Hot DataCAD News from Architectural CADD Consultants

Architectural CADD News by Software

DataCAD

archive of older news and comments

for latest news see DataCAD News at Architectural CADD

Comments from Architectural CADD (in 2003) : DataCAD LLC is in a tough position. Unquestionably DataCAD is a favorite among architects, and the architect user groups, both local and online, are the most active of any architectural CADD option - Way beyond the participation levels of ArchiCAD or AutoCAD Architectural Desktop groups. For 2D production work, no CADD can beat DataCAD. The trend towards 3D object oriented architectural CADD, though, may be inevitable - as designers at Least want a program that can give them the beginnings of automatic elevations and sections. The unfortunately named (because it does not make the 3D intelligence apparent) DataCAD Plus is supposed to be the answer to these concerns. DataCAD Plus, though, is considerably more expensive (at $2,600) than DataCAD (at $995) and not even in the ballpark of where many people came on board to DataCAD (typically less than $400), and, at $2,600 and not being AutoCAD, many users may opt for the more powerful ArchiCAD instead for not that much more. The other dillemma is that DataCAD LLC is almost uncomfortably small as a company, and, though they do have alliances with the huge German conglomerate MB America (from where Spirit, Arcon, and o2c 3D object technology comes) as well as with EZ Meetings, it all does make the company ripe for potential takeovers (which CADD users fear) and makes it tough to keep up with larger developers such as Autodesk, Bentley, Nemetschek, and Graphisoft. For small firms who want the easiest, yet most powerful architectural production drawing software, DataCAD still remains their solid best choice.

Also see New Development Notes 3/25/02 on DataCAD Plus news section

Date: Fri, 04 Aug 2000

From: "Mark F. Madura" <mark@datacad.com>

Introducing New DataCAD 9

Increase your productivity and Save $100 when you upgrade to new DataCAD 9 before December 31, 2000

Special offer to U.S. Residents Expires 12/31/2000 (If you reside outside the U.S., please contact your local dealer)

I'm pleased to announce the arrival of DataCAD 9 on September 1, 2000.

DataCAD 9 includes major new features that will help you share drawing information between other Windows applications, work simultaneously with other designers, and save you time. We've added your most requested enhancements to DataCAD 9 in order to provide you with the right tools for your practice.

Why should you reserve your copy of DataCAD 9 right away?

As soon as you upgrade to DataCAD 9 you can take advantage of key features such as unlimited Undo/Redo, External File Referencing, Multiple Document Interface, Cut/Copy and Paste, Batch Plotting, OpenGL Shader, HyperView Linking, WYSIWYG Print Preview, Adobe Acrobat (PDF) output, and view sensitive toolbars. You'll have everything you need for production drawing, exchanging data with other Windows applications, and transporting drawings via the internet.

Global, Unlimited Undo/Redo

A new unlimited Undo/Redo feature allows you to draw and explore design ideas without hesitation. You can undo the last step you took or undo the last several steps ñ go back as far as you want to. Undo one too many steps? Just choose Redo to repeat the step. All DataCAD functions are supported, including the deletion of layers. Toggle the Undo/Redo toolbar on for quick access to this feature.

External File Referencing (XREFs)

DataCADís new File Referencing feature displays the geometry of referenced files in your current drawing without actually inserting that geometry into your drawing. Graphically refer to the information you need, without increasing your drawingís file size beyond manageable limits. Now multiple designers in your office can work on floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, and enlarged details in a project -- all at the same time. A Reference File Manager not only lets you refresh, reload, delete, or bind reference files, it also lets you toggle reference file layers on and off and highlight reference file geometry with colors and linetypes to differentiate between multiple disciplines.

Cut/Copy and Paste

You can cut or copy both entities from a DataCAD file and text or metafile graphics from word processing, spreadsheet, and illustration programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Coral Draw into DataCAD. Then the data can easily be pasted into another DataCAD drawing or into other Windows applications. DataCAD entities will even retain their layer formatting when pasted into other DataCAD drawings.

Opening Multiple Documents

DataCAD 9 can display an unlimited number of DataCAD drawings and bitmap images simultaneously for design coordination and to facilitate the exchange of drawing data between multiple documents.

Batch Plotting

The new Batch Plotting feature in DataCAD 9 saves valuable office time by letting you plot multiple sets of drawings instead of setting up and plotting each sheet one at a time. Using the Batch Plotting Setup dialog box, you can define sets of drawings for multiple projects and print them overnight. In addition to direct printing, batched sets may also be sent to plot files for use by plotting service bureaus. After plotting is complete, a summary report is displayed for quality control, and plotting information is saved to a .LOG file for later reference.

OpenGL Shader

DataCAD 9 features an all-new, OpenGL-based shader that is faster and produces a higher quality image than the previous shader. The new shader supports all 256 colors in the user-defined DataCAD palette rendered in up to 16.8 million colors. There are seven custom lights as well as display settings so you can get the results you want. The new shader supports output resolutions of up to 8 million pixels for high quality printed output. An edge-only feature creates bitmap-based hidden line images in a fraction of the time it takes to create a standard vector-based HLR image.

HyperView Linking

The new HyperView feature links drawing entities to DataCADís GotoViews. Now you can click on drawing notations to automatically display the corresponding view.

Print Preview

Use DataCADís new Plot Previewer to view an onscreen representation of your print, exactly as it will appear on paper. You can plot directly from the Previewer or save as either an Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) file or a Windows Metafile (.WMF) for distribution over the Internet.

