Loop CAD

Paul Rohrs

I received an email notifying me of the new release. I haven't purchased the initial program yet. Wondering a couple of things.

How many Wholesalers have purchased this to provide drawings andor layouts for contractors?

If you are a contractor, do you provide these services for your jobs? Do you rely on the Supply House for these services? (Do they charge you for this?) Have these services been accurate or do they stand behind correcting any mistakes that would cause you sleepless nights?

I purchased Siggy's software HDS and find it to be a valuable tool. My thought process is that Loop CAD would equally as valuable but everyone would want the layout for everyjob, no charge. I would love to do that but logistically, there are only so many hours in a work day. I KNOW you know what I mean.

I appreciate any and all responses.

Regards,

PR

Ted_9

I got the same email(probably because I didnt buy after my free trial expired) and have been contemplating our need for the program. It seems great.

Regarding Hydronics Design Studio, I think its a good program, but I am disappointed with the non existant features that Im used to with other programs. I know you can print an entire page at a view. But why isnt there a full report that can be printed?

Sorry to add this to your post Paul Rohrs , but I'm frustrated with it.


Patriot Heating & Cooling ,Inc.

Paul Rohrs

Don't be sorry,

> I got the same email(probably because I didnt buy

> after my free trial expired) and have been

> contemplating our need for the program. It seems

> great.

>

> Regarding Hydronics Design Studio, I

> think its a good program, but I am disappointed

> with the non existant features that Im used to

> with other programs. I know you can print an

> entire page at a view. But why isnt there a full

> report that can be printed?

>

> Sorry to add this

> to your post Paul Rohrs , but I'm frustrated with

> it.

>

> _br_Patriot Heating & Cooling ,Inc.

Paul Pollets

Design CAD layout

I include the cost of CAD layout in the proposal. Larger projects usually require it, Most homeowner's appreciate the extra documentation, and are willing to pay for it I always do my own calcs, then export the file to Wirsbo's design services for pennies per SF for CAD loop layout. I appreciate color 36" printouts. I add the mainifold balancing summary to the drawing and it's a done deal. I get to review the drawing befor final copies. It adds a few hundred dollars to the project, but is well worth it.

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Nron_7

I Agree

Paul has the right idea the loop layouts also let all the guys know what you had planed for the job and can save time and money this was one of the firt drawing and helps point out anything you might forget to do

John Ruhnke

Visio?

> I received an email notifying me of the new

> release. I haven't purchased the initial program

> yet. Wondering a couple of things.

>

> How many

> Wholesalers have purchased this to provide

> drawings andor layouts for contractors?

>

> If

> you are a contractor, do you provide these

> services for your jobs? Do you rely on the Supply

> House for these services? (Do they charge you

> for this?) Have these services been accurate or

> do they stand behind correcting any mistakes that

> would cause you sleepless nights?

>

> I purchased

> Siggy's software HDS and find it to be a valuable

> tool. My thought process is that Loop CAD would

> equally as valuable but everyone would want the

> layout for everyjob, no charge. I would love to

> do that but logistically, there are only so many

> hours in a work day. I KNOW you know what I

> mean.

>

> I appreciate any and all

> responses.

>

> Regards,

>

> PR





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John Ruhnke

Visio?

Paul,

I have the demo of loop CAD. I never found a need for it though. My guys seem to be able to layout the tubing easily with out it. I do use Visio and do Mechanical and Electrical drawings for every big job. I don't see how anyone could wire a control board without it. Even small jobs I draw diagrams on paper for the guys in the field. It is my favorite part of the job.

Anyone else doing Mechanical and Electrical layouts or do you have someone do them for you?

JR

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Jed_2

Loop CAD

Paul, from a wholesaler's perspective, unless engineering & design services is over-staffed, I contend anyone performing these services probably can't rely on the available hours in a "work day". There's always homework.

With that in mind, I have gone through two mailings of Loop CAD demo's. I'm no softwre expert, or an Engineer. I do, however, find that program to be very good. With much practice, I can see drawings produced in a very timely manner, with some dimension of floor plan customization.

