topic Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead in Dynamic Blocks Forum

Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

BL_Apex — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 17:02:15 GMT

I am attempting to create a Dynamic Block for electrical home runs that behaves similarly to home runs in Revit. Essentially it is a Spline with (3) Control Vertices and an Arrowhead at opposite end from the Basepoint. I have created the Dynamic block to include the desired visible elements and I've gotten the Spline to behave correctly using Stretch Actions. The only problem I am having is that I can't get the Arrowhead to follow the end of the Spline correctly. I would like it to "bend around" with the Spline but it wants to stay at a fixed angle. If anyone can point me in the right direction (pun intended) or modify the attached example of my Dynamic Block, that would be appreciated.

Also, I am aware there is an Mleader Style that utilizes a Spline instead of a straight line. However, the Spline is based on Fit Points instead of Control Vertices and simply does not behave the way we need it to, thus the reason for the Dynamic Block.

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:19:02 GMT

Something like >>this<<?

Please mark "Accept as Solution" if my reply resolves the issue or answers your question, to help others in the community.

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

BL_Apex — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:02:18 GMT

Hey, thanks for the response! That's headed in the right direction. I like that you got the arrow to change direction as you stretch the center grip around. Here is an example of the Revit Home Run. Basically each end can move and bend independently. That's what I'm trying to accomplish.

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:12:33 GMT

@BL_Apex wrote:

Basically each end can move and bend independently. That's what I'm trying to accomplish.

Try the next attempt.

Please mark "Accept as Solution" if my reply resolves the issue or answers your question, to help others in the community.

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

BL_Apex — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:26:38 GMT

Yes! This is exactly what I have been trying to do. I was trying all kinds of constraints and I knew it would take some sort of combination... but I'm just not familiar enough with the functionality of constraints to pull it off. Absolutely perfect. Thank you very much!

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

j.palmeL29YX — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:17:13 GMT

An improved version (block "SplineArrrow") attached.

(A small bug fixed and arrow's length and angle adjustable [via properties window]).

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

MichaelD061 — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:48:22 GMT

This is great!

Would you mind explaining a bit of the process? I am looking to integrate into an existing block if possible.

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

j.palmeL29YX — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:14:37 GMT

The following video shoes not exactly what I did "decades" ago, but uses the same principle.

(view in My Videos)

BTW: You can avoid the trouble with the unwanted additional vertices if you begin with a CSV-(3 point)spline instead of the fitted spline as I did in the video.

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

j.palmeL29YX — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 10:06:08 GMT

@MichaelD061

Have you been able to successfully "integrate into an existing block" in the meantime?

Re: Spline Dynamic Block with Arrowhead

Nathan_Pham9QPG6 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:53:15 GMT

Hi JP, Old Post, BUT
THANKS A TONS! This is Brilliant!