Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 User Guide - Page 543

Creating a Schematic Diagram You create a schematic diagram by connecting symbols with lines to show the basic function of a building system in the overall design. You drag and drop schematic symbols into a drawing and connect the symbols with schematic lines, drawing the schematic lines just as you draw lines in AutoCAD®. However, schematic lines and symbols are more powerful than AutoCAD lines and objects because they recognize the connection points built into each schematic symbol, enabling you to create an intelligent building system diagram. Typically, you alternate between drawing schematic symbols and drawing schematic lines, essentially drafting them together. You can add freestanding or end-of-line symbols in a drawing and connect them later. For example, you can add a pump and connect the supply and return lines at a later time, or you can add a fan and connect the wire at a later time. You can also draft the lines first and then add in-line symbols. For example, you might add a duct heater that breaks into a run in a hot air system, or add a device after wire has been run to a panel. You can draw a schematic diagram in orthographic (plan) or isometric on page 520 mode. Adding Schematic Lines in Orthographic Mode When you are drawing in orthographic mode, you add schematic lines in the world coordinate system (WCS). In the WCS, the X axis is horizontal, the Y axis is vertical, and the Z axis is perpendicular to the XY plane. You can use the compass to guide your placement of lines. You can also use the AutoCAD® Ortho mode to restrict the cursor movement to the horizontal or vertical axes. The orthogonal alignment depends on the current grid and snap settings. You can turn these tools on or off at any time. To add schematic lines in orthographic mode 1 In the Schematic workspace, start the add command by doing one of the following: ■ Open a schematic tool palette, and select a schematic line tool. If necessary, scroll to display the tool. Because tools contain pre-configured properties for the objects they create, you might not need or be able to specify some of the schematic line properties referenced in this procedure. ■ Click Home tab ➤ Build panel ➤ Schematic Line . ■ Enter slineadd. Creating a Schematic Diagram | 525