Duct question

[Brian Myers]

I have a feeling this is an MEP 101 question, but I need to ask it.

Example: If you have a 24"x24" Duct the center of that Duct will be at the 12" (center) part of the duct.

Next you want to connect a 16" x 16" branch off the side. Traditionally this will be placed in line with the center of the larger duct.

What I want: Is it possible to offset this 4" vertically from the center of the larger duct? I know how to set a Vertical offset, but it seems to not keep the system connected (generates the exclamation mark). Is there a setting for this or perhaps I'm using the wrong command?

Thanks in advance! :beer:

[Rob Ward]

I have found that the easiest way to do this is to just go ahead and draw in the branch line at the center line height. Then erase the takeoff fitting and move your branch line up 4" or what ever is required. Then click add duct and start with the branch line and connect it back to the main.

You can also do this by going to add duct fitting and picking the takeoff that you would like to use and using your options in the command line to offset the fitting on the main. Then use add duct to continue your branch line.

Hope this helps

-Rob

[robw1031]

Here is a video on a simple way to do this.

http://autodeskmep.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/adjusting-duct-branch-takeoff-elevation%E2%80%99s/

[ameador]

I think maybe you're talking about this....
I wrote this up based off of ABS 07.

Offset Duct Fitting/Transition:
((This is written out based on rectangular duct and shoe taps.))
Drop in your main duct as usual.
Do NOT pull duct off of the main duct.
Click on “Add Fittings” on the "HVAC Duct" palette.
Click on the “Part” tab.
Surf down Rectangular/Takeoff.
Choose “Rectangular Duct Beveled Tap US Imperial”.
Go to the “Part Filter” tab.
Enter the “height” and “width” you need.
(Click in the box and choose the number.)
Under “connection type” leave this blank unless you matching the same connection type as the duct you are tapping into.
Place the takeoff onto the duct; make sure you are using your duct connectors!
Hit “enter” to finish the command and close the duct fitting pop-up.
Select the fitting.
Right click.
Choose “Duct Fitting Properties”.
Go to the “Take Off Position” tab.
Click inside the cells to change them.
Once you are done, click “Ok”.
Example: If you change the values to: Left, Top, 6”, and leave the rest alone you should still be able to click on the duct
or the fitting and move via their square move grips.
Pull duct off the end of the take-off as usual.