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Starting the Program

You can use the Estimating PowerPad, the Digitizer, or a typewriter keyboard with the HVAC Estimating program. If you want to do Takeoff, you should use the PowerPad or the Digitizer. For file maintenance, a typewriter keyboard may be easier to use (especially if you are entering descriptions).

You should ALWAYS check to make sure the program is configured for the correct input device before starting the program (Setup > Input Device). Complete instructions for doing this are included in the Estimating Help.

Follow these steps every time you want to start the HVAC program:

1. There are two ways to access an estimating program:

• Use a mouse to double-click on the Estimating icon:

• Select Start > Programs > Viewpoint > Viewpoint MEP Estimating.

2. The main window displays.
   Note: See the Estimating Help for information about its display (The Estimating Display).

3. If the Estimating group header in the sidebar is not already selected, click on it to display the installed estimating program(s).

4. Use the mouse to click on the HVAC icon in the sidebar.

5. You should ALWAYS select File > Exit or when you have finished using the program to exit MEP Estimating. Turning off your terminal without properly exiting the program could result in other users being locked out of the program.