Novedge Pulse™ of Lee Ambrosius

CAD management does not mean the same to everyone, and the role it plays is different from company to company.  The same can be said about the CAD Manager title.  I personally, never held the title but performed many CAD management related tasks over the years.  Where I worked, the CAD Manager was the individual that managed the CAD drafters, but never actually customized, programmed, or installed software.  IT performed the installs and the senior drafters in each CAD department kind of did their own thing when it came to CAD standards.Sound a bit familiar maybe? Maybe it doesn't.After many years, two things always stood out around CAD management for me:What is CAD management and what things do I need to consider?How do I make the transition from my current release to the latest release as smooth as possible?To help answer both questions, a set of documentation was created.  This documentation was added to the AutoCAD 2014 release and it covers:Basics of CAD managementCustomization and program compatibilityWhat is new or changed in the productWhere to find information on installing the productMuch more...The CAD Management documentation can be accessed from the AutoCAD 2014 help landing page.If you have any comments on or additions you would like to see added to the CAD Management documentation, please post a comment on this posting.  Comments are not posted automatically on this blog.Sincerely,  Le [more...]

There are a wide range of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that are available for creating custom applications in AutoCAD.  Which API is right for you depends greatly on your experience and the time you can commit to learning, but for many the first API that they are ever exposed to is AutoLISP because of its ease of use and the sheer number of programs that are available for download from the Internet.AutoLISP allows you to channel your knowledge of AutoCAD commands, and begin to combine them in ways that you might have never thought possible or maybe you have and that is what kick started your interest in programming.  Where you go from there is often different for many.  Many simply learn AutoLISP and that is enough for them to improve the tasks that they perform on a daily basis. For others, AutoLISP is simply a stepping stone towards Managed .NET or even ObjectARX.The available AutoCAD APIs are:AutoLISPActiveX/COM AutoCADTransmittal (eTransmit/Archive)Sheet Set Object (Sheet Set Manager)CAD Standards Plug-in (CAD Standards and Batch Standards Checker)Connectivity Automation Object (dbConnect)JavaScriptObjectARXManaged .NETThe JavaScript API is the newest of all the AutoCAD APIs; it was introduced with AutoCAD 2014.The documentation for all of the available AutoCAD APIs can be located under the AutoCAD Developer Center. Based on which API you want to work with, you might find that some of the documentation is available through the product's help, installed locally with the product, or available with the ObjectARX SDK.Sincerely,  Le [more...]

AutoLISP is one of the most used programming languages for creating custom AutoCAD applications. Many custom commands that are created with AutoLISP, request input from the user.  Input requests are commongly made with the GetXXX functions.  While these functions are great for getting basic input such as points, numbers, strings, and keywords; they are also limited as well.The GetInt function while it limits the return value to an integer value, it allows the user to enter any character they want.  Once the user presses Enter or Space, the text entered is then validated to see if it is an integer.  The GetString function allows you to enter a text string, but does not provide a way to mask the characters as they are entered.This is where the Grread function comes in; an often over looked function by many AutoLISP programmers. This function can be helpful in creating your own custom Get behavior as it works with keyboard, mouse, and digitizer input. For example, you could create functionality that only allows numbers to be entered or masks the text being entered for a password like feature.Syntax for the Grread function is:(grread [cursor_tracking] [input_filters [cursor_type]])For information on the arguments and values that the Grread function supports, see GRREAD (AutoLISP) in the AutoCAD online help.The following example code, allows the user to enter a numeric value and masks the entered text as it is displayed at the Command prompt. While it does not show all the possible error handling that is needed, it does show how you can prompt the user for input and then determine if the value supplied is what is desired.(defun c:MyPINCode ( / number code ch)  (setq number "")  (prompt "\nEnter a whole number [backspace to clear]: ")  (setq code (grread))   (while (and (= 2 (car code))             (and (/= 13 (cadr code))                      (/= 32 (cadr code))))    (if (and (>= (cadr code) 48)                (      (progn  (setq ch (chr (cadr code)))      (setq number (strcat number ch))  (princ "*")     )    )     ;; Support backspace    (if (= (cadr code) 8)      (progn        (repeat (strlen number)          (princ (chr 8))        )        (setq number "")      )    )     ;; Ask for more input if the user did not press Enter or Space    (if (or (/= 13 (cadr code))(/= 32 (cadr code)))      (setq code (grread))    )  )   (prompt (strcat "\nPIN entered was: " number)) (princ)) Once the code is loaded into AutoCAD, you will see the following prompt after the command MyPINCode is executed:Enter a whole number [Backspace to clear]:As you type values on the keyboard, only whole numbers 0 - 9 are accepted. Pressing keys such as 'A', 'c', or ';' are ignored by the program. When a valid number is entered, an asterick appears at the Command prompt in its place. Pressing Spacebar or Enter ends input and displays the entered value, while pressing Backspace clears all the numbers that the has user entered.Example of input and return value at the Command prompt:Enter a whole number [Backspace to clear]: *****PIN entered was: 63537Sincerely,    Le [more...]

