Custom Pipe Network Rules Part I

This is just a reminder to myself how to do the first step, adding the information to the xml file which will point to a rule in the C3DPipeRules.dvb file. I would not suggest doing this until I get more information or if you have an install that you can mess around with. I don't fully know the ramifications of this or if it actually works.

1. Open the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2008\enu\C3DPiperules.xml file. I prefer the XML Notepad.
   
2. Expand the folder heirachy under Categories, then Category, then Tools.
   
3. You should see a list of Tool under Tools.
   
4. Copy any of the Tool Folders by right clicking and choosing copy.
   

   
   

5. Paste the item under Tools.
   

   
   

6. The first thing we need to do is give the idValue, under ItemID its own unique identifier. If I remember correctly it should be a random string of numbers, so change the numbers randomly. Hopefully I will find out where you can generate the idValues, until that time changing it should work.
   
7. Next expand Properties, ItemName. The resource is how it chooses what name it uses in Civil 3D. Choose a alpha only name for the new rule, without quotes. If you put in a number such as 155, Civil 3D will give you an error message that it can't find resource 155 but will add the resource to the list of rules as 155. If you use quotes Civil 3D will also give you an error message. Leave the src alone.
   
8. Next expand Data, Macro and type in a name of what you are going to call the module and routine in the VBA file. I'm going to call it SetSumpDepthCustom.SetSumpDepthCustom.
   
9. Next expand the Params and rename SumpDepthValue to SumpDepthValue2
   
10. Change the DisplayName under SumpDepthValue2 to Sump Depth Custom.
    
11. Set the #text to 0.5
    
12. Now save the XML file.
    
13. Open Civl 3D and the rule will be listed in the list of rules, in this case for structures.
    

I haven't created the macro yet so an error message is appearing in the Panorama window stating that it can't find the macro. This is a good sign since it looks like you can create a custom pipe rule this way and have it apply to the network. The next step is creating the macro and getting that to work.