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Joined: 19 Apr 2006
Posts: 102
Location: Margaritaville
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View Simpson Toolbar Map
What is this toolbar?
This is a toolbar (and symbols) that catalogs the entire Simpson Strong Tie Wood Construction Connector product line. I hope that it will grow in content and added features as time goes on.
The History
O.k., where to start? I started creating this toolbar package in some form or another in 2004 using the 2004 version of the Simpson Product CD-Rom. I wanted to show the proper holddowns (yes I know everyone spells it holdown, I refuse  ), in our details. So I ordered the CD-Rom and as I needed a view of a detail I would import the dwg version of the component, and would save it to a symbol folder. As time went on things became a little disoriented and it became hard to locate the correct component. So I decided to check out Simpson's website for ideas and saw that they had a Autocad toolbar. So I decided we needed a Datacad toolbar. While it's not quite as functional as the Autocad toolbar (no sub-drop down buttons in Datacad toolbars yet), it provides a good start I think. Over two years of my spare time later this is what we have.
"I hope you like. I think you will." - Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka
Things to know
Symbol Pack Updates
I plan on having 2 types of updates for this package. First will be yearly. When Simpson releases their list of new products I will import those new symbols into the appropriate categories. Second type of updates will be through out the year as I feel I have made significant updates to the symbols. The revision history will show a general history of each symbol pack update.
FST Codes
Each Simpson part should have three orthographic views. Front, Side and Top. Each Datacad symbol will have a destination corresponding with the view. Example for a HDQ8 holdown will have three symbols.
HDQ8 - F
HDQ8 - S
HDQ8 - T
They should always display in that order. The Simpson Product CD does not contain a complete drawing database. For parts that were not included, not complete or incorrect there should still be a symbol in it's place noting that that view is not currently available. Because each part will have these three views, you can easily find parts when you set your symbol browser to have x-divisions to a multiple of 3. Most, not all symbols currently have the place holding symbols for missing symbols. If they are not currently included, they will be soon in symbol pack updates.
Alphabetical Symbol Ordering
Due to the way Microsoft Windows arranges files by name, the location of a symbol may not be in a logical place. Example, a part ABC-10 would come before a ABC-4 because windows places 1 before 4.
UPC Codes
Some parts contain UPC code stickers on them. I have started removing them from the symbols as they were created using a lot of broken polylines, end up making a big mess when printed, and slow down the overall system. At some point I hope to add the UPC number, cost and other useful info to the symbols fields for use in Datacad's future "smart" schedules and other tools.
Cut Symbols
Simpson's drafters have tried saving some time by using one drawing for multiple parts (straps etc.) and adding a cut symbol to take advantage of similarities between parts. I started to create each part that had these cuts, but decided to finish getting everything imported into Datacad first. Then as I need that individual part I would draw it correctly and it would be included in symbol pack updates.
Hidden Lines
Many of the symbols contain hidden lines (dashed). The spacing on some of the symbols is rather large. As I update the symbols I will revise the spacing of the dashed lines to an appropriate scale. This will be included in the symbol pack updates.
Color Coding
Each category color matches with the category color inside the Simpson Catalog.
Do I have to use the toolbar?
No. You can download the Simpson Symbol pack below and just use the Symbol Browser to browse the folders. You will not have access to the version checker information in the toolbar so you will have to manually check online for new versions and know what version you last downloaded.
How do I get started?
Simply click on the icon below to download, and select run. It will run several installs to make sure you have the most current version of each component. If your using Datacad v.11 you will have to manually edit the symbol folder paths in the toolbar file accordingly in order for the toolbar to work. You will still be able to browse via the symbol browser though. Please use the Submit Feedback option in the toolbar to report major issues. If I can verify the problem I will correct it and post an update and notification on the Datacad Forum website along with updating the revision history file.
Simpson Toolbar for Datacad - v.1.7 359 KB
Toolbar Revision History
Latest Simpson Symbol Definitions for Simpson Toolbar for Datacad - v.1.3 6.59 MB
(Only required for non-toolbar installations!)
Symbols Definition Revision History
Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous! - Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka
Last edited by joshhuggins on Sun May 24, 2009 9:00 am; edited 42 times in total |
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to your favorite toolbar file by add the following code: