AutoCAD Electrical Meme Subscribe Autodesk 04/11/2016 AutoCAD Electrical 2017 - Released fyou havent heard by now, AutoCAD Electrical 2017 has been released. We ae very excited about the features that are part ofthis release, especially since the features were all customer requests. If'you ere a subscription customer, you may have seen some ofthese updates the AutoCAD Hlctrieal 2016 Subscription Advantage packs, Optional SQLServer Support You ean now choose to use SQL Server forthe catalog and footprint lookup databases, the databases are supplied in Aceess format asin previous releases. But, ‘you can use the Content Migration Utity provided to migeate the content to your SQLServer setup. Then you ean choose to coaligure your SQLServer Instance when youare creating your AutoCAD Hectriel 2017 deployment, or installing AutoCAD Hleetrical 2017. Once AutoCAD Hetrical is installed you can even set up your SQL Server from within the product. Improvements to Hectromechanical Worldlows + Youcan now create a combined Bll of Material report that takes into aecount your AutoCAD Hectrcal project and the linked Inventor assembly. Just un either the Schematic ox Pane! Bl of Material report in AutoCAD Hletrial and check to Include Inventor Pats. + The Lacation View tab has a new tap node so you ean view and export the entire project. + To make it easier to link components between your AutoCAD Electrical drawing and Inventor asscmbly, you can now select both components right inthe Location View. The option has been added to the Location View on the right-lick mens. + You can now insert parametric connectors in AutoCAD Beetticl ifyour Inventor assembly contain parts defined es connectors. This option has been added to the Location View shorteut menu. You can right-click on the Installation or Location nodes to insert multiple connectors Hctrical ait Some errors"reported hy Hletrical Audit may not actually be errors or need to be corrected. For example, aground wire with no wire number or & ‘component with unconnected wire connections, Once you have determined an isue is ot something that you need to fix, you ean set the issue's status to {Ignored and then hide all jgnored issues. Unhide them at any time. Ignored isues are indicated in the new Status column. The tatusis remembered each time yourun the audit and aross sessions of AutoCAD Electrical Resequence Item Numbers Anew version ofthe Resequence Item Numbers is used in 2017, + Drawings are no longer opened for processing. Ths provides a huge improvement in performance especially for large projects + The manufsetusers e sorted across the project, not per drawing + The entire project is always processed, keeping item numbers in sync for components with the same catalog. + The projeet property, Reset with each Drawing, has een removed and is mo longer valid ‘Note: Use the AEITEMRESEQUENCEMODE system variable to return othe pre-2017 item number resequencing method, Balloon Update Ifyou change your item balloon style using the Panel Configuration you can now apply those chnges to existing balloons on the active drawing. Depending on ‘how diferent the new tye is fom the existing balloons, you may need to manually adjust the existing balloon or leader. Security Updates Security continues to ea major focus for oth AutoCADand AutoCAD Hleetrieal. To minimize the possibility ofloading and executing malicious code, some files previously installed in the publi folder, C\Users\Public\Documents\Avtodesk\Acade (version}\Support\ (language code}, are now installed in (\Program Fles\Autodesk\ AutoCAD {version} \Acade\ Support| language code)\Shared\, ‘hese files include the sample user post.sp and de les, anda few other suppor files, To modify these Hles you may need to move them to another folder and add that folder to the TRUSTEDPATHS system variable setting. Any files in the Program Files folder tree that are under the operating systems UAC protection are now trusted. This trust is indicated by displaying the implicitly trusted paths in Trusted Paths UI and graying them out. Also, the AutoCAD code itself continues tobe hardened against more sophisticated attacks Miscellaneous + When you insert panel fotprints froma schematic ls, the sort settings are now saved across sessions. + You can now ort the terminal strips ia the"Terminal Seip Table Generator by clicking the column header. The terminal strips are generated in the sorted order, + When you add or edit signal arrows, related source and destinstion arrows are updated automatically, even fthey are on other drawings. + the product now supports Installation, Location, and Tag values of up