Head end question - D-Tools Forum

Mattomatto · 11-01-2009, 02:28 AM

So I am currently working on two different projects. When I created the newer project, the head ends from the other project were in the head end dialogue. So I went through and replaced them with the appropriate ones for the newer project. Then I go to work on the earlier project and it has the head ends from the newer Project. Are head end locations not project specific? I can't find anywhere in the project info to assign this. Please help.

ChristianB · 11-01-2009, 08:34 PM

Head end locations are not project specific. It is a tool at design level to make it easier for the installers to know where to put the wire runs. If you right-click on any wire, product or accessory in PDM you select "assign" then go to "head end". There you can add Head Ends and assign all items in the project to their respective HE.

Mattomatto · 11-03-2009, 02:15 AM

So the head ends dialogue is just an ever expanding list? Aren't there different head ends in every project for other integrators? Or am I missing something here? I'm using the head end dialogue for the purpose of generating data that will be on the wire checklist for installers when they pull. It's a useless feature if I have to navigate a list that is 100+ items long every time I add a wire in Visio. That can't be the work flow that is intended, right? What is the right way for me to do this?

**Dave Kirn** · 11-03-2009, 02:51 AM

Matto -

The Head End list should not be an ever expanding list. Granted there are times when you might need to add a new one based on some unique circumstances on a particular job.

Think about it this way - Create a Head End for things like Whole House Audio or Whole House Video or even just Equipment Rack. These are generic Head Ends, however your technicians should hopefully know where the Head End location for the Whole House Audio is located.

For Head Ends that are local to the room you can either create one generic Head End called Local Head End or Room Head End, or you can create one for each needed room like Great Room Head End.

Hopefully all of this makes sense. If know let me know and I would be willing to try to explain it in more detail in a phone call.

Mattomatto · 11-03-2009, 03:25 AM

Thanks for the reply Dave. We are a commercial A.V. and telecom integrator. I have diverse projects with a lot of different head ends. I can't see anyway to simplify it so that it applies to all of my projects. Even if I could could, that could lead to confusion on the install, and it is not very custom, is it? Its frustrating, because we just bought a second seat, are very busy and basically this is a mess. I am guessing that I have to forget about head end dialogue, and figure out a way to get the location of connected equipment to generate pull sheets in a custom report. Or I have to go through a whole Excel spreadsheet rigamarole. I really do appreciate the help if I am seeing this the wrong way though...

**Dave Kirn** · 11-03-2009, 03:40 PM

Well it makes a little more sense now that I know you are a commercial AV contractor instead of residential. However there are always workarounds that can be used in situations like this.

I am interested to find out more information on your process and how you are wanting to utilize the Head End feature and what types of Head Ends that you are finding on your jobs.

If you have the time to send me an email (dave.kirn@k2dealerservices.com)with some more info I would like to see if I can figure out a better process for the Head End issue that you are working on.

Mattomatto · 11-03-2009, 05:00 PM

One Email, coming your way, and thanks again.