topic Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block in Dynamic Blocks Forum

Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 15:57:04 GMT

I would like to know if I can move a dimension within a dynamic block (while keeping it linked after a change with a lookup table). As shown in the attached file, I can rotate this radial dimension but stretching it doesn't seem to work.

If anyone has a solution, a work around, or confirmation that this is not possible, it would be much appreciated. Thanks

Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Libbya — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:20:58 GMT

For whatever reason, stretch actions do not work on the text part of a radial dimension. You could certainly simulate the dimension and make it look and function EXACTLY the same using linework and an attribute while adding the stretch functionality.

Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:35:08 GMT

Ah right that confirms that then. So is the method you are suggesting using a field?

If so, I have a few further questions:

1. Would this require a REGEN each time the dimension is changed? - Is there a LISP or other method that runs a REGEN whenever a specific lookup table is changed?

2. Will the attribute be able to rotate like a dimension - i.e. it rotates around up until a certain point and then flip round so that its never upside down?

Thanks again.

Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Libbya — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 17:00:25 GMT

If you are only using specific sizes for the measurement of the dimension and controlling those sizes via the block properties table then you can edit the attribute value as well via the block properties table and no field or regen is required. If you want to be able to enter custom sizes that are not on the block properties table, then a field would be required. It is fairly common for folks to fixate on the 'regen required' aspect of fields in order for them to immediately show the updated value. One thing that should be understood is that the depending on the fieldeval setting (IMO it should always be set to 31), the field will update automatically on open, save, plot, etransmit, and regen. Nothing bad will happen if a user does not regen. As soon as they go to save or plot the file, it will update the fields without any additional action on their part. If the immediate gratification of the field displaying the updated value is desired, then a manual regen is not difficult. RE and [enter] or [space] takes ~0.25 seconds. R and E are even next to each other for your left hand. I wouldn't personally have any interest in a LISP that would eliminate that non-issue.

The automatic 'flip around' for the text at a specific angle is certainly doable although it is a bit advanced. Is the block you posted exactly how you want the finished block to look?

Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 18:24:15 GMT

Thanks for the help that is spot on! I've managed to do that now which is great, as attached.

Yes I see your point regarding the REGEN and I think that you are right.

The block I posted is not the finished product, I still have a lot more to add to it. How advanced is the technique? I would be very interested to know the rough method to see if its something that I am able to understand and do.

Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Libbya — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 22:34:51 GMT

I made this screencast for another thread, but I think it demonstrates well the technique.

Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 13:13:23 GMT

I got the chance to look at this and its exactly what I'm after! Thanks very much, I really appreciate it.

Re: Move Dimension - Dynamic Block

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 13:30:31 GMT

Hi again,

You solved this for me before but I cant figure out something in the file I have attached. I was wondering if you could help.

It works as it is intended when rotating the dimension, however when you stretch the dimension above a certain amount (around 29000), the text flips upside down again. Any ideas?