Diameter restraint works in Block Editor but not in Model

[mickeforsberg]

Hi,

I'm trying to figure out a way to have a fixed diameter of a circle in a block that I'm using in different scales.

The block is for a smoke detector and the circle is meant to represent it's coverage.

When I select everything and scale it in the block editor the circle diameter doesn't change, however when I then scale it in the model tab the restraint is not working and the circle is scaling with the rest of the content of the block.

I have tried both the blue (?) and yellow (Parametric) dimensional restraint (AutoCAD 2020). Not sure exactly what the difference is.

What am I doing wrong? 

[j.palmeL29YX]

Show us what you have until now.

Maybe not scaling the whole blockreference, but adding a linear parameter and a scale action for all geometry without the circle can solve your problem?

[mickeforsberg]

It's not much but I've attached the block in question. Linear parameter and scale action works. However I would like to be able to scale a bunch of blocks in the same way, but perhaps that's possible still without using the scale command? 

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@mickeforsberg wrote:

...  I would like to be able to scale a bunch of blocks in the same way, 

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???

Can you explain your workflow, what you want to do and to achive. In my mind I see the problem, if you scale "a bunch" of blocks at once, they change their position in an unwanted manner.
Or you want to use the properties window to change the scale factor of selected block references? Then you also could change the value of the linear parameter which is used for the scale action? I'm unsure what you want to do ...

[mickeforsberg]

I know it doesn't sound right to scale a set of blocks with the scale command.

I create drawings for the fire department to use in case of a fire to locate triggered detectors. 
I start out by adding an xref of a building. I then scale the viewport in a scale that fits the building. 1:100 being the largest scale and 1:400 the smallest.

The detector symbols and text need to have a specific size. In this case 2.5 mm. I have a set of symbols in my template drawing adjusted by default for 1:100. If the building fits with scale 1:300, I scale the symbols 3x one time and use these by copy command placing them in the desired location.  So I just scale them once but since there are some 50 different blocks/symbols I wish to scale them all at once. Perhaps this can be done with the linear parameter?

It's not allowed for symbols or text to overlap walls and other details. That's why I'm not using annotative scale, I want more control over the outcome. I haven't found a better way for this yet.

I would like to have a circle around the detectors to get an easy overview of the coverage while placing symbols. I would also like to be able to turn that layer off, but still follow the symbols when moved etc. That's why I figure it has to  be within the block, but of course the area cannot change just because the symbol is larger.

Does this clear things up?

[j.palmeL29YX · Accepted solution]

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@mickeforsberg wrote:

... perhaps that's possible still without using the scale command? 

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Yes, I think so.

If I understand you right, a linear parameter and a scale action should do what you want.

Mark all blocks you want to chance and modify the value of the linear parameter (>>example>>) in the properties window. Provided the parameter has the same name in all blocks. 

An example dwg how that can be done is attached.

If my reply solves your problem, click the "accept as solution" button. This can help others find solutions faster

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@mickeforsberg wrote:

I have tried both the blue (?) and yellow (Parametric) dimensional restraint (AutoCAD 2020). Not sure exactly what the difference is. 

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The yellow one is a parametric dimension, which can be used to change the dimension of the geometry inside the block editor. It is not visible and not editable at the block reference.

The blue one is a parametric constraint. As well it changes the dimension of the geometry. But it has grips, visible at the block reference and can be used to edit the dimensions at each block reference (and its value can be changed in the properties window.)

Please mark "Accept as Solution" if my reply resolves the issue or answers your question, to help others in the community.

[j.palmeL29YX]

Oops - above I forgot to add >>this video<<.

[lena.talkhina]

Hello @mickeforsberg  !

Great to see you here on Dynamic Blocks Forum.

Did you find a solution?
If yes, please click on the "Accept as Solution" button as then also other community users can easily find and benefit from the information.
If not please don't hesitate to give an update here in your topic so all members know what ́s the progression on your question is and what might be helpful to achieve what you ́re looking for. 🙂

[mickeforsberg]

So the Parametric Dimension only works in the block editor? I am too much of a novice in AutoCAD to understand why that is useful.

While your solution is not exactly what I was hoping I could do with the constraints, I will accept it as the easiest way to do what I want. Thank you!