A. A tapped blind flange is a choice when turning on fittings in AcornPipe, under flanges..
Draw the blind flange, then click on the face of the flange to display the "branches" menu.
*Add a remark to the item, by editing the Bill of Materials, by selecting "Control - E".  Enhance the description in the BOM by using the remarks column. To do this, next to the blind flange, in the remarks column, type a note to "tap the flange to 1 inch" or some such description. This remarks column is wider than it appears. Any text in the 'Remarks' column will be displayed next to this item, on the BOM.
*When a pipe nipple is required on the face of the flange, draw the nipple  in open space, by using the 'Draw Pipe and Fittings Here' function. Change the FW on the nipple to a Shop Weld. Next select the nipple with the F-11 key to highlight it. Move the selected fitting with the number pad and arrow keys to the face of the flange and press enter. Remember that you can use the zero key to toggle to small movements for placement.
The pipe nipple is found under the Couplings menu, if it is turned on.

Q. When drawing SW/TH fittings, I sometimes question how the dimensions are calculated in the AcornPipe program.

A. All valves and SW/TH fittings have dimensions from bottom of Socket or Thread. With SW items the pullback is the amount the pipe or nipple, etc are pulled back from the bottom of socket. Entering the amount of pullback in your spec, will increase a Fitting-Fitting dimension or reduce a pipe dimension between fittings. If a dimension is to the end of a SW valve or coupling, etc. it is to the bottom of socket.
There is no pull back until something is welded to the end of the fitting.

Q. Can dimensions be turned off? Many of my drawings are for general arrangements only, so it is up to the installer to get the dimensions. The dimension lines and arrows just clutter up my drawing.

A.  The dimensions can not be deleted, but they can be hidden.   Dimensions are hidden by right clicking on them near the arrow part of the dimension line.
Using the "Hide Dimensions feature" will allow for reversing this action. To place the dimension on the drawing again, select the Dimension menu, then reverse this action, by using  'Show all Dimensions'.
This puts all of the dimensions back on the page, in case you need to have dimensions displayed, after all.
Remember if you do not dimension pipe, then all your reports will not show any pipe. The AcornPipe program will see this as a quantity of zero amount of pipe.

Q. The drawings have been changed by the engineers. I need to change a dimension on my drawing.

A. To alter the dimension value of pipe and fitting configuration, click on the numbers for the dimension. This gives and opportunity to change the numerical value.
Fitting to fitting dims can only be changed by using the "Tools" - "Custom Fitting Dimension".  Click on the fitting image to be changed and the program will give you the current dimension, and the opportunity to enter a new value. You would need to click on each tangent of an elbow to change each end, or on all three ends of a Tee.
Cut lengths can be altered by changing a fitting dimension as well.

Q. Is it possible to convert an entire drawing from one spec to another without redrawing the entire spool?  This happens when I select the wrong spec., begin to draw and not realize my mistake until well into the drawing.

A. Yes, you can change the spec.  First use the Tools menu to select "Specification". Then select "Change Spec Name".  Next, select the Tools menu again, and pick Specification again. Now choose "Put Walls and Material Onspec".  This will cause the specification selected to be reread into the drawing and alter the walls and ratings, per the spec. Each drawings to be changed must be displayed and reread in this manner. Drawings are not reread in a batch.
Caution: This cannot change flange ratings, because changes to ratings involve a dimension change. It is always a good idea to save the drawing before making these changes. Then, If you do not like the changes, you can exit the drawing without further saves, and revert to the previously saved version.

Q. There have been significant changes to my spec in regards to materials and schedules. How can I change this on the drawing?

A. Another way to change the materials and schedules is by editing the drawing. This is done when you select CONTROL - E to edit the BOM.  The display offers you the same menu used in the Specification Set-up,  and allows you to select new values for both material and schedules. Double click into the schedule column to display the "Schedules" menu and allow you to change them for the selected fitting or pipe. Then double-click into the material column to display the "Material" menu. Make new selections for the material.
Flange ratings cannot be changed by editing, because changes to ratings involve a dimension change. It is always a good idea to save the drawing before making any changes. Then, If you do not like the changes, you can exit the drawing without further saves, and revert to the previously saved version.