Export to DC Render (.RAY) File

DataCAD 9 can export a drawing directly to a DC Render (.RAY) file. DC Render Plus is an advanced rendering program for creating photorealistic still images and animations. (For more information go to the following URL.) http://www.capcad.com/capcad/kongscut/products/macros_k.htm

View-Sensitive Toolbars

View-sensitive toolbars have been added for quick access to frequently used viewing commands for orthographic (plan), parallel, and perspective views. Simply toggle the Viewer Toolbar on, and it changes automatically, depending on current view projection.

New DCAL Routines

More than a dozen new procedures and functions requested by DataCAD macro authors have been added to the DCAL API. See our DataCAD Developerís Network (DDN) web site for more information.

Wall Style Dialog Box

A new Wall Style Manager has been added to the Architect menu, so you can change wall options from a single dialog box as well as create and load wall styles.

DXF/DWG Translator Support for AutoCAD 2000

An enhanced DXF/DWG translator now imports and exports AutoCAD R12 through R2000 file formats.

Expanded Pull-down Menus

An expanded set of pull-down menus provides quick access to more than 200 DataCAD functions. And new user-definable menu gives the user direct access to their most frequently used macros.

Enhanced Object Snapping

You can now use all of the standard snapping functions with unexploded symbols.

Enhanced Dialog Boxes

File I/O dialog boxes in DataCAD 9, such as Open and Save dialogs, can be resized to display a greater number of files. The File/New dialog box has been enhanced with a drawing file preview and direct access to Default drawing selection.

Preview Windows

A 2D/3D preview window in the Insert Symbol dialog box lets you see the symbol before inserting it into your drawing. You can even choose whether to preview symbols in orthographic (plan) or isometric view. Vector-based preview windows are also available for hatch patterns, linetypes, and fonts.

New Extended Character Codes

Using extended characters, you can gain access to specific DataCAD functions through custom keyboard macros and custom toolbars. When creating custom keyboard or toolbar shortcuts, simply use the extended character codes in the keyboard and toolbar character strings. See the DataCAD 9 online help for a list of these extended character codes.

New Directory Dialog Box

A new Directory dialog has been added to streamline the input and display of drawing project data. The drawing session clock is now suspended when a drawing window is inactive, and the drawing session time is reset to zero when a new drawing is created, regardless of the time set in the default drawing.

Enhanced Multi-View Windows

Multi-view windows have new icon controls for greater ease-of-use.

Enhanced Previous View Function

The previous view function has been enhanced to store up to 25 previous views, including those using FreeZoom.

Integrated Go-to-Views

2D and 3D GotoView menus have been integrated into one GotoView menu, which is based on the 3D GotoView menu.

To reserve your copy of DataCAD 9, call (800) 394-2231. You'll improve your productivity and save $100.00.

For more information and for the name of a dealer near you, please visit our web site at http://www.datacad.com.

DataCAD 9 Pricing:

(Promotional pricing valid through 12/31/2000)

DCDF-0900 DataCAD 9 Full System $995.00 USD

Full System -- If you don't yet own a copy of DataCAD, purchase the DataCAD 9 Full System.

DCDA-0900 DataCAD 9 Additional License $395.00 USD Save $100!

Additional License -- If you're purchasing a DataCAD Full System, you can purchase as many Additional Licenses of version 9 as you need for only a fraction of the Full System price!

DCDR-0900 DataCAD 9 Upgrade from v.8.5 $295.00 USD Save $100!

Upgrade from Version 8.5 -- If you have DataCAD 8.5, you can upgrade to DataCAD 9 for only a fraction of a Full System -- our absolute best price on DataCAD! (A DataCAD 8.5 serial number is required.)

DCDU-0900 DataCAD 9 Upgrade from v.5 - 8 $395.00 USD Save $100! Upgrade from Versions 5 - 8 -- If you have DataCAD 5, 6, 7, or 8.0x, you can upgrade to DataCAD 9 for only a fraction of the Full System price! (A DataCAD 5, 6, 7, or 8.0x serial number is required.)

DCMS-0900 DataCAD 9 Manual Set

DataCAD Manual Set -- FREE manual set included with every copy of DataCAD 9 you order. But you can always order an extra copy!

Thank you for supporting DataCAD, Mark F. Madura, President/CEO, DATACAD LLC

Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001

From: "Cheap Tricks Newsletter" <eshu@world.std.com>

Subject: DBUG> Early Bird Special Editorial from Cheap Tricks, August 2001

Early Bird Special Editorial from Cheap Tricks, August 2001

http://world.std.com/~eshu/cheap.htm

>From the Editor:

The summer doldrums have definitely hit the computer industry, but still we are pleased to report yet another free new DataCAD 9 update. DataCAD 9.07 was issued recently at <www.datacad.com> (DataCAD/update). This upgrade includes 5 new features: 1) direct support for eZ Meeting a peer-to-peer internet conferencing software for CADD drawings; 2) an o2c-based Object Viewer in the View pull-down menu; 3) a context-sensitive Hyperlink popup menu for multiple assignment of entities to GoTo Views, Internet URLís, and/or Files via CTRL-right click on an entity; 4) optional toggle to display of highlighting of Hyperlinks; and 5) new hotkeys, [CTRL] + Left Arrow and [CTRL] + Right Arrow, to toggle between previous and current views. Since DataCAD 9 was issued last summer, this is the fifth free feature (not just bug-fix) upgrade DATACAD LLC has released in the past year. Thatís pretty darn good value. Given the industry wide slowdown in revenues, we have to ask ourselves if DATACAD LLC can continue their generous ways in the months to come or if they may need to institute some type of optional subscription plan for these feature upgrades as has been suggested by some DBUG forummites. In the meantime, enjoy these free upgrades while they stay free!

