POWER GEOPAK VERSUS GEOPAK

Question

Hello, 
 I am new to Geopak V8i SS2. 
 I have to make a decision about purchasing PowerGeopak V8i SS2 versus Geopak V8i SS2. I am doing work for a local DOT that is standardized on Geopak V8i SS2 and have their workspaces configured for Geopak V8i SS2. I understand that PowerGeopak V8i SS2 is the same program but with Microstation functionality built-in. My company would prefer to purchase PowerGeopak due to the small cost savings of not needing to purchase Microstation separately. My concern is that there may be some component in the Geotechnical tools or Roadway tools that is not quite the same or is not present in PowerGeopak V8i SS2. We will need to work with the Geotechnical tools/import projects from gINT and Roadway design tools with the software. Can someone confirm that PowerGeopak V8i SS2 is not lacking any of the functionality in the areas of Geotechnical and Roadway design that is present in Geopak V8i SS2?

Beebe Ray · Accepted Answer

PowerGEOPAK SS2 has all the same functionality of GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite SS2

Derek Schmidt · Answer

Unknown said: I have a somewhat related question. While the two are practically the same, I know that with Microstation plus Geopak, for troubleshooting purposes, you can decide to not load Geopak. I'm wondering if there is a way to suspend the Geopak side when using Power Geopak--especially SS3. 
 I should have explored this a bit better myself before I asked. The solution is easy and requires one of two changes to C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\PowerGEOPAK V8i (SELECTSeries 3)\PowerGEOPAK\config\appl\ PowerGeopak.cfg. 
 Option 1, the easier route: 
 The file must be disabled by changing the extension from .cfg to ._cfg (NB: .cfg_ will not disable it). You'll need to remember to change it back when you want to enable Geopak. 
 Option 2, providing for a programmatic solution--manipulate this code at your own risk: 
 Change the code at the beginning of the file to be false always or conditionally. 
 Option 2A, if you never want it to load, or if you know you'll remember what file to change in order to enable Geopak again: 
 At the end of what is probably line 6-- %if !defined (_CONSOLEAPP) --add a space and then something like " && (1==0) " so you wind up with this: 
 %if !defined (_CONSOLEAPP) && (1==0) 
 Option 2B, to use a conditional: 
 At the end of what is probably line 6-- %if !defined (_CONSOLEAPP) --add a space and then " && defined (Load_GEOPAK_SS3) " so you wind up with this: 
 %if !defined (_CONSOLEAPP) && defined (Load_GEOPAK_SS3) 
 Add to your appropriate command line -wsLoad_GEOPAK_SS3=1 .