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             ***  AEC CAD Newsletter - 2002.08.14 issue  ***
        News, tips & tricks for AutoCAD users in the AEC fields.

                   Sponsored by Custom CAD Solutions


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                        -*-*-*- Contents -*-*-*-                       

	- Current CCS news
	- Tips & tricks
	- Q & A
	- About CCS
	- Unsubscribe


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          -*-*-*- Topomatic Version 2 in Beta Testing -*-*-*-          

Topomatic is currently in Beta testing.  While I can't say that it's
bug-free, I can say that none are currently known or reported.  If you
would be interested in taking it for a free spin, please contact me at
scottsmith@customcadsolutions.com.

Topomatic creates 2D and 3D linework, inserts symbols and creates text
labels automatically, all from an ASCII field file.  Use *your*
existing codes, *your* layers and *your* symbols.  Record multiple
codes for each shot.  Locate multiple lines concurrently.  Do all those
things you always wished LDD would do.  Works with *any* data
collector.  Easy to learn and implement.  Even includes a utility to
import your LDD 'DESCKEY' file.


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             -*-*-*- 50% off on drafting services! -*-*-*-

Just a friendly reminder that Custom CAD Solutions still provides 
custom drafting as one of our many services.  With a broad background
in all aspects of surveying and civil engineering, we have the ability
to act as your company's 'drafting department'.  Also keep us in mind
for digitizing those old base maps and topos loaded with contours.  We
can even deliver a TIN with the drawing.  First-time customers of our
drafting service will receive 50% off of their first project, up to a
maximum discount of $300!  -  Call for more details!


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                      -*-*-*- Tips & Tricks -*-*-*-

Accelerator Keys

If you are already using the PGP file to speed up command entry, good
for you!  If not, get to it! - you're wasting time and keystrokes!
Perhaps you have even advanced to creating short LISP or VBA macros.
These are great tools also.  But, if you are not using "Accelerator
Keys", you are missing out on a big speed boost.

An accelerator key is a key on your keyboard that you may assign to an
AutoCAD command, custom function (LISP/FAS/VLX/ARX, etc.), VBA macro
or anything else you could type at the command line.  To accomplish
this you will need to do some menu editing.  I recommend editing the
MNS file rather than the MNU so that you do not lose your toolbar
definitions.

Open ACAD.MNS (or ACAD.MNU if you prefer) and go to the end of the
file until you find the section marked "*** ACCELERATORS".

You should be able to get the idea how they work just by looking at
the accelerators already defined.  The format is simple:  Specify the
accelerator key in brackets, and follow it with the desired command
string.

Just a few examples from my accelerator definitions:

[SHIFT+"F1"]'OSMODE 0;
 - Turns all running OSNAPs off (transparently)

[SHIFT+"F2"]'OSMODE 1;
 - Sets running OSNAP mode to "ENDPOINT" (transparently)

[SHIFT+"F3"]'OSMODE 5;
 - Sets running OSNAP mode to "ENDPOINT,CENTER" (transparently)

[CONTROL+"F12"]TOPO;
 - Runs Topomatic

Give accelerators a try.  They are definitely worth a look.  Nearly
any key can be assigned, and when you combine them with ALT, CTRL and
SHIFT, that gives you a lot of options!  Just remember that there are
some keys and combinations that AutoCAD or Windows have defined that
you may want to avoid, such as F1 (Help) or Ctrl+S (Save).

Good luck!


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                         -*-*-*- Q & A -*-*-*-

Q:  Is there a way to "trim out" lines that interfere with symbols
    without changing the line's listed length?

A:  That's a good question.  Some CAD packages actually allow trimmed
    lines to remember how long they used to be.  While that might seem
    to be handy, I prefer my lines to list their actual length.
    Regardless, we do not have this option in AutoCAD.  This dilemma
    is easily solved if you have "Express Tools" (previously called
    "Bonus Tools") for AutoCAD.  These tools were free with r14 and
    2000.  With AutoCAD 2002 you must purchase them, unless you have
    an r14 or 2000 CD hanging around.

    Once you have loaded Express Tools, what you are looking for is a
    command called 'WIPEOUT'.  WIPEOUT creates a raster object that
    blocks out any objects beneath it.  You may create WIPEOUTS of any
    polygonal shape.  The idea is to create a WIPEOUT slightly larger
    than your symbol.  Draw a polyline around your symbol bounding the
    area you want to 'clean up'.  Use the WIPEOUT command to turn this
    polyline into a WIPEOUT object.  (If you are now unable to see the
    object, use the WIPEOUT command to turn 'Frames' on.  Now you will
    be able to see and select the WIPEOUT object.)

    Now copy the objects comprising your symbol on top of the WIPEOUT.
    (This step is important to ensure that the WIPEOUT is the first
    object created when the block is inserted, causing items below to
    be hidden while showing the elements defining the symbol.)  Make a
    new block definition containing all of these, including the
    WIPEOUT.

    Turn wipeout frames back off and insert your new symbol.  It
    should now automatically hide any objects beneath it.  This
    technique is invaluable for 'cleaning up' monument symbols on
    surveys while retaining the parcel's true geometry.

    A couple of caveats:  If blocks containing wipeouts overlap each
    other, the most recently created will hide the older.  While the
    DRAWORDER command will usually work, it is better to create the
    blocks in the correct order.  (We'll cover the reason for that in
    another episode!)  Also, if you are using an older plotter that
    does not support raster objects, wipeouts will not work.

    Now go and redefine the rest of your symbol library!


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             -*-*-*- About Custom CAD Solutions -*-*-*-

Custom CAD Solutions is a developer of software to extend AutoCAD's 
capabilities and make your job easier.  We also create custom programs 
to fit your company's needs, and perform custom drafting to your
specifications.

Contact info@customcadsolutions.com to discuss your project.


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Copyright © 2002 by Custom CAD Solutions
Reproduction or distribution in whole or in part without written 
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