Dynamic block with equally divided array?

[alx86]

Hi, I'm trying to create a Dynamic Block of an 3/4" x 3/4" aluminium angle with holes:

Depending on the length the number of holes will vary.

The distance between each holes need to be somewhere between 8" and a maximum of 12".

The holes must be centered and start from 1 1/2" up to 2" from each ends.

Each distance must be not more precise then 1/16" (no rounded off dimensions)

I'd like to simply drag the handle of the linear parameters (No lookup or visibility for 2 hole, 3 holes, 4 holes etc.)

Thanks

[dmfrazier]

Just based on a quick read of your description, it seems to me that the "rules" you've outlined for the hole spacing are very "fuzzy" and it's hard to imagine how to design a DB to deal with all that variability.

You might get some more experienced eyes (and minds) to take up the challenge if you post here:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Dynamic-Blocks/bd-p/154

[Jason.Piercey]

If dynamic blocks supported equations (if this length, do this.  If that length, do that) you'd be in business, but they don't.

[alx86]

A way to add equations was exactly what I was searching. I'm used to "If" "Then" "Else" like (IF LENGTH < 60 THEN 3 ELSE 4) in WoodWOP. I'm pretty beginner with dynamic block so I was expecting a way to do this. I think i'll just add a Lookup or Visibility parameter for 2 Holes, 3 Holes etc.

[alx86]

It's not finished, but here is what I've done so far. I didn't find a way to do every thing automaticly, but it's probably better this way. It's giving more control this way.

ps: sorry for my english 😉

[dbroad]

Good solution to your problem.

[Charles_Shade]

Yes that is a good solution.

Here's an idea to get the holes automatically. The problem is that is is only good for the Distances entered in the Lookup.

Meaning that it works for 16, 28, 40, and 52 but will not update for other measurements. You can however change the length within the range though it will not drop back to four holes from five if less than 40 units, etc. 

Your thoughts for If / Then limits would be the cure. 

[alx86 · Accepted solution]

I've finnaly come up with something very near of what I wanted. It's my first dynamic block and I'm kinda proud of it 😛

[dmfrazier]

It's like they say: You never forget your first DB!

[Charles_Shade]

Well done.

I hope you took a nap after adding all those Stretch Actions. 

[ped20]

Please find the attached image 

I am trying to put that angle parameter in to decimal. but AutoCAD Mechnical 2015 always overwriting that inputs in to roundoff 

Please tell me how to stop this action 

If i modeifeid the parameter from 60 to 60.5 then it take 70

if 60.2 then 60 

Please tell me how to enter precise input either 60.2 or 60.5 

Many thanks 

Kiran Kori 

[dmfrazier]

The first thing I would check is your units settings, specifically your angular units precision.

In "regular" AutoCAD (I am running 2013), that is done with the UNITS command. 

[dallen8028]

Wow, that is a lot of Stretching. There has to be a simpler way...! Anyone come up with a more simple version?