Reference PointVolume 3, Number 1 Technical Resources for DataCAD iJS Winter, 1993

r

Hardware:Unraveling the mysteryDuring the pastyear, PC hardware developmentshave come at a rapid pace; they have been accom~panied by an increased level of competition be-tween vendors. The rate at which developmentshave occurred is partly a product of natural com-petition and in part driven by pressures on themarketplace induced by the popularity of Mi-crosoft Windows. The result is a proliferation ofnew technology atdramaticallydecreasing prices.However, the pace at which new technologieshave been introc!.uced has made hardware speci~fication decisions more complex for the buyer.

TIle following article provides darification of is-sues surrounding current (and anticipated) hard-ware technology. The intent is to provide to theDataCADusersuffidentinformationforhim/herto make informed purchasing decisions.

Defining the objectives of the purchase is criti-cal to the success of the undertaking. The buyermust detennine the use to which the system willbe put. This question is answered by an examina-tion of the software that is to be installed on thesystem. It is assumed that DataCAD will be aprimary application, but other applications maybe installed as well. What are the demands ofthose applications? What operating system willbe used? MS DOS? DR DOS? OS/2? Will MSWindows be installed? Is Windows NT beingconsidered as a future operating system? Theanswers to these questions define the "shape" ofthe system. It may be that a stand-alone Data-CAD system is sought, with no regard to othercurrent or future software requirements. Alter-nately, the system may be a platform for futureoperating system and software upgrades.

Sourcing a system is one of the first decisionsthat a user must make. The direct channel (mailorder) offers systemsat incredibly low prices, butwith a degree of risk. The buyer must spec asystem, choose a vendor, install and configuresoftware, and proVide his/her own "tech sup-port" for the system (with the aid of telephonesupport from the vendor). Further, the entry ofIBM, Compaq, AST, and other "high end" ven-

rontinued all page J

In this issue:Discussion of hardware topics is presented; sec-tions titled System Architecture and Chip Tricksdiscuss the key elements ofa PC system. Recom-mended Hardware Specifications are presentedfor a basic DataCAD station and a Windows sys-tem. Useof the Matrox Impression1024graphicscard is described as an example of the direction inwhich affordable graphics are moving.

A Problem Documentation Form is proVided. Itmay be used as a means of communicating withCadkey Technical Support staff in the event ofproblems occurring when running DataCAD.

User Input describes a means for displaying 256colors on screen in DataCAD; comment on thisfrom Cadkey Tech Support staff is induded inTernSupport. Guidel inesarepresented for usingthe Hewlett Packard Design Jet plotter. A re-ported problem with using SMARTDRV.EXE, theWindows 3.1 disk cache driver, is discussed.

lltird Party Products providesa listing ofDCALmacros, template & symbol libraries, etc. that arecurrently available for use with DataCAD. 1henew Steelcase Symbol library and the DCALmacro through which it is implemented are de-scribed in some detail.

News of Cadkey's planning process and a newDataCAD price promotion are presented.

CONTENTSProblem Documentation Fonn 2

Hardware:System Architecture 3OtipTricks •Recommendations 5

Userlnput 6

Tech Support 7

Matrox Impression 1024 8

Steelcase Symbol Library •Third Party Products 10

News 12

Problem Documentation Form

of mouse or digitizer are you using!a LOgitech a Mouse~

l&' IhU jmn 10 doturntnt IIprobIcnOO'UrringwlsmrunningDil/llCA.D. Phoforopy it;fill itinllSc:ontpktriyllSpassi~. FAXit IIlld printoutsofAlJlO£XJ!£..IATlI"d CONfIG.sYS to G1dkey T«h-'dealSupport. Tall Supporl willuse lhe hrformillicll 011 this jonnto isolate ,he problem lind II$SiSIill rmifyi"g it.

Tech Support:(203) 298-8888 ext. 8060

Teoch Support FAX:(203) 298-6404

Name:

Company Name:

Phone Number:

FAX Number:

DataCAD Serial Number: _

Maintenance ContraCt #:

Dale:

What Cadkey. Inc. software venion are you runningl[] D:u:lCAD'I4.06 [] DaoCAD v4.o [] DloCAD vUe[] D:aoCAD 128 [] V-'od~ vl.2 [] Od-

Please describe briefly the problem you are experiencing::

Was the software Installed to hard disk from theoriginal dlsuibution diskettes!a Yes a No 0 Don't knowHow many DataCAD stations are yoo runnirlg! _

How many stations are experiencing this problem!__

How frequently does this problem occur! (choose one)o Several times a day 0 Once:l daya Once every few days 0 Once a weeko Once every few weeks a Once a montha Once every few months 0 OtherSince you first started experienc1ng this problem. hasthe frequency of the failure occurrences Increased?

DYes 0 No

Does the faikJre occur during a specifIC function oroper.ation! If yes, describe the operation.

a Yes a No

Do you gel an error message when the failure occursla Yes 0 No

Message: _

Does the failure occur only in a specific drawing fIIe(s)!DYes 0 No

Is DataCAD configured to use a Default Drawing!o Yes 0 No

Is DataCAD confizured using a RAM disk for Virtual Ales!DYes 0 No

Is the failure reproducible! a Yes a No

Can you reproduce the failure in a new drawing file!DYes 0 No

Is the failure intermlttentl 0 Yes 0 No

What is the manufacttJrer brand name and model ofyour computerl _

What processor/clock rate does your computer havelo 386·20MHz 0 386-2SMHz 0 386·))MHzo

amlinued from pgge 1

dors into "low end" pricing competition has putfurther pressure on the market. The intense pricecompetition that is currently beingexperienced inthe marketplace has driven a number of vendorsout of business. Direct channel purchases shouldbe made with an eye to the stability of the vendor.

PurchasingfromdealersorCADconsultantselimi-nates much of this anxiety. Dealer·purchasedunits can be installed on-site as tunlkey systems;software trainingand hardwaresupportcanoftenbe bundled with the initial purchase price. Thebuyer must decide whether the additional cost ofa system purchased through a dealer or consult-ant is sufficiently offset by the level of service thatcan be provided.

In the case of either source for the purchase, anunderstanding of the components of the hard·ware specification is very important. Obviously,when purchasing from the direct channel, thebuyer must be well infonned. Similarly, whennegotiating with a dealer or consultant, the buyershould have a reasonable understanding of thesystem under consideration.

