BASIC TRAINING

SESSION 4

PREPERATION AND PLOTTING,

STOCKLISTING, AND THE FINAL
FIREHOUSE PROJECT

Copyright 2014 M.E.P.CAD, Inc. This work is the sole property of M.E.P.CAD, Inc. and may not be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the
prior written permission of the copyright owner. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution may result in loss of License, and or Criminal
Prosecution.
M.E.P.CAD, Inc.
431 Eastgate Road, 3rd Floor - Henderson, NV 89011
Telephone: (702) 380-3200 Toll-free: (888) 239-1345
Fax: (702) 566-0598 Website: www.mepcad.com

Welcome to the 4rd Session of Basic Training in AutoSPRINK!

In this 4TH Session, we will be preparing our Production Plant Project for Plotting, and then Stock Listing.
This will include Plotting in Model Space, as well as the Plot Sheet Method. We will also be exploring Tools to
create Fittings, Details, Tables, and Reports and other Elements needed to Submit our Drawings.
As always, keep in mind, that these Session Modules will repeat procedures, and introduce new ones as well.
Although this is considered Basic Training, we are endeavoring to create a Curriculum that will prepare a Designer
to actually Design with AutoSPRINK, after completing all of the Exercises and Projects in the Course. We will
always welcome your opinions, Comments, or concerns about the Course, and, AutoSPRINK itself.
And remember, as with all parts of this Curriculum, do not try to rush through the Material. Take the time to read
the material. If you have a question, inform your Instructor. They are there to help.
All of us at MEPCAD, will always endeavor to help you, as best we can.

So let us proceed, to Session No. 4!

Page 1

1.

Preparation of Plotting: Automatic Fittings & Couplings, Labels and Leaks.

Open the Production Plant Project.

We should have a complete, Hydraulically Calculated System, with no Fittings applied. We will assume that the Pipe
Sizes etc. are all satisfactory, and that we are ready to Submit the Project to the AHJ. Or, perhaps it has been
Approved, and we are ready to Prepare for Field Prints, and Stock Listing.
With the Project Open, Select all of the Hydraulic Areas. Create a new Parent Layer and name it Hydraulic Areas.
Now Deactivate that Layer. Locate the Node Tag Layer, and Drag it into the Hydraulic Areas Layer.
It is now a Child Layer to the Parent Layer, and is now also deactivated.
If preferable, one could also create a new Layer or Layers for the Underground Supply Components. But this will be per
Designer Preference. For our purposes, we will leave the UG Components as is.
Access the Settings / Fabrication Standards Menu. In the Pipes tab, ensure that we are in the W Pipe Group, and
that we have the Force Fittings at Riser Nipple and Branch Line Intersections Box checked. This will break the Branch
Lines at the Riser Nipples, allowing a Grooved Tee at the Top, rather than an Outlet on the Branch Line.
In the Fittings Tab, ensure the Highlight Make-ons Box is checked. Close the Menu.
Select all of the Sprinkler System Components, inside the Building. Now Clean-up Intersections (Ctrl) + (F12) Key.
With all of the System Elements connected, we will now apply Fittings to the System.
Note: Fittings are different than Braces or Hangers, and this will NOT affect the existing Hangers (and or Braces if any)
that have been placed in the System.
With the System Elements Highlighted, access the Auto Draw Fittings Shortcut Icon located on the System Toolbar.
Answer OK to any Harmonization Options that appear.
We will now check our System for Leaks. Access the View / Show Leaks Menu, which will open the Show Leaks
Dialogue Box.
The Leaks Function indicates if Piping has been disconnected, or has the improper End-Preps, and or Fittings. It is
based on the Program simple logistics, as well as the User-Defined Fabrication Settings.

Auto Draw Fittings Shortcut Icon

Show Leaks Dialogue Box

The Colors of the Leaks are Editable, and represent the types of Leaks as shown. Choose Show All and Close.
If there is a Leak in the Drawing, Zoom to that area, and investigate. When Complete, Deactivate the Command.
Note: You can access the Properties of the Leak, which will take you to the Properties of the Pipe or Fitting that
has a conflict.
Now that all the Leaks are resolved, we will apply Couplings to the Mains, and Branch Lines.