to 256 characters each, Where Installation, Location, and Tag values are coneatenated, the concatenated string allows a maximum of 255 characters. AutoCAD2017 New Features ‘There are some new AutoCAD features you might be interested in also, You cen see the Help top, AutoCAD 212 Now Feature Summary for details, Enjoy. Pat Mumen Posted at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) 01/18/2016 Table Styles in AutoCAD Electrical AutoCAD Hlectrial uses table styles in eross-referencing (lable format), terminal step editor, and reports, Table styles control the text style, size, and lignment, cell margins, ill color, and borders. resasapganinatain osAS. TaITPEL TA low youto picks ‘When you setup your cross-referencing style, insert a terminal trip or report table, the dialogs Tate Sie ACENETAIE Cateye), Ae TeM asesie) ACE TSMETHE. Tao) Recently, had someone ask me where thislist of table styles come from, He wanted to remove the ones he didnt use and add the ones he did ‘Ths ist comes fom the active drawing and TABLESTY LE DWC. The default location for TABLESTY LE DW is C\Users\ {username)\AppDeta\ Rosming\Autodesk\ AutoCAD Hlectrical (version}\ (release number) \ country code)\Support\ Ifyou want to add or remove table styles from thelist, all you have todo is open this drawing and update the table styles. Once you save the ‘TABLESTYLE.DWG, the next time you go into uny ofthe dialogs that use ths lis, you wil see your table styles. 1 added two new styles to my TABLESTYLE.DWG, one for eross-eferencing and one for terminal strip editor. So my drop-down ist now includes those. 1 gotalitle fancy with my styles. added some fill colors changed some ofthe text properties, and defined some double borders. Now whea Tuse these styles, T automatically get the look T want, inter res —| — p= effete] tt =—_ mf t= tate 4 = : P= EE — | Ss =r Make sure when you setup your able styles, you st the sizes based on whether you are workingin metsc or inches. And don forget to set the ell margins so the text doesnt end upright on the border ines. = Pat Murnea | Posted at 05:00 AM in AutoCAD Hletrial | Permalink | Comments ( 11/25/2015 AutoCAD Electrical Subscription Advantage Pack 2 resasapganinatainAUTOCAD ELECTRICAL Subscription Advantage Pack 2 Including Inventor Pars in Pane sill of Material Linking an Un-inking pars using the Component Tree in the Lacation View Tab tem Number Balloon {Q\ AUTODESK OF eee ‘The Subscription Advantage Packis a collection of value-added features available to subscription based users. As of November 15th, the Subscription ‘Advantage Pack 2 (SAP2) is ready to be downloaded, eres a sneak peck at what's packed inthis eleese: Panel Bill Of Material Include Autodesk Inventor Parts In Eleetromechanical projects, {AutoCAD Hectriesl pasts ar linked to their corresponding Autodesk laventor Parts, you can generate a combined iil of Material Report. Anew option is now available in the Pane Bill of Material report to include the aventor Parts in the report. A "Source" column has been added in the report to distinguish Hlectrical pets, Inventor parts, and/or Linked parts from each other. Linking AutoCAD Electrical components and Inventor partsin Location View Tab you're working on an Electromechanial project, you can now link the AutoCAD Heetrcal component(s) to Inventor part(s) right from the Location View ‘ab. Follow these simple steps 1. On the Location View tab right click on the component you want t Tink, 2, Select the Assign to Existing in Component Tree" 5. Find the corresponding component that you want to ink to and select ‘The components are now linked. tem Number Balloon update Inanactive drawing, any modifications to balloon configurations can be applied to not only new balloons, but also already existing ones. The process is simples 1 Open the Panel Drawing Configuration dislog, 2, Modify the balloon properties in the Balloon setup 15. On selecting “Apply toa balloons inactive drawing" the properties ae updated. ‘Want to know more? Please go through these links to know more about the new feature enhancements! utp /help avtodesk.com /view/ ACAD Please checkout the following video ‘Subscription Advantage Pack 2 Are you on subseription? Do you want these features? reiacsapgacinninetain oeDownload from the Autodesk Subscription Canter. you need help on how to download, then please watch this tutorial, ‘We at Autodesk, valu the ideas you poston the AutoCAD Electrical Idesstation which helps us understand the problems you fae, We want to thank exch one ofyou who tookout the time to post new ideas end promote other valuable s. We encourage users to post