Just as an architect working with a structuralconsultant musthavea rudimentary understand-ingofstructural engineering, the specifierofa newcompu ter should havea working knowledgeofitsbasic components when negotiating its purchase.

System ArchitectureThe current "hot" innovation in PC's is Local Bus.To understand what this is and the role it plays insystem performance, system architechlre must bediscussed.

Figure 1 illustrates the traditional PC bus, as firstintroduced with the IBM AT. In a typical (non-upgradable) 386 SX ISA bus system, the CPUaccesses system memory through a 16 bit bus, thesame as in 286 systems. In OX ISA bus systems,memory access is through a32 bit bus. As the datathroughput of the 32 bit bus is vastly greater thanthat of the 16 bit bus, this alone is reason to avoidallY SX lxlsed system.

In a OX system, data flows between the CPU andperipheral devices (graphics card, hard disk con-troller,etc.)ona 16bit,8MHzbus. ThetraditionalAT bus yields a data throughput rate of less than10 MBps. Faster processorsand moredemandingappHcations (re: Windows) tax this bus design.

An early response to this Iimi tation was the devel-opment of MCA and EISA bus specifications.Both ofthese provided 32 bi t access to peri pherals

CPU&

CacheSystem

Memory

ExpansionBu,

I

I '1doo II D;,k II LAN II "'hoc I/O IFigure 1

TraditiOtml PC/AT Architecture

at (theoretical) speeds of up to 20MHz. EISA andMCAbusdesignshavea theoretical data through-put of30 MBps. Due to the expense of designingand manufacturing graphics cards and disk con·trollers to these specs, neither has met with muchcommercial success.

Last year, systems began to appear featuringLocal Busarchitecture. Theearliestofthesewerebased on motherboardsand graphicscards basedana design byOpti. Thesewerequickly followedby systems based on the VESA (Video ElectronicsStandards Association) Local Bus specification.This is the spec that has been widely adopted bymother board and peripheral device vendors.

The VL bus specification (Figure 2) may beintegrated with rSA, EISA, and MCA designs. Itcalls for a 32 bit bus operating at the CPU's extenmlspeed (up to 33 MHz) behveen the CPU and asmany as three VL bus periphemls (graphics card,

CPU&

Cache

IVL Bus I- System

Controller Memory

ExpansionBu,

IOther I/O I IOther I/O II Other I/O -I

I Video II D;,k II LAN IFigure 2

VL Bus Architecture

R~fmmce pOintl"lDefinition ofTtmns:CPU: Omtnd Processing UnitThe Mbnlin w Ofg PC which per-forms the bulkof the processingwork. Most oftrll referred to byIke last three digits in its full/lQ"~ (286, 386, 486; 486), itsclitss (SX, OX, or OX2) gnd itsspeed rgting, expressed inMegtlhen. An fntd CPU n-jernd to gS g 386DX-J3 is gil80386 CPU, DX class (it gc·cesses memtJry thrOllgh g 32 bitbus), opergting gt 3JMHz.ISA: Industry Stgndgrd Archi-tedure. Origillllllyestgbiishedby IBM with therdeasi:oftheAT, thdSA Slgndllrdestgblishedg 16bit system grchitedunthiltstgndII rdized thenlllt ionshipbe-tUftn the Irey o:nnponenls ofgPC. By ronforming 10 the stgn-dilrd, periphergJ vmdors can de-sign (gnd sell) /Io;lrds thilt ",er-gte in systems rnanujilctured byothers. The gccqltgnce of theISA spec as gn industry stan-dilrd was g key jador in the de-velopment ofthe Mdone" marketgild, hence, the PC industry.

MCA: Micro Chilnnel Archi-tec/ure. IBM-specifiedupgrlldeto tire rSA stgndilrd. The MCAspec provides g 32 bil bus toperipheral devices. r8M rontin-ues lomtlrket MCA systems, bulithas /lot been widely Ildopted byother vendors.ElSA: ExlendedlnduSlryStgn-dardArclritecture. Arompetillg32 bit grchitectun spedfW bygronsortium ofsystem malluftc-turl'fS (led by Compaq). Morewidely gccepted Ihgn MCA,EISA systemsgregvgllablefromg'lumberofventiors. Highper-formance ErSA hard disk con-trollers gre populgr in file serverapplialtWllS, where high levelsojdalg throllghput gre required.

VESA: VidroElectnmicsStgn·dIIrdsAsscciat/on. Thisisgtnldegroup comprised of hgrdWQregnd scjtWQre vendors thgt hasestgblished g series ojlndustry-wide stgndgrd specificgtions.Theirgoal is toproolde mains bywhich prodUdSfrom compdingvendors /lilly work logether.VL Bus: VESA Local Bus.VESA's Jocal Uus specification.PO: PeripheTlll OmlpOllrlltlntercomrect. Intd's proposedPC grchitecture specification.LAN: Locgl ATf!II' Network.MBps: Meggbits per second.A measure ofdgtg throughput.

Wi~l

Figure 3Intel pC! Architecture

["'I Reference PointE.rtmuI1 Proassor Cadle:SI.rling wilh 386 systtt/'lS,motha board dtsignas hatIe in-dlldnl aknt/llp_OldIes(SO'I'I'ltfi1nes rrfr:rml toIlSSRAMoac:hts) 10 improoe lhe perJOr-l1l:I,,", of Ihtir sysltm$. TMseCllCIta lypioJJly .re$iwlal Uk,12&i;.or256kmd.rr~rf fasl (2C/11$) SlalK RsmdomAcass MLmory (SRAM).In/d's 486DX lI1UI DX2CPU'sfmturt!inln1llll9taldtel. Test-ing indiCA/ts tMI system perfor-",anu is tnMnnd by the IIddi-tiono{tl./lt:XttnUllpfOCts5Qf'au:hetOil 486 CPU. System vendorsgenerally prouide the SRAMalchellS astilltdRrdfralure, withupgrr;rlk$/o its siZLoplimull.

GenmlIly, thefrIskT the CPU'sintaM opertltion, the ItIOR itwill bentfitfrom inam$ing thesiuofthe SRAA-f CAW.

As • gtliddine, • 486DX 3Jshould probllbly Mtlr.t 15st.J28t SRAA-f cadle, • 486DXl66 at I4sI 25Q.

