Service Pack 1 out for all Revit 2011 products

Check out the Service Pack Updates page on Auotdesk's website. The specific links are below:

Revit Architecture
Revit Structure
Revit MEP

Autodesk Vault for Revit Users

Acoustic Information Modeling

AIM Software Group has developed the AIM Workbench Revit MEP add-on which provides real-time analysis of a building's acoustic environment.

14-day trials can be downloaded from:

AIM Workbench 1.0 (Beta) - 32-bit
AIM Workbench 1.0 (Beta) - 64-bit

More information can be found at http://aimworkbench.com/overview.html

RISA-Revit 2011 Link Now Available!

The all-new RISA-Revit 2011 Link is now available as a free download for both RISAFloor and RISA-3D users. This two-way link is compatible with Revit Structure 2011 (both 32 and 64 bit versions) and allows you to transfer information more seamlessly than ever between Revit and RISAFloor or RISA-3D. This latest version of the link not only transfers shared coordinate systems, leaning columns, sloped beams, and enveloped gravity/lateral end reactions, but also has been completely overhauled for more robust behavior and significantly increased speed. Whether you are new to the Link, or are already using the Revit Structure 2010 Link, download the latest version from our website below and try it out today! Visit www.risatech.com/revitstructure to download the new Link today! For more information on the updates in the latest Link see What’s New

All content copyright of RISA Technologies. All rights reserved. RISA is a trademark of RISA Technologies. 26632 Towne Centre Dr., Suite 210 Foothill Ranch, CA 92610

AutoCAD 2011 32bit disc 1 of 2 missing

When first opening the box you see two discs, one labeled 64 bit Disc 1 of 2 and 32 & 64 bit Disc 2 of 2.:

Where is the 32 bit disc 1? - It’s behind the booklet:

Naviswroks Review being Retired

Upon the upcoming releases of 2011 products, Autodesk will be retiring the Navisworks Review product.  

Currently (2010 versions) Autodesk offers Navisworks Review, Navisworks Simulate, Navisworks Manage, and Navisworks Freedom.  The latter being a free viewer downloadable from their website.  Detailed descriptions on each listed below.

Any customer who currently have licenses of Navisworks Review 2010 (either indivdually or within a Suite) on Active Subscription at the time of 2011 release will be automatically fulfilled to Navisworks Simulate 2011.  If your not on Subscription, get on Subscription now.  If you miss getting on subscription before the release of 2011, upgrade offerings will be available by Autodesk.

All the functionality of Naviswork Reviewer is included in Naviswork Simulate.  What will Naviswork Review users gain by getting Navisworks Simulate?  The following :

TimeLiner allows customers to link their model geometry to times and dates for 4D simulation. They can import task data from 3rd party scheduling applications to visualize and analyze project sequencing.

Presenter allows customers to create photorealistic renderings for export as still images or movies. They can configure materials, lights, backgrounds, and rendering styles to aid in the visual communication of projects.

The Animator and Scripter tools allow customers to animate and interact with project models. They can apply movement to geometry and cameras in the model, and link those animations to events and triggers, including TimeLiner tasks, to simulate real-world behavior.

Navisworks Manage software offers design and construction professionals the most comprehensive project review solution, providing advanced tools for interference analysis and

spatial coordination.

Navisworks Simulate software provides comprehensive project review and analysis capabilities to demonstrate design intent and simulation of construction to drive insight and predictability.

Navisworks Freedom software is the free viewer for NWD and 3D DWF files. Navisworks Freedom extends the whole-project view to all project stakeholders, improving communication and collaboration.

AEC Bytes Newletter on Autodesk 2011 product launches

This post is from AEC Bytes - very good read:

Last week, Autodesk hosted a webcast to officially launch the next version of its design software portfolio. While it did not discuss any of its products in depth, the webcast summarized the main enhancements in the 2011 versions of AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit, and 3ds Max, which were identified as the key applications of its product portfolio. In addition to individual enhancements in each of these applications to make them "best of class," Autodesk has also launched an initiative to make the user experience more consistent across all of them. This has included implementing the ribbon-based interface to provide a similar—and modern—look and feel, as well as making common tasks such as model navigation, material selection, and so on work the same way across all of them. Other key objectives for Autodesk in this product release were improved graphics for better visualization, better data interoperability between its applications, and improving the power and sophistication of the applications while at the same time making them simpler and easier to use.

The highlights of Autodesk’s launch webcast from an AEC perspective are captured in this issue of the AECbytes Newsletter. Autodesk is holding another event next month to provide further details of the 2011 AEC product portfolio, which will be covered in a separate article at that time.

