Why isn't my width attribute on my dynamic window block reading correctly?

[johnrmcwatersiii]

I created a dynamic block for a standard clad window, and I have a width attribute that is supposed to state the width of the window based on a line that stretches. However, all I can get it do is read '####'. Everything within the block looks okay, and I've tried UPDATEFIELD and ATTSYNC, but to no avail.

Any help is much appreciated.

[steven-g]

Can you post a dwg that shows the block with this problem. When I insert your block into a drawing it works just fine.

[johnrmcwatersiii]

@steven-g 

Thank you for looking into this.

I've attached a dwg that still shows the width as #### for me.

[cheryl.buck]

Hi @johnrmcwatersiii,

Thank you for the file. It looks like the Field object shows as not valid when I double click the field value, and Unknown in the Field dialog.  Try reselecting the Field object. 

Please let me know if that helps. 

Click the Accept Solution button to mark any posts that provide the answer or solution.

Likes are always welcome.

All the best,

[johnrmcwatersiii]

@cheryl.buck 

The definition is referenced to a line within the block. Could that be the reason it's unable to find anything when you double click it?

[Libbya]

Object fields are less reliable than BlockPlaceholder fields.  Considering you already have the Window Width parameter which appears to be the value you are trying to display, I would recommend eliminating the object field (and the line it references) and using an BlockPlaceholder field referencing Window Width instead.  

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

Edit the attribute name and run an attsync to relink existing block definitions that have lost their link.  See screencast.

[johnrmcwatersiii]

@Libbya 

Thank you for the input. I may try that, but for some of these blocks, the width read out will actually be different from the total width of the block. For instance, if the window as brick moulds on either side. 

edit: I see what you're doing now...you can reference the window width as a parameter.

[Libbya]

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@johnrmcwatersiii wrote:

Thank you for the input. I may try that, but for some of these blocks, the width read out will actually be different from the total width of the block. For instance, if the window as brick moulds on either side. 

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In that case, the concept is the same.  I think you will find that you get more reliable field results if you add an appropriate parameter instead of a line and use that parameter value as a BlockPlaceholder field rather than an object field referencing a line.  Have0 grips for the referenced parameter if you want it invisible.   

[johnrmcwatersiii]

@Libbya 

Thank you for your time and help.

Any idea why referencing objects like lines isn't as stable?

[Libbya]

I do not know why fields lose their link or why object fields are less reliable than blockplaceholder fields.  Renaming the attribute that contains the field and running ATTSYNC to relink fields should work in either case, though.