One new "feature" that caught many by surprise with DataCAD 9.07 was the change in logo from the "Yellow 9" to a more generic logo like the DataCAD Plus logo. We were never really that fond of Yellow 9 to begin with (now the "Infinity 8", that was a classic!), and it does make some sense to make the whole DataCAD product line also share similar logo designs. (By the way, if you are having trouble keeping your desktop logos "on straight", see Quick Tips this issue.) In terms of future releases, DataCAD Plus 10 is still "on the tracks" if not quite "on-track", as a programming obstacle or two keep it away from its long awaited beta release. DataCAD 9.5 is in the works for later in the year with those other major wishlist items of bitmap import, TrueType fonts, and solid and pattern fills.

Another busy one this summer is Don Parker, who has re-issued his Grand Prize winning "Best of Cheap Tricks" Office Web Templates in improved CD format. You can find more info at his website <http://officeweb.netfirms.com/>. . . . Speaking of Cheap Tricks Ware, we ourselves have been in the doldrums as far as new releases for awhile, so we are renewing our olí deadline call to submit new Cheap Tricks Ware, this time by August 27th (see http://world.std.com/~eshu/ctw/ctwg for guidelines). We have also finally found a way around our bug-a-boos that prevent some items from being delivered via the Internet -- namely, the need to convert paper-only documentation to digital form (Adobe Acrobat to the rescue!) and well as better path-compression procedures. So, you can now assume that ALL the CTW items (with only a couple of minor exceptions) are Internet Deliverable on an individual basis (i.e. no CDs of course!). Interestingly, we continue to receive a couple of orders a week for CTW items from AutoCAD users, even though our website terms repeatedly say "for DataCAD users". Yeah, we know, we could do conversions for them, but frankly, itís more fun to say "Sorry, donít you wish you had DataCAD?" Hoping that measure of AutoCAD revenge cheers your day! -- Evan H. Shu, FAIA +

Also in the August 2001 Issue of Cheap Tricks (just posted to eProject):

* Our cover article explores the National CAD Standard and why it may be well-worth your time to find out what it is all about;

* A look at some National CAD Standard terminology such as Metadata, Discipline Designator and Free Agent Rules;

* Even if it Ain't Broke . . . Reasons to Upgrade to DataCAD 9 -- if you haven't upgraded yet, you are missing out on some big-time productivity features;

* Quick Tips on XREFs -- uses you may not have thought of;

* Quick Tips on doing dynamic zooms, keeping your desktop logos "on-straight", DataCAD 9.07 update tip, hot website tip on mapping, deciphering startup items, and quick dictionary and thesaurus lookups.

* Annual Hard Drive Cleanup Time in 3 Easy Steps;

* Q & A on Text File Import, Powerpoint Import, Access Faults, Scaling Symbols or o2c objects;

* Plan Books and Copyright Laws by Dave Porter;

* Plus all the latest news from the DataCAD community!

For more info or to subscribe, see our website at http://world.std.com/~eshu/cheap.htm or contact us at <eshu@world.std.com>

To Access DataCAD Web Links, Go To: http://world.std.com/~eshu/links.htm

DataCAD 9.07.01 features a new Spelling Checker. If you only require American English or British English dictionaries please download DataCAD90701Eng.exe from the following URL: http://www.datacad.com/support/down/DataCAD90701Eng.exe

Click here for the complete list of features/fixes in DataCAD 9.05

Software available from DataCAD LLC (as of 2001) :

DataCAD, DC Modeler, DC Architect, Parthenon, DC Viewer, RenderStar, VisualReality - RenderizeLive, Velocity, DC Sprint, Blocker, Touchup, Arcon, o2c Interactive

Software available from DataCAD LLC (as of 2006) :

DataCAD, Blocker, Touchup

(Much of what the other programs offered, (rendering, modeling) has been incorporated into DataCAD itself)

Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2000 16:30:00 -0500

From: "Cheap Tricks Newsletter" <eshu@world.std.com>

>From the Editor:

It was nice to see DATACAD LLC be the "big booth" on campus at the Build Boston Trade Show this year (see photo above). Their circular display dominated attention near the showís entrance. Staffers reported plenty of lively traffic as their presentations of DataCAD Plus and DataCAD 9 went over very well at this energetic conference. Build Boston was also the scene of the 13th anniversary DBUG (DataCAD Boston Users Group) meeting and as usual it provided a nice time to reflect on the years gone by as well as to get charged up about the future. Mark Madura, CEO and president of DataCAD LLC as well as DBUG alumnus, was bullish about DataCADís future after a very good year 2000. He announced that DataCAD Plus had just garnered an "Editor's Choice" award from CADENCE magazine. He told the assemblage to look for more tutorials on DataCAD 9 and DataCAD Plus to come from <http://www.CourseFactory.com> KnowledgeWorks. Also in the wake of Evan Shu & Ed Wolfstein's presentation on using PDF for architectural presenta-tions, Rick Morse, A/E/C Project Mana-ger for DATACAD, said that the watchwords for the future are "3D PDF" (see Computerese for more about o2c this issue and see <http://www.o2c.de>).

