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What time do training classes start and end?
Training classes at Lode Data run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
How can I update my software?
Mail or Fax a Purchase Order to Lode Data for the Subscription Service.
Lode Data will then send you a file (SubUpdt.enc) either via email or you may download this file from the WEB site at
See the entry under Hardware Locks for instructions for updating your key
How do I obtain another manual?
Please contact Lode Data Corporation during normal business hours at 303-261-1300 for details or download the manual from our web site http://www.lodedata.com/
Will there be a price increase for your software or subscriptions?
Yes, we plan on increasing our prices shortly after the SCTE show in June.
Hardware Locks (Security keys)
I have a Design and a Drafting key on my computer, and periodically I get a message stating "Product Not Legal for this Key" or "Key Not Found". Generally it is referring to the second key on my parallel port. I tried switching the order of the keys and I still get the error?
The hardware lock consists of two parts, the holder (the black part) and the button (the round silver part with a sticker on it). To eliminate the error, place both buttons in one holder. Remove both holders from your computer. Take one of the holders (Holder 1) and turn so the button side faces down. There is a black twist tab with the words "Twist To Remove" on it. Using a screwdriver, remove the tab by placing the screwdriver blade into the slot on the tab and twist until the small plastic connections on the sides of the tab disconnect from the holder. Remove the button from the other holder (Holder 2) by pushing back the small metal tabs holding it in place. Then snap this button into the empty slot in Holder 1 and reconnect Holder 1 to the parallel port of the computer.
I purchased a subscription, now how do I update my Hardware Lock?
After receiving and unzipping the file (SubUpdt.enc), place this file into the "Program Files\Lode Data Corporation\Utilities" folder. Then double-click on the "Wkeyupdt.exe" program. Follow the prompts.
When I have an external device (such as a printer) connected to my Hardware Lock, I either get a key error or I can’t print?
Some printers have bi-directional control, which interferes with proper key operation. Some models of printers have the ability to turn of the bi-directional control (see Printer Operating Manual). If this control cannot be turned off then, the most cost effective solution is to purchase a second parallel port for your computer. This will allow you to use both the program and the printer without any interference.
How can I see my license number and key date for my hardware lock?
Run the Read key program RDKEY32.EXE. This executable is located in the C:\Program Files\Lode Data Corporation\Utilities folder.
Click the Read First Button - this will display key information for the first key on your parallel port
Serial Number – This is your unique serial number which is associated with your license of the Lode Data Product
Key Date – This date reflects the last date for product update operation. This means that any Lode Data Software produced after this date cannot be run with this key. See Checking Program Key Dates
Product – This box lists the product or products this key is programmed to run.
Current – Displays today’s date – only for Timer keys
Expire – Displays the expiration date for a Timer key
Checking Program Key Dates
To check the key date needed to run the Lode Data software:
Open up the Windows Explorer and do a search for:
DAPC.DLL – if looking for the Design Assistant
DACAD14.ARX – for Drafting Assistant for AutoCAD 14
LODE2000.ARX – for Drafting Assistant for AutoCAD 2000
Right click on the Desired file and select Properties
Select the Version Tab
Under Item Name; select Comments
The key date appears under the Value box.
I have AutoCAD installed but when I try to install the Drafting Assistant, the installation program says AutoCAD isn’t installed?
Having more than one version on AutoCAD installed on your computer generally causes this, and the incorrect version of AutoCAD is written into the Registry. The first thing to try is to shut the installation down and start up the correct version of AutoCAD. This should write the correct information into the Registry. If it still won’t install, then it may require manually editing the Registry. Call or Email Lode Data’s Tech Support for help in this process.
I have three disks for installing the Design Assistant but it never asked me for the third disk?
In versions prior to 2.0, the installation process only needed the third disk if the installation was for Windows 3.11.
I have looked in the Program folders and I can’t find any sample files for either program?
The Lode Data sample files are a separate installation from the programs. The Sample files are not automatically installed. To install the sample files, place the Lode Data CD in the CDROM drive. Follow the prompts until you get to the "Select Programs to Install window. Select "Sample Files". The default folder for the sample files is "C:\Lode Data Projects". Within this folder you will find a "Sample" sub-folder. The Sample folder is provide examples of networks, specs, drawings, and settings files.
Are there size limits to my design networks?
Design Assistant network files are presently limited to:
255 branches
4096 Nodes
When I try to open a network, I get a message saying "Branch?? Does not begin anywhere." What happened?
A line with a coupler on it was deleted using the "Delete" key. This does not delete the branch fed by that coupler, it simply deletes the starting point of that branch.
How do I fix it?
If you notice that you deleted the starting point of a branch before you exit the program or load a different network, try using [.] [Delete]. The last 30 items you delete are stored in memory and can be retrieved by using [.] [Delete]. Keep in mind that the deleted lines will be restored at the present cursor location and not necessarily at their original location.
From the Editor Shell menu, jump to the branch with "No Starting Node" and then go into the Entry mode (2), if you want to delete the branch use [-8] delete branch. Otherwise, use [-5] Change branch start to reattach the branch.
What is the proper way to delete a branch?
Go into the branch you want to delete, and then use the Delete branch (-8) command in the Editor Entry menu
Are version 2.0 files compatible with the 1.5x version?
Files created in Version 2.0 of the Design Assistant can still be opened in 1.53.
In version 2.0, when I do a Control File BOM, I end up with really large numbers?
Select the "Misc" pull-down menu, select Update All, then choose (highlight) the appropriate files and click the single arrow, or all the files by clicking on the double-arrow, and then click "OK". This will update the selected files to the current file format. Note: You can still open these files with version 1.53.
If I minimize the Design Assistant while in the Single Step mode, I can’t seem to restore the screen. I have to End Task and restart the program?
This bug has been fixed for all Operating Systems in version 2.05. However, in earlier versions, if you are working in NT then you can restore the screen by Opening the Task Manager, right clicking the Design Assistant, and selecting Maximize.
When I try to exit the program or resize the Window while in the Single Step mode, I get a message stating: "Unable to perform the function at this time.
You must return to a viewing mode by pressing the ESC key until the menus are enabled."
The functionality of exiting the program and resizing the screen cannot be done in the Single Step mode. Pressing ESC will change to the Simulator Shell mode and you can perform these functions from there.
How does the Lotus (WK1) BOM work?
The WK1 format BOM is a listing of all part numbers and the quantity used. This BOM is written to a WK1 or Lotus format. (It is a very basic spreadsheet format that can be opened in virtually any spreadsheet program). The part numbers and their quantities will always appear in the same cell within the spreadsheet. For this BOM to be useful, it requires customization by the user. This customization involves creating your own Custom spreadsheet BOM and creating links to our spreadsheet format.
My amp specs say that the minimum input to my amplifier is 10.0. In the Simulator, the signal level shows 10.3, but the amp is red?
The amplifier is set up with a 10 dB input to the amp module after the equalizer. The equalizer has an insertion loss that knocks the signal down below 10 dB.
Can I BOM just part of a network?
Use the Mark commands in the Editor to mark and unmark the desired areas. (Recommendation: Unmark from Branch 1 Node 1 prior to marking an area you want to BOM) Then in the Single Network BOM setup screen, Select Yes (use right or left arrow) for Marked Areas Only. Then continue to print the BOM.
How can I BOM more than one network?
Create a Control File (from the File Menu select New, then Control). Use the Browse button to select the folder that contains the desired Networks. Highlight then add (use the arrow buttons) the desired files to the control file. Then go to the Print Menu and select Control File BOM.
I get Spec File Mismatch errors, when I run a Control File BOM?
Some of the Networks were not last saved with the current specs. Load up those networks with the correct spec files and save them.
When I printout a network, it cuts off the right side of the screen and my printout doesn’t show equalizers for the networks amplifiers?
The problem lies in the font the printer is using for the printout. Check the printer setup or information manual regarding substituting a condensed font.
Can the Design Assistant automatically create backup files?
Yes the Design Assistant can create backup files, but it requires placing a switch in the Target box on the Shortcut Tab of the program icon. Right Click on the Design Assistant icon and select Properties. Then select the Shortcut Tab. In the Target box, after the program path and filename, enter " /b ". Note: the switch must be placed outside the quotes around the path and filename and there must be a space in between.
Example: "C:\Program Files\Lode Data Corporation\Design Assistant\2.0\Dapc.exe" /b
In the Design Assistant when I look up in the upper left corner there are numbers?
The AutoCost option has been activated.
To turn this option off, simply proceed to the Single Step Simulator Screen.
Press key 9, and select option 8; the option is now turned off.
I created a clip file from one network and now I’m trying to use Read Clip but the program is telling me that it is an invalid format?
To resolve this, you may need completely shut down the program, and restart it. If this fails to correct the issue, you may have a corrupted clip file. Try creating it again.
When I try to print, nothing comes out of the printer?
Make certain that the printer is turned on and is online.
Make certain that the printer has paper.
Check the connections for the parallel cable make sure they are connected properly and not loose.
When you enter the screen that you wish to print, the dialog box instructs you to press "1" to print and has the "OK" button below this statement. Press the "OK" button first, then press the number 1 (one) key.
When I try to print, I get my printout, but I also get a "Key Not Found" error?
Turn-off the bi-directional capabilities of the printer, you may need to contact your printer manufacturer to learn how to accomplish this.
