DIN Rail Tool and Dynamic Blocks

[userlevel6]

Just curious, has anyone else wished for dynamic blocks to be integrated in the DIN rail tool?

We typically draw wireway using the tool, and enter descriptive information in the RATING1 attribute, like "2" x 3" WIREWAY" for example. Usually we have to also adjust the size and position of the attribute. This is OK until we have to change the length of the wireway or DIN rail. We have to put in a brand new piece, type the description, position & size the attribute all over again. This gets very inefficient and adds frustration to the design process.

Recently, we decided to create dynamic block footprints for all the wireway and DIN rail, to allow length resizing capabilities. The wireway footprints now include a preset RATING1 attribute, so we don't ever have to type the descriptions again.
I wanted to try integrating these footprints into the WD_DINRL application, but it's protected code.

So...I'm asking you ACAD-E developers out there - are there any plans to revise the WD_DINRL tool, and would a revision include using dynamic blocks? It looks like the anonymous block name issue from previous versions may have been resolved, since a LIST will now report both the dynamic block name and the anonymous block name...

[DKLeeUS]

Hello,

I use a different approach to DIN rails and wire trays. I created dynamic versions of each and I insert them the same way I would a power supply. I do not use the WD_DINRL tool. This allows me to adjust the length after it is inserted. A part number maybe given to just as a power supply. Please note: if you order a 6ft piece and use it provide two 3ft pieces, you still need to manually adjust the bill of material for the panel - that does not change.

I have attached the DIN rail dynamic block for you to try. I have incorporated mine into the panel Insert Component Footprint menu, default_cat and footprint databases. The wire tray maybe inserted the same way.

[dougmcalexander]

Resizing is easy. Click the Stretch PLC Module command under the Scoot
flyout on the toolbar and use a crossing window. You can stretch any
AutoCAD block with this tool. It used to be called Stretch Block. I wish
they had not changed the name, because the new name is misleading. I use it
for DIN rail and Wireways all the time.



wrote in message news:5875468@discussion.autodesk.com...
Just curious, has anyone else wished for dynamic blocks to be integrated in
the DIN rail tool?

We typically draw wireway using the tool, and enter descriptive information
in the RATING1 attribute, like "2" x 3" WIREWAY" for example. Usually we
have to also adjust the size and position of the attribute. This is OK
until we have to change the length of the wireway or DIN rail. We have to
put in a brand new piece, type the description, position & size the
attribute all over again. This gets very inefficient and adds frustration
to the design process.

Recently, we decided to create dynamic block footprints for all the wireway
and DIN rail, to allow length resizing capabilities. The wireway footprints
now include a preset RATING1 attribute, so we don't ever have to type the
descriptions again.
I wanted to try integrating these footprints into the WD_DINRL application,
but it's protected code.

So...I'm asking you ACAD-E developers out there - are there any plans to
revise the WD_DINRL tool, and would a revision include using dynamic blocks?
It looks like the anonymous block name issue from previous versions may have
been resolved, since a LIST will now report both the dynamic block name and
the anonymous block name...

[userlevel6]

Thanks for making me aware of this extra benefit to the Stretch PLC Module command!

There is one drawback however. If this method is used on DIN rail, it won't update the holes. If I have to stretch a rail beyond a point where there should be another hole shown, or shorten it to where a hole should disappear, this does have that issue. Still, it's a great option to have.

I think we'll use a combination of both since we've gone to the trouble of creating the footprints & modifying the menu & lookup database. I for one would still like to see Dynamic Blocks in the DIN tool though, and don't want to attempt to write a LISP routine myself if it's already in the future plans for ACAD-E.

[dougmcalexander]

I have my own DIN rail and Wireway blocks I made years ago before AcadE had
that function. I used the stretch block command to stretch the block after
insertion. I use DIN rail without holes so I have no problem with that, but
then lots of companies don't even show DIN rails or just show a rectangle to
represent it. I will attach the DIN rail block I use in case you might find
it useful. I just insert and stretch to fit. Edit like any other footprint
to add MFG and CAT. I also tag mine as DR1, DR2, DR3, etc.


wrote in message news:5876559@discussion.autodesk.com...
Thanks for making me aware of this extra benefit to the Stretch PLC Module
command!

There is one drawback however. If this method is used on DIN rail, it won't
update the holes. If I have to stretch a rail beyond a point where there
should be another hole shown, or shorten it to where a hole should
disappear, this does have that issue. Still, it's a great option to have.

I think we'll use a combination of both since we've gone to the trouble of
creating the footprints & modifying the menu & lookup database. I for one
would still like to see Dynamic Blocks in the DIN tool though, and don't
want to attempt to write a LISP routine myself if it's already in the future
plans for ACAD-E.