A trial copy of ECOTECT v5.50 beta is now available for anyone wishing to get a sneak preview at the imminent full release.
ECOTECT v5.50 trial beta can be downloaded at squ1.com/downloads.
Help us track any issues
Please help us find and resolve any bugs in this release by reporting them in the ECOTECT issue tracker -- we need everyones help in order to make this release as solid as possible.
Ensure you search for existing issues before posting any new ones and try and supply detailed and accurate information with your report, so we can recreate the problem on our own systems and thus get things resolved as soon as possible.
Installation
While we are confident in the stability of this release, we would recommend taking backups of any model files that you use in this version. It is possible (and recommended) that you maintain any other earlier installation of ECOTECT and simply install this version in an alternate directory on your system -- this will ensure that files from either install do not get mixed up or over-written.
Localisation Settings
In working with the 5.5 beta, I noticed that while I've changed the localisation settings to US Standard, when running daylighting simulation daylighting levels are still displayed in Lux.
Final import/export capability?
The splash page for the v.5.50 beta still indicates upcoming gbxml, Archicad import capability (did I see IFC as well?), but the file types listed in the import dialogs do not list any of those file types.
Will the final release version of v.5.50 include these import paths?
We are particularly interested in getting model data from Revit into a usable form for Ecotect.
lux and inport/export
Thanks for spotting the lux issue jhainline. I noticed you also posted an issue for this, which is perfect... Andrew will be sure to get to it before the final release.
>> but the file types listed in the import
>> dialogs do not list any of those file types.
>> Will the final release version of v.5.50
>> include these import paths?
Yes. We are currently finalising gbXML, ArchiCAD import via their API and IFCs. You will likely see all these appear in the import/export file list in the RC1.
These features are intended to be listed on the ECOTECT project list but we just haven't had time to add these items yet... but when we do you will be able to track the progress there.
BTW, I noticed a bit of a discussion about this on the AUGI forums at http://www.augi.com -- but as I don't currently have membership I wasn't able to post a reply
congratulations
Andrew,
Since you visist chile , every year students ask for the new version.
Congratulations to you and Caroline
UK Part L
Will v5.5 provide any assistance in UK Part L calculations i.e DER and TER. If not just a thought maybe for the next version.
As you probably know the new Part L is quite complex for us mere architects/designers. Just a thought.
Yes, we will include the
Yes, we will include the 2006 UK Part L calculations. We already have UK Part L calcs in v5.20, but these obviously needing updating in line with the 2006 ammendments. This is being done at the moment and there is an item for this in the ECOTECT project, so if you would like to track its progress then please have a look at "Support for new UK Part-L changes".
Tarrain Tool
Did this project proceed?
Terrain Tool
Hi Chris,
I do not think the Terrain Tool proceeded much further.
However, I think that Ecotect has picked up some Terrain Tool abilities.
I will soon be posting an article on Terrain Modelling and Site analysis using Ecotect...time permiting.
I have been importing Digital Elevation Model into Ecotect rather successfully, although with a bit of gymnastic. The new version does import DEM, but there are so many format out there!
So stay tune...more to come.
Olivier
Terrain Tool
Hi Chris & Olivier,
Terrain Tool has progressed, but hasn't been released yet. I have amalgamated EquationTool and TerrainTool together to create an algorithmic 3D mesh generator.
The hold-up really is three things:
One of reasons I've gone full-time on Square One is to finally get some of the tools that I've been playing around with for the last few years actually finished and sufficiently refined for general release. I've all but completed the new versions of ECOTECT and SolarTool, with TerrainTool next on my list after (or concurrent with) an updated WeatherTool.
Hence I'm really keen to see what you (Olivier) have been doing and hopefully get some input so that the new TerrainTool can do what you want...
Kind regards,
Andrew
Terrain Tool
Hi Andrew,
I am trying to find time writting a little piece on terrain modelling and analysis using Ecotect.
As you know, I have been foundling around with this for a while now, and as of today, I am able to import terrain models (DEM) into Ecotect to assess topographic overshading and even creating viewsheds using the Sunpath. This works quite well.
I think I'll have something to post before you have time to get back to The Terrain Tool though, so you'll get some feedback before hand
Good to hear it has not completely disapeared! I'll miss using CONTOUR
Cheers,
Olivier
whats going on with the full release?
?
We really want to use
We really want to use Ecotect in our fall classes...the beta version is not enough for this. Please release!!! (I know you guys are killing yourselves on this...we appreciate it!!!!!)
Posted 1 week ago: can't run Psychrometry within Ecotect Weather
Any forthcoming answer to our question posted last week, we can't launch Psychrometry within Ecotect Weather Tool. Please let us know!
Thank you,
Mark McDonough
Psychro Tool within Ecotect
Hello Mark,
I have never ran into that error message you received.
I'd like to help you trouble-shoot this issue.
First things first:
What version of Ecotect and Weather Tool are you guys using?
Do you have a licence for both Ecotect AND the Weather Tool?
The greayed-out Psychrometry and Solar functions of the Weather Tools usually come about after the first 30 days of utilizations. After that, you would need to purchase a separate licence for the Weather Tool to use these 2 functions (the other functions will keep working).
Ecotect 5.2 came with a complimentary version of the Weather Tool, with 30 days to evaluate the psychro and solar features. Ecotect 5.5 comes with the Weather Manager which only deals with data display.
As suggested from one of your colleague, the Psychro Tool is a free tool that will allow you to do most of the same features.
If you do have licences for the Weather Tool, then I can only guess there is something wrong with the licencing. Are you on a network licence system?
Best,
Olivier
huge apologies for the mega-huge delays! but...
huge apologies for the mega-huge delays! but we will be back in business as of today. I was hoping to have posted only once our store had re-opened, but we are just setting up a few last minute things so I thought it okay to do a small pre-empt and try and put everyones minds at ease...
I will be be sending out a newsletter once the store has actually re-opened so if anyone doesn't want to hang about here waiting, please just sign up via the home page to receive an email notification.
Terrain Analysis
Greetings!
Just to put some wood on the fire...
When will we be able to make terrain analysis using dwg files?
Regards,
Alex
Terrain Analysis
Hi Alex,
I am still working on that paper to explain o=how to do that with Ecotect...I just need the time to finish it up and post it on the Natural Frequency pages...
For now you do need a third party software to convert your Digital Elevation Model into a dxf.
Once you have a .dwg, you should be able to convert that into a .dxf and then import it in Ecotect.
Note that terrain models are usually very large and have many objects and can slow down the software quite a bit!
Best,
Olivier