Tim C. Tip - Multine Attribute Dynamic Block Tip - With Look to boot

[timothy_crouse]

This tip covers the following:

-Creating a dynamic block with a multiline attribute that can be moved

-Using a lookup table that has linear move and stretch and visibility dependancies

QUICK TIPS

1.  To create a dynamic block that has an attribute that can be moved it normally could only be of a single line type.  I found a work around to this nuance.  By creating an attribute inside the dynamic block as a single line type then going into it's properties and ensuring it is locked into position and changing it from a single line top a multilne type you will then be able to move the attribute using a linear move parameter.

2.  When working with linear moves that will be of a list type create a csv file in excel in a single row.  Save the file as MS DOS CSV.  Then rename it .txt.  Open it and copy all the coma separated data.  The in the "list" property of teh linear move parameter paste all the data and hit add.  This will create the list in a very quick way.

3.  To use a lookup parameter to control many parameter controls I have found that using linear parameter as a "List" type is very helpful.  This provides predefined increments that work well inside the lookup dialog.

To create a single interface to your dynamic block use a lookup parameter and ADD each linear and visibility parameter as a dependency column inside the lookup table.  Once each of the parameters are in the lookup table you go through row by row and setup your desired predefined configuration then in the far right column apply a lookup name to the predefined configuration.  

This technique will allow you to combined numerous parameters into a single control.  Once you have tested how the lookup table works you can go back and delete the linear operation blue arrow grips.  By doing this the user will only have access to a single interface.

Thoughts / Concerns / Comment?

Best Regards

Tim C. 

[timothy_crouse]

Corrected block - 1RU view had 2U holes appearing

[timothy_crouse]

Corrected two holes that were off by .0014

Also noticed different behavior of multiline attribute movement on a co-workers machine.  On that machine the multiline attribute moved fine even from the begining being defined as  a multiline attribute.

So there is some odd behavior associated with multine attribute movement inside a dynamic block.

[timothy_crouse]

I just realized that I should post the other blocks that work in conjunction with the dynamic rack equipment block.

Here is an open frame rack and an RU marker, they could be refined a bit but they work good the way they are too.