topic Re: Possible to have certain objects in a block NOT scale? in AutoCAD Forum

Possible to have certain objects in a block NOT scale?

eric.gifford — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:28:22 GMT

My first post to the forum, which has been an immense help to me over the years. So, I've got several blocks I've created for fire alarm devices (smoke detectors, multi-criteria detectors). In addition to the device itself, I have two circles drawn (centered) around it, one with a radius of 21', one with a radius of 3'. The first represents the functional area of the detector, i.e. its coverage area, where another detector should generally not be placed. The other is a "keep out area", i.e. an area in which no HVAC registers/diffusers, ceiling fans, or other air moving devices should be within. Depending on the scale of the fire alarm plan, the block may be scaled up or down to match other devices. What I do not want, though, is the radius of the aforementioned circles to change. Is there a way to make all the components of the block scale, as desired, but have those two circles maintain their fixed sizes?

Re: Possible to have certain objects in a block NOT scale?

Valentin_CAD — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:53:40 GMT

@eric.gifford ,

@eric.gifford wrote:
... Is there a way to make all the components of the block scale, as desired, but have those two circles maintain their fixed sizes?

I don't think that is possible, even with parametric constraints.

Have you considered having two separate blocks, one of the fixed circles and another of your components?

Re: Possible to have certain objects in a block NOT scale?

Kent1Cooper — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:27:27 GMT

I don't think that's possible either. An AutoLisp routine or even a command macro in a Tool Palette button could be written to Insert the device Block at whatever scale, and either Insert another Block with the Circles as @Valentin_CAD suggested, at a scale of 1, or just draw the two Circles directly. Either way could control for different Layers for those two kinds of information.

Re: Possible to have certain objects in a block NOT scale?

DumR0 — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:23:58 GMT

you try to make a combination: action parameters*( will be responsible for scaling the block it self) whit geometric/dimensional constrain*(responsible for the the symbols for the smoke detectors etc, to uniform scale) when you are designing the block

Re: Possible to have certain objects in a block NOT scale?

nrz13 — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:13:50 GMT

You could create a dynamic block that is never scaled with the circles in it. Then, for your alarm geometry, you can select different sizes (depending on your scale) using VISIBILITY STATES or set a scale parameter to just the alarm geometry to adjust its size.