By now, there has been lots of information circulating about what is new in AutoCAD 2014 from an end user perspective but what about the API side of things. AutoCAD 2014 offers a number of API changes, updates to the documentation, and a new API.First and foremost, AutoCAD 2014 is binary compatible with AutoCAD 2013; programs developed for AutoCAD 2013 should run in AutoCAD 2014 without needing to be recompiled.JavaScript APIThis new API is used to provide the core functionality of the DesignFeed and Live Maps features. What can be done with this new API at the moment is limited, but does open up many new possibilities though. For additional information see:JavaScript Reference GuideZooming to an AutoCAD entity using JavaScript - Through the Interface (Kean Walmsley)Getting Started with JavaScript API on AutoCAD 2014 - AutoCAD DevBlog (Philippe Leefsma)Enabling AutoCAD 2014 JavaScript Debugging - AutoCAD DevBlog (Fenton Webb)Trusted File PathsNot just an API change but a security change to which files are automatically loaded and from where they can be loaded from. This change impacts all program file types. There are a few API level changes that you should be aware of, but if your programs are not trusted they do not matter much. So the first things you need to be aware of are the SECURELOAD system variable and the Trusted Locations node on the Files tab of the Options dialog box. For additional information see:AutoCAD 2014 and Security - AutoCAD DevBlog (Gopinath Taget)AutoCAD 2014 for developers - Through the Interface (Kean Walmsley)VBA 7.1Microsoft has recently given new life to the once deprecated VBA technology. VBA 6.3 was the last supported release, which was still being used in AutoCAD 2013 as long as you downloaded the separate installer. VBA 6.3 was 32-bit only and is why there was performance issues when using it with AutoCAD 64-bit. VBA 7.1 resolves this issue by supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms. If you have VBA programs from AutoCAD 2013 or earlier, and you are using Windows 64-bit you might encounter issues if you are using third-party libraries or form controls that do not support 64-bit.  Check with the third-party vendor and see if they offer a 64-bit version for you to use, if not you will need to rework your code and/or forms.The ActiveX/VBA document has also been updated as well and can be found installed on your local drive at:%ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\acad_aag.chm - Developer's Guide%ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\acadauto.chm - Reference GuideAutoLISPThere were no real notable changes to the API this release or the Visual LISP IDE, with the exception of two new functions.showHTMLModalWindow - Displays a modal window with a HTML document; use in conjunction with the new JavaScript API.findtrustedfile - Searches the AutoCAD trusted file paths for the specified file.ObjectARXChanges to the ObjectARX API are limited to new classes and functions.AcDb AcDbExtents2d - New classAcDbGeoDataReactor - New classAcDbModelDocViewStyle - New methods added; existing classAcDbXrecord - New method added; existing classAcDbXrecordIterator - New methods added; existing classAcAp AcApDocument - New method added; existing classGlobal functions acedAddHTMLPalette - New acedFindTrustedFile - NewacedLoadJSScript - NewacedShowHTMLModalWindow - NewacedShowHTMLModelessWindow - NewMiscellaneous class IPointCloudFilter2 - NewManaged .NETChanges to the Managed .NET API are limited to new classes and functions.Autodesk.AutoCAD.ApplicationServices Application.ShowModalWindow MethodApplication.ShowModelessWindow MethodDocument.IsNamedDrawing PropertyAutodesk.AutoCAD.DatabaseServices MLeader.Scale PropertyRegion.AreaProperties MethodRegionAreaProperties Structure RegionAreaProperties.Area PropertyRegionAreaProperties.Centroid PropertyRegionAreaProperties.Extents PropertyRegionAreaProperties.MomentsOfInertia PropertyRegionAreaProperties.Perimeter PropertyRegionAreaProperties.PrincipalMoments PropertyRegionAreaProperties.ProductOfInertia PropertyRegionAreaProperties.RadiiOfGyration PropertyXrecord.Append MethodXrecordEnumerator.Current PropertyXrecordEnumerator.InsertAtCurrent MethodXrecordEnumerator.RemoveCurrent MethodAutodesk.AutoCAD.EditorInput Editor.ApplyCurDwgLayerTableChanges MethodEditor.PostCommandPrompt MethodAutodesk.AutoCAD.GraphicsInterface TextStyle.FromTextStyleTableRecord MethodTextStyle.ToTextStyleTableRecord MethodAutodesk.AutoCAD.Windows Window.Focus MethodAutodesk.AutoCAD.ApplicationServices.Core Application.LoadJSScript MethodThe Developer's Guide was updated in the following areas were changed:Viewports and layoutsPlotting and publishingDocument eventsDisposal of objectsPlot stylesVisual styles and render presetsRaster images and xrefsClipping blocks, xrefs, and raster imagesDefining and inserting blocks, and working with attributesThe .NET Developer's Guide is part of the product help.Hope this helps give you an understanding of the changes that you might or might not need to make with your custom programs.Sincerely,  Le [more...]

