Solved: Rotate with Text

Anonymous · ‎01-02-2018

Ok have a quick one... I've attached a receptacle that I'd like to add text to the block. But what I'd like the text to do is "rotate" with the receptacle but always stay in the correct orientation. You can see it in the example I've attached. I know I can manually move the text and rotate it but is there a way to always keep the text in the same location according to the rotation. Can this be done? Can this be done if I was to make the text and attribute?

Thanks

-Jason

Libbya · ‎01-02-2018

Your block includes an alignment parameter. The alignment parameter will function just like the ROTATE command and will change the block's base rotation property. You cannot add anything to the block that will automatically change the block based on the rotation caused by an alignment parameter.

If you eliminate the alignment parameter and use move and rotate parameters instead, then yes, you can have the text move to specific locations for specific rotation angles or ranges of angles.

Anonymous · ‎01-02-2018

@Libbya wrote:
Your block includes an alignment parameter. The alignment parameter will function just like the ROTATE command and will change the block's base rotation property. You cannot add anything to the block that will automatically change the block based on the rotation caused by an alignment parameter.

If you eliminate the alignment parameter and use move and rotate parameters instead, then yes, you can have the text move to specific locations for specific rotation angles or ranges of angles.

Shoot meant to take the alignment off before adding... Those I will use a simple rotate to rotate the receptacle at it's insertion point. I'm not sure how to keep the text horizontal while I rotate the receptacle and keep it at the location like in the example I sent. I can rotate the receptacle but I have to manually move the text and rotate the text to keep it in line.

Thanks,

-Jason

MMcCall402 · ‎01-02-2018

First remove the text from the selection set for the rotation. Then add a point parameter and move action. Place the parameter at the insertion point of the text and select the text for the move action. Add the point parameter to the rotation action selection set. Set the chain action in the point parameter.

This setup will 'move' the text in a circular rotation without rotating the text. It will also put a grip on the text for fine tuning its placement.

Mark Mccall
CAD Mangler

Hammer Land Engineering

Libbya · ‎01-02-2018

Here is a very long screencast that demonstrates some advanced concepts and allows the block to do what you ask. The multiple attributes are required for the different justifications. The rotate parameter/action rotates the various bits. Chained point moves allow the attributes to maintain their text orientation. The double lookup uses the rotate parameter on the input table to determine the row based on the range values in the table. The output table switches the visibility in order to show the correct attribute for that angle range.

Anonymous · ‎01-04-2018

@Libbya wrote:
Here is a very long screencast that demonstrates some advanced concepts and allows the block to do what you ask. The multiple attributes are required for the different justifications. The rotate parameter/action rotates the various bits. Chained point moves allow the attributes to maintain their text orientation. The double lookup uses the rotate parameter on the input table to determine the row based on the range values in the table. The output table switches the visibility in order to show the correct attribute for that angle range.

Can this screencast be searched for? any particular search phrase to find it? Not sure if you attached the screencast or not.

Thanks for all the help!

-Jason

Anonymous · ‎01-04-2018

@MMcCall402 wrote:
First remove the text from the selection set for the rotation. Then add a point parameter and move action. Place the parameter at the insertion point of the text and select the text for the move action. Add the point parameter to the rotation action selection set. Set the chain action in the point parameter.

This setup will 'move' the text in a circular rotation without rotating the text. It will also put a grip on the text for fine tuning its placement.

I'll give this a go.. thanks!

-Jason

Libbya · ‎01-04-2018

Ha, I guess I missed a step in attaching the screencast. Here it is:

Anonymous · ‎01-04-2018

Awesome thanks... can these screencasts be downloaded so I can archive the ones I've asked locally on my machine??

Libbya · ‎01-04-2018

I don't know of a way that is included in the forum functions. You could, of course, use a screen capture program to create a video for yourself to archive. Honestly, it's not a well-produced video. 😛 My recommendation would be to use it to learn the processes and not worry about archiving it.

Anonymous · ‎01-05-2018

@Libbya wrote:
Ha, I guess I missed a step in attaching the screencast. Here it is:

Ok finally got a chance to sit and go thru the whole thing. Forgot to mention the basepoint is at the end of the stem. I went thru and created it, I think I missed something cause it's not centering at the top or bottom which could be the basepoint issue. And if I double click on the block it's not popping up the attribute dialog. If you can could you check out the dwg I've attached and see what you see. I'm ok with basic dynamics but still leaning this advanced stuff...

Thanks

Libbya · ‎01-05-2018

The main issue is that you created the rotate parameter with an angle of 0 but a base angle of 90. That throws all of the lookup values off by 90°. You should also understand that for the range values, a bracket includes the value next to it in the range. A parenthese does not include the value next to it. If you look at the ranges in your tables you can see that you do not include 315° in any row. You also do not include the values from 215°-225° in any row.

Anonymous · ‎01-05-2018

@Libbya wrote:
The main issue is that you created the rotate parameter with an angle of 0 but a base angle of 90. That throws all of the lookup values off by 90°. You should also understand that for the range values, a bracket includes the value next to it in the range. A parenthese does not include the value next to it. If you look at the ranges in your tables you can see that you do not include 315° in any row. You also do not include the values from 215°-225° in any row.

Man I don't know how you do this stuff.. lol I didn't realize the parameter worked differently with other angles. Thanks a ton for all the help! Glad you're around.

-Jason