ew ideas &enhancement suggestions on this forum and give kudos to others’ ideas that they support which in turn helps us ter the most valued ideas, ‘Thanks, AutoCAD Hlectrieal Ideastation team aipa/20i5, Adding Content — Inserting the Symbols ‘This article is part 4 the final installment in my series on adding content to AutoCAD Electrical +. Greate vour et ofsymbale Insert the symbol Inthe previous article I looked at adding the symbols othe co meni and Catalog Erowser. So now we are ready to insert the symbol Insert Symbol from Teon Menu 1.Open the eon Menu, Schematic tab > Insert Componeats pane > Leon Menu, s 2 Lneate and select your symbol ye to your cursor, making it eay to inser, eon 4.Once you select the location, the appropriate Insert\Bait dialog opens, The Tagis automatically assigned based on the Drang Properties settings 5 lick Lookup and assign the eatalog value as needed 6, ick OK Ifeverything goes as expected, wines breakas needed. rs Insert Symbol from Catalog Browser 1. Ifthe Catalog Browser in open, click Schematic tab > Insert Components panel > Catalog Browser. ‘You may need to expand the con Menu drop-down to find this command. The Catalog Browser can remain open al the time ifyou use it often. You can use other commands while itis open 2, Search for youreatalog value. ‘3. Glick the record inthe browser. The menu with any associated symbols displays resasapganinatain asIfyou associated multiple symbol, the menu shows them al, 4Glck the symbol and select the location. 5. The syrnbolsis inserted and the Insert\ Palit dialog opens, The catalog value i already assigned since it was inserted from the Catalog Browser, oe EE] 6. Add any other values needed and click OK Pat Murnen Posted at 05:1 AM in AutoCAD Hlectrical | Permalink | Comments 0) 11/09/2015 Adding Content - Add Symbols to the Icon Menu and Catalog Browser “This articles part gin my series on adding content to AutoCAD Heetrea 1. Ceeate vour set ofsvmbols ‘2 Add the data tothe eatalog database 43.Add your symbol to the icon menu and Catalog Browser 4. lnsert the symbol Adding a Symbol to the Teon Menu. Note: Ifyou always insert your symbols from the Catalog Browser you do not need todo this, 1h Enel Use the Toon Menu Wiardt add new pages and components to the Ieon Menu, 5B Thnow t eventually willada family ofsymbols, so frst add anew submenu page FE alo =| me =] [Aer clicking OK I eaa see my new page al the end resasapganinatainESESi*en. OS ZHARS 28.7 G(s Now I need to add the individual eymbol(). 1. Double-click he newicon soit opens the new blank page. 2 Select Component on the Add drop-down ment. ‘3. Thon enter the name, icon, and symbol on the: oe 4 Repeat adding Components for any other symbols that you want to include on this same page, You don't need to add both the horizontal and vertieal +5. Once you OK out ofthe Leon Menu Wizard and open the actusl Icon Menu, youll ee that your new submenu and components are there, For more information see the Help topic, To Work With the Teon Menu Wizard. Adding Symbols to the Catalog Browser ‘There are a couple of ways to add symbols to the Catalog Browser so that when you picks catalog valve you are presented with the symbols for insertion, oth ‘methods require thatthe record be visible i the browser. So make sure you do a search on the browser so the catalog record is available. Method 1 Symbol ison the Ieon Menu 1. When you clicks catalog ecard the mens displays, Since no symbols are associated tothe record itloos like this ~ ‘araos wwe 3) ma) cn we wae '2 Glick the button that opens the Teon Menu from the browses.) ‘5. Navigate ta the symbol you want to associate tothe catalog record and select it 44 Selet to map the symbol A Sxtejrree | iupmbcieclegnanter | bonst mopman cog ruber «time you select this record on the browser, the symbol can be inserted without going int the icon menu, Method 2: Edit Catalog Database to Add Symbol 2.60 into Bait Mode on the browser-|7 2 Serollover to the SY MBOLD column, resasapganinatain os{Glick onee inthe field and click the browse button that displays 4-Enter the symbol names for each symbol you want to associate to the catalog. Ifyou ex both. Once you OK, the values are added inthe syntax needed forthe Catalog Browser. 45.Ifyou are also using Inventor, you ean add a aD part inthe SYMBOLaD field. Then, when you use the Catalog Browser in Inventor you ean insert your clectrial part 6. cliekto save your changes. 