I was trying to make a variable length luminaire that could calculate the load automatically.
The problems I came across were dimensions & watts could not be calculated together, or the message
"Instance Parameters can't be used in Type Parameter formulas.
Type Parameter "Length" is driven by Instance Parameter(s): "Feet"."
First step is to determine the Load per foot. (15W as example)
Family parameter/Type
Next step is to determine the length. (4 foot typical length)
Family parameter/Instance
Family parameter/Instance
Family parameter/Instance
Now for the Connector Element
Apparent Load should be Associated to Calculated Load
Label the Length Dimension
This works for a straight line LED luminaire.
For a circle with variable radius & perimeter try this:
Add
Family parameter/Instance
Family parameter/Instance
Replace
Family parameter/Instance
Family parameter/Instance
Label the Angle & Radius Dimension
@Anonymous wrote:I was trying to make a variable length luminaire that could calculate the load automatically.
The problems I came across were dimensions & watts could not be calculated together, or the message
"Instance Parameters can't be used in Type Parameter formulas.
Type Parameter "Length" is driven by Instance Parameter(s): "Feet"."
Next step is to determine the length. (4 foot typical length)
Family parameter/Instance
- Name: Feet
- Discipline: Common
- Type of Parameter: Integer
- Group parameter under: Dimensions
- Value:4
Family parameter/Instance
- Name: Length
- Discipline: Common
- Type of Parameter: Length
- Group parameter under: Dimensions
- Value: Feet * 304.8mm (or 1' for imperial)
That error would be occurring because the parameter "Length", although intended to be an Instance Parameter, is defined as a Type Parameter in the Family.
@Anonymous wrote:...The problems I came across were dimensions & watts could not be calculated together...
You can create a formula to directly associate the load with actual length - You just have to make the length unitless:
Total Watts = Watts per Foot * ( Length / 1' - 0" )
Attached is a family basically demonstrates my method, in case it's of any help. (Revit 2012)
Those were just sample errors I came across while trying to create the luminaire.
This is a "How to thread", not a "Please help me" thread.
I remember reading a post with this type of problem, but could not find it again once I solved it.
How do you manage to edit the length if you set it as instance in order to use it in a formula? Also, how is this lenght is not working with Label. And why i cant modify Length parameter in the Family Type.
So many questions.
Thanks in advance
CADastrophe's version does not use an integer variable to control the length. It does allow you to stretch it manually. You can add an Integer Parameter as shown.
Most fixtures are set to a "per inch" or "per foot" value. If you use Shared Parameters, you can get your Tags to read the values.
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