Page 2

Select the Branch Lines (even the Tailback / Outriggers), Cross Mains, and Feed Mains. We will now apply the Auto
Draw Couplings Command, to cut these Pipes to 21-0 in length. If the Pipes are already less than that length,
they will be unaffected by the Command.

Auto Draw Fittings Shortcut Icon

Auto Draw Fittings Shortcut Icon

Access the Auto Draw Couplings Shortcut Icon located on the System Toolbar.
Leave the Maximum Distance between Couplings at 21-0, and all else at Default. Hit Do It.
Review the Drawing, and ensure that the Couplings have been placed as specified.
Now assign Labels to the Piping, per Designer Preference. Note: Segment Lengths again, show the Distance
between Outlets. Cut Length is for Pipes with Fittings only, and NO Outlets. Pipe Labels may also be globally
activated or deactivated by the Right-Click in Space and access the View / Hide Pipe Labels Command.

Piping Cut and Labels Applied

Page 3

With the Pipes Cut and Labeled, apply the Star Dimensions (From Finish Floor) as per previous Project. Access the
Finished Floor Dimension Shortcut Icon located on the Notes Toolbar. Place the Dimensions per Designer
Preference; Perhaps on the Riser Feed Main, certain Cross Mains, Clerestory or Mezzanine Mains, Branch Lines, etc.

Finished Floor Dimension Shortcut Icon

TASK: Locate Running Dimensions (North to South), between the Branch lines in the Main part of the Building. Utilize
Tools Explored in previous Exercises.
With the System complete with Fittings, Labels, and Dimensions, we will now create additional Information Tables
and Legends, for AHJ or Field Review and Reference.

2.

Preparation of Plotting: Tables, Legends, and Details.

Zoom to the Supply Ball at the Tank. Right-Click the Supply, and Select the Supply Table. With the Table
attached to the Cursor, Zoom out and place near the Riser. Explore the Properties of the Table. It is fully Editable
per Designer Preference.

Typical Remote Area Table

Supply Data Table

Activate the Hydraulic Areas Layer, and Right-Click the Remote Area in the main Grid. Select Remote Area Table.
Place the Table near the Remote Area. Repeat the Process for the Mezzanine Remote Area. Like the Supply Data
Table these are fully Editable per Designer Preference, in Font, Color, Layer, Rows, etc.
Note: These Remote Area Tables are Live, and will reflect any changes in the System, when refreshed. Only the
Remote Area Box Table would have to be recreated, for any changes to be reflected.
This particular Step could also have been initiated at the time of Hydraulic Calculation, if preferred.

Sprinkler Legend

Sprinkler Legend Shortcut Icon

Access the Sprinkler Legend Shortcut Icon on the Notes Toolbar. With the Legend attached to the Cursor,
locate the Legend per Designer Preference. Note: This Function will see ALL the Sprinklers in the Drawing. If there
is other Sprinklers that you do not wish to include in the Legend, they must not be active in the Drawing Space.
Page 4

Finally, we will place the Riser Tag in the Drawing. This is information that would normally be place on a Calc
Plate affixed to the Riser. We must first however, determine which Hydraulic Area is the Most Demanding, and
use that information for the Riser Tag.

Riser Tag

Completed Tables and Legend

After confirming which Remote Area to utilize, Iso-View the Drawing. Right-Click the Specific Remote Area, and
Select Riser Tag. The Tag will be need a Point of Reference, so Select the Bottom of the Riser. The Tag will now
be attached to the cursor for placement. Place near the Supply Table near the Riser.
Note: All of the Sprinkler Spacing, Hydraulic Densities, etc. are strictly for the purpose of our Example Exercises, and
Projects. They of course do not reflect actual conformance to any Standards or Codes.
When Complete, Save the Drawing.
We will now create a Riser Detail, utilizing a different Tool than in our 1st Example Project. It is similar to the
Section View Tool, but actually more useful for Details, Small Section Views, Site Plans, etc.
View the Drawing, and Zoom to the Riser. Place the Benchmark on the Center of the Check Grooved Cross on the
West Riser.

