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AMS
Joined: 03 May 2004
Posts: 11
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 Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:02 am Post subject: PowerCADD to .dwg issues (long post) |
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Situation: I've got a opportunity to draw 10 or more houseplans desinged by an architect, not a problem, except that in the final form they must end up as .dwg files.
Background: I learned AutoCAD around '95-'97, started using PowerCADD in 1998, and never looked back. I read most of what is posted on this board (I like the new format BTW)
Problem: Accurate translations. I've translated scores of .dwg and .dxf files, I've got that side down cold. (Although the AutoCAD world doesn't make it easy-or logical sometimes!) I've exported PowerCADD files as .dwg on several occasions, but have never actually viewed the results.
Additional concerns:
-Lineweights, Use line weights vs. assign line weights to colors, Ive been reading the PowerDWG translator manual...
-Text types, I've been reading the Bullpen info...
-Layer management, Do AutoCAD users generally assign only one lineweight to layer/color for printing/plotting purposes? I've opened drawings with 135+ layers...
Possible solution:
-Some sort of .dwg file viewer, I know they exist on the Windoze side, but I have not seen them on the Mac side.
-Buying a Wintel box, and AutoCAD LT perhaps, to check and/or clean up the translated files.
Questions:
What are the biggeest headaches when turning a PowerCADD drawing into an .dwg?
Is having a Wintel box in the office to check the .dwg files common and economical?
Any other general comments would be helpful.
Many thanks in advance, I hope my questions stimulate some helpful discussion, I'll respond to questions and comments as soon as possible.
Thanks again,
Adam. |
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huc
Joined: 13 Apr 2004
Posts: 660
Location: ::caddpower.com:: (Aurora, CO)
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| Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:54 am Post subject: Re: PowerCADD to .dwg issues (long post) |
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| AMS wrote: | [...]
Additional concerns:
-Lineweights, Use line weights vs. assign line weights to colors, Ive been reading the PowerDWG translator manual... |
As a rule of thumb: don't check the Use Line Weights check box, objects are converted to polylines which makes it a pain to edit in Acad
The Assign Color to Line Weights... settings are well worth looking into. Provided you know the end users pen table values for plotting, that feature can save considerable time and generate very accurate translations which help maintain consistent output between PCadd and Acad.
| Quote: | | -Text types, I've been reading the Bullpen info... |
Font mapping is much better in the PCadd 6.x DWG translator. However you won't have multiple font families per file. I.e., Arial and Arial bold would be supported but Arial Bold and Times Bold would not both be supported.
Font management between Acad to Acad translations can also be tricky.
It's a matter of communication and coordination to get that system smooth.
| Quote: | | -Layer management, Do AutoCAD users generally assign only one lineweight to layer/color for printing/plotting purposes? I've opened drawings with 135+ layers... |
That would depend on the version of AutoCAD being used and the level of user knowledge in ACad.
Opening drawings with 135+ layers might simply be empty layers for data, not necessarily one layer per line weight. Many offices will setup custom prototype drawings with hundreds of layers for compliance with various design standards/conventions (whether those conventions are of any value is subject to circumstances and a separate discussion)
| Quote: | Possible solution:
-Some sort of .dwg file viewer, I know they exist on the Windoze side, but I have not seen them on the Mac side.
-Buying a Wintel box, and AutoCAD LT perhaps, to check and/or clean up the translated files. |
Having a copy of Acad (of some flavor) to view your translations isn't a bad idea. It really depends on the number of files and frequency of use.
Another option to consider is reading your PowerCADD DWG translations back into PowerCADD. This might give you a level of comfort with respect to data integrity but can't address every possible nuance.
Given the numerous ways to configure autocad, you would want to know how the end acad user has things configured and match your setup exactly to get a precise viewing experience. It may be more trouble than it's worth.
| Quote: | Questions:
What are the biggeest headaches when turning a PowerCADD drawing into an .dwg? |
To answer the question bluntly: Knowledge base of users involved at both ends of the process and clear communication of what's needed.
There are various features on both platforms that can be used to create suitable translations. This isn't just limited to using the PowerDWG translator and it's options, but also in how the drawing might be structured to suit particular office standards for both sender and receiver.
Given what you're describing, and reading between the lines, it sounds as if the translation process would be straight forward.
| Quote: | | Is having a Wintel box in the office to check the .dwg files common and economical? |
In addition to earlier comments, virtual pc is also a practical solution and may be worth considering.
Any method to view the translated files for 'integrity' is always a smart procedure. Just how far that procedure needs to go is another matter and depends on various factors including volume, frequency and complexity of drawings and translations.
In my experience, there is no 100% exact translation process. That is true when dealing with drawing files, raster files, word processing or spread sheets or databases. There is always a degree of separation regardless of product or platform.
Communication, defining clear goals and organization is the first, best line of defense to get good translations and effective coordination. In the end, for 10 translations... you might just talk with the receiver of the files and do a simple test.
Hope that helps
Brian |
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AMS
Joined: 03 May 2004
Posts: 11
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| Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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Wow, thanks for the reply Brian, this gives me alot to think about...
From your post, I think my initial plan of action is to start gathering as much information about their setup... then maybe a test drawing or two.
Thanks.
I'll keep everybody informed about the ups and downs, maybe my experiance will help someone else as your experience has helped me.
Adam. |
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