Version 1.4.4 - 05.24.2020
- Added I-Joist blocks to the the blocking module: TJI, BCI, LPI, Red-I, PKI.

Tutorial 18: Skylights (14.22 min.)



I often get a lot of questions that are answered in the tutorial videos.  Just a reminder, all of the tutorial videos can be found here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeektrussplugin.html#Videos

Tutorial 12 - Blocking (12:42 min.)

Unlike the typical US outlet and/or switch the British variety come with the faceplate and the electrical component integrated into a single unit.  Due to this fact and other considerations the draw and edit menus for the UK version of the plugin will be different than the North American version (NEMA).

Here are some typical outlets:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/61db2faa-8a8a-4f22-9d94-3e06fc9d3517/MK-Logic-Plus-Low-Poly

For those of you concerned that I am taking my attention off of the wall and truss plugins, don't be overly concerned.  I am only setting up the templates so that my youngest son Edmond can be set loose to do most of the heavy lifting.  I will provide oversight, as necessary, to make sure that every outlet and switch model meets my exacting standards but the bulk of my time will be spent working on the gable wall module for the next few days.

First look at a low poly UK outlet:



The model is based off of the .SAT models provided on the website of MK Electric.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0dbd4a80-7af6-4064-9150-3cf73324d93c/K2647WHI

I'll do my best to answer your questions in your initial post here:

1.)  There is a way to insert your own door and window components.   Within the plugin folder there is a sub-folder called "library" where you can place your custom doors and windows into their respective sub-folders. 

2.)  Yes, when you create a door opening on an interior wall (int-int) if you disable the advanced options the plugin will automatically wrap the opening in drywall.

3.)  Bifold and pocket doors are both on the todo list.  Bifold doors are more often requested so I will probably attack those first.

4.) The split wall tool was completed at the beginning of the year, the join tool and the stretch tool are both under construction.  The join tool is almost complete, maybe I can get that one rolled out in a day or two.  Be sure to check the changelog for development details:
http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeekwallplugin.pl

5.)  I'll have to think about the door trim question some more.  I you more looking for custom trim profiles or something even more elaborate?  Can you post a few examples of  some door and trim configurations that you are interested in.

Version 1.4.3b - 05.17.2020
- Added the "Shift" hotkey to the blocking draw tool in order to toggle the block rotation between zero and ninety degrees.

After putting this new tool through its paces for a few more minutes it immediately jumps out at me that it would be really nice to have a hot key for toggling the rotation (zero or ninety). For other custom rotations the user can simply key in the desire rotation in the menu.

What key should I use to toggle the rotation? I'm already using the Ctrl key to toggle placement location.

Version 1.4.3 - 05.17.2020
- Added a blocking tool/module for inserting custom blocks into Medeek walls, roofs, floors or generic groups.
- Added the Blocking toolbar and icons.
- Removed the Fixtures toolbar and icons.



Note, that the blocking is automatically retained within the wall, roof or floor assembly after a regen or edit of the primary assembly.

After selecting the first point one can toggle the positioning of the blocking with the "Ctrl" key.  There are nine possible positions the block can be inserted at.

The blocking is placed on the framing layer unless the advanced layers are turned on, in which it is placed on a specific blocking layer.

I will be releasing a tutorial video shortly on this new tool.

Version 1.5.9 - 05.15.2020
- Fixed a bug when the Auto Assign Materials parameter was turned off.

Development was paused on this extension at the beginning of March, I apologize for the delay in its initial BETA release.  Development will begin in earnest again starting June 1st, with an estimated ETA of Sept. 1st.

My youngest son is looking for a job this summer and with the situation being mostly under lockdown I would rather him work from home, with me.

As such I'm proposing that he help me by creating a number of models for the Electrical plugin so that I can extend it to include the British Standards (BS 1363).  I have had a number of requests for other electrical standards and by far the most highly requested has been the British equivalents of our NEMA sockets and switches.

The  BS 1363 (Type G) seems to be quite widespread throughout the world.

I have a few models already from a few months prior but any additional information on receptacles and switches as well as standard boxes used in the trade would be greatly appreciated.

My intent is to have the blocking tool place the blocks within the wall panel assembly/group. However would there be a case where the user would want to create the blocks as stand alone entities outside of any wall, roof or floor assembly?

First look at the blocking toolbar:



I will also be removing the Fixtures toolbar from the Wall plugin, this toolbar will become part of the upcoming Medeek Interior plugin.



The blocking tool will not only be available for use with the Wall plugin but also the Truss and upcoming Floor plugin as well as any generic wall or roof.

Version 1.4.2 - 05.14.2020
- Added a layer for posts to the advanced layer options (Layer tab of the global settings).
- Added a layer for blocking to the advanced layer options (Layer tab of the global settings).