I've been using it for about 15 years. I have to say it is the best pure sprinkler design software out there. I started drawing by hand. I have used AutoCAD (DOS versions), SigmaCAD, Polaris, OmniCADD, HydraCAD and AutoSprink. HydraCAD is a good program. I just find that AutoSprink allows me to be far more productive. Is there something in particular that you are struggling with? And no, I don't work for the company.
Definitely not user friendly program. You can design something in 10% of the time and spend 90% of the time trying to figure out why the program does not do what it supposed to do. Overrated program. Had to go back to hydracad.
I only played with a demo version once and it seems very deep and thorough software. You may not come to an objective judgment as it is depended on what you want to do with it. From the short experience I got I can tell, if you are just looking for quick hydraulic calculation software you are better off looking other places. If you are looking for a complete package that will do more or less all, that is, design, drawings, 3D modeling, stock listing, calcs etc then it's surly one of the best out there.
One other thing I can tell is that it does not go well with the Bentley Microstation ecosystem. There are confirmed cases of issues importing Microstation native files, even after conversion to Autocad format.
I was working with this program full time for the last 3 months. It seems I never got ahead. There is a lot of time spent Re-doing what I had done, piece correcting wrong dimemsion cut lenght from the program,
all that fancy auto commands that don't work half the time, and correcting when they do, it just go to time consuming going back and correcting. It was a nice experience because It made me appreciate my old program. I find this program is overwhelmed with problems.
Each has individual experiences. I used hydracad for 10 years and it is a decent program. I have used AutoSprink for 15 years. I don't have any of the issues you mention there. Don't take this wrong, but a lot of it may be user error. Just like with any software, the more you know about it, the easier it is to use and the more user friendly it seems.
I made the mistake of purchasing this program, which now I have no used for.
After spending time trying to design on this Autosprink, it is a good program if you are a part of the design team, so when you run
into problems (which is very frequent) then you will know how to correct them. Their tech support is very good. But you need an open line
with them so as you use the program, you don't spend the time waiting on how to fix, so you can go to the next step. (very frustrating).
On the old program, Hydrocad, all the commands are black and white. It made me appreciate what I have.
Is good to know to be able to try new options out there, some may be good or bad.
Really sorry you had to struggle so much with it. Again, I've used it for 15+ years and don't have near the issues you are describing.
Lot's of people are looking to buy the program. Maybe you can transfer your license to some one? Not sure. It is by far the best I have used. Again, HydraCAD is very good as well. I just find I can produce a lot more with AutoSprink. We have 4 AutoSprink guys and 1 hydracad guy. The hydracad software is by far the longest to complete projects (nearly a factor of 2). And the guys all have roughly same skill, time and knowledge so that is not the difference. It is just the difference in how the software operates and what is needed to complete projects.
Again, hopefully you can transfer the license or something so you don't have to sit on the costs. Maybe invest in a bit more training with the software and you may find more benefits with it.
If you are looking for production, this program is definitely not it.
Perfect program to learn under someone elses time card, and performance is not a factor.
We all have different experiences. I find it produces extremely well. I didn't find the learning curve incredibly huge. And I did it all on my dime. Not to refute you, but people just have different experiences.
The biggest issue I found in the beginning was that you have to not think it is AutoCAD. If you are trying to do hydracad commands in Autosprink you will drive yourself mad. You have to just accept it is a different program and learn how it functions.
Again, sorry you had a bad experience. Hopefully you can transfer your license to some one else.
I have noticed that you are possibly thinking about dumping the Autosprink software. I might be interested in purchasing the license. Please reply with the version you have and what you might want to transfer.
