Move multiple objects in different directions with 1 parameter/grip

[ntpitts]

Hello, I am trying to accomplish moving multiple circles with one grip. My goal is that when I move the top right grip, the circles move outward on their diagonal line all at the same time without changing the size of the circles. This currently only works for the top right circle. I have lines attached to each circle now, but the goal is to have just the 4 circles, whether that can be accomplished by hiding the lines or approaching the dynamic block without the lines.

My first thought was to use the linear parameter to one line (top right). I then used a scale action to extend the lines. This worked to extend all the lines with 1 grip and parameter. I then used the move action, chose the parameter point at the end of the top right diagonal line, and chose just the top right circle for the object. That circle moved with the line perfectly. However, when I tried this approach with the other circles, they did not move.

After doing research, I found that a linear parameter and move actions can only move in 1 direction. I’ve accomplished something similar to this in the past, but I don’t remember how I did it. I’ve tried finding tutorial videos related to this, but can’t find anything where objects are moving in different directions with 1 parameter/grip.

Any tips or help would be much appreciated, thanks!

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

No need for the lines or scale actions.  I would mention that if the lines were desired, you would only need 1 scale action and could scale them all with that single action.  The way to move objects in a direction different from the movement of the grip is to add a move action, add the desired object(s) to the new move action's selection set, then select the new move action, go to properties and alter the Angle offset property.  See attached.  

[ntpitts]

Thank you so much! I had no idea there was a angle property that could be used like that. Very helpful. 

If you happen to have any solution or advice for my final goal of this block, that'd be a great help too. My final goal is to be able to have a way for the user to enter the desired distance from center of the block to the middle of the circle, but have the actual distance it is set to be (user entered distance - 48"). So for example, the user types in 96" after selecting the grip. The actual distance from the center of the block to each circles center point is 48" (96-48). If you'd like context as to why I want this, I can provide that too. If you can help solve this problem too, that'd be a massive help.

Thanks again!!

[Libbya]

Open the block in block editor, select the Distance1 parameter, stretch the startpoint (point opposite the grip) so that it is at the center of the circle opposite the circle with the grip, then with Distance1 still selected, go to properties and change the Base location property from Startpoint to Midpoint.  That should do it. 

[ntpitts]

I implemented this solution, but it only works for the specific example I gave. This solution just halves the user input instead of subtracting 48". I think you may have misunderstood my goal. Here are some other user input examples to aid my explaining:

- User enters 144" after selecting grip, actual distance from center of block to each circle would be 96" (144-48=96)

- User enters 72" after selecting grip, actual distance from center of block to each circle would be 24" (72-48=24)


Let me know if you have any advice to achieve this, thanks.

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

Ok, I misunderstood.  Instead of stretching the startpoint of the Distance1 parameter to the center of the circle opposite the one with the grip, just stretch it 48 units that direction and set the Base location back to Startpoint.  

[ntpitts]

Massive help. Thanks so much!