Posts made by Howard leslie

TIG,
Thank you very much for updating your ComponentReporter Script - it's really good.
Hugely appreciated.
Adding the extra fields is brilliant - this is so useful.

The only other adjustment you could make to the script would be to make the script report out all geometry (by default) - as now.
HOWEVER,
If you make a selection, then only the selected items will be reported upon.

The above is really a nice to have (if you had time)- it's not essential.

Thanks once again for modifying yor script.
Regards
Howard Leslie

TIG,
I've tried out your Component Reporter - Works Pretty Well (also VERY fast).
I do, however, have a couple of requests.....

If you have time, could you expand the CSV to include the following fields:

Layer
Name
Definition Name
Material(ie Colour)
... If Poss ...
SU Geometry ID No (if it exists) ~ Acad Handle
Any other useful attributes
...................................
Currently the Name field in the CSV is actually what the Entity Info Dialog Box calls the Definition Name. It would be good to have these the same for consistancy.
...
Regards
Howard Leslie

I have a question / some thoughts in 3 parts concerning the geometry attributes of SU objects - Groups / Components etc and Databases:

1. Does anybody know if its possible to export the attributes of the Geometry created in SU to some type of Tabular format eg CSV, MS Excel, Access db etc ???
   eg Export the Layer, Name, Definition Name, plus possibly any other (hidden) attributes eg an ID no. for each piece of geometry ???
   Has a Ruby ever been written for this ???
   (I think its possible that Todd may have worked on something similar to this in the past ???)
   ...
2. Apart from the add-on written by Al Hart (RenderPlus) has anybody else written any method to extend the range of attributes that you can populate (apart from Layer, Name and Definition Name).
   ...
3. Would it ever be possible to link an external database (eg MS Access) to the id no. of any geometry in SU - FROM WITHIN SU ??? (So you can select geometry by selecting / querying the table ALTERNATIVELY selecting rows in the table selects the geometry). What I'm talking about is a basic GIS capability. (it could then be used to build a BIM amongst many other things).
   Potentially this would be HUGELY powerful. It would definitely put the PRO into SU PRO.
   Is anybody interested in writing an add-on for this ???
   ...
   Currently I'm looking into ways of linking a model to a database but at the moment the only option is the ArcGIS route.
   ...
   Regards
   Howard Leslie

Dave,
See attached jpg

How to Export a Listing of Components into other Programs (eg MS Excel)
...
Method:

1. Model Info (Blue i icon)
2. Statistics - Show Components (Dropdown) / Nested Components (Check Box)
3. Select All Components with Mouse
4. Copy <Ctrl C>
5. Paste into another Program eg MS Excel <Ctrl V)
   ...
   (Groups are not listed - but this may help for your Components)
   ...
   Hope this helps
   Howard L'
   ...
   Moderators - Add this Method to Su Tutorials Page ???

Ehaflett,
Didier's Quick Selection Tool is very useful - I use it loads.
...
Here are a couple of ideas / methods you could try for your particular task:

1. Open the Outliner < Window - Outliner>.
   You should see a listing of all your geometry in the whole model - groups / components everything.
   You can filter this list - Type in "LargePine" for example, or just "Large"
   (Filtered lists show up red)
   You can now select your geometry in the Outliner Window from a cut-down (filtered list). Use Shift Click and Control Click as reqd.

2. Using GIS Program. As you have a relatively small number of land cover classes (8 or so). Do a Selection / Query - Select out all the "LargePine" for example in the GIS. When they are highlighted - then export out to SketchUp / DXF or whatever. Open LargePine in SU. Process as Reqd in SU.
   Repeat for each Land Cover Class (8 times).

(Method 1 preferred)
.........
Hope this helps.
.........
Regards
Howard L'

See attached
"d" shaped shower bath and screen.
Modelled on Ideal Standard Space Range
...
Regards
Howard L'

Keywords:
Bath Bathtub Bathroom Shower Screen d Shape Ideal Standard Space Range
Shower_Bath.skp

@unknownuser said:

Howard,

Here's the tank with the star pattern embossed. I made each point of the star a separate component, and I added the quarter circular elements to the corners of the panels as shown in the photo. Size of model as you posted it was 53.3 kb. This version is 57.8. Not too significant an increase for much greater accuracy and, I think, a more realistic appearance.

As Jean would say, just ideas.

-Gully

Gully,
I've never seen tanks with the panels as you've drawn them ie with the quarter circle in the corners.
It's probably to strengthen / stiffen them up.
...
Your idea to draw only 1/4 of each panel and rotate is a good one.
...
See attached - version without quarter circles in the corners
...
Regards
Howard L'
Water Storage Tank Braithwaite V2.skp

quote="Gully Foyle"]
Howard,

In the photos on Brathwaite's web site it appears that the star pattern on the panels is embossed, presumably to provide added structural rigidity. On your model, though, the pattern seems to be just drawn on the flat surface.

Comment?

