Expert: Bob - 3/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: Bob,

I am an architect and have been using Autocad for approximately 10 years.  I have been working out of my home for the past 5 years with Autocad lt version 14.  I am currently having alot of problems getting my drawings plotted.  Autocad lt14 works really well for me but I have encountered so many problems with plotting that I think its time to upgrade to something else.  I am looking for something less than $1000.00.  Most of my work is nonprofit and I do not get paid.  I do not really need anything with 3-D capabilities.  What would you suggest.  Thanks!!  Kristine
ANSWER: Hi
Just to be clear, there was no LT14, unless someone gave you a copied disc he wrote that on it. The release was LT98, which kind of give you an idea how up to date it is, lol.
If you are not using 3D (and not xrefs, if on  newer release), the fact it is LT does not matter.
Many thousands of people are using that old tool, and plotting is fine, so I am thinking that you might mean plot set-up is your problem.  I believe 14 did not have layouts, but that people placed their title block in model space.  with 2000 on, you draw once, and create actual size  pages that have viewports showing a scaled view of your drawing, or parts of it.
If you mean by "plotting trouble" that you can no longer take your drawing to  your reprographer  and have them plot it right -- you ALWAYS should have been plotting to a file and giving them that, not havign them create the plot from AutoCAD.  See any book on R14 for instructions.
(again, totally no reason you cant plot from ANY AutoCAD release that is properly installed, except some lack of your own understanding or actions -- write back with particulars if you need to, please.)
If you want to learn new, faster ways, have the viewports, and so on, just wait a little while (it should be out by Easter or so) and buy LT 2008 for somewhat under $1000, or look for a legitimate, non-registered copy of another release for a bit less. (if your computer is really old, probably dont go to 2008 -- but, then, a fabulous new computer for 2D drawings and all personal use is another 1000, not more.)
Even though you are not getting paid -- you are still living, and deserve up to date tools. You dont give your age, but if you have kids and intend to go back into the workforce, learn new stuff and dont stay in the early history of the computer drafting era.)
Here is 30 free days of 2008 -- but you are going to need a book to unlearn most of your old habits and grasp the interface properly. http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=8446882

GOOD LUCK!

BOB

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

QUESTION: Bob,

Apparently I am using Autocad Lt97.  When I write a plot file and send it to my local printing people the lineweight are completely unreadable.  They have tried to modify my plot files but were still unable to get the correct lineweights.  In the pass I took my files to a friend who had a newer autocad release and they modified the lineweights for me and I had no problems.  This source is unavailable now.  Because of all the new computer language I am at a loss.  I do work with viewports and x-ref files and the Autocad Lt97 let me do all those things.

Answer
OK -- you know that you are doing something wrong if your files need modifying like that.  One would hope the friend who used to fix them told you what you were doing wrong. (Plot style???)  Asking the guy at the shop to do is (pardon me) not his job.
Least expensive alternative is a good book that  covers plotting in LT97 (which I used in school).
My thought is that if your drawings are that far off, you need some learning -- you decide if you want to learn how to use what you have better, or go for a big step.
For me -- if you plan to work for money again, move up. If it is sort of  a free retirement thing, get the book.
And you need to take a good look at your communication, because this effects how you can learn and get tips from others -- is "unreadable" too light, too dark, or ????  I could have given you a better reply in one shot than these 2 put together if you had been more precise in what you wrote.
Specifics are cool.

Good luck.

BOB