Basic dimension scaling problem...

[conbuc]

I'm sure I am missing something dumb, but I need help with my dimension settings. What I need is a template that allows me to draw in metric [MM], then dimension primary using Architectural units and dimension secondary in metric [MM]. I went though all the settings (AutoCAD Mechanical 2014) and set it up the way I believe it should be. The problem is when I open a new drawing and draw a line 304.8 mm long and dimension it (using power dimension) I get: 25'-4 3/4 [304.80 mm]. Clearly the primary units are not being scaled by .03937 factor even though I have that in the settings. Can someone take a quick look at the attached file and settings and explain to me what I am doing wrong? Thank you.

[conbuc]

Attached is the template file I am working with.

[Yong.Jing]

We have not seen your template.

[Yong.Jing]

As you have not provided the template you used, I use AM_GB template for example. 

In DIMSTYLE > dimstyle manager > Altinate Unite， the scale should be 0.003937

[conbuc]

Jingy, I have the '0.03937' scale factor set in my template. The only difference being I am scaling my Primary dimensions (not secondary dimensions).

Let me try to attach the template again. It seems FireFox has troubles attaching files.

Thank you for your assistance with this.

[conbuc]

Hello Jingy,

I think I have sorted out my problem but would like you to confirm a few things.

What I need to do is draw in millimeters but dimension in dual units with architectural being primary units and millimeters being secondary units, like this:

<----1'-0" [304.8 mm]---->

To accomplish this I was setting my primary 'Unit format' to 'Architectural' and changing the 'Scale factor' under 'Measurement scale' to 0.039370078.

What I am finding out is that the 'Measurement scale' does not change the displayed value of the primary units. Which begs the question, what is 'Measurement scale' used for?

So can you confirm, if I choose to draw in millimeters, I should not set my primary units to 'Architectural'?

So I will have to settle for my dimensions looking like this:

<----304.8 mm [1'-0"]---->

Thank you for all your help.  

[steve216586]

Please look at the attached Dimstyle Manager settings for the results you desire.

[conbuc]

Steve,

I don't believe that solution will work. One thing to keep in mind is that I draw in millimeters. So a line that needs to be 12" long is drawn at 304.8 units (or millimeters).

When I applied your settings to the template above I get a dimension of:

<----25'-4 3/4" [7741.92 mm]---->

(on a line that is 304.8 units long)

Does that make sense?

In other words, even though my primary units should be scaled by .03937 they are displaying the architectural value for 304.8 units (304.8" = ~25'-4 3/4") and therefore my secondary units shouldn't be scaled at all because a 304.8 unit line should display as 304.8 mm long.

It's convoluted I know, if you take a look at my template you might see an obvious problem I am overlooking.

[steve216586]

When I applied your settings to the template above I get a dimension of:

<----25'-4 3/4" [7741.92 mm]---->

(on a line that is 304.8 units long)

That sheds more light on the problem you are having.

I tested the Dimstyle settings, first using my normal template. But I use an ANSI template customed to my needs. I got the same results you just posted.

I then opened an ISO template supplied by AutoCAD and retested. Those are the results I posted in my screen shots.

Re-affirm you are using a metric template even though you want to dimension in Architectural units as primary. Your input should match your drawing units, not necessarily the dimension units.

[steve216586]

Save down the .dwg if my first reply didn't solve the problem so I can look at it. I don't have 2015.

[Yong.Jing]

I could reproduce your issue with the default template. We are working on it. Update when we find the reason or workaround to it. 

[conbuc]

Thank you Jingy, Keep me informed. Thanks to everyone for their help.

[Yong.Jing]

I think I found the reason for this error. 

In dimension_rounding_error.dwg, you are using AM_ANSI <Style overrides>, 

You should modify AM_ANSI to set Primaral scale is 0.03937, for Altmate scale is 25.4. 

This modifycation only works on the new annotation. For the archiev, you should modify the properties. In this case, the dimstyle should be AM_ANSI, not AM_ANSI$0.

Last step is very important. Wish this could clear this issue. 

[steve216586]

"In dimension_rounding_error.dwg, you are using AM_ANSI <Style overrides>, ...You should modify AM_ANSI to set Primaral scale is 0.03937, for Altmate scale is 25.4." 

ANSI is imperial units. You just scaled from imperial to metric. 

As I suggested, the OP should use a metric or ISO template to build his template from at the start. Then follow normal protocol to change Primary and Secondary dimunits.

[conbuc]

Steve,

I have followed your recommendation and it doesn't fix it. Maybe I am missing something. I have posted my screen shots below. The settings are on a clean install of AutoCAD 2014 using the AM_ISO template file. As you can see AutoCAD is still not scaling the dimensions properly. The top line is 304.8 units and the bottom line is 12 units.

[conbuc]

Here's the last attachment (forums only let me post 3 attachments)

[Yong.Jing]

please check the annotation properties. I suspect the annotation style you used is not the one you edit. 

[conbuc]

Hello Jingy,

Thank you again for taking the time out of your schedule to help me with this. As you can see in capture 5 I have the option "Force power dimensions to use this dimension style" check marked. I'm not sure how else to determine if I am modifying the actual style that I am using.

I have attached the CAD example for you, maybe you can look at the settings and confirm I am using the same dimension style I am modifying.

The top line is 304.8 units so the dimension should read 1'-0" [304.8 mm]

The bottom line is 12 units so the dimension should read 0'-0 1/2" [12.0 mm]

Just like in "capture6" (attached)

[steve216586]

"The top line is 304.8 units and the bottom line is 12 units."

The command line input showing in your attachments is using one inch as one drawing unit. 304.8 units or 304.8 inches = 25'-4 3/4". I thought you wanted to input in mm, but show dimensions with imperial feet as primary unit? Looking at your screenshots, it appears you still haven't addressed that properly. Please see the attached template file. (Not allowed to attach .dwt files so I have changed to .doc. please save then change the extension back to .dwt)

[conbuc]

Steve,

That appears to be the problem. Where do I set the default units for the drawing?