BASIC TRAINING

WORKBOOK

Settings

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AUTOSAVE ( FILE / AUTOSAVE):

The AutoSave dialog box provides options for automatically saving your work so that it can be recovered in case of a
power failure or system crash. These include the time interval between automatic saves, as well as the location on your
hard disk where autosave files are stored.

Make entries in this dialog box as follows:

• Check the check box at the top of this dialog box to enable
autosaving. Note that only documents that have had
changes made to them will be automatically saved.
• Time Interval to Save Modified Documents: Enter a
number of minutes between automatic saves. The default
value is 10 minutes.
• Folder in Which to Save Documents: Enter a directory path for the location where autosave files should be
stored, or click on the button to the right of this field to browse for a directory. Note: The default autosave
directory is the main application directory for AutoSPRINK.

If you need more information on what is contained in a directory before selecting it as a destination for autosave files,
click the Explore Folder button. This will close the AutoSave dialog and launch Windows Explorer.

All files and settings should be stored locally on the C:\ drive. If you are saving on a network or Profile folder on
a network, it may take extra time to process commands in AutoSPRINK.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (SETTINGS / DRAWING / PROJECT

MANAGEMENT):

The Project Management tab feature allows the user to enable the document
to keep track of version changes. In order to do this, check the Managed
Document checkbox at the top of the dialog. Note that the drawing must be
initially saved before activating this feature.

Whenever a file with Project Management turned on is saved, a dialog box will
appear. Enter any notes regarding the changes made in this version if desired,
and click OK. The drawing will be saved, and the file name will be
incremented with a version number. These notes and the version number will
then be displayed in the Project Management tab.

RENDER SETTINGS (SETTINGS / RENDER):

Surface Tessellation, Maximum Text detail, &

Crosshatch density: These settings control the number
of facets that are used to create curved surfaces, the
sharpness of the text, and the maximum density of
crosshatches that will be displayed (otherwise you will
see a ‘Hatch Too Dense To Display’ message).

The settings shown will produce good results without

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taxing your hardware:
DRAWING SETTINGS (SETTINGS / DRAWING):

By default, the Description of the drawing is the date and time

the document was created. The description is optional but can
be used for entering a detailed description of the drawing.
Theoretically, there is no limit to the amount of text that can be
typed into the description box.

All drawing values are stored in a common Base Unit. You

should select the units that are used most frequently in your
work to minimize rounding anomalies. The CAD system will not
reliably calculate values smaller than 1/100,000th (one one-
hundred-thousandth) of the document base unit. Thus, if the
document base unit is set to Meter, the smallest value that will
reliably be calculated is 1/100th of a millimeter.

The Drawing Scale establishes the proportion between values

expressed in paper units and those expressed in drawing units. Use Change Scale to select the scale at which you plan
to print so that your font size, selections, etc. produce the correct result. Note that you can print at any scale, regardless
of the scale you choose here.

NUMBER FORMAT SETTINGS (SETTINGS / FORMAT):

Lengths and Hanger Lengths Tab:

This setting controls the rounding value of the pipe cuts shown on the drawing.
This does not control the information sent to the stocklisting sheets (see
Module 5 Stocklisting for this info).

Diameters Tab:

This setting controls the rounding value of the pipe diameters. This should
never be set larger than 1-1/4”, otherwise 1-1/4” pipe would be labeled as
1-1/2”!

HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS SETTINGS (SETTINGS / HYD CALCS):

Dynamically Renumber Node Tags: This option is

turned on by default. As a result, the renumbering
sequence automatically changes to the next
preferred sequencing increment (specified by users)
as additional Remote Areas are placed in the
drawing. It is highly recommended that this be
turned off after placement of remote areas.

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FABRICATION STANDARDS SETTINGS - PIPES (SETTINGS / FAB STANDARDS / PIPES TAB):

Pipe Types are used to tell AutoSPRINK what use the

pipe will serve. The user specifies which pipe types are
to get outlets and which are to get fittings during the
Cleanup Intersections process.

The preferred end type for each pipe type is also

specified. This is used when setting the pipe type in the
Pipe Properties toolbar. When a pipe type is chosen, the
end type displayed will automatically change to the
preferred if possible. It may not be a possible end type
for the material of pipe in which case no end type will be
displayed and the user will need to manually choose an
appropriate end type for the pipe.

When a user chooses a pipe size from the Pipe Toolbar

(Simple Interface), then places the pipe, the type of pipe
placed is dependent upon the Smart Pipe rules. A pipe's
properties including pipe size, pipe type-group, and pipe
material are defined by the Smart Pipe rules. The pipe
size and pipe material is listed in the Smart Pipe area of
the Fabrication Standards dialog. Smart Pipe will
automatically place an individual pipe type based on the
specific rules set for that pipe. For example, if a pipe's
maximum Branch Line size (or cutoff) is set to 2” and the
user selects 3” from the Pipe toolbar, the pipe drawn will
be a Cross Main according to the Smart Pipe Rules
(see help menu for more info).

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FABRICATION STANDARDS SETTINGS - FITTINGS (FITTINGS TAB):

The Fittings tab page includes options to turn on

AutoSPRINK's Parts Book Harmonization. Harmonization
verifies each fitting for proper connection (end prep and size)
and attempts to find a valid fitting in the Parts Book for each
bad connection. The four options available will further define
the degree of harmonization.

The primary function is the ability to have AutoSPRINK

automatically find proper fittings at intersections and match
pipe ends to attached fittings. In this case, the word "proper"
refers to finding the fitting that is the correct size and type, of
those available in the Parts Book, to fit a given intersection.

