Trouble Activating Revit 2013

Has anyone ever come across this screen when trying to activate new Autodesk software?

My two radial buttons are in the top left hand corner but I can't do a damn thing about it... Any ideas?  I am hoping your comments will help other readers as well...

Article: Augmented reality sandbox lets you change the course of rivers, won't get you wet

I saw this on Twitter last week or so and I thought it was so cool I had to share...

Augmented reality sandbox lets you change the course of rivers, won't get you wet
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/augmented-reality-sandbox-lets-you-change-the-course-of-rivers/

Revit and Physical Models - Pepakura (Print Your Revit Model)

I remember a Sketch-Up user showing me this software a year or so ago but I never really dove into it.  I could not quite figure out how to connect it with a Revit model.  Well, Zack (with a little help from the new .STL export function on Vasari) figure it out!

Personally, I have found Revit helps immensely in the creation of final physical models for school.  Unfortunately, it usually takes a bit of time but setting up views facing all of the "faces" of your model and printing them to scale can really help build a physical model. Additionally, if your school has a laser cutter then this very well might be a nice introduction to the workflow between Revit and the laser cutter.  Now that the semester is over I should have some more time to mess around with the possible work flows that can arise.

Image Courtest of Buildz...

Click here to check out how Zack PRINTED his Revit model...
Click here to visit the Pepakura Web Site....

Revit Tip - Generic Ceilings and MEP (Revit OpEd)

Great tip from Steve that I, too, have had to troubleshoot in the past...


Dept. of Echo - Don't use the Basic Ceiling

Originally posted here August 2009 and still true with Revit 2013

When an architect uses the Basic Ceiling-Generic type they are creating a situation for the Revit MEP user they may not be aware of.... 

Click here to see the post and the video....

Revit Tip - Visibility / Graphics Override and The Color White

This is more of a complaint than a Revit tip but it may help you when troubleshooting.  Basically, someone working on a Revit model that I manage overrode the floor project lines to be the color white.  Why? I have not idea... Regardless of the reasons we could not figure out why the damn floor wasn't showing in our plan but it was able to be selected.

Well, if Autodesk would make it easier to see the color white as a graphic override then the problem would have been solved much faster. See below:

Notice how difficult it is to see that there is a "white" color override on the Topography category?  I suggest either inverting the cell or simply showing the word "White" in the cell.

So next time you can't figure out why you don't see the outline of an object here is another possible place to look...

Autodesk BIM Workshop Teaser

Cool video that Autodesk put together promoting their BIM Workshop.



Click here to check out the Autodesk BIM Workshop 

Revit Tutorial - Component Based Stairs (Design Reform)

It has been quite a while since Design Reform released a new Revit video but here is a nice one about the new component based stair in Revit 2013.Many moons ago David's videos are what helped me when I was learning Revit.  It is good to see more videos.

Click here to see the video...
Click here to see the numerous video's on Design Reforms website.... 

Stadia Updates - HDR and Real Time Rendering

I have posted about Stadia in the past and continue ongoing emails with the developer, Robert.  Robert let me know that there will be a new release of Stadia pending and it has some major enhancements.  One of the coolest things that separates Stadia from the other Real Time Visualization software for Revit is Robert's strong belief that the visualization should seamlessly integrate with Revit and not require any extra steps.

I cannot tell you all of the improvements as of yet but here are some before and after Stadia Interactive Renderings for your pleasure:

• Test Model on current Stadia Platform.
• Test Model on NEW Future Stadia Platform.

Click here to view Stadia's website and try it today!

Revit Tutorials - Autodesk Revit Essentials

Alan has this uncanny ability to find videos of Revit stuff... These videos may not be in the strangest of places but they may have slipped under the radar.  Good find Alan!

Click here to check out Alan's post and the tutorial videos....

Here is a sample video:

Revit Tip - Top 10 Revit How-To's for Project Managers

Great presentation from the Houston Area Revit User's Group (Thanks to Luke for the find...).

If you are a project manager and are terrified to open Revit but work on multitudes of projects in Revit CLICK HERE...

Personally, I believe knowledge of Revit (or any of the BIM software used on projects you manage) will be a must in the future.... Better yet, it is a must now.  Understanding the software will not only increase your productivity but improve the quality of collaboration and completed project.  Call me a crazy kid if you must but I'm the one saving hours of time utilizing Revit to it's fullest potential...

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD... 

Free Revit Add-In: Auto-Section Box

This is an awesome little freebie I thought I would share.  Thanks to Tim for the find...  It is simple to use and can be very helpful.

