Dynamic Block Array Text

[resullins]

I have a dynamic block (attached) for our single line schematics. It works great, but there's a piece missing. The text in the file (In / Out) I would like to have insert with the block, but it needs to be editable, so it can't really be PART of the block... if that makes sense.

 

If at all possible, I'd like to have the text array down when you stretch the block... but I have to figure out the first part before I can think about that. Any ideas?

Single Line Equipment2.dwg

[BlackBox]

Why not simply add a Visibility state for each (In / Out)...?

 

I use visibility states with our title blocks, and created menus / macros / keyboard shortcuts to quickly change the visibility state depending on the sheet type needed (i.e., Plan, Profile, Cross Section, Exhibit, etc.). I use Visual LISP to step through a selection set of blocks, and filter for the dynamic block. Then proceed with the applicable changes.

 

Give it a try, and let me know if / where you get stuck.

 

The array component would have to be addressed separately, but I do *believe* it's possible.

[dbroada]

I'm at home so can't look at the block until Tuesday at the earliest but...

 

if it has to be editable why not use an ATTDEF?

 

and yes, you can array text - using the array parameter

the array is a bit tricky to start with getting the trigger distance correct but it is quite possible.

 

but arraying an attribute is another matter

[resullins]

I thought about that. But there are too many combinations. We go anywhere from 1 in 1 out to 96 in 96 out, and EVERYTHING in between.

[BlackBox]

I thought about that. But there are too many combinations. We go anywhere from 1 in 1 out to 96 in 96 out, and EVERYTHING in between.

 

Sounds like the ATTDEF is perfect for your situation... It's editable, and is contained within the block.

[resullins]

Excuse my ignorance... but won't that make them un-copy-able? I want one block that can do both a 48 in, 48 out piece of equipment, and a 12 in, 2 out piece...

[BlackBox]

Excuse my ignorance...

 

No worries; perhaps I've been ignorant in understanding your initial request.

 

but won't that make them un-copy-able? I want one block that can do both a 48 in, 48 out piece of equipment, and a 12 in, 2 out piece...

 

Backing up for a moment... you want a single block that is editable by the user, on a per instance basis - meaning that each block can be edited independent of other instances of the same block (i.e., one block is 1:1, and another is 96:96, etc.), right?

 

If so, then attributes incorporated into your block will correctly display the numerical value independent of the arrayed text. One *may* be able to utilize fields, or reactors to make this value change in concert with the arrayed text - not being a dynamic block expert, I'd have to test this.

 

Now, said block(s) containing attributes would be able to be copied, and the resultant copy would have the same attribute values, until changed by the user.

 

... Does this make sense so far?

[dbroada]

RenderMan has given you my answer if the text is to be modified on a block by block basis.

 

If you want the same text repeated down the block then attributes become a problem. If you were to array an attribute you will have to assign the value to each newly created attribute. In 2008 it is almost impossible to copy a single value into many attributes, it may be different with your version but by the times this has been asked here I doubt it.

 

If however you know the text and you want it arrayed then that is possible.

 

I think you have two questions that are close to having mutually exclusive best solutions.

[BlackBox]

RenderMan has given you my answer if the text is to be modified on a block by block basis.

 

If you want the same text repeated down the block then attributes become a problem. If you were to array an attribute you will have to assign the value to each newly created attribute. In 2008 it is almost impossible to copy a single value into many attributes, it may be different with your version but by the times this has been asked here I doubt it.

 

If however you know the text and you want it arrayed then that is possible.

 

I think you have two questions that are close to having mutually exclusive best solutions.

 

Well said; I do not know how to better help without more information from the OP.

 

Perhaps Resullins can provide a couple of examples for exactly what is desired (via screen shots, uploaded blocks, etc.)?

[resullins]

Ok... I sort of understand what both of you are saying... but I'm unsure as to how to respond. So... let me try this.

 

I've uploaded a screen shot of what our typical screen shot looks like.

 

You can see the part of the block that I've made dynamic. The Single Line Equipment block works great... you can expand the equipment block WITHOUT the Intercom A, Line 3 text, whatever.

 

What I need to do is make it so that when you insert the block, you get some text, so that we can array it, copy it, whatever, to get the correct number of inputs and outputs.

 

Does that make more sense?

 

Right now, what's happening, when you insert the block, you still have to go copy this correctly justified, sized, and placed text from somewhere else and paste it in... which is sort of not as handy as it should be.

Single Line Equipment.dwg

[BlackBox]

Understanding that there are two separate tasks here (the editable text, and the array feature), just for kicks...

 

Make a new block "TEST" or whatever you want to name it... this block should include both the Single Line Equipment block, *and* the correctly justified, sized text.

 

Now, when you insert the new block ("TEST"?) use this line:

 

 
(command "._-insert" "[color=red]*[/color]TEST" pause)

 

Note the preceding asterisk "*", as this explodes the block upon being inserted, resulting in the desired editable text, and the normal block.

[resullins]

Yup... that works... exploding it...

 

Could one of you guys try it... when my boss inserted the block on his computer, the block inserted with one insertion point, and the text with another. I'd love to know what's causing that...

Single Line Equipment2.dwg

[BlackBox]

Could one of you guys try it... when my boss inserted the block on his computer, the block inserted with one insertion point, and the text with another. I'd love to know what's causing that...

 

I'm not sure what you mean by this.

 

The one thing I did notice, is that your block, and the text are off in space... waaay over there to the bottom, right (from 0, 0, 0). The drawing's base point is correct (0, 0, 0), but the block really should be moved.

 

Consider the attached block, which has oriented everything about the origin, respective to the block's insertion point.

Single Line Equipment2_revised.dwg

[resullins]

Yeah, that one works for me just fine... but so did the old one.

 

When my boss inserts the block though, the BLOCK will insert wherever he clicks, but the text will be off in space.

 

I'll get him to try yours, RenderMan. Thanks for the help!

[dbroada]

could it be that the text is in a different Z plane? If your UCS isn't parallel it would appear to be in a different place.

[resullins]

Nope... they're both on the same 0 Z plane.

[dbroada]

didn't think so but worth a try.

[resullins]

Yeah... I'm thinking maybe 2012 (which is what I'm on now), is just glitchy. I've found a few:

 

When I put an Xref into model space, and then go to viewport it... you can't see it. The viewport will zoom extents like it's there, but you can't see anything. If you close the file and reopen it, everything's fine!

 

I had built a dynamic block the other day, and I opened it back up to move the placement of a grip, saved it, and began using it. All of a sudden, whenever you clicked on one of the dynamic grips, all the other ones would dissapear!

 

On the same note, I was building a new dynamic block, and when you inserted it, none of the grips would appear even though they were set to appear.

 

I don't know... maybe 2012 just isn't built for my machine... it's pi**ing me off, though.

 

I should probably just switch back to 2011, but I REALLY love a few of the 2012 features... so I don't know.

[dbroada]

I'm glad I'm still on 2008 then