Expert: Bill DeShawn - 2/23/2010

Question
QUESTION: Is there a way to create lines or plines that will automatically break where they cross each other if they are at different elevations. By breaking I mean visually show a break only (halo?). We use Autocad MEP in our office but would like to use/create something simpler in certain cases. How is this done in MEP when you draw 3d ductwork or piping even in single line/schematic mode?

ANSWER: Raudel:
There is not.  However, there is a quick way to make a rectangular or "circular" wipeout.  Run the routine and select the object that you want on top (not broken) and then it hides the objects underneath leaving only the one or more objects you select to be completely visible over the wipeout.  I have written a couple of routines that can do this, But I need to know how you use wipeouts now before I send them to you.  Do you use wipeouts with frames on or with frames off, or do you even use them at all?  What version of MEP are you using?

Let me know quickly so I can get started quickly.

Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am familiar with wipeouts and use them frequently.
We do mostly 2d MEP designs and it would save so much time if ducts, pipes, equipment etc. that are below other entities would just show as hidden or show a break so we don't have to manually break them and change them to a hidden linetype. It's really a pain when the layout is done and something changes and then we have to move/redo all the breaks manually.
3d MEP is just not ready for standard production and our management/users are too resistant to using 3d unless the client absolutely requires it.
Just trying to save time and aggravation.
Thanks for your time...

ANSWER: Thanks for the follow-up  So, frames on or frames off?  Assuming you are using color-dependent plotting, then if you use frames on, then we can choose a color that screens to 0% or assign a color to screen at 0% and then color that wipeout with that color.  That way, the wipeout will be visible on screen but will appear to not plot.  That way you're not going to get fooled by a wipeout that you can't see but for some odd reason, your plotter skips over something that should have plotted.  But if frames off works for you, that's fine.  Just tell me which way you prefer, cause you can't have both in the same drawing and your policy has to be consistent.

Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Neither, I can do the wipeouts myself.
Thanks

Answer
You're welcome.
What I had in mind for you are two routines that I have already written that I could modify for your needs.  A rectangular wipeout routine in which you pick the object(s) you want to mask and pick two points for the rectangle and your done.  Also a circular wipeout routine in which you select object(s) to be masked and enter or pick a diameter and a center point.  If you are interested, let me know and I'll make them available to you.

With the wipeouts you make via the WIPEOUT command you have more clicking.  And then you have to change the draworder of the objects you want to mask.  That's all automatic in my routines.

Keep in touch

Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn