DM HVAC Release Notes

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master HVAC 7.2. The requests from our public wish list are highlighted.

Ducts

Duct Hatching: The 2D ductwork can be hatched. The hatching settings are controlled by the layer system and duct type. (Requested on the wish list.)

Use the DM HVAC->Customization->Layers command and double-click on a layer system name to set the hatch settings for that layer system.

For each duct type, you can set whether or not it is hatched. You can choose whether or not to hatch flex duct. You can have the hatch extend past the edges of the ductwork.

If you need some ducts hatched, but others not hatched, use different layer systems. Set the hatching appropriate for each layer system, and adjust each duct to use the corresponding layer system.

Odd Duct Sizes: Duct smaller than a certain size can be sized to odd inches. You can set the option individually for each duct shape using the DM HVAC->Customization->Options, Ductwork->Use odd rectangular duct sizes below this size, Use odd round duct sizes below this size, and Use odd flat oval duct sizes below this size  options. When ducts are sized, if they are below the size listed in the option, even and odd duct sizes will be used. Anything larger than the option will be sized to even inches. The default value for this option is 0, meaning that all ducts are sized to even inches. (Requested on the wish list).

Minimum Duct Sizes: A minimum size for ducts can be set using the DM HVAC->Customization->Options, Ductwork->Minimum duct size option. Ducts will not be sized any smaller than the size in the option. The default value for this option is 0, meaning there is no minimum duct size. (Requested on the wish list.)

Duct Hangers on Separate Layers: Separate layer keys for duct hangers in 2D and 3D were added, allowing hangers to be inserted on a different layer from the ductwork. (Requested on the wish list).

Duct Centerline Locking Feedback: Ducts that have their width, depth, or shape locked have their centerline graphics changed to indicate this on the drawing. The new centerline graphic makes it easier to see which ducts are being sized automatically and which are being sized manually.

Remove Pressure Drop Report Command: A command to remove a pressure drop report from the drawing and reset the color of the critical run has been added.

Break Vertical Ducts: The Break Duct command now works on vertical ducts. Breaking vertical ducts makes it easier to model vertical stacks of ductwork.

Improved Duct Insertion: The Inset Duct command was upgraded to work like the Insert Pipe command in Design Master Plumbing. While inserting ducts, you can use the Set info option to change the duct settings for the next duct you insert. When you connect a duct to a vertical duct, you can easily connect at any elevation, rather than just the top. A break in the vertical duct will be inserted if you connect the horizontal duct to the middle of the vertical duct.

Load Calculations

Copy Room: You can now copy rooms on the drawing using standard AutoCAD commands. (Requested on the wish list.)

Zone Map: The zone that each room is in can be highlighted on the drawing using the DM HVAC->Building Definition->Zones->Insert Zone Map command. Using this command makes it easier to verify that the your rooms are grouped into appropriate zones. (Requested on the wish list.)

Variable Air Volume vs Constant Volume Systems: Zones can be specified as Variable Air Volume or Constant Volume systems. In VAV systems, the supply air required in the zone is based upon the coincident peak. In CV systems, the supply air required is the sum of the supply air required in each of the rooms in the zone.

Actual Supplied CFM in Ventilation Calculations: A new check box labeled Use Actual Supplied CFM in Ventilation and Psychrometric Calculations was added to the DM HVAC->Building Definition->Project Information command. (Requested on the wish list.)

When this box is not checked, the supply CFM values in the ventilation and psychrometric calculations will be calculated based upon the room heating and cooling loads. When this box is checked, the supply CFM values int he ventilation and psychrometric calculations will be based upon the airflow through the diffusers inserted on the drawing.

Typically, this box will not be checked when starting a project. The ventilation calculations will use the calculated supply airflow values, because no diffusers exist on the drawing. Later on, once this supply diffusers have been inserted in the rooms, you can check this box to use those airflow values to more accurately calculate the ventilation rates in the project.

Ventilation Percentage: A new check box labeled Maximum Room Ventilation Percentage was added to the DM HVAC->Building Definition->Project Information command.

When this box is not checked, the supply air required in a room will have a minimum value equal to the ventilation required in the room. If the heating and cooling loads for the room are low, you will end up with rooms that require 100% ventilation. If the ventilation rate in one room is 100%, the ASHRAE 62 and IMC calculations require the ventilation for the entire zone to be 100%.

