My history is in engineering & documentation...

I worked in the AV-Home Automation Industry for almost 10 years. Most of it was spent creating design, build and instructional documents. More than 1000 floorplans have passed through my computers... cleaned, converted, designed, printed and/or distributed. I've used Visio, AutoCAD and D-Tools for many years... now it's second nature.

I have extensive experience with both Visio and D-Tools. I started using Visio in 1998, D-Tools with Version 2.5 and I even helped beta test it's earliest versions. I can safely say that I am your “Visio/D-Tools Expert”... I've done it all before, and I get better each time. Please call or email me with any questions you have about your company's needs.

D-Tools can be very difficult to setup and use efficiently. It takes a huge investment of time, money and dedication. I've helped several companies set it up to be the efficient & powerful tool they tell you it is. I have also built some tools for Visio that help me to offer very nice documentation with a minimum of redundant labor. It can be a great tool.

Proper setup and maintenance of your D-Tools data is the most important thing you can do. The task is overwhelming. As I am more of a programmer than an engineer, I approach the it from the database. I have built several tools and macros to make this daunting task much easier, more accurate and less time consuming. I build and work the data as a whole.

I create/manipulate the database in Excel and import it into the Access MDB. This allows me to automate much of the data, rather than redundantly entering the data through the Navigator. I pay close attention to using a consistent format, I use Excel's built in formulas to aid in this task and with the help of a few macros I can fill out an accessorization table in a fraction of the time it takes through the Navigator.

When you bought D-Tools, they sold you on how much time you can save by linking packages and accessories to your product... they were right. It's also a very daunting task, but by far, the most rewarding. I have also made this task easier through macros and Excel.

A recent addition to D-Tools is the ability to link a photo to the product which can be utilized in reports and Visio line-diagrams. Once again, macros come into play when formatting the photos and entering their links into the program.

I can create just about any custom icons, stencils, templates and tools you'll need for Visio and D-Tools. Let me know what you have in mind, I may be able to program it for you.

AV Documentation Packages & Tools

• PDF Floorplan Layout Set
  • Floorplan Layout
  • Symbol Key
  • Cover Page
• PDF Schematics
  • Custom Connection Diagram
  • Semi-Custom Connection Diagram
  • Universal Connection Diagram
• Custom Documentation
  • Installation & Protocol Diagrams
  • Cabinet & Equipment Rack Elevations
  • Training & Operation Manuals
  • System & Product Brochures
  • Company/Public Forms & Templates
    • Paper - print it, copy it and have them fill it out
    • PDF - anything from static to fully interactive with forms, links and data collection
    • Excel - automated worksheets and forms that calculate for you
    • Internet - all of the abilities above and much more

D-Tools & Visio

• Visio Stencils & Templates
  • D-Tools Compatible Title Block & Page Template - send logo & request size
  • D-Tools Compatible Shape Stencils - Cedia Style
  • Visio Basic Shape Stencils - Cedia Style
  • Custom Shapes, Stencils Templates & Tools
• D-Tools Data R&D
• D-Tools Database Creation/Manipulation
• Product Picture Collection & Conversion
• Database Management
• General D-Tools & Visio Operation & Advice

Other Services

• Graphic Design or Redesign
• Image Conversion & Manipulation
• Data Conversion & Manipulation
• I'm open to suggestions - I learn fast and usually on my own, have a need? just ask

Descriptions & Details

The Floorplan Layout is clean and easy to understand. I use a set of simple icons based on the CEDIA Icons to plot out the locations of your system devices (i.e. speakers, VC's, outlets... etc.). I can also depict the wire needs for each location using my wire icon. The icon set covers most common items, but I can create custom icons upon request.

The package includes a cover page, symbol key and the floorplans with your system layout and notes. The file is provided in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (or Visio if the terms are negotiated). I can output the files in any/all of 3 sizes: 24x36, 11x17 and 8.5x11... which can also be used to print other sizes with matching aspect ratios (12x18, 22x34...etc) The files can be printed at most print shops or on your company's printers.

Requirements:

• I need the floorplans for your project, preferably in CAD format:
  • AutoCAD DWG or DXF format is preferred. (if they ask, I use AutoCAD 2000)
  • I can also work with a scan of blueprints (some architects still use pencil), though it will raise the cost significantly and still look a little unclean.
  • I have several methods for cleaning and creating images and floorplans. Really, even if all you have is a sketch on a napkin, I can draft it into a nice floorplan... it just takes time.
• I will also need your system layout requirements and standards:
  • My first preference is a marked up floorplan or sketch with your desired locations. It saves on revision time.
  • My second preference is a list, by room, of equipment icons needed. I suggest using Excel.
  • Third, I can work from your proposal and scope of work. This may be difficult at first. After I get to know your company's standards and processes... I may be able to make some suggestions.

The Cover Page design that I provide with the documentation is a basic layout with a classic "Drawing of a House" style graphic. I can use any image file you provide, and if the CAD file includes a front elevation I can use it as well.

The cover page can be an important part of your documentation, as eye candy helps sales. But you may want to consider the cost of printing an extra sheet, especially in color or large sizes.

I can create a fully-custom cover page if you like. I prefer a layout sketch of what you expect or a sample from your business, but I can create one from scratch and submit it for revisions or approval.

The Equipment Connection Diagram is a good reference tool for both installation and future troubleshooting. Like the Floorplans, they are available in the same three sizes and utilize the same title block and look. There are three types: Custom, Semi-Custom and Universal.

The Custom Connection Diagram is the cleanest of the schematic solutions. Only the connections you use are noted on the page. I use your equipment list to create reproductions of the rear panels for each piece. I note the necessary connections using whatever means you wish. Phone, fax, PDF file, email a pic or redlined copy through UPS, FEDex, USPS... etc.

The Semi-Custom Connection Diagram is more practical than the Custom Diagram. It includes a text field for each connection on your equipment. These text fields allow you to fill out and modify your Acrobat document with your own installation information, and future changes. This eliminates the need for revisions and redlines through me.

The Universal Connection Diagram is an affordable ($200) & highly reusable solution for simple connection details. Perfect for the low budget install, but it still has a nice visual impact on the homeowner. You buy the document customized with your logo and Company Information, then copy and rename it for each new project. The panels are generic layouts utilizing most common connection types and several custom fields. The document includes: 4 A/V Sources, 1 Audio Source, 1 Processor/Receiver, 1 Amplifier, 3 Accessories (Video Games, Camera, Laptop...) and 1 Custom Panel with 10 connection fields. Custom configurations are available, just let me know the qty & type.

All panel reproductions are based on the actual Manufacturer and Model #. I look online for any CAD, pictures or manuals that I can use to create the panel. Many MFG's have equipment with no resources online. I may require pictures or literature from your company and distributors. I could also work from a sketch if necessary.

I can fit six to eight components on a page, if each of them has less than 30 connections. Any equipment that has more than 30 connections (receivers, processors… etc.) may need to be on it’s own page at a larger scale. (see the sample set) This method facilitates my offering the drawings in three sizes.