CPU (cache

S~tem

Momo'Y

PelBridg.

hard disk controller, and Lan adapter). Thisspedfication is relatively inexpensive to imple-ment, yields impressive gains in data throughput(130 MBps), and has been Widely adopted byhardware vendors. Note that 486DX-SO systemscannot utilize the VL local bus because they oper·ate with a 50MHz data bus; 486DX2-50's can, asthey have a 25MHz data bus.

A second VL bus specification is in the process ofbeing finalized. Systemsbased on this will featurea 64 bit local bus running at the CPU's externalprocessorspeed. Ithasa theoretical data through.putof250 MBps. Thisspecification is intended foruse with Intel's Pentium (586, P5) CPU.

The PCI bus is a competing local bus standard,designed and promoted by Intel. Originally amember of the VESA local bus consortium, Inteldropped out to develop/promote its PCI spec.Systemsbasedon thislorn! busspecificationshouldbegin to appe;u- in the Spring of 1993.

Where the VL bus isan evolution of previous busarchitectures, PO represents a more sophisti-cated redesign of PC architecture. In this design(see Figure3), a Pel controller bridge connects tothe CPU bus and to 10 peripheral devices on a33MHz, 32 bit bus. The PCI bridge is compatiblewith current 32 bit and future 64 bit CPU's (pen-tium), making upgradable (32 bit to 64 bit CPUs)system boards feasible. It is also compatible withmulti-processordesigns, which will besupportedby NT. It has a data throughput of 130MBps.

Which bus is on the right route for DataCADusers? The traditional ATbus provides very goOOperformance in DataCAD with CPU's up to the486DX·33. ElSA bus systems should be consid-ered when caching ESDI or SCSI hard disk con-trollers are desired. VL bus systems with VLgra phicscards(assuming thecard issu pported bya DataCADgraphicsdriver)offera higher level ofperformance at an affordable price. They shouldbe strongly considered by users opting for the486DX2-66 CPU and by users running Windowsapplications. Semnd generation VL busand Pelbus systems will compete in the high-end marketwhen the Pentium CPU becomes available andwhen Microsoft releases NT.

Chip TricksReading through the advertisements in a com-puter magazine, attempting to decipher exactlywhidlCPU is featured inany givensystem,can bean extremely confusing Wldertak.ing. There areliterally hundreds of varieties of 386 and 486CPU's, manufactured by a number of differentvendors, on the market today. What is the differ-ence in performance between the various chips?

386 vs, 486: With one exception, 386 CPU'sshould not be considered in today's market. 386'5require theadditionofa 387 rna th coprocessoranddo not perform as well as a 486 at the same speedrating. Thecostdifferential between comparable386DX and 486DX CPU's is negligible today. Theone exception to this is the AMD DXC/4O, a40MHz CPU that performs at a level roughlyequivalent to the Intel 486DX·33. Onanextremelytight budget, this chip might make sense.

Which 4861 Atthiswriting, theanswerissurpris-ingiy simple. There are really only four486CPU'sthat offer the level ofperfonnance that is requiredby OataCAD (and Windows): Intel's 486DX-33,4860X-5O, 4860X2-5O, and 486DX2-M- Intel's486SX's do not include math coprocessors. The486SL's are low power (3.3 volts) chips intendedfor notebookcomputers. Price/perfonnancecon-siderations eliminate the 486DX-25.

AMD's efforts to bring 486 CPU's to market, tofollow on their successful 386's, have been stalledby legal wrangling with Intel. Cynx's486SLC and486DLC chips are pin compatible with the386SXsocket, access system memory and peripheraldevices through a 16 bit bus, and require mathcoprocessors. Their new Cx486S2/50 is a dockdoubling 25/SOMHz CPU, with no math copro-cessor, that is being marketed as an upgrade to486SX systems.

The Intel 486DX-33 should be considered as thebaseline against which the other CPU's may beevaluated, offering robust performance at an ex-tremely competitive price. A 486DX-SO system,with a 50MHz data bus, is substantially moreexpensive, as it requires a completely new (com·pared to a 33MHz) motherboard design toelimi-nate radio frequency interference problems. In anEISA system, with acaching hard disk controller,this processor can tum in some very impressiveperformancenumbers.Graphicsperlormancewillbe very good, as well, but not up to the level ofaVL busaccelerated card unlessa (very expensive)EISA coprocessed graphics card is installed.

Wi~I.,. 1991

PIIge4

The 486DX2-SO operates extemaJly at 2SMHz,inten'l3JJyat50MHz. The CPU can beinstalJed ina lightly modified 4860X-2S mother 1x>ard andprovidesoveraU performance that isslightlyabovethatofa 4860X·33and substantially below thatofa4860X·50. Since it can be used with the VL bus,a variety or system configurations based on thisCPU are available.

The 486DX2-66 is Intel's other dock doubler,operating internally at 66MHz, externally at33MHz. Since systems utilizing this CPU arebased on 486DX·33's, which are almost commod·ity items at this point, they are generally pricedsignificantly below similarly configured 486DX·50 systems. TIley offer performance that is com-parable to 486DX-50's, sometimes better, some-times not, depending upon hardware configura·tion and the software being run. A VL bus486DX2-66 represents the affordable high end ofthe PC market today.

Intel markets a couple of upgrade options forusers. OverDrivesocketsonsomemotherboardsenable~ to upgrade from 486SX to higherrated 486's (all the way up to the DX2 66) simplyby plugging in a new CPU. They also havereleased OverDriveki ts, containinga new CPU,anew system dock, a chip puller, and instructions.These allow users to upgrade 4860X·2S's to DX2·SO'sand DX·33's to DX2-66's. 8f[oreulufertakinganOverDrive upgrade, users should check wilh theirmother board vendor to assure that the upgrade isSllpported. Also, the DX2's run hot; adequateventilation is a must. CPU fans are available thatcan help to keep the temperature under control.

RecommendationsFrom the above discussion, some coodusionsmay be drawn leading to system recommenda-tions. The following are intended as generalguidelines; they are not intended as absolutes.Depending upon vendor options, the user mayopt for additional features depending upon thetrade offor price and features.Basic: DataCAD Station torun DataCAD as theprimary application and some IX)S utilities insupport or DataCAD, with no concern for Win-dows applications:

0486DX-33MHz8 megabytes RAM200 megabyte hard diskSuper VGA (1024 x 768 non-interlaced)ISA bus15" • 17" monitor

This level ofsystem is available from virtually allvendors; the pricecompetitionat this level isfierceand the user will find extremely good value.