When this box is checked, you specify a maximum ventilation percentage for rooms. The supply air minimum value will be set to maintain this maximum percentage. Using this option makes it easier to keep ventilation rates in all of your rooms at reasonable values and prevent an entire zone from requiring 100% ventilation.

3D-BIM

Export Flex Ducts: You can choose whether or not to inlude flex ducts when exporting your HVAC model to an IFC file. (Requested on the wish list.)

Export Diffusers: You can choose whether or not to inlude ceiling diffusers when exporting your HVAC model to an IFC file.

Master and Project Diffuser Schedule

Import Multiple Master Schedule Entries: You can import multiple entries from the master diffuser schedule to the project schedule at one time, rather than having to import each entry individually. (Requested on the wish list.)

Schedules

Zoom to Schedule: When a schedule is inserted, a Zoom to Schedule After Insertion checkbox is included when inserting a schedule. If this box is checked and the schedule is already inserted on the drawing, you will be moved to the location of the schedule on the drawing. Never lose a schedule on a busy drawing again!

Schedule Column Justification: Each column in a schedule can have its justification individually set to left, center, or right. Previously, all columns were left-justified. To change the column justification, press the Edit Title, Column Labels, and Column Order button when inserting the schedule.

Schedule Title and Column Label Justification: The justification of schedule titles and schedule column labels can be set using the Options command. Go to DM HVAC->Options->Customization and look for the Schedule title justification and Schedule column label justification entries in the Miscellaneous section. The justification can be set to left or center.

Project Management

Merge Project: Drawings from one project can be merged into another project. (Requested on the wish list.)

Copy or Backup Project: The new Copy of Backup Project command can be used to make a complete copy or backup of the current project. When you copy or backup a project, it is important to copy all of the drawings and the DM database files. This command will take care of copying all the files necessary. Use this command if you want to make a backup of the current state of the project or if you want to make a copy to try a different design idea on.

Copy Drawing and Remove Links to Database: The new Copy Drawing and Remove Links to Database command will copy the current drawing, remove all the links between the DM entities on the drawing and the database, but will not remove any of the DM entities. The copied drawing will look exactly like the original, but will not have any DM intelligence included with it. You can then use standard AutoCAD drafting commands to modify the drawing.

Rename Database: The Rename Database command will change the name of the database file associated with the current drawing. It will change the suffix of the file when viewed in Windows Explorer. Nothing else in the project will be changed.

• Fixed error in "Install Patch" command.
• Fixed error when using the "Edit" button in schedules and when modifying schedule column layouts.
• Fixed error drafting vertical flat oval ducts in 2D.
• Fixed error when connecting diffusers to a duct in drawings with multiple alignment points oriented in different direcitons.
  

• Fixed crash when sizing ductwork.

• Fixed error causing project submissions and bug reports to not send correctly.
• Fixed mechanical equipment to display below the background when appropriate.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2014.
• Fixed errors when importing and exporting layers to Excel.
• Improved how automatically created recovery drawings were handled.
• Fixed crash in Project Explorer after deleting a device on the drawing.
• Removed ventilation calculation method display on the load calculation print outs.

• Fixed crashes in rare cases related to alignment point areas.
• Fixed error creating layers with lineweights and plot styles set.
• Added ASHRAE 62.1-2007 and ASHRAE 62.1-2010 as choices for ventilation calculation method. The calculation is the same as ASHRAE 62.1-2004. The only difference is the label on the print out.

• Published user manual
• • View it online.
  • Download and install it on your local computer.
• Improved installer to allow network folders to be selected as the install folder.
• Improved error messages when sizing criteria is not set for a duct system.
• Only selected zones are listed when priting the Ventilation Schedule and Psychrometrics in the Print Load Calculations command.
• Fixed error that would make it appear like there was an X drawn in the ductwork leading to a return diffuser.
• Made Move Label and Remove Label commands for ductwork labels also work on diffuser callouts.

• Removed "Solid" as a hatch type for ductwork.
• Fixed merge project error.