-Gully
[/quote]
Gully,
The star pattern has been drawn flat to give the look and feel of the original panels without the overhead (poly count and file size) that an embossed / raised star shape would give.
(Considerable increase in poly count / file size in this case).
There are no prizes for over modelling / over detailing - only reduced performance of your PC.
From a distance, I think the panels as drawn give a fair representation of the originals (I hope).
It's always a balance between detail and poly count / file size and also the time you have allocated to a particular project / task.
...
Howard L'

quote="modelhead"]
What kind of material is used to seal between seams?
[/quote]
I'm not sure.
I can only direct you to the website in my original post of this thread for further info.
The panels are typically galvanised steel. It's possible that they are just very well made and are not sealed at all between panels.
You would have to be careful with what you choose as a sealant (if any) as these tanks are frequently used for storing drinking water.
...
Howard L'

@unknownuser said:

now that I look at the website... maybe I have seen them and never knew there was water in them... seems like a waste of material and money... why not have a welded cylinder? mmmm

Kristoff,
Why not have a welded cylinder... ???
The Company that have been producing these tanks have been doing so for over 100 years so they must be doing something right.
They are made from 1000mm x 1000mm (3 ' square) Panels that are flanged on the outside and typically bolted together from the outside.
This means:

1. They can be assembled by semi-skilled labour very quickly. (Anyone who has a Spanner [wrench]). Effectively it is a kit.
2. The pieces can be transported very easily. (You can pick them up). Ideal for remote / difficult locations eg where there are no roads / airstrips or inside larger buildings that have small / difficult entrances / access problems.
3. They can be bolted together to form very large tanks.
4. They can be extended in size if reqd.
5. Large cylinders = difficult to transport / erect - where you may also need Structural Engineers / Cranes / On-Site Welding / Specialist Skills On-Site.
   (PS I don't work for Braithwaite !!!)
   ...
   Regards
   Howard L'

See attached.
Braithwaite Bulk Water Storage Tank.
Constructed from 1000mm x 1000mm Panels.
Distinctive Star Shaped pattern on Panels.
See link below for specs / further info etc:
http://www.braithwaite.co.uk/
...
Howard L'

Keywords:
Bulk Water Storage Braithwaite Container Industrial Liquid
Water Storage Tank Braithwaite.skp

TIG,
Thank you for updating your script with those 3 requests so quickly.
Outstanding service !!!
The new version of VolumeCalculator works really well.
Thanks once again
...
Regards
Howard Leslie

Thinking of some home improvements ???
See attached
...
Howard L'

Keywords:
Bar Corner Drink Lounge Dining Room Counter

corner_bar.skp

See attached.
Cat Ladders / Industrial Access Ladders
...
Components:
7 x Cat Ladders
1 x Short Plain Ladder
...
Use Centre Mark / Cross to Move / Position Ladders as Required.
Turn off Layer "Construction" to Hide
...
Delete Text Layer as Required
...
Regards
Howard L'

Keywords:
Cat Ladders Catladders Ladder Industrial Access Cat Walk Catwalk Gantry Walkway Walk way Climbing Climb Platform Steel

cat_ladders.skp

TIG,
Thanks once again for another of your fantastic scripts.
Mega useful
...
Regards
Howard L'

How to Model Complex Curved Faces
(eg Curved Walls)
...
Produced in response to this call for help on Newbie Forum
(Very interesting looking model)
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=96&p=5336#p5336
...

Download 2 Scripts:

1. Weld.rb (Thank you Rick W')
   http://www.smustard.com/script/Weld

2. SoapSkinBubble.rb (Thank you Josef)
   http://www.tensile-structures.de/help.html
   Amazing Script
   ...
   See attached skp file
   This will hopefully get you started.

curved_walls.skp
...
Regards
Howard L'

See attached jpg
Mirror Script - definitely one of the most useful Scripts around. (Thank you TIG).
Download from Didier's excellent website here:
http://www.crai.archi.fr/RubyLibraryDepot/Ruby/Ruby_links.html
...
Usage:
Yes, you can use 1,2 or 3 points.
My Top Tip would be, always use 3 points.
(certainly until you get used to using the script).
That way results are more predictable.
...
Just imagine where you would have to place a real mirror to get the desired result you want.
Then go and click on 3 corners of that Mirror and Voila, geometry is perfectly mirrored.
...
You don't need to actually draw the mirror as I've shown in the example !!! - just click the 3 points.
...
Howard L'

How to Export a Listing of Components into other Programs (eg MS Excel)
...
Method:

1. Model Info (Blue i icon)
2. Statistics - Show Components (Dropdown) / Nested Components (Check Box)
3. Select All Components with Mouse
4. Copy <Ctrl C>
5. Paste into another Program eg MS Excel <Ctrl V)
   ...
   Note: Groups are not listed using this method - only Components.

*** EDIT - EARLY NOV 2007 ***
Ignore the above !!!
Go to:
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3434
Download most current version of TIGs script ComponentReporter+
(Currently V 1.5)
Works really well

Howard L'

Bernard,
An easy way, based on Eric's Method using a VERY useful Ruby Script.
(Great for Pipes, Tubes, Cords etc etc)
...

1. Download Ruby Script from Didier's Website here:
   http://www.crai.archi.fr/RubyLibraryDep ... o_page.htm
   "PipeAlongPath.rb" (Thank you TIG for this great Script).
   ...
2. Copy it here (Plugins Folder) (if you have a Windows PC, I'm not sure about Mac's)
   C:\Program Files\Google\Google SketchUp 6\Plugins
   ...
3. Draw guidelines (cord / pipe centreline) as per Eric's method as required.
   ...
4. Use PipeAlongPath Script - which has now appeared in top Menu
   Plugins - PipeAlongPath (See Scene 8 in attached *.skp)
   ...
   (See attached)
   Hope this helps

Regards
Howard L'

Top of my SU V7 Wish List:

1. Ability to View the Outliner as a Table.
2. Ability to Sort and Filter this Outliner Table in a similar manner to MS Excel Autofilter (dropdowns on top of field names)
3. Ability to Link a Field in this Outliner Table (eg an ID number of a group or component) to an external Database / Table and be able to run simple querys on this table back to the model - ie basic GIS capability.
   (BIM capability).
   ...
   Regards