Tutorial 10D.1 - Draw and Copy Existing Object On the Fly - Video

To describe with text and pictures, all the possibilities of QuickBuild during "On the Fly" operation would make for an extremely long and difficult to follow instruction page for the user.

The best and fastest way to describe this multifaceted "On the fly" procedure is with a Video showing it's operation.

Each Video of this QuickBuild "On the Fly" Section is Specific Task Oriented and clearly demonstrates the specific operation step by step. They are all created to be as concise and to the point as possible.

Please trust us on this, and use these videos to learn how to perform the tasks that can be completed "On the Fly".

In QuickBuild:

1. if CONTROL key is pressed upon clicking on a pipe, the Hydraulic Snap will not attract the nearest node, and does not snap to nodes. Then it tries to split the pipe into 2 pieces and connect placing a junction which ties it correctly to the network.

2a. If SHIFT Key is held down while clicking on an element, it takes that element as a temporary template, so the next placed element will be the same as that template.
2b. NOTE: QuickBuild, after placing the "next" element, will then revert back to its default template - UNLESS: "Last Element" is selected in the Template Dropdown ComboBox before placing the next node.

In QuickBuild, always be aware of:

1. Hydraulic Snap must be on to connect correctly to Network.

2. Hydraulic Snap, when close to a Node, tries to connect to the node, use the above described "Split a Pipe using CONTROL" Key to allow it to split into a pipe.

3. AutoCAD Osnap requires awareness of the user that it can interfere with placement of Hydraulic Objects when Connecting Back Into Network. Short Practice will show you how to use the combination of snaps to your best advantage, and best use will soon become automatic to you.

These 2 snaps are critical for placement and the user must be aware of the correct purpose and use of both snaps.
Used incorrectly, they will often conflict and not produce the desired result.

 
NOTES Specific to this "Copy Existing Object On the Fly" Operation

While in QuickBuild, and before placing the Object which you want to be changed,
Hold Down SHIFT
Move Cursor directly over the connection point (center) of the Donor Node and LEFT CLICK to Load it's Property Values.

See Tutorial 10E.4 for setting opening up shift key
You will notice a change in appearance of PreCursor indicating successful transfer of Values.
Place Object the same as you place any other Object.
It will contain the Values of the Object you Copied from.

Junction or Outlet is always the Default.

NOTE: For Pipes, or Nodes other than junctions, first switch to Pipe Mode by clicking Pipe Icon,or the Icon for the Object Type desired, then Hold Down SHIFT KEY and left click on the donor object.

After obtaining properties, and before placing next point in the drawing, pressing the ESCAPE Key is needed to put operation back to "Place Nodes and Single point Pipes", otherwise it will place a multipoint pipe next.

If "Last Junction" or "Last Pipe" is in effect, (must be set immediately upon placement of the copied object) , the copied Values will remain loaded until changed again, and all subsequence objects will contain the copied properties untill changed.

The best and fastest way to describe this multifaceted procedure is with a Video showing it's operation.