COINS Auto-Section Box

---

COINS3/14/2012

The COINS Auto-Section Box tool gives you tremendous speed and agility over managing three-dimensional views when analyzing model areas of particular interest. It allows you to quickly create temporary and permanent views to be used for immediate interrogation of the model or for construction document deliverables. This works by allowing you to focus on the model instead of managing views or a view’s properties.

Download and check it out here....

Autodesk Webcast Series - More Information

From Autodesk:

Autodesk Webcast Series

Attention future engineer, architect, or designer. Autodesk is hosting a series of webinars featuring top engineers, architects, designers, inventors and Autodesk experts to help you learn how classroom concepts can be applied to real-world design through Autodesk solutions. Every week there will be a different topic that is pertinent to your studies. And if you can’t make the live webcast, be sure to check back and listen to the recorded version.

http://autodesk.com/studentwebinar

Check out these recent topics:

Autodesk Revit: Integrated Modeling Helps You Shine

Learn about what you can achieve with the new releases of Autodesk® BIM solutions. In this webcast we will highlight the new features of the 2013 version of Autodesk® Revit® and show how these can improve your design productivity and workflow. Autodesk experts and The Revit Kid will be on hand to offers tips and answer your questions.

Recorded – listen to it now

Tuesday April 17, 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm EST

Creating Compelling Visualizations and Renderings

Learn about the advanced visualization and rendering features in Autodesk® Revit® and Showcase. In this webcast we will explore how to create eye-popping views and visualizations in Revit and transfer your BIM models to Showcase for real-time rendering and to create interactive design presentations. Professor Ming Tang, from University of Cincinnati will highlight how he and his students create amazing renderings. Autodesk experts will be on hand to offers tips and answer your questions.

Register now

Revit Technology Conference - VisDay Giveaway

Heidi emailed me asking if I would let you all know about this great giveaway:

The details:

What is VisDay?

VisDay is the premier forum on advances in computer generated visualisation for the architecture, engineering and construction industries, and is collocated to the renowned RTC event. The powerful line-up of speakers includes Lon Grohs the Vice President of Chaos Group from Bulgaria, SHW group, HKS and VEO from the United States and local talent from Flood Slicer and Atomic 3D.

 

VisDay will be held on Wednesday 23 May at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, NSW, Australia. Further details can be found on the website

 

Blog give away:

We would like to offer your readers a single complimentary general admission ticket to VisDay, in exchange for feedback on attending VisDay. i.e.

 

Tell us in 25 words or less… What aspect of VisDay are you most interested in?

 

Prize includes registration to VisDay 2012 Australasia on Wednesday 23 May at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach. Complimentary scheduled transfers are available from Sydney city and Sydney Domestic Airport. Prize does not include other travel or accommodation.

 

All submissions are required by Monday 30 April, the winning entry will be decided by the VisDay Committee and will be notified on Wednesday 2 May.

 

Please email your submission to secretary@rtcevents.com noting the source blog. Please ensure you check back onto the blog after 2 May to see if you are a winner. Winning comments will be posted on the blog site along with the winners name.

Seems like an awesome deal.  Give it a shot!

MagicPlan Version 2.0 for iPhone and iPad

I saw this floating around Twitter the past day or so and it looks very cool.  I have tested it a bit in my apartment and I think I will give it a shot on a site visit today and let you know here or through Twitter (@TheRevitKid)how it goes.  The App is called MagicPlan and can create floor plans in DXF, JPEG, and PDF formats from simply taking pictures of all the corners and doors of the room... Oh, and definitely watch the video below...

Description

MagicPlan MEASURES your rooms and DRAWS your floor plan just by taking pictures.
You can then get your floor plan in PDF, JPG and DXF format or publish an INTERACTIVE FLOOR PLAN on the web.
With MagicPlan, EVERYONE CAN CREATE A FLOOR PLAN IN FEW MINUTES ONLY.

Version 1 was downloaded by more than 1 MILLION fans.
Apple App of the Week and Top 10 utility in 75 countries.
Average rating is above 4 stars.

MagicPlan is the ideal app for Real Estate Agents, Craftsmen, Adjusters, Firemen, Architects, Home Inspectors, Interior Designers, Small Businesses, Furniture Retailers and many more.

MagicPlan is not another floor plan drawing application.

Get immediate results while walking through your house:
• No need to measure;
• No need to draw;
• No need to move furniture;
• No need for expertise;
• No need to program;
• No need to spend money.

Once you have completed your floor plan, you can receive an email with a JPG, PDF and a DXF or publish an interactive floor plan on the web.

Click here to download the app now!!
Click here to view the developers website with more information...