Q.  I have two different flange ratings in my spec., how can AcornPipe handle that?

A. In the event you have a specification with more than one rating, enter the more common rating in your spec setup.
Then at the drawing screen, to draw the other rated flanges, use EDIT - OFF-SPEC. Now select Flange Rating and Flange Face. These must always be selected together. When you draw your next flange, you will be asked to choose the rating and the face for this flange.
This off-spec option stays as selected until you leave the drawing, or until you re-select off-spec to choose "All on Spec". That will allow you to continue to draw flanges on-spec again.
You will see other off-spec options on this menu as well. Materials and schedules can be off-spec, new SW/TH fitting sizes can be selected, new fitting ratings, etc.

Q. When my note is placed too close to a pipe or a  fitting, I have difficulty selecting this note. Clicking on the "hot spot" displays the branches menu.

A. Hold down the ALT key, when selecting the note, and it will be selected.

Q. Using the "Draw Your Own" Features: When drawing the arc with arrows, how can I have the arrow displayed on both ends of the arc.

A. The AcornPipe program will put arrows on both ends of Arc w/arrows if you hold down the shift key, for the final mouse-click.

Q. Where can I get fitting dimensions, and documentation, so I can check the dimensions on the blueprints I am given, to be sure they are the same as in the AcornPipe program library.

A. Industry standards for fitting dimensions, are used in the AcornPipe program libraries. There are many good reference book sources on the internet, as well as in fitting catalogues from various manufacturers. Recommended books are the Pipefitter's Blue Book, and the IPT Pipe Trades Handbooks. These same books may be available from  technical school book stores, as well as other sources, such as www.amazon.ca and Chapters online. I have included two links for your convenience: http://www.pipefitter.com/books.html or at
http://www.pipefitter.com/pfind.html

Q.  FONTS: My Status reports and Material Summary reports are not lined up into neat columns. How do I fix this?

A. Fonts recommended for the display and alignment of reports are:
Courier, Courier New, and Fixdsys.
My test shows that the Fixdsys font, if available on your computer produces a nice, bolder text for easy reading.
To change the font for reports:
In the reports section, with a report displayed, select "Format" from the menu, then choose "Font". Select one of these recommended fonts from the suggestions above. Make sure "Wordwrap" is selected.
Drag your mouse to highlight any text on the screen, then change the font. This will affect eh currently displayed text.

Q. Rebuilding Status Files:  I cannot use the "Material Control" feature or the " resave" function on the drawings without the drawing being re-counted, or getting an error message. What is happening?

A. This happened on updates, where the end user has skipped several updated versions, or where an update involved adding new fields to the status files, for reports. To rebuild the status files:
1/ Access "Fabrication Drawings", and use the "File" - "Batch" - "Make New List" to select all of the drawings in this job. To make the list, highlight all drawings, by dragging the mouse over them, or click on the first drawing number, then use Shift - Click on the last drawing number.
Once selected, use the 'File' - 'Batch' - 'Resave' option, to resave all drawings in this job, and recreate the drawings list. The AcornPipe program will begin to display, and resave each drawing. Resaving will rewrite the status files.
2/  After the resave is complete, exit the drawing screen. At the main AcornPipe program screen , select "Fabrication Material Control" function to "List All" drawings.
3/ Access the "Tools" menu and select "Inventory Update Only". This will write the drawn quantities into the files.

Q. I need to show the degree symbol in my notes. How do I do that?

A. When typing the note use the tilde after the numerical value, like this: 60~
Click done. When the note is displayed on the drawing the small circle, depicting the degree symbol will be displayed.

Q. I am experiencing trouble, fine tuning the placement of the "Draw Your Own" features, such as adding a line to an arrowhead, and positioning the items I need to draw.