View Shortcut Icon

Check Reference Current

Drawing
Open GL Shaded
300 DPI
Scale =
Lock Camera Position
Capture benchmark
View Properties

View with Riser

Now access the View Shortcut Icon located on the Notes Toolbar. This is a Rectangle type Tool, so create a
Rectangular Space near the East Side of the Riser Room, and Size per Designer Preference. This will be our Riser
Detail. Once the Rectangle is placed, access the Properties. Revise as shown. The Riser will appear (Top View) in the
View. With the View Highlighted, the Camera Tools (Zoom, ISO, etc.) are Functional. However, if Zoom is employed,
the View will no longer be the desired Scale. Position the Riser as desired, and exit the View.
Note: Text and Leader Lines, etc. must be Elevated Above the View to be visible.
Page 5

The View Tool is extremely useful, allowing the Designer to reference many differing Elements in any one Project:
Details, or an area that demands Clarity
A Portion of a Project, at a different Scale
A Site Plan (with Engineering Scale)
With some innovative thinking, this Tool will prove to be one of the most commonly used in the Designers Toolbox.

3.

Plotting: Model Space Title Block.

We will now Explore the (2) Methods of Plotting in AutoSPRINK, the First being the Model Space Method. This infers
that the Title Block itself, will be an Element in the Drawing.
First, we must set up our Plotter to the desired Scale and Size. Access the File / Plotting / Plotter Setup Menu.
Configure the Plotter to the common Landscape E1 (30 x 42) Size, and Color or Black and White, per Designer
preference.
Note: You may want to consider to Plotting to .PDF Format, to eliminate any possible Driver issues, with the wide
range of Plotters that are available. If Plotted to .PDF, the Digital Copy is already created and can be sent to other
pertinent parties. Then, it could be Plotted on a conventional Plotter / Printer.

PDF Virtual Printer or Plotter per Designer Preference

Plotter Set-up E1, Landscape, 600 DPI to .PDF Format

With the Plotter set up, we will now access the File / Plotting / Page Style Menu. This is where we will configure
the Scale, Layers, Location, and many other Plot Options. Access the Properties Tab.

Page Style Setup

Page Setup for Printing

Select Print at Drawing Scale, Benchmark Position Appears at the Center of the Page, and hit the Capture
Current Camera Information Toggle. We can now access the other Options in the additional Tabs.
Page 6

Now access the Fields Tab. This is for placing Fields (similar to attributes) in a Plot Sheet. We will come back to
that in our next Method of Plotting. Now access the Visible Layers Tab, and hit the Capture Drawing Settings
Toggle. All of the Layers in the Drawing are now available for Plot Control. Simply un-check the Layers that you do
not wish to Plot. The Render tab is similar to the Settings / Render Tab, and deals strictly with Surface
Tessellation. Set to 24.

Fields (attributes) Tab

Visible Layers Tab

Now Access the File / Plotting / Plot Options Menu. This will bring up the Page Setup for Printing Dialogue Box,
and associated Tabs.

Page Setup for Printing Tab(s)

Page 7

Option to print in Black and White

300 DPI
Shaded Open GL / 300 DPI
Pipe Clipping Percentage Option
Blank Interior of Sprinklers Option
Flatten Sprinklers Option (to view Sprinklers
that are in an extreme slope does NOT affect
Drawing.)
Blank Interior of Node Tags Option

Note: With the Plotter now set to E1 and the Page Style set, we can now place the Benchmark in the Drawing, and
activate the Page Breaks. This is simply a Dashed Line that will appear in the Drawing, and represents the Plot
Area. We have told the Page Style that the Benchmark is at the Center of the Page, and locked the Camera to it.
Wherever we move the Benchmark, the Page Breaks will follow, allowing us to see the intended Plot Area.
Right-Click in Space, and access the View / Show Page Breaks Command. The Dashed Line (Border) will now
appear, with the Benchmark at the center, wherever it may be located in the Drawing Space. As you relocate the
Benchmark, the Page Breaks will follow.