However, I have been using Visio Office 2003 Professional for some time now. And have built a fairly good sized file history of both floor plans and loop templates. But I like the more breadth and depth capabilities of Visio ( and I haven't even scratched the surface of it's full potential). Tube layouts, Duct layouts, Mechanical, Electrical, and on and on; all in one platform, for about the same money.

I don't see how it can be beat at my application usage level. I learn something new just about every time I start a new drawing. No formal training, just plug away at it.

I do provide drawings for Customers who ask for them, with an order, at no charge. But, I definitely believe any errors probably will occur when there is inadequate detail information about the realities of the project vs. the plans alone. That communication is vital, and sometimes is not conveyed. Or, the project changes in some way. It is then the Contractors responsibility. If I make an error, I stand behind making it right.


Jed

Jimmy Gillies

Loop CAD UK

Paul.
I bought Loop CAD and got a metric update. I find it very good. Like most software it takes time to get used to.
I use it for my Underfloor Heating jobs (radiant) here in Scotland on A4 paper prints size that can be used on site, its easy to laminate, fax, scan etc.
Hope that is some help.
Kind regards.
Jimmy Gillies.

Kal Row

loop cad would be a lot more usefull if,...

they were able to incoperate popular alumanized subfloor panel systems

having cad and data block hookups for the radiant products out there, will in the end, set it appart from competitors

George Peteya_2

AutoCAD

The learning curve is steep, but AutoCAD is what most architects and engineers use. These are the people who most often require layouts.

hydronicsmike

Good Idea!

Yes, I agree with you kal. That's one of the things the guys at Avenir Software could think about adding. An option for panels (IE Quick Track).

I like Loop CAD and own a copy, but haven't had to use it a whole lot yet myself. But there are areas in Canada, where a tube layout drawing is a requirement, IE Toronto, ON. Not sure if you require those anywhere in the US though.

In any case, Avenir lets all of their contacts on their Database know when and what update becomes available. I like that very much. and in the end, if you don't like receiving those emails, there is a link right on the bottom of it to unsubscribe. Simple as that.

My 2 cents is all I got....Mike

hydronicsmike

Visio Rocks!

And if you're not doing the drawings yourself, who is doing them for you?

Craig R. Bergman_2

We own

LoopCad and I use it to layout all of our jobs. I've found it to be a fast way to layout each room and make changes. I can map it all on the computer, Do a quick layout at the jobsite and our install crew can put it down while using the map. I've also found their support to be very good. Robert Lazorko has always been fast and helpfull with support. The LoopCad staff also welcomes ideas to make the program better.

Craig R. Bergman
Air Comfort Inc.

Kal Row

amen - especially if you are a computer geek like me


the pictures in Visio can be activeX controls and can display changes to power and temp and water flows in real-time, if you hook up a multi-channel analog to digital io board and change the properties of the images on input changes - i have seen network analyzers use Visio to display a whole building/office layout with network packet flows right on the screen

i usually start in PowerPoint (similar but simpler) - and export to Visio if i run out of Schlitz!!!

hydronicsmike

It is simlpy amazing!

For what I use it for, doesn't even scratch it's surface of possibilities.
I just like drawing pictures with it

Unknown

We do

We do full custom loop layouts with notes and instructions, along with mechanical and wiring diagrams as well.

But then, radiant design is pretty much all we do. We use our own internal tools for a lot of stuff we use a regular CAD program for the drawings.

The documentation is certainly invaluable both for installation and future troubleshooting. Also for explaining the system to the homeowners, and helping out anyone else who might have to service the system down the road. Make sure a copy of your work is posted near the mechanicals in an easily seen place!
_______________________________

Northeast Radiant Technology, LLC

Robert Brown, Co-Owner, RPA certified Radiant Designer

207.899.2328
NRT@maine.rr.com

John Ruhnke

I bid on a snow melt project in Hartford................

I bid on a snow melt project in Hartford. They had listed CAD drawings and a loop diagram in there specs. nIf I get the project, I will try loop CAd for the first time.

JR



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