How to install the Space Planning Module (SPM)

These instruction notes cover integrating SPM software with the FULL versions of AutoCAD & BricsCAD 64bit only (MICAD no longer integrates with 32bit).

These instructions cover a manila install on the local drive (C:) of any compatible Computer. Any bespoke alterations to the install of the overall CAD programme may render these instructions useless.

The CAD user will need access rights for the software to write out a compiled menu file into “Program Files” subfolder (during Installation only).

How to install the SPM for AutoCAD x64

1. You will first need to download the folder structure and then the ARX file (for the version of AutoCAD you're using. 
   
   Folder structure: SPM-Micad-support-files.zip contains support files/folders for all supported AutoCAD versions. This file is available from the SPM downloads page.
   
   Copy this into the folder where AutoCAD is installed, this is most likely: C:/Program files/Autodesk/AutoCADXXXX (Approximate file path depending on AutoCAD version).
   
   It should unzip the following folder structure:
   
   MICAD
   DEAMON
   HELP
   MENU
   PREFS
   
2. Now you can download the ARX file, this must be extracted to the DAEMON folder which is within the MICAD folder you've just set up. The ARX you will need will depend on the version of AutoCAD you're using, find the correct one on the SPM downloads page. 
   
   
3. Once the ARX file has been extracted into the DEAMON folder you will need to use AutoCAD commands to finish the installation. 
   
   
4. Open AutoCAD and enter the APPLOAD command and press Enter, this will open a dialogue box; in the bottom-right corner, there is a button with a briefcase icon.
   
   This is the Startup Suite which will automatically load files on startup or when loading a drawing. You will need to add the ARX file and path into this box. Firstly display the list of files using the Contents... button. Once the list is displayed there will be an Add button, this will display a file dialogue box, just navigate to where the DEAMON folder is and select the ARX file.

How to install the SPM for BricsCAD x64

1. You will first need to download the folder structure and then the BRX file (for the version of BricsCAD you're using. 
   
   Folder structure: SPM\Micad\support\files.zip contains support files/folders for all supported BricsCAD versions. This file is available from the SPM downloads page.
   
   Copy this into the folder where BricsCAD is installed, this is most likely: C:/Program files/Bricsys/BricsCAD VXXXX (Approximate file path depending on BricsCAD version).
   
   It should unzip the following folder structure:
   
   MICAD
   DEAMON
   HELP
   MENU
   PREFS
   
2. Now you can download the BRX file, this must be extracted to the DAEMON folder which is within the MICAD folder you've just set up. The BRX you will need will depend on the version of BricsCAD you're using, find the correct one on the SPM downloads page. 
   
   
3. Once the BRX file has been extracted into the DEAMON folder you will need to use BricsCAD commands to finish the installation. 
   
   
4. Open BricsCAD and enter the APPLOAD command and press Enter, this will open a dialogue box; in the bottom-right corner, there is a button with a briefcase icon.
   
   This is the Startup Suite which will automatically load files on startup or when loading a drawing. You will need to add the BRX file and path into this box. Firstly display the list of files using the Contents... button. Once the list is displayed there will be an Add button, this will display a file dialogue box, just navigate to where the DEAMON folder is and select the BRX file. Make sure to select the AUTOLOAD option.

Loading the menu buttons for all CAD packages

1. Enter the MENULOAD command.
2. This will display a dialogue box with a browse button in the bottom right (...).
3. Select to browse to where the menu is within the MICAD/MENU folder (as shown above). You will find a MicadLT2000.cui file, select this and click OK.
4. Once this is displayed in the Load Customization Group from the File field, select Load. The SPM toolbar will then appear at the top of the window.

Licensing

You will need a license from Micad to use the SPM.  The first time you use it, you will receive a no license message.

To get a license key, you will need to contact Micad by logging a ticket in this portal (https://micad.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/requests/new). The details you will need to provide can be found by entering the MWHO command. Copy and paste the results from this into the ticket.

Micad will return a .txt file or sting of text containing unfamiliar characters, looking something like this: 

ØëÑð¤ú˜ç²Qܱ_ÙÉbèšöàéRé÷ÕïìÑkZ±ÄO¬¬8ý¯‹’ÆQÁÎÍêÞÐ3FâéZó¢C¬ÜúçÚNÅëëÉÞë6TØðZÞZššÁ¶±N絞ÖïJM¦N¶˜(÷‚ºíM»²Æ¥°„M3ñ¼MÖQàÉî¶ì8™Žæù£ÌO6á¼Q÷½Z¨§ŽÒÁC¡õ¸ÝºÝZNÑËNþìF´ƒåèƒNú¢²Žž‘NM¾—NÑ¡6ïÅ´•ZßæýÙÛ6Qì¿KùÔN•‡úÕ«C毚ÏäMZ»O”ï8Õ ¢ ñQÇÅ訄Ì3FèÕZáäCÁÀ¹»¼NЂƒí±è6TÚ”Z€îZò„ßëˆN„âÅòÄ»JMùÕN¾©(‚†µ­MæŠÌë°èMMËÂÎÒ’AƒíõýØ圸àÐ…Š°Áûtá¡œºÉ¹šQ

Copy and paste this into the license key field in AutoCAD/BricsCAD. 

Troubleshooting

1. The file dialogue may not show any menu files when you first navigate to it. If this is the case then perform the following:
   
   At the bottom of the dialogue box, there should be a drop-down labelled Files of Type.
   
   Select Legacy Customisation Files, this should display a file to select. Once selected, the dialogue box should disappear and the previous dialogue underneath should display a Load button. This is where the software writes a compiled menu file. When this button is pressed the menu bar should appear.
   
   
2. If the SPM commands aren't recognised after successfully installing, it may be that you have the incorrect version of ARX or BRX. Check this and if you're not sure, replace it with a new one from the SPM downloads page.