Multi-view blocks using annotative block

[andrew_k]

I am trying to create a custom receptacle multi-view block out of two blocks. I have the plan view block, which is annotative, and a 3D view block which is a standard 4x4x2 box (non-annotative). When I combine these blocks and create a multi-view block, the annotation scale for the plan view block gets messed up. In the screenshot that I attached, the red arrow is pointing at the separate parts of the multi-view block that I created while the blue arrow is pointing to the actual multi-view block. When I go into 3D view, the actual 4x4x2 box is still the same size, its just the annotative plan view block that is incorrect. I also tried to adjust the scale of the block, which altered both block views, not just the 3D view block.

[Anonymous]

I've had my whole office working on figuring out using annotative blocks along with standard blocks, combining in a multi-view block.  We determined the annotative scaling will always glitch the other views.  We still haven't any success making scalable plan views (piping symbols, text) along with side/elevation/section views.  We've conducted quite a lot of research, and found no solutions.

This article is as close to a solution as I've found.  But it works in AutoCAD Architecture.  I tried it in MEP 2016.  No success.

http://www.archidigm.com/lounge/architectural_desktop/general_tips/aca_anno_scale_mvblocks.htm

If you can derive a solution from this, by all means, let us know.

[andrew_k]

Thanks for sharing that article, it perfectly describes all of the issues that I am having. It is referencing AutoCAD Architecture 2009, and mentioned that the bug has not been addressed for two releases. I am using AutoCAD MEP 2018 and this is still an issue. It seems like such a simple issue that Autodesk could have fixed a long while a ago. 

As for my current workaround, the actual 3D modeled objects are of greater importance of being the correct scale, so I am using non-annotative symbol blocks for these objects. Another problem that I am having is that I am unable to use the dynamic properties and attributes of blocks when they are a part of an MvBlock. Autodesk really needs to look into these issues because it seems like a function that many people in many industries would take advantage of frequently.

[Anonymous]

It is a major downfall, in a very glitchy and imperfect package.  You'll also find all my posts complaining about piping utility problems.  For example, all my problems with single-line graphic display for piping.  I cannot get the plan view display to show the piping schematic symbols to scale correctly.  The first mention of these problems is from MEP 2008.  It's been a decade now, and the pipe diameter reducer symbol scaling problem still hasn't been solved.

We're slowly realizing, that we cannot trust MEP for our purposes.  It really is proving to us, that we need to walk away from Autodesk products.

Either that, or I just go back to placing schematic symbols as masked blocks, over my piping planview layouts.  Which essentially takes just as much time to create and edit/update layout drawings as extruding a circle along a polyline anyway.  And THAT I can do without glitches, and without MEP.

[andrew_k]

I also just noticed that on the Autodesk ideas forum, there is not an option to post about AutoCAD MEP or even the standard AutoCAD. How are we supposed to address Autodesk about these issues if there is no platform for us to do so? I might try contacting Autodesk directly to see if I can get through to someone. I will post updates if I hear anything.

[Pothman]

I don't know why this is an issue with MVBlocks but Devices work just fine which is what you should be using if you are using AutoCAD MEP. 

In this video, you can see how an out of the box electrical device does what you are looking for. The plan view is annotative and the model view is real size. Does this work for you?

http://autode.sk/2iA7ixG

[andrew_k]

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast/5dc6b5ee-eb25-4a6a-a13d-
f0744ffbf92b

Please view my screencast to see the issue I am having. I would like to also
use the block's dynamic features.

[Pothman]

Thank you for the video which clearly shows what you are trying to do. Unfortunately, Devices were not designed to be able to use dynamic blocks as a base block for the device. I can log this as a wish request but I don't see any way of having an electrical device use a dynamic block correctly. I will log this wish request.

[andrew_k]

I don't need to convert the block into a device. I don't really use the
devices feature. If I was able to convert that dynamic block into a
multi-view block that allows me to take advantage of the annotative
features, that would also work. A feature like this would really help out a
lot of people.

[Pothman]

I'm trying to understand the need here so I can log it correctly with development. What do you get from an MVblock that uses Dynamic blocks that you can't get from just using a Dynamic block? What is the value add of adding a Dynamic block to the MVblock? Typically MVblocks are used for tags for schedules and for parts like furniture. I'm more than happy to log this with development but need to understand the business case for a product enhancement. 

Thanks and I look forward to hearing back.

David

[andrew_k]

The dynamic block features of the MvBlock would be used for the overhead/plan view, while the 3D block portion of the MvBlock would be used for, well obviously, 3D views. I need the object to be able to both have dynamic features and scale accordingly, without scaling the 3D block. Currently, there is no way to accomplish this. 

[Pothman]

Thanks Andrew - I logged this with development as Wish 201791

[Anonymous]

Andrew and I have the same goals.  HAve 3D objects that are to scale and stay that way, with plan views that follow the annotation scale for schematics and planview layouts.  As soon as anything in the MVBlock is annotative, the whole thing becomes annotative.