AutoDesk Hints

Mechanical Desktop 4

Problem: How can all parts in the assembly be exchanged later?

Solution: Using the right mouse button select 'Replace' in the Assembly Catalogue and select the definition of the new part in the following dialog box.

Problem: How can a list of the construction variables be inserted into the drawing?

Solution: The variables are displayed in the text window with the command -AVARS and the option P. They can then be copied. It is better to create an Excel table and insert this into the drawing.

Problem: How can you extend the material list in MDT with user-specific material?

Solution: The materials are deposited in a text file which you can open and edit. Since the installation routine of the MDT does not give the file a defined file extension, it can be difficult to simply open the file. We therefore recommend the following procedure:
Start up your text editor (e.g. Notepad).
Open the file MDT\desktop\support\mcad (the mcad file has no file extension). aj -if you just click on it with MS Explorer it tries to open as an MS Office application (Access).
Extend the table at the end of the file with your specific material and material values. Check the file content to see in which units you should enter the material values. Please observe the asterisk before the material.
aj -It is apparent NotePad will put a .txt extension when you save so (apparently again) you have to go in after the save and delete the .txt (better not be another actual mcad.txt or that will get overwritten!).

Mechanical 2000 PowerPack

Problem: When inserting a block, the sequence of the drawings is not followed.

Solution: The problem is solved in Mechanical 2000i.

Problem: When a component is reflected with position numbers, then the position numbers are all written backwards afterwards.

Solution: Enter the command AMSETUPDWG.

Problem: Using a double click you can't change into the model area of the viewing window.

Solution: This function does not exist in Mechanical and MDT because here a double click is always seen as an activation.

For further information send us a message at college@cideon.de.