Check manufacturers web page for any updated drivers for the printer.
Try using a different printer to see if the same results are delivered.
Install a second parallel port on the system. Use one port for the key and the other for printing.
When I hit a "Browse" button in the Drafting Assistant, the program crashes?
You probably have multiple copies of "lodectl.dll". Search your computer for all copies of this file and delete all but the most current version.
When I bring up a block setup dialog while editing my settings, I get an error message stating "System running low on virtual memory"?
This bug has been fixed in version 2.04. For earlier versions you can solve this problem by opening up the block file and execute a Zoom Extents. Make sure you resave the block.
I have multiple couplers set up in my Import Settings. Some of them import but some of them don’t?
Check to see if any of the couplers are marked as internal. If so, then either redefine them as external couplers (if they are external) or set up an internal coupler in the import settings.
How many blocks and polylines can I setup in my Settings files?
There is no limit.
When I use regular AutoCAD to open a drawing created in the Drafting Assistant, I get a proxy objects warning?
The Drafting Assistant attaches small amounts of information to each entity it places. This information is used internally in various drafting routines and will not affect the way your drawing behaves in straight AutoCAD. If you wish to turn off the message, you may do so in AutoCAD’s Preferences dialog.
When I try to run the Drafting Assistant with AutoCAD Map 3, I get an invalid ARX message and the Drafting Assistant menu doesn’t seem to work?
AutoCAD Map 3 provides an older version of the file "MFC42.DLL". The Drafting Assistant requires a newer version. Either delete or rename this "DLL" file in the AutoCAD Map 3 folder.
When I insert a block in one of my maps the symbols are either much too large or much too small?
If all of the symbols are being inserted the wrong size then change the "Scale Factor:" setting on the Lode Data Project Configuration Dialog.
If individual symbols are the wrong size then open up the appropriate Settings Dialog and set the individual scale factor for the desired block.
I insert different devices onto a cable and the cable is not breaking?
Each symbol has it’s own Block Break setting. Open the appropriate Settings Dialog and enter the setup for the desired equipment type. Then click the "Block Break" button. Check the Block Break checkbox and set desired offset (if any).
When I try to edit my import settings, the only areas I can access are the cables?
While installation was taking place, a file may have not been registered properly.
Conduct a search of your system to ensure you have the file named "DWGThumbNail.OCX". This file is usually located within the \Windows\System or WinNT\System32 directories.
If found in either of these directories, you will need to open a DOS prompt window, and change to the directory where the file was found.
Once in this directory, you will need to type the following at the prompt; "REGSVR32 DWGTHUMBNAIL.OCX {Then hit Return or Enter}.
You should receive the message that the file was registered successfully.
Now you must restart your computer then launch the drafting assistant again, this should resolve the problem.
If the above steps fail to allow you to edit the settings file, then you will need to contact Technical Support for assistance either via email at or at 303-261-1300.
I installed the Drafting Assistant and received no errors, but I’m not able to edit my project settings?
AutoCAD is not able to locate and load the LODECTL.DLL file.
The default installation location is "C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\LODE DATA SHARED".
Try adding the search path to the AutoCAD preferences support path settings and re-try running the application.
If "ii" fails, then you will need to copy the LODECTL.DLL file into the AUTOCAD folder.
After doing this, launch the drafting assistant
When I use Mapcut it misses several lines on the grid?
Mapcut will not cut splines, and lines that have height to them. Corrected in v2.10. To ensure that all entities are cut onto the maps they should belong to, make certain that you do not have any splines to be cut.
When I run the report function, it appears to work okay, but then it stops and doesn’t populate all the areas?
This has been corrected in release 2.1. The error has been found to be that the attributes defined within the block and the attributes entered within the report setup process do not match. Recheck, carefully each entry for typos.
I'm getting Multiple Handle Object Errors in my AutoCAD drawing files, How do I fix them?
Click here to download the Object Repair & Remove utility. This utility corrects the problem AutoCAD 14 has with multiply owned objects. This problem may occur when a map drafted with the Drafting Assistant for AutoCAD 2000 is opened in straight AutoCAD 14.
To run, APPLOAD the LodeObjFix.arx file. Type either GOREPAIR or GOREMOVE at the Command line.
I cannot seem to get the program to respond?
If you are using a Passive Stylus, these have been found to be not as accurate, please attempt to try again, perhaps more carefully.
With some stylus components, they require batteries to operate. Make certain that you have good batteries and they are installed properly.
When I launch the Design Viewer I’m getting an error that reads "Entry Point Not Found"?
Search your computer for the filename LODECTL.DLL usually this will occur if there are multiple copies of this file located on the same system. This is easily corrected. You only need to have the most current version of the file located on the system to correct this issue.