Expert: Bob - 10/26/2007

Question
Hello, I am an Electrical Engineer. I work for a company that builds medium voltage switchgear for many different types of customers. We use Autocad to design the cabinets that encloses the live parts. We also use it to design/draw the BUS to connect the incoming from the utility to current transformers, potential transformers (PTs and CTs are usually used for metering by the utility) and to the transformer at the load end. Basically once everything is designed there is a lot of copying and pasting in autocad. Is there a way to create a button that will allow me to paste a predrawn part into my drawing? To get a little more specific, the BUS is cut into many different pieces and there are standard hole patterns used to connect the individual pieces. Can I make a button so that when I click on it a certain hole can be pasted into the drawing as needed? I'm trying to avoid having to copy and move holes that are already on the drawing. Any help on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time,

Mike

Answer
Hi --
If you will write back giving the RELEASE of AutoCAD you have, I can help you. The rest of your info was complete, but that is essential.
Basically, the button thing is ancient -- the things you ask are much better in tool palettes.  If you are stuck on using LISP to put commands into buttons, I am not going to be your guy, sorry.  I forgot all that when AutoCAD 2004 came out, and I found a better, quicker way.
(and of course you would not be pasting a part, but inserting a block -- with tool palettes or LISP done right, you always insert on the proper layer)
Probably you should be on AutoCAD MEP or some such anyhow, since they automate the wiring.
I will have more time over the weekend.

BOB