SimpleStruct

ConstructiVision Modernization 2026

Status Report | March 31, 2026 | Chad Weidert

Project Health

Schedule

Scope

Budget

Quality

Resources

Phase

Complete

Target

🟢 Ahead

🟡 Revised

🟢 Under Budget

🟢 Validated

🟡 Solo Dev

P2▶️/cv-web▶️

90%

Dec 31

Schedule Impact: ~2 months ahead of schedule. P1 (Analysis) ✅ complete. P1c (Integration & Bug Fixing) ✅ complete — 46 tracked bug rows (max ID 92), 38 fixed, all tracked via GitHub Issues. P2 (Design) ▶️ active — alpha testing running, GUI improvements shipping continuously. cv-web prototype ▶️ exploding — 156 commits in Mar 24-31 alone built 4-mode navigation (Project/Plans/Elevations/Panel), 3D building chain rendering with closure detection, panel interaction overhaul with raycasting, calculated structural properties (CG, weight, areas, loads), 2D title block, and true pass-through openings. Data extraction pipeline complete — site, project, and panel XRECORD parsers with JSON schemas; cross-VM consistency verified; cv-cad roundtrip import/export pipeline operational. Competitive intelligence active — industry benchmark official manual extraction (6 PDFs, 172 files), board book organized as numbered chapters, cold call sheet (126 contacts from 2026 Tilt-Up Convention). Installation validated across ALL operating systems (XP through Win10 x64) with AutoCAD 2000; Win10 x64 is compatible with Win11 x64 — no additional work needed. WiX installer development permanently sidelined — Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly. Critical discovery (Mar 1): CSV.VLX was compiled from source code that does not exist in this repository — progcont routing mismatch between VLX and source mode requires reconstruction. Win10 PB11 (VLX mode) abandoned — WinHelp() incompatible with Win10 (Bug 37); TB11 source-mode only for Win10.

Canonical Status Hierarchy (March 31, 2026)

If any planning or timeline document conflicts with this section, this section is authoritative.

Document hierarchy:

  1. This document (00) is the canonical source for strategy and overall status.

  2. 03-phase-plan-p0-p5.md is the canonical execution plan and gate sequence aligned to 00.

  3. 45-tb11-parity-test-plan.md defines the acceptance gate for TB11-to-PB11 parity — 92 tests, 7 gates (G1-G7), ≥95% of 76 testable items must PASS/PARTIAL.

  4. 04-2026-timeline-weekly.md, 07-release-and-distribution.md, 10-milestones-dashboard.md, and 05-risk-register.md must remain synchronized to 00 and 03.

  5. 37-cv-web-vs-pascal-editor-comparison-strategy.md is the canonical architecture-comparison and recommendation reference.

Current strategic truth:

  1. Autodesk App Store .bundle is the primary distribution path.

  2. WiX/MSI is contingency-only and not an active primary modernization track.

  3. Win10 x64 support is established with the documented registry fix path.

  4. VLX/source progcont mismatch remains an active execution risk and schedule dependency.

  5. cv-web is an active product track and must be represented in planning and business documents.

  6. cv-web prototype is feature-accelerating: 4-mode navigation, 3D building rendering, cv-cad roundtrip pipeline, and calculated structural properties are live.

  7. Competitive intelligence and go-to-market preparation is active (board book, cold call sheet, event feeds).

  8. Parity validation (doc 45) defines 92 tests across 8 phases with 7 gates (DFMEA-036 through DFMEA-042). M2 gate cannot close until the doc 45 scorecard is satisfied.

Rebaseline Change Log (March 31, 2026)

  1. cv-web Prototype row added to Roadmap Gantt (active Mar–Dec 2026) — reflecting 156 commits in Mar 24-31.

  2. Completion updated from 85% to 90% based on cv-web velocity, data extraction closure, and competitive intel progress.

  3. Competitive intelligence board book and cold call sheet referenced in strategic context.

  4. Data extraction pipeline (site/project/panel XRECORD parsers) acknowledged as P1 archaeology closure.

  5. Risk R24 added: cv-web scope outpacing desktop validation.

Rebaseline Change Log (March 23, 2026)

  1. Canonical authority clarified: 00 is strategy/status authority; 03 is execution authority.

  2. Added architecture-comparison reference: 37-cv-web-vs-pascal-editor-comparison-strategy.md.

  3. Confirmed distribution model language for App Store-first .bundle delivery.

  4. Confirmed that timeline and milestones must explicitly include progcont reconstruction dependency.

2026 Roadmap

Legend: 🟢 Complete | 🔵 In Progress | 🔴 Behind | ⬜ Planned | Today: Mar 31 ↓ | Variance: ~2 Months Ahead

💰 Budget Impact Update (Feb 25)

Key Discovery: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process. This permanently sidelines the WiX installer effort — no standalone MSI needed.

Code Signing is still required for App Store submission:

  • Installer Tool: WiX = NOT NEEDED — Autodesk App Store handles distribution

  • Code Signing: OV = $200/yr | EV = $400/yr (required for App Store)

Total 2026 Distribution Cost: $200/year (OV signing only — no installer tool needed)

Phase

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

‘27

P1: Analysis

🟢

🟢

P1B: Installer

❌

P1C: Integration

🟢

🟢

P2: Design

🔵

🔵

cv-web Prototype

🔵

🔵

🔵

🔵

🔵

🔵

🔵

🔵

🔵

🔵

P3: Security

⬜

⬜

⬜

⬜

⬜

P4: Release

⬜

⬜

⬜

Web Dev

⬜

❌ P1B Permanently Sidelined: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly — no standalone MSI installer needed. Total Uninstall continues to handle VM deployment during development. This saves significant time and budget previously allocated to WiX development.

