Update multiple of the same attribute with different values via excel
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To all you cad geniuses, a question:
Working for a structural engineer, I have many blocks that need to be sized for our plans. In particular I have a block with (3) attributes for my structural beams and headers.
Using the Extract Data command in Autocad 2016 (Annotate tab > Tables Panel > Extract Data), I am able to create an Excel file with those attributes very quickly for all the blocks in my drawing. Even when blocks are added or removed I am able to simply update the excel file in the same way that I have created it.
Block Name: HDR1
1st Tag: Handle - This is intended to be used to identify the block from other blocks of the same name. This attribute is invisible. I use "ATTDISP" to view it when needed.
2nd Tag: Calc - This is intended to be a numbered place holder for the engineer.
3rd Tag: HDR - This is intended to display the size of the header needed for that block (e.g. (2)-2x6, (2)-2x8 etc.).
My question is this: Is there a command / lisp routine that I could use to update the block attribute values in the 2nd and 3rd tag by searching / finding the block by the 1st tag when the excel file is updated by the engineer?
So far I have used the commands "ATTOUT" and "ATTIN", this worked fine at first but could not be used a second time if the engineer changed thier mind about the header size.
I have also used Lee Mac's "Update Titleblock" program (which was awesome!), but it updated all my blocks to be exactly the same for all attributes.
Sample files have been attached. Thanks in advance for all your help folks! You guys rock!
Tony