• Fixed error causing drawing to regenerate when a DM HVAC command was run.
• Fixed error when copying-and-pasting rooms.
• Fixed fitting label error in Pressure Drop Report.

• Fixed crash in AutoCAD 2013 if you submitted a second project to support.
• Fixed duct hatching on some single-line fittings.
• Fixed crash during the 3Dorbit command in AutoCAD 2009 and earlier.

• Fixed errors in Merge Project command.
• Fixed ductwork hatching error on vertical takeoff fittings.
• Removed mask from ductwork labels when ductwork is not hatched.
• Fixed duct insertion to allow you to specify a length for the duct.
• Fixed diffuser connections to use flex layer when appropriate.

• Fixed crash when modifying ducts or diffusers reported by some users.

• Made the "Please Wait" dialog box less noticeable when making changes to the drawing.

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master HVAC 7.1. This release is a minor one focusing on adding specific requests from our users. Most of the requests came directly to use through emails and phone calls. The requests from our public wish list are highlighted.

Negative Equipment Loads: (Requested on wish list) Negative equipment loads are added to the heating load in the building load calculations. These loads are used to model open refrigeration cases in grocery stores.

Fixed Zone Supply CFM: The total supply airflow to the rooms in a zone can be fixed in the Zones dialog box. This feature is useful when modeling constant volume systems where the system provides more airflow that is required to cool the rooms.

Removing Callouts from Diffusers: (Requested on wish list) Individual diffuser callouts can be removed from the drawing. This command is helpful for cleaning up drawings that become cluttered with diffuser labels.

Default Diffuser Callout Insertion Options: The new command to remove callouts from the drawing prompted this new option when inserting diffusers. There are three choices for how diffuser callouts are handled when a new diffuser is inserted:

• Automatic: Diffuser callouts are automatically inserted on the drawing when the diffuser is inserted. The location is chosen for you. This was the behavior in Design Master HVAC 7.0.
• Manual: You are prompted for the insertion location for diffuser callouts after a diffuser is inserted.
• Not Inserted: Diffusers do not have a callout inserted when they are inserted. Any diffuser callouts on the drawing will have to be added using the DM HVAC->Diffusers->Insert or Move Callout command.

Project Explorer: The new Project Explorer command displays all the diffusers in your database in a single dialog box. You can use this view to browse the items in your project, find them on your drawings, and modify them if necessary.

Maximum Schedule Height: (Requested on wish list) The diffuser schedules can have a maximum height set. If the maximum height for the schedule is exceeded, the schedule is continued to the right of the insertion location.

Diffusers Update When Schedule Changed: When a new block or size is selected for a diffuser in the schedule, the diffusers of that type that are already inserted on the drawing are automatically updated.

User Options: There is a new User Options command. This command is used to set options that are specific to an individual user.

Delete Drawing: There is a new Delete Drawing command, similar to the existing Copy Drawing and Rename Drawing commands. This command will delete a drawing from your computer, and remove all the associated Design Master HVAC ductwork and diffusers from it. It automates the process of opening the drawing, erasing all the items on it, and then deleted the drawing.

Save Support Emails to Desktop: Design Master HVAC can send the current project to our support team when the software crashes or if you have a question. Some networks block the outgoing email protocols that we use. In these cases, the project is saved to your desktop and you have to send it manually.

Determining that the email cannot be sent can take a moment or two. If you know that you cannot send us email directly, you can enable this setting to bypass attempting to send the email and instead immediately save it to your desktop.

AutoCAD 2007 or Later Required: This release of Design Master HVAC will require AutoCAD 2007 or later. AutoCAD 2006 and earlier will no longer be supported.

• Fixed error that prevented the Copy Drawing and Rename Drawing commands from working.
• Fixed 2 miscellaneous crashes reported by users.

• Fixed crashes in AutoCAD 2013.
• Fixed IFC export error when exporting multiple floors.
• Added system options of "Constant Velocity" and "VAV" to zones for load calculations.
• Fixed load calculation error when using ASHRAE 62 to calculate the ventilation load in zones.
• Fixed error when duct sizing criteria values were set to 0.
• Fixed turning vanes to display on flat oval ducts.
• Fixed load calculation output to not list "0 sf" of glass in partitions that have no glass.

