insight to those who are thinking of embarking down the path of learning about programing languages and API's.

Download the Revit API Webinar - warning 67mb

Finding your Autodesk product key

Product keys are required during the installation process along with the relevant serial number to verify the product. It can be very frustrating when you can't find the product key for your product.
To assist users to find the correct 2014 product keys, Autodesk has published a list in their support section on their website. It can be found here :2014 Autodesk Product Keys

It is recommended that you create a shortcut to this page for future reference.

Autodesk 360 Executive Overview

Andrew Anagnost gives an Executive Overview of Autodesk 360 in this two part video. This first video introduces Autodesk's move into the cloud and what it means to our customers.

Part 1



Part 2



Contact Cadgroup Australia for more information

What's new in Autodesk 3DS Max

Join Samuel Macalister to get a comprehensive overview on the amazing new features in Autodesk 3ds Max and it's application on the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure and Plant design industries.

Title: What's new in Autodesk 3DS Max
Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AEST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Mac®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.6 or newer

Mobile attendees
Required: iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phone or Android tablet

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now:
Register Now

Autodesk Exchange Apps Store

The Autodesk Exchange Apps Store is a centralised source of approved add-ons for your Autodesk software. App's vary in pricing but many are free and can add valuable functionality to your software. App's are sourced from 3rd party developers as well as the Autodesk Labs team.
It is worthwhile spending a little time every few weeks to have a look at what is available. The store is available by going to this web link: Autodesk Exchange Apps Store though it is also available via your blue "X" icon on the top right hand side of your Autodesk program.

Revit File Upgrade tool on Exchange Apps.

Dont' Panic! (again)......

Following on from my post about the prcoess of upgrading to Revit 2014 we will now look at the most efficient way to get your Families files & project files upgraded to the newest version as well.

Getting your library of Families updated has the obvious benefit of eliminating the delays inherent in opening an older file version in Revit whicjh requires a conversion process. Similarly your Project files will have to go through the same upgrade the first time they are opened in the new version and as mentioned in the previous post Upgrading to Revit 2014 , you have to run through the upgrade process for Central Files so that users can start to work on the project in the new version.

Dude, where's my Batch Convertor?


Previously there was an upgrade tool that shipped with Revit. The tool used a command prompt and a batch file that opened the files you wanted to upgrade and saved them off. Autodesk did not ship this tool with Revit 2014 or the Suites but has instead created a application called File Upgrader that performs the same task and offers an easily usable user interface. The tool can be downloaded from the Autodesk Exhange Apps website at this link: File upgrader on the Autodesk Exchange App store.

The tool is accessible directly through Revit and it installs itself on the Add-ons Ribbon. It allows you to select from RVT, RFA and RTE (template) files. One great feature is that it can be used with nested folders and on type catalogue files (.txt) as well. Note that you can set a source folder and a destination folder which is recommended so that the new files do not over-write the old ones. Any unsuccessful upgrades are recorded in a log file so that you can attempt the process manually.

Simply open Revit and then open a blank file using any Project Template file. Now activate the tool from the add-on Ribbon. Select the options and then leave Revit to do its thing. Since the process will take the same length of time as would opening the file and saving it in Revit normally, it is recommended to do this process after hours. This will also alleviate any issues with people using the files and thus not being able to access them during the process. It is recommended that you click on the "documentation" button that appears at the end of the installation process to familiarise yourself with the workings of the add-on.

Have fun!

Autodesk Post & VFX Showreel 2013 at NAB

Showreel presented in the Autodesk booth at NAB 2013 in Las Vegas