topic Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments in Visual LISP, AutoLISP and General Customization Forum

Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:47:40 GMT

Hi All

I am trying to use the below macro to draw a line with 3 segments that connects two points, the middle segment runs parrallel and offset to the points and the first and third segments join to each point at either end . The points are of a variable distance. My idea is redefine the ucs along the vector of the points and then select the second point(block) to define LASTPOINT then use the userr1-5 variables to draw the desired polyline but its not quiet working out.

^C^CUCS;\\;SELECT;SI;\setvar;USERR1;$M=$(index,0,$(GETVAR,LASTPOINT));setvar;USERR4;1.156;setvar;USERR3;$(-,$(getvar,USERR2)(,$(getvar,USERR4));PLINE;0,0;@0,1.156;@0,$(GETENV,USERR3);@0,-1.156;

Hopefully someone can advise as to my mistakes and help me learn a bit more.

Regards

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

pendean — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:04:42 GMT

Post a screenshot of the final result you are trying to achieve, and in it explain what exactly would change (and by what governing factor).

FWIW I believe the variable LASTPOINT cannot call a point from inside the same macro.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:17:25 GMT

I am not at a desk top right now. The only variable is the distance between
the two points(or blocks) . Are you sure? if i select Single SI and object
does this not define the lastpoint and then allow me index the first
section of it.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

steven-g — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 19:51:19 GMT

I am having a hard time visualising the shape of this 3 sided object, sould it be "U" shaped with the open end the two pick points and the underside offset from those points, or is it something else because your macro contains fixed numbers. The si option of select is used to make a single selection set not a single point, which is confusing. Some visual help on this one will help greatly. And to clarify lastpoint is fine within a macro, but storing and then using variables can be problematic.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 19:59:24 GMT

Yes thats it exactly as you descibed like a "u" shape.
If i select a circular block with a base point in the centre it sets
lastpoint as the base point. The other block is my ucs point (0,0,0) and
the ucs x plane is aligned along the vector between the two points or
blocks, i now have the distance between points which i can use to draw the
second segment of the polyline.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

steven-g — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 20:43:23 GMT

and what is the significance of the 1.156 and -1.156

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

pendean — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 20:49:40 GMT

We sure could use an image to show us what you are drawing (and why)...

Also, are you using the term "block" as in the specific AutoCAD use of the term, or is it a generic meaning?

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 21:04:24 GMT

When i get to a desktop i will post an image. Block as in the AutoCAD
version. I want to draw mutiple lines between 2 points ,max 5, and i am
sick of drawing a single line between two points then having to offset and
add vertices and join the end points back to the points. Its about visually
representing multiple connections between a set of points. Like say 5
different wires between a switch. If i can get one that offsets
automatically and returns i can offset that And it will make things easier.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

steven-g — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 06:31:07 GMT

Here's a starter

^C^Cortho;off;pline;\\;UCS;ob;l;ortho;on;pe;l;e;i;@;n;i;@;x;;

It draws a 3 segment polyline between 2 points and aligns the ucs to that polyline, a macro won't allow a selection to remain highlighted as it finishes. So you need to run the macro (pick your two points). And then go back and select the new polyline and stretch the middle grip where you need it. Not 100% yet but when you post some more info it might help improve on the idea.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

pendean — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 12:29:36 GMT

>>>>..Like say 5 different wires between a switch...<<<
Any reason these cannot be 5-different blocks you just insert when you need them? How many variations are there truly likely to be?

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

john.uhden — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:33:33 GMT

Are you running AutoCAD LT or a full version that supports AutoLisp?

If the latter, then it's very simple. Is the offset always a constant value, or do you want to be prompted to enter a value? Do you want the polyline to be created on a certain layer, or just use the current layer?

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 19:02:24 GMT

The switch and wire was an example i used to give some idea this is not
actually what i use it for. The direction and length of the lines between
points are always different.

Going back to my original post am i completely off? or is it something that
could potentially work

I am running autoCAD lt.

i have attached an image showing what my end result is. the original
distance of 1.156 was the suitable length of the first and last segment

[image: Inline image 1]

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

john.uhden — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 19:08:43 GMT

My apologies to you. If you are running only LT, I can't help you.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Kent1Cooper — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 20:06:42 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
....
i have attached an image ....

[image: Inline image 1]

The image didn't come through.... But in the meantime, I notice in Post 1 that you seem to be using USERR2 without having set it, and that you have a GETENV that I suspect ought to be GETVAR.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 08:12:25 GMT

Thanks for the help so far guys. @steven-g i have used yours and it is almost what i need but it would be ideal if i could have it more like above. When you initiate the add vertex command can i specify where to put the new vertices along the line.

See above this is what i need if possible.

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

steven-g — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 09:01:37 GMT

This macro

^C^Cortho;off;pline;\\;UCS;ob;l;ortho;on;pe;l;e;i;\i;\;x;;

Would allow you to select 4 points in the order shown below

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 15:07:53 GMT

Thanks @steven-g after playing around with yours i came up with this which is what i need

^C^Cortho;off;pline;\\;UCS;ob;l;ortho;on;pe;l;e;i;@1,1;x;r;e;i;@-1,1;x;;ucs;w

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 15:16:14 GMT

Spoke too soon 🙂 it only works in certain directions

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

steven-g — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:14:15 GMT

What do you mean by that "certain directions"

Re: Macro draw line parallel to two points with 3 segments

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:21:10 GMT

Try it your self and draw multiple lines in different directions , i get varying results sometimes the line is inverted and other times it works.