I want to create families that have drop-down parameters. For example, for a window i want to be able o select if it is fiberglass, aluminum or wood etc. then i want to change the thermal values or other parameters based on that. I guess my main goal is to use fewer families for different types (i.e. I use windows with low U-value for inside, but don't care about U-value inside etc.)
I created a key schedule and am able to select that property for the single elements. But for some reason the key schedule can't add shared parameters, or any other parameters I have in that family. Like in this case where I was able to add the "Finish" parameter to the key schedule, how would I incorporate that into the actual family?
I googeld a lot, but most examples talk about rooms and selecting the finish. That seems doable. My goal is to select more complex things, like the type of window would have impact on manufacturer, U-value etc.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Solved by HVAC-Novice. Go to Solution.
I kind of found a solution. Instead of having that drop-down in the family itself, I don't include that information in the family, but in the schedule and with a key-schedule I can manipulate each type of window (or anything else). There is enough information how to use the key schedule, so I won't repeat here how to do that.
that also makes me re-rhink how i treat my family library. All visible family elements (ie. size, if it a door has side window etc.) will be part of the family. All other information (i.e. manufacturer, R-value, material, comments) will be part of the key schedule. that has the additional advantage that I if change manufacturer, I can simply change that in the key schedule. And I can add dozens of new window types (i.e. different SHGC) easily without adding families. That also helps me to use more of the generic oob families without manipulating them.
So I didn't resolve my original problem, but the workaround is much better and resolves many issues beyond that.