Rack Builder

Applies To:

PRO

XLT

Related Settings:

None

Rack Builder

Menu: Tools>Equipment>Rack Builder

Default keyboard shortcut: None

Function:

Polls the Project Systems database for equipment at a specific location or locations. Then retrieves the mechanical representation of the devices from the Equipment Library (BlockRef path) and places them in the drawing on a location specific grid.

Build Rack Elevations Control Descriptions

Item	Description
Select Locations list	List all of the Project Locations
<OK>	Build the rack layout.
Location Spacing in DU	How far apart will you place each rack.
Include Rack Hashes	Provides a visible grid of points that WireCAD uses to define locations and make rack layouts location aware. The grid is a matrix of points that is created on the Hashes layer. The Hashes layer is locked for editing so you will have to unlock it to modify it.

How To: Dynamically Create Rack Layouts

Assumes that you have assigned SysNames and Locations to the devices you want in your racks. This will be done as part of creating a functional block diagrams. If you have not yet done this then start by adding some racks from to your project from the Equipment Library (<Add This Item to Project>).

Stop! before you run this function, make sure that all devices have Front Panel External Blocks in the Equipment Library.

1. Create a New Drawing for the Rack Layout.	For more information about creating New Drawings see here.
2. Start the command by clicking Tools>Equipment>Rack Builder.
3. Select the Locations for which to build a Rack Layout.
4. Set the Location Spacing in DU.	This is the distance between 2 racks:
5. Select the Rack Hashes option.	Rack hashes allow you to move equipment around in racks with slots.
6. Click <OK>. Click <Yes> to the explanation dialog.
7. WireCAD will then create a location grid for the systems selected, and add the mechanical view of the system as defined in the Equipment Library BlockRef Field. Note: If the BlockRef field is empty, a marker will be placed indicating where the device will be located.