In presenting, DATACAD LLC's previews of DataCAD Plus 10 as well as new features to come for DataCAD 9, Mark Madura, reiterated the company's commitment to the two-tier product line. He emphasized that their goal was to upgrade both products such that DataCAD Plus was a true "super-set" of DataCAD for Windows and that it would eventually include all the features now in DataCAD 9. Toward that end, Rick Morse and Product Specialist Gary Segal presented the coming improvements to DataCAD Plus 10, which would be issued as a free update to all registered users of DataCAD Plus. This (again) free update is projected for a spring 2001 release. The features that they demonstrated at this meeting were the integrated use of True Type fonts, the incorporation of Data-CAD 9's Print Setup/Pen Table Interface (with an improvement allowing assign-ment of up to 255 pens to any of the 255 colors) and the incorporation of DataCAD 9's popular XREFs feature. The biggest improvement to DataCAD Plus will be a new graphic Building Component Editor that will allow parametric editing and viewing of ZAC database components.

As for continued DataCAD development, they showed the latest improvements allowing direct bitmap import, solid and pattern colorfill of polylines, polylines with voids, a new "tagging" system that can be used to create door, window, or finish schedules, a new 32-bit Estimator and integrated Estimator Link with a Windows-style interface including direc-tory tree selection of CSI specification assignments. The sexiest additions are the new terrain tools for building more realistic site models. These tools use a Triangular Irregular Network (TIN) vs. the current Drop Mesh tool, which uses a rectangular, regular network grid methodology. They demonstrated how a site can be created from contours and survey points and then how a road or a lake might be cut into this terrain using the new cutting tools to be provided with this new TIN modeler. (See Architips in this issue for more detailed information about these improvements for DataCAD Plus and for DataCAD--or online readers can check the DBUG meeting notes for November posted at <http://world.std.com/~eshu/dbug.htm> . . . . And for even more immediate developments, DATACAD LLC has just posted two free bug-fix updates DataCAD 8.53 & DataCAD 9.02 at their website <www.datacad.com>.

We are very pleased with the reception our new PDF option for Cheap Tricks has been getting. We are receiving a lot of compliments from you about what a nice upgrade in visual and functional quality it provides. Also the eProject website as the delivery method for Cheap Tricks appears to be working well for most of you (once you get used to its menus!) We look to be well on our way to achieving our initial goal of getting at least 100 of you to sign up by January 1st. With postal rate hikes looming in early 2001, PDF may be our favorite Cheap Trick of the year. But don't worry, it won't be competition for you as we once again extend our call for the "Best of Your Cheap Tricks" for our 10th annual contest. We have got a number of good Cheap Tricks logged in already but there is plenty of room for more with all the major prizes still up for grabs. Use our form on the inside back cover, or our e-mail or web form<http://world.std.com/~eshu/cheap/ctbest00.pdf>, or any method of your choice--we don't care as long as the quality of your Cheap Trick is worthy of wider reknown. Send them all in, but remember our deadline of December 18, 2000 precedes that of Santa. Happy Holiday Season to All and to All a Good Night--ho, ho, ho! -- Evan H. Shu, AIA

<<The PDF Cheap Tricks is available for all PDF subscribers to Cheap Tricks!>>

Also in the December 2000 issue of Cheap Tricks:

* A Day in the Life of the DBUG Forum Chronicles a typical 24 hours on the amazing DataCAD-DBUG Internet Forum;

* O2C -- With it be the New 3D version of PDF files "It's gonna be huge!" -- what is the new object file format all about? (For PDF subscribers only: an extra download of o2c objects for you to play with: a house, skylights and a ferrari -- what else could you ask for?)

* Clipboard Cut & Paste Some of the trickier aspects of Clipboard Life explained;

* Quick Tips on using repetive distances to copy/move/stretch, quick way to clipcube on/off; grabbing those dashed lines, and the quickest way to do two-point rectangular poly's;

* Keeping Your Registry Clean How to make this important maintenance task a part of your Standard Operating Feature;

* Q & A on Clipboarding MS-Word Pages, Clipboard EXCEL spreadsheets, and an update of available Internal Menu Functions;

* DataCAD Development for 2001 DATACAD LLC tells us and shows us upcoming features for DataCAD Plus and DataCAD for Windows;

courtessy of Cheap Tricks Newsletter

To subscribe immediately or for more info, please go to http://world.std.com/~eshu/cheap.htm or via e-mail contact <eshu@world.std.com>

DataCAD Plus, has been released, as of April 28, 2000

DataCAD Plus is the new software that is an architecturally intelligent 3D design system that automatically generates plans, sections, elevations, details, and 3D models. DataCAD joins the big-time powerful heavy hitters in the parametric architectural CADD rhealm They also join that price range so that DataCAD Plus is now $2495.00. The current sale, with discounts of some $1500 to current DataCAD users, runs out soon, and since we would recommend that every single DataCAD office have at least one copy of DataCAD Plus - if only to do things such as bring in scan images to trace - designers should contact their dealer quickly.