A. 'Draw Your Own' details - Use of Shift and Alt keys:
When drawing DYO details, AcornPipe normally applies a 15-degree snap to directions, as this makes it easy to draw parallel to any regular direction and also to certain 45-degree offset directions.
If you do not want the snap to be applied, hold down the Shift key while drawing the feature.
If you want to draw a series of connected lines, for example, hold down the Alt key while drawing. A red dot appears at the cursor. This red dot will snap to nearby key points, such as the end of a line, the center of a circle, or either of the two reference points used to construct a triangle, box, or other polygon.
Placement: When drawing 'Draw Your Own'  images, you can press the Alt key when the cursor is near a previous image and the screen will display a red dot and connect the two DYO features.
If you are drawing a line (or arc, half-circle, etc.) which is to join one existing point to another, hold down both Shift key and the Alt key.
Dashed Lines: You can to select lines by selecting F12, then an option is displayed under Edit to change the thickness of the lines or make them dashed. It doesn't work with all Draw-your-own shapes, but does work with lines and boxes.
*The 8.224 update added dashed circles as requested by some of our customers. 　
 It also allows you to take the image and scale of a standard detail and apply them to an attachment or end plate. 
 Scaling: To use this feature, choose an open area of the screen, and draw a standard detail and size it as desired. Then press F11 to get into item select mode. Next, Right-click on the tag of an end plate (or anything listed under GSMaster) or an attachment. The existing end plate or attachment image will be replaced by the image of the standard detail and the standard detail itself will be deleted.

Q. Is there a way to draw a "Standard Detail", or a "Draw Your Own Feature",  and list this item in the Bill Of Material?
 
A1. When a standard detail is selected and imported to the drawing screen, and while it is still displayed in red, use the keystroke combination of CONTROL - ENTER to display a form, allowing for the entry of the description, inches of weld, and weight of an item. This description will be placed on the BOM.
The option to "Add as New Description", will save an accompanying description, and allow you to select it next time, from the menu.
A2.  Draw Your Own features can be added to the BOM, as well, by using a 'Dimension Point' from the Standard Details (with Column Centres), shrinking it to an insignificant size to hide it in your detail. Do not press enter, or left mouse, until finished, because the tiny image needs to remain red, in order to work with it. Then using the keystroke combination of CONTROL - ENTER and using the form, which will be  displayed, to input the description to be placed in the BOM.
Now the 'Dimension Point' image will be displayed in black, and should be hidden somewhat in your DYO feature.

Q. I need to send a copy of my drawing to another person, who does not have the AcornPipe software. How can I do this?

A. The best option, of course is for the other party to purchase AcornPipe.
The second  best option is to create a .PDF file to email to this other non AcornPipe user.
These options to print to a PDF file, come up as printer drivers in our AcornPipe program, or any other program for that

To download the free PDF creation software called Primo, see this link:
http://www.download.com/3000-10743_4-10660924.html
 The user guide and instructions are found at http://www.primopdf.com/free-pdf-userguide.asp
After install the PDF creator, Primo, becomes a printer in your list, and it is just a matter of printing to PDF.
This PDF file creation software does append files, so you can add one drawing image to the next to create a file of 10 or 20 drawings.
You have a choice to give each file it’s own name or number….or to append each drawing file to the previous file.
The file gets larger with each additional file appended to it too, so if you plan to email the drawings as a PDF file, you may want to be aware of that.
This PDF writer will be listed as a printer in the list when you choose - Print Drawings. Or as a print driver in MSWord, Publisher, etc., as well.
**Of course, if the other party does in fact have AcornPipe, they would be able to do the QC, and add heat numbers, by displaying each drawings in their program, and then making the changes. These changes would not cause the program to count down a drawing, however changes to the drawing itself, such as dimension changes, moving the tags, etc. will cause the drawing to be counted down from their key. *Include your spec file, when sending drawings to another party.**

Q. Where can I find the AcornPipe program requirements, and pricing information?

A. Potential AcornPipe Customers can download a PDF file of information by using a right
click here.  Select "Save target as", to download the file to your computer.
click here for the Rich Text file of information.

 Q. How do I show a length of pipe and/or fittings as an existing line?

A. Draw the pipe and fittings as usual, and even include branches at this time, or, if you prefer, you can go back after you have created an "existing" Pipe or fitting, and continue to draw, adding branches.
Then go back and Click on the "Tools" menu and select "Change Quantity" (CONTROL - Q)  A hand shaped cursor is displayed and will allow you to click on the item number box for the specific pipe or fitting you wish to show as existing.
Select an item tag, and when the information box for the item is displayed, change the quantity to a 0 (zero). Click done.
The selected fitting is now displayed in green, and will be printed in this grey image on a laser printer, in green on a colour printer. The selected, "greyed out" item is left out of the BOM and any branches attached to the pipe, are now changed from having shop welds, to field welds.
You may need to press the F4 key, to refresh the image onscreen, before the greying out is visible and the item is removed form the BOM. 