Milestones by Phase

P1: Analysis & Setup (Jan 21 - Feb 24)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Jan 20

Installer decompiled

setup.rul (4,163 lines)

✅ Done

Jan 21

Legacy environment baselined

XP VM + InstallShield 5.x running

✅ Done

Jan 21

Architecture decisions documented

Target state defined

✅ Done

Feb 3

v3.60/v7.0 gap analysis complete

Unified source inventory

✅ Done

Feb 9

Nero installer analysis complete

isDcc vs wizard validated

✅ Done

Feb 10

Multi-OS testing (XP/Vista/Win7)

All 3 pass, 8 bugs cataloged

✅ Done

Feb 13

Win10 32-bit validation

Full stack working with auto-config

✅ Done

Feb 13

P1 InstallShield Sprint

ABORTED — low ROI, proceed to WiX

✅ Done

Feb 16

v3.60 source recovery

12 modules recovered, 3 crashes fixed

✅ Done

Feb 17

Win10 64-bit validation

Wow6432Node COM fix — crash-free

✅ Done

Feb 17

TB11-01x32/x64 architecture docs

Docs 28 + 29 published

✅ Done

Feb 18

Alpha tester access

Terry + Tai on VM 201, Dat on VM 202

✅ Done

Feb 24

Analysis Complete

Requirements locked + v11 spec

✅ Done

Key Discoveries (Week 3: Feb 3-9):

  • ✅ Nero Study Complete: Validated InstallShield wizard approach generates clean 606-line .rul that compiles

  • ❌ isDcc Limitation: Bytecode output (10,031 lines Nero, 4,163 lines ConstructiVision) won’t compile

  • � Decision: Use wizard for ConstructiVision rebuild; VLX recompilation pushed to Week 6 (Feb 24-Mar 3)

Key Discoveries (Week 4: Feb 10):

  • ✅ CV3.60 + AC2000 installed on XP, Vista, AND Win7 — no UAC issues as Administrator

  • ✅ 8 installer bugs cataloged — Bug 1 (profile detection) CRITICAL, Bug 2 (UAC) downgraded to LOW

  • ✅ Complete v11 installer specification — 41 files, exact registry entries, 6 “do NOT” rules

  • ✅ 9 monitoring data files captured via Total Uninstall, Inctrl5, Regshot across all 3 VMs

Key Discoveries (Week 5: Feb 13):

  • ✅ Win10 32-bit: FULL STACK WORKING — AutoCAD 2000 + CV + COM automation

  • ✅ Auto-config script created — Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1 handles HKCU registry setup

  • ✅ P1 InstallShield Sprint ABORTED — Low ROI on .rul recompilation; proceed directly to WiX

  • ✅ Total Uninstall restore validated as deployment method for both install and payload source

Key Discoveries (Week 6: Feb 16-17):

  • ✅ v3.60 source recovery COMPLETE — 12 missing .lsp modules recovered from v3.60 archive

  • ✅ 3 crash paths FIXED — wd_dlg (Standard Opening), wc_dlg (Weld Connections), wall_dlg (Wall Line)

  • ✅ TB11-01x32 deployed — 134 → 195 files, nightly auto-pull on 4 VMs (108, 109, 201, 202)

  • ✅ Win10 64-bit: FULL STACK WORKING — Wow6432Node COM fix (103 CLSIDs, 104 Interfaces, 6 ProgIDs)

  • ✅ Both x32 and x64 crash-free — program runs and loads drawings on both architectures

  • ✅ Architecture docs published — Doc 28 (TB11-01x32) and Doc 29 (TB11-01x64) with full registry footprint

  • 📌 Alpha testing ACTIVE — GSCI engineers (Terry, Tai) on VM 201; Dat on VM 202

Key Discoveries (Weeks 9-12: Mar 1-4):

  • ✅ P0 Automated Validation Sprint — AutoIT scripts (Step 0/1/2) + OCR pipeline built from scratch; 6-config test matrix

  • ✅ 18 bugs found and 17 fixed (Bugs 22-38) — progopts, slope_dlg, btch_dlg rewrites; acaddoc.lsp loader; CV Update.bat fixes; Bug 38 acad2000 stale path

  • ✅ P0 Steps 0-2 PASS on 5/6 VM configs — Configs A-E (VMs 102, 103, 104, 108) all pass OCR verification

  • ✅ VLX/source progcont mismatch discovery (Mar 1) — CSV.VLX compiled from source not in repo; progcont routing works in VLX but not source mode

  • ✅ Win10 PB11 ABANDONED (Bug 37) — VLX calls WinHelp(); Win10 removed WinHlp32.exe. TB11 source-mode only for Win10.

  • ✅ Bug 38 (x64 ACAD path) — stale acad2000/ subdirectory (648 files); registry pointed to wrong dir. Fixed in Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1.

  • ✅ Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1 enhanced — auto-detects x64, cleans up legacy acad2000 path entries

  • 📌 Bug 38 awaiting retest on VM 109 (Config F)

  • 📌 Progcont routing reconstruction needed before TB11 can fully replicate VLX menu behavior

Key Discoveries (Weeks 7-8: Feb 18-25):

  • ✅ 17 bugs found and fixed — complete bug fixing sprint during alpha testing (see 32-tb11-bug-tracker)

  • ✅ 2 critical serialization bugs — savelay.lsp ENAME/XData filtering + layout.lsp index bug (Bugs 16-17)

  • ✅ 3 latent PB11 bugs discovered — existed in original production build but never triggered until new workflows

  • ✅ GitHub Issues infrastructure — 17 issues created, 18 custom labels (severity, autolisp, serialization, version, build, arch, phase), automated sync workflow

  • ✅ TB11-01x64 fully synced — x64 fork updated with all x32 patches including missing inspanel.lsp

  • ✅ Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly — wizard-based submission eliminates need for WiX/MSI installer entirely

  • ✅ Win10 x64 compatible with Win11 x64 — no additional work required for Windows 11 support

  • ✅ P2 Design already active — drawing type dialog, file browser fix, vla-open workflow, dirchk fix shipped

  • ✅ #| |# block comments NOT supported — AutoCAD 2000 (load) can’t parse them; reverted to ;;

  • 📌 XData refactor plan created — systematic approach to ENAME/XData filtering across all serialization modules

P1b: Installer Development — ❌ PERMANENTLY SIDELINED

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Feb 13

Win10 32-bit validated

Full stack working with auto-config script

✅ Done

Feb 13

Total Uninstall payload validated

152 files, 5.5 MB as WiX source

✅ Done

Feb 16

v3.60 source recovery complete

12 modules recovered, TB11-01x32 deployed

✅ Done

Feb 17

Win10 64-bit COM fix complete

Wow6432Node registry fix, both arches crash-free

✅ Done

TBD

WiX installer development

Deferred to end of P3 (Security)

❌ Not Needed

Impact: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process. This permanently eliminates the need for a standalone WiX/MSI installer — saving significant development time and the Pluralsight WiX training budget ($29). Total Uninstall continues to handle VM deployment during development. Distribution will use Autodesk’s built-in App Store packaging instead.