DataCAD + Windows Station: While theabove system will run Windows adequately, us-erswho rely on Windowsapplica tionswill benefi tfrom a moderately upgraded system:

0486DX2-66MHz256k external processor cache12·16 megabytes RAM200 - 350 megabyte hard diskcached EISA or VL bus disk controller2nd generation Windows acceleratorVL or EISA bus17" - 19" monitor

Depending upon vendor and the particular hard·ware options, this systemcan be priced anywherefrom a modern te increase over the fi rst system tothree times its cost.

Future Station: Don't buy a system today basedon a guess about future hardware or software.The DataCAD + Windows system listed abovewill perform adequately with the initial relea.seofNf, according to reports from NT beta testers(though 16 megabytes of RAM would be a goodchoice). When NT and its applications begin toship, hardware will follow that isgeared to it. Justas the popularity of Windows 3.1 has driven thedevelopment of the VL bus and advances ingraphics cards and hard disk drives, NT and itsapplic:ationswill havea major influence upon theshape ofsystems on the market a year from now.

Further, release of the Pentium CPU will drivesystem architecture and peripheral componentdesign in new directions; capabilities of the VLand PO bus specs used in conjunction with thePentium will be explored by hardware vendors.First generation "Pentium upgradable" systemsthat are just now appearing on the market areseiling at premium prices. If the history of PCdesign isanyguide, it will beanother nine monthsto a year before a "standard" design around thischip will have evolved to the point where marketcompetitionhas driven pricingofthese systems toaffordable levels.

A rule of thumb: Avoid the newest and hottest;buy at the 90th percentile of the hardware scale.Proven technology + price competition = value.

JII the next issue, some of the flew VL bllsMifldowsacceleratorgraphics cards will bediscussed, with atl eyeto tile availability of DataCAD drivers.

Inputdnlius:Tim addilional pit«s if lwrd-1UIrt' barr considmIliorr iff lhisaJPItm: t~moust.,.dtlltq..luird. Siner 1M 1I$a~ OffI~ tkuias atl uf1M t~, 1M4Jiciency wil" tvIIidf IIIq _kis importa,,'.1Morigilfll1 ikvdcpm 0f/JIIIlll-CAD ltIrOtl!an intnft'ce tNlta,·asses nIl'7lliS lhl"Ollglllhef1i~tion kqs (FI-FIO and 51-510).The interjilceWOls~1I111ti~whtn Ilrestandard keyboardlIIycrnt plllmi tire ftmclion keyson lire left side of tile keybollrd.Since qllick IICcess to mcrlis re·lies on tire Jlse of tire functionkeys, lising one willi t"is, origi./lII1, IIIyouIgmtIyenJralias effi-oem:y in DIItaCAD.Most new systems are SllppUtdwitll qyluirds!uwing thef1i~lion keys in a rtJWGmJ5S 1Mtop.Aftemwrketkeyboards IIllII hall!1Mfundion keys on 'M left art'lltUilabIe/or1es511l#n $100. Therostof9ldsa" lipgrdeisifllidlyITpIIid in IIstrtfficimcy.

luldilionatly, a nllmber of-kqbotudsp.tllnprograllllfltblekqs, 10 whidl seqlltnctS of if-tnl-lised keyslrokts1lllly~SIItltd'(10 llIlltery-bIIdN RAM on tiltkeyboard). MRnyDlrt4lCAD1I5-tr'S 1IIlve IItilized tllis !nllllre 10Ilcalen1teoperalions.A growing nllm,," of IlseTS ofmolise-dtptndelrt softwarehllvereported thllt t"ey lire SlIffrrillgfrom ttndonilfs in tlleir ~mOllse1IIlnd.· Though Improper M111-ingllnd postllrellTt primuausesof the phnromellOn, 1111 IIwk-wardlydesigned mouse"'" con-tribllte to It.

Ef8O"O"ucol'ydtsigned,rtll5Oll-ably pri«d, J.blltlOff mice lindtrrukblll/s (lVhiell some IIStTSswtrlr by) art available from IIaarittyuftl!1Idors Il5 Olltions.I have/lildgnal S1IUItSS tllillll1tt~TEOMSIKE'r ULnAMy-

luird, IVhidI has f1indion keys(»f IItt left lUld on lhe top. Thekeybt»rd OIn be amfigvrtd 50t1lll, 1M 1eft-sUle keys~ltlIsf1indiorr keysa"" the lop row isused Il5 • set of pmgmnmd1ek

1"-1 R~/~WtC~ PointUSER INPUT

From Chnrles Sawyer, atl interesting discovery (seeTech Support, "ext page, for arespo"se by Cadkey):

Sawyer/Architects69 Canal 51.Boston MA 02114(617)367-5975 FAX, (617)367-5930

As an architect and DataCAD novice, my Data-CAD education has been exclusively directedtoward learning the nuts and bolts required toproduce working drawings. It is ironic then thatthe technique I recently stumbled across has moretodowithanarea I spend notimeinatall,namelydecorating. More specificaUy, screen decoration,or COLORS.

Commonly held assumption: DataCAD lim-its us to the use of 16 colors. Each one may bemodified as desired through ex::tffiC, but the totalnumber of available colors cannot be increased.Weare limited to the display of only 16 colors onthe screen.

Discovery: 256colors are readily availableforuse onmyscreen (486-25, Everex VIeWpoint TC graphics card).

Custom colors vs. DataCAD colors:

Common features: Custom colors perform ex-actly the same as DataCAD colors in most ways.Standardoperationssuch asStretch, Copy, Move,Enlarge, and Rotate work normaUy. Customcolors can be used for text, to make symbols, andbeassigned to layers. Customcolors maybesavedto file for use another day.

Umitations discovered to date:

1. Non-printingcustomcolorscannotberetrievedthwugh SeI5et/Mask/Color.

2. Printable custom colors may be retrievedthrough SelSet/Mask/Color, but only by usingthe associated DataCAD color. For instance, ifyou wish to mask color #142, you would select LtMagenta. #142 will then be masked, butsowill LtMagen13,II46,H78, #110,*174, 11206, and H238. Aninterestingconclusion: A standard is no differentthan a custom one in this respect; a custom colorsuch as #142 is not individually maskable, butneither is a standard DataCAD color!

