1. Create a folder to hold your project files
Studio Express uses Microsoft’s “Click-Once” technology to install itself on your computer. As you may have noticed, it was very fast and easy. While it’s void of confusing options, it does not create file folders on your computer for your projects. It is recommended you create a folder to hold these. For example the following folder configuration is recommended under your Documents folder:
The Project files folder will contain your project files (filename.stx) while the Rainfall folder will contain your rainfall data described below.
2. Set your Project Settings
- U.S. Customary (default)
- Metric
It is recommended that you set your units before attempting to start a new project or open an existing one as the program cannot convert an existing project from one type of units to the other.
To set the units, click the [Settings] button on the top Ribbon menu to open the Studio Express Settings window.
Select your preferred Units from the Drop-down list box and click [Apply] then [Close].
After you select your units, the program will automatically start a new project and will load its default, built-in IDF curves. The NRCS Shape factor will automatically set itself to either 484 for U.S. Customary or 0.208 for Metric units. This can be changed as you wish.
Other Settings
You can also review and set the defaults for orifice and weir coefficients, n-values, etc.
Note that you do not need to set these each time you start a new project as they are saved and reloaded upon each program launch.
3. Set up your local rainfall
If you plan to use the Hydrology section of the software, you should set up your local rainfall. This software ships with default rainfall data for which is useful while getting to know the program. But eventually you’ll want to setup your own local data. See, Setting Up Rainfall for instructions.