P1c: Integration & Bug Fixing (Feb 18 - Feb 25) — ✅ COMPLETE

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Feb 18

Alpha testing started

GSCI engineers testing GUI and functionality

✅ Done

Feb 18

Path analysis complete

40 menu paths + 20 toggles — all functional

✅ Done

Feb 18

Legacy architecture documented

Menu → LSP → DCL mapping for entire application

✅ Done

Feb 22

Bug fixing sprint

17 bugs found and fixed, tracked via GitHub Issues

✅ Done

Feb 25

GitHub Issues infrastructure

Automated sync workflow, 18 custom labels

✅ Done

Feb 25

TB11-01x64 source sync

x64 fork synced with all x32 patches

✅ Done

Feb 25

Stable baseline achieved

All 17 bugs fixed, ready for P2 Design

✅ Done

Summary: 17 bugs discovered and fixed during alpha testing — including 2 critical serialization bugs, 3 latent PB11 bugs, and multiple crash-path fixes. All bugs tracked via GitHub Issues with automated sync from the bug tracker markdown. TB11-01x64 fork fully synced. Originally scheduled for April — completed ~2 months ahead.

P2: Design & GUI Improvement (Feb 25 - May 31) — ▶️ ACTIVE NOW

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Feb 25

UI/UX review started

Alpha testers providing feedback on all dialogs

▶️ Active

Feb 25

Drawing type dialog added

New choice dialog for project type selection

✅ Done

Feb 25

File browser fix

Project browser shows .dwg files correctly

✅ Done

Feb 25

Drawing open workflow

vla-open ActiveX integration for existing projects

✅ Done

Mar 24

Data extraction pipeline

Site/project/panel XRECORD parsers + JSON schemas

✅ Done

Mar 24

cv-cad roundtrip pipeline

.cvpanel import/export adapters, cadFieldMap

✅ Done

Mar 25

cv-web 4-mode navigation

Project/Plans/Elevations/Panel view switching

✅ Done

Mar 25

3D site rendering

Building chain, floor polygon, grid bubbles, north arrow

✅ Done

Mar 29

Panel interaction overhaul

Select, copy/paste/delete, rubberband, 3D raycasting

✅ Done

Mar 29

True pass-through openings

ExtrudeGeometry with Shape holes

✅ Done

Mar 30

Calculated panel properties

CG, weight, areas, structural loads

✅ Done

Mar 30

2D title block

Project info + drawing data + calculated properties

✅ Done

Mar 31

Building view 2D/3D

All plan types rendered in 2D canvas and 3D

✅ Done

Apr 21

Dialog modernization

Updated DCL files with improved layouts

⬜ Planned

May 8

Code refactoring complete

Modernized LSP/DCL where needed

⬜ Planned

May 22

Documentation complete

User guide, install guide

⬜ Planned

May 31

Design Improvement Complete

v26 baseline locked

⬜ Planned

Focus: P2 is active with massive cv-web velocity — 156 commits in Mar 24-31 built a full multi-view application. Desktop GUI improvements continue alongside cv-web development. Alpha testers (Tai, Terry, Dat) continue providing feedback. Originally scheduled for May — started in February, ~2 months ahead. cv-web prototype is feature-accelerating beyond original 2027 scope.

P3: Security, Testing & App Store Prep (May 1 - Sep 30)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

May 15

AutoCAD 2026 license active

Testing environment ready

⬜ Planned

Jun 15

Multi-version testing complete

Works on 2024, 2025, 2026

⬜ Planned

Jul 15

Security audit complete

Vulnerability scan passed

⬜ Planned

Aug 15

VLX compilation & packaging

Compile CSV.VLX from TB11 source

⬜ Planned

Sep 1

ADN Developer membership

App Store access + submission wizard

⬜ Planned

Sep 15

App Store package validated

VLX + metadata ready for upload

⬜ Planned

Sep 30

Security & Testing Complete

Ready for signing and App Store submission

⬜ Planned

P4: Final Release & Demo (Oct 1 - Dec 31)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Oct 15

VLX signed with OV certificate

Code-signed VLX for SmartScreen trust

⬜ Planned

Nov 1

App Store submission via wizard

VLX uploaded with metadata

⬜ Planned

Nov 15

App Store review complete

Approved and listed

⬜ Planned

Dec 1

Direct download available

Website + App Store distribution

⬜ Planned

Dec 15

Owner demo complete

Handoff presentation

⬜ Planned

Dec 31

🎉 App Store Live

v26 available

⬜ Planned

2027 Q1: Web Development (Post-Revenue)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Jan 15

Web developer hired

Begin .js/.NET conversion

Mar 31

Web prototype

Cloud version PoC

This Week’s Progress (Mar 24-31)

📊 Source: CHANGELOG.md — 156 commits: cv-web prototype explosion, data extraction pipeline, competitive intelligence, 3D rendering maturity

cv-web Platform (~100 commits)

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Mar 24

Site/project XRECORD parsers + JSON schemas

🏆 Data extraction pipeline — P1 archaeology closure

Mar 24

cv-cad roundtrip import/export adapters

🏆 .cvpanel importer, cadFieldMap, prefix resolver — web↔desktop

Mar 24

Click-to-place interaction components

🏆 Wired into store, viewers, App, and dialogs

Mar 25

Edit mode + Elevation model + stub views

🏆 Phase 0+1+2 scaffolding for cv-web multi-view app

Mar 25

4-mode navigation (Project/Plans/Elev/Panel)

