Archway Systems, Inc. 714 374-0440 phone 714 374-0441 fax [email protected]

Central California: PO Box 382 Versa Prather CA 93651-0382

Northern California 56 Nicholl Ave Point Richmond CA 94801 510 231 0502 [email protected] www.archwaysystems.com www.versacad.com CAD Versatile Computer Aided Design

Volume 7 Dec 2006 Number3

teach CAD with VersaCAD using the course materials provided which include instructor guide and student guide. VersaCAD 2006 for Intel Mac Get more details or download a demo copy at: VersaCAD is the best kept secret in the industry, but, the Released word is getting out. Designing with CAD doesn’t have to The new, 2006 release of VersaCAD for any Mac is now be expensive or difficult. released. The one executable will run on either the PowerMac or new dual-core Intel based Mac, starting with Free Sketchup 3D for VersaCAD Users OS 10.3 and all newer OS. Performance and graphics on Have you tried Sketchup lately? Sketchup Lite is available the new Intel based Macs is amazing including unlimited on http://www.sketchup.com for free. I downloaded it, pan and zoom while maintaining 64 bit precision in all installed it, learned how to use it, imported a VersaCAD calculations for highest accuracy in any discipline: file, and extruded to a 3D model. The whole process took mechanical, architectural, civil, plant or any other discipline less than an hour and a half. If all you want is a massing which requires high quality technical drawings. In addition model, or an extrusion from a 2D file for visualization, to supporting any Mac natively and the unlimited pan and Sketchup is a neat product. And you can’t beat the price. zoom, the 2006 release includes the latest dwg/dxf Available for Windows or Mac. Checkout this image of translation engine from , plus cabin.2d made by SketchUp Lite: additional fonts and new features such as: group, build by chain. Group, Build, Duplicate :External color table Object snap to arcs can now snap to the midpoint of the curve, some bug fixes and more. VersaCAD remains the most capable CAD software for the family of Macintosh computers. Checkout the look and feel by seeing example work at www.versacad.com/versacad/vcadmac.htm and then download the demo copy. Premium Service holders will receive their updates in the next couple of weeks. Single updates are available at just $395 each. VersaCAD reviewed in Machine Design Inside… In case you missed it, VersaCAD was reviewed in the June Who's who at Archway Systems...... 2 issue of the prestigious Machine Design magazine: Report: Customizing VersaCAD….....2 Just go to www.versacad.com and then click on first link. Training Class Schedule ...... 3 VersaCAD was used to design most of the macadamia nut VersaCAD 2007 for Windows...... 3 processing plants in Hawaii in addition to everything from CAD Survey course………………….3 single family homes to condos, hospitals, schools, award Instructor-led online courses………... 3 winning ski lodges, and even 100,000 square foot retail VersaCAD Applications …..... 3 stores. Not to mention award winning roller skate brakes, VersaCAD Mac competitive upgrade .4 valves, and schematics of all types. Hundreds of educators Who’s who at Archway Systems Erik Wordal Training in Cal coastal Arlene Black Sales Rick Plummer Mftr consultant and sales Tom Lazear Admin, Sales and training Greg Crossley Central Calif office George McMeans Sales & training in Nor. Cal. Josh Lazear Webmaster & Programming Mike Lazear Programming & support Dan Lazear Administration Sandy Lazear Accounting Greg Hamano Support & Training Paul Barr Programming Leah Spitler` Haestad Support & Training

