nXt for a large AutoCAD Architecture 2014 model

[alan]

Wondering if, in principle, nXt has any problems with rendering a large model (several thousand somewhat detailed housing units).  In practice the program is hanging though that may be, of course, due to issues with AutoCAD or hardware.  Just wondering if nXt is the tool for this sort of work or whether I should be looking elsewhere...

[mike makki]

Alan my files in autocad gets as big as 500mgb ,nxt render them just fine....i scene i am doing now is 378mgb file....

[alan]

Wow, those are larger than my files.  Do you render that on one workstation, or do you farm it out?  I am currently working with one I7/8 processor/ 16 GB RAM win 7/64 bit machine, does that seem adequate?  I suspect the problem is more with AutoCAD Architecture so I may convert my ACA objects to solids.  Thanks!

[mike makki]

your machine should be more than enough to render.....one thing which might cause to crash in big file ,is that when you edit or modify your model make sure you are working on one layer ...turn everthing off....nxt some times crash in specially in big huge files....the less layers displayed the better

[alan]

Are you saying that everything should be converted to one layer and materials only defined by object?  Right now I probably have around 30 layers and they're all being used!  I do freeze all the 2d layers though.

[mike makki]

no no no ..when you edit your model...Make sure you work in the layer of your model...example....editing your window frame..work on that layer (window frame layer).... turn everything or off or anything that has lots of  mesh surfaces  off....

[mike makki]

i have just uploaded a co-oprate reception lobby image  3d model size 380mgb dwg.....turned only the layer i work with...

[alan]

So, Mike, you mean in general, to shut off everything but the active layer to speed things up - that I often do.  I am finding, though, that the program is hanging when I start to render and have to have all the layers on.  It doesn't seem to get past the "preparing" phase.

[mike makki]

you mean when it goes to count calculate the objects....personally i leave until it does what it wants....i usually leave mine 5 to 10 minutes....try that

[alan]

Yes, but this is taking so many hours, not minutes, that I finally have to stop it!

By the way, where are the upload files? 

I have to run now but will look at your replies tomorrow.  Thanks VERY much for your help on this Mike.

[mike makki]

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