Page Break

We will now Import a Title Block, and use the Page Breaks to size it.
As in the previous Project, we will Import an AutoCAD .Dwg File. In this instance, we will Import the File in Foot
rather than Inch. We will also Import in Paper Space, as the Architect developed the Title Block in Paper Space.
Everything else will be at Default Settings.
Access the Import DWG Shortcut Icon from the Main Toolbar, and Import the Title Block.
Note: Remember, that the Benchmark will always be the Lower Left Corner of the Imported File.

Title Block with Page Breaks

Scale Shortcut Icon on Actions Toolbar

DWG Import Dialogue Box

Page 8

While the Imported Title Block is still Highlighted, relocate to a position away from the Project. We will need room to
Size the Title Block. Afterwards, relocate the Benchmark so that the Page Breaks are near the Title Block.
Select the Title Block with an (Alt) Window around the entire Element. Now access the Scale Shortcut Icon on the
Actions Toolbar, which will open the Scale Selection Dialogue Box. Check the Calculate Scale Box. Select the
Pick Actual Toggle, then Snap to the Top-left, long side of the Title Block. Now Snap to the Bottom-left, long side of
the Title Block. A Distance of 28-11 will appear in the Actual Distance Box. Now enter the Value of 240-0 in
the Desired Distance Box. We have now Sized the Title Block to an E1, 1/8 Scale Model Space Title Block.

Snap

Snap

Scale Selection Dialogue

Box

Snap to Top and Bottom

E1 1/8 Scale Title Block

Now, we simply Revise the Properties of the Title Block to Designer Preference. Logos, Line Widths, Colors, Layers,
Text Fonts and Size, etc. can be altered, then the Title Block Saved in a Custom Folder in the Details Tab of the
Parts Tree.
Now place the Title Block where the Plot Area is to be, per Designer Preference. Center the Benchmark in the Title
Block, then deactivate the Page Breaks.
Access the File/ Plotting / Plot Menu. This will open the Plotting Dialogue Box. Uncheck the Print, and Model
Boxes for the Sheet 1 Column. This pertains to a Paper Space / Plot Sheet. We are not Plotting utilizing that
method.
Now hit Start Printing. This will open the Print Dialogue, to once again confirm the Printer to be Utilized.

Uncheck All

Plotting Dialogue Box

Print Setup

Hit OK. If you are Plotting to .PDF, you will of course need to determine the Folder to Save to, and the File Name.
Note: Again, by Plotting to .PDF, you will have created the Digital Copy to be Saved and Stored, as well as being
able to Plot on any Plotter without having any Driver or compatibility issues. This concludes the Plotting from
Model Space Section of this Module.
Page 9

Final PDF Print from Model Space

4.

Plotting: Paper Space Title Block.

The Process for Plotting from the Paper Space / Plot Sheet Method is similar in some aspects to the Model
Space Method, but very different in others.
Place the Model Space Title Block in a Layer and deactivate. Select the Sheet 1 tab at the bottom of the Drawing
Space. This is in effect the Paper Space Tab. Once Selected, Right-Click the Tab itself, and Select the Page
Layout menu. This will open the Plot Sheet Page Layout Dialogue Box.

Plot Sheet Page Layout Dialogue Box

Uncheck the Link to Model Box, and hit the Query the Printer Toggle. This will cause the Layout to see the
current Plotter configuration of E1 30 x42. The Plot Sheet will now conform to those Settings. Set the Benchmark
to the Lower left Corner of the Plot Sheet.
Import the Title Block as before, except ensure the units are set to inch, and Paper Space.
Page 10

While the Imported Title Block is still Highlighted, Center it in the Plot Sheet, as the Left-Click to clear all Selections.
Now Right-Click in Space, and access the Tools / View Command, and create a View in the interior of the Title
Bloc, avoiding any of the Notes or Line Segments.
Note: This is the same way that we created a Riser Detail in this Project. It is the same Tool, but will now be used
to reflect the Drawing Space that we wish to Plot.

