There are two different ways to use MeteorCalc SL:

• The street lighting model is located directly in the street lighting project file. This method can be applied to small projects.
• The street lighting model is located in a separate file, and the street lighting project file is attached as an external reference. It is the basic method of using the program.

Basic steps of using MeteorCalc SL

To start with, you must be sure that all MeteorCalc SL work layers and all street lighting model blocks exist in the drawing.

Step 1. Creation of the street lighting model. Cable spans of street lighting network are simulated with lightweight polylines on the layer "mtr-calc-sl-model". Street lighting units are simulated with blocks inserted on the layer "mtr-calc-sl-units". Transformers and distribution panelboards are simulated with blocks inserted on the layer "mtr-calc-sl-model".

Step 2. Assigning data to model objects using the commands Object Data or Feeder Object Data.

Step 3. Numbering of objects in a feeder and distribution on phases using the command Numbering and Distribution by Phases.

Step 4. Electrotechnical calculations in any endpoint of a feeder, reviewing and outputting the results via the window End Point Calculation. A calculation of a short circuit current and a calculation of a voltage loss will be performed in each selected endpoint.

Step 5. Electrotechnical calculations in any feeder, reviewing and outputting the results via the window Feeder Calculation. A calculation of the power sum and working currents of a feeder will be performed for each phase separately.

Step 6. Electrotechnical calculations in a distribution panel board, reviewing and outputting the results via the window DPB Calculation. A calculation of power sum and working currents of a distribution panel board. A calculation of a short circuit current and a calculation of a voltage loss in a distribution panel board.

Step 7. Drawing of a scheme of feeders via the window Feeder Scheme. A calculation of a short circuit current and a calculation of a voltage loss in each endpoint of the scheme.

Step 8. Calculations of specifications of the model objects, reviewing and outputting the results via the window Total Specification or DPB Specification or Feeder Specification.

When assigning data, during Step 1 and Step 2, adding new data types may be necessary to describe the model objects. In this case, Data Library Editor should be run to add necessary characteristics. Those become available immediately when the data window displayed. 

For details, please refer to the chapter “Getting started with MeteorCalc SL” in the MeteorCalc SL Help.

There are several video tutorials with different drawing examples: 

-MeteorCalc SL features overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qN6aVMzKe8

-Creation of a street lighting model https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jThjPSh53w 

-Audit a street lighting model https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIn6IzBFH2M

Installation 

1. Check that you are in the system with the same user name that you will work with the program in the future. Close all Autodesk® AutoCAD® sessions;

2. Start the installation setup file you received;

3. Select your location from a list;

4. Begin your work with the plugin using the MeteorCalc SL template fails. Type in the command line: MTR-SL-GET-TEMPLATE

Trusted Locations 

MeteorCalc SL loads digitally signed executable modules only. At first start, a path to the program folder will be added in the Trusted Locations list automatically. Please, allow the program to do this if such a request occurs. 

Check your regional calculation settings

We strongly recommend you check and set the settings of calculations. Temperatures of conductors directly affect the results of calculations. 

Uninstallation 

To uninstall this plug-in, click Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and uninstall as you would any other application from your system.

The easiest way to evaluate the effectiveness of MeteorCalc SL, is to watch the video with the overview of the main features of MeteorCalc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qN6aVMzKe8&t and the MeteorCalc presentation in video format: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMfw-dPfL2c&t=35s

Also, we recommend you watch the video tutorials on our website https://meteorcalc.com/videos. All videos have English narrations.

The final result of the program work is a set of drawings, including a plan of street lighting installation, a planning scheme, single-line feeder diagrams, specifications and tables with information sheets for ordering equipment. The examples of drawings are located on our website. 

To start, we recommend you refer to the Getting Started (Beginners Guide) brochure and use the MeteorCalc_SL_Example_1_Street_Lighting.dwg file. This step-by-step example is adapted for the trial version.

Street lighting feeders should have a tree-shaped structure and should not have closed contours.