IMAGINiT Technologies Support Blog

2013 Cascading order and feature codes! MMMM good!

Yes!  Some things are a little better now when it comes to cascading, however, we still don't know the full story on some things. 

Of course we have the link to the cascading sequence and feature codes here for you:

• 2013: Cascading Sequences for Autodesk Products
  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS18708338
• 2013: FLEXnet® feature codes for Autodesk products http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS18708301

As alluded to earlier, there are still some unknowns, like the new Revit OneBox.  Just exactly how does it cascade/obtain a license, what order, can we default it to a particular license, etc.

And don't forget to upgrade your flexlm to the new 11.10 (not much of a change and the interface is the same).

• Autodesk IPv4 Network License Manager for Windows http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL16273699
• Autodesk IPv6 Network License Manager for Windows http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL10976858
  
  NOTE:  The ipv6 version has some limitations, please see the notes at the link and check the readme for the details.  It also has a special install method.

Also for a little more information check out my earlier blog:  http://blogs.rand.com/support/2012/04/the-2013-network-license-manager-has-arrived.html

Stay tuned for more later on the cascade sequences and keep your eyes on those links, they changed the order several times with the 2012 release.

So you want to move the Autodesk network license manager and need to know how...

This is a fairly easy task but could take a long time to accomplish depending on how many seats of the network programs are already installed.  This involves two steps, 1) putting the license manager on a new machine and getting it running and 2)  re-directing the programs on the workstation to the new license server.

So, let's tackle the easy one first.   

1)  Putting the license manager on a new machine:

Install the correct license manager on the new server, obtain new license files, configure and start the service.  Then stop the old license manager and uninstall it, delete the old files.  Don't leave any trace of it, this way you don't have to explain anything if you get audited.  DONE!  Now wasn't that easy?

2)  Re-directing the programs on the workstation to the new license server

This one can be done in a couple different ways.  A) Turning off the old license manager and having the users enter the new server name in the license finder dialog and B)  touching each machine to ensure it works properly.  Method A takes a lot less time but can get real messy.

A)  Turn off the old license manager:

Once you turn it off (Stop the service and uninstall the license manager), the users will receive the license finder dialog.  Typically it's as easy as entering in the new server name or the new server's IP address.  Done! 

 B)  Touching each and every machine:

This one can take a lot longer.  There are some shortcuts if you know how to push out the Windows Environment Variables, push out the ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE (system variable) to all users using "2080@servername" where "servername" is the new servers name (sometimes the server's IP address is better).  The 2080 is the port that is registered to Autodesk, this can be helpful especially if you have other software pointing to a different flex license manager.

Another way that is cleaner is to ensure all of the licpath.lic files have the correct information, ensure the registry has the correct server name (search for all instances of ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE) and ensure it has the correct 2080@servername.  Note: I've seen paths in the registry break it, don't use a path for the Variable's Value.  Then ensure that if there is a Windows Environment Variable that it is correct.  The Windows Environment Variable is not inserted automatically, someone must put it in, so don't panic if it does not exist.

Here is the sequence the programs take to look for this information.

• ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE
• registry
• licpath.lic
• License Finder dialog box is displayed

Here are some Autodesk technical solutions about this particular feature:

• Use of licpath.lic file and ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE environment variable on same computer  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS71384
• How to specify license servers using the ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE environment variable  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1065268
• Using an IP address in place of server hostname
  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1053533

 As always, we're here to help and can be reached at 888-528-4765 (8am-8pm Eastern).

How can I tell if a port needed by flexlm is open or not?

The Flex License Manager that Autodesk uses for network licensing communicates through port(s) 2080 and 27000 through 27009.  If it's unable to communicate through one (or all) of those ports then you will be unable to obtain a network license.  You'll probably receive the License Finder Dialog and after trying to enter the server's name or ip address it fails with an error.  If you turn ON the Windows Firewall using the default settings, you will be blocking those ports.  There are other software firewalls and sometimes switches and router settings can block ports too.  See below for a list of helpful Autodesk technical solutions regarding these ports and a WAN or error codes (i.e. "[1.5.-15]" and "[1.5.-12]", "1200.5.-96", "[0.0.0]" and others...).

So, how do you verify if those ports are open or not?

There are 3rd party programs that can help, but Windows has a little program called TELNET built into it and you can use TELNET to verify if the port is open or closed.

Note:  on XP machines it is installed by default, however on Vista and Windows 7 you'll need to install it.  Once installed you'll use the same steps.

To run TELNET:

1)  Go to Start->Run (Start->Search in Windows 7 / Vista) and enter CMD and hit Enter

 

(figure 1)

Note: you can click the images to enlarge them.

2)  Enter PING SERVERNAME (where SERVERNAME is the name of the machine that is running the license manager) and hit Enter.  You should receive 4 replies with the ip address of the machine you just PING'd.

 

(figure 2)

3)  Enter PING ip.ip.ip.ip and hit Enter (where ip.ip.ip.ip is the ip address replied in step 2), you should receive 4 more replies.

 

(figure 3)

Now that we know we can ping by the servers name and ip address we'll try Telnet. 

4)  Enter TELNET ip.ip.ip.ip 2080 (again where ip.ip.ip.ip is the actual ip address) and hit Enter

 

(figure 4)

 You may receive an error (figure 5) or just a blank page (figure 6) which means it is successful.

 

(Figure 5)

  You may need to install Telnet if you're on Win 7 or Vista.  See IT to get it installed, some IT departments have their own method to check the ports.

(figure 6)

 The error means that the port is blocked, the blank page means it's open.  If the port is blocked, please contact your IT department to open the port.  You will not be able to obtain a license with port 2080 blocked.  If the port is open, then repeat the steps with the other ports 27000, 27001, 27002... 27009.

 Here are some helpful links about ports and license manager:

•   License Finder Dialog box  http://blogs.rand.com/support/2012/03/license-finder-.html
•   Error [1.5.-12]  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS68138
•  License error 1200.5.-96  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1053258
•  Ports used by Autodesk® Network License Manager  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS37632
•  Clicking System Settings tab in lmtools causes lmtools crash  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1056676
•  Use AutoCAD® across WAN http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS17859

If you still need assistance, we're here to help.  Call us at 888-528-4765 and have your support contract handy.  If you don't have a support contract, call to see if you qualify for a one time free call!

 

'Could not Insert Object' error trying to embed a PDF in an Inventor drawing

In Inventor you get the following error when in a drawing trying to embed a PDF.

Autodesk Inventor Professional - Create Container Item "Could not Insert Object"

 

In an Inventor DWG or IDW you're on the Manage tab using the Insert Object command with the 'Link' option unselected. 

If you select 'Link' the embedding works but you've got a linked PDF and you can't break the link otherwise the PDF disappears.

Here's a new knowledge base article Autodesk created to help.  At the end see the link to the Microsoft fix that gets rid of the error.

Where'd the SAMreport-Lite go? I am unable to find it in the installation media.

 That is correct! It is no longer in the installation media, but it is available to everyone via download.

To obtain the download and steps it get SAMreport-Lite installed and licensed just go to the Autodesk website:

1. Click the link or open it in your favorite web browser www.autodesk.com/support
2. Click the AutoCAD link under the "Product Support" area.
3. Click the "Data & Downloads" link on the left sidebar.
4. Click the "Tools" link on the left sidebar
5. Then click "SAMreport-Lite" link on the left sidebar.

Note: the license has been free in the past and I believe it still is, however the site doesn't appear to say it anymore.

You will also need to setup an options file to create the "Report log" for the SAMreport-Lite to read. Please see http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1055247

I recommend you put the report log in a very short folder structure that does not contain any special characters (including spaes).  Something like this works well: c:\ReportLog

If you need to run it on a different computer than the server, then see:  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1058639

 Another popular report generator is from JTB World, see http://www.jtbworld.com/index.htm for information on the JTB Flexreport (paid) and JTB FlexReport LT (freeware)

 

Revit 2013: Stair Enhancements

The new stair tools have been improved to be component based which allows us to assemble stairs using individual runs, landing and support components.  We also now have the ability to use a profile for the stringers based off of structural frame profiles.  The tool provides the ability for more types of stair layouts, including overlapping and winding stairs.  Concrete stairs can have custom end conditions for notched or straight cuts at stair runs.

You now have the option to create a strait run, full step spiral, spiral center point, L shaped winder and U shaped winder along with sketching.  Landings and runs can be created independently.

Stair

 

Landing

Landings:  Can be created by picking runs or sketching

Stringers:  Additional types can be created from the existing 2” Stringer for custom profiles, however these are a type property of the stair, so a new stair type will need to be created for each stair type with varying stringer configurations.

When drawing a strait segment you have the option to specify where you are drawing from: Right, Left or Center and you can also specify an offset and if there is an automatic landing.

When sketching the stair you will see the stair as it will look finished, not in sketch lines as we are accustomed to.  Additionally once a segment is created you can directly manipulate its width, offset and justification.

Stringers can be selected independently and modified while still in sketch mode, or after the stair sketch is complete.

Drawing overlapping stairs doesn’t require any special manipulation, just sketch the runs.  Winder stairs created by component can be directly manipulated to some extent using grips, or can be converted to a sketch and then modified.  Spiral stairs are created by picking the location of the center of the circle and then the radius to the location line chosen.

Graphics:

Display control for various parts of the stairs has been enhanced in both object styles and visibility graphics.  Terminology has changed from beyond to above.

Customization of cut marks is type based:

Stair Path arrow location and Text can be manipulated per stair

Annotation

• Annotate individual stair run, landing and supports
• Tread depth can now be tagged
• Up/down annotation can now have a transparent background
• Treads/risers can be numbered using the Stair Tread/Riser Number tag by selecting the tag tool

   and a reference line on the runs.

UNDOCUMENTED command in 2012 - SNAPGRIDLEGACY

YES!!  This one came up recently on one of my support calls.  In 2012 with Snap to GRID turned ON your cursor/mouse no longer bounces merrily along from grid dot to grid dot.  That is UNTIL you enter a command (line, ddinsert, etc), then it will bounce from dot to dot.

