Importing Sketchup model into Chief 10.

Lee-Enfield

I am having trouble importing a Sketchup model into Chief Architect.
The model is a relatively simple barn door, and to import it into chief I convert it into an OBJ file then use the Create Symbol Wizard to import it as an Exterior Furnishing.

The issue is that once the symbol is created the dimensioning seems all wrong and the model is roughly 10 times smaller than it should be.
I can correct this by clicking the model and editing the size after its imported but then, any texture applied to it is also blown up and resized too large and badly pixelated.

If I correct the dimensioning during the symbol creation process it is still created too small.
What I want to do is create a truss system in Sketchup and then Import it as a symbol into chief so I have a resizable truss.

I am unsure if the trouble I am having is on the Chief side or a problem with dimensioning on the Sketchup side.

If anyone has experience with modeling in Sketchup and transferring them to Chief, any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am using Chief 10.08a and Sketchup 7 Free version and also have Sketchup 8 pro trial.

Thanks.

mitcorb

All I can offer is, hopefully you have also posted in Chief's forum. That way you cover both bases.

Lee-Enfield

Thanks for the response, I did that first actually haha.
I believe i figured out how to get proper dimensions. though TGS's OBJ exporter I wasn't able to use as it did not seem to have an option to export in inches ( quite possibly my own ignorance with the plug at fault there).

Sketchup Pro free trial did and Chief recognized the dimensions.

TIG

My OBJexporter always uses meters - its not adjustable.
Most app's OBJ importers allow you to set what the OBJ file's units are ?

If not... and you can use the v8pro OBJexporter, then that has an 'options' button on the exporter dialog that allows 'inches' to be set as the exported unit.

If you don't have a working pro version any more, then make a copy of your 'barn' SKP.
Draw a line 1" long [just type 1" with a units suffix after clicking the second point, to ensure it's that exactly]. Then use the Tapemeasure tool and pick the line's two ends in turn, immediately type 1m [with units suffix again, but m for meters].
When prompted answer Yes to rescale the entire model.
Erase the temporary line.
Now when you use my OBJexporter it'll still export in meters, but this time all the dimensions will be ~40x bigger.
Now when importing it as inches into the other app it should shrink it down to its original dims.

Lee-Enfield

Thank you TIG I appreciate the reply, My free trial Pro version of Sketchup will expire soon and I will try your Rescale suggestion and see if I can get it to work.

I'll edit this post if it works!

Appreciate all the help.