topic Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor in AutoCAD Electrical Forum

Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

gszakacs — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:49:25 GMT

I have some graphics I'd like to insert when I insert a PLC component, and I found that I can do it using the PLC Database File Editor under Module Specifications --> AutoCAD Block to insert. However I don't see a way to set the graphics position relative to the PLC module symbol. Here's a screenshot showing what I get when inserting a module:

I'd like to move the graphics inside the PLC symbol, but regardless of the graphic's position within the .dwg file (it was 0,0 when I tried this time, but it doesn't seem to matter) the position of the actual graphics are always off to the left of the block. Is there some way to control this, or do I have to move the graphic block after inserting the symbol each time?

Thanks & Regards,

Gabor

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

alds02 — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:35:07 GMT

Could you please add a screenshot of what you did in the PLC Database File Editor?

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

gszakacs — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:59:18 GMT

What I did was to browse to a .dwg file containing the graphics to insert:

And here is the contents of that .dwg file:

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

rhesusminus — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:10:12 GMT

What is the BASE variable for that dwg? 0,0,0 ?

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

alds02 — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:11:13 GMT

I don't have experience with adding a block in Module Specifications.

Did you try making it a terminal type instead and adding it that way? Just an idea, I don't have time to try it.

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

gszakacs — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:14:50 GMT

I didn't set a BASE variable. How would I check this? Would it default to 0, 0, 0?

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

jseefdrumr — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:33:18 GMT

Open the file that contains your graphics. Enter BASE at the command line. What does it say?

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

gszakacs — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:37:20 GMT

it says:

BASE Enter base point <0.0000,0.0000,0.0000>:

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

gszakacs — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:47:17 GMT

Anyway I tried changing the base point and it makes no difference in the position of the graphics on insertion of the PLC module. So to recap, the graphics in the .dwg file end up to the left of the PLC module regardless of the X,Y position of the graphics within the .dwg file or the BASE point of the .dwg file.

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

gszakacs — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 13:41:10 GMT

Well, I have solved the issue, but I'm not altogether sure why. The problem seems to be with the drawing I was pulling the block from. I had made it starting from a new drawing with no template. Later I tried using a drawing saved when I used "Save Circuit to Icon Menu" and that one allowed me to place the graphics as desired (by adjusting the BASE). Thanks for all the suggestions.

Gabor

Re: Adding a graphic block to PLC using PLC Database File Editor

rhesusminus — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 15:26:39 GMT

So it isn't something with a custom UCS? It sure sounds strange., It's supposed to be inserted below the last I/O point.