🏆 Full application navigation with view persistence

Mar 25

3D site rendering — building chain + floor

🏆 Topological closure detection, floor polygon, grid bubbles, north arrow

Mar 25

Elevation management — multi-select, join, split

🏆 Cross-drag, auto-check, direction groups, sort toggle

Mar 25

Facing-relative terminology (B/F/R/L)

🏆 Replaced compass N/S/E/W — aligns with industry convention

Mar 25

Elevation connection system + 3D building chain

🏆 Corner type selectors, chain rendering, junction handling

Mar 25

3D grid — numbered X, lettered Z, circle bubbles

🏆 Major gridline 50ft, cell 10ft, panel marks on 3D faces

Mar 25

Unified 2D/3D toggle + camera zoom

🏆 Floating mode/view toggle, zoom-to-fit per view direction

Mar 25

Sample project — Hotstart Manufacturing (WA)

🏆 Live demo project on public deployment

Mar 29

Panel interaction overhaul

🏆 Select, copy/paste/delete, rubberband, 3D raycasting

Mar 29

Mount-type layer visibility + shared PanelMesh3D

🏆 Component reuse across site and panel views

Mar 29

True pass-through openings

🏆 ExtrudeGeometry with Shape holes — real geometry cutouts

Mar 30

2D title block + calculated properties

🏆 CG, weight, areas, structural loads — project info table

Mar 30

Top corner angles + radius fillet

🏆 True polygon geometry, auto-computed angles, ft-in radius

Mar 30

4-mode navigation redesign

🏆 Project → Plans → Elevations → Panel with 2D/3D mirroring

Mar 31

Building view 2D/3D rendering

🏆 Floor plans, wall sections, footing sections, door/window types

Mar 31

Building view scroll + Overall/Foundation

🏆 2D+3D renderers for all building plan types

Data Extraction & Research (~25 commits)

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Mar 24

Site dictionary XRECORD parser

🏆 (read) string-to-list fix — site data decoded

Mar 24

Project extraction script + schema

🏆 JSON schemas and decoder mapping for project/site/panel entities

Mar 24

Panel JSON export — integer serialization

🏆 rowCount fix, dual-export, cross-VM consistency verified

Mar 31

Industry benchmark manual PDF extraction

🏆 6 PDFs → 172 text files — official documentation base

Mar 31

Official vs RE cross-analysis report

🏆 Gap analysis between official manual and reverse-engineered docs

Mar 31

Gap book Part 20 + feature catalog update

🏆 Official manual cross-reference, official_manual_confirmed col

Competitive Intelligence & GTM (~15 commits)

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Mar 30

Board book organized as numbered chapters

📄 Competitive intelligence structured for investor/partner use

Mar 30

Events feed automation pipeline

🏆 Curated industry events + weekly news aggregation

Mar 31

Cold call sheet — 126 contacts

📄 2026 Tilt-Up Convention registrant list across 30 states + Canada

Mar 31

Industry benchmark cost analysis to appendix

📄 Board book appendix structure established

Infrastructure & Validation (~16 commits)

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Mar 24

Reports reorganized into subdirs

✅ Categorical structure for analysis outputs

Mar 25

3-tier sparse checkout workspace profiles

✅ Product, dev, QA workspace scopes for different teams

Mar 25

P0 Step 12 au3 scripts added

🏆 Panel detection validation automation

Mar 25

Phase 1 housekeeping — Bug 18 Fixed

✅ Steps 4–6 covered, P0 recalculated

Mar 25

Changelog workflow fixes

✅ Concurrency gate, push retry (5 attempts, escalating backoff)

Mar 31

Logo replacement — 15 files

✅ New CV-Logo.png across all docs, web, and builds

Previous Weeks (Mar 5-23, condensed)

Period

Theme

Impact

Mar 5-15

cv-web panel editor maturity

🏆 3-box measurement input, imperial/metric, weld connections, slots, FFE/TOC labels, linked height/elevation

Mar 5-15

Panel data archaeology

🏆 152 panel shop drawing entities inventoried, JSON schemas, cross-VM consistency

Mar 15-20

Sample drawings + DXF

🏆 Curated sample tilt-up drawings with DXF conversions and external sources

Mar 15-20

Events/news automation

🏆 RSS feed pipeline, curated events calendar (14 events), weekly schedule

Mar 20-23

QA governance + GTM docs

📄 QA autopilot governance, GTM enablement, market landscape outputs

Mar 20-23

Website + marketing

📄 Beta section language, case studies photos, logo on welcome screen

Mar 23

Rebaseline (March 23)

📄 Canonical status hierarchy, architecture comparison doc 37, milestone rebaseline

Previous Weeks (Mar 1-4)

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Mar 1

Progcont VLX/source mismatch discovery

🏆 CSV.VLX compiled from source not in repo — routing mismatch

Mar 1

csv.lsp replaces csvmenu.lsp

🏆 1:1 VLX swap — Startup Suite entry for source-mode TB11

Mar 1

acaddoc.lsp per-document loader

🏆 Source-mode TB11 loads correctly on document switches

Mar 2

progopts/slope_dlg/btch_dlg rewrites

🏆 Matched golden VLX behavior — Bugs 22-28 fixed

Mar 2

AutoIT P0 Step 0/1/2 scripts created

🏆 Automated validation across 6 VM configs

Mar 3

P0 Steps 0-2 PASS on Configs A-E

✅ OCR-verified on VMs 102, 103, 104, 108 — 5/6 configs passing

Mar 3

Win10 PB11 abandoned (Bug 37)

⚠️ WinHelp() incompatible with Win10 — TB11 source-mode only

Mar 3

CV Update.bat fixes (Bug 36)

✅ Junction detection + findstr /C: literal match

Mar 4

Bug 38 — x64 acad2000 stale subdir

🏆 ACAD path → stale acad2000, fixed. Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1 x64

Mar 4

18 bugs found, 17 fixed (Bugs 22-38)

🏆 P0 validation sprint — systematic testing across 6 VM configs

Mar 4

OCR comparison pipeline

🏆 Screenshot verification against golden baseline (VMs 102/103)