Q. When I have used the feature from the "Tools" menu - "Change Quantity" and set the quantity to zero, in order to grey out a fitting or pipe and have it left out of the Bill Of Material.  How can I re-enter the fittings or pipe to the BOM?

A. At the drawing screen, with the drawing displayed, use "Control - Q" to select the fitting or pipe in order to access the Quantity selection box.  You may reverse the "greying out" process by altering the quantity back to one, or more, to have the greyed out pipe or fittings appear on the drawing and in the Bill of Material again.
Press the F4 key to refresh the screen when finished.

Q. What happens if I completely use all of the drawings in my Sentinel Key?

A. The program will start to remind you that you need to "Order More Drawings Soon", at each drawing saved, when you have 15 or fewer drawings left.
The message will change when the last drawing has been used, to "There are no drawings left on the key...etc."
You will not be able to draw any additional drawings until your key is replenished. Contact Joanne at 800-363-9777 to order more drawings.

Q. When I start my AcornPipe program, the screen tells me "key not found".

A. Make sure the sentinel key driver has been installed. If it has been installed and the key is still not working, remove the key from the port, and then power the computer completely down. Insert the key device and restart.
OR - Try a different port. Once the key device has been found, on windows XP in particular, always use the same USB port for the Sentinel Key.  If you move it to another port, Win XP has a hard time finding the key. On some brands of computers you will need to have the key attached when you start the computer. On most computers the key can be engaged after start up. It is a matter of knowing your computer's quirks in many cases.
If you click, even briefly on the "Install Sentinel Key" button on the install disk, after it has already been installed, this will corrupt the driver. You must then uninstall the key driver, then reboot the computer, then reinstall the key driver, and reboot again.
For the most part the sentinel key runs perfectly, and on a network, can be found from  any computer attached to the network. It makes sense to place the sentinel key device on the server, since this computer will be turned on any time a user is present. On peer to peer networks, the key is found, regardless of which computer the device is attached to, and requires the driver to be installed only once.
On re-installing the Key Drivers: This definitely is a case where "if it isn't broke - don't fix it'. The key driver will be corrupted if you do not uninstall the previous driver, restart the computer, then reinstall, restart the computer, then attach the key. Do not install with the sentinel key attached.
**If you require an updated Key driver, first download this "cleanup utility" which will remove old key drivers. (Make sure the sentinel key is NOT attached, while removing an installing the drivers) 
Then download and install the updated key driver  found here.
**It has come to out attention that on a Peer to Peer network, if the server computer goes into the hibernation/sleep mode, other terminals attached to this network will lose contact with the sentinel key. It is suggested that the server computer be set to 'never hibernate'.

Q. I need to switch specific welds off. How do I do that?

A1. At the drawing screen, with the drawing displayed, use "Control - T" to access the weld tag information. Click into one of the spaces in the "Weld Box" information column, and tap the spacebar. This toggles the weld on or off, and allows you to change the weld tag text. Continue to click into the spaces turning off the welds as required. Click "Done" to return to the drawing screen. Press the F4 key to refresh the screen, and the weld boxes and weld info for that item will disappear. You may reverse the process to turn the weld on again, if you need to do so.
A2. With your drawing displayed, the entire weld map can be hidden by accessing the "Edit" menu, Select "Welds", then choose "Hide Weld Map".

Q. I need to change a specific weld from a shop weld to a field weld. How do I do that?

A. Hold down the shift key and left click on the weld which you need to change. A menu will ask if you want to switch the selected weld to a "Field", "Shop", or "Tack" weld.

Q. I need to dimension to the open end of a piece of pipe, or the the end of a reducer. How do I do this?

A. With the red arrow displayed at the open end of the pipe, select "Joint" from the fittings menu. Choosing an end prep will then display a prompt, "Dimension to this point?". Enter and place the dimension. (Your joint selection from the menu, can be "Nothing" as well as any of the other offered preps; you will still be prompted to enter the dimension.)
When your line ends at the bottom of a reducer, dimension to this point in the same manner as used on dimensioning to an open end of pipe.
With the red arrow displayed at the end of the reducer, select "Joint" from the menu. You will be asked  "Dimension to this point?".