REPORT Customizing VersaCAD for Automation

When computers first were used in engineering and design, the objective was to automate the process. Then, in the 70s and increasingly in the 80s, software vendors and users began to focus more on drafting and detailing using the computer as an interactive tool. There were several objections to the automation of design via computers: worry that bugs would lead to design failures and liability, loss of control of design and plain old fear that the computer would replace us engineers and our livelihood. On the positive side, the interactive graphics of computers improved significantly in cost performance to make it more cost effective. And, it is more fun and the user feels more a part of the process. But, when you take a hard-nosed look at the economics, there is no comparison between a fully automated design and an interactive, computer-aided-design. If the computer can be used to automatically design a product or structure, the gains are like 100 to one in productivity while computer-aided- design yields maybe 2 to 1 in productivity vs manual methods. The best of both worlds is to program the automated portion of the design process in the programming language which nearly all CAD software includes. In VersaCAD Windows it is called CPL (CAD Programming Language) which is very much like C. Actually, the commands are very simple and the power is in all the preprogrammed subroutines which are included and which enable the program-author to input information, calculate, place graphics in the database and then output either to a text file for printing or in the form of a VersaCAD drawing of the end result. AutoCAD uses a cryptic language called LISP. MicroStation supports several languages including MDL (similar to CPL) and Visual BASIC. Some truly amazing CPL programs are available or being developed for VersaCAD. Working along with symbol libraries and standard VersaCAD files, these programs do offer the user productivity gains of 100 to 1 at very low cost for the software. Many of the programs are kept a secret by the author. This gives the author a great competitive advantage. Here are a few really great ones that are now available for purchase: Gary Miller, previously founder and president of Jones and Miller is an expert in design of parking lots and parking structures. He wrote one of the first complete, automated design programs for VersaCAD back in the late 80s. At that time, he used the software to give Jones and Miller a competitive advantage which put Gary in the driver’s seat on bids for new parking structures. Since he had a 100:1 advantage over his competitors, he could either bid low to win a job and still make a profit, or he could bid at market and make a lot of profit. He and his partner sold out a number of years ago and Gary retired. But, he recently renewed his interest in doing CPL with the current VersaCAD 2006 for Windows. He has already produced a CPL which automates the design of a parking lot. It takes into account the number of entrances, whether planters are required the local code rules for clearances and other data. The user simply fills out the on-screen forms The user simply needs to know the same data that must be available for a manual design. Actually, filling out the onscreen forms is a great reminder of what information is required. When the form is complete, one more click on the “Enter” key and presto, you are looking at the finished drawing of the parking lot on the screen and an analysis report required by the city. The first release of the software was about 6 months ago and there has already been a significant update release of the software which now includes slanted parking spaces, a good user manual and other enhancements. This particular program is priced at $195. Think how long it takes to manually draft a parking lot on CAD and the conclusion is that purchase of this CPL program will payout with one use of the software! He does it because he loves it. We do it to help our VersaCAD users. Gary has allowed us to give the software free to any academic institution. It gives students the opportunity to learn from a very professionally written program. Gary is currently working on a CPL to automate the design of reinforced concrete parking structures. This takes more data than the parking lot as now it involves any number of floors, types of ramps and the like. But, just like the parking lot program, after entering the data on forms which describe the user and local code requirements, Gary’s program produces floor layout drawings, elevations and detail drawings, all automatically! This takes a project from, say, a 100 hour project to about an hour (actually much much less). What is 100 manhours worth? This software will be offered at less than $1000. Anyone who designs parking structures or parking lots can get the same competitive advantage that Gary enjoyed. Plus, since the process is standardized and automated, the quality of designs is improved as well. If the data is entered correctly, the design meets all codes and standards. Profitability, quality of design and shortened design schedules. Other examples include: design of memorials for cemeteries which includes many artistic line drawings and symbol libraries. Users output to a vinyl cutter that makes a stencil for sand blasting the actual headstone. This software is used by a dozen or so headstone dealers in the US and elsewhere. Another CPL plus lots of drawings and symbol libraries was contributed by John Bromabaugh John was one of the world’s leading designers of large pipe organs until he recently retired. John has contributed his files and libraries so any purchaser of VersaCAD or renewer of Premium Service can have access at no cost. If you design anything that can be parameterized, you can put yourself in the position that made Gary Miller unbeatable if you learn CPL and automate your process. Some examples come with VersaCAD. The book “Mastering VersaCAD” covers it. And, you can purchase Gary’s Parking Lot program to see a comprehensive example for just $195. Training Class Schedule VersaCAD Applications Update Archway offers a variety of training classes using the VersaCAD 2005 for Windows is an excellent platform for latest of each software. Classes are 1 to 4 days in duration developing special-purpose design applications. Here are and cover subjects in depth using certified materials. All just a few of the applications that are available: classes are 8:30 am to 5 pm. Locations: Huntington Beach Memorial Headstone.. Some of the most beautiful designs training center (HB) and S.F. Bay area (BA). Classes can and artwork, special characters such as Hebrew and more. be delivered on-site and online. For latest Bentley courses, Use it with newer printers to actually cut the stencil for the see also: http://www.bentley.com/en-us/training/ stone. Price: VersaCAD normal price plus $500 Upcoming classes: Parking Lot Design. Automatically design a parking lot. VersaCAD/solidThinking Quickstart- Learn Just key-in the relevant parameters and VersaCAD does the VersaCAD basics plus new translator and Library manager. rest producing complete working drawings for straight or Then, learn how to move files to solidThinking and create slanted parking spaces with or without planters. Cost is 3D models. Two-day class, $495 HB. TBA regular VersaCAD plus $195 VersaCAD 2006 Windows update- Covers all the Parking Structure Design. You have to see this one to changes in VersaCAD 2003 thru 2006. One-day class believe it. Key-in all the relevant code data and then watch includes workbook, lunch and computer to use. Cost is VersaCAD automatically draw the floor plans and four $245. Classes available on demand. elevations for 3 to 5 story parking structures. Truly VersaCAD 2005 for Mac OSX Update Covers all amazing productivity. Cost is regular VersaCAD plus $995 changes since VersaCAD 2001 plus review of some Pipe Organ Design. Sample drawings and libraries used features. One-day class includes workbook, lunch and use by John Brombaugh to design some of the world’s leading of computer. Cost is $245. Classes available on demand. pipe organs including Toyota Music Hall in Tokyo. Cost is InRoads Road Design Basics - This is a Bentley regular VersaCAD plus $195. certified, 3-day class using Bentley’s InRoads 8.5 training For users who already own a Current VersaCAD 2006 for manual. Cost is $1350 including course book and Windows, the cost is just the add-on described above. For instruction. TBA users who own older VersaCAD, the cost is renewal of MicroStation Basics. A quick, 2 day course in Premium Service for VersaCAD plus the cost listed above. MicroStation 2D that is tailored to a discipline, e.g. Civil, Most of the add-on price above goes to the developer of the Architectural or Plant. Fee is $700. HB TBA add-on software who serves as support for the product. All Basics - The goal of this 4 day course packages developed by the leader in their industry. making the student ready for productive work with an CAD Education: A Survey Course introduction to Part, Assembly, Draft and Sheet Metal More and more educators are realizing that what is needed modules of Solid Edge. At $1200 this is a very cost- is a CAD survey course for middle school and high school effective and quick way to get started in Solid Edge. students as opposed to in-depth training in a particular product. Students going directly to industry or on to VersaCAD 2007 for Windows. university may encounter any of the 200 CAD software Work is started on next year’s VersaCAD release which products on the market. The student that has been will sport a brand new database. The goal: unlimited file introduced to 2 or 3 different software will be way ahead of size, improved portability, increased functionality while those that know only one, to take the load off the instructor, maintaining the familiar, productive interface. Keep tuned Archway offers a free CAD Survey courseware including for updates on this project. outline of course, daily lesson plans and student guides for On-Line Instructor-Lead Courses 3 products: VersaCAD, Rhino 3D and MicroStation More and more companies have fast Internet connection, PowerDraft. The free product is composed of older and more software is available to support online classes. versions. Or, for $1195, the school gets the very latest of These two developments have lead to a rapid increase in each software. VersaCAD Mac campus license available availability of online courses. Archway now offers: for 50% off normal $995. So, for just $497 get software Introduction to VersaCAD Mac $195 Dec 1 plus student and instructor guides with right to reproduce. Introduction to VersaCAD Win $195 Dec 4 Email for more information. Introduction to Solid Edge v19 $400 Dec 13 VersaCAD Educators’ Comments All classes are 10am to 2pm Pacific with half hour break. “Keep up the improvements to VersaCad! Great program.” Courses, usually are 8 hours of online instruction. Dick Geyer, CAD Instructor in Iowa MicroStation Basics is 16 hours Logistics: sign up by “Thanks for the tip on saving as .jpg, Tom. Very simple.” emailing Archway. We send you a PDF of the course Scott Antes, Instructor Northern Arizona Univ material which you print or use online. At time of course, “I want to thank you for all the great years and for your we send you a website to login-to plus an 800# to dial into persistence in producing a relevant product. You certainly for the audio. You will hear lecture, see demos, and work have found a niche in the market. I want to encourage you the exercises just as if you were in our classroom, but, at a to continue your good work and your unmatched attention tremendous saving in travel expenses and time. All you to the customer.” Robert Lenger, Holland Christian High need is phone, computer and fast connection to the Internet. School Call or email for more information or to register.