Mar 4

Planning docs updated (03,04,05,10,11)

📄 WiX→.bundle pivot, P0 results, new risks R21-R23

Previous Weeks (Feb 10-18)

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Feb 18

P1c Alpha Testing ACTIVE

🏆 GUI and functionality review by GSCI engineers (Terry, Tai, Dat)

Feb 18

Installer sidelined

✅ Total Uninstall handles deployment; WiX deferred

Feb 16

v3.60 source recovery COMPLETE

🏆 12 missing modules recovered, 3 crash paths fixed

Feb 16

Path analysis of every menu click

🏆 40 menu paths + 20 toggles all tested — legacy architecture mapped

Feb 17

Win10 x64 WoW64 integration COMPLETE

🏆 AutoCAD 2000 on x64 via Wow6432Node — unsupported by Autodesk

Feb 13

Win10 32-bit: FULL STACK WORKING

🏆 AutoCAD 2000 + CV + COM automation, auto-config script

Feb 10

CV3.60 + AC2000 installed on XP, Vista, Win7

🏆 All 3 OSes pass — no UAC issues as Administrator

Feb 10

8 installer bugs cataloged with severities

🏆 Complete root cause analysis (profile detection = #1 bug)

🔍 Weeks 13-14 Key Learnings (Mar 24-31)

Critical Success: cv-web velocity explosion — 156 commits in one week built a full multi-view application from a basic panel editor. Simultaneously completed data extraction pipeline closure and established competitive intelligence infrastructure. This week produced more feature output than any prior week in the project.

  • cv-web 4-Mode Navigation: Project → Plans → Elevations → Panel views with 2D/3D toggle and view persistence. Each mode has dedicated sidebar, props panel, and viewport. This is a complete application architecture, not a prototype.

  • 3D Building Chain Rendering: Elevation connection system with corner type selectors (Continuous/Terminating). Topological closure detection renders floor polygon. Grid with numbered X / lettered Z axes, circle bubbles with cutout text, north arrow at back-left datum.

  • Panel Interaction Overhaul: Select, copy/paste/delete, rubberband selection, 3D raycasting with CameraLock. Mount-type layer visibility with shared PanelMesh3D component. True pass-through openings via ExtrudeGeometry with Shape holes.

  • Calculated Structural Properties: CG, weight, areas, structural loads computed and displayed in 2D title block with project info and drawing data. Top corner angles with true polygon geometry, auto-computed angles, radius fillet.

  • cv-cad Roundtrip Pipeline: Import/export adapters between cv-web JSON (.cvpanel) and AutoLISP format. cadFieldMap column maps, prefix resolver, imprt.lsp mappings. This creates a bridge between web and desktop workflows — critical for eventual data exchange.

  • Data Archaeology Closure: Site, project, and panel XRECORD parsers complete with JSON schemas and decoder mappings. Panel JSON export with integer serialization and cross-VM consistency verified. This closes the P1 data recovery objective and provides the foundation for progcont reconstruction work.

  • Facing-Relative Terminology: Compass directions (N/S/E/W) replaced with facing-relative terms (Back/Front/Right/Left) throughout cv-web. Aligns with tilt-up industry convention where panel facing is relative to the building, not geographic north.

  • Competitive Intelligence Maturity: Industry benchmark official manual extraction (6 PDFs → 172 text files) confirmed via cross-analysis against reverse-engineered documentation. Gap book Part 20 added with 9 score corrections. Feature catalog gained official_manual_confirmed column. Board book organized as numbered chapters with cold call sheet appendix (126 contacts).

  • Next Steps: Progcont routing reconstruction (R23) → desktop validation closure (M2 gate) → cv-web phase boundary cleanup. Building view fully rendered — site management UX polish next.

🔍 Weeks 9-12 Key Learnings (Mar 1-4)

Critical Success: P0 Automated Validation Sprint — 18 bugs found, 17 fixed. AutoIT test automation built from scratch (3 scripts for P0 Steps 0-2). OCR comparison pipeline for screenshot verification against golden VMs. P0 Steps 0-2 PASS on 5/6 VM configs. Critical architecture discovery: VLX/source progcont mismatch.

  • 18 Bugs Fixed (Bugs 22-38): progopts, slope_dlg, btch_dlg rewrites; csv.lsp replaces csvmenu.lsp; acaddoc.lsp per-document loader; CV Update.bat junction/findstr fixes; Bug 38 acad2000 stale path. See 32-tb11-bug-tracker

  • AutoIT Automation: cv-p0-step0.au3 (launch), cv-p0-step1.au3 (layout), cv-p0-step2.au3 (CSV init — 11 tests). Validated across 6 VM configs.

  • OCR Validation Pipeline: scripts/ocr-screenshots.py extracts text from screenshots for comparison against golden baseline (VMs 102/103). AutoIT log lies (Bug 25) — OCR is the only source of truth.

  • VLX/Source Progcont Mismatch (Mar 1): CSV.VLX was compiled from source code not in this repo. progcont routing works in VLX mode but not in source mode — reconstruction required.

  • Win10 PB11 Abandoned (Bug 37): VLX calls WinHelp() — Win10 removed WinHlp32.exe. TB11 source-mode only for Win10 VMs.

  • Bug 38 (x64 ACAD path): Stale acad2000/ subdirectory with 648 files; ACAD registry path pointed to wrong dir. Fixed in Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1.

  • Next Steps: Retest VM 109 (Bug 38 fix) → P0 Step 3 (open drawing) → progcont routing reconstruction → .bundle packaging

🔍 Weeks 7-8 Key Learnings (Feb 18-25)

Critical Success: P1c Integration COMPLETE — 17 bugs fixed. Bug fixing sprint discovered and resolved 17 bugs including 2 critical serialization errors, 3 latent PB11 bugs, and multiple crash-path fixes. All tracked via GitHub Issues with automated sync. P2 (Design) is now active with several improvements already shipped.