Plot Sheet with Title Block Centered

View Properties

Plot Sheet with View

Once the View has been Drawn as desired, access the Properties and Revise to:

Reference Current Drawing

Open GL Shaded
300 DPI
Scale = 1/8
Architectural
Lock Camera Position
Capture Benchmark

Now hit OK. The View is now Locked to the Benchmark in Model Space, and reflects the 1/8 Scale Drawing Area.
We will now Print, just as we did with the Model Space Plot, except Select the Sheet 1 in the Plot Dialogue rather
than Model.
In this way AutoSPRINK knows to Plot the Plot Sheet and not the Model Space. Save the Drawing.
We are now ready to Stock List our System!
Page 11

With the Project Plotted, Submitted, and Approved it is time to Stock List all the System Components for Purchase,
and Fabrication. We will Stock List the Project in (2) Phases: The Mezzanine, and the Main Overhead System. Since
the Underground Supply Components are Existing in this Project, we will NOT include them in the Listing.
Deactivate the appropriate Layers, or Delete from the Drawing.
Deactivate any Hydraulic Areas, and Zoom to the Mezzanine Area. Access the Front View (or others) Shortcut icon
on the View Iso-Rotator Toolbar. Use the Tools to View and Select, that portion of the System. We only want the
Under Mezzanine Piping, and the Auxiliary Drain, starting at the Drop-Down Piece.

Assign list Area Shortcut Icon

Mezzanine Piping Highlighted

Assign list Area Dialogue Box

With the Elements Highlighted, access the Assign List Area Shortcut Icon located on the Listing Toolbar. This will
open the Assign list Area Dialogue Box. Name the Area (in the Top Box) Mezzanine Piping and hit OK. With that
part of the System now separated from the Main Overhead System, we will now isolate, and name that portion of
the System as well.

Bill of Material
Dialogue

Listing Manager Dialogue

Bill of Material Dialogue

Access the Listing Manager Shortcut Icon located on the Listing Toolbar. Select the Default List Area in the Top
Box, and then hit the Select List Area Drawing Elements Toggle. This will Highlight all of the remaining System
Components in the Drawing. Hit OK, and with the Elements Highlighted, again return to the Assign List Area
Command. This time, name the List Area as Main Overhead System. In this manner we can Isolate what we want
to Stock List: From a Single Main, to a Fire Pump, to an entire System.
Page 12

Again access the Listing Manager, and Select the Main Overhead System in the Top Box. Hit the Generate Bill of
Material Toggle. This will open up the Bill of Material Dialogue. Here, specific Manufacturers may be included /
excluded from the Stock List, etc. The AutoSPRINK Parts Data Base ties in closely with this particular Tool. Also,
the Font, Header / Footer etc. of the actual Bill of Material can be configured.
After review and or revisions, hit OK. A Bill of Material is now attached to the Cursor for placement. Locate in the
Drawing as desired. Review, and Export to a Text File if desired. This can be given to the Supplier, Fabricator or the
Purchasing Agent to Pull from Stock, or Order.
Once the Bill of Material is placed, we will begin to Stock List the Main Overhead System. Access the Listing
Manager and Select the Main Overhead System. Hit the Select List Area Drawing Elements, and exit the
Dialogue. With the Components Highlighted, access the Create Pipelines and Make-ons Shortcut Icon located on
the Listing Toolbar.
A Pipeline is simply Labels, and Arrows indicating the Direction of Fabrication. It also will reflect how AutoSPRINK
will generate the Reports. Note: The Settings / Fabrication Standards / Pipeline Tab settings will also be in effect.