When AutoSPRINK creates a system (in a wizard for

example,) it places fittings where they are required, but does
not pay attention to the exact, proper fitting that would belong
at the intersection unless this option is checked. This is an
optional setting, because AutoSPRINK can hydraulically
calculate a system whether or not the fittings are matched to
the proper Parts Book listings. As long as there are no leaks,
the system will calculate properly. On the other hand, if Stock
Listing is performed, it is very important to ensure the system
is Harmonized, with proper fittings, to create an accurate
Stock List.

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FABRICATION STANDARDS SETTINGS – PIPE & HANGER LENGTHS (PIPE & HANGER LENGTHS TAB):

The Pipe & Hanger Lengths tab allows a user to adjust

values that affect Pipe and Hanger lengths in the
drawing. The first section contains editable fields that
users can adjust as needed.

The List short pipes as nipples option is turned on by

default, with a maximum nipple size of 1'. This option
must be unchecked if exporting the list to an hlf file as
hydralist does not understand nipples from
AutoSPRINK.

The angle at which pipes are considered vertical is

75°, though the setting can be changed. This controls
the appearance and behavior of pipes that are not level.
For example, if a pipe is at a 70° angle and the vertical
setting is at 75°, the pipe will not be considered a riser
nipple unless the setting is changed to less than 70°.
This also affects how the pipe is labeled (normal label vs
angled).

Minimum Allowable Pipe Lengths

This table allows a user to create, edit, and/or delete the
minimum allowable pipe lengths. The default total & cut
lengths appear until a user makes any changes.

Pipe Cut Lengths

The minimum increment for cut lengths on pipes is set at
½ ", but can be adjusted. Carry-overs can be taken care
of in one of two ways: Round as you go, or Add all
errors together and apply to starter piece. The
second option is on by default. The second option offers
sub-choices, and users can choose to apply those carry-
overs to the Primary or Secondary Starter piece, split
evenly between the two, or always round up on the
starter piece(s).

Update cut lengths on pipes dynamically and Apply takeouts to cut lengths for underground pipe are alternative
options, and are not turned on by default.

Hanger Rod
As an added convenience, Pre-Cut Hanger Rods can be used, and users enter their maximum lengths (rounds to the
nearest ¼ " if necessary). To alleviate the amount of extra material, the Pre-Cut Hanger Rod length will round to the
nearest ¼ " if necessary. There is also an option to toggle how it will be rounded.
If Pre-Cut Hanger Rods are used, their lengths will display in the Material Summary during Stock Listing. Pre-Cut Rods
will also be listed separately from other hanger rods in the Hanger Material and Loose Material reports. This option must
also be unchecked if exporting the list to an hlf file.

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SAVING AND USING YOUR SETTINGS (FILE / OPTIONS):

Drawing Settings
Some settings are stored in each drawing file.
These settings are generally limited to settings that
are required to properly restore the drawing
between sessions. Settings restored from the
drawing file override all other setting initializations.

Creating a Settings File

All of the settings described in this module can
now be saved into a file.

1. File / Save Settings As…

Name the file, saving it in a location you will then
navigate to in the next step. The settings file
provides a location for storing settings between
drawing sessions. Default properties elements are
stored in the settings file.

2. SELECT THE THIRD OPTION AS SHOWN IN THE PICTURE AND NAVIGATE TO THE SETTINGS
FILE YOU JUST CREATED.

Each new file created will now have these settings. Many different settings files can be created. To save settings to the
default file, use the Save Settings command. To save settings to a file of your choice (as in the steps above), use Save
Settings As...

A settings file loaded during the file open process overrides program default settings but does not override settings
stored in the drawing file.

Note: A settings file that is loaded after a drawing is opened overrides all corresponding settings in the drawing.

All settings should be stored locally on the C:\ drive. If you are saving on a network or Profile folder on a
network, it may take extra time to process commands in AutoSPRINK.

Load Sequence
When a new drawing is created or an existing drawing is opened, settings are initialized from several sources. The
program initializes all values to a valid default. Settings can be loaded from a settings file. Settings are loaded from the
existing drawing file.

For a new drawing, the following takes place:

Settings are initialized to internal program defaults.
Settings are loaded from a configured settings file. Thus, only settings that are later stored in the file will override
program defaults.

For an existing drawing being opened, the following takes place:

Settings are initialized to internal program defaults.
Settings are loaded from configured settings files.
Settings are loaded from drawing files. Thus settings that are stored in the drawing will override all other setting
initializations.

Load Settings
Settings are loaded from a selected settings file. All settings that are loaded override corresponding drawing settings.
The settings file loaded when the New or Open menu items are chosen can be configured. By default, the last settings
file saved is the default settings file. You may also choose to use program defaults, in which case no settings file is

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loaded during New and Open. A settings file of your choice can also be employed once its location has been specified.
The Save Settings command preserves the current settings under a default file name. The name is shown on the file
options dialog box. The configuration of the startup settings file does not affect the location of the settings that are stored
by the Save Settings command.
CREATING AND SAVING LAYERS:
Load settings and Save Layer
Layer Settings Files create Layers settings

The current structure and status of layers can be saved to a file for
later use. This is convenient for restoring layer status flags or an
entire layer structure.

Right-click in white space or on a column heading to see a pop-up

menu of commands for loading and saving layer settings files.

Save Settings: Records the current layer structure and status flags to a file with a .LYS extension.

Load Settings: Retrieves the layer status flags from a .LYS file but does not create layers that do not exist. Use this
command to restore status flags only.

Load Settings and Create Layers: Retrieves the layer status flags from a .LYS file and creates layers that do not exist.
Use this command to restore a layer structure.

End of Settings

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