Q. My name disappears from the "Drawn By" box on the front screen of AcornPipe. What do I do?

A. Place your initials in the "Drawn By" box, then access the menu item "Edit", and select "Local Settings". Now Click on "Done".
The program will now keep your name in the "Drawn By" box, until you decide to change it, then click on "edit", "local settings" and select "Done" again. At this time there is no function to change the drafter's name once the drawings are completed.

Q. I am setting up a New Client Name, and New Client Folder, and when I select apply, I receive the following message: "run time error 75 - Path/File Access error", and AcornPipe kicks me out of the program.

A. You probably have a client folder name or a job folder name with the same identical name as the name you re giving to the new folder. Try again, and this time give your folder a unique 8 letter name, which you have not used before. Each job must have a unique name or number of 8 characters or less.

Q. How can I insert items I have left off of the drawing.

A. The software is really designed to draw from one end of a spool piece to the other end, then go back and add branches and details. Sometimes it is simply faster to  remove some of the pipe and fittings, by highlighting those items with the F-11 key, and when they are all turned blue, press the delete key. Now click on a pipe end or fitting to display the red arrow, and draw in the missing items, then draw the deleted items back into the drawing.
A fitting, attached at both ends, cannot be deleted. Delete pipe instead, then insert the items. Move the other items as a group, close to the newly drawn segment. Press the enter key, and the program will prompt by asking if you want to attach the sections.
You can highlight several fittings using the F-11 key, then use CONTROL - C to copy. Then paste the fittings section elsewhere on your drawing. This works best when copying and pasting complete branches along the header. After you 'copy', click on the header pipe, the menu will have 'paste' as a selection.

Q. Not all of the sizes are shown at the spec. setup screen. How do I show these other sizes?

A. At the main program screen, click on "Edit", then "Edit Spec/Job Setup".  Then at the next screen, highlight the specification to change and select "Edit This Spec", and at the following screen select 'Materials/Walls/Ratings'. Click in the line, under the NPS column, at the size above the one you would like to display. Then select from the menu which will be displayed. Choose "Show all Smaller Sizes." Smaller sizes should now be displayed. See Below.

Q. Installing the program: The program does not find the Sentinel device (Key).  I have installed the Combo Key Driver?

A. Some specific brands of computers do not have the USB and Parallel ports configured to accept the keys. See Below.

Q. Why can't my hardware key (Sentinel Device) be found on Dell Optiplex GX110?
      My AcornPipe program displays the message "Searching for Key", continuously,
      and never finds the sentinel device. Make sure you have the latest version of the key driver. You may need to install an updated key driver, found on the pages of our website, or click here to download the newest version, 7.32.

A. The Rainbow Sentinel keys cannot be seen with the default port mode of ECP
(Extended Capabilities Port ) on the Dell Optiplex . This appears to be the case for most Dell machines: Dimension, Optiplex, Precison and some Acer products)
In order to have your SafeNet Sentinel key recognized, access the computer's BIOS and change the USB or parallel port properties mode to either PS/2 or AT. Save the applied changes and reboot. Your key should now become recognized with the protected software and Rainbow's Sentinel Medic utility.
NOTE: You will need to uninstall and re-install the Sentinel System Drivers after you have completed the BIOS change.

Q. MISSING DEPENDENCY FILE:
I cannot seem to install and run the AcornPipe software on my computer. (or server)
I receive an error message regarding a file named compresszlt.ocx and a  missing dependency file named msvbvm50.dll.

 A. It appears that the  program file, compresszlt.ocx has missing dependency files in the C:\Windows\System folder in Windows 95/98/Me on a few computers, and on some networks.
This missing dependency file also occurs on some NT versions and may require the missing file be installed to the C:\Windows\System32 directory.
The file msvbvm50.dll is not present in the windows' system folder.
You can download this file by clicking here.  Unzip the downloaded file and then copy the  msvbvm50.dll into the C:\Windows\System or the C:\Windows\System32  directory, as the case may be.
Your AcornPipe program should now install and run  properly after these files are added.

