Ductwork limited to 999mm

[tuitvlugt]

Something has happend to my project file that limits the duct size that I can enter into the bar below the ribbon to 999mm. I the larger sizes are not listed in the drop down list, and when I try to type larger sizes the size does not take. I am able to draw smaller duct, and then increase the size afterward using the properties dialogue box.

When I start a new project, duct sizes over 1000mm are available.

The larger duct sizes I want are listed in MEP settings -> Mechanical settings -> Duct Settings

[gabecottam428011]

I'm using inches not mm, but I can't seem to type more than 3 digits into my options bar either. Not really a problem - I've never needed a 999" duct.

You say it can be done in the options bar on a new project though?

[tuitvlugt]

Correct. New projects do have 4 digits available in the size drop down. Something has happend to my project to limit the drop downs to only 3 digits.

[gabecottam428011]

Truly bizarre. I can't see anyplace (or any reason) to control that on purpose. I wonder if it's in your .ini somewhere. You could try backing that up and deleting it. I think it recreates itself when you open Revit..... can somebody verify that for me?

[tuitvlugt]

Problem solved. In order to have the duct sizes appear in the available sizes, do the following:
1. Go to the Manage tab
2. Select Project Units
3. Select HVAC
4. Select Duct Size
5. Uncheck Use Digit Grouping box
6. Click OK until back in model

After turning this setting off, the sizes that the users adds, and any size over 999 should appear in the options bar.

[Simon G]

I am having the same issue and that solution didn't work! I checked the project units and grouping checkbox wasn't even on. I even tried turning it on and then off again. This wasn't an issue in this project a few days ago, so I am not sure why it has begun.

Anyone else have any bright ideas before I tear my hair out?

Cheers

[Simon.Whitbread]

Theory - if you want one...

Revit is modelled on an imperial database and converts to metric (and before this turns into a imperial/metric bash - I grew up with 'ft and "in, and then the government went all metric, no prizes for guessing which European capital I was born in!
First it left me totally confused, feet and inches, lsd (that's Pounds Shillings and Pence!!).

Now I'm just confused ALL the time, but metric makes sense to my right orientated brain - I do after all have 10 fingers and 10 toes

Anyway, back to the post -

Regardless of units, the Options Bar boxes only allow for THREE digits to be TYPED. Sure you can use the size lists and pick, and I guess that is the whole point, you would want standard sizes selected (for the majority of the time), and then change those that don't fit into that category.

Those three digits can be in ANY units:

999 Feet,
999 Inches,
999mm,
999metres (correct spelling )

Even 5'4 can be typed

It all depends on whether you want to type 1500mm - Personally, I pick from the list, I just find it easier as I can't get the typing part to work for me (MAYBE its the four digits or me being stupid!)

The OP also asked about larger sizes not appearing in the drop down - Have you made sure those ducts are "Used in Size Lists"? - see attached

[Simon G]

Ok, just to narrow down the issue a little...

The problem I am having only appears to be with the Windows 7 64-bit install of Revit MEP 2010. I have XP 64-bit installs that work fine, and 2011 Windows 7 64-bit that works.

I have no problem with the drop down box of predefined sizes working (as unit grouping is off), but cannot type more than 3 digits on the options bar as I model. Yes it can be adjusted in the properties dialogue box, OR I could predefine every possible size - pain.


Cheers
Simon

[Simon.Whitbread]

Check out the attached -

Maybe this was a fix between 2010 and 2011

fwiw - I run three computers at work:

64bit Vista
32bit Vista
32bit Windows 7

All have Revit 2010 and 2011 installed, issue is exactly the same on each

...OR I could predefine every possible size - pain.

Not sure why you would want to do this though as generally you would be working to some "standard" sizes

[Simon G]

Interesting. Perhaps the problem began with Vista, carried to Windows 7 and they only solved it with 2011. Do you know if you had the same problem pre-Vista? I can definately type more than 3 numbers in both duct width and depth with 2010 XP 32 and 64-bit.
I have attached an image of this.

The problem I am facing is mainly because I am documenting some existing services off as-builts which have non-standard sizes (eg. 1030mm). I suppose I could alway use the 'close enough' rule Generally we would document to 50mm increments which is fine.

I will log a support request with Autodesk and see what their response is.

cheers
Simon