topic Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols in AutoCAD Electrical Forum

Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:44:40 GMT

Hello.

I have created a parent symbol (push button with lamp) that I want to show (cross-references) the location of the children: lamp and other contacts. To do this, I placed the attributes XREF and XREFNO on the parent, with the purpose of referencing the lamp and an open contact respectively; however, the lamp is not referenced.

I am attaching images of the problem and the exploded symbols so that the attributes placed on the symbols can be seen.

Thank you in advance for your time and help.

Best regards.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

arshdeepsingh404 — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:30:16 GMT

Hi @pgarciadlc

Your setup looks correct.

Here is a similar example I did which seems to be working.

Can you check how the Cross-Reference is setup.

Also, can your check if the XREF attribute is not hidden.

Also try updating the cross reference using AEXREF command

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:59:27 GMT

Hi @arshdeepsingh404

I use text format cross reference. Separator character is a space (for multi text cross reference).

The reference for the lamp does not appear in the attribute list.

When I use AEXREF with pick I get the following:

It seems that the XREF of the parent is not called by the child, however, the child does have the XREF of the parent.

Regards,

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:04:14 GMT

Hello.

I've been testing with the graphic format and it works well that way.

It seems that the reference in the parent fails in the text format; however, I need to use the text format since it is the only way that allows me to separate open and closed references.

Is there a solution to make the text format work well with children that are neither open nor closed contacts?

Regards,

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

arshdeepsingh404 — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:29:45 GMT

Hi @pgarciadlc

Can you use the XREFNO and XREFNC attributes in graphic format to separate the NO NC contacts?
I will do some more testing later with the Text Format to see if there is anything missing in that method.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:15:45 GMT

Hi @arshdeepsingh404

In the graphic format I could not find a way to separate the NO and NC references. Only the text format made it easier for me.

Regards.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

rhesusminus — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:43:57 GMT

You can almost do this using Table Format for cross-referencing, and symbol mapping. Then you need to create a symbol of the lamp and map it as the correct symbol for child lamps. It doesn't look according to standards, but this is the closest you'll get.

On a side note... This is of course standard functionality with Eplan. It's not rocket science.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:58:42 GMT

Hi @rhesusminus

I didn't get to test the table format in depth, since, for the use I want to give it as a project, the text format makes it easier for me to do what I do with the timed or non-timed relays (see image). Unless someone knows a way to fully customize the references in table format, I can achieve the same with that format.

Regards.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

rhesusminus — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 11:12:53 GMT

Are you asking how to show the late/early contacts as correct graphics in the cross-reference table?

That would be symbol mapping.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 11:53:25 GMT

My question is: how can I show the reference of child symbols that are not open or closed contacts? using the text format.

What I showed in the image is another symbol that I have developed and I have no problem with it. But I mention it because this symbol (and others) use the text format to do what I require.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

arshdeepsingh404 — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 03:53:44 GMT

Hi @pgarciadlc

Sorry but I am still trying to understand the issue with using attributes instead of text. Does the following not work for you?

My understanding is using attributes will give you better control on how to display referencing.

XREF for regular Childs like Lights

XREFNO for NO contacts

XREFNC for NC contacts

I have attached the dwg for your reference.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 20:59:10 GMT

Hi @arshdeepsingh404

I see that your drawing does meet what I need in text format.

But I still can't understand why it doesn't work in the drawings I've made. Maybe you can know why.

I'm attaching the dwg, so you can perhaps notice the errors (or omissions) I'm making.

Greetings.

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

arshdeepsingh404 — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:43:19 GMT

Hi @pgarciadlc

After some testing, I was finally able to get your version of the symbol working.

It turns out that you need all there attributes XREF, XREFNO, XREFNC in the symbol to make it work.

I inserted the XREFNC attribute and set the Invisible property to Yes as you are not displaying it in your symbol.

I have attached the modified version your block. Let mw know how this works out.

Good Luck!

Re: Using XREF, XREFNO and XREFNC on parent symbols

pgarciadlc — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 01:39:02 GMT

Hi @arshdeepsingh404

Thank you. That was the omission that did not allow the child to be referenced in the parent.

Regards,

Pablo