3. Custom colors cannot be specified for dimen-sion text or dimension arrows.

0IIJrlts Szrvyrr luis

R~func~ Poi"t1"1TECH SUPPORT

Check yo,," baN"!!, sir?lrr uirtwUlYIID PCdtsigru, erin-all sellp injcJrmlltion (CMOS)is stored irr bllltrry-/llld:edmemory. Wkrn 11tr/:taltaylostspawn, lhe syslnrl pHs to boot.Uslllllly, lin f!1TOr ~ge lip-pmrs indiatling Ihllt 1M hIIrddisk atn"", /It r«Of7liud.

Towrr«1lhis, Ihel1lltlrry mllsl/It replll«d lind 1M seup infor·mation mllsl /It rrsd. Mosl sys.lemsdisplllYII mtsSllgelll /IooIupindi(lI/ing how 10 en/rr theCMOS setup: ·press DEl. tom-teT setllp." for ins/anu.Mild! of the inftJmllllion in 1MCMOS sdup is obvious 101MUSeT;~. II nUIIIM ofsd-nngs l'IJIIy not /Jr. HAll) DISKTYI'E is usulllly onr thlll 1Isn5way Juroe IfOlIbIe tkkrminmg.This injonnlllion is IlslllllIypro-TJitlni by the Iwrd disk IPIIIbT on1I11lbd00011l~NmitlUkillidf /Iis not unJurudof, IhullgIl, tom-aJIlnta II UN disk nid! is ri·tlu!r unlil/ldW or insllllktllVil1lIltrlilbrllUddnl byol1ler~nmts.Users art' aduistd, brforta-pt'riou:ing CMOS setup pr0b-lems ~u/ljng from II dead l1IIl-lay. 10 en/er lhe syslrm savrlind ropydownllJl of/ltrselings.Sa~ Ihis dtxunlnr/alion Imd re-fr:r 10 it whetr il berornts nues·sary 10 rep/au Ihe /Jilltery.

HP-CL/2 or 7586FastOnOff

ARCH E or BEST ISO Ao~rnd

SoftwareOffMax X = 1199 mmMax Y ",904 mmCode Rev", 3.0RAM Present", 4MbROM SIMM = none

Cable: 6' Parallel Centronics

DataCAD Configuration Program

Current Plotter: Hewlett Packard HP-CL (large 0 orEsize) plotter or Hewlett Packard HP-CL(Large rollfeed) plotter or HewlettPackard(LaserJetlliversion)

Port: LPTl or corresponding port

DataCAD Plotter Menu

For maximum plotting area, aJSTOM sh:>uld be se-lected in the PLOrTER/PAPER SIZE menu and set 2"greater than the actual size. For U1stance, if the plo.is to be plotted on a36" roll, the Yaxisshould be setto38".This~thehardwaredippinglimilstakeoverand allows plotting wilhin 3/16" of the edge of themedia. ThisincrementshouldbesetinbclththeXandY axes, and works for bclth 24" and 36" rolls.

There is, however, an anomaly with a 3(1" roll.Plotting to a30" roll will produce an image less than24" in the Yaxis; HP does not support the3O" roll atthis time. 30" sheet media may be utilized normally.

Plotter SpecificationMin. Media Size: Yaxis: 21 cm (8.31

X axis: 28 em (111 sheet onlyMax. Media Size: Yaxis: 91.7 em (36.11

Xaxis: 130 em (511 sheet onlyl\riax. Plotting Area: Yaxis: about 5 mm (.21} to edge of sheet

X axis: 17 mm (.67")Resolution: Enhanced Mode: 600 x 600 OPI

Filla1Mode: 300 x 300 OPIDraft Mode: 300 x 3OO0PI

Plotter Control Panel settings: Utilities menuPage Fonnat:

Size:Ratite:Margins:Mirroring:

Plotter Setup:Craphics Lang.:Dry Time:Pen Check;Media Bypass:

Plot Management:Queue: OnNesting: Off

RS-232-C Setup: CentronicsLanguage: EnglishCanfig: Factory

Factory Settings:Baud Rate: 9600Handshake: BothParity: None (0)

Pen Settings;Current Palette:Merge Control:

Statistics (36" roll):

It should be noted that, to explore this, it is neces-sary to use a card/driver combination whidlenablesselection in OataCAO'sCONFIC ror displayof 256 colors. This option must be selected to getthe desired effect.

AJltosave problem with Smartdrv.exeSome users have reported a problem with Data-CAD's AUTOSA.VE function writing .A$V files of 0bytesize. Troubleshooting ind icates that the prob-lem lies with the write-

In DataCAD, the S3 driver is very good. UsingBruce Kaplan's macro RfDRAW.IXX, a test file wasrefreshed 10 times in 31 seconds, compared witha score of42 seconds using a Diamond SpeedStarSuper VGA card and the VESA256.EXE driver. Ve-locity screen performance is on par with theSpeedStar card.

Two limitations exist in the use of this card byDataCAD and Velocity users. First, Velocitycannotbe run in 24 bitcoloras thecard mustbe runwith the S3 driver. As when using a Super VGAcard, 24 bit images generated in Velocity must besenttoTarga file format. UnlikeSuperVGAcards,though, when the Impression 1024 runs a Win·dows paint application in 24 bit color and theTarga file is accessed, it may be displayed andedited in 24 bit color.

Second, in testing the card, it was not possible toget DataCAD to run as a DOS application underWindows. The usual strategy for accomplishingthis is to load the DataCAD driver (CK_911.EXEinthis case) to the High DOS memory area prior toenteringWindowsandtoaccessDataCADthrougha PIF (program Information FUe). No amount oftinkering with PIF settings, DataCADco,'JFlC set·tings, and Windows resolutions would allowDataCAD to run under Windows with the Im-pression 1024.

Technical support personnel at Matrox were veryhelpful in trying to resolve this, making a numberofsuggestions. In the end, itwas determined thatthe problem is caused by methods used by thecard to retain video memory when suspendingWindows and entering a fuJI screen DOSgraphicsapplication. As best performance, with Qllygraph-irs cnrd, in Windows, DataCAD, and Velocity isaccomplished through the useofdiscreetconfigu-rations, and because relx>oting between them isadvised in any case, thisserond limitation shouldbe regarded as minor.

