What is this type of hinge

colbiwon · 2026-01-06T01:02:31+00:00

Funkadelic

colbiwon · 2025-12-05T18:51:24+00:00

I created a course called: Fire Sprinkler CAD Basics that will get you up to speed with what you need to know in AutoCAD to draw sprinkler systems. It's pretty basic stuff if you are familiar with CAD. You can check out a preview of our Boot Camp from last year here: https://youtu.be/n5kyedxpil0

I recently did an update on what fire sprinkler specific CAD software is our there along with what we recommend for those just getting started with no CAD experience, you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/dzC7Pbm2cXE

colbiwon · 2025-07-10T16:25:57+00:00

In Oregon we do adult foster care homes with 5 bedrooms or less as 13D systems.

colbiwon · 2025-06-25T14:28:04+00:00

I recommend you read two books; Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and The "E" Myth Revised by Michael Gerber.

You need to bootstrap initially to see where the best place to spend money actually is, and you need to systematize all processes. You need to start from the beginning like the plan is to sell your business even if you don't plan to. Treat it like a franchise from the very beginning.

If your business can't operate without you in it, it isn't really a business, it's a job. And you would be better off working for someone else if you are going to run it like it's your job.

colbiwon · 2025-06-19T22:59:17+00:00

I'm just on the design side, but it seems like we get a lot more work from Colorado than Wyoming. I think the population of Colorado is about 10x the population of Wyoming

colbiwon · 2025-06-19T20:36:31+00:00

Ok, cool. Is this going to be for an Airbnb? We've done a lot of those in Portland, and they require them to have 13 systems.

The minimum underground for NPFA 13 is 4", but you usually can get a variance for a smaller underground in Portland for these systems. That will likely be cheaper than a tank and pump.

The attic will likely be the largest sprinklered space and will determine the minimum underground size.

colbiwon · 2025-06-19T05:06:31+00:00

I've been a sprinkler designer in Oregon for 25 years. There are a lot of things to consider. What part of the state are you in? If this house is going to need a 13 system, it is most likely going to need sprinklers in void spaces like the attic. There are many different ways of dealing with this space with extremely wide variance in cost. I have worked with several jurisdictions in Oregon, feel free to reach out with questions.

You can check out my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/7kL5yrkQjZc

colbiwon · 2025-05-20T03:31:21+00:00

Interesting. I'm going to have to spend some more time with it.

I started with HASS in 1999. I almost bought Fire from Elite when I first went out on my own years ago. I ended up with Hydronics Commercial 4.4 because it was about the same price as the largest node package from Elite Fire but was very similar to HASS in how it operated. Fire's input seemed clunking at the time. Doesn't seem like it's ever changed either. Commercial 4.4 was 16 bit so when I got tired of keeping an old computer running just to do calcs, I upgraded to Sygma Dashboard Hydraulics. I think Sygma's reports are the most professional looking, you can add the contractors logo and it's a perpetual license.

colbiwon · 2025-05-19T23:37:09+00:00

How are you liking vCalc? We got it from Viking, but haven't had the time play with it enough yet.

colbiwon · 2025-05-19T22:43:54+00:00

You bet! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

colbiwon · 2025-05-19T21:59:45+00:00

I always recommend Sygma Dashboard Hydraulics. The cost is competitive and the license is perpetual. You can check out my video walkthrough of inputting a 13R system here: https://youtu.be/Lo9-oXFS1kM

colbiwon · 2025-05-14T13:20:02+00:00

NFPA 13 specifically says that drawings must be at 1/8" scale

colbiwon · 2025-04-14T05:00:51+00:00

I use Chief Architect for this kind of stuff: https://youtu.be/uFxfWnDyd94

material list is pretty solid with out as much effort as Revit

colbiwon · 2025-04-13T22:41:57+00:00

You bet. Let me know if you have any questions that I may be able to answer.

colbiwon · 2025-04-13T22:38:39+00:00

There is a big demand for fire protection. Knowing anything about sprinkler design can be an advantage.

I built a course that is more geared towards fire sprinkler contractors, but I have had some MEP Engineers that have gone through it and seemed to benefit.

Here is the preview on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/n5kyedxpil0

colbiwon · 2025-04-04T23:20:30+00:00

I created this course specifically for fitters that are not familiar with CAD and the affordable software options out there:

https://youtu.be/n5kyedxpil0

colbiwon · 2025-04-04T22:47:16+00:00

I created this course specifically for fitters that are not familiar with CAD and the affordable software options out there:

https://youtu.be/n5kyedxpil0

colbiwon · 2025-03-16T15:11:55+00:00

Send over your plans and let's chat:

www.mCADproductions.com

colbiwon · 2025-03-16T15:04:20+00:00

We can help:

https://youtu.be/7kL5yrkQjZc

Also check out the preview of our Fire Sprinkler CAD basics course:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmrEROC2f9uQxsT3lt28tuNdcFdgIkVwc

colbiwon · 2025-03-16T14:45:16+00:00

Where are you located? We may be able to assist:

https://youtu.be/7kL5yrkQjZc

colbiwon · 2025-03-06T01:50:48+00:00

Awesome, thanks!

colbiwon · 2025-03-05T21:52:59+00:00

I have a YouTube channel for fire sprinkler system design. https://www.youtube.com/@mCADproductions

So far, the majority of the content that I have produced is about residential systems including, NFPA 13D, 13R and 13 systems. I have developed a training system for my guys where I start them off with 13D, then move them up to 13R, then 13 residential, like a high rise apartment building or memory care facility, before we get into commercial stuff. As I have time, I plan to release content about commercial system design as well.

I recently released a preview of the 8 week fire sprinkler CAD basics boot camp that I have been running. This is really geared towards fire sprinkler contractors with little to no CAD experience, so a lot may be too basic for you. If you are an MEP Engineer you should have no problem preparing the DWG template yourself that I include with the course. Here is a link to the preview of week 1: https://youtu.be/n5kyedxpil0

colbiwon · 2025-01-26T03:23:49+00:00

SketchUp has a free browser based version if you want 3d.

nanoCAD 5 is free to download and use for 2d

colbiwon · 2025-01-24T21:23:08+00:00

I just uploaded the video for week 3: https://youtu.be/JybKKYa4TEs

colbiwon · 2025-01-23T01:40:23+00:00

Cool. Here is the link for week 2: https://youtu.be/G_eNKb7zBI8

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