Rotate text and object without rotating text

[Anonymous]

So I've referenced the following two (and others) threads but still cna't seem to get my blocks to work properly.

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks/dynamic-blocks-how-to-keep-attributes-horizontal-while-...

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks/rotate-text-and-object-without-rotating-text/m-p/314002...

Here is what I'm looknig for:

A fire alarm strobe block that has various visibility settings depending on the candela rating. I've already got some of the visibility parameters worknig fine.

I would like to be able to have the block snap perpendicular to whatever wall I'm trying to mount it on.

I would like the 'F' in the middle to remain "readable" no mater which direction I rotate th rest of the block.

It appears my text isn't showing up at all, any ideas?

I created a rotation action for the block and then chained a point/move action to it that incldues the text. What am I doing wrong? Block is attached...

[Libbya]

ATTSYNC - any time you make any changes to attribute definitions within a block, you need to run the ATTSYNC command for those changes to take effect in any prior block insertions in the host drawing.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Libbya.. similar to the "BATTMAN" command to sync a block, got it... Any idea about the other items?

[Libbya]

To keep the attribute centered in the box, justify the to middle center and place the grip directly on top of the point/move.  You also have TWO move actions associated with the point, so it moves it 2X as far as desired.  Delete one of them.  That took me a little while to figure out as they were stacked...  

The align parameter will snap the block to a wall, but unfortunately, it rotates the entire block.  Because of this, it would skew your text orientation.

If you want the rotation visible in all states, select the rotate parameter, right-click>object visibility>show for all states.

You'd have to give more details as far as desired behavior if there are any items I did not address.

[Anonymous]

The text is center jusitified and it appears the grip is directly on top of the point (it is on top of the red X). I deleted the other "move",thanks for that as well. ??? Not sure how it is off...

[Libbya]

Yes, it is 'center' justified.  It shouldn't be.  It needs to be 'middle center' justified.  The justification grip in the file you posted is not on the point/move, it is also below the point/move. I don't see any 'red x'.  

[Anonymous]

Oh... duh..that worked, thanks! Still working on the alignment grip portion tho...

[Libbya]

As I mentioned, an alignment grip will not work.  It rotates the whole block.  Because of that it will skew the text rotation.  

[Anonymous]

So basically i can have the rotation grip, or the alignment grip, but not both?

[Libbya]

It is not a matter of rotate vs. alignment.  The alignment will not work under any and all circumstances because it will skew your text regardless off what other parameters are present or absent in the block.  It will not work with any block where you have text that you want to keep vertical.

[Anonymous]

Is there a way to chain the alignment to the rotation tool the same way I chain the text "move" action?

[Libbya]

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@Libbya wrote:

The alignment will not work under any and all circumstances...  with any block where you have text that you want to keep vertical.

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Was that unclear in some way?

[Anonymous]

Hmm I guess not. Try being a little nastier next time 🙂

[Libbya]

My time is not without value.  When I have answered the same question several times already in the same thread and then you ask it again, it gets a little weird, however, my response was not at all 'nasty'.   Due to your last comment I will certainly avoid the impulse to ever help you again in the future.  Good luck.