Article Link

http://www.aecbytes.com/newsletter/2010/issue_44.html

What's NEW and ENHANCED in Revit Architecture 2011

Some of these items will be the same in Revit MEP and Revit Structure.

USABILITY

• Parametric Constraints and Families - ENHANCED
  
• Integrated Rendering - ENHANCED
  
• View Styles - ENHANCED
  
• Temporary Dimensions - ENHANCED
  
• Application Programming Interface (API) - ENHANCED
  
• Repeat Last Command - NEW
  
• Find & Replace Text - NEW
  

ARCHITECTURAL MODELING TOOLS

• Structural Elements - ENHANCED
  

USER INTERFACE

• Task-based User Interface - ENHANCED
  
• Resizable Dialogs - ENHANCED
  
• Quick Access Toolbar - ENHANCED
  
• Application Menu - ENHANCED
  
• Keyboard Shortcuts Dialog - NEW
  
• Web-Based Help - NEW
  
• Modeless Properties Palette - NEW
  
• Sun Path - NEW
  

COLLABORATION

• Worksharing (Multi-person File Sharing) - ENHANCED
  
• Linked Revit Files - ENHANCED
  
• Publish to Autodesk Navisworks products - ENHANCED
  
• Publish to CAD Formats (DWG, DXF, DGN, ACIS (SAT)) - ENHANCED
  
• Import from Autodesk Inventor - ENHANCED
  
• Autodesk Green Building Studio Web-based Service* - NEW
  

*Available to Subscription customers of Autodesk Revit Archictecture software during the term of their Subscription.

DOCUMENTATION

• Annotations  - ENHANCED
  
• Text Notes Formatting  - ENHANCED
  
• Sheet Composition - ENHANCED
  

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

• Solid Modeling - ENHANCED
  
• Free-form Modeling & Direct Manipulation - ENHANCED
  
• Surface Modeling - ENHANCED
  
• Surface Rationalization - ENHANCED
  
• Custom curtain panels - ENHANCED
  
• Flexible Components - NEW
  

Autodesk ImageModeler

Autodesk ImageModeler image-based modeling and photogrammetry software enables architects, designers, and entertainment content creators to generate 3D models from 2D digital images. The software’s easy-to-learn, three-step workflow—calibration, modeling, and texturing—enables users to achieve stunning, photorealistic 3D models with real-world accuracy and export them in different formats to other Autodesk products.

You can obtain a license of ImageModeler 2009 when you purchase a license for the following Autodesk products with Autodesk Subscription:

• Autodesk 3ds Max 2010
• Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010
• Autodesk Maya 2010
• Autodesk Revit Architecture
• Autodesk Revit Structure
• Autodesk Revit MEP
• AutoCAD Map 3D
• AutoCAD Civil 3D
• AutoCAD Architecture
• AutoCAD MEP

More information can be sourced at http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=11390028&siteID=123112

Autodesk's Software Delivery Policy Change

Autodesk Subscription Customers are starting to receive this email (sent to the Subscription Contract Administrator):

This email is announcing that all Auto Fulfillment of future versions will be delivered to you, by default, via electronic download - NO DISCs / DVDs / CDs will be sent to you.  Unless you inform Autodesk that your delivery preference is that a box of discs be sent to you.  How do you inform them?  By login into your Subscription Center Website account and setting your your delivery preference to “box”.

I would suggest setting your preference immediately before the new 2011 versions are released.

Another Source for BIM Content

Checkout www.arcat.com

They offer a wide array of Manufacturer and Generic BIM objects as well as CAD details.

Owners — What Should You Do About BIM? | Construction Industry News | Reed Construction Data

Great article speaking to the "vision" of BIM for the future:

Owners — What Should You Do About BIM? Construction Industry News Reed Construction Data

Take Stock of Your Software 2

Back in October I blogged about a free downloadable utility to help you locate where your licenses are installed.  Well Autodesk is releasing the new version of this software asset management utility. This simple utility searches for Autodesk products installed on a network and identifies their location(s). Formerly known as Autodesk Product Manager (APM), this tool has been renamed Autodesk Asset Locator (AAL) and updated with many new features and enhancements, including:

• Support for 32-bit Windows 7 operating system
• Remote registry search for Windows 7
• 64-bit machines now supported
• Searches now include subnets

Autodesk Asset Locator will be included free of charge on the product media of many upcoming Autodesk products. Note: This product is subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of this software.

Action: The utility is available now for download from the following Autodesk License Compliance web page:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=10243574

Announcing Rev It Up for Green Renovation Energy Performance Promotion

From November 30, 2009, through April 18, 2010, customers will have the option of purchasing a license of Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2010 software for US$995 when purchased with a qualifying AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite or AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite new license, crossgrade, or Subscription renewal.