DataCAD is a complete architectural CADD solution. Feature set includes 2D drafting / 3D modeling / photo-realistic rendering and animation. Automatic door / window insertion, associative dimensioning / hatching, automated 3D framing, 1,600 symbols, 23 standard and hand-lettered fonts, and DXF/DWG translators.

From: "Cheap Tricks" <eshu@world.std.com> April 99 Issue :

The word is starting to get out there about DataCAD, given recent favorable publicity in our professional magazines and yes, even (gasp) advertisements! A DataCAD card was found in the "Architectural & Design Solutions Card Pac" and a very nice piece featuring Sargert Design Associates, called "How Small Design Firms Can Compete on Par with Giants" by Mickey Komara appeared in the March 99 issue of ASID Professional Designer. In it, David Sargert, ASID, speaks highly about how DataCAD has given his firm the tools to compete with the "big boys": "When I recently won a high-profile, 40.000 square foot residential project from a larger and well-known established firm, I again realized the essential design and marketing value of CADD technology to my business."

MB AMERICA INC. INVESTS U.S. $1.25 MILLION IN DATACAD LLC

Investment Brings Together Two Predominant Architectural CADD Software Developers

AVON, Conn. - April 23, 1999 - DATACAD LLC and MB America Inc., the American subsidary of mb Software AG of Hameln, Germany [Neuer Markt, Germay WKN: 658 320], both developers of market-leading A/E/C software, today announced that MB America has invested U.S. $1.25 million in DATACAD.

The union brings together two of the most widely used architectural CADD applications - DATACAD's DataCAD(r), and SPIRIT(r), one of mb Software's market-leading software solutions for European architects and the building industry. Both products descend from the same core software code originally developed by Microtecture Corporation 15 years ago. The combined user base of over 270,000 worldwide represents the second largest installation of architectural CADD software.

"This investment is a win-win relationship on many fronts," said Mark Madura, President and CEO of DATACAD LLC. For DATACAD, the infusion of working capital will enable us to deliver updates faster and expand beyond our core architectural market into new applications for civil engineering, facilities management, animation, and virtual reality." The investment will also serve as a platform for joint development efforts going forward.

"DATACAD's well-established user base, brand-name recognition and distribution channel made it the ideal firm to partner with," said Dieter J. Heimlich, President and CEO of MB America and co-founder of mb Software subsidiary softTECH GmbH, developers of the SPIRIT product line. "In addition to our joint development efforts, we hope to develop a broad U.S. market for mb Software's products such as ArCon(r) and Speedikon(r). Our new Java-based technologies for the Internet and the e-commerce market will add tremendous value to our existing product lines and will generate new markets for both DATACAD LLC and mb Software."

About MB America Inc. = http://www.mb-america.com

MB America Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of mb Software AG and was established as the North American headquarters. The company is responsible for sales, marketing, product positioning, communications, training, and strategic alliances within North America. The company is deeply committed to market high-quality, high-performance, practical solutions for building design professionals and to bring mb Software AG's Java and 02C (Open Office Connection) products to the rapidly growing Internet market.

About mb Software AG = http://www.mb-software.de

mb Software AG is a public company based in Hameln, Germany [Neuer Markt, Germany WKN: 658 320], with about twenty subsidiaries. It is one of the largest AEC software vendors in Europe with annual revenues exceeding $70 million. The products are grouped into the following product families: Structural Engineering & Analysis/Finite Elements/Statics, Architecture, Facility Management, and Visualisation. They run on top of proprietary CAD engines, such as AutoCAD(r) and Microstation(r). The company is developing a new state-of-the-art CAD server [or.bit] (Objects and Relations for Buildings with Integrational Technology) for future product lines. The company's flagship product, ArCon(r), is an architectural design and visualization program for the professional and SOHO market. With an installed base of more than 100,000 professional modules, mb Software's products are used in more than thirty countries. mb Software employs more than 600 professionals and offers more than 50 products.

About softTECH GmbH = http://www.softtech.de

softTECH GmbH is a subsidiary of mb Software AG. softTECH was founded in 1985 and originally licensed DataCAD source code to develop SPIRIT, a high-end architectural CADD program designed for the German market. In 1990 softTECH became the market leader, and has more than 20,000 installations. SPIRIT is a scalable CADD system with many additional modules such as city planning, structural analysis, and photogrammetry.

Date: Tue, 1 Jun 1999

From: "Ken Clare" <kc@ihug.co.nz>

Subject: Download Arcon

You can download a full working English version of Arcon with save and print crippled from: http://arcon-asia.com

Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2000

From: "Mark F. Madura" <mark@datacad.com>

2000 DataCAD Users' Conference

We're pleased to announce the second annual DataCAD Conference and Users' Group Meeting. Conference activities will be held at the Avon Old Farms Hotel (www.avonoldfarmshotel.com) in Avon, Connecticut, on Friday, April 28 through Saturday, April 29. Please refer to the details below for more information or call (800) 394-2231 to make your reservation.

You're invited to attend a FREE DataCAD Users' Group Meeting and to join us in celebrating 16 years of DataCAD history!

Please join us for a presentation covering new features, tips and techniques, an introduction to new DataCAD Plus, and a sneak preview of DataCAD 9 for Windows. We guarantee you'll improve your DataCAD skills and increase productivity.

Meet Mark Madura, President/CEO, and members of the DATACAD LLC staff.

BONUS! $1,500 in prizes! Your chance to win DataCAD software and merchandise.

