Virtual Building Explorer Frequently Asked Questions

Contents

Virtual Building Explorer Frequently Asked Questions

How do I share VBE scenes with my clients?

VBE creates a self-running executable file that contains both the rendered scene and the viewing environment. No software needs to be purchased or installed by your client to view VBE .exe files. Just double-click the .exe and off you go. See examples of such VBE scenes here: Example Projects

Is there a trial version of VBE?

Yes. Download Trial version of Virtual Building Explorer

Install steps:

Install VBE from the official VBE CD or download the installer from the VBE website.
After successful installation locate the VBE_?LicenseManager Application in the VBE installation folder and start it.
Click on Request Trial Version button to receive a 5 days trial license form the VBE server.
Note that you have to have a working Internet connection to obtain a trial license.

What are the limitations of the Trial version?

The trial version has the full functionality of VBEG including the Global Illumination feature. The only limitation is that the self running exe files saved with Trial version can only be used on the same computer where the trial version is installed. The trial license is valid for 5 days.

Trial version of Virtual Building Explorer

Can I upgrade my trial license for a FULL license?

Yes. Please contact your ArchiCAD reseller. Once you receive the full license enter the serial number and password in the License Manager application and start the VBE application. There is no need to reinstall the VBE application.

Is the VBE license connected to the AC WIBU dongle?

No. VBE can run without a WIBU dongle however you’ll need a valid AC installation and a WIBU dongle to be able to export AC models to VBE.

Is there a NET version of the VBE license?

No. All VBE licenses are single, and can be installed on one computer only.

Can I transfer my VBE license between computers?

Yes. You have to deactivate your license on the currently used computer and then you can activate it on the target computer using the 'License Manager' application. Note: If you don't deactivate your license, you will not be able to activate it again on an other computer. Deactivating/activating can be done only a limited number of times per day. After the seventh attempt the license is suspended for 24 hours.

What happens if I can not activate/deactivate a license through the 'License Manager'?

It may happen that due to a system collapse you need to re-install VBE, but you can not activate your license because it is already recognized as 'active' from the previous installation. In this case, you can not use the 'License Manager' to deactivate your license. Please inform your reseller and send the license number and the password to them. They will deactivate the license remotely.

Can I use VBE with Start Edition 2009, ArchiCAD 12 Educational and AC12 Trial versions?

Yes. There is no limitation on using VBE with these products.

Is there a Mac version of VBE?

Yes, VBE 2 is supported both on Mac & PC.

Will I be able to save cross platform (Win/MAC) self running exe files with VBE?

Once the MAC version is available we will release a hotfix for the Windows platform as well. With these new versions of VBE you’ll be able to choose if you’d like to save your project in Windows or Mac format.

How do I refresh the VBE?

Whenever a new version will be ready, you will be able to download it from the VBE download page: http://www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad-solutions/virtual-building-explorer/vbe-trial-version.html

How can I define initial position in VBE? It's not the same when I start in VBE as the position in AC from where I started.

You cannot. The position is computed from the model size and the camera is dropped close (but not exactly at) the center.

NOTE: In case of you are too far from the project, you can adjust speed in Settings to get to the model faster.

Can I adjust the level of global illumination?

No, for simplicity, the falloff/exposure levels are calculated automatically based on the geometry of the model.

Which ArchiCAD rendering settings (sun, ambient etc) affects the VBE/VBEG?

None of these settings affect VBE or VBE-G.

What are the system required for running VBE?

1024x768 screen resolution and OpenGL 1.4 compatible Video Card is required with 256MB or more on-board video memory. For complex models 512MB or more video RAM is required.

Note: For optimal performance, quit all other applications when running VBE.

What does "Testing System Performance" exactly do during start-up?

VBE is rendering the scene without showing it, and checks the frames-per-second (fps) rate. If it is less than 40 fps (which is required for smooth navigation), VBE will try to lower the settings such as changing from FLOAT to FIXED and to disable sun shadows, and try again.

Can I use Space Navigator with VBE?

Space Navigator is not supported by VBE at the moment.

What is engine.zzz?

engine.zzz is the same as VBE.exe, but engine.zzz is being run when launching from ArchiCAD - using the launch button.