[Plugin] Pipe Tool (UPDATE 3/19/2011)
-
Installing Plugins for SketchUp
Update: June 2014 This article was written right before Google sold SketchUp to Trimble. Since then the instructions has changed slightly. In May 2013 SketchUp 2013 was released which included the …
Procrastinators Revolt! (www.thomthom.net)
-
This toolset has something of a 'rogue' setup, as it comes with all of its files [a .rb and 5 pngs] inside a zip archive and they ALL go 'loose' into the Plugins folder.
I suspect you have done this, but are perplexed about how to 'activate' it...
[Usually a toolset have a loader .rb and a tool-specific subfolder of several helper files, sometimes a tool is an Extension that needs activating [once] before any menus etc are available, but this tool is not like that
]The author has not been at all helpful about how you use his tools...
But reading through the code near the end of the script I see that it makes NO menus or context-menus !
After Sketchup is restarted and the toolset has successfully auto-loaded, it only runs from a Toolbar that is named 'Pipes' - you will need to activate it [once] from your View > Toolbars list... -
Good call, that was the problem. Had to load the tool palette. Couple instructions from the author would have saved a lot of time. Sadly after all that the tool is a little disappointing. Has zero piping standards built into it. God I wish somebody would create something for real layouts. Piping is so difficult in sketch up. Wake up Trimble
-
3SKENG
As the author initially points out in his posts... it was his [limited] attempt at a 'free' version of 3SKENG - a now matured and, very well respected and powerful toolset - http://www.3skeng.com/en/index.htm
It is relatively inexpensive considering what it can do... €169 + specialist libraries of pipes/fittings at #€29 +taxes where appropriate... You can also download a free-trial version [PC only]... -
I would pay the money in a heart beat.....but it is only on pc. Having to run through a virtual machine is difficult.
-
Please complete your user profile - we might then not suggest PC tools of you if it were completed and showed you are a MAC user...
The '3skeng' guys are very amenable - have you tried emailing them and asking if a MAC version is in the 'pipeline' ?
You could volunteer to beta-test it
Their FAQs says, "Does 3skeng run on Mac OS/X computers?
No, the interest in a first release for Mac/OS X systems was quite low. For the near future we have no plans to develop a Mac OS/X release."
BUT with enough pressure they might start ??? -
Normally a simple plugin don't work in Pc and Mac without special different codes ?
-
There, I updated my profile!
Yes, I e-mailed them.
-
@markis100 said:
God I wish somebody would create something for real layouts. Piping is so difficult in sketch up. Wake up Trimble
I feel your pain. Orginally found Sketchup almost three years ago while looking for a 3d program to draw process systems with. This is one of the better plugins I've found but it could use a lot of work. I've tried the 3skeng plugin and it is GREAT, but they don't seem to be much concerned about making components for us imperial users and communicating in English with them seems to be a problem. I've gotten no response to several emails in the past.
-
I hope enough support gets behind sketch up to encourage companies (trimble included) to develop more useful tools. Still lacks a lot of basic concepts, like hatching a concrete wall when you run a section through it.
On a postive note, I just got on a beta test list for a new plugin called pipedraft. Sounds promising. You should check it out. http://Www.pipedraft.com
-
@unknownuser said:
Normally a simple plugin don't work in Pc and Mac without special different codes ?
maybe it uses win32 type stuff?
sort of like if a plugin used applescript, it wouldn't work on pc..
-
<
@raineysky said:@markis100 said:
God I wish somebody would create something for real layouts. Piping is so difficult in sketch up. Wake up Trimble
.....
have you taken a look at the http://sketchup.engineeringtoolbox.com/? They have some AMSE and ANSI componets models that may be of use to you??
-
@unknownuser said:
have you taken a look at the http://sketchup.engineeringtoolbox.com/?
Awesome site for any kind of engineering information as well as the toolbox
-
@markis100 said:
On a postive note, I just got on a beta test list for a new plugin called pipedraft. Sounds promising. You should check it out. http://Www.pipedraft.com
That does look promising Markis!!! Please let us know what you think about it.
-
Loaded into SU 2013, signed in, created pipe, clicked on route pipe, clicked on start point, dragged cursor ....... nothing happens except pipe definition disappears.
Our system has pipes up to 18" diameter: program only goes to 4".
-
Have you tried the 3skeng plugin...?
-
OK, thanks. I have not tried it yet but then I will! I hope you do not mind my question
Advertisement