Date: Friday, April 28, 1999

Reception: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Presentations: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Avon Old Farms Hotel

Older News Items :

A full day of DataCAD oriented tutorials held at Architectural CADD Consultants before the DataCAD DBUG meeting on October 27, 1999. A big kick off for the new DataCAD CD Tutorials.

DataCAD 8.50.04 is released. Includes DropSite mesh tool, new ACAD14 translator, fast displaylist, improved multi-scale plotting.

DataCAD 8.04 is also released to support offices who have not yet upgraded.

DataCAD is now number 2 in AEC only to AutoCAD.

DataCAD v8.5

DATACAD this week debuts DataCAD v8.5 architectural CADD software. New features include a new DXF/DWG translator, digital terrain modeler, expanded 3D object libraries, improved display performance, and WinHelp 2000 online docs.

This is the first version of DataCAD to use OpenDWG technology. "The proprietary DWG format has dominated the A/E/C market for years," said ceo Mark Madura, "DataCAD's support of the DWG file format, and the efforts of the OpenDWG Alliance to make DWG an open standard are significant because it gives A/E/C professionals the freedom to choose software based on its merits, rather than its drawing file format. "

DataCAD has more than 250,000 architectural users. DataCAD 8.5 retails for US$995, with a promo price of US$695 thru Aug 31. http://www.datacad.com

Several hundered attended the First Annual DataCAD Conference April 23 - 24, 1999 -

Significant announcements made at the Conference :

1. A new alliance between MB America (the people who own and develop DataCAD Spirit, Speedikon, and Arcon in Germany) infuses $1.25 million into DataCAD LLC and creates a new sharing of very high end architecture specific technology. Dieter Heimlich and Dave Giesselman are already working on bringing a number of new features and software packages to the DataCAD community. More info below.

2. DataCAD now has the same level of AutoCAD compatibility as any other software - even better than AutoCAD LT (which does not support AutoCAD custom linetypes, and a number of other features) - a benefit from DataCAD LLC's membership in the OpenDWG Alliance.

3. DataCAD 8.5 in final beta stages is due out within the month (in time for A/E/C SYSTEMS ) and will include that new internal AutoCAD translator, and a new software "display list" feature which enables instant zooms and pans even on complex drawings.

4. The DataCAD Team for the 1999 Designers 3D CAD Shootout for Architectural CADD Systems consists of DataCAD President Mark Madura himself, along with 3D CADD expert Rick Morris, with Team Captain James Horecka, AIA of California.

More hot news out of DATACAD LLC land is that they have scored some new agreements with veteran third party authors to enhance the DataCAD program. Most intriguing is that they have contracted with Bill DAmico of Unique software to work directly with the DataCAD developers on the next version of DataCAD for Windows (i.e. source code work). Long time users of DataCAD know Bill to be somewhat of an "elusive" programmer of DataCAD DCAL macros (DCSprint, 3D Power Tools, etc.) who has provided all of us with some of the most elegant additions to DataCADs capabilities. First on his agenda for release with the next major upgrade to DataCAD 8 is a new 3D Terrain Modeler (aka Drop Mesh) that will create a triangulated surface mesh based on imported surveyor data, 3D contours, or 2D polylines. Also signed up for major contributions is David Burwell of J.B. Cad Services (author of the SteelPro & DuctPro macros), who was literally dragged out of his own "reclusion" by the demands of the DataCAD-DBUG forum. The source code to all of Davids macros will be added to the Open Source section of the DDN website (see below), and the compiled DCX files will be added to the download page of DataCADs web site so DataCAD users can download them free of charge. Also new on-board is Randy Jack, who has developed a complete set of default AutoCAD/DataCAD equivalent fonts that will also be available as a free download from the DataCAD website. DATACAD LLC has also made an agreement with Gary Gresham of NSight Studios <http://www.nsight3d.com/> to add his 3D cars & trucks and lights & site symbols to the next release of DataCAD. So look for this "fresh blood" to invigorate DataCADs direction this coming year.

Rumor Only : There has been hinting from DataCAD LLC that work on the futuristic "DC Architect" software has stopped and that the features that would make that program stand out - intelligent walls, drawing in axo and perspective, and so on - will be rolled into what is now DataCAD for Windows. This is an interesting potential development. It would help retain current users - by offering them an upgrade rather than a switch to another CD product (which would invite a firm to evaluate competitors as well). However, just as it takes longer to tear down a building partially and rebuild it as opposed to quickly building on virgin land, the process of integrating DC Architect features into DataCAD could potentially take even longer. However, it is possible that pieces of that technology could be incorporated one at a time - allowing for updates every few months for the forseeable future. The next big date for DataCAD LLC is in April at the DBUG user group meeting being held at their headquarters in Conneticut- where they must introduce the new version that has the complete AutoCAD 14 compatibility. Unfortunatly, this great development has lost its thunder since AutoCAD2000 has been announced and should start being available that same month - which has yet another incompatible AutoCAD format. A significant edge DataCAD has right now is that AutoCAD ArchitecturalDesktop is now incompatible not only with all past versions of AutoCAD14, AutoCAD13 and earlier, AutoArchitect, ArchT, but is now incompatible even with the current AutoCAD2000 - interesting you never see the word "incompatible" in Autodesk literature.

