Create dynamic block (Visibility States) from folder of drawings / blocks

[monk]

Hello,

 

I have a ventilation attenuator I would like to compile into a dynamic block.

 

At the moment I have the files in folder (Folder name is length) I wish to create a dynamic block per length.

 

Is there and easy way to compile this without having to copy and paste from the other files?

[qball]

I doubt it.

How many files / lengths?

Can you post the drawing?

[monk]

These are two files. I have got

300,450,600,750,900,1200,1500,1800,2100,2400,2700,3000 Lengths with probably

30 odd different widths in each length. I tried to create a dynamic block with stretches and things but with no luck. So I though just have a block for each length with a visibility state to select width. But was hoping there would be an easier way to compile it!

125x300_att.dwg

1700x2400_att.dwg

[dbroada]

in what way did you have no luck with stretches? Can you post what you have?

[monk]

It was the middle 'curvy' line that wouldn't stretch not sure how to get it to look right? Some sort of scaling or array?

[dbroada]

I was afraid you would say that.

 

It may be possible to add separate X & Y scales to it linked to the distance parameters. Don't forget that you don't have to scale 1:1, it can be 0.734:1 if that helps.

 

Ignore the above. Typed before testing. This is the best I could do.

 

125x300_att-2.dwg

Edited August 15, 2011 by dbroada
to correct rubbish suggestion

[monk]

I will try using X / Y scales later when I get a chance. Thanks

[dbroada]

I typed my correction too slow. X-Y scaling doesn't work in 2008. You may have more luck with 2011 though.

[monk]

Difficult to explain without illustration and I don't have the time right now. But it would perhaps be good to have the edges of the 'swirly' line a set distance from the edge of the attenuator. I have not played with parametric constraints within blocks as yet but perhaps scaling in the X and Y with constraints?

[dbroada]

parametric constraints may well be the best way forwards - but they aren't available on my version of AutoCAD.

[monk]

I shall post my solution / findings if i get that far. Trying to standardise my M&E dept. But also trying to make it easier for people to use. So putting in the legwork creating dynamic blocks, then placing them on palettes so they insert on a specific layer. Getting there!

[qball]

you might be able to stretch the squiggly lines with a Chained Action. But the radii of the curves would be unchanged. So I don't know if it has to be that specific.

[monk]

The radii is not specific it is really just an indicative line. Not played much with chained action would you be able to explain a bit more?

[qball]

scratch that. If your distance is a List rather than an increment, it gets difficult. Best to explore Constraints as Dave mentioned.

 

edit: Really hard to read, but D1 = 275, D2 = 50/275*D1... and so forth.

I have not used a lot of Constraints, but I understand when you use them in Block Editor they should act similar to Parameters and Actions.

[monk]

Not restricted to lengths if the block scales correctly in the X and Y then i can snap it to a duct. I will have a look now.