• Added support for AutoCAD 2013.
• Restored support for AutoCAD 2004, 2005, and 2006.
• Fixed IFC export to set units correctly to handle scaling errors in other programs.
• Fixed an error with the IFC export that would leave extra entities on the drawing when it was finished.
• Return and exhaust pressure values are now displayed as negative values in the pressure drop report on the drawing.
• Fixed crash when calculating loads in a zone with lots of rooms.

• Fixed error inserting a duct transition when shape changes but not size.

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master HVAC 7.0. The major new feature in this release is 3D-BIM compatibility with Revit. The other changes are small improvements to existing features or fixes to bugs reported by customers. If you have any suggestions for features for future releases, you can share them with us on our new wish list.

3D-BIM Compatibility with Revit

This release adds 3D-BIM compatibility with Revit, a feature many of our customers have been asking for. It is not a single feature, but multiple smaller features that together allow you to work with architects on 3D-BIM projects. Together, the features put you in the position of being able to offer 3D coordination on every project you do with Design Master HVAC.

IFC Export Commands

The key to 3D coordination is being able to produce a 3D model that can be checked against the other systems in the project. IFC is a vendor-neutral file format that is intended for specifically this type of BIM collaboration. Using this format allows you to design the 3D model in Design Master HVAC and AutoCAD and check it against the architect's model designed in Revit.

You have the option to export the whole project, the current drawing, or a single area from the current drawing.

3D MEQ

Mechanical equipment can be modeled in 2D and 3D using the new software. You can model the equipment in 3D as either a cylinder or a box.  These 3D elements will be included in the IFC file you export for your architect.

There are two reasons our new mechanical equipment is limited to simple shapes. The main reason is that the goal of the 3D model is to check for conflicts and interferences, not produce photo-realistic renderings of the project. You need to block out your space for the equipment, nothing more. A 3D box or cylinder accomplishes this goal and allows you to get back to the rest of your design.

The other reason is that computers cannot handle more complex models. The more complicated the model is, the more computer hardware you need to view it. A new process such as 3D coordination needs to be easy to use to be beneficial to the project. If loading the model and checking for collisions is a time-consuming, frustrating task, it won't be done. Keeping our model simple means you and the architect will use it more frequently. 

Hangers

Hangers for ducts can be shown in both 2D and 3D. The hangers will be included in the IFC file you export for your architect. Most project will not require this level of detail for their 3D models, so the default setting for hangers is to be off, but the feature is there when your project needs it.

Elevation Labels

Elevation labels can be used to document the top and bottom elevations of the ductwork. This was a wishlist request.

Alignment Point Elevation

Each alignment point area will now have an elevation associated with it. You can use this to stack floors on different drawings appropriately. When the complete IFC model is exported, these elevations are used to put the ductwork and equipment in the right place.

Exterior Duct Lining

Ductwork can have exterior lining associated with it. This is not currently drawn in 2D, but will be displayed in 3D and included in the IFC file.

Other Changes

Duct Pressure Drop Report: A new report makes it much easier to work with the pressure drop calculations in Design Master HVAC. When you create the report on your drawing, it will highlight the critical path on your drawing. You can use this information to make changes to the ductwork if necessary. In the screen shot below, the critical path is marked by the duct centerlines drawn in magenta.

The report includes the pressure numbers for each section of duct in the critical path. An ID tag links the ducts on the drawing with the rows in the report.

Static Regain Minimum Velocity: You can specify a minimum velocity for your ducts when sizing them using the static regain method. If the starting velocity is not high enough, you can run out of velocity at the ends of the duct runs and require very large ducts. The minimum velocity setting puts a limit on how large the ducts are allowed to be. This setting keeps the duct sizes realistic in these situations.

Critical Zones Highlighted in Ventilation Schedule: The critical zone in the ventilation schedule is highlighted. This is the zone with the largest fraction of outside air required. It is what drives the final corrected outside air value in both the ASHRAE 62 and IMC ventilation calculations. If you want to reduce the corrected outside air required, this is the space that you need to adjust. The typical solution is to increase the supply air to the room, which will lower the outside air fraction.

Reverse Return and Exhaust Ductwork Arrows: Return and exhaust ductwork centerlines can be drawn with their arrows pointing in the direction of airflow rather than pointing towards the diffusers. This settings can be changed in the "Options" command. This was a wishlist request.