  • 17 Bugs Fixed: Complete bug fixing sprint — VLX detection, nil guards, ssget, walline recovery, inspanel fast path, ENAME/XData serialization, tiltup/layout index bugs. See 32-tb11-bug-tracker

  • GitHub Issues Infrastructure: 17 issues created with 18 custom labels (severity, autolisp, serialization, version, build, arch, phase). Automated sync workflow pushes bug tracker updates to GitHub Issues.

  • WiX Permanently Sidelined: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process. No standalone MSI installer needed — saves significant time and budget.

  • Win11 Compatibility Confirmed: Win10 x64 is compatible with Win11 x64 — no additional work required for Windows 11 support.

  • TB11-01x64 Fully Synced: x64 fork updated with all x32 patches including missing inspanel.lsp.

  • P2 Design Already Active: Drawing type dialog, file browser fix, vla-open workflow, dirchk fix, and formatting refactors all shipped during alpha testing.

  • Next Steps: Continue P2 GUI improvements based on alpha feedback → input/output validation → code refactoring

🔍 Week 6 Key Learnings (Feb 16-18)

Critical Success: Project is ~2 months ahead of schedule. P1c (Integration & Bug Fixing) and P2 (GUI Review) were scheduled for April-May but both phases are active or imminent in February. All 5 OS platforms validated. All crash paths fixed. Alpha testing running.

  • Path Analysis Complete: Every menu click (40 paths + 20 panel property toggles) tested end-to-end — revealed 3 crash bugs (all fixed) and fully documented legacy architecture (menu → LSP → DCL mapping)

  • NanoCAD is a Dead End: NanoCAD doesn’t support menugroup, VLX/ARX loading, or COM automation. Only basic LSP works. Not viable as an alternative CAD platform for ConstructiVision.

  • WoW64 Integration is a Win: AutoCAD 2000 on Win10 x64 works by copying registry keys to Wow6432Node. Autodesk does NOT support this path, but it’s fully functional. This was a novel approach — no documentation exists for it.

  • Installer Not Needed Yet: Total Uninstall fully handles install/remove across VMs. WiX installer deferred to end of security phase — focus now shifts to product quality.

  • Alpha Testing Active: GSCI engineers (Terry, Tai, Dat) doing GUI and functionality review. Input/output validation begins next — verify drawings, panel books, calculations produce correct results.

2026 Budget

Development Infrastructure (Monthly)

Item

Monthly

Annual

Status

GitHub Enterprise

$21

$252

Active

GitHub Copilot+

$39

$468

Active

AWS Hosting (website)

~$50

~$600

Active

Subtotal

$110

$1,320

Software & Licensing

Item

Cost

Date Needed

Status

Notes

AutoCAD 2026 License

$1,865

Jun 2026

Pending

Required for P3 testing

Autodesk Dev Network

$500

Sep 2026

Pending

App Store access

Code Signing (OV)

$200/yr

Q2 2026

Pending

Sectigo - builds SmartScreen reputation

Code Signing (EV)

$400/yr

Nov 2026

Optional

Instant SmartScreen trust, hardware token

Subtotal

$2,565 - $2,965

💡 Installer Tool Decision Update (Feb 25, 2026): WiX Toolset 4.x permanently sidelined. Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process — no standalone MSI installer needed. This eliminates the WiX learning curve and development time entirely. See installer-modernization-decision.md for original analysis. (archived)

Code Signing Options Explained

Type

Cost/Year

SmartScreen Behavior

Notes

Unsigned

$0

⚠️ “Windows protected your PC” warning

OK for beta/pilot

OV (Organization Validation)

~$200

⚠️ Warning initially, builds reputation over downloads

Recommended for GA

EV (Extended Validation)

~$400

✅ Instant trust, no warnings

Requires hardware token

Staffing (2027 Q1 — Post-Revenue)

Role

Monthly

Months

Total

Status

Web Developer (Contract)

$8,000

3

$24,000

Planned Q1 2027

💡 Rationale: Defer web developer hiring until Q1 2027 to realize sales revenue from App Store launch (Dec 2026) before committing to new hires.

Training & Professional Development (Paid Only)

📘 Full training plan: See skill-development.md for complete learning roadmap including free resources.

Item

Provider

Cost

Timeline

Status

Pluralsight: WiX Fundamentals

Pluralsight

$29

P1B

❌ Not Needed

Autodesk Certified Professional

Autodesk

$300

Sep 2026

⬜ Optional

AWS Solutions Architect Assoc.

AWS

$150

Q1 2027

⬜ Optional

GitHub Actions Certification

GitHub

$99

Mar 2026

⬜ Optional

Autodesk University (virtual)

Autodesk

~$99

Nov 2026

⬜ Planned

Budgeted Training: $0 required + $549 optional = $0 - $549

2026 Total Budget

Category

Amount

Notes

Infrastructure

$1,320

GitHub, AWS hosting

Software/Licensing

$2,565-2,965

AutoCAD, ADN, code signing

Installer Tools

$0

WiX Toolset is FREE ✅

Training (paid only)

$0-549

See skill-development.md

2026 Total

$3,885 - $4,834

💰 Cost Savings: Choosing WiX over InstallShield 12 saves $300-500 upfront. Choosing OV over EV code signing saves $200/year while still providing signed installers.

2027 Deferred

Amount

Web Developer (Q1 2027)

$24,000

Risk Register

#

Risk

Phase

Prob

Impact

Residual

Mitigation

Status

R1

Source parity gap (missing code)