Priced at $695, the Impression 1024 offers to theDataCADjVelocityjWindows user exceptionalvalue. A single card solution, its 24 bit perfor-mance is matched or exceeded only by cardscosting 2 to 3 times more than it.

Two Windows software utilities are indudedwith the board. WinSqueeze is a jPEG-

Once the desired product has been specified byselecting options in these menus, the user isprompted to place the symbol. After a point isselected (left or center mouse button), a promptappears requesting the angle o( rotation at whichthe symbol will be placed (the default value is 0).The symbol is then placed in the drawing.

The symbol graphics are dimensionally accurate20 lines; the symbol insertion points are logical toa typical placement o( the symbols. Users shouldfind that, when used in conjunction with theSteelcase catalogs, complex (urnishings layoutsare quickly assembled.

The TOOL MENU provides to the user direct accesstosevenDataCADeditingcommands:MOV£,COPY,EDIT, ROTATE, MIRROR, I..A.YER, ERASE, and SET PATH. Italso provides nine editing corrunands of its own:SYM INFO,COPYn'\'JO, PUTTAC, USERSYM, TAGVl5, PLACE

CP, SYM NAME., STt...ENO,and lASTSYM. These providetools (or manipulating the symbols and their (re-portable) attributes.

The REPORT command is used to create a sum-mary report (takeoff) of the placed symbols. Thereport consists of quantity, tag, description, stylenumber, and stylequalifier. The user may specifythat the report be sent to screen, printer, or file.

The RElEASE SlF command generatesa report filein .fSfformat(FumitureSymbol LibraryStandardInterchange Format). The .PSFfilecanbe importedby anySteelcase-approved specification softwarepackage to generate a complete furniture speci6-cation.

The documentation that accompanies this prod-uct is thorough and dearly written. The macro issimple to use, as it follows standard conventions(or the construction o( DataCAO menus and isbased on the logical structure of the Steelcaseproouct lines.

This macroand its accompanyingsymbol library,provides a comprehensive, e£fident, and easy touse tool (oruti!izingSteelcase products. For userswho specify Steelcase with any regularity, it willprove to be a source ofefficiency and. accuracy inevery day practice.

The macro is simple to operate. STCPSLappearsasa menu option under MACRC6and is selected. Theinitial menu lists, at the top, the installed productlinesand, at thebottom, three itcommand" menus:TOOLMNU, REPORT, ANDRELSlF. Theuser first selectsthe desired product line; products and availableoptionsare presented in subsequent menus, whidlbecomeavailable depending upon the previouslyselected options. As the user moves through thisseries of menus, three options appear at the bot-

Intellicon, Inc. has recently released a comprehen-sive library of Steelcase furnishings in DataCADsymbol formal. TIle symools are placed in adrawing through the use of a DCAL macro,STCFSL.OCX. The proouct ships on 'l;lIe 3 Y.t dis-kettes, withfilesina compressed(.zIP)formal Theinstallation programallowstheuser tospecify thedrivesand directories to which themacroand thesymbols are installed. It also allows for a partialinstallation of the symbols; the user may selectwhich product line(s) to install.

This last point is important as a fuJI installationrequires 28 megabytes of hard disk 51N1ce to storeapproximately 5,6(X) symbols, installed to 175directories. No template files are induded, themacro accesses the symbols directly. InstallationofthesymboIs toadifferent logical drivetasecondhard disk, partition, or removable media) fromthat on which DataCAD is installed is supported.

The install routine creates a directory, \FSL, towhich three files are installed: SYMBOLIDX,SYMBOLSlZ, and SYMIlOLXIF; these files provide tothe macro an index to the installed symbols.Under the \FSL directory \OCAD is created. To it,20 (in a full installation) .DAT files are installedwhich provide further information to the macrofordisplayof product line information. Below the\DCAD directory, two levels of subdirectories arecreated, the lower o( which contain the actualsymbol (..5M3) fUes. Finally, the OCAL macro,STCPSLDCX, is instaUed to the user-specified direc-tory for DataCAD macros: \MI'EC\ocx, typically.

The Steelcase product lines induded are: Series9(XX), Avenir, Desks, Elective Elements, General/8800 Computer Furniture, Context, Vertical Files(730 and 752 Series), Lateral Files, Paladin, andDeart:xJm.

Steelcase Furniture LibraryIntellicon Inrorporated tom of the menu bar: 1lX>L M1>o'U, whidt jumps8933 Western Way, Suite 17 directly to the TOOL menu, PREVKXJS, which movesJacksonville, FL 32256 back one menu level, and (PRooucr), which dis·(904) 363·2223 plays the product linename that was chosen from

the initial menu and, ifselected, returns the user tothe main menu.

Wialn,I"JPagr9

l"IR~t~r~"Cf! Poi"t

BlockerDC SprintTouchUp

Corporate Network SY$temsP.O. Box 965

30A Rte I Suite IYarmouth, ME 01096

(207) 816-0n2Bill D'Amico

Blocker performs space diagrammillg and reporting in-side DataCAD, functioning as a schematic space plan~ning tool. Diagrammatic sketches are converted to wallsto form the basis offloor plan drawings. DC Sprint is aset ofnine DataCAD utilities that etlhance editing opera-tions within drawingfiles midfacilitate transfer ofinfor-mation between files. TouchUp, a 3D hate/ling tool, wasdescribed in the Summer, 1992 issue of Reference Point.

Command PerformanceHatch ManagerLayer Manager

Design/Program AssociatesRoute I. Box II ...·C

Afton, VA 22920(703) 156·8686John Fornaro

Command Perfonnance is a set of 11 utilities thatprovide etlilallcements to DataCAD operations. HatchManager provides to tile IIser file ability to define andmanipulatehatch patternsfrom within DataCAD. LayerManager facilitates tile process of saving and IOQdinglayer files.

cadKEYNOTE v. 3.01Integrated System$

P.O. Box 19635Raleigh, NC 27619

(919) 781·1300FAX: (919) 781·5006

David Ward Jone$cadKEYNOTEplaces and updates keynotes adjacent to agraphic; it searches/sorts keynotes to au tOTTM tica/fy createa legend. It can automatically search aMaster-Specifica-tions Library and capy sections to adirectory for editing.

