Data extraction from different visible states of a Dynamic Block

[MRF80]

Hi all,

I’ve managed to create a Dynamic Block with six different Visibility States. Each Visibility State represents the elevation of the different combination of doors & drawers available for a 600mm wide kitchen base unit.

Please see the PDF that I’ve attached. This hopefully helps in explaining what I’m trying to achieve.

Is it possible to add the door/drawer panel sizes that I have shown on the PDF, to the relevant Visible State, which could then be extracted to a data table that will be placed within the drawing (I’m not looking to export to Exel).

I don’t want the door/drawer sizes to be visible on the Block, I just want the sizes and the quantities required to appear in a table (like shown in the PDF).

From what I’ve looked into so far, is it a case of adding Attributes that are invisible to each state? Also, is it possible to add multiple attributes to each visible state?  For example one of the configurations consists of five (5) 140 x 596 drawer panels. Is it a case of adding five separate attributes of “140 x 596”?

I hope this makes sense.  I’m not new to CAD but am new to AutoCAD, so the more detail your able to give me the better (idiots guide 🙂 ) I've also attached the Dynamic block DWG I've created if its of any use to help explain?

I’m using the full version as I understand this operation would not be possible in LT.

Thanks in advance & I look forward to any replies.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

So...  To get what you are looking for isn't in attributes.  At least not the way I figured out how to get it done.

In the file you will see your block on the left with the visibility drop down.  On the right you will see the composite of those blocks within the block.

What I did was create a block for each of those sizes.  From there I input them into your block and aligned them appropriately on the visibility parameter.  Hide what need hiding and show what needs showing. then save and use the block.

Make sure to set up a Table Style at this point.  The Extraction Wizard will use it at the end.  You can make your Style later and apply it then as well.

From there is the tricky part of using the Data Extraction Wizard.  Create your new data extraction. <Next>

Use Drawing/Sheet Set.  Include the Current Drawing. <NEXT>

Display Options.  (Display Blocks Only) (Display Objects Currently in-use only)  Objects - check boxes on the sizes <NEXT>

CATEGORY FILTER- only Select  (MISC),   Properties- only select 1 - Going to hide this column later.  <NEXT>

Right Click the column you selected and HIDE COLUMN, Right Click Count - RENAME, Right Click Name - RENAME

all boxes should be checked.  Sort the columns options if you like.  <NEXT>

Insert Date extraction table into drawing and/or Export the data (you mentioned you weren't looking to do this but you can)  <NEXT>

Use your table style. enter your Title.  <NEXT>

<BACK> to check things over.   <FINISH> to insert your new table.

From there if you insert another block you can go to the Tables section in the Annotate Menu and click download from source (datalinkupdate).  find your data link or all links and your table will update.

Sorry I can't do a fancy video but I hope the text walk through helps.

[MRF80]

Hi Brian.shutts

Thanks for taking the time to help me out.  Your method does seem to do the job. I've tried it out myself and have managed to created the table with the data needed. I think I now need to do some research on the table setups as the table is getting inserted very small, and when I scale it up the text remains small.  Another thing I have a problem with, is updating the table? Is there a method to update the figures in the table, if for example I alter some of the door configurations, rather than create a whole new table can it be updated?  There is an "update table data links" option if you right click on the table, yet it does nothing. I guess I'm not using it right? any ideas?

Thanks again with taking time to help me out!

[Anonymous]

The table links are a dxe file than you need to create and establish using the Data Extraction Wizard. 

Yes setting up the Table Style you will be able to modify the text, column width, row height, ect..