Use of the Filter by WDBLKNAM value check box in the Catalog Browser dialog box

[ADD_123]

In AutoCAD Electrical 2015, could not understand the exact use of the Filter by WDBLNAM value check box in the Catalog Browser dialog box when used in the lookup mode. Attached are 2 images in which i have selected it in one image and deselected it in another image. Catalog records are same in both the cases. I mean, there is no difference in the no of records by selecting it or by deselcting it. Can anybody help me?

[vladop · Accepted solution]

You can define WDBLKNAM value in WDBLKNAM filed in the catalog database. Only records that have a blank WDBLKNAM value or a value that matches the block name of the symbol (or WDBLKNAM attribute on the symbol block, if attribute is defined) are displayed.

See attached image.

Excerpt from The Help:

WDBLKNAM assignment

The WDBLKNAM value filters the symbol names that display in the Parts catalog dialog box. The Filter by WDBLKNAM value option on the Parts Catalog dialog box suppresses what data displays when a catalog lookup is run for a particular component. If you perform a catalog lookup on a symbol with block name “HTD1_xxx” and the Filter by WDBLKNAM value option is selected, the only records that display are listed in the TD table of the catalog database file that have a blank WDBLKNAM value or a value in the WDBLKNAM field that matches the block name of the symbol. For example, a catalog lookup on an on-delay coil (HTD1N.dwg or VTD1N.dwg) displays all blank WDBLKNAM entries and all entries that include “TD1N” somewhere in the WDBLKNAM field. If this option is not selected, the query ignores the check on the WDBLKNAM field and returns all catalog information.

You can do one of the following to determine how your catalog content is filtered:

1. Add your block name to all WDBLKNAM fields in the catalog table. Using the example above, you would add the block name to the TD table.
2. Add an invisible WDBLKNAM attribute to your symbol. Using the previous example, name your symbol “HTD1F” for an off-delay coil or “HTD1N” for an on-delay coil.
3. Rename your block with the appropriate prefix (for example, “VTD1F”) followed by a substring “$$” and any other suffix to make the block name unique. The catalog lookup in AutoCAD Electrical sees the “$$” and assumes that it, and anything after it, is ignored. It treats your symbol as if the block name were just the basic name of “VTD1F.”

Tip

Option 2 or 3 is preferred.

Regards,

Vladimir