Array based on Linear Stretch Parameter?

[CGriffin]

Looking to see if this is even possible...?

I've attached a pallet rack block that contains several linear stretch parameters... pretty tame stuff. I can change the depths of each bay and adjust the space between bays (flue). I also want to be able to adjust the overall length of the bays AND be able to array the block objects by that same distance.

For example, if the bay length is stretched to 8 feet, I also want to be able to click and drag to array on 8' increments. If I stretch the bay length to 12 feet, I want to be able to array on 12' increments.

Ultimately, the array parameter is based on the bay length parameter and I can't seem to figure out how to make one reference the other?

The way I make this work now is having Visual States where the various bay lengths are drawn separately  (ex. 4' 8' 12' 16') and the array is based on those static lengths. I want to eliminate the need for too many visual states and have a completely adjustable (and arrayable) block. I love my old block and it works fine, but in a few instances, it's really bogging some drawings down with overuse.

[Libbya]

Within a single block, I do not believe you can achieve the functionality of being able to both dynamically alter the arrayed object AND dynamically alter the column offset of the array in a better way than with the visibility states.  You can dynamically alter the column offset using constraints, but in that case you cannot dynamically alter the items being arrayed.

However, one thing you could do is use the actual ARRAY command on the block.  For dynamically editing the arrayed objects it gets a bit more complicated.  You need to select the array, and then choose to edit source objects.  You can then dynamically alter one block and all will adjust accordingly.  See screencast. 

[CGriffin]

Thanks for the idea, I did try that but it just feels clunky.

The original block has some great functionality too... it shows depth of each bay, width of flue and length of bay, AND it also has a field to count the number of bays in a row based on the built in array.

What perplexes me is that ONE particular drawing file is really choking on this block. I did a series of block explosions and after I removed this block, switching between tabs was noticeably quicker. The CAD world I work in is highly standardized and most drawings have no issues with the blocks or setup in use... but this one file struggles.

[jtohill]

Once you have your block set the way you want you can always use the array command to reach you final goal. Your block stretches the distances, width and length in 1" increments with unlimited distances. Does your rack system have all these options? My rack blocks uses a list of the distances instead, since they are known quantities.  This keeps me from measuring to recreate the available sizes.