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Recent content by markac

  1. markac

    Plotting problem with linked Excel schedules

    We are experiencing plotting problems with Excel schedules linked to Autocad drawing files. When opened on one particular machine, drawings plot as intended. When opened on one other machine, plotting of the linked Excel schedules is erratic - sometimes some plot, usually none of the linked...
  2. markac

    100 HP motor, RVAT starter rating exceeded

    We have a pumping application where it was indicated that 460V, 100 HP pump motors would be supplied. NEMA size 4, reduced voltage (autotransformer) starters were installed. The supply voltage will be 480V. Upon arrival, the pump motor nameplate indicates 135 FLA at 460V. The starter...
  3. markac

    Dust collection & static dissipation

    I was recently asked a question about static dissipation for PVC piping. A small wordworking shop has fabricated their own dust collection system, using PVC piping. In operation, static is produced within the piping. What is an effective way to dissipate this static?
  4. markac

    Drawbridge motor & controller upgrades

    Does anyone have experience with upgrading the control system & drive motor for a motor operated drawbridge? We are investigating upgrades to an existing drawbridge that uses a 30 HP wound rotor motor and a resistor bank for speed control. Is anyone familiar with using an "off the...
  5. markac

    Voltage loss control to coil of motor contactor

    See http://www.pqsi.com for coil lock devices for momentary ride through. As noted by electricpete, be aware of re-energizing motors after such "blips".
  6. markac

    Prevent modification / deletion of drawing items?

    Bird, We'd like to lock specific entities on a layer. If necessary, I guess we could create a specific layer that included nothing but locked entities.
  7. markac

    Prevent modification / deletion of drawing items?

    Is there any way to lock, so to speak, specific drawing items / entities to prevent inadvertent changes? We have certain items on template drawings that I would like to be able to configure so that no changes could be made, either intentional or accidental. Any suggestions?
  8. markac

    Excel to Autocad

    We have a drawing file with hundreds of of individual text items. These same text values are in one column of an Excel spreadsheet. Next to that column is another column of text that we would like appended to the Autocad text item. Would there be an automated method of editing the Autocad text...
  9. markac

    Outdoor detection recommendation

    Does anyone have a recommendation for fire detection required for elevator lobbies when elevator doors open to outside covered spaces? This is a multi-unit, 3-story residential type building with elevators opening only to the outside. NFPA 72 Appendix A item A6.15.3.5 indicates that smoke...
  10. markac

    airport lighting cable sizing

    See FAA advisory circular No. AC 150/5340. Advisory circulars can be found on FAA website. Fifure 14 has some criteria for load calculations, but refer to accompanying text to fully follow this figure.
  11. markac

    Software aid to integrate Excel with AutoCAD

    In response to the need to paste bigger areas, there are a couple of "tricks" that can help. 1. Reduce your text size to something like 6 pt. 2. Correspondingly, reduce the row height & column widths to minimize wasted space. These steps will allow more cells to be pasted.
  12. markac

    Monochrome display only in layout - ?

    That did it. Thanks
  13. markac

    Monochrome display only in layout - ?

    I have a drawing file in which all devices, lines, etc. appear as the color black when in Layout. If switched to Model space, colors appear as intended. Anything added in in Layout also appears black. Any ideas on how to change the layout display to indicate colors?
  14. markac

    Re-use fees

    I would like some input from engineers out there on how I should put together a price quote for an architect doing multi-unit residential buildings. We've been asked to provide a fee to design one building, but the Owner plans to build approximately 250 identical buildings over several years...
  15. markac

    Remote Control via Phone or RF

    With telephone services, an autodialer could be used at each end for remote control. Check out http://www.racoman.com/guardit.html This unit is capable of one control output and maybe 4 alarm inputs at the location of the remote lighting.

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