RainCAD Training Outline

I.

Menu System
a.
Stretch or maximize if computer shuts down abnormally
b.
Organize icons with the Toolbar command

II.

Preference Settings
a.
Symbol Scale Factor Adjust the size of symbols BEFORE they are
placed on the design screen.
b.
Pipe Colors Adjust pipe colors for Automatic Pipe Sizing, manual sizing
colors are based on the database settings for pipe.

III.

Databases
a.
Sprinklers - Assign a symbol and color to each sprinkler and adjust any
other variables as necessary.
b.
Sprinkler Palette Assignments Required for automatic placement within
a boundary line. Each palette must include a sprinkler with a 180 arc
pattern.
c.
Adjust any of the other databases as necessary.

IV.

Import DWG Drawing File

a.
If drawing does not fill the screen (Ctrl + W)
b.
Gravity Snap to extents of screen to locate entities

V.

Import Raster Image for Tracing

a.
Assign to a specific layer
b.
Lock layer to prevent selection and movement

VI.

Boundary Lines
a.
Do not close the line on your own, let the software close the boundary.

VII.

Symbol Placement
a.
Demonstrate Within a Boundary, Manual and Along a Line or Curve.
b.
Demonstrate placement of control valves, controllers, backflow devices
and more.
c.
Demonstrate how to copy, duplicate or move a symbol.

VIII. Properties
a.
Change the properties of a selected symbol one at a time.
IX.

Water Source / Zone Assignments

a.
Select sprinkler symbols on the design screen.
b.
Water Source Assignment Select a water source from the drop down
menu.

c.
d.
e.
f.
X.

XI.

Zone Number Assignment Enter a number for the zone assignment

(number is ignored when assigning backflow devices or master valves).
Get Flow From Selection Calculate the flow of the selected sprinkler
symbols on the design screen.
Apply Add or remove the sprinklers to the zone depending on the choice
in the drop down menu.
Reassignment Move zone assignment numbers up or down as needed.

Piping the System - Each piece of pipe needs to be separate for sizing, hydraulic
calculations and material takeoff purposes.
a.
Manual Piping
1.
Select the type of pipe to draw, Lateral Line or Mainline
2.
Pipe may be drawn at a pre-defined category and size, or you may
choose Select pipe category later and size the pipe with another
command.
3.
Set points with mouse and press Enter.
b.

Automatic Lateral Line Piping

1.
The sprinklers must be assigned to a zone prior to automatically
piping the system.
2.
A control valve must exist on the drawing for each zone to pipe.
3.
Demonstrate the use of the command by selecting one or more
zones, adjusting the variables and selecting the OK button.

c.

Modify Pipe
1.
Automatic Break Pipe - Breaks two pieces of pipe at a tee or cross
fitting for the selected zone. Select Water Source and Mainline or
Zone Number.
2.
Pipe Hop - Used to draw one pipe hopping over another for
clarity. Set Radius and click on OK button.

Automatic Pipe Sizing

a.
Sprinklers must be assigned to a zone number. Each lateral section must
be piped using the automatic or manual piping commands.
b.
Select pipe sizes available for use.
c.
Demonstrate the use of the command adjusting the velocity and pressure
variance.
d.
If a piece of pipe does not get sized, check to make sure that:
1.
Each piece of pipe stops or starts at a sprinkler symbol or control
valve.
2.
The pipe stops or starts within .5 units (feet) of the bottom left
corner of the attribute number associated with the sprinkler or
control valve symbol.
3.
Each piece of pipe is broken at intersections such as a tee or cross
fitting.

XII.

Hydraulics
a.
Demonstrate the use of the command.
a.
Place information on the design screen.
b.
View Hydraulic Details

XIII. Valve Notations

c.
Select zone and symbol
XIV.

Symbol Label
a.
Select symbols one at a time

XV.

Material/Estimate
a.
Adjust Fields as necessary.
b.
Export the report to one of many different formats.

XVI. Legends
a.
Calculate button to count all items on the drawing screen.
b.
Place button to place the legend on the screen.
XVII. Installation Details
a.
Select from list and click OK button.
XVIII. How to Get Help
a.
Choose Help from the Help menu in RainCAD.
b.
Visit our web site and Discussion Groups at http://www.raincad.com.
c.
Send an email to help@raincad.com.
d.
Send a fax to (281) 463-1404.