• Improved project creation speed over networks.
• Fixed errors when exporting IFC files.
• Duct top and bottom elevations do not include exterior lining.
• Fixed error when copying a drawing and erasing ducts that would cause centerlines on the original drawing to be erased.
• Fixed duct elevation label to work correctly on drawings set to "Same as Previous."
• Added new layer keys for duct elevation layers.

• Fixed error displaying elevations of ductwork.
• Updated automatic double-line redraw to happen less frequently.
• Fixed error with array command in AutoCAD 2012.
• Added "Pressure Drop" as a new column in the diffuser schedule.
• Fixed static regain duct sizing whe using a minimum velocity setting.
• Changed psychrometric calculations to display results for the most humid month, not the peak load month.

• Added option to include or not include exterior lining width in top and bottom elevation of ducts.
• Fixed error with the GROUPDISPLAYMODE system variable in AutoCAD 2012.
• Fixed crashes related to opening other drawings to update.
• Fixed error when exporting pair of pants fittings to IFC files.
• Fixed crashes related to elevation labels.

The following is a list of new and updated features in Design Master HVAC 6.3.

64-bit Compatibility

This version of Design Master HVAC is compatible with all 64-bit versions of Windows.

This release also works in 32-bit versions of Windows and in AutoCAD 2004 to AutoCAD 2010.

IFC Ductwork Export

We added a feature to export 3D ductwork in IFC format.

This feature is a first step toward adding full IFC support to all three programs in the future.

AutoCAD 2010 Ribbon Panels

We included Design Master HVAC ribbon tabs in this release.

• Added automatic backup of the Design Master database file.
• Fixed error when using the Export command in AutoCAD MEP 2010.
• Fixed the pulldown in customization grids to not crash AutoCAD.
• Fixed error when labeling vertical ducts.
• Fixed duct centerline osnaps to work in AutoCAD 2008 and 2008 64-bit.
• Fixed copy and paste error with diffusers.
• Fixed Diffuser Query command to correctly display throw distance.
• Improved Coordinate Drawings and Database command to fix incorrect diffuser layers.

• Fixes the automatic loader to work correctly with next release of Design Master HVAC.
• Fixes multiple minor bugs reported by users.

• Fixed crash when inserting ducts that are set to be "Same As Previous".
• Fixed crash when copying and pasting rooms.
• Updated diffuser schedule to display diffuser sizes and CFM labels in metric.
• Fixed 2D vertical duct display error.
• Fixed IFC export to work correctly with Navisworks.
• Updated "Set CFM Total In a Room" command to work in rooms with no supply diffusers.

• Fixed error that caused the AutoCAD OPEN command to not work correctly in some instances.

• Fixed crash in layer customization dialog box.
• Fixed room display in AutoCAD 2011.
• Fixed progress spinner to work in AutoCAD 2011.
• Fixed HVAC drafting tools to work correctly when ductwork is below the background.

Released July 6, 2009 

The following is a list of new and updated features and bugs that were fixed in Design Master HVAC 6.2. This is a maintenance release that focused on maintaining compatibility with the new releases of Design Master Plumbing and Design Master Electrical. It also includes support for AutoCAD 2010. Any other changes are small improvements to existing features or fixes to bugs reported by customers.

Changing Diffuser Callout Style: If you change the style of your diffuser callouts in the middle of a project, running the Coordinate Drawings and Database command will update any that already exist on the drawing.

Create Room Command Settings Remembered: When you create a second new room on a drawing, the previous room type is remembered and automatically displayed in the Create New Room dialog.

Lined Ducts Draft Correctly in 3D: Lined ductwork draws correctly in 3D, rather than continually expanding in width.

Edit Multiple Ducts: Pressing ENTER will act the same as pressing the "Edit Multiple Selected Ducts" button in this command.

AutoCAD 2010 Support: AutoCAD 2010 is now supported.

Version Checking: Design Master HVAC will automatically check for a newer versions on the internet and alert you if one is available. There is also a new command, DM HVAC->Help->Check for Updates, which you can use to force Design Master HVAC to check for an update.

