making chain block where rotations follow other links rotations follow

[AutoMarcus]

hi all

I have been given a block of unknown origins i am trying to replicate with different attachements.

the chain block i was given has rotations on each link.

i have tried to replicate this in the 3link block however the rotation grab points dont move with links like they do in the dardy chain block.

its easier to see when using the dynamic blocks

thanks in advance.

Marcus

[h_s_walker]

I think I know what you want. Check the following link

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks-forum/multiple-blocks-linked-to-follow-a-line/m-p/8710...

Particularly look at the block I posted.

You first need to add a rotation parameter to the end of your block. You then add a rotation parameter 1 segment prior and add the end rotation parameter to that as well. then 1 segment prior and add the last two rotation parameters to that and so on and so forth.

[AutoMarcus]

Thanks 

I am trying it now

i am constraining the chain links to be tangiental to each others curves.

but the thing i am not so sure about is the parameters.

so i have the hook end link parameter and its rotation action 

then to i have a rotation parameter for the next link but add the rotation action for the next link and also the hook link from the previous action?

[h_s_walker · Accepted solution]

Yep you need to add the hook rotation parameter to your new rotation parameter 

[j.palmeL29YX · Accepted solution]

I'm not sure if >>this<< is what you're looking for. But I think the upper rotation actions should include the grips of the lower rotation parameters in their selection set.

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

[AutoMarcus]

Thanks Guys

I really appreciate your time and help.

Jurgen your video helped immensely as well

cheers

[AutoMarcus]

anyone know what this means every time i test a dynamic block?

[AutoMarcus]

hi again.

do you use constraints to keep the chain links on tangential surfaces?

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@AutoMarcus wrote:

anyone know what this means every time i test a dynamic block?

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My first thought: Clean your the TEMP folder. But I'm afraid this will not solve your problem.

[h_s_walker]

There is an alignment parameter in the block editor, but in that link I posted the other person posted a block which will actually follow a curve. I suggest you download that drawing and have a look at it

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@AutoMarcus wrote:

do you use constraints to keep the chain links on tangential surfaces?

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Before Howard (@h_s_walker)  will answer here a tip:

Do never mix parametric constraints (GCHorizontal, GCVertical, GCTangent, ...) and parametric dimensions (BCParameter ...) with Dynamic Parameters and Actions in a (dynamic) block definition. Either you define the behavior of the block completely using Dynamic Parameters and actions or completely using the Parametric tools. Otherwise you will often get "unexpected results". (Of course there are always exceptions).

And ... I think @h_s_walker did not use tangential (or other) constraints. But I'm not sure which surfaces ou are talking about.