Cluster Components

chrisglasier · 20 Jul 2008, 09:48

Hi chris, a quick question with the java script imports, are they going to be similar to clicking on components and inserting a java script component?

Whilst the HTML file (including the scripts) in the web dialog is a plugin I don't think it good to think of the functions in the scripts as imports; they are more like commands from a TV remote control. The nameset design doesn't require you to work in the Sketchup display, but it would be good if it were bilateral - for example, clicking on a component in Sketchup reruns the names display, clicking on a name in a nameset causes the blue boxes in the related components to appear in Sketchup. One scenario is one big screen being worked by several people, each with a nameset - visions of war rooms in old films but without the girls in nylons pushing RAF planes around like croupiers.

Got the headset but I won't bother you tonight. Anyway we are off to the movies (looking to pick up a few tips!)

Tp

Chris

chrisglasier · 21 Jul 2008, 07:39

So the line was not so good - never mind.

Just to recap ...

When you click on a name, namesets finds its plain text record, grabs the name of its component skp file(s) and the x, y, and z coordinates and passes the whole lot to a ruby to display the components in Sketchup in the right locations.

A TV remote control button changes the channel. A nameset name changes a sketchup display. It can also change or compile time schedules, status reports, purchase orders, site instructions, snagging lists and so forth; this is the main point.

I am sure you are right about the screen capture movies, they should make all this verbosity redundant.

Tp

Chris

Added trial video to web site July 22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWxRrfJq0Cs

aadbuild · 31 Jul 2008, 10:13

Hi Chris, I have just had the chance to see your youtube video, I was having trouble understanding some of your emails as my mind is on many things. I am sure you are on to a winner with your script it looks to be coming along well. Please dont hesitate to contact me if you need any help, I will do my best to make the time. Unfortunately my participation is equivalent to a bad internet connection, in and out at an unpredictabe rate with no warning.

chrisglasier · 31 Jul 2008, 11:35

Thanks Andrew. Here is the state of play right now.

Remember the only direct use of the Sketchup interface is opening the plugin. Everything else is done by the Javascripts. Jim has been most supportive with his Ruby expertise, and I want to acknowledge that.

The next step is sorting out the maths to account for the xyz's of the nested components and nested collections of components. This is a bit of a headache. Enough to drive even an Aussie to drink.

Keep in touch. I understand the pressures of running a business. So no worrries.

Toodle pip!

Chris

aadbuild · 31 Aug 2008, 05:03

Hi all, I just received a PM that should help if anyone is trying to get breakdowns BOMS or take offs from SU.

@unknownuser said:

I was reading through your post and was wondering if you ever came right with this component reporter. We are trying to achieve something similar. We would like to build models for clients and then let them run the reporter to get a breakdown of the costs. Any info appreciated.

Thanks
Shannon

The answer to your question is I am 90% through the process of perfecting take offs from SU. I have been using several rubies to come up with a result. I downloaded attribute reporter and it works well, you simply add an attribute to an item and then export all attributes to excel. From there you can add prices and coalate the information the way that best suites your needs.
You could also look at rp reports.rb It has a free 30 day trial yet I found the final cost a little high. I am not sure of your experience in SU but the outlinner is you first point of call. You can label groups and component quickly an easily. I guess the hardest thing about getting accurate take offs no mater which plug in you use you must have accurate descriptions on your components. It could be regarded as misleading if your clients are doing take offs from models that have not been made entirely of components , groups or at least every face / edge having an attribute assigned to it.
I guess the reason why I am only 90% through is because I am yet to complete all my components names and attributes, its a pretty big job whilst trying to run a business. You may notice that Chris is working on namesets and he is definately on to something It may take a little while before he perfects it but its well worth looking at the namesets pages and videos.

chrisglasier · 19 Sept 2008, 06:22

Thanks Andrew. There is a new thread at
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=12770 which has an introductory video.

Chris

aadbuild · 25 Sept 2008, 11:03

Hi all, I have been working on getting complete construction takeoffs from models for some time now and i have come to the conclusion that it can be done accurately but the time taken to draw the model up is sometimes greater than the time it would take to do a manual (computerised) take off. so at the moment I am at a point where I need to rethink my approach. I have a few good ides of an easier way but I need to learn a little ruby first.
I must say that the cutlist5 ruby is by far the best for carpenters and I hope that Chris's Namesets can come up with something a little more polished. For me and I guess a lot of other sketchupers who are in construction a total package more simple yet more comprehensive than rp reports ($1500 are they kidding?) and more versatile than cutlist5 would be ideal. I am going to have to dig out my geek glasses and build it from scratch.
I will keep you all posted.
P.S has any one tried cutlist6, I have it loaded but every time i try to open it I get a URL link error. Am i just a gumby or do you all have this problem? If any one could shed some light on its new features, please post them here. Cutlist 6 may have what cutlist 5 is lacking... and then I may be able to put my geek glasses back in my pocket! Or even better sketchup 7 will come out with a varation of all the above and we can all estimate easily.