Electrical CAD 3

Reviewing how paper space (layout) might be used to present multiple views of the one drawing on a page - the value of paper space presentations. Downloading sample files required for course exercises. A quick overview of course modules - the direction we will take.

A detailed look at the various edit commands found in the AutoCAD/IntelliCAD environment. Where to find the various editing tools on the standard toolbar, the modify toolbar and the drop down modify menu. In this module we cover, CUT, COPY PASTE, UNDO and comment on the concept of using noun/verb and verb/noun when working with commands. The importance of changing the general properties of and element versus changing the geometry of an element. The ERASE, MOVE (using vector and the @ coordinate methodology), more on Selection Sets (adding entities to and manipulating), the effect of the  PICKADD system variable, UNDO, UNDELETE, using GRIPS to effect edits, selecting overlapping entities with the Control key, REDO, OOPS, the PEDIT command. Editing polylines - using the Spline and Fit and De-curve options, inserting a new vertex, moving a vertex, EXPLODE a polyline, COPY - multiple option and vector option, OFFSET, and PARALLEL commands are covered. Creating a symbol for a planting design. We build a design for a rose garden using these editing command including the TRIM and EXTEND commands.

More editing commands:  Using the SCALE (scaling a hexagon by 1.5 then scaling relative to another entity, creating a detail in a mechanical plan by scaling), ROTATE (by a given angle and by base angle), MIRROR (deleting original entities, handling text during the MIRROR operation, the mirror text system variable, drawing settings>entity modification), ARRAY - both polar & rectangular arrays are discussed as is rotating the entity during the array operation, BREAK (the break at option, breaking a circle), JOIN (the importance of parallelism and congruence), TRIM, ALIGN, and EXTEND and EDIT LENGTH commands. 

More edit commands: The STRETCH, MEASURE, DIVIDE, CHAMFER, FILLET, EDIT POLYLINE, CHANGE, and PROPERTIES commands.

Placing single line text in drawings with the TEXT and DTEXT commands. Using DTEXT to annotate several parts of the drawing 'in one go'. Creating a text style with the STYLE command. We deal with style names, font type SHX and True Type fonts, height obliquing angle etc. Problems with text 'bleeding' across other entities. Installing font files. Creating an AS1100 compliant text style. Dealing with fixed and variable text height styles. Editing text with the DDEDIT command. Creating a keyboard shortcut (TE) for the DDEDIT command. Placing multi line text with the MTEXT command. Using external word processors to place blocks of text. Using the shareware word processor NotesPad to manage boiler plate text. Importing text into drawings via blocks.

Revising and extending the use of object snap (entity snap) tools. Using transient entity snaps - one time snaps. Monitoring the status of esnaps in a drawing session. Modifying flyover markers. Using various entity snap options from toolbars and keyboard - INT, NODE, MID, QUA, CEN, QUICK, NEA, NODE, INT, PER. Combining osnaps. Using the OSNAP command to set running OSNAPS.

What's a block? Examples of the use of blocks in different disciplines. Where are blocks stored? The reasons for using blocks in CAD drawings. Blocks in the database. The BLOCK command. Making a ball valve block suitable for P&ID drawings. Horizontal and vertical versions of block. Listing blocks in a drawing. Blocks for landscape use. Using PDSIZE. The IntelliCAD (block) Drawing Explorer. The WBLOCK command from blocks already present. Using WBLOCK if no block definition is available. Block and the importance of layer zero. Colour and linetypes in blocks. The block path. Counting blocks with an AutoLISP program. Using object snaps with blocks. Blocks for electrical, civil, mechanical, architecture, landscape. Building intelligent blocks.

A case study in which electrical drafting is discussed in some detail.

The value of using attributes with blocks. Inserting an A1 drawing sheet containing two blocks, each with attributes. Creating a sheet with 3 attributes for project title, drafter, scale, drawing file name etc. Using the sheet. Using the DDATTE command to edit attribute information.

Using drawings by others as a backdrop for your work. Types of backdrop information - blocks, DXF files, external references, raster images. Using raster images. Examining and auditing reference drawings before you start to use them - scale, layers, UCS, LIMITS, spaces etc. Using blocks as back drops to drawings. Using the XREF command. Checking sizes of drawings with XREF's. Moving drawing information from IntelliCAD or AutoCAD into Microsoft Word.

Some more detailed information on printing CAD drawings to a PDF writer.

A small module on the steps to take towards keeping your drawings 'clean' and robust. We check out a drawing of an automated gate assembly which had been causing a user some difficulties.