7 Pat Marnen Posted at 05:00 AM in AuloCAD Mectrical | Permalink | Comments 4) 11/05/2015 Adding Content to AutoCAD Flectrical ~ Catalog Database ‘This articles part 2 in my series on adding content to AutoCAD Hectrieal, covering adding content to the catalog database, 1. Qeeate vour st ofsvimbols 42.Add the datato the catalog database ‘8. Add your symbol tothe eon menu and Catalog Browser 4: Insert the symbol Adding Table tothe Catalog Database “The commend to add anew table tothe 9g dstabase is kind ofhidden onthe ribbon. Probably because it isnt something you do every day. To find, expand the Other Tools panel on the Project tab Soe eee SDS ccpcmn Gene @ teas creer = = re eae a eae Select your catalog datebase mdb file. The default catalog database i called default Category sat-madb. 1am going to add a symbol eategory of to stand for Fietional ny OX, the table ise tothe database with all the correct fields, including feld order, Tength, and type, The table name and description ae also sudded tothe FAMILY _DESCRIPTION table in the catalog database. The_FAMILY_DESCRIPTION table is used by the Catalog Browser and Symbol Builder to show the description fora catalog table\symbol eategory. For Catalog Browser to display your new table you need to exit and restart AutoCAD Electrical. Once I restart, my nev eategory shows up in the Catalog [Browser and Iean add catalog data tothe able a = resasapganinatain ms— See > ince vx [= ‘There are only afew lds that are required. fyou try and save the changes while any ofthese fields are blank, you wil see an alert similar to this~ a ross Enter to add a new line so you ean add as many records as you need, ‘Most information is pretty easy to understand and enter. Jus lickin the box and start typing, The next sections cover the fel that need litle more explanation, ASSEMBLYCODE, ASSEMBLYLIST, ASSEMBLYQUANTITY ‘You can set up sub-assemblies in the catalog so that when you assign the main catalog value, extra parts are included when you run a Bill of Material report. ‘There isa pretty good section inthe help topic, Ta Work With Hditing the Catalog Database Records, on setting up assemblies in the catalog. Ihave copied it here Locate the catalog record forthe main catalog item. 2 lick the ASSEMBLY CODE. {Select an existing value from the drop-down ist or enter anew value. Spaces are allowed. Use multiple codesto link to multiple subassembly items. Note: Usea semi-colon," to separate multiple codes. For example, NOBLOCK:NCBLOCK 4.Bater number in the ASSEMBLY QUANTITY feld to define the quantity of these subassembly items to inchude with the ma isthe sameasa3, ‘Note: to define a quantity for each subessembly when multiple ASSEMBLY CODE values are assigned, prefix the ASSEMBLY CODE: ‘quantity followed by a comma, "For example,2, NOBLOCK3,NCBLOCK. 5. Locate the catalog record for the subassembly item, 6 lick the ASSEMBLY LIST cel 7. Select the ASSEMBLY CODE value fr the main catalog from the drop-down list. 8. Enter a number inthe ASSEMBLY QUANTITY field to define the quantity to include with this ASSEMBLY CODE, catalog value. A blankvalve ue code with the Note: Subassembly eatalogitems must be inthe same database table as the main catalog tem ‘TEXTVALUE, ‘You cen use the TEXTVALUE field to assign velues to attributes when the catalog is assigned to « component. Here is some information from the Help topie, About the Catalog Dtabace Structure, “The format forthe tent dats in tie el is text value> ext value>seattebute tag name Other Tools panel > Component Update from Catalog. © COILPINS, PINLIST ‘The information you enter in these fields is used to populate the terminal pin values on the parent (COILPINS) and child (PINLIST) symbols. When you edit these values in the Catalog Browser, the information is written back o the correct _PINLIST table in the catalog database, There isa pretty good section inthe help topic, Ta Work With Editing the Catalog Database Records, on entering pin values have copied it here. inthe COILPINS el. 43. Giekto open the Coil Pins dialog box where you define the pins for the parent symbol 44. Ifthe parent symbol has a contact state for example a normally open pushbutton, select the contact type. Ifthe parent symbol does not havea contact stato, for example arelay coil leave tas an undefined type. 5: Enter the list of pins separated by acomma, The pin values are assigned in the order listed tothe TERM attributes on the component, or example ifthe value is Ki, 2", Kis assigned to the TERM attribute, this device can have child symbols defines PINLIST value «1 "Kos assigned to the TERMo2 ateibute 1. Glick twice inthe PINLIST cel reiasatpgacinninatan ws2 [aie open oxox whereyou define he piste hil symbol 1. Selet the pin type ftom the available lis. 44-Enter the pin values separated by a comma or space. Note: Rows are added as you add pin values, '5.Add an optional comme 6, Repeat for each set of pins associated with this catalog ae ‘The pins is written tothe database inthe format required by the program, for cexamplest,ALXA1¥;2,42K,A2V 1, AgX.AQY 1, A4XA4Ys1,BIXBLYs1,B2X,BaY 1 BI BQY 2 BAX BAY. 7-Ifthe catalog value ean have two parent symbols, or example forward and reversing starters, repeat the steps fr the PEEROOILPINS and PEERPINLISI Sede Note: Ifan_PINLIST table for the manufacturer dacs not exis, tis created, WEBLINK, WDBLKNAM {I would recommend looking the Help topi, About she Catalog Database Structure, to get more information on these fel SYMBOL2D,SYMBOLaD “These fields ell AutoCAD Hectrieal what symbols are assoctated to this eatalog record. SY MBOL2D is used in AuloCAD Hletrical. SY MBOLD is used when Inserting parts in Inventor when your project islinked to an Inventor assembly. 1 will cover these elds more in my next article, Addin the Symbols othe Icon Menu and Catalog Browser. ¢ Murnen Posted at 07:43 AM | Bocmalink | Comments (0) 3/02/2015 Adding Content to AutoCAD Electrical 1 recently wrote a past about adding your own etribute templates for Symbol Builder. Based on that post a customer asked me to write about the larger workflow ofadding content to AutoCAD Hleeteieal This i really a series of steps, which ea inelude the following 1. Create your st ofsymbols 2. Add the data to the eatalog database '3.Add your symbol to the eon menu and Catalog Browser 4. nsee the symbol Inthis post wil write about ereating the symbols. In follow up posts will cover the other steps. Creating Symbol Set Creating symbols i tough to cover in an artiele because there are ots of options and variations. To keep it simple, am just going to cover the asies. Normally, would create a new symbol by starting with an existing, similar symbol. But, fortis post am going to start with a rectangle drawn before starting Symbol Builder, You can draw the graphics forthe symbol either before you start Symbol Builder, oF while inthe Symbol Buller environment sar symbol Builder, Since my symbol graphics already exist, I need to select them and define the symbol insertion point. Ifyou are going to draw your graphics inthe Symbol ‘Builder environment, you can skip these steps resasapganinatain os1. Glick elect Objects. [ 12 The dilog temporarily closes and you can select the objects that make up the symbol graphics. Once you press Enter the dialog displays again. 18, Glick Pick Point, 4Gickthe location you want to be the origin ofthe aymbol based on your graphics. [a my example | would select in the center of my reetangle. Using a grid ‘when you draw the graphics and select the origin can help get the exact size snd location, The origin I select here becomes 0,0 in the Symbol Builder ad Select the appropriate attribute template for your symbol. You wil probably want to create at least a horizontal anda vertical parent. This way you can control the location and orientation ofthe attributes when the symbol is inserted on «horizontal or vertical wire Otherwise, ifyou only create the horizontal version AutoCAD Hectrical rotates the symbol, including the attributes, when inserted on a vertical wire. For my example, Im just going to select the Horizontal Parent, Generic Once you lick OK, you are inthe Symo! Builder environment where oaly the objects that are part ofyour symbol re visible. I'you dont see the Symbol ‘Builder Attribute Editor palette you may need to turnit on, veady forthe main tasks when creating: Adding Attribute The attributes required forthe symbol type you selected are in the top section and optional attributes are in the bottom section, You can add the atteibutes ime or pick multiple attributes from thelist to add. Select the ones you want to add and click Insert Attribute. °= ‘The attributes ae inserted with the properties as defined oa the atribute template For example, the MEG, CAT, and ASSY CODE attributes ae set as invisible onthe attribute template ean change the properties before Insert them on my symbol, or use the PROPERTIES command after insesting. Now you Lookat the Help topic, About Schematic Attributes, to understand the many attributes used by AutoCAD Hectrical Adding Wire Connections [AutoCAD Flectrieal uses attributes to define wire connections. When inserting these you ean select from various styles which may include graphies. You may ‘eed to sero down onthe palette to see the Wire Connection section, Select the drop-dowa to se the default type staaapeaonninatgy vosoan ‘The style labeled None includes just the wire conneetion attributes. The other styles