Arraying for cabinets

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone.

We have created in my office a new dynamic block for some custom cabinets that we will be using.

We would like this dynamic block to array at a certain interval for the amount of cabinets specified with the visibility.

The problem we are getting is when we input the values for the array, the last cabinet in the row never shows up. (See screenshot for the 3 cabinet option)

I am attaching the dynamic block as well.

Any help on how to make this array feature work correctly would be greatly appreciated.

[Libbya]

That's very easy to fix.  

[Anonymous]

Easy fix but I don't understand how that would fix it. Don't understand the logic behind it.

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

With an array, the arrayed objects exist 'in the array' when the parameter first equals the column offset.  When the parameter controlling the array equals 2X the column offset the first NEW object appears.  When the parameter equals 3X, the second NEW object appears, etc....

The parameter that controls the array is drawn at 4'-3 1/2".  The column offset is set at 4'-4 1/2".  Because of this, the actual arrayed objects are not initially part of the array.  It is not until the linear parameter is stretched 1 extra inch.  When you add 4'-4 1/2" to the linear parameter's initial state, you are still in the range of where only the initial objects exist in the array.  With each additional stretch of 4'-4 1/2" you are always that 1" shy of adding the next object.

[Libbya]

You also have a discrepancy with the Array Distance parameter, its increment in properties and the values you give in the lookup table but adjusting the drawn value of the Array Distance parameter was easier than making the other necessary adjustments to the table and parameter properties.  There really is no need to set an increment on the parameter if the only use of the parameter is going to be through values of a lookup table.  It will not help, and can create problems like you saw.

[Anonymous]

So it really doesn't matter where the array dimension is located, whether it is 1" to the left or another 1" to the right. The placement of the array distance parameter is irrelevant. It's really the column offset and parameter distance need to match. 

Am I understanding this correctly?

[Libbya]

Correct, because you do not have any grips on or any stretch actions/windows acting on it, the placement of the array parameter is irrelevant.  It could be anywhere in the block as long as it is the correct distance and facing the correct direction.  

If the block were mine I would make a couple additional changes.  I would remove the increment from the array distance parameter and I would adjust the distances in the lookup table so that they were correct.

[Anonymous]

Would that also fix the 'Custom' tag from the Cabinet Lookup Drop down menu? We were playing around with it and if we have the parameter at 4'-3 1/2" the 'Custom' disappears. We would like it to not show up.

[Libbya]

The custom row appears in the lookup selection set when the base state of the block does not match a row of the lookup table.  If you have Array Distance drawn at 4'-4 1/2", Rough Opening drawn at 4'-2 1/2", and the topmost state listed in the visibility dialog box is 1 CAB, then once the Array Distance values are corrected on the table, the 'custom' row will disappear from the working block.  See attached.

[Anonymous]

Thank you Libbya. You've been extremely helpful! This answered all questions!