Several questions regarding AutoSPRINK VR have been posed from prospective users and various other sources. The following document addresses many of the inquiries and concerns we have received.

Does the system import an entire DWG file in, or do you have to open both files and transfer/import the DWG layers to the new file format?

Data from AutoCAD DWG and DXF files (DWG) can be dealt with in the AutoSPRINK  VR drawing format (MDR) in several ways. 

If it’s necessary to work on all of the individual elements of the DWG drawing, it can be completely imported into the AutoSPRINK VR drawing. When a DWG is imported, the DWG layers become layers in our MDR file, blocks become symbols (different terminology, same concept), and all of the individual elements become MDR elements. 

If it is not necessary to work on any of the layers in the DWG file, it can be opened as a background only to the current AutoSPRINK VR drawing MDR file. The DWG remains unmodified from its original form and is displayed using integrated Autodesk display software. The elements in the DWG background can be “snapped to” for reference to create a drawing or use an automated design wizard over the background, but otherwise cannot be edited. A drawing created in this manner can be plotted at any time showing both files as though they were one and can be fused into one file for electronic media transfer utilizing our merge with background command. Layer visibility can be individually controlled in the background DWG using the same Layers dialog that is used to control the MDR layers. Clicking on an element in the background drawing displays which DWG layer contains the selection (on the status bar). From our Layers dialog, individual DWG layers or groups of layers can be selected and imported into the MDR drawing. This allows you to only import the layer or layers you desire and offers the added convenience of not having to clean up or deal with numerous redundant ones. Once imported, these layers can be activated to work with our wizards and create complete 3D system designs with little or no additional manual drawing required. Simply create exact roof planes to walls or 3D columns overlaid on the 2D drawing at Ø elevation. The system will space to beams and joist at the Ø elevation and even place hangers at their intersection in space predefined length or “cut” them to the roof planes. 

How does it handle DWG files that have XREF’s? Do the DWG’s have to be bound first, or if you have the XREF’s unbound, will it open them also and allow you to bring layer information over?

Pipes don’t have to be sized as you draw, but they will automatically have a default size. Each pipe must have some size, as it is a property of a pipe. Changing pipe sizes, materials, end-preps, fittings vs. outlets preferences, and other properties of pipes can easily be changed after the fact. This can be accomplished individually or globally or be automatically changed by using our clean up command or pipe optimizing tool. This allows the designer to fine tune his design by system categories, i.e., branchlines, riser nipples, cross mains, etc. to optimize his hydraulic calculations the system will then automatically revise the drawing to the new pipe sizes or pipe types.

Do all pipes have to be put in with a “Z” dimension – as in an elevation of each end of the pipe? Same thing with hangers?

It is not necessary to enter any elevations. All pipes have a Z-dimension as part of their property. It is a true Z-dimension, not an artificial property. When two pipes meet they automatically snap together end-to-end, their ends are at the same Z-elevation; no other input is required. Changing elevations is also very simple. Hangers are also placed and “cut” to roof planes automatically including exact take-outs from our database.

Can the calc. program interface with the drawing so that it changes all pipe sizing on the drawing to match the calc.? How about the rest of the drawing – does it have the ability to size the rest of the drawing typical to the remote area?

The system optimizer tool enables the user to adjust pipe sizes and types and watch the affect on the hydraulics “live” as the changes are made. Changes are applied throughout the system, not just to pipes within the remote area. System dividing areas can also be placed to change pipe sizes within a defined area only. Hydraulic analysis tools show calculated effects of individual changes to the drawing as they are made.

Does the program export to the Auto Lister program automatically? Does it have an area on the drawing for “Extra Materials” that the lister program will pick up and add to the list?

AutoSPRINK VR now features integrated Stock Listing & reporting. Systems can also be broken down into any number of separate list areas within the same system. Extra materials can be added to the drawing in a number of ways. Extra parts can simply be drawn in the drawing and automatically listed with the rest of the system. Extra materials can be added to individual parts in the drawing through their properties pages as trim. You may have any number of trim packages that will automatically add default trim to any item in the drawing. Extra materials that are required by certain parts, such as, gaskets and other basic trim, are then automatically applied to parts that need. Items can also be manually input by adding them to the listing reports.

Do you have the option of just drawing in 2D? Is it an actual option you can “click on”, or do you just bypass a number of steps?

Yes. You can draw in 2D, but you’ll find that AutoSPRINK VR very naturally draws in 3D and makes it incredibly simple for the user. Once the designer sees how easily drawing in 3D can be, and the degree of accuracy obtained, he will soon realize how obsolete existing 2D approaches to the problem have become.

Is it set up to handle plotting over a network port?

Plotting/printing is handled entirely through the Windows operating system functions and drivers. If you have an output device properly configured in Windows, then AutoSPRINK VR will work with it, regardless of whether the device lies across a network. All day-to-day printing in our development environment and construction company is done over a network.

Can you build custom title blocks that have prompts for filling in all information, such as, job name, address, contractor, designer, etc.?

Plot sheet title blocks can be created that have fields that are automatically updated with the data you’ve mentioned. These fields can be automatically updated with data collected from the drawing; the user is not obtrusively prompted for the information. Fields allow generic title blocks to be created that can be used with any drawing. Plotting area can be depicted in the actual drawing showing available boundary areas to be plotted, and drawing placement within the custom plot sheet can be edited while in the drawing.