To turn this feature off, use the DM HVAC->Help->Check for Updates command and uncheck the Alert me when updates are available toggle.

• Fixed crash when inserting fire damper fitting.
• Fixed flex duct to not lock up AutoCAD when drawing very long sections.
• Renaming a drawing updates the drawing-to-drawing duct labels on other drawings.

• Fixed duct sizing error when maximum depth is set to 0.
• Fixed crash in psychrometric calculation in extreme fan size cases.
• Updated database format to match Design Master HVAC 6.3 Release Candidate 1.

• Fixed duct sizing to always size flex duct to be round.
• Fixed duct sizing error when sizing a single diffuser connected to a VAV box.

• Updated database version to match 64-bit beta release.

• Fixed crash when database connection is lost.
• Fixed error converting old drawings with room outlines in AutoCAD 2006.

• Fixed bug when drawing transition in vertical ducts.

The following is a list of new and updated features and bugs that were fixed in Design Master HVAC 6.1. The major new feature for this release is compatibility with Design Master Plumbing. The other changes are small improvements to existing features or fixes to bugs reported by customers.

Plumbing Compatibility

This version of Design Master HVAC is compatible with the new Design Master Plumbing software. It is required to upgrade to this version of DM HVAC before installing DM Plumbing.

Fittings

Fitting Will Not Work Error: The error message alerting you to the fact that a fitting will not work at a specific location is displayed at the command line instead of in a dialog box. This will prevent the message from interrupting your workflow.

Pair-of-Pants Fitting: The lining is now inserted on the correct layer.

Automatic Fittings: The transition tee now works as an automatic fitting when ducts are angled.

Square Elbow Pressure Drop: The pressure drop in square elbows with turning vanes has been reduced slightly.

Drawing-to-Drawing Ducts

Elevation: The drawing-to-drawing function prompts you for the starting elevation on the second drawing.

Draw Double Line (Branch): This command now works when used to select a branch that includes a drawing-to-drawing duct.

Schedules

Automatic Insertion: The first time you insert a schedule, you must specify an insertion location. After that, the schedule is automatically inserted in the current location when it is updated. You no longer have to press ENTER to have it insert in its current location.

To move a schedule that is already on the drawing, use the AutoCAD move command.

Round Diffuser: The diameter of round diffusers is displayed properly in the diffuser schedule.

Load Calculations

IMC Ventilation: The IMC ventilation calculation now works when used with rooms that require only heating.

Dialog Box Usability

Keyboard Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts have been added to buttons on most dialogs. Pressing ALT plus the underlined letter on the button will act the same as pressing that button.

Project Submission

Project Submission: There is a new command on the menu, DM HVAC->Help->Send Project to Design Master Support. This command will zip up the current drawing and database and email it directly to us. You have option to include a message with the file. We often request that you send your project to us so that we can troubleshoot difficult problems. This command will make it easier for you to send us the files that we need.

Bug Submission: When Design Master HVAC crashes, you will be given the opportunity to send the project and crash information to us. This works the same as the Project Submission command. We encourage you to send in these crash reports. We read every crash report that comes in and can typically solve the problem and send you a fix for it the next day. At the very least, we will send you an email acknowledging the problem and help you find a way to work around it.

Coordinate Drawing and Database

Coordinate Backup: The Coordinate Drawing and Database command now creates a backup of the current drawing and database before it is run.

Master and Standards Databases

Read-Only Support: Read-only files are supported for master and standards database. You no longer need read-write access to the master and standards databases to start or work in a project. You can use this feature to limit access to the master and standards databases.

Layers

Layer Creation:  Creating a new layer system and immediately trying to insert a diffuser or duct on that layer system in the drawing now works.

• Fixed copy and paste when copying devices from multiple Design Master programs at the same time.
• Fixed rectangular vertical duct drafting error in 2D.

• Fixed duct sizing error when duct width is locked.
• Fixed bug in the Insert Drawing to Drawing Connection command.

• Compatibility with Design Master Electrical 7.1.4

• Fixed crash related to alignment points.
• Fixed constant velocity sizing to work correctly with locked duct widths and depths.
• Databases are automatically repaired if possible.

