Math input

Anonymous · ‎08-15-2017

Hi there,

Struggling to find the correct way to enter a simple expression. This hold true when trying to enter the expression in the command line, the dynamic tooltip, or a properties field.

Simple example:

Select circle (centre point, radius).

Select center point.

In the dynamic tooltip enter 500/2 (you get a circle with an expected radius of 250).

But this only holds true for the division operator. Using any other operator, the box turns red refusing the input, for example.

Simple example:

Select circle (centre point, radius).

Select center point.

In the dynamic tooltip enter 250+50 (box turns red, bad input).

I have been googling and found many references to prefixing with an = sign. But this also only works with the division operator for me.

I also found reference to "make sure the system variable "CALINPUT" is true, but there does not appear to be such a system variable in Autocad LT for Mac.

Kind regards

Gary Simpson

rkmcswain · ‎08-15-2017

I don't have the Mac version here, but have you tried the 'CAL transparent command?

Instead of 250+50
enter 'CAL, then 250+50

R.K. McSwain ● ● ● ● | CADpanacea | on twitter

Anonymous · ‎08-15-2017

'cal can help me in the command line or the tooltip in some cases, like my example drawing a circle. But drawing a line for example, selecting the first point and polar snapping the horizontal, and entering a length. When using cal it messes up the polar snap for the line angle.

Also you can't use cal in a property inspector field.

I'm sure I'm supposed to be able to enter =250+250 anywhere. So I am hoping I just have to change some system variable.

Anonymous · ‎08-15-2017

So I got some info from support.

Not to helpful as quite contradictory, and marked as "forwarded to company" so no means of continuing that support conversation.

Support said expressions are not supported everywhere.

The reason divide works everywhere is that it's a fraction (makes sense).

But they pointed me at this article

http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/acadblog/let-autocad-do-the-math/

which has good info on how to do much of what I wanted, including showing =250+250 in a radius property in the property inspector. As well as autolisp expressions.

The big problem is none of the things in that article work for me.

Mac OS Sierra

Autocad LT 2017 for Mac

Side note: Support marked as forwarded to company? Sounds like "sent into the either" to me. Anyone ever hear from the company again when support does this?

pendean · ‎08-17-2017

>>>...The big problem is none of the things in that article work for me....<<<
Perhaps what you want is no an option in LT (which has no lisp by the way): reading through your replies in the thread I'm not sure how exactly to replicate each step or what your goals are though.

Maybe it's time to post a video and explain your desired result in more detail?

Anonymous · ‎08-17-2017

After a couple of back and forth emails with support. "Try this, it should work".

Turns out it's a Mac version only thing. Autocad and Autocad LT for Mac has no means at all of entering math expressions in fields of the property inspector or any where else. Like the PC versions can.... =number+number

The Mac versions lack the system variable CALCINPUT. Bug or not? I'm not sure. Neither were support.

maxim_k · ‎08-17-2017

Hi,

It is not a bug. It is a feature.
I mean AutoCAD for Mac doesn't have such functionality.

Maxim

Do you find the posts helpful? "LIKE" these posts!
Have your question been answered successfully? Click 'ACCEPT SOLUTION' button.

Maxim Kanaev
Architect
MARSS

MacACAD | Linkedin

Etiquette and Ground Rules of Autodesk Community

pendean · ‎08-18-2017

MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT come up short in features compared to the Windows variants. There are many, this is one.

Only time and future versions in the next year or five or ten will eventually have them show up/catch up.