AEC Store

DataCAD 8 is now available from The AEC Store, part of the Internet-based AEC Info network. The software can be purchased by US and Canadian residents, and downloaded directly from http://www.aecinfo.com/store/

DC-Render

"DC-Render is not developed by DataCAD LLC. It is actually developed in Germany. It will be made available to users via the DataCAD distributor in your area. It has a macro that was developed in Germany for converting the datacad file to be read into DC-Render (not dxf) therefore it translates datacad 3d elements faster and better than dxf ( I believe). There is a dc-render light version and the plus version. The plus version has all the bells and whistles with real time rendered walkthrus, ray tracing, and too many features to mention. Once I have the package I will inform the forum of its capabilities and ease of use compared with other rendering packages I have used." Gary Segal CADline cc

http://www.datacad.de

You don't have to read German.

Simply scan for the page on AltaVisa

then hit the "translate" button.

You can thus see the text of any site in english. German sites tend to use more text than graphics, in contrast to USA web sites, so this little trick works fine, you just have to account for strange phrasing and grammar from direct automatic translators.

Spirit site and chat room

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/spiritforum

New utility available for DWG translations

A windows program that will aid in the DWG translation process.

This program works with your existing DOS or Windows translator files (if you have DataCAD you have the necessary files.) My program works in the same way that DataCAD itself calls a DOS session to translate DC5's or DWG's. The advantage to working with this new program is that you can convert an unlimited number of files in one shot. Simply select the files you want to translate and tell the program to do it. That's all.

No more tedious opening and closing of files in DataCAD for the sole purpose of translating them. No wrestling with complicated batch files to try to convert a bunch of files.

This is a real windows program. Files are selected from the standard Windows file dialogs. The translators are configured by way of a Windows dialog. Online help is available at all times. The actual work of the translators is hidden so all you see is the windows interface.

This program will not solve problems with the current translators. If you have drawings that can't be converted now, the odds are this program still will not be able to convert them. However, if you have 100's of files that are in DWG format and you want to convert them all quickly and easily to DC5 format then this program will help. Naturally the program will go from DC5 to DWG as well.

You do not need to have the windows version of DataCAD to use this program. It works with Windows 95/98 & NT. All that is required is a version of DataCAD that has the DWG translators.

The name of this program is Visual Conversion Master. I have uploaded a demo version to the DDN web site for all to try. The demo is limited to converting only 2 files at one time. You can convert as many files as you like but only 2 files in one 'batch' session. Other than this restriction the demo is fully functional. Please download and try the demo. If you like it consider ordering the full version. The cost is $25.

The demo can be downloaded from the DDN site. Navigate to the links page to find the file. DDN is located at http://www.datacad.com/dcal/ddn.html or if your mail client shows links correctly you can download directly from

http://www.datacad.com/dcal/downloads/VCMDemo.zip

One last note. If there are any questions or suggestions for this program please let me know. I will be out of town from 2/25 to 3/9 so if I don't respond this is the reason. Patrick B. McConnell Architect 1205 Circle Lane Valatie, NY 518-758-6469 518-758-6111 fax ICQ#3796832

AEC Store

New utility available for DWG translations

A windows program that will aid in the DWG translation process.

No more tedious opening and closing of files in DataCAD for the sole purpose of translating them. No wrestling with complicated batch files to try to convert a bunch of files.

You do not need to have the windows version of DataCAD to use this program. It works with Windows 95/98 & NT. All that is required is a version of DataCAD that has the DWG translators.

http://www.datacad.com/dcal/downloads/VCMDemo.zip

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999

FREE DataCAD 8.07 Update Available for Download!

As part of our continued effort to bring you the highest quality CADD products possible, a free update to DataCAD 8.07 is now available for download from the main page of our web site. Please refer to the overview below prior to installing the update.

New Features in 8.07:

1. New options in the Settings/ScaleTyp menu:

a. DIN - This option presents dimensions in the form meters.centimeters with superscripted millimeters.

b. AS1100 - This option presents dimensions in the form of millimeters with a space separating thousands, hundred thousands, millions and so on. Input is done in meters.

c. StakFrac - This new option appears if the current scale type is Arch. When toggled on, fractions of an inch are displayed "stacked" rather than inline.

NOTE: It was determined during the testing of this feature, that certain third-party fonts have improper character definitions which may cause the fraction to overwrite the non-fractional portion of the dimension. Should this occur, try using a different font.

2. The decimal separator for all displayed dimensions and numbers is now determined by the value of the Windows Decimal Separator. To set this value, Choose Control Panel from the Start/Settings menu on your Windows desktop. Choose Regional Settings. On the Number tab, set the Decimal symbol value.

3. The scale type for area/perimeter calculations is now remembered independently from the current drawing scale type.

4. The new setting AreaPrec controls the number of digits of precision to be displayed for area calculations when the ScaleTyp option in the Area/Per menu is set to Decimal, InchDec, Meters, Centimtr, Millimtr, DIN, or AS1100.

5. Mouse input has been enhanced as follows:

Left Button Pick/Select

Middle Button Object Snap

[Shift] + Left Button Object Snap

Ctrl Left Button Reference Point

[Ctrl] + [Shift] + Left Button Object Snap Reference Point

[Ctrl] + Middle Button Object Snap Reference Point

Fixes in 8.07:

1. An anomaly when using the [N] key to object snap when orthogonal snapping was enabled has been corrected.

2. In dimensioning with ScaleTyp set to Arch, dimensions less than 1 inch were being displayed with a leading zero.

3. Correction of a bug in which dimensions would automatically rotate has been reversed (or put back the way that it was), per user requests.