Q. I need to use pipe nipples. Where can I find these fittings?

A. You need to turn on the fitting, Pipe Nipples.
To turn on Pipe Nipples so they will appear as a menu item:
At the main program screen, choose "Edit", then pick "Job/Spec Setup". At the next screen, choose the right spec for the fitting, and click on "Edit This Spec".
Next click on "Pipe and Fittings", then select Reducers/Couplings/Caps/Branches.
These fittings can be selected as TOE (Thread one end), or PBE (Plain both ends) or TBE (Thread both ends).
Tip: If the TOE nipple displays the thread on the wrong end, right click while the fitting is displayed in red, and the Thread will switch ends.
Pipe nipples are listed as fittings, not as pipe.
See screen shot below.
 

Placing a checkmark into the box adjacent to the nipple type, under the category
"BW Couplings" will allow it to be selected when drawing. Remember to select Coupling from the onscreen menu, then the next menu of choices, will display nipples.

Q.  Can lengths and item numbers of the same pipe be combined in the BOM as 1 item?

A. Fittings can be itemized, but not pipe. If you are using heat numbers PMI numbers, etc., then you will need fitting itemized to show each number.
To summarize fittings, at the main program screen, use "Edit" - "Job/Spec Setup" and at the next screen pick "Fabrication Drawings". Now choose the drop down menu to pick Fittings Summarized.

Q. NEW: How do I get AcornPipe to print barcodes on the drawings?

A.  Change the layout, by editing it in Notepad. Enter X and Y coordinate positions, where you see barcode options to have the program print the Bar code for tracking drawings which has the Job# and Control# combined. The layout has a place for putting in an X & Y co-ordinate for putting a bar code on the drawing wherever it's needed.
It will only put the Bar code for tracking drawings which has the Job# and Control# combined.
Click here to download a PDF file of instructions for adding & printing Bar Codes
**Update version 8.219 will allow for the seamless use of barcodes on the drawing. This comes with a downloadable Layout, to test the barcode options. This layout requires at least V. 8.218 to be operable.
Download a test layout enabled with some typical choices using other Bar-Code co-ordinates. Copy the layout to your C:\AcornClients\Data\Layouts folder. To View the barcodes on the layout, - In the AcornPipe program - reselect your layout, and choose the test barcode layout. If no changes are made, the bar Code will remain as it is now.

Q. The program runs erratically, and gives a run time error when I try to draw items. (3 possible answers below)

A-1.  It never occurred to us, that someone would try to run AcornPipe without any print drivers installed.  This does cause the program to give a run time error, and exit the program. When drawing is attempted, the program will allow you to draw a few items, then look for a print driver, then give the error. Once a printer/driver is installed, the program runs normally again.
**The printer does not need to be physically present, so you can fake it. As long as the printer driver is installed, the program's search for the printer is satisfied.**

A-2. File Names must be 8 characters or less.
Perhaps you are trying to create a job name/number that is already in use in AcornPipe. The job name must be a unique name, one not used previously in a Client folder, on this computer.
About Client/Job Names
The job name can be longer, but the job folder must be given a name with 8 characters or less. Client Folder Names, must also be 8 characters or less. Think of it like this:
Client name - long
Client folder name - short
Job name - long
Job Folder name - short.
*Keep these rules in mind when naming job folders.*

A-3. You may require additional RAM memory in your computer. A minimum of 512  MB is recommended, when running the AcornPipe software under Win XP.