How accurately does it cut pipe and can it round off to the nearest ½", etc?

AutoSPRINK VR places real word simulated fittings exactly to scale by default. Pipe, valves, couplings and fitting sizes can be changed but take-outs will still be derived directly from the fittings exact take-outs in the database. Rounding can be set at intervals and “carry-overs” can be added as round as you go and deducted or added to the next pipe, etc., or options allow for all “carry-overs” to be deducted from starter pieces on tree systems or at the primary or secondary ends of branchlines or split between them or grided systems to keep typical branchline pipes typical.

Why is the AutoSPRINK VR interface so different from the AutoCAD interface?

AutoSPRINK VR was designed from the ground up much more recently that the development of AutoCAD. We conscientiously developed our software to conform closely to the current Microsoft user interface guidelines, giving it a natural “Windows” feel. As such, it has benefited from modern design methods and tools that were not available to developers in the past. As we designed our new CAD system, we chose to make it better than any CAD system we had ever developed (four so far), rather than make a carbon copy of AutoCAD or other CAD systems. The result has been an extremely easy-to-use CAD system that is so Windows-centric that many users familiar with Windows programs find that they already know how to use most of it.

Are we going to be faced with a complete 3D environment from the A&E drawings in the future (Walls, ceilings, mechanical, electrical, etc.)? Will AutoSPRINK’s AutoCAD object based system do all these wonderful things?

Much sooner than you may think, and if they had it four years ago we may not have had to develop our own engine, but initially, it had no hope of performing most of AutoSPRINK VR’s state of the art functionality when we began development. Now that Autodesk is using object-oriented programming, it will allow for the internal intelligence needed to enable our system to work directly with and recognize their walls, ceilings, lights, and diffusers. We are now working closely with Autodesk as part of their ADN developer network. We are providing required programming information to allow them to create recognizable “hooks” within their objects to allow our system to recognize specific elements and react accordingly. We will also be working with other ADN developers in other building trades to coordinate this technology to allow 3D error conflict recognition and resolution prior to construction. This technology will allow for much greater auto design capabilities for future AutoSPRINK releases.

What initial (fittings, pipe, etc.) input is required by the purchaser as far as data base entry?

None! We feel our generic database has all the essentials required for all domestic and foreign projects. Differing take outs can easily be edited in all property boxes and immediately updated in the drawing without data base entry. If data base entry is required, it is made very simple. Text input of device parameters automatically generates representative device drawing for use in the system.

Can the stock list output be generated or converted into Hydratech format; many fabricators are using this standard?

Yes! Additionally, we have and can provide interpreters for other fabrication software applications.

How does it handle metric conversion?

Simply and correctly – back and forth. You can also draw and stock list the job in English or Imperial units and print the stock list in metric with the click of the mouse.

What will the cost be if we purchase AutoSPRINK VR now and later decide to convert to the new AutoCAD AutoSPRINK version when it becomes available?

None! We will change out any users who are current maintenance and support customers at no cost.

How does it handle sloping pipes?

It automatically stretches pipes to make up for actual slope. Sloping pipes are handled very naturally due to the true 3D nature of the objects.

Do you have to complete the drawing and fix any errors before you can calculate or stock list a project.

Definitely Not! You can calculate at any time with no manual input. You can calculate one piece of pipe with one sprinkler or a complicated tree system being supplied from a grided system within a grid system in seconds. Stock listing can also be accomplished at any time. Stock listing can also be accomplished at any time without having to complete any levels. Stocks list any objects in the drawing at any time.

Can you have multiple supplies and multiple pumps?

Yes, with AutoSPRINK VR, a system can include multiple supplies and multiple pumps.

Can you assign a fixed loss to a device and have it automatically deduct it at the point it is installed?

Yes. Furthermore, you can input the exact flow curve into any valve or fitting in the system and it will determine the exact loss at any flow rate and reflect correct losses at point of insertion on hydraulic printout calling out the specific device.

Can differing K-factor, flows or pressures be given to individual sprinklers within a system?

All the above. The system will also “auto peak” all sprinklers on the branchlines within the remote area to automatically determine the true remote area. Numerous remote areas throughout the drawing can be dropped and simultaneously auto peaked. The system can then be instructed to keep only the most demanding area.

If I start a drawing with fittings and later decide to use welded outlets instead, do you have to start all over?

Simply change your default fabrication settings to the desired configuration, i.e., branchlines, outriggers, crossmains, etc. and push the clean up button. The entire drawing will automatically re-draw to your new desired configuration, fusing pipes and adding required outlets.

How long does it take to learn to use?

If you know Windows, fire sprinkler design and building construction, you will be able to design with AutoSPRINK VR after our one week training class- cad literate or not. We have trained x-pipe fitters with little or no design experience in our one-week class who have proven to be some of our best designers.

We have recently noticed a tremendous drop in some of your competitor’s software pricing structure. Do you attribute this to your tremendous advancement in fire sprinkler design or should I say fire sprinkler modeling software. Secondly, can we expect a drop in your pricing structure also?

Yes and No. It’s been said that you usually get what you pay for or at least it’s now getting a lot closer.