Do you create AutoLISP, VBA, .NET, or ObjectARX applications to automate tasks for your company or to solve problems for a client?  If so, chances are you might have used the AutoCAD developer documentation. The Learning Experience team would like some input on the developer documentation via the AutoCAD Developer Documentation Survey. The survey will take 5-10 minutes of your time.Here is the link to the survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H72RWJCSincerely,  Le [more...]

I purchased a Microsoft Surface RT back on Day One, pre-ordered actually before the Oct. 26th release, and have enjoyed it ever since. For the most part, my Surface RT has replaced my iPad except for one app and that is for the use of RSA SecurID which I can now access from my Windows Phone. Things I have done with the Surface RT can be done with an iPad, but in may cases tasks that require lots of typing are much easier on the Surface with the use of the touch cover.My iPad 3 64GB version costed $699 without a cover and no external keyboard or stand. If you want a keyboard, you can buy covers that have a keyboard in them starting at aboput $89 which typically do not have a trackpad area. No MicroSD card support.My Surface RT 64GB version costed me $699 with a touch cover that has a trackpad area and has a built in stand. The Surface RT 64GB without a cover is $599. Support for MicroSD cards up to 64GB.With my Surface RT, I haveStarted writing a book that is being authored in MS WordPlayed a number of Xbox Live games (Taptiles and Where's My Water can be addicting at times)Listened to my music collection as well as free straming of music via Xbox Music for hoursWatched hours of TV shows and movies from the Netflix and Hulu Plus apps while on my treadmillExperienced full Flash websites such as Webkinz just to see how well those sites workedWhen it was first announced and even to this day, many have bawked at the Surface RT as simply another device and did not take the time to understand exactly what Microsoft was attempting to do. Out of the gate, it did not have the apps that devices running Android or iOS had so many gave it little to no chance at all but those devices did not have stellar libraries of apps near the start of their life either. Anyways, Microsoft was not just releasing another device, but a device that was part of an ecosystem that they were beginning to lay the ground work for.In my honest opinion, Microsoft has failed to explain what the difference is between their Surface products and the versions of Windows to their customers. They have not tried enough to show how they align against Apple's product family, nor what their devices can do. Singing and dancing is eye catching, but it does not focus on the things people need to use a computer or mobile device for. Here is how I see things as they align with Apple's products:Apple's product compared to Microsoft's productiPad (runs iOS) = Surface RT (runs Windows 8 RT)AirBook (runs Mac OS X) = Surface Pro (runs Windows 8 Professional) Microsoft Windows RT is similar to Apple iOS, which both are designed for mobile devices. The devices that run these operating systems are often used to read books, compose emails, take notes while in a meeting, watch videos, listen to music, and play games. A mobile device commonly does not replace the functionality of a desktop or laptop because of their processing limitations and lack of business software, one can of course argue this fact with cloud computing but not everyone can stay connected 24/7 yet.Many in the industry have unfairly compared the Surface RT to what it is not, and that is a laptop such as an AirBook or MacBook. Windows RT runs a mobile OS, in which the AirBook and MacBooks run a desktop OS. To be fair, you have to really compare the Surface RT to an iPad which cannot run applications designed for a desktop OS, thereby you cannot run legacy applications such as Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD on your iPad. Sure there are apps on the iPad that give you some of the functionality of legacy applications such as AutoCAD WS, Pages, Adobe Photoshop Express, but you cannot simply pull out your install DVDs and install the software you might have invested hundreds or thousands of dollars in.At the end of the day, consumers are confused as to what Microsoft is trying to do by offer two different Windows platforms and what advantage