• Fixed double-line drafting error in flat-oval vertical duct.
• Fixed crash that happened when inserting a duct node then using the AutoCAD UNDO command.
• Fixed crash when erasing a section.
• Fixed crash when drafting wye fitting.
• Fixed crash when sizing ducts after some have been deleted.
• The last "Room Type" setting is remembered when creating multiple new rooms.
• Fixed column label in ASHRAE 62 Ventilation Report.
• Double-line ductwork is deleted after it is copy-and-pasted.
• Improved speed when importing schedules from master to project when starting a new project.
• Fixed crash when inserting block with commas in the name.
• Fixed cut-and-paste to insert new items correctly.
• Added new network and laptop install options.

Fixed an "Out of Memory" crash in AutoCAD 2004, 2005, and 2006.

The following is a list of new and updated features and bug that were fixed in Design Master HVAC 6.0. The main areas of change are:

• Usability
• Ductwork
• Diffusers
• Schedules
• Load Calculations
• Project Drawing and Database Maintenance

Usability

Copy and Paste: Design Master supports all forms of copy, cut, and paste. To use this new feature, use standard Windows copy, cut, and paste functions.

Copy and Paste Between Projects: Entities can be copied from drawings in one project to drawings in another. When copying diffusers, the paste command looks for a matching callout in the new project. If one is not found, or the callout is defined differently in the two projects, a new entry in the diffuser schedule is created.

Enter to Close All Dialogs: Pressing ENTER in any dialog will close it as if you pressed the OK button. This feature only works on dialogs that have an OK button. To use this feature, press ENTER when you are in a dialog to close it instead of clicking OK.

Resizable Dialog Boxes: Some dialog boxes can now be resized. Look for the Design Master icon in the top-left of the dialog. If it appears, the dialog can be resized.

Ductwork

Export 3D Ductwork:  There is a new command to export the 3D ductwork to a separate file. This file can be imported by all of the leading architectural building information modeling (BIM) programs, including AutoCAD Architecture, Revit, ArchiCAD, and Microstation.

To export the ductwork, use the DM HVAC->Sections and 3D Drafting->Export 3D Ductwork command. Select the ductwork to export and specify a name for the file. The file that is created will contain only the 3D ductwork and diffusers. The architect you are working with can then import this file into their software.

CFM Duct Label: The label on a duct can include the CFM  of air in the duct. To include this in the label, go the Options dialog. Add $CFM to the Duct Label Format settings. When the labels are updated, the $CFM value will be replace with the CFM in the duct.

Default Fitting: The transition tee is selectable as a default fitting type for duct branches and crosses.

Sections: Numerous minor bugs related to sections have been fixed. These fixes include the Delete Section button.

Added Soft Metric Labels: Ducts can be labeled using "soft" metric. When this is used, one inch will be converted to 25 millimeters in the duct label, instead of 25.4 millimeters. To change the ductwork labels, use the DM HVAC->Customization->Options->Edit Project List command and change the Duct Label Format settings. The following codes will be replaced with the dimensions of the duct:

• Standard Dimensions
  • W: Interior width in inches
  • D: Interior depth or diameter in inches
  • WE: Exterior width in inches
  • DE: Exterior depth in inches
• Metric Centimeter Dimensions
  • WM: Interior width in centimeters
  • DM: Interior depth or diameter in centimeters
  • WME: Exterior width in centimeters
  • DME: Exterior depth in centimeters
• Metric Millimeter Dimensions
  • WMM: Interior width in millimeters
  • DMM: Interior depth or diameter in millimeters
  • WMME: Exterior width in millimeters
  • DMME: Exterior depth in millimeters
• Soft Metric Millimeter Dimensions
  • WMMS: Interior width in soft millimeters
  • DMMS: Interior depth or diameter in soft millimeters
  • WMMSE: Exterior width in soft millimeters
  • DMMSE: Exterior depth in soft millimeters

Diffusers

Diffuser Connections:  There are two new commands for connecting diffusers to ductwork, Single 90 Connection and Single 45 Connection. To use both of these commands, you first select a diffuser to connect, then you select the location on a duct to connect to.

Damper Location: The balancing damper that is automatically inserted when a diffuser is connected to the ductwork can be set to be as close to or as far away from the diffuser as possible.