P1

—

—

🔵

12 modules recovered from v3.60; 3 crash paths fixed

✅ Resolved

R2

VLX decompilation impossible

P1

—

—

🔵

All 93 LSP source files now on disk

✅ Mitigated

R3

Build artifacts lost

P0

—

—

🔵

v3.60 + v11 archived and documented

✅ Mitigated

R4

Legacy installer unrecoverable

P1

—

—

🔵

setup.rul fully decompiled and analyzed

✅ Mitigated

R5

InstallShield rebuild fails

P1

—

—

🔵

Bypassed — proceeding directly to WiX

✅ Bypassed

R6

VLX won’t recompile

P1

🟢

🔴

🟢

All 93 LSP files available; CSV.VLX works as-is

⏳ Active

R7

WiX learning curve

P3

—

—

🔵

Bypassed — Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly; no MSI needed

✅ Bypassed

R8

Windows compatibility issues

P1

—

—

🟢

XP/Vista/Win7/Win10x32/Win10x64 all validated; Win10x64 = Win11x64

✅ Resolved

R9

UI/UX review reveals major gaps

P2

🟡

🟡

🟢

Alpha testing providing early feedback; budget buffer

▶️ Active

R10

Code refactoring breaks workflows

P2

🟡

🔴

🟡

Regression tests before refactor

🔜 Planned

R11

Documentation scope creep

P2

🟡

🟢

🟢

Prioritize install/user guides first

🔜 Planned

R12

ARX incompatible w/ modern AutoCAD

P3

🟡

🔴

🟡

Test early; may remove dependency

⚠️ Open

R13

AutoCAD 2026 API changes

P3

🟡

🟡

🟢

ADN support; test multiple versions

🔜 Planned

R14

App Store VLX packaging

P4

🟢

🟡

🟢

Autodesk wizard handles packaging; follow samples

🔜 Planned

R15

App Store security rejection

P4

🟡

🔴

🟡

EV cert; compliance checklist

🔜 Planned

R16

Web developer hiring delay

2027

🟢

🟡

🟢

Start recruiting Q4 2026; have backup

🔜 Planned

R17

Solo developer burnout

All

🟡

🔴

🟡

Phased approach; realistic pace; ahead of schedule

⏳ Active

R18

NanoCAD incompatible

P1

—

—

🔵

FAILED — no menugroup/VLX/COM support; AutoCAD-only path

❌ Closed

R21

Win10 VLX WinHelp incompatibility

P1

🔴

🟡

🟡

PB11 abandoned on Win10; TB11 source-mode only

✅ Accepted

R22

x64 stale acad2000 subdirectory

P1

🟢

🟡

🟢

Fixed — Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1 auto-detects

✅ Fixed

R23

VLX/source progcont mismatch

P1

🔴

🔴

🔴

VLX compiled from missing source; routing reconstruction required. Data extraction pipeline (site/project/panel XRECORD parsers) now complete — provides foundation for reconstruction.

🚧 Active

R24

cv-web scope outpacing desktop

P2

🟡

🟡

🟡

cv-web feature-accelerating (156 commits/week) while desktop progcont reconstruction (R23) remains open. Risk: strategic attention shifts before desktop release gate closes. Mitigation: maintain desktop M2 gate as hard dependency for P3 entry.

⏳ Active

Top 3 Risks to Monitor:

  1. R23 VLX/source progcont mismatch — CSV.VLX compiled from source not in repo; TB11 can’t replicate full menu routing until reconstructed. Data extraction pipeline now complete, providing foundation for reconstruction work.

  2. R24 cv-web scope outpacing desktop — cv-web is producing 100+ commits/week while desktop validation closure (M2 gate) remains open. Must maintain desktop M2 as hard gate before P3 security testing.

  3. R17 Solo developer burnout — mitigated by being ~2 months ahead of schedule, but cv-web velocity is unsustainable long-term

Resolved (Feb 16-18): R1 (Source parity gap) — 12 modules recovered from v3.60. R8 (Windows compatibility) — all 5 OS platforms validated including Win10 x64 via WoW64; Win10 x64 is compatible with Win11 x64. R18 (NanoCAD) — attempted and failed, AutoCAD-only path confirmed.

Bypassed (Feb 25): R7 (WiX learning curve) — Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard. No standalone MSI installer needed.

New (Mar 4): R21 (WinHelp on Win10) — VLX calls WinHelp(), Win10 removed WinHlp32.exe; PB11 abandoned on Win10. R22 (x64 acad2000) — stale subdirectory with 648 files; fixed. R23 (progcont mismatch) — CRITICAL — VLX compiled from missing source, routing reconstruction required.

New (Mar 31): R24 (cv-web outpacing desktop) — cv-web prototype is feature-accelerating at extraordinary velocity while desktop progcont reconstruction remains the critical path dependency for release. R23 status updated with data extraction pipeline closure providing reconstruction foundation.

Technical Findings: v3.60 vs v7.0 Comparison

Component

v3.60 (Legacy)

v7.0 (Current)

Gap Analysis

LSP Files

~60* (in CAB)

77 ✅

v7.0 has 17+ new modules

DCL Files

~35* (in CAB)

43 ✅

v7.0 adds 8+ dialogs

Menu Files

4 (.mnu)

5 (.cui) ✅

v7.0 uses modern format

VLX Compiled

1

1

Need recompile from LSP

ARX Binary

2 ⚠️

2 ⚠️

No C++ source either version

Installer

✅ InstallShield

❌ NONE

🔴 Critical gap

Lines (Inst.)

4,163

0

Reverse-engineered

* File counts inside CAB archives are estimates until full extraction

v3.60 Installer Bugs (Root Cause Analysis)

Bug

Severity

Root Cause

Fix Approach

User Profile detection failure

🔴 Critical

Writes to .DEFAULT/S-1-5-18 instead of HKCU

Write to proper HKCU profile

UAC file rename hack

🟢 Low

Works as Administrator; blocks standard users

Replace with process check (for non-admin)

(load "csvmenu") broken

🟡 High

Readme command doesn’t work in AC2000

Fix LISP load or automate _appload

csv.arx incompatible

🟡 Medium

ARX compiled for wrong AC version

Recompile or remove if VLX sufficient

Version key mismatch (3.2 vs 3.60)

🟡 Medium

InstallShield script never updated

Fix version constant

acad.exe crash on Vista/Win7

🟡 Medium

Menu compilation triggers crash

Pre-compile menus or skip launch

LOADCTRLS downgrade

🟡 Medium

Changes demand-load behavior

Investigate intent; preserve if needed

LocalServer32 path corruption

🟡 Low

Forward slashes in COM path

Preserve original path format

isDcc output won’t compile

🔴 Critical

Bytecode-level decompilation

Use wizard approach instead

Nero Study Findings (Feb 9):

  • isDcc Limitation: Generates bytecode-level code (10,031 lines Nero, 4,163 lines CV) that won’t compile

  • Workaround: InstallShield wizard generates clean 606-line .rul that compiles successfully

  • Decision: Rebuild CV installer using wizard approach; each OS needs targeted build OR migrate to WiX

Multi-OS Testing Findings (Feb 10-18):

  • CV3.60 installs on XP, Vista, AND Win7 — no UAC issues when logged in as Administrator

  • Win10 32-bit: Full stack working — AutoCAD 2000 + CV + COM automation + auto-config script

  • Win10 64-bit: Full stack working — AutoCAD 2000 running via WoW64 with Wow6432Node registry fix (103 CLSIDs, 104 Interfaces, 6 ProgIDs). Autodesk does NOT support this path — novel approach with no existing documentation, but fully functional.