If you have any questions about installing the DataCAD 8.07 update, contact our technical support staff at techsupport@datacad.com

DataCAD 8 for Windows Registration Form

http://205.181.245.4:591/dc8reg.htm

In order to qualify for upcoming DataCAD promotions and to ensure your product registration is up-to-date, please complete the DataCAD 8 registration form.

DC-Render

http://www.datacad.de

You don't have to read German.

Simply scan for the page on AltaVisa

then hit the "translate" button.

Spirit site and chat room

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/spiritforum

New utility available for DWG translations

A windows program that will aid in the DWG translation process.

No more tedious opening and closing of files in DataCAD for the sole purpose of translating them. No wrestling with complicated batch files to try to convert a bunch of files.

You do not need to have the windows version of DataCAD to use this program. It works with Windows 95/98 & NT. All that is required is a version of DataCAD that has the DWG translators.

http://www.datacad.com/dcal/downloads/VCMDemo.zip

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999

FREE DataCAD 8.07 Update Available for Download!

New Features in 8.07:

1. New options in the Settings/ScaleTyp menu:

a. DIN - This option presents dimensions in the form meters.centimeters with superscripted millimeters.

b. AS1100 - This option presents dimensions in the form of millimeters with a space separating thousands, hundred thousands, millions and so on. Input is done in meters.

c. StakFrac - This new option appears if the current scale type is Arch. When toggled on, fractions of an inch are displayed "stacked" rather than inline.

3. The scale type for area/perimeter calculations is now remembered independently from the current drawing scale type.

5. Mouse input has been enhanced as follows:

Left Button Pick/Select

Middle Button Object Snap

[Shift] + Left Button Object Snap

Ctrl Left Button Reference Point

[Ctrl] + [Shift] + Left Button Object Snap Reference Point

[Ctrl] + Middle Button Object Snap Reference Point

Fixes in 8.07:

1. An anomaly when using the [N] key to object snap when orthogonal snapping was enabled has been corrected.

2. In dimensioning with ScaleTyp set to Arch, dimensions less than 1 inch were being displayed with a leading zero.

3. Correction of a bug in which dimensions would automatically rotate has been reversed (or put back the way that it was), per user requests.

If you have any questions about installing the DataCAD 8.07 update, contact our technical support staff at techsupport@datacad.com

DataCAD 8 for Windows Registration Form

http://205.181.245.4:591/dc8reg.htm

In order to qualify for upcoming DataCAD promotions and to ensure your product registration is up-to-date, please complete the DataCAD 8 registration form.

DataCAD User Survey Form

http://205.181.245.4:591/survey.htm

So that we may continue to improve our products and services, please take a few minutes to participate in our DataCAD User Survey. You'll have an opportunity to rate DataCAD and tell us what you like and don't like about the program.

Early Bird Special -- Cheap Tricks Editorial Mar 99

Early Bird Special -- Cheap Tricks Editorial from March '99 Issue

>From the Editor:

DATACAD LLC fibbed! -- well, before you get hot and bothered, let us tell you that it was a GOOD fib. Recently, they asserted that DataCAD 8.06 would be the last free feature upgrade to DataCAD 8. Well, by the time you read this, DataCAD 8.07 should be posted as a FREE upgrade to the DATACAD web site <http://www.datacad.com> and it has some pretty darn nice features in it that upgrade metric dimensioning and provide true architectural "stacked" fractions for you dimensioning aficionados (see DataCAD Tutor this month for 8.07 review and story). Input from the DataCAD-DBUG e-mail forum proved crucial in giving DATACAD LLC the feedback they needed -- when they needed it -- to make this particular upgrade a reality. Anyone with web access and DataCAD 8.0 or above can upgrade to this version. Keep up the "good" fibs, DATACAD LLC!

Work on DataCAD 8.50 (the upcoming NON-free upgrade) is quite advanced and is focused on DWG compatibility and performance and will include a new R14 DXF/DWG Translator based on the OpenDWG Toolkit <www.opendwg.org> which reportedly includes a dialog box that will allow you to control your font, linetype, and hatch pattern mapping to a much finer degree. In addition, we hear that with the new translator it will be possible to write custom DataCAD linetypes directly into DWG files! Now AutoCAD users will have access to hundreds of linetypes originally developed for DataCAD. (Maybe we'll have to add a DCAD for ACAD section to the Cheap Tricks Ware listing!) The next version will also include a built-in Display List to reduce screen redraw times (we can hear the cheers) as well as a new "Drop Mesh" function (a Bill D'Amico special) to create true 3D site plans from surveyor data points or from contours. We hope to see a Beta version soon and a possible roll-out in time for the users meeting hosted by DATACAD LLC on April 23, 1999 in Avon, CT.

And speaking about more FREE stuff, DATACAD LLC not only obtained the rights last month to the JB CAD macros (DuctPro, SteelPro, etc.) and Randy Jack's new AutoCAD/DataCAD fonts, but they have posted them all up for FREE download on their web page! But for you poor souls who lack web capability or download patience, they were also nice enough to grant Cheap Tricks Ware permission to distribute these items as our near-free "S" disks as well. (See CTW Listing Enclosed -- Web version to be posted soon also.) So, it seems there really is a Easter bunny! Thanks DATACAD LLC!

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Architectural CADD - A Resource Guide

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