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Feature per Month program
This month's new feature is The Edit Attributes Tool: this new tool is used
to add attributes to symbols and objects that support attributes (like Cables and Doglegs), and set their
values. It includes the ability to auto-increment attribute values which means that it's now
very easy to set sequential numbering for attributes, for instance the start and end labels of
cables.
  When you click on
the Edit Attributes tool you will see a dialog that allows you to
control how attributes will be edited.
Setting the Attribute Properties: choose the name of the
attribute to set, or type in a new name (this will create a new
attribute). The attribute type can be either a string
(text) or a number. If it's a number you can set any format,
including combination text/number formats. For example: if you
want your cable labels to read "ABC001", "ABC002" etc, set the
format as "ABC000". This will use "ABC" as a prefix and ensure
that there are at least 3 digits in the numerical suffix.
Setting the Attribute Value: if the attribute type is
"string" you can use any text. If it is "number" you can use
any number and the Auto Increment field will become active; with
Auto Increment checked, the Step value will be added to the
attribute value each time you click on an object. Using the
settings in the dialog shown here, each click would add 1 to the "CS_Start_Label"
attribute (used in cables and doglegs). The successive Start
Labels would therefore read "ABC001", "ABC002" etc thanks to the
formatting of the number.
 Using
the Edit Attributes tool: when you click on OK in
the dialog shown you are ready to set attributes. Just click
on any object in your drawing (whether it is a symbol, a cable or a
dogleg) to set and increment the attribute values. When you use the
Edit Attributes tool you will see a new tooltip attached to the
cursor when you hover over an object that supports attributes:
this tooltip shows the attribute to be edited, its current value in
the selected object, and the new value that will be set when you
click on the object.
You can get this important new feature at no cost if you have a
current subscription for your Stardraw product. Follow a link
to download this feature using Stardraw LiveUpdate.
Bonus Feature - Snap to Centrepoint
 An enhancement to the Snap to Object modifier now allows users to snap to the centrepoint
of circles, ellipses and arcs. This can be particularly useful when drawing dimensions
between the centres of circles. This bonus feature is included
in the current Stardraw LiveUpdate.
Important Note: the Feature per Month program is
available only to current subscribers of Stardraw Audio, Stardraw AV,
Stardraw Lighting 2D and Stardraw Radio, and is delivered using LiveUpdate.
If the machine you're currently working with has its Stardraw dongle in place,
follow the link to
check your subscription status.
To renew a lapsed subscription, catch up on symbols updates and
qualify for the Feature per Month program please contact your
local Stardraw representative or e-mail sales@stardraw.com
As promised, new features will be added to Stardraw every month,
prioritised, wherever possible, by what you want. As far as we
know, Stardraw is the only application that can respond so quickly
to your requests. Please let us know what new features you
want by filling out our User Survey
Stardraw Radio Launches at NAB
Stardraw Radio is to be launched at NAB 2002 as the first
design and documentation software dedicated to the audio broadcast market.
With a list price of US$3000, early adopters can can save US$1000 by ordering Stardraw
Radio for the introductory price of US$2000 at NAB or at any time through April 2002.
The new application boasts a library of over 10,000 high quality, industry
specific symbols, proven drawing tools, full DWG compatibility, advanced
reporting facilities and an interface that is “so easy, even a salesman can use
it”. Regular updates add hundreds of new symbols and a new program feature
every month.
Stardraw Radio has been developed with input from industry experts including
Andrew Rosenberg of Colorado-based Creative Studio Solutions, Inc. Rosenberg, a
long-time user of Stardraw Audio, was able to offer advice on manufacturers,
symbols and features that broadcast professionals would like to see in an
industry-specific software package.
According to Stardraw's MD David Snipp, Rosenberg's input was very timely.
"We had been thinking about launching a broadcast product for some time.
When Andrew called with a query on Stardraw Audio we felt that, rather than
leaving him to customize his existing program, it would be the perfect time to
develop Stardraw Radio with all the tools and symbols he needed."
Rosenberg agrees. "Stardraw Radio is exactly what the broadcast industry
needs. It has all the great features of the leading applications in other
markets but with a broadcast twist, and I think we can look forward to it
becoming a new standard for design and documentation of radio systems."
Stardraw and RCI Custom Preview PanelBuilder at NSCA
Artist's impression of how Panelbuilder might look
RCI Custom has signed a significant development and maintenance contract with
software provider Stardraw.com to create a new, web-based tool for the design
and production of custom control and connection panels. PanelBuilder will be
hosted on the RCI Custom website and allows registered users to design, specify
and purchase custom panels through an easy-to-use drag and drop interface.
Managing Director of Stardraw, David Snipp, explained the background to the
deal, “RCI had long been aware of the capabilities of applications like Stardraw
Audio, but it was a trade show conversation that made them realise Stardraw.com
could develop an affordable custom solution.”
He continued “PanelBuilder is based on proven techniques seen in Stardraw
applications for years, but it exploits leading-edge software and internet
technology: it’s fast, easy to use, powerful and, frankly, sexy.”
PanelBuilder is resident on the web server and works from within a browser,
so there’s nothing to download or install. It comprises a drag and drop
interface linked to a complete library of all of RCI’s panel products so the
user simply selects the panel he or she wants, drags on the connectors that are
needed, and sets engraving, finishes, artwork and so on. The resultant design is
linked in realtime to sophisticated backoffice systems so that a user will get
an automated quote instantaneously.
For users of RCI Custom’s service, the advantages are clear – using
PanelBuilder you can design a connector plate or panel in seconds without the
need for complex CAD training and see exactly how it will look. You can get a
price quote and drawing file for that panel immediately, any time of the day or
night, even on weekends! The professional quality CAD drawing shows the panel
exactly as it will look on completion, so you’re guaranteed to get the metalwork
you want, without the need for a lengthy approval process. And because you can
view your work as it is created, there’s little chance for error, and nothing’s
left to the imagination. Finally, with linkage into RCI’s order-fulfilment
system, PanelBuilder can even expedite the delivery process.
Snipp added, “OEM development of sophisticated systems like this is something
Stardraw.com is very good at, and that’s been shown in recent awards. More and
more manufacturers are finding they need to develop specialized software tools;
the smart ones, like RCI Custom, realize they have to turn to a third party
professional to get them on time, to spec, and within budget.”
PanelBuilder will be shown as a prototype by both RCI Custom and Stardraw at
NSCA (stands 2507 and 1615 respectively).
Upcoming Events
See the latest developments and chat with key members of the Stardraw team at these
important industry events:
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NAB, Las Vegas, April 8-11
Stand L2969, Radio Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center
Featured products: Stardraw Radio
Featured services: development for custom design and control software
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NSCA, Denver, April 25-27
Stand 1615
Featured products: Stardraw AV, Stardraw Audio, RCI PanelBuilder
Featured services: development for custom design and control software
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Stardraw Products Now in Italian
All of Stardraw's subscription-based products (Stardraw Audio, Stardraw AV, Stardraw Lighting 2D
and Stardraw Radio) are now available in Italian language versions. Users can use Stardraw LiveUpdate
to download the Italian version of products for which they have a
current subscription.
Stardraw products are already available in English, French, German and Portuguese. Please
contact us at info@stardraw.com for
details of translation opportunities
March Symbols Updates for Stardraw Audio
This month's
Stardraw Audio Update includes:
March Symbols Updates for Stardraw AV
In addition to all of the Stardraw Audio updates, the
Stardraw AV Update includes:
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