Schedules

Not Display Entries in Diffuser Schedule: Diffuser schedule records have a toggle that can be used to remove the item from the schedule that is printed to the drawing. To use this feature, uncheck the Include in Schedule toggle in the diffuser schedule dialog. When you reinsert the schedule, the selected diffuser entries will not be displayed.

Import Single Records from Other Databases: You have the option to import a single entry from a schedule in another database. Previously, all entries in the schedule from the other database were imported.

To use this, press the Import from Another Database button in any schedule dialog. After selecting the database to import from, you are presented with the option to choose which entries to import. You can select one or multiple records from the list, or press the Import All Records button to import all the records as before.

Load Calculations

Ventilation Calculation: System ventilation can be calculated using the 2006 International Mechanical Code. This option is set in the DM HVAC->Building Definition->Project Information command using the Ventilation Calculation Method list. There are three options in this list:

• Minimum: The system ventilation is a sum of the room ventilation values. The system ventilation is not corrected to account for varying ventilation rates in rooms. This is the same as having the Calculate Zone OSA Using ASHRAE 62 box NOT CHECKED in the previous version of Design Master HVAC.
• 2006 International Mechanical Code: The system ventilation is calculated using the 2006 International Mechanical Code. The system ventilation value is increased when rooms have different ventilation rate requirements. This option is new in this release of Design Master HVAC.
• ASHRAE 62.1-2004: The system ventilation is calculated using ASHRAE 62. The system ventilation value is increased when rooms have different ventilation rate requirements. This is the same as having the Calculate Zone OSA Using ASHRAE 62 box CHECKED in the previous version of Design Master HVAC.

Ventilation Schedule: When printing load calculations, there is a new section available called Ventilation Schedule. The output of this report depends upon which ventilation calculation method is used (minimum, IMC, or ASHRAE 62). Sufficient information is provided in the schedules for you or a plan reviewer to check our ventilation calculations by hand.

Fractional People: There is an option to round up fractional people to the next whole number. For example, if the number of people in a space is calculated to be 2.2, the value will be rounded up to 3. This option is set in the DM HVAC->Building Definition->Project Information command using the Allow Fractional People check box.

Latent Loads: Negative latent loads are set to 0.

Cooling Peak Time: When the cooling load is not dependent upon the time, the peak is display as noon instead of 4:00 am.

Project Drawing and Database Maintenance

Multiple Alignment Points: You can insert multiple alignment points in a single drawing.

The first alignment point in a drawing is the default alignment point. All other alignment points are associated with an area. All ductwork and diffusers in the area use that alignment point. All ductwork and diffusers that are outside of any alignment point areas use the default alignment point.

To insert additional alignment points, use the Insert Alignment Point command. If there is already an alignment point in the drawing, you will be prompted for the area for the additional alignment point.

Recover Drawings are Handled Automatically: When Design Master detects AutoCAD has crashed and you are using a recover drawing, it helps you make sure that the new drawing and the database are synchronized.

Automatic Project Backup: Design Master HVAC automatically makes a backup of your project in two situations:

• When your project is upgraded to a new version
• When the name of a drawing in the project has changed

These backups can be safely deleted if your project is working.

Projects Work When Master Database is Corrupted: When the master database is corrupted, commands that involve only the current project continue to work. Commands involving the master database will not. This improvement allows you to continue working on existing projects while we help you recover your master database.

The Alignment Point Can be Removed from Non-Design Master Drawings: The new command DM HVAC->Utilities->Remove All Alignment Points will remove all of the Design Master alignment points from the current drawing. This command is useful when an alignment point has accidentally been inserted on a drawing that does not have any Design Master HVAC entities on it. Previously, it was difficult to remove the alignment point from these drawings.  

• Fixed zone creation and editing.

• Fixed duct label error when default text height was larger than duct label text height.
• Fixed error when inserting a single perpendicular connection. Instead of drawing this:
  
  
  
  It draws this:
  
  
  
• Fixed crash when calculating HVAC building loads for a zone with a large number of rooms.
• Fixed crash when calculating HVAC building loads for a zone with no rooms.
• PLINETYPE system variable is no longer forced to 0.
• Fixed static regain duct sizing error that resulted in large duct sizes connected to diffusers.