  

Archi-World Academy - Competition

My friend Jena asked if I would share this with you all.  It looks pretty cool with and awesome prizes!


Internships – They’re Giving Them Away!

Are you an architecture or urban design student looking for an internship at a prestigious firm? Then don’t miss Archi-World® Academy, an international architecture competition focusing on energy-saving solutions. This contest gives participants a chance to compete for a paid internship at 12 well known firms. And through a special Autodesk® Prize, students have a chance to win a trip to Autodesk University in three design categories. To learn more visit the Archi-World website and the special Autodesk Prize page. 


P.S.  The prizes are as follows:

Prizes
Winners of each of the categories above will receive the following Autodesk-donated prizes from Archi-World:

• Full registration to Autodesk University 2013 (3-Day All-Inclusive Pass covers your conference admission, classes and innovation forums, meals, networking socials, and four nights lodging)
• Airfare to Autodesk University (One roundtrip economy class ticket)
  
  
  
  

Revit Tutorials - Revit Structure 2012

Awesome find from Alan...  I am not sure if I ever posted about these but I thought I would re-post.  The Revit Addict YouTube channel has a whole series of Revit Structure 2012 tutorials....

Click here to see Alan's post...

Click here to visit the YouTube channel....

Vasari Talk - Design and Analysis Webinars

The entire Vasari Talk Webinar videos are online and can be found here...

Check them out for yourself!  Some cool stuff.

What do you guys think??

Correction - 75 Is Not Equal to 75 (Revit 360 Cloud)

I jumped the gun and got very excited when I saw "75 Cloud Units" under my Autodesk 360 Cloud Rendering Account.... Well, unfortunately, 75 Cloud Units does not necessarily mean 75 renderings... (Thanks to Jonathan for making me look more into this...)

I used a few of my units this morning testing it out and rendering with the highest settings (Best, 2000x2000, etc...) is equal to 5 units.  I don't want to waste anymore units testing but I assume the lower the quality the fewer the units used.

I think I am going to have to bring back the little image I made back in October:

So... If my math is correct that is only 15 "Best" quality renderings....  What happens when you run out?  No idea.  Autodesk is adding an incredibly valuable tool to their software that people WILL pay for.  Please, Autodesk, LET ME PAY FOR MORE!  I promise when I graduate and begin purchasing the software for my business I will go for the best possible subscription I can!

** Edit **  Thanks to Nick for finding this little gem...  So ANY rendering (regardless of quality) is worht 5 cloud units... Damn..

Article: How Tablets Will Transform Construction

Pretty interesting read...


How Tablets Will Transform Construction
http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/11/tablets-will-transform-construction/

(Sent from Flipboard)

Revit 2013 - Cloud Rendering for Students - 75 Free!

Looks to me like those of us with a Autodesk Student Community account get 75 free cloud units...  No signs as to what you could do when you run out but 75 is a heck of a lot better than 25!

Autodesk Student Webcast - Revit 2013 - Integrated Modeling

The Webcast I was fortunate to be a part of today is already uploaded for your viewing pleasure.  Thanks again to Jena and Glenn for inviting me on!

Watch live streaming video from autodeskstudents at livestream.com

The Revit Kid Project - Istanbul Waterfront (Revit and Prezi)

I took a stab at using Prezi for my last Studio presentation.  I have to say that is is very nice.  Working inside the browser is an interesting way to do things but it worked.  It was not hard to learn and they offer some Student benefits (500mb free storage I believe).  Not to mention when you are finished you can download the presentation as a Flash file and can run it on virtually any computer.  

The workflow ended up being pretty simple:  Sketches, drawings, Revit, Prezi....

Another great feature is the ability to pick and zoom freely (beyond the "paths" you create".  This worked great for discussions with the jury after my presentation.

Check out the presentation here:  http://prezi.com/wglnd5taxv9r/arc-521-istanbul-master-plan/

Webcast is LIVE NOW!

Don't forget to check in....

https://www.facebook.com/Autodeskedcommunity?sk=app_142371818162

Revit 2013 STUDENT DOWNLOADS LIVE!

This is the closest to the actual release I have seen for new versions of Revit.  Awesome!   Beat my prediction by quite a bit! (I would like to think I had something to do with it... but I know I didn't)  Thanks Autodesk!

Head over to the Education Community and Download Now!

Autodesk Facecast - Revit 2013

Don't forget today I will be on the panel of an Autodesk Facecast...  We will discuss all of the new 2013 products and how they can be utilized in school. It is free and should be a good time... Also, you will get a chance to know "The Revit Kid" a bit more.

Click here to register!  Starts at 7:00 PM, EST...