2013 there is a new command documented to revert back to the legacy behavior.  SNAPGRIDLEGACY and it works in 2012 too!

From the 2013 help:

SNAPGRIDLEGACY
 
Controls whether the cursor snaps to the snap grid only when an operation is in progress.

Type: Integer
Saved in: Drawing
Initial value: 0
0   Makes the cursor snap to the snap grid only when SNAP is turned on, and an operation is in progress
1   Makes the cursor snap to the snap grid at all times when SNAP is turned on (legacy behavior)

You can also see it at: http://docs.autodesk.com/ACDMAC/2013/ENU/filesACRMac/GUID-1174CA32-687D-4AFF-B2C9-9149CB54D783.htm

 

Map 3D 2013: Mapping a Different Display

Ever have 2 Display Maps you need to show in  different Viewports on the same sheet? However there has not been a way to this until now. This was an all or nothing sort of situation before. Now in Map 3D 2013 you have the ability to have one Display Map in One Viewport and Another Display Map in another Viewport on the same sheet.

1.) Setup your 2 Display Maps (To test this try out using the FDO connection)
2.) Once the Maps are created go to the Layout in question
3.) Create your viewports
4.) Then under the Layout tools tab select Display Maps this will show a drop down that displays the Display Maps that are available just select the one you want and then select the Viewport and this Viewport will take on the Display Map in question.
5.) use the same process for the next Viewport

Note the command line command for Display Maps is MAPASSOCVPWITHMAP

For more information on Map 3D 2013 and some new features take a look at.
http://www.imaginit.com/software-solutions/geospatial/autocad-map-3d
or check out some more solutions at
http://www.imaginit.com/software-solutions/geospatial.aspx

UPDATE: AutoCAD MEP 2012 obtains a Revit Architecture Suite license before the Revit MEP Suite license

The problem:

You run AutoCAD MEP 2012 and it obtains a Revit Architecture Suite license before it obtains a Revit MEP Suite license.  This is cascading correctly per the Autodesk technical solution http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS16981643

Autodesk has certain guidelines to determine the cascading order, cost of the programs, order in which they were developed (Revit Architecture Suite was before Revit MEP Suite) to set the cascade order.  So, the order is "as designed" and although doesn't make sense (until you know the guidelines), it is here to stay.

There are two ways to work around this problem:
1)   Run 2 license managers.  Install the license manager on another machine and run it with the Revit MEP Suite license and one with Revit Architecture license.  Point the workstation to the appropriate license manager.

2)  Use an Options file to create groups and use the INCLUDE statement to limit availability.  If you are not in the group, you will be excluded from obtaining that license.  You'll most likely have to create multiple groups and INCLUDE statements.

#2 is a better option if you can narrow it down to certain users for each license, but if you need those users to be able to cascade to any of the licenses, then this won't work, use #1 above instead and a Windows Environment Variable to fail over to the other server when the first one is out of licenses.

Here's an exerpt from http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS17532548

"The ranking of a product is determined by its place in the cascading sequence for a given product. Cascading sequences—the order in which one product cascades to another—is pre-determined by individual product groups at Autodesk and cannot be changed or configured. "

Here are a couple other technical solutions to help you with either option:

• How to control network license access using an options file: http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1055247
• How to specify license servers using the ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE environment variable:  http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS1065268

If you need assistance with this, give us a call at 888-528-4765 and have your support contract number handy.  We also offer a one time free support incident to those that don’t have a support contract with us.

The 2013 Network License Manager has arrived!!

As always, if your license file has th newer program listed you must upgrade the license manager.  Yes, even if you don't plan on running the newer version!  It may seem to work fine for a while but it will fail on you sooner or later.

So, what version is it this time?  Version:  11.10

It didn't change much did it?  No, and it looks the same too!  I don't believe the interface will ever change, but what they do behind the scenes does change, this is why we need to upgrade it.

Here is a useful blog, that although written for the 2012 version is still applicable.

http://blogs.rand.com/support/2012/01/i-just-received-2011-do-i-need-to-upgrade-the-license-manager-for-network-licensing.html

You can download the flexlm from the Autodesk website.  There are 4 possible downloads.  First you need to know if IPV6 is installed and running on the machine that will have the license manager on it.  If it does, and you're not allowed to disable it, then install the IPV6 version.  Next you need to know if it's a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture.  The quick and easy way to find out is to look at your C:\ drive, do you see both C:\Program Files\ and C:\Program Files (x86)\ folders?  If you have both, then it's 64-bit.  If you only have one then you have a 32-bit system architecture.  Now you know which one to download.

IPV4 (32/64-bit)

http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL16273699

IPV6 (32/64-bit)

http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL10976858

 Or you can navigate to the Data & Downloads on the Autodesk website under the AutoCAD selection.

 

Ensure you read the readme's! 

As always, we're here to help and can be reached at 888-528-4765 (8am-8pm Eastern).