Q. Our company wants to network AcornPipe so that everyone is working from the same key device. Can we do this?

A. Yes, you can network AcornPipe without violating the end user license. We do not have any problem with that.
The SafeNet sentinel key device works well when used on networks. First Install the AcornPipe program to each terminal. After install, the AcornClients (data files) folder is copied to the network. Each terminal attached to the network must have the path in AcornPipe set to find the network folders in order to be able to find the drawings and data, dimensions, images etc. Each computer attached to the network, can work from their own C drive if that is preferable.
Acorn Pipe software only searches the local subnet and is therefore not able to locate the key present in different subnet, without direction from the information found in the C:\Program Files\AcornPipe\ ServerName.txt  file.
Remote networking can be accomplished  by editing the ServerName.txt file found at C:\Program Files\AcornPipe
In the ServerName.txt  file, found in the AcornPipe application folder, the program will use the contents of line 1 of the file as the IP address argument for a call to RNBOsproSetContactServer. This is probably simpler than setting an environment variable NSP_HOST.
The file is normally non-existent or blank. The first line of the file should be the IP address of the server.  We suggest making sure there are no leading or trailing spaces.
The key driver can be installed to the network server alone, however on some networks, the terminals attached to the network will sometimes require the installation of the key driver as well. The updated key driver, version 7.40 has been very successful when used on networks. The install for the SafeNet sentinel device will determine any changes required to the firewall, and may ask your permission to open the firewall to allow AcornPipe to find the key.  The firewall will then be given permission to open the port to find the sentinel device.
The key device may be placed on any computer attached to the network. The key can be found from any terminal on the network.
There are also permissions in the AcornPipe program which can be set by the end user which would allow only certain terminals to access the specifications to change them, or to edit material files, create DBF files, etc. These settings  can be password protected. 

Q. I have copied all of the program files as well as the AcornCients directory from my old computer to my new computer. The program does not allow me to do any reports. My drawings are all there, in the fabrication directory. What is wrong here?

A. Copying the program files to the new computer is not enough. Copying them will not allow the program to run properly. You need to run the install files to install the AcornPipe program. The install program writes to the computer registry, registering the .dll, .ocx files and basically tells the computer that the AcornPipe program exists.
Install the complete program, then copy your client folders, and jobs to the new AcornClients folder. Any altered Master Files in your old setup can be copied to the C:\AcornClients\Data\Master folder. The Master Files change when you add new material and fittings to the files.

Q. My program seems to have failed to register the program's .dll and .ocx files. How do I register these files?

A. The easiest way is to download these files which will do the registration for you.

1/ Register files on C:\Windows\System32 folder: Click here to download a zipped executable file.  Then double click to run this file which will register the files.
You should receive a message that the files are registered successfully. Restart your computer following the install.

2/ Manually registering files:
a/ Copy the VSFlex8L.ocx file from the C:\Program Files\AcornPipe to your System folder, C:\Windows\System32 or in some cases to the C:\Windows\System folder.
Then use 'Start' - 'Run' and type the following command into the line: regsvr32 C:\Windows\System32\VSFlex8L.ocx
Click OK, and you will receive a message indicating that the file has either been registered correctly or there is a problem registering the file. If the later then check your spelling, and make sure there is a space in the right spot.
In some instances you will also need to register the MSBVM50.DLL file in the same way.
b/ Copy the MSVBM60.DLL file from the C:\Program Files\AcornPipe to your System folder, C:\Windows\System32 or in some cases to the C:\Windows\System folder.
Then use 'Start' - 'Run' and type the following command into the line: regsvr32 C:\Windows\System32\MSBVM60.DLL
Click OK, and you will receive a message indicating that the file has either been registered correctly or there is a problem registering the file. If the later then check your spelling, and make sure there is a space in the right spot.
In some instances you will also need to register the MSBVM50.DLL file in the same way.
c/ In a 64 bit system, The \Windows\SysWOW64 directory is where 32-bit system files are installed. 64-bit system files are in the \Windows\system32 directory for compatibility reasons.

Q. I want to use the Standard Details, but I find it tedious to find the images I am looking for. How can I find them easier?

A. Our customers have asked to have all of the Standard Details in a printable format. We have created a PDF file of all of the details.   Click here to download this PDF file. You can print out this PDF file to make it easier for you to find images.

Q. Dummy Legs on Elbows - How does AcornPipe determine the (cut length) dimensions for the placement of Dummy Legs on Elbows?

A.  The long point on the dummy leg is to where the INSIDE of the dummy leg touches the outside of the elbow, not the OUTSIDE of the dummy leg. The weld is applied to the Elbow-D/Leg connection to form a fillet. The short point is also where the inside of the dummy leg meets the elbow.
Since the Dummy leg's dimension uses the wall thickness, for example, where schedule 160 is used, which is 0.531 inch this makes a large difference to the long point.