OpenBuildings™ Designer Help

Setup Model Link Matrix

Next, insert a Model Link symbol into the drawing.

  1. Select the symbol "Wiring, passing through vertic" and set it's Height to 5:0.


  2. Place symbol next to Distribution Panel in drawing.


    This marks the point where the cable will be routed through to the upper floor level and back.
  3. Select ( Model Link). Then click on the Model link symbol with datapoint. Opens the Object Properties ‹Model Link› dialog.


    The Model Link panel lists the link treeview.
  4. Click Define. Opens the Model Link Matrix dialog.


  5. Click New. Opens the Create Keys dialog.


    Enter Level 1 for Floor and 10 for Height and click OK to apply.
    Note: This means that the cable will rise 10:0 ft from the link symbol into the next level.
  6. Create tree of matrix elements in the Model Link Matrix / Building Level dialog:


    • Select the [1] Level1 element in the treeview click New.
    • Opens the Create Keys dialog.
    • Enter R1 in the Floor field and click OK.
    • Repeat creating key for floor; select R1 in the Model Link Matrix dialog and click New.
    • In Create keys dialog enter CSS1 in the Riser field and click OK.


  7. Now, copy-paste the matrix elements in the Model Link Matrix / Building Level dialog:


    • Select the [1] Level1 element.
    • Click to copy the structure to Windows Clipboard.
    • Then click to copy the structure from Windows Clipboard.
    • The Paste Keys dialog opens.
    • Check Paste Keys only, then click OK.
    The matrix element structure gets copied in the treeview.
  8. Now, rename the matrix elements In the Model Link Matrix / Building Level dialog:


    • Select the [2] Level1 element and click Edit.
    • The Building Level Properties dialog opens.
    • Enter Level 2 in the Level field and set Height to 0.
      Note: This means that no length will be added to the cable when using this Model Link symbol.
    • Click OK to apply.
    • Return to the Model Link Matrix dialog.
    • Select the [2,1] R1 element and click Edit.
    • The Riser Properties dialog opens.
    • Change Riser field value to R2 and click OK.
    • Return to the Model Link Matrix dialog.
    • Select the [2,1,] CSS1 element and click Edit.
    • The Cable Support System Properties dialog opens.
    • Change Riser field value to CSS2 and click OK.
    • Return to the Model Link Matrix dialog. The structure changes as renamed.
    In this example, the ceiling height of the drawings is set to 10:0. Since both Model Link symbols are placed at a height of 5:0 each, the lower Model link symbol adds a height of 10:0 to every cable routed through it, and the Model Link symbol in the upper floor level does not need to add any length to cables.
  9. In the Object Properties ‹Model Link› dialog, highlight the entry CSS1 on the right panel and click OK.


    The label "Level 1,R1,CSS1" appears next to the link matrix symbol in the drawing.