Dynamic block - issue with Flip and Basepoint

[id_11]

The attached is a simplified version of a weld symbol block with multiple visibilities, using Lookups.

It has a Flip Action, and a Basepoint so I can move the entire block.

The basepoint is causing an unexpected issue: If the block is flipped, then when you change visibilities using the Lookup grips, the change is not reflected. Flip back to the original, and it's all good.

When I remove the basepoint , the issue goes away.

However I need the basepoint to move the entire block. I am aware of Point Parameters to move the entire block but ran into issues with this (relating to Stretching) and the Basepoint resolved this.

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

Here's a diagnosis and repair video.  

[id_11]

Thanks for looking into this.

I tried to follow the instructions but it still doesn't work for me. The changes I picked up were:

(1) A new Point Parameter with Chain Action = Yes.

(2) Added the point paramter to the Flip selection set.

(3) Moved the Basepoint and Point Pamater to the origin (0, 0).

Did I miss something else?

Note that I originally had a Basepoint and/or a Point Parameter at the origin. One of the reasons that I moved it away is because the arrow (or leader) has another point to it which is sometimes required and sometimes not (so you can have 1 line or 2 lines, see atatched image). If not required, the, point on the arrow is moved to the origin. But when doing so, I wasn't able to use the Basepoint to move the whole block, as both were at the origin (0, 0).

[libbybapa · Accepted solution]

You should NEVER place the base point parameter anywhere other than 0,0 within a block.  Instead adjust all other objects so that the desired base point parameter location is 0,0.  This is one prime example of why you should not ever do that.  Understand that you are using point parameter X and Y values as memory.  Having the base point parameter at anywhere other than 0,0 within the block will cause a discrepancy with the memory point parameter values.  Understand that the base point parameter establishes the 0,0 point within the block and all coordinate values within the block are changed when the base point is moved.   

An important step that you ignored was in specifically placing the input point parameters so that their as-drawn position matched the position required for the topmost visibility state.  Their as-drawn positions cannot be chosen whimsically.  The base locations should be as follows;  Weld & Sides X = 2, Weld & Sides Y = 1, Circle & Flag X = 1, Circle & Flag Y = 1.   Having their base position anywhere else will cause issues with the block not working properly initially. 

The other important step that you missed was that the base point parameter needs to be removed from the flip action's selection set.  You should have the base point and all input parameters moved by the chained point/move and then any actions where you want the base point position affected should act on the chained point/move and NOT on the base point directly.  That way the base point and all input point parameters maintain their positions relative to each other and the input point positions remain consistent regardless of where the base point is positioned. 

[id_11]

Great, thank you this works now.

I didn't know about any of the things you mentioned.

With respect to the Point Paramters, I was originally using Linear Parameters but was having issues and replaced them with point parameters. Is it better to do this:

Use Linear Parameters with a length = 1, placed anywhere?

With respect to the video diagnosis above, there was no sound, was there supposed to be sound? I did see the Point Parameters moved to where you mentioned but didn't think it was critical.

Anyway both of the above resolved the issue.

Thanks to both.

[Libbya]

FWIW, both this account (Libbya) and the libbybapa account are mine. 

I prefer using the point parameters for the storage of the values as you can use the X and Y independently with a single parameter added to the block.  As you say, though, the linear parameters do not care where they are placed and are unaffected by the basepoint being placed.  The linear parameters do need to be drawn with the correct initial value which in a way similar to how the point parameters need to be placed correctly.

I don't record sound with any of my videos. 

Glad to hear you got it working.    

[id_11]

OK thanks for clarifying.

[id_11]

Attached is a more detailed version for use if it assists anyone.