The DCAD·Render InterfaceDavid Pendery

11 Tremont StreetCambridge. MA 021 39

(617) 661-2515Th~ DeAD-Rmder Interface is a DCAL macro pro-gram that runs in DataCAD and produces photorealisticrenderings with Pixar's RUlderMan. Current featuresinclude smooth, unfaceted shading for all types of 3Dsurfaces, multiple positiorlable light sources with shad-ows, and library ofshiJdersfor arcJlitectu ral materialsandcustom texture maps. Package includes DOS RenderMall.

Templates and Symbol Libraries

Cases TemplatesArchitectural CAD of Colorado

7170 W. 8th PlaceDenver, CO 80215

(303) 237.7812FAX: (303) 233-7106

William L Coppock. AlA3D symbols for cabinets, appliances, plumbing fixtures,and accessories. 444 symbols for creating layouts forkitchetls, bathrooms, and otller architectural uses.

Architect's Toolkit-3D InteriorsArchitect's Toolkit-Interior Planning

Architect's Toolkit·2D SiteBeacon Design Synems

Box7116Paducah, KY 12002·7116

(800) 788-7136FAX: (502) 112-5130

Gary Gresham3D Interiors provides simple and complex residentialand office furnishings; 254 symbols. Interior Planningcontains 447 symbols of residential and office fUrIlisll-ings, individually and grouped. It also ineludes typicalkitchen layouts. 2D Site provides platl alld elevatiOlIsymbols for trees and shrubs, bellclles, lamps, and autos;291 symbols. Elevation symbols illdude "maskillg"entities to facilitate hidden line removal.

Third Party Products 1L....-_.....:D;.;:CA;:..:L::...:M..:::ac=..:ro::.s__The follOWing lists currently available third partyproducts for DataCAD. It includes fonts, DCALmacros, symbol/template libraries, and publica-tions. Products sold through Cheapware are notincluded; a Cheapware flyer is enclosed with thisissue. This listing is, in all likelihood, incomplete;the editor apologizeS in advance for any omis-sions. Correctionsand additions to thislistwill bepublished in future issues of Refere1lce Poinfasnewinformation becomes available.

Organic CADDNeo Graphix

Rt. 660. P.O. Box 317Earty$ville. VA 22936

(801) 973·0580FAX: (804) 296·8720

Fred Oe$ChRendering alld construction document libraries for usefrom scllematic desigll througl1 workillg drawings. Mod-ules include: Sampler, Interior, Exterior, Ltmtlscape,People, 3D Fill Patterns, Plan, Elevation, Section, Se/led-ules, & Sports Fields. 3D clip art and fill patternsdescribed in the Summer, 1992 issue ofReference Point.

Note:A new edition of the Cadkt·yApplicatiOtl~ Guide, lislingDlltaCAD Ihird-party produdSis awuable.Contad OllhySmuhalOiI. 7237for fur/her inj:mnalum.

Wi~ltT. 1993

Page 10

Reference pOintlSlL ..:D:..:CA::..::L:..:M=.c::.r:::os:.... 1 IL_:..:Fo::;n:.:ts:...._

PIot40DHW40

Hitch & Associates.3309 Childers St.

Raleigh, NC 27612(919) 782.-4373

John HitchPlot40 is a DCAL macro that facilitates layout and pre·viewing of multiple scale plotting from within a singleDataCAD drawing file. DH40 is a DCAL macro tltDtprovides parametric tools for drawillg (in 20 elevationdrawings) Ctlsement and douvle hung willdows.

QBIDS Professional EstimatorDemarest Architects

110 Hiller DriveOakland, CA 9~618

(S I0) 6+4-1206DCAL macro that links to estimating and dt2tafJase man-agement wftware. This software is CIlTTently unavailaf11e;it is in the proass oJflring rewritten: inquiries wdcome.

Roof Builder 2.5BldWail

People Software2746 Barrett Pan RoadPollock Pines. CA 95726

(916) 6+4-88~ IFAX:. (916) 6+4-8730

Eric ZetterbergRoofHui/lln is a 3D roof modding macro, facilitatingtlu construction of complex and simple roof forms.BldWllll is a 3D walt macro I1lJlt integrates with RoofBuilder 2.5. Walls enlered ill 2D are created as 3D slavsand trim automatically to thtir corresponding roofs.

RooferRiver City Software. Inc.9570 Regency Sq. BNd.

Suite J2SJacksonville. Fl 32225.8100

(90~) 721-82'46FAX:. (901) 727.9182

David Deal. Scott McPhersonA parametric 3D modeling macrofor the construction ofroof models ill DataCAD, Rooln constructs stamwrdrooftypes alld i"dudes tools for customizing them. Para-metric tools for tilt! constructio" ofdormers arefeatured.

Set PensKaplan & Associates, Architects

7003 Ballast Ct.Burke. VA 22015-4"101

(202) 267.9596This macroallows the user to save, load, £:I edit Pen TableFiles, external files holding colorlpen assignment infor-mationforup to 99 pens. TheuseTmaycreate multipleptnassignment configurations suitable to a Dariety oftasks.

Set_TextSet_lineSets. ltd.

11"1 Convnonwealth Ave.Boston. MA 021 ,~

(617) 267-6980Rick Gleason

Crtate, SIlve, and edit predefined seW/lgs for Text andUntfype parameters. When intJOked, the DataCAD stf-tingsarecJumged relative to thecurrml plotscale. ~,-Li1Uindudes a MultiLine function which allows predefinedgroupings oflines to be drawn together.

An::draft AmericaIS60 Twin lakes OrdeTatlahusee. Fl 32301

(800) +47-4165Tm Hammet

Customfontsfor DataCADmath to order.

Symbol Graphics, Inc.10~7 West 6th StreetCorona, CA 91720

(71~) 735.1622DataCADfOllls.

DOS Utility

AutoTPLHitch & Associates3309 Childers St.

Raleigh. NC 27612(919) 782.-4373

John HitchA DOS program tltDt tn-avles management ofDala-CAD symbol £:I templalefiles on hard and floppydisks.

L... .....;P:.;u:.:b::;li.:::ca:;tJ:.:·o::.n::s 1 1_....;.R:.:e;:;.I:.:ti:;;m:;;e:.-_Beginning DataCADDr. leonard Nassman

Microcomputer Education Systems. Inc.~900 Blazer ParkwayDublin.OH "13017

(61 "I) 793·3069FAX:. (61~) 766·360S

An introductory, praject-lJased DataCAD tutorial. It isacmmpanied by a set of tm Didto tapn tltDt illustratesp«ific operations in DataCAD (ll1)Qilaf11e indroiduallyoraslJset). Reviewed 001. 2, no. 1.

