Capture Position Feature in Timeline

[helium6072]

I wonder what exactly does "capture position" do in the timeline. Say I moved a component twice, and captured its position twice so I have 2 capture position features in the timeline. Then I went back to edit the first capture position feature and move the component to a different location. Now does the second capture position feature move the component to the same position as before (so the editing the first feature has no effect), or it moves the component a certain offset based on the first capture?

Long story:

I tried to design and 3D print a metered waist level finder for my Bronica SQ-Ai camera: https://a360.co/36gtKQQ. One of the design goals is to have a magnifying glass which can be stored inside of the finder hood and be taken out and attached to the top of the hood when needed. I modeled the magnifier in its top position and then moved it into its storage position and modeled the storage slot referencing its new position. After that I did a bunch of other stuff and moved other components around. Now I want the magnifier to be further away from the wall when it is stored so I went back to edit the captured position, but that messed up the timeline after it (capture position features after it are messed up). What should I do now?

[Beyondforce · Accepted solution]

Hey @helium6072,

Avoid using the move command unless it's really necessary (temporary move)!

In your situation, I would use 2 magnifiers (2nd copy of the original) - One will be stored inside of the finder hood and the other one will be attached to the top of the hood. This way you won't have to manually move it and create a Capture Position in the Timeline.

After you copy-paste the original component, you will get a FRI move that will not be stored in the Timeline.

Cheers.

[helium6072]

Hi @Beyondforce ,

I typically move components (PCBs, etc.) around and then create the enclosure around them. What is the best way to do that without move / capture position? How should I define the relative distance (position) between different components? And the obvious question: now I've used move and capture position, what is the best way to salvage my design if I wish to edit one of the capture position features (and don't want to rework on the others)?

[Beyondforce]

Well, if we import components into an assembly then we use the Joints to position the components.
If that doesn't work for you, then please make a screencast and describe your workflow.

[helium6072]

Thanks, I think using joints is the way to go.