include some terminal graphics along wth the attributes, Click Others to see more options for inserting the wire connections Select a style and an orientation, Depending on the orientation you select, you will get multiple sets of wire connection attributes when you insert them. So You can select to insert multiple wire connections. seen So nov my symbols stating to take shape, Iteanlooka litte messy ifthe attribute names overlap. But, since the atribute names are longer than the values they will eventually hold, lam not going to ‘wory about that. Save the Symbol ‘The symbols now ready to save. Click Done. staaapeaonninatgySome things to look ton this busy dialog: Symbol name: A default symbol name is supplied, but itisa good ides to review this and se ifyou want to change it. See the help topic, About Svmbol ‘Naming Conventions, to see how the symbol name can affect the functionality. Since my symbols the horizontal parent for the FC amy (1 will use this when T add the eatalog data), Iwill use HFC: forthe symbol name. Base point: You also might need to set the base point. This is the insertion base point for the symbol. ILis normaly set fo the 0,0,0 ofthe symbol based on its Tocation in the 8ymbol Builder environment. {eon image: Ifyou are going to add your symbol tothe icon menu later, go ahead and lt it exeate the icon image. This is not necessary ifyou are going to insert your symbol from the Catalog Browser. Tae Cetalog Browser creates its ovm images drecty fom the symbol Errors: Finally, take notice fthere are any errors found on your symbol Ifo click Details to seeifthose errors need to be corrected. Errors can include Aluplicateor missing atebutes, wire connection attributes oxt of alignment for the symbol type, ete [Aes clicking OK, I get the option to insert the symbol on my drawing, Once I insert it, ean se that it behaves like other symbols it breaks wires that cross the wire connection attributes, i assigns a tag, end the dilog box comes up where Icanfilin values for my other attributes. Success! ‘You will want to repest this to build the vertical version ofyour eymbol and any child symbals needed. ‘To see more about building your own symbols, see the Symbol Builder Tutorial Inmyy next article Iwill talk bout adding content to the Catalog Database as the next stp in adding conteat in AutoCAD Electrical Pat Murnen, Posted at 12557 PM | Permalink |Comments (0) 20/19/2015 AutoCAD Flectrical Symbol Builder ~ Attribute Templates Recently Thad afew questions from customers about the Symbol Builder and how the ateibute templates work. They were trying to add a new eategory of symbols and running into afew problems. ‘When you frst start Symbol Builder you get a dlalog box with lots of options The ones I want to talk about today are the Symbol and Type drop-down Ist, ietemate ray oat sow a] What you pickon these 2 drop-dovens control which attributes are available, and some default values, when you gt into the Symbol Builder environment brary: Chuserspubieldocu- iel25 " fe Simbok Horizontal Parent Type Limit vitehes +| Required Sebeee Tract is [car [cowract wo Optional Seba - Wire Connection SE ([Deeaon Sie FOTeRTTone ——] (eR Unk Lines a iB Svws01 eumbeRaTTRRUTEEDTTOR Youean Jways add ateibutes and change values, but starting with a good atribute template can save a Tot oftime when creating new symbols ‘But, how does it do this and how do add my own values to these drop-down ists? teem La oat a) Ge ms swe (SNR a recatpgacinoninatan sos[AutoCAD lectrial uses set of library symbols that I wil ell attribute templates to accomplish this, Each Hbrary symbol has the default ateibutes fora certain type of symbol. For example, ift is an attribute template fora schematic paren, itwillhave the TAG, while an attribute template fora schematic child ‘wil have TAGS, Attribute templates fellow the naming convention, AT_dsymbol}_{type) ‘The {symbol value appears inthe Symbol drop dows lis. Smt Feel ad Yond Pere Voted Gnd ever! ema Pew Vena Terra Pare acre Para Naren Pea lena Tye Cercain codes are recognized by Symbol Builder, such as HP for Horizontal Parent or HCfor Hor Parent’ tal Child. Oryou can use the text, such as"Horizontal For example ifyou wanted to add some attribute templates fr pre-built PLCmodules, ou could ha ATPUC As soonas [adda library symbol setueteroite pat a = My schematic ibrary group of attribute template symbols that started with my project's schematic library path) using this maming convention, it shows up inthe drop-town. New value The {type} value from the symbol name appears inthe Type drop-down ist, Sit : bed 3 AT_HP.CBdng FRAT HP cRang Presee