  • NanoCAD integration FAILED — NanoCAD doesn’t support menugroup, VLX/ARX loading, or COM automation. Only basic LSP works. Decision: AutoCAD-only path going forward.

  • v3.60 source recovery COMPLETE — 12 modules recovered, 3 crash paths fixed, TB11-01x32 deployed

  • Path analysis of every menu click — 40 menu-level paths + 20 panel property toggles tested end-to-end, documenting legacy architecture (menu → LSP → DCL)

  • 8 bugs cataloged — see CV360-Installation-Analysis.md

  • 41 files + exact registry spec — complete v11 installer blueprint

  • All 5 OS platforms validated — XP, Vista, Win7, Win10x32, Win10x64

v26 Target Build Strategy

Component

Approach

Priority

Status

Source Code

Build from v11 LSP/DCL (TB11-01x32)

P1c

🟢 93 modules on disk, 20/20 toggles working

Installation

Total Uninstall (VM deployment)

P1c

✅ Working — install/remove across VMs

Installer

WiX Toolset — NOT NEEDED

—

❌ Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly

App Store Package

VLX direct upload via wizard

P4

🔜 Planned

Web Version

AutoLISP → .js/.NET

2027

⏳ Deferred

cv-web Prototype

React/Three.js panel editor

P2

▶️ Active — 4-mode nav, 3D, calc properties

Why different installer? InstallShield 5.x / WiX → Autodesk App Store VLX upload: InstallShield 5.x was:

  • ❌ No longer supported (20+ years old)

  • ❌ Not code-signable for modern Windows

  • ❌ Blocked by SmartScreen/Defender

  • ❌ Not compatible with Autodesk App Store

Project Charter

Last Updated: March 31, 2026 | Prepared by: Chad Weidert

Guiding Principles

  1. Prefer preservation over reinvention — Source recovery successful

  2. Minimize risky rewrites — Installer rebuild, not LSP rewrite

  3. Automate verification early — Regression tests in sprint weeks 4-5

  4. Phased approach reduces risk — Analysis → Integration → Design → App Store

Project Overview

Modernize ConstructiVision from legacy Windows/AutoCAD platforms to modern systems. Create a distributable product for Windows 7-11 and AutoCAD R14-2026, with a path to Autodesk App Store distribution.

Product Goals

Goal

Target

Status

Install on modern Windows

Win XP through Win 11

✅ XP/Vista/Win7/Win10x32/Win10x64 validated; x64 = Win11

Run on modern AutoCAD

R14 through 2026

🟡 AC2000 validated on x32+x64 via WoW64; modern AC pending

NanoCAD as alt platform

Free alternative to AutoCAD

❌ FAILED — no menugroup/VLX/COM support; AutoCAD-only path

Preserve critical workflows

Panel book, calcs, reports

▶️ 46 bugs tracked, 38 fixed; cv-cad roundtrip pipeline active

Cloud subscription path

App Store distribution

🔜 P4 (Q4)

Cloud/web prototype

Functional cv-web w/ 3D

▶️ Active — 4-mode nav, 3D rendering, calc properties

AI form automation

Future enhancement

⬜ 2027+

Scope

In-Scope (2026):

  • Q1: Installer rebuild + WiX migration → Alpha testing, bug fixing ✅ 38 bugs fixed (~2 months ahead)

  • Q1-Q2: GUI improvements based on alpha tester feedback ▶️ Active — continuous improvements shipping

  • Q1-Q4: cv-web prototype — 4-mode navigation, 3D rendering, calculated properties, cv-cad roundtrip ▶️ Active

  • Q1: Competitive intelligence and go-to-market preparation ▶️ Active — board book, cold call sheet, event feeds

  • Q2-Q3: Modern AutoCAD compatibility, code signing

  • Q3: WiX installer development → NOT NEEDED — Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly

  • Q4: App Store submission via wizard, World of Concrete demo

Out-of-Scope (2026):

  • Net-new features unrelated to modernization

  • Full module rewrites (use compatibility shims)

  • Web deployment (deferred to 2027) → cv-web prototype accelerated to 2026; full conversion still 2027

Success Criteria

Category

Criterion

Target

Technical

Install success rate

>95% on Win 10/11

Technical

AutoCAD versions

R14 through 2026

Product

Onboarding time

<60 minutes

Commercial

Distribution

App Store + direct download

Documentation Index

Document

Purpose

01-portfolio-inventory

File inventory and gap analysis

02-architecture-target-state

Technical architecture

03-phase-plan-p0-p5

Detailed phase breakdown

04-2026-timeline-weekly

Week-by-week schedule

05-risk-register

Full risk register

06-testing-validation

Testing strategy

07-release-and-distribution

Distribution channels

08-demo-plan

White Cap & WOC demos

09-ai-enhancements

AI roadmap (2027+)

10-milestones-dashboard

Milestone tracking

11-weekly-updates

Weekly status updates

12-installer-modernization (archived)

Installer impact analysis

26-v360-source-recovery

v3.60 source file recovery

27-vm109-x64-registry-fix (sensitive)

Win10 x64 COM registry fix

28-tb11-01x32-architecture

TB11-01x32 architecture & registry

29-tb11-01x64-architecture

TB11-01x64 architecture & x64 fork

installer-rebuild-sprint (archived)

Current sprint plan

installer-decision (archived)

WiX decision rationale

skill-development

Learning roadmap