Create Pipelines Shortcut Icon

Revise the Properties of the Dialogue Box, to include Pipelines and Segments on the Feed Risers, Feed Mains,
Cross Mains, and Branch Lines. Under Pipeline Labels, the Lines Prefix = BL-, and the Mains Prefix = Main-. This
will define how we want the Branch Lines, and Mains labeled. Now Select the Default Lines Properties Toggle.

Branch Line Pipeline Properties

BL Pipeline Segments Properties

Page 13

Main Pipeline Segments Properties

Note: When we are Listing, Lines equate to Branch Lines, and Mains arewell, Mains.
So in the Default Lines Properties Toggle, leave all at Default, except in the Pipeline Segments Tab. Revise to
Show Arrow only, and at 1/8th Scale. Also, Double-Click the Segment Box and revise to A-1. This will now
cause the Brach Lines to be Labeled A-1, A-2, A-3 etc.
Exit, and enter the Default Main Properties Toggle, and again leave all at Default, except the Pipeline Segments
Tab. Revise to Show Arrows only, but at 1/4 Scale. Again Double-Click the Segment Box and revise to AA-1.
This will of course mean that our Mains will be Labeled AA-1, AA-2, AA-3, etc.
Note: ALL of this is per Designer Preference. The Parameters discussed here are merely for example. It is incumbent
upon the Designer to fully explore all the options presented, and discover the most efficient path for your Firm,
Client, or Project.
Exit, and Select the Create Pipelines and Make-ons Toggle. AutoSPRINK will now take the information with options
selected (including the Fabrication Standards settings) and generate the Pipelines.
Once created, review the Drawing. All the labels for the Branch Line and Mains, etc. are fully editable. Just access
the Properties. They may be moved, resized, re-colored, etc. Again, it is all per Designer Preference. You may even
wish to create Label Boxes etc. to better define the Labels for the Field.
Also review the Direction of the Arrows. Ensure the Make-ons are in the correct attitude. Thoroughly investigate
your Drawing, to ensure there are no errors or inadvertent mistakes.
If all is satisfactory, it is time to generate the Reports! Access the Listing Manger, and Highlight the Main Overhead
System. Now Select the Generate Stock Listing Report Data Toggle.

Stock listing Reports with options

The Stock listing Report Dialogue Box will open, after AutoSPRINK has Gathered the necessary information for the
Reports. Here, there is many various options for the Designer, to configure the Reports as needed.
Page 14

Some of the Dialogue Boxes are included here for Reference. However, as always, the many Options and Variables
MUST BE EXPLORED. It is the only way to truly discern the most practical, efficient ways to configure the Reports.
Note: Keep in mind, as with ALL Reports, it may be best to Export to .PDF Format. Again, a Digital Copy is created
for Saving and Storing, and can then be sent to the Printer.

And now, on to the Last Project!

Page 15

Indeed, there is one Final Task to be performed; one last Example that will enable the new AutoSPRINK User, to
ascertain the extent of what knowledge has been gained; what has been learned. Remember, there is no Right or
Wrong necessarily, it is merely a gauge as to whether the Materials were effective.
If there is something you still do not fully understand, and you have faithfully worked through the Exercises and
Projects, it is not your fault. It is fault of the Course Material, and of the Instructor.
With that, let us begin.
Open the FS1 R1 AutoSPRINK Drawing. Follow the Instructions, to Build the System. If there are any questions,
feel free to ask the Instructor.
After Completion, Save the Drawing.

In developing this Basic Training Curriculum, it was our sincere hope that you have explored the Actions,
Commands, Functions, and Tools that will enable you to follow through with Project Design immediately. And yet we
all know that as with any Program, especially one as powerful as AutoSPRINK, there is a learning curve that is
unavoidable.
But it is with this intent, to enable the new User to be able to Design with AutoSPRINK confidently after the Basic
Training, that we have developed these Course Materials. We will always welcome your Comments, Concerns, and
yes, Complaints if it will help us to create even better Materials for Training, and a better Program.
Thank you again for your participation, and we look forward to a long, and beneficial relationship.

Sincerely,
The MEPCAD Team.

Page 16