Barre Dang Bi arHe Fung FQ AT HP oxRing BATH LRag BR ATH tng Ei ATH Tg HP MO. Fi ATH Sng “The valuesin the Type drop-down are filtered by what you select in the Symbol drop-down. In this example selected Horizontal Parent, so the drop-down, Includes symbols named AT_HP_*. You can see how thelist oflibrary symbols matches up with what is shown inthe ist. I wil akin minute about where the Aeseriptions comes from. But, fst let's add aType entry for our new PLC symbol category. Lets say I want to add a template fora PLCsymbol with 4 1/Opoints. I could name it AT_PLC_410. As soon as! ereate the symbol and restart Symbol Builder, itshows up in the Type drop-down, snot [PLC a Tipe ft add more AT_PLC_* template, they also show up. sma (PLE a Tipe e)80 Preven (30)80 But, notice they dont have descriptions ike the others. To have a description show up here, you need to map cach Type abbreviation (410, 10, 810) in the FAMILY DESCRIPTION table ofthe catalog database, ie. default_eat mdb. resasapganinatain tsEaL_ranmy.pescrupnon RENO ~| FAMILY = DESC 5 ‘56 OL inate S7CA Capacitors aio Adress loo io. Acirase lausio _sAaoress “Then, the descriptions show up i the drop-down, Smet (FE c Toe (BOARS) roves (G0) 6 ager Frevon (0) 8 abe Ofcourse, for this to be useful you need to ade the appropriate attributes and default values to your attribute templates. Knowing what attributes need to be on ‘certain symbol type is topie for another day. Until then, you can start withthe Help topic, About Schematic Aucibutes, to get information about the various lypes ofsthematic attributes. And to learn more about Symbol Builder atcibute template, see the Help topie Ta Crate Symbol Bullder Aurbute Template, = Pat Murnen | Posted at 07:16 AM in AutoCAD Electrical | Permlink | Comments (2 09/11/2015 Additional APIs for AutoCAD Electrical 2016 you are writing code to customize AutoCAD Heetresl, you willbe interested in an additional set of APIs that were recently made public for AutoCAD Hiecrical 2036. You can dawnload the Help dacument for these APIs here. No sofware updates are needed to use these APIs. “These APIs let you + Run scripts that work across multiple drawings whether you are running in Single-Document mode or Mult:-Document mode. + Bxtract data from the project database fle + Modify drawings without opening them in eanvas or making them active. ‘There is too much in the Help fle to cover ina blog article but wanted to point ou a few things: working in LISP or ObjectARX. Read the Introduction topic inthe Help fle to get more information + Tore are sets of APIs depending on whether you a con this, + Use the ACH_SCRIPT AP instead ofthe AutoCAD Script command since this API supports multi-document mode, + Ifyou use the WD_D3X_OPEN API to “open"s drawing, make sure you elose"the drawing with WD_DBX_CLOSE, saving necessary. (One thing to keepin mind, many ofthe legacy APIs only workifthe drawing i active. By legacy APIs Tam talking about the APIs deseribed inthe Help document provided with the product (click the Help button drop-down Klland select Additional Resources > API Help). For example, e:ace_getattr_data gets ‘specific attribute value ona specific block. Bu, is expecting an entity value for the block, which int valid ifthe drawing isnot active. So instead of using cece_getattr_data, you could use WD_DBX_ENTATTRin your code to get attribute information from a drawing that may or may not be activ. = Pat Murnen, Posted at 07:49 AM | Pocmualink | Comments (0) 09/08/2015 AutoCAD Electrical Quick Reference Guide thas been a while since ths guide was posted so I thought it might be nice to re-post. The guide isin PDF format so is ean be printed, ‘AutoCAD Hectrical uses alot of different files, Some of the Siles include: + Library symbols for the diferent standards + eon meni files + Cstalog database + Greuit Builder spreadsheet + Miscellaneous text ies that make it easier to assign description, location, and installation values + And more Itcanbe hard to keep track ofthe files and find them when you need to make a change, The attached pdffile provides a quick view into the main les used by AutoCAD Hlctrial and the deft locations Inaddition tothe files, the guide inchudes some other important basic information: + Symbol naming convention rescsaapgacinninatain vats+ Replaceable parameters used when defining the tagging format for components, wite numbers, and erose-referencing + Family codes used by AutoCAD Hlctreal for symbols and catalog tables Downlosd AutoCAD Hectrical Quick Reference Guide = Pat Marnen| Posted at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) a resasapganinatain