Che.apTrkksShu Associates10 Thacher St.

Bonon. MA. 02113(617) 367·9622 (voIce and FAX)

A monthly newsletterfor DataCAD architects. Regularfeatures include "Cheap Trick of the Month," "Comput-erese," and "DataCAD Tutor."

DataCAD for the Architect, 2nd ed.Carol Buehrens

TAB BooksBlue Ridge Summit. PA 1729-4-0850

ComprehtnSi~ source bock on DataCAD usage in a"leswn and exercise"formJlt. It includes an OperationsGuide covering adwnced topics and menu operatir»l5.Reviewed vol. 1, no. 2.

Wlndowln on DataCAD.Back issues. avaibble lTom:

Philip Han9 High St.

B",mswick, ME o~o II(207) 729-0907

A DataCAD newsletter, pu1Jlished monllrly, 1987-1991.Every DataCADcommand explored in deptll. Back issuesavailable individually, by volume, or as complete sets.

RealtimeStereocad, Inc.

6SS S. fair Oaks Ave.Sunnyvale. CA 90"!86

(-408) 21S-5201R~41tirtU,anaffiwdtlble Vir·tual Reality produd, per-forms real-time "walk-throughs" oj arclrUtcturalmodels IJt multiple frflmtsper ucond. It is a stand-alone program that prooidtsinstant animation, sophisti-Ctlltd lighting and shadow-ing, ami interactive controlof "camera" functions.Transfer 10 Realtimeofmod-tis created in DataCAD isacromplished through DXFtranslatiOt!.

W;~I.., U9Jpgge 11

Editorial Commu"IQtio,,:

Editorial ReviewCommittH:

Rqnm€e Poi"'is published qu.;uteriy by:

Addnss Cmnction:Ovu/olk AI'elI DalaCAD!lsn's GroupEtrt~ BlisiMSS Syst~ Group43(}J.(lStllar' Andrew BIfid.C1lIIrlotte, NC 28217({mlad: DIIIl PisaIlO(704) S23-776O

Nt:W Phone Number.

Philip Hart mIly now bertll r:htd a';(207j 729-()9(J7

CONTACT

CadkoY' (203) 29U88lllou Bodn;ar. ext. 6425

NEIC MRrkningMark Hyjek: ext. 8060

Tm.niaI1SlIpporl

day Rogers: ext. 8060Qulllily..tssu",1IU

FI'Mlk Simpson: exl6443Mtlrkding PIIbliol.kms

Mark White: ext. 6455AIEIC Prodllct MRllAgemmt

Tech Support FAX:(203) 298-6404

Cadkey Bulletin Board:(203)298-MOS

(8 /tits, Iloparity, 1 slop bit)

Wi"l", U9j

Page J2

News from CadkeyAt this writing (early January, 1993) Cadkey, Inc.is in the 6nal stages of a "top-to-bottom" re-evaluation of the company. This process wasinitiated in early October in conjunction with theappointments of Malcolm Davies, as Presidentand CE.O., and George Jt' (203) IN-44Ot

Lou 1lodnMClay R..........EricS~th

M",kWhite

Philip Hart9 High StreetBrunswick, ME 04011(207) n9.0907

ClCopyrlght 1993, byCadkey, Inc. AU right. """",til,

Cadkey and CompuServeAsanaddedservice to end users,Cadkey,lnc.hasa section. in the Compuserve1M CADD/CAM/CAE Vendor Forum. To reach it, type: 00 CADKlYat the ! prompt in CompuServe.

As yet, not everyone at Cadkey who wiU beinvolved with CompuServe has received her/hisUser J.D. and modem. Lou Bcxinar, Clay Rogers,MarkHyjek,andFrankSimpson(UserI.D.:72640,3560) will be on-line soon.

Mark White can be contacted on CompuServe atUser 1.0.: 72640, 3570. Malcolm Davies can becontacted on CompuServe at User 1.0.: 73417,2373. Both are active now.

We look forward to providing a complete listingin the next issue of Referntee Point.

DataCAD at NAHBCadkey wiU be presenting DataCAD at the Na-tional Association of Home Builders' show, Feb-ruary 19 to 22, at the Las Vegas ConventionCenter, las Vegas, Nevada.

New Users Group:Natal DataCAD User GroupRaeTech, NatalFirst AoorNBS Building82 Brand RoadBerea, NatalRepublic of South Africacontact Quinton van Loggarenbergtel, 27-31-216955fID" 27-31-217092

DISCLAIMERS

Dott.CAD, Velocity, and DCAL IIrt nxiSttrtd Inldtmarb ofCAdkty, 11U:. MS OOSlInd Window. a~ rtgisttmi tl'lldnrNrks ofMiaosoJI Corpotvlicm. All aiM bnl1ld~ lltul prodlld 1lA_IIsed in litis pllbliollicm II~ .nuItmilrks, rtgisltml t",~rb, tXI",k 1IIImtS of IhtU rtSp«1ioe IddtTs. Rsrlhtr tNfI! pUlu It Irdt-_'* symbol III lite O«lIrttrI«ofevery tnuInrItlrlctJ _,Qdkeystll1rs t1lll. it is1I9"g the_onlyi1111" ftJilorillljiuhionlttld tollttbtrttjit oftlttt~,*owner, with rIO iIIkntiorr ofirifrillgmttlll ofthttnl~rk.

Discvssion ill Refererlce Point ofprodlidS """lIftdllrtd by MI-dors aliter t1lll1l Qdkty, Illc. is editorial ill 1IIItll~ lind dots notCOPIStitlilellll mdorstmml ofthtm by Csulhy, lllc.Btaillst Refere"ce Point is dislributed illttnlQliowll/y alld hard-TWrt lind svJlll.lllre pricillg p"'dkts art subject 10 /00:11 marketamsidmllions altd lJlXlltion strudllre>, disclissUm ofprodllct pric-illg isgtrterallyaroided illlhesepages. Where pricesareqlloted, theyI'qlrestIlt those;'1 eJftct ill the U.S. at Ihe lime ojplibliCilliolt.

""WINTER