Topic: Revit Architecture 2009/AutoCAD 2009/AutoCAD Architecture 2009?

[Robb]

I just received my copy in the mail. Couple of questions.

Does AutoCAD Architecture also function the same way as AutoCAD but with some enhanced features?

I'm thinking instead of installing all three software to just install "Revit" and "AutoCAD Architecture". No need for "AutoCAD" then right?

Since AutoCAD Architecture is now included in the Suite does anyone know if subscription costs will be increased?

[mjfarrell]

Rob, essentially "Architecture" (autocad) is ADT just re-branded. And yes all normal autocad functions are included.
I think they include the regular autocad in there due to some incompatibilities between ADT drawings and Revit.
I'm pretty sure that you will in fact want or need to install the regular autocad because of this.
Run a test of trying to create basic cad primitives, e.g. lines, arcs, polylines, and text objects in the "Architecture" (ADT) and see if Revit will import them correctly, if yes then do not install autocad.

As to cost of subscription, that would be anyones guess. As it is the subscription already cost the users too much, as it allows autodesk to deliver a product that is full of bugs, is not backward compatible, and often will not even interoperate with other autodesk products. And every customer that agrees to and pays the subscription fee is responsible for them producing such poor programming; because they remove the incentive for autodesk to actually fix problems with the product by paying for a product they haven't ever seen in advance.

[Robb]

Thanks for the quick response!

What are the pros/cons of using all three software? How are most using this package? Do you quickly design in AA, then import into Revit and detail in AutoCAD?

As the IT here thats three software that needs to be installed and configured. AA and AutoCAD being very similar its like doing double configuration work on X amount of workstations. Has AutoDesk made it easier to configure AutoCAD in a multi user environment? The deployment helps as I can create the administrative image and have my users just run the shortcut to install, don't have to be physically at the machine. I am having trouble with configuring profiles, I do them on every workstation as I used to in the past. Are their new tools to simplify setup? I'd like to have some sort of template that I can just apply to all my users as a base and then anything else they need to tweak we can do after. Maybe I should read the manual. Sorry just got it so have tons of questions.

Thanks for you help.

[mjfarrell]

Thanks for the quick response!

What are the pros/cons of using all three software? How are most using this package? Do you quickly design in AA, then import into Revit and detail in AutoCAD?

As the IT here thats three software that needs to be installed and configured. AA and AutoCAD being very similar its like doing double configuration work on X amount of workstations. Has AutoDesk made it easier to configure AutoCAD in a multi user environment? The deployment helps as I can create the administrative image and have my users just run the shortcut to install, don't have to be physically at the machine. I am having trouble with configuring profiles, I do them on every workstation as I used to in the past. Are their new tools to simplify setup? I'd like to have some sort of template that I can just apply to all my users as a base and then anything else they need to tweak we can do after. Maybe I should read the manual. Sorry just got it so have tons of questions.

Thanks for you help.

I would suggest that yes you create the image for the clients to use. Most of your customization can also be included in the image.  Then it would be suggested that you further modify, and  or customize as required, export that ARG (profile) and then point the desktop icon to load that profile on start up.
As to the work flow you essentially have it right.
Although there are some projects that you might do entirely in ADT, and or Revit (with details in autocad) and never will Revit or ADT interact with each other. As they say your milage may vary. I can assist with the ADT learning curve, just not Revit, as I have not had opportunity to play with that one as much as the ADT product(s).

first hint: use the Project Navigator
second hint: learn about constructs
third: Learn about Display Representation Sets

[pmvliet]

I am having trouble with configuring profiles, I do them on every workstation as I used to in the past.

You can alleviate some of these issues with profiles.  You have the ability to not have to
go to each workstation to tweak things.  If you are on subscription and go to the AU website,
you can download my handout from AU 2006 where I did a class on Autocad profiles.
It is based on 2007, but will still be applicable.  The vertical is just a more robust/complicated
profile from Vanilla. If you don't (on subscription), PM me and I'll send a copy.
It's around TheSwamp in other threads as well.

I believe when you install Architecture 2009, you get Vanilla as a bonus, so you really
don't need to install Vanilla 2009. Architecture is a vertical of Vanilla, unless something has
really changed in 2009. For me with MEP 2009, there is an Autocad profile that I can use
to have the normal Autocad interface. IE: It's profile settings and the appropriate files that
change Vanilla into a Vertical. For some reason, it doesn't create an MEP 2009 as Vanilla Autocad
shortcut as it has done with 2006, 2007 and probably 2008 (not installed currently).
This can be fixed very easily as well.

If you need help, ask away or PM me.

Pieter