Project: HiCAD Plant Engineering

Data Format and Adjustment of Parts / Database

Please note: Since HiCAD 2012 (Version 1700), HiCAD has been using a new data format. Data format < 1700 and current In older HiCAD versions (< 1700) a part variant was represented by several files. Example of a Feature variant: For Hollow body representation (in sub-directory PlantParts\Parts2): For Solid body representation (in sub-directory PlantParts\Parts3): For symbolic representation (in sub-directory PlantParts\Parts1): Since HiCAD 2012 (Version 1700), only one file will exist for a Plant Engineering part variant. In the our example of a feature variant this will be the file GF_212501_T_45.vaa. This is a so-called archive file containing the files of all representation types in compressed form. A VAA file needs not contain all types of representation, but can, for instance, only consist of the hollow body representation. The symbolic representation must not be the only representation type in a VAA file; it must always be supplemented by at least one further representation type. A non-parameterised (fixed) part was, if several representation types were available, also represented by several files. Example of a fixed part: For Hollow body representation (in subdirectory PlantParts\Parts2): For Solid body representation (in sub-directory PlantParts\Parts3): For symbolic representation (in sub-directory PlantParts\Parts1): As of HiCAD 2012, only one file will exist for fixed Plant Engineering part as well. In our example of a fixed part there would now only be the file TEST_VALVE_DN50.paa. This, too, is an archive file containing all representation types in compressed form. A PAA file, too, needs not contain all representation types. The symbolic representation must not be the only representation type in a VAA file either; it must always be accompanied by at least one further representation type. If you have already created Plant Engineering parts with an older HiCAD version (i.e. before HiCAD 2016), you will normally want to use these parts in newer versions as well. If the parts exist in an old data format (< Version 1700), they need to be converted into the new format. see Update of part data (and database) If you have not used any older HiCAD versions before, and HiCAD 2014 is your first HiCAD version, the part files already exist in the new archive file format. However, it may be possible that the installed HELIOS database needs to be adjusted. see Adjustment of the database The VarUpdate.exe program can only be started automatically from HiCAD if Catalogue has been set as the part data source. If you select Database as part data source, DbPlantDataImport.exe is used as the central update tool for Plant Engineering. This tool will in turn call the VarUpdate.exe program.

Update of part files (and database)

If you have already created Plant Engineering parts with an older HiCAD version (i.e. before HiCAD 2016), you will normally want to use these parts in newer versions as well. If the parts exist in an old data format (< Version 1700), they need to be converted into the new format.

First make sure that the correct directory path to your current Plant Engineering files has been specified at position 6: in the FILEGRUP.DAT file in the HiCAD EXE subdirectory.

The further procedure depends on whether you have selected the HELiOS Database or the HiCAD Catalogue as part data source (Settings > Settings > Part selection > Parts from: ...).

Part data source: Database

Use the DbPlantDataImport.exe tool in the HiCAD EXE subdirectory to convert your part data, which also enables an update of the database for the plant Engineering module.

If an updating of part data is required, HiCAD will display a corresponding dialogue when you try to create or open a Plant Engineering drawing file:

If you are currently not using the HiCAD Plant Engineering modules, click OK and operate HiCAD in the same way as you would usually do. This window will not be re-displayed until you re-start HiCAD.

But if you want to use the HiCAD Plant Engineering modules, click OK, and then update your part data first, using the DBPlantDataImport.exe tool.

Part data source: Catalogue

If an updating of part data is required, HiCAD will display a corresponding dialogue when you try to create or open a Plant Engineering drawing file:

If you are currently not using the HiCAD Plant Engineering modules, click Update later and operate HiCAD in the same way as you would usually do. This window will not be re-displayed until you re-start HiCAD.

If you want to use the HiCAD Plant Engineering modules, click Update now. This starts the VarUpdate.exe tool for the updating of your database.

You use this tool for the conversion of part files to archive file format (file extension: .paa or .vaa). In contrast to older HiCAD versions, it can only be started automatically from HiCAD if Catalogue has been set as the part data source (Settings > Settings > Part selection > Parts from: Catalogue). If you select Database as part data source, DbPlantDataImport.exe is used as the central update tool for Plant Engineering. This tool will in turn call the VarUpdate.exe program.

The links that were previously defined by VarUpdate.exe, as well as all other required links will now be set up by DbPlantDataImport.exe.

After starting the tool the following window will be displayed:

Part data for which a catalogue entry exists are highlighted. Click Start: The updating of the part data begins. This process normally takes 10 - 20 minutes, depending on the number of existing part files; if the parts are transferred via a network, the process can take significantly longer. The update was successful if an archive file could be generated for all parts for which a part master (or catalogue entry if the Catalogue has been selected as part data source) exists. If possible, an archive file will be created for all other parts as well. If the update was not successful, an error log will be displayed, indicating for each part whether an archive file could be successfully generated.

After the update, click End and re-start HiCAD. Your part inventory can now be used in HiCAD Plant Engineering.

Adjustment of the database

If you did not use any old HiCAD versions and install the new HiCAD version on your computer, the part files already exist in the new archive file format. However, it may be possible that the installed HELIOS database needs to be adjusted. Use the DbPlantDataImport.exe tool in the HiCAD EXE subdirectory for this purpose.

If an updating of the database is required, HiCAD will display a corresponding dialogue when you try to create or open a Plant Engineering drawing file:

If you are currently not using the HiCAD Plant Engineering modules, click OK and operate HiCAD in the same way as you would usually do. This window will not be re-displayed until you re-start HiCAD.

But if you want to use the HiCAD Plant Engineering modules, click OK,and then close HiCAD. After this, update your database.

General Notes (PE) • Configuration of the HELiOS Databases (DbPlantDataimport) • Use VarUpdate to Generate Part Data Archive Files (PE) •