How does this awesome dynamic block work?

[mdonovanPPE]

Can someone explain how this dynamic block works? I need to know enough to add some new visibility states which are functionally similar to what you see here, but use different blocks on the ends.

• I dont see how "Distance1" is tied to the length of the rectangular polyline
• I dont see how the location of the two CONDUIT - END blocks are tied to Distance1.
• I basically dont understand how this works at all. 

[Libbya]

There is a stretch action associated with each end of the distance 1 parameter.  When the length of the distance 1 parameter is changed, the end blocks are moved and the polyline hatch boundary is stretched.  The hatch is associative so the hatch fills in the new shape of the stretched boundary.  The visibility state changes between the visible objects and each state contains a different size of end blocks and center hatch.  The block would be simpler if the builder had used another linear parameter with stretch actions to change the width and then used a lookup for the specific sizes.  There are quite a few free videos on Youtube that explain dynamic block basics.    

[j.palmeL29YX · Accepted solution]

I would never draw that block this way (I dont see any reason why there are two horizontal rectangles and hatches). But if you want to see how THIS block was built - >>here<< a quick small video. 

Before adding the Distance parameter and the Stretch actions  you can add the other dimensioned rectangles and hatches. At the end add some visibility states to select what you want to see.

[mdonovanPPE]

wow, thanks for the video.  that really helps

[Anonymous]

has anyone made a better conduit block than this? 

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@Anonymous wrote:

has anyone made a better conduit block than this? 

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What dou mean with "better"? Doesn't your block do what you need?