each offers over the other. This was evident by a trip last week to my local Best Buy when I was on the search for a Windows Surface Pro with 128GB of RAM. Employees almost seemed overwhelmed by the number of people interested in the devices and not really sure how to explain things to the customer.Here are points of interest based on my experience with the Surface RT:Battery life is around 8 hours or more based on what you are doing.If you are primarily using it as a tablet, you will not need the type or touch cover but they are excellent accessories if you plan to use the MS Office applications though.Comes with an installed version of MS Office that is designed for Windows RT which contains Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This version does support most of the functionality that you will find in the full MS Office suite with the exception of Outlook, Access, and creating VBA macros.Does have a Desktop mode so you can manage your files just like in Windows 8.Does not support DRM for videos because it does not have Windows Media Player, which I feel is a mistake on Microsoft's part. However, I can display play my MP4 video files without any problem.Offers a USB port which you can use to plug-in an external DVD player or hard drive/thumb drive to transfer data files, plu in a full size keyboard or mouse, or even an Xbox controller for games that support it, and other USB devices.MicroSD card slot allows you to expand the amount of storage available.Utilizes your Windows single login, so your settings move from desktop to Surface and so on.SkyDrive is an integral part of the Surface experience as it is installed by default and helps you extend the available drive space.Snapped states do make it possible to have two applications open at a time.16x9 screen is nice for watching your videos, Netflix, and Hulu Plus.Does support video out using a dedicated port, you can buy a HDMI or VGA connector for your Surface. I have used both and they seem to work just fine based on the limited video resolution options that are available. Netflix on my 42" HDTV from the Surface seemed to worked well for what I think was non-HD source to begin with. I have also used the VGA with my 27" computer monitor and had no problems.While the size is a plus for watching videos and playing games, it does take a bit of getting used to though for reading eBooks. Holding the device in portrait mode seems a bit akward because of its size, but horizontal works just fine. The Kindle app does allow you to compress the margins so you are not reading acroos the whole screen which is very nice.Browsing the Internet can be done via Internet Explorer from the Start Screen which seems to have some compatability issues with older websites, but the desktop Internet Explorer seems to have much better support for older sites and sites that require Adobe Flash. So unlike iOS, Windows RT can display Flash content which is a huge plus for sites that still rely on that technology.Wireless printing is supported, my HP Printer that was connected to the WiFi was found and installed will little to no effort at all.Connects to your Xbox via the Surface application so you can navigate your Xbox dashboard and play media.As I have used the device and others saw it in action, I began to form an opinion as to who might be the best user for a Surface RT. Here is what I came up with:High school and college students that need to access the Internet and write term papers, but also want something smaller and has a longer battery life than a laptop.Users who already have a desktop or laptop, and want something smaller when traveling or commuting from home to the office. It is also great as a secondary machine for the family since the IE browser is compatable with sites that have Flash unlike an iPad, and it offers most of the functionality in MS Office that many will use.Gamers that want to increase their Gamerscore on the go can play Xbox Live games from the Windows Store and enhance their experience with the Surface integration with their Xbox.The Surface RT is not ideal for those thatAre looking to replace their current desktop or laptop.Need to run legacy applications such as AutoCAD or Adobe Photoshop.In the end, you need to choose what device is best for you and your family's needs. If you are in the market for a new and fresh experience, be sure to check out the Microsoft Surface. Very early on, it was available only through Microsoft's online and retail stores. This was an excellent way to bring it to the market, but not to the masses. Recently, Microsoft has partnered up with Best Buy and Staples to get the products in the hands of more potential buyers.I hope this article was of interest to you.Sincerly,  Lee [more...]