topic Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen in Dynamic Blocks Forum

adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

Unisolpaneel — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:10:11 GMT

I have a dynamic block with 2 attributes that the user will input himself. I have a third attribute that makes a sum of those 2 attributes. This attribute will only update after a regen-command. Is there a way to bypass this regen-necessity and update this attribute right away when the user makes his input?

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

gdefilo — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:49:20 GMT

Hi UnisolPaneel,

as far as I know, the answer is "no".

The third attribute contains a field, isn't it?

So, fields values renew after a regen. And regens are done after the operations checked in "user preferences" in the "options" dialog.

Please, have a look:

Hope this helps,

Giancarlo

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

Unisolpaneel — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 07:55:00 GMT

thanks. I was kinda hoping for a different answer.

is there any way to solve this differently? i'm adding the automated sum to keep people from incorrectly multiplying themselves or forgetting to change the third attribute. Now they still must remember to regen to update the third att.

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

gdefilo — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 08:34:45 GMT

Well,

I'm not aware of the existence of a method to "lock" attributes with fields evaluations.

You could try to check the "constant" mode of the third attribute, but still I don't think it will work.

As a workaround, I would put the attibute on a locked layer. But it would not solve totally your request.

Giancarlo

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

Libbya — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 14:26:33 GMT

@Unisolpaneel wrote:

...Now they still must remember to regen to update the third att.

Why must they remember to update the third att.? If the fieldeval sys var is set to 31 (as it should be), it will automatically update prior to save, open, plot, or regen. What bad thing will happen if they forget to regen after changing it?

If you post the block I might be able to come up with a solution that does not require regen.

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

gdefilo — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 09:28:25 GMT

Hi Unisolpaneel,

what if the third attribute was not an attribute but a text? The text must be inside the block, read the attributes' values and sum them.

In this way it could not be changed by anyone, but still could keep the value of the sum.

Hope this helps,

Giancarlo

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

Unisolpaneel — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 09:31:00 GMT

this worked perfectly! thanks!

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

gdefilo — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 12:16:11 GMT

You're welcome, glad I could help!

Giancarlo

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

Libbya — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:33:13 GMT

Here's another option. It displays the user input values immediately and displays the sum immediately without a regen. No attributes. You edit the two user input values in properties under Custom. The value for the top number is X and the value for the middle number is Y. The sum is below.

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

Netelaana — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:40:47 GMT

Old thread...I know, but could not find a more current one on the topic. I have a very similar situation - dynamic block with attributes. currently just two user inputs, an elevation and a second elevation a certain increment above. Currently I do the math.

It is generally a consistent increment in any given drawing, so it would be great to have it do the math and sum two inputs (elevation1 + increment = elevation2) and display elevation1 & elevation2. Main reason is that I can then globally change the increment for a selection set of the block, and don't have to worry about math mistakes. The "sum" block works great, except that it doesn't work if the block is scaled, which I need to be able to do for printability.

The text object solution by @gdefilo does not seem to be working. When I change the attributes on a given block, the text object with field formula doesn't update, even after regen, it just stays the value of the sum of default attributes values. Any pointers on what I am missing, or options for scalability of the "sum" block method?

Thanks in advance -

Re: adding Attributes in dynamic block without regen

gdefilo — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:26:28 GMT

Hi Netelaana,

have you checked the value of "Fieldeval" sys var? It should be set to "31".

Other point: consider using annotative blocks instead of scaled blocks.

Hope this helps,

Giancarlo