Subscription for Autodesk Ecotect Analysis software is required to be eligible for promotional pricing. Autodesk Ecotect Analysis Subscription includes the Autodesk Green Building Studio web service, which helps architects and designers to conduct whole building energy analysis, optimize performance and efficiency, and achieve carbon neutrality earlier in the design process.

Online License Transfer in Autodesk 2010 Products

This video provides an overview of the Online License Transfer (OLT) feature that is available in the 2010 product releases.  This is useful when your are transferring your license from an old computer to a new computer.  By using the OLT, it eliminates the need to request a new activation from Autodesk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGoslbHh9n8 

Revit MEP - New US Content available via Subcription Center

New US content is now available for Revit MEP Subscription customers via the Subscription Center Website. The download is "US Content Extension for Autodesk Revit MEP 2010"

The US Content Extension for Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 software provides new content to help electrical engineers, drafters, and contractors create electrical designs and layouts for projects in the US and elsewhere. Contents include electrical devices for nurse call systems, fire safety, communications, security, and power.  Content is available in both imperial and metric units.

Webcast: Renovating for an Energy-Efficient Future

On Tuesday, December 8, at 1:00 PM EST, Autodesk is hosting a webcast on “Renovating for an Energy-Efficient Future.” This session focuses on Building Information Modeling (BIM) for renovation and building performance, and will show how BIM solutions can help in the creation and analysis of energy models that can determine the best designs for sustainability and efficiency – from all stakeholder perspectives.

This webcast is part of the Sustainable Design Webcast Series, and is registered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for Continuing education credits. It qualifies for one Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) and Sustainable Design (SD) credit.

Action: Register at www.autodesk.com/sustainable-webcasts. 

AutoCAD $500 New Seat Rebate Promotion

From November 2, 2009, through January 15, 2010, customers in the United States and Canada who purchase qualifying new commercial licenses of AutoCAD 2010 software may be eligible for a rebate of up to US$500 for each new license purchased after submitting an online request and providing proof of license purchase documentation. This offer is limited to a maximum of five seats total per customer invoice address.

Customers may review terms and conditions, answers to frequently asked questions, and submit their rebate information by visiting www.autodesk.com/autocadrebate.

Windows 7 Support for Autodesk products

The following products are supported on Microsoft Windows 7:

• AutoCAD 2010
• AutoCAD LT 2010
• AutoCAD Architecture 2010
• Autodesk Inventor 2010
• Autodesk Inventor LT 2010
• AutoCAD Electrical 2010
• AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
• AutoCAD MEP 2010
• Autodesk Algor Simulation 2010

Autodesk will support Windows 7 for most of its other products as updated versions of Autodesk products are released.

You may be able to use Windows 7 with an Autodesk product that is not listed above, however, Autodesk may not be able to resolve every issue encountered at this time.

The following issues have been identified with Windows 7 and are currently being researched for a potential fix in a future release:

AutoCAD and all AutoCAD-based vertical products:

• Infocenter balloons sometimes display blank
• Dragging Ribbon tabs sometimes crashes the product
• Encrypted files fail to open and save on Windows 7
• Open files do not appear on Windows 7 Jumplist
• Export to Impression functionality will not work because Autodesk Impression is not supported on Windows 7

AutoCAD Architectural 2010 and AutoCAD Mechanical 2010:

• Text in the Drafting Settings dialog overlaps radio buttons

Graphics Card Support for Windows 7:

Windows 7 is supported but not certified.  This means that Autodesk has not certified every card but we expect they should work with Windows 7 without issue. The certified driver versions for Vista 32 and Vista 64 should install and work with AutoCAD 2010.  The exception to this are the ATI FireGL and FirePro graphics cards and drivers for those cards should be downloaded from http://www.amd.com/us/Pages/AMDHomePage.aspx. If your NVIDIA drivers on Windows 7 are newer than 191.00, and your ATI drivers are newer than 8.634, hardware acceleration should be on by default.

Where's Waldo for Revit

Okay, okay, I know that a lot of you don't like the new Ribbon interface in Revit Architecture 2010 but I have to tell you, it is not going away anytime soon.  So you might as well stop fighting it and start learning it.  The following might help you fasttrack this learning curve.

If you are still wondering where to find the 2009 command buttons in the 2010 Ribbon style user-interface, care of “Revitize - A Revit Blog” there is a simple online utility that can help you understand where the 2009 commands are located in the 2010 product.  Goto:

Where's my command in Revit 2010

In the 2009 screen image click on a command item/icon that you would like to find in the 2010 user-interface and it will show you the proper Ribbon location in Revit 2010. Then click anywhere afterwards and you are returned the 2009 product screen.

Happy Ribboning.....