RKoons's Activities

Better understanding of MicroStation Variable construction.

RKoons — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 23:12:24 GMT

MicroStation, Version 08.11.09.832

Two questions:

In the instructions under "Configuration Variable File Syntax" for every version of MicroStation I have used in years, there is a small section explaining how and when these brackets: ()

And these brackets: {} are used

I don't get very complex very often and so do not completely understand the difference circumstances under which these two should be used.

Second:

If I am trying to create a complex line in a config file, like the following:

%include $(_KIC_DISCIPLINE){_USTN_USERDESCR}.cfg level 2

I am trying to understand when the $ is used and when it is not needed.

I have seen some examples where it is used a couple times in a line, and some lines where it looked the same, but was only used once. In the above example, I'm not sure I would need one between the two sets of brackets (and relating to the other question, if the second set of brackets I am using is correct).

Thanks.

Ask A Question I

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 04:14:17 GMT

Ask a question in a forum.

Network install of MicroStation CE, Rel 14, "Configuration" folders.

RKoons — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 16:29:20 GMT

I finally have come to a point where I believe I know what is happening; I just need to better understand why, and if anybody else has seen this issue.

In short, I am under the gun, trying to get ready for the end of year fun where SS4 goes "away", and have finally been digging into the Connect Edition variables for MicroStation and OpenRoads.

I have setup the network option of the setup, and am in the process of both understanding the new configs and "converting" the old.

So far, most of the old Bentley logic is still there, but there has been a little twist that had me flustered.

#------------------------------------------

Under the "Configuration" folder, in "WorkSpaces", I understand and have configured my workspace configuration files and related folders. And, when I start MicroStation, they are all being read and populating my interface with the options as I expected.

Then, Under each ""WorkSpace" folder, I understand and have begun playing around with the "Worksets" folder.

The instructions clearly show both the automated and the manual method for configuring these WorkSet files and folders, and for me, I prefer to do it manually first, because I'm the kind of guy that needs to understand all the variables before I release them to automatically do their magic.

What was Interesting was that when I first used the create workset tool in the interface it did so, and the new workset showed up in the interface to select. However, when I manually created another with all the variables I needed, it would not show up as a selectable workset.

So, I took the .cfg file from the automatic setup test, and copied it to another generic name, and this one showed up in the interface to select.

So I assumed that somehow my configuration variables were FUBAR, so I took one of the automatic created files, and named it to replace the custom one I created in my test. With that name for the .cfg file, it DID NOT show up to select... Now I'm really confused.

So then, I selected another existing project from my SS4 collecting on the network, renamed one of the functioning workset .cfg files to that name, and it showed up in the MicroStation list to select.

Finally, I then took my same set of custom variables and put them into this new file, and not only did it still show up as a selectable workset, but all of my first run test variables worked as expected.

My conclusion to all this was that for some reason, MicroStation refused to read that one file name that I first created. I believe this all proved that the variables I was playing around with were OK, and the act of simply tossing a file into that directory was also OK, even if not the prefered method.

Historically, MicroStation based programs would open and read any configuration file and spew out error messages if they were incorrect. But I have never seen it just ignore a file. I also checked Windows permissions and there was no issue there either.

My questions are:

Has anybody else ever experienced this and if so, what does one do?

I have come to the point where I can push forward, but this needs to be understood in case it happens again and I need to fix something.

Thanks!!

Faster Installation Options:

RKoons — Mon, 02 May 2016 21:54:59 GMT

We are a Chicago company working with the "Latest" versions of the SS4 Geopak. We are driven by our DOT and their workspace, and the associated bugs and issues involved with a major DOT workspace and Geopak / MicroStation.

As the one in charge with updating all this Bentley software, I am still working (I Hope) in the stone age, uninstalling all the bentley software when needed just so I can re-install the latest version of MicroStation that it is all based upon and then start again.

The problem is: there are so many versions coming along trying to solve so many problems with the program that I have restarted reinstalling this stuff 4 times in the last 8 - 12 months.

Needless to say, with almost 100 machines, I CANNOT keep up effectively.

I have tried just removing MicroStation Geopak and then just installing those two rather than everything I need to install for each user - but with this method, the latest versions of Geopak SS4 are too buggy and will only work properly if I do a clean install.

I have also tried just doing the supposed Update Option, which Bentley is supposed to be able to do... but this has never worked.

I am looking to see what alternatives are available for mass re-install or selective installation of either entire machines or partial when a Bentley refresh is needed. I am open to third part solutions...

Basically,

How do you Handle this situation?

Thanks!

Bentley Connect

RKoons — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 16:08:31 GMT

I have read the articles, searched the downloads and instructions: Obviously I am missing the obvious:

I need something like "The Idiots Guide to Bentley Connect"

I can see all the new software: some versions and features that have never been offered otherwise, and I'm not at all sure how to set it up and make it all work like the setup and systems I have now that is 'Pre-Connect".

IS the Connect edition of MicroStation the same license as a non-connect edition?

Do I need to setup a completely separate workspace on my server, or is it all in the cloud?

Do I need a client setup first?

Will I be paying more just to set it up and test it out?

These are just a few of my very basic questions.

Thanks in advance

Auto populate information in a title block

RKoons — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:42:05 GMT

I am trying to see if there is a way to auto-populate specific information into a title block.

Specifically the sheet name.

Deployment Automation

RKoons — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:49:18 GMT

For my typical workstation deployment I manually install almost 12 Bentley and other associated programs. I do this is a specific order, combined with several batch files and such to add the configuration elements I need for my company.

If I need to do an update, I have to manually remove everything and start from scratch, especially if I am replacing or upgrading MicroStation.

In a perfect scenario, this takes about 1 hour or more.

What I am looking for is some way to automate this so I can just start an exe or an msi, and it automatically goes through the same basic routine that I have been going through.

I realize that adding the ability to completely uninstall is probably a bit if a stretch.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks

SELECTseries 2, Text Editing issues with Windows 7 64Bit

RKoons — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:59:52 GMT

I have read several articles in these forums with similar issues and solutions and they have been helpful, but I'm not there yet.

Basicaly, we are just jumping into Win 7 Pro, 64 bit with MicroStation SS2. All our existing machines are all the same software from Bentley, under Windows XP, 32 bit.

When a user goes to edit a block of text, the windows is blank, and the machine usually bogs down, and exentually MicroStation crashes. Typically we use Font032.

One article suggested replacing / reloading the DHTML component, which I did.

At first this helped, but then I noticed that if I change the font in MicroStation, the text in the editing window will appear or disapear depending upon which font I select:

Ariel Bold works fine.

Font032 crashes the program.

This has never been a problem under XP, so I have to believe it is an issue with the OS somehow.

Thanks in advance