SERVICES •Training ARCHWAY’S PRODUCT LINE •Phone support Archway is a full service provider of technical software and •On-site support hardware serving the Academic, Architectural, Civil and •3D Printing markets. •Customizing •Consulting CAD SOFTWARE: •Contract software development •VersaCAD Win & Mac •CAD file translation •InRoads & Geopak Civil Software •Solid Edge Special Offer for Other CAD Users •MicroStation and applications VersaCAD Competitive Tradeup is available during Q4 •Plassotech finite element modeling 2006 for 50% off the regular price of $795. That is right, •TransMagic-translation software for just $397.50, you can add VersaCAD 2006 for Mac OS •Magics X STL editing software X or VersaCAD 2006 for Window. Just prove you own a different CAD product and receive the discount. (Offer 3D GRAPHICS & ANIMATION SOFTWARE: valid for professional and campus licenses) •Rhino 3D, Flamingo, Penguin & Bongo •Softimage •solidThinking •Bentley Navigator •ArchVision libraries

COMPUTER PERIPHERALS •Z Corp 3D Printers

VersaCAD Mac 2006 PRESORTED STD Tom Lazear U.S.POSTAGE Archway Systems, Inc. PAID 2134 Main Street #160 Santa Ana, CA Huntington Beach CA 92648 Mini-Mailers