Dynamic Block inside of another Dynamic Block

Dynamic Block inside of another Dynamic Block

Anonymous
Not applicable
10,394 Views
12 Replies
Message 1 of 13

Dynamic Block inside of another Dynamic Block

Anonymous
Not applicable

I have one dynamic block of a 8 foot tall by 4 foot wide wall piece. The block has a visibility selector to choose from various configurations of that wall piece. These wall pieces act as individual parts that connect at the sides to create one long wall structure. I then put that block inside of another dynamic block that uses an array to create as many pieces as i want by just dragging a arrow. The problem is that when multiple pieces of the wall are created, they are all grouped together instead of different wall pieces. I would like the wall pieces to remain separate so that each unit can still use its visibility drop down menu and be changed. Sort of like when you make a regular array and make it not associative. Thank you.

0 Likes
Accepted solutions (1)
10,395 Views
12 Replies
Replies (12)
Message 2 of 13

pendean
Community Legend
Community Legend
>>>...Dynamic Block inside of another Dynamic Block...<<<
Not an option.

Post a DWG file, show your original dynamic block, and 'fake' what you want it to do adjacent, let someone use your DynBlock to propose other options for a similar effect.
0 Likes
Message 3 of 13

Anonymous
Not applicable

Sorry im on a work computer and all of our files are private. I can do my best to explain anything you need. The wall is a 48x4 inch rectangle extruded up 8 feet. I then turn that into a block. I put a visibility state on it. The first visibility state would be a red wall, the second visibility state is the same thing but a blue wall. Very simple. I now have a block with a drop down menu that allows me to change the color of the wall. These walls get connected on the sides to create long runs of different configurations. FOR EXAMPLE,  I can have 4 reds 2 blues and then 3 more red, overall creating a 36 foot wall. I then create a new block and when it comes to selecting objects i select my old block which is a single wall piece. When i get into the block editor i add a linear parameter to the 48in side of the wall. I then add a array action on it. Now i have a block that allows me to drag a arrow and it automatically creates the walls side by side until the required distance is covered. The only problem is that when i mouse over the long wall, every unit is selected, instead of having multiple units. If i explode the wall, then all the separate units are there but the block is destroyed. Do you know any way to make it where when i drag the array arrow it creates non associative objects? If you have any questions please ask. I really need help with this.

0 Likes
Message 4 of 13

Libbya
Mentor
Mentor

You cannot use an array and still allow switching of individual components.  There are a couple ways to simulate an array (limited length) and allow switching like you desire but both methods are limited and complex.

 

If you can't post a block, I can't be bothered to start from scratch with an example.  Even the effort to read your description with my thinking cap on is a lot to ask. 

Message 5 of 13

Anonymous
Not applicable

This example has my wall piece which is the single block, which can be changed colors. The bigger block is the wall piece array which can be pulled in either direction creating more wall pieces. These pieces cannot change colors though. I hope this simple example is enough.

0 Likes
Message 6 of 13

Libbya
Mentor
Mentor

How many blocks is the maximum number you would use in an array?

Message 7 of 13

Anonymous
Not applicable

well they span 4 feet at a time and we never go above 100 feet length. So 25 blocks would be the max.

0 Likes
Message 8 of 13

Anonymous
Not applicable

Any luck?

0 Likes
Message 9 of 13

Libbya
Mentor
Mentor

I haven't had a chance to get to it.  The two methods I mentioned would be either using individual visibility states for all of the options or for using scale actions on the items you do not want visible and using a new visibility state for each additional object.  The first option with visibility states for each combination would not be feasible for 25 objects with 2 states each as the number of visibility states required would be 2^25 = 33554432!!!  The version using scale actions would be feasible, though.  It would require a linear parameter and scale action for each block (one for red, one for blue).  It would also require a lookup for each to switch which object is scaled to normal size and which is scaled to be minuscule.  A visibility state would be needed for each additional block (25 states) and a double lookup would use the main linear parameter as input and switch the visibility state accordingly.  I'll work up an example with 3 or 4 blocks.   

0 Likes
Message 10 of 13

Anonymous
Not applicable

Id appreciate it a lot. Thank you

0 Likes
Message 11 of 13

Libbya
Mentor
Mentor
Accepted solution

As I mentioned before this is quite a complex method but the result is seamless.  Notice this screencast for 3 objects took me 20 minutes.  There is not an easier or faster way that I know of, though, to allow the individual switching.  

0 Likes
Message 12 of 13

Emmsleys
Alumni
Alumni

Following up on your thread, it appears that several folks have tried to help on this issue. Were you able to find a solution? Or a workaround?

 

Did any of the posts in the thread help with your issue?

 

Please post back in the thread if you are still having an issue with AutoCAD or Select Accept as Solution for the post’s that helped.

 

Thanks for your time.



Sarah Emmsley
Technical Support Specialist

0 Likes
Message 13 of 13

RougeJedi
Explorer
Explorer

Can you upload that? 

0 Likes