Dynamic Block window stretch

[macdacad]

Hi there

I have just begun trialing dynamic blocks and have created a window in plan view with 3 visibility states.  Im ok with stretching the first single pane window, but having trouble when I split window into 2 or 3 sections. I am using distance multiplier with stretch action but part cant get one line to move correctly. 

Would appreciate some help plz.

I will attach my block if someone could look at it.

If you go to Double pane in visibility states, you will see that one line is not moving correctly in stretch action1, the other middle lines move at 0.5 distance multiplied. Tried seperate actions on same parameter and new parameter chained to first stretch action. Want all to middle section to move with the one grip. Then I want to add grips to slide middle sections back or forward seperately.  I am using AutoCAD LT 2017 so do not have constraints either.

Thanks

Mac

[Anonymous]

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@macdacad wrote:

Yes thats exactly what Im trying to do. The center mullion still seems to stretch fine but distance1 I added loses its linear value, I thought is was a case of trying to keep the arrow point on distance1 connected to center mullion when I change overall width.

Am I trying to do too much? 

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Libbya,

That's for your reference. He asked to keep the arrow at mullion. and i simply told him to include the new parameter in the action. and that is what I did. Easy...

regards,

[Libbya]

Did you read where I specifically asked them if they wanted to be able to stretch the whole window while maintaining the proportions?  Did you also see where they said that was exactly what they wanted?  That phrase "maintaining the proportions" means that if the mullion is at midpoint of the window prior to stretching the total window width, then it stays at the midpoint when the window size is stretched.  If it is at the 3/4 point, it would still be at the 3/4 point with the window stretched to a different total size.  If at 1/4 of the total distance prior to stretching it would still be at 1/4 of the total distance after stretching.  Etc, etc, etc...    Is there something you find confusing about that concept?

Notice that the block I posted both linked the grip to the mullion AND maintains the proportions when the total window size is stretched.   

[macdacad]

Hi everyone

Well there has been a great conversation here while I been away at work today. Sorry my times dont link so well with yours, living way down here in New Zealand.

I am grateful for the effort that has been put in.  Can you both be right.  I would of been happy to just set the overall width of window and then adjust the center mullion to required position. The fact that I can keep the proportions while stretching the overall width is great.  I did answer "thats exactly what i want", without completely understanding what you had asked Libbya.

Thanks to you both for the effort.  Ive learnt a bit anyway.

Kudos to you both

Cheers

Mac

[macdacad]

Hi Libbya

Had a closer look at the updated file you posted.  I see that you use a scale action, but very difficult to understand how it works. All I see is that the value is dependent.  Am I pushing my luck or my skill level to understand how it works.  I havent tried the scale action yet so maybe I should look at some tutorials where it is being used to help me understand.

cheers

mac

[Libbya]

It turns out I over-complicated it after all with an unneeded chained point/stretch...  Attached is another version.  If you look at the Double pane visibility state, you can see that I added the scale action you mentioned to the Window Width parameter.  That scale action scales the Distance1 parameter.  Because it is a scale action rather than a stretch (with 0.5 distance modifier) it maintains the proportion between Window width and Distance1 any time Window width is stretched.  I changed Distance1 to be chained in properties (you can see the little chain icon next to the Distance1 name).   Because Distance1 is chained, any time Window width is adjusted, the proportional change occurs to Distance1 which in turn stretches the mullion the appropriate distance.  To change the proportion between Window width and Distance1, you can move Distance1's grip directly.  

[macdacad]

Hi Libbya

I have taken the dynamic block in to work and opened it on their Pc, only difference is this is Autocad LT 2015, and my home is Autocad LT 2017. At work when i open the file, select block, every line and every grip of all visibility states shows up at the same time.  This problem is not only this block, it is with other dynamic block i created as well.  Is there a setting to stop this.

Thanks

Mac

[Libbya]

I don't know.  I haven't used LT in a decade or so.

[macdacad]

Hi

LT shouldnt be the problem coz i use LT at home.  Why do I have about 20 or so grips show up when i select block.  I also notice center mullion on double pane is showing dimension moving from the center, when it should be showing distance from the left?

Sorry I brought the block in to work to show the boss how much easier it would be to use dynamic block and it not working too well.

Thanks

Mac

[Libbya]

Can you post a couple screen captures of the undesired behavior?

[macdacad]

Hi

Managed to turn off all the grips showing in blocks under OPTIONS.

What do i do to change dimension start point. See attachment

Thanks

[macdacad]

Oh i notice Window width is doing same thing now. Start point for dimension should increase/decrease from '0' at left hand edge.

[macdacad]

I now find it is using different start point for dimension on my other block too, so this could be an option I need to change on this other computer too.

[Libbya]

That's dynamic input.

[macdacad]

Here is example of dims missing when stretching block

cheers

Wayne

[Libbya]

If you are using the block I supplied, I did not add an increment to the chained stretch.