OpenBuildings™ Designer Help

Overriding a Manufacturer Catalog

Mechanical discipline delivers comprehensive manufacturer catalog data. This data is automatically accessed by the datagroup system, and placed by the application either manually or during automatic placement or routing. Occasionally, there is a need to override the automatic catalog selection. The geometry of round HVAC elbows are typically determined by manufacturer catalog data. When the design intent calls for an unusual or custom fitting, some datagroup properties may not respond to values entered in the Instance Data Panel. An alternative work flow can help to create custom or non standard fittings.

To override the automatic catalog selection

  1. Select Place Mechanical Systems > Duct Accessory and choose the Round Elbow catalog from the Place Component dialog.
  2. Click in the view to place the selected elbow fitting.

    The DataGroup Instance Data panel appears with the elbow dimensional and data properties.
    Note: The datagroup property Catalog Name contains a value specifying a manufacturer catalog file.
  3. Place the cursor in the text field next to the property parameter named Radius to Diameter Ratio.
    Note: The Radius to Diameter Ratio determines the ratio between the fitting radius and its nominal diameter.
  4. Enter a value other than what the manufacturer catalog placed.

    The new value is rejected. The original value is retained.

  5. Place the cursor in the text field next to the Catalog Name property, select the text, and delete. Press <Tab> or <Enter> to continue.
  6. Repeat step 4.

    The new value for Radius to Diameter Ratio is accepted, and the fitting is updated.
    Tip: Ensure you had selected the AutoSize option to RadToDia, for steps to follow as described.