Can anyone recommed an off the shelf HT and or Whole House Audio design software package?  I would like to show my customers layouts of what their system would look like.  This includes wiring schematics, device placements and etc.  Any help would be appreciated.

bidmagic.com?

ddlldrinc - 20 June 2008 10:56 AM

Can anyone recommed an off the shelf HT and or Whole House Audio design software package?  I would like to show my customers layouts of what their system would look like.  This includes wiring schematics, device placements and etc.  Any help would be appreciated.

Are you looking for just design?  Or something that would go to the point of calculating impedance load to the source and such?

We use Visio which allows for custom components to be created and added to the drawing.  There is also a huge number of company components available.  There is also D-tools which is the high priced spread

Dirk

Another option you’ll see along side those mentioned is Simply Reliable Software.  Most reports indicate these software packages require a major commitment for them to truely pay off.  Many start-ups or small custom installers purchase one of these and think it will make that part of their job easier.  They don’t realize how much time it takes before you can whip out an estimate or proposal using them.  They are so busy working, they never get around to it.

If you go this route, be prepared not only to pay for the software, but to also spend a month working on it.  That being said, you’ll find that all the successful installers have a system in place for estimating.  Now ask yourself if you can make it yourself using templates in an editor and spreadsheet package or not.

-Morgan

I think that we’re mixing apples and oranges here.  Unless I’m mistaken, the original poster is looking for design- drawing software rather than proposal and project management software such as Bid Magic,SRS or D-Tools.  While these programs may have drawing and design packages included, they are considerably more than a graphics package.

Visio is a capable tool, and with the appropriate templates and stencils it may be a very good fit for rack elevations, floor plans and wiring/equipment layouts.  I’m not a Visio expert, but I dont know that it is capable of importing a CAD drawing however.  So if floor plans are going to be a desired output, somebody is going to have to spend a bunch of time creating a floor plan. 

An installer whom I really respect uses a product called Canvas.  It imports Autocad drawings, creates layers (think one plan for audio components and wiring, one for video, a third for lighting etc).  If the principal purpose is to create prints, this might be a product to investigate.

As with all software purchases, spending some time really exploring what the needs are and then investigating the capabilities of the candidates prior to purchase will prevent a lot of heart ache down the road.

Visio can import drawing files (floor plans) very handy so as not to have to re-draw.  That’s assuming of course you can get the drawing from the architect/developer in the first place.

Dirk

I also like Visio, for its all-around usefulness. If I were only in need of a drawing tool, I’d choose that. But, if I were just starting out, and didn’t already have estimating/design/proposal processes and software in place, I might choose something a little more all-encompasing.

I use Visio for the award winning Design and Documentation services that we provide for the past 10 years. Check out our website for some examples of what can be done with a lot of time on your hands…

Xeven Zorza
ArchiTechKnowlogy
Design Group
http://www.ATKDG.com
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