Note: 3D graphics powered by the jsc3d project under the terms of the MIT license.
“Scientists study the world as it is,
Engineers create the world that never has been.”
–Theodore von Kármán
Videos
the3DUtility #1 - Basic Structure & Equipment placement using AutoCAD/BricsCAD -A demonstration of the 3DToolbox, a tool for designing power substations in 3D using AutoCAD/BricsCAD. This video covers using the Substation Units & Assemblies tool to place Equipment and Structures.
the3DUtility #2 - Connectors, Jumpers & Bus using AutoCAD (Remake) -A demonstration of the 3DToolBox, a tool for designing power substations in 3D using AutoCAD/BricsCAD. This video covers using the Substation Unit and Assemblies tool to place Connectors and the operation of the JMPR, JMPRS and BUS applications for placing jumpers and bus work. This is a remake of the3DUtility #2 video to explain and introduce changes required by the AutoCAD vs the BricsCAD programs.
the3DUtility #3 - Assemblies & the BOM utilizing AutoCAD/BricsCAD -A demonstration of the 3DToolbox, a tool for designing power substations in 3D with AutoCAD/BricsCAD. This video covers using Assemblies to simplify the placement of multiple related units (e.g. a breaker bay containing Structures, Switches, Breakers, etc.) and creation of a detailed Bill of Materials (BOM).
The following videos demonstrate many of the features of the3DUtility Toolbox. I originally developed the Toolbox using AutoCAD (starting back in the late 80s using AutoCAD 9 or 10) and have been an avid AutoCAD user since the early 80s with release V1.2. However, I found that after retirement, I could no longer afford their licensing structure.
Recently, I discovered BricsCAD by Bricsys. The program was released in 2005 and has continued to evolve. I have used V20.0 for several months and I can state that it is an excellent alternative to AutoCAD. The command set and structure is at least 99% identical making the learning curve for anyone that has used AutoCAD very short. I am now a satisfied user. And their licensing strategy allows for a one-time fee with or without an annual maintenance fee OR an annual subscription fee. You will find both quite reasonable. For more information, see bricsys.com.
BricsCAD is compatible with AutoLisp and AutoCAD VBA. All of the apps that I developed in AutoCAD are 100% compatible with BricsCAD. And I assure that any development in BricsCAD is compatible with AutoCAD since I utilize AutoCAD documentation for both AutoLisp and VBA.
All Videos are best viewed in Full Screen at HD resolution.
the3DUtility #4 - Intro to AutoCAD/BricsCAD Commands SectionPlane, SectionPlaneToBlock & Paperspace -A demonstration of tools for designing power substations in 3D using AutoCAD/BricsCAD. This video covers leveraging your 3D design made with the 3DToolbox using the AutoCAD commands SectionPlane, SectionPlaneTo Block & Paperspace. I demonstrates the ease with which a full set of design drawings can be compiled from the 3D design. It is not meant to be a detailed tutorial in the process, merely a demonstration of the steps required.
the3DUtility #5 - Substation Lightning Protection using the IEEE Std 998 Fixed Angle Method. -Application of IEEE Std 998 - Guide for Direct Lightning Stroke Shielding of Substations. This video presents a method for applying the Fixed Angle method of protection design utilizing plain vanilla AutoCAD or BricsCAD. This application does not require any additional software or applications not found in standard AutoCAD or BricsCAD.
the3DUtility #6 - Substation Lightning Protection from the IEEE Std 998 Rolling Sphere Method. - Application of IEEE Std 998 - Guide for Direct Lightning Stroke Shielding of Substations. This video presents a method for applying the equations of the Rolling Sphere method of protection design utilizing plain vanilla AutoCAD or BricsCAD. This application utilizes standard AutoCAD/BricsCAD commands.
the3DUtility #7 - Installing Parallel Jumpers -A demonstration of tools for designing power substations in 3D with AutoCAD/BricsCAD. This video covers installation of parallel jumpers and the manipulation of the Universal Coordinate System. It is not meant to be a detailed tutorial in the process, merely a demonstration of the steps required.
the3DUtility #8 - A Substation 3D Fly By -A demonstration of a 3D Fly By for the substation we have designed using the 3DToolbox. The graphics were generated using BricsCAD Pro. This video demonstrates the complexity of the design drawing created by the 3DToolbox.
the3DUtility #9 - The Bid Drawing Package -This video demonstrates how the drawings created by the 3DToolBox, a tool for designing power substations in 3D using AutoCAD/BricsCAD, can be compiled into a drawing set for bidding.
the3DUtility #10 - Leverage Your 2D Drafting Experience to 3D Substation Design -A demonstration of the 3DToolBox, a tool for designing power substations in 3D using AutoCAD/BricsCAD. How to leverage your 2D drafting experience to create a full 3D substation design.
