Circular Reference Issue when using the derive function.

[john.n.johnson]

Attached are two files. I used the insert derive function in the "Vertical Brick Layout so that I could re-use the defined parameters from the Fireplace Layout. When I tried to "insert into current design (Vertical Brick Layout into Fireplace), I get the circular reference error message and it does not allow me to complete the insert. 

Questions:

1) Is using the derived function the correct way to "copy/reuse" parameters across designs? Or is there a better way to achieve this?

2) Is using the derived function the root cause of the error?

Any help in resolving this issue will be greatly appreciated.

[jhackney1972]

The attached video will explain why your derive failed and answer your two Forum questions.

[john.n.johnson]

Hi John, thanks for the response. I believe that I used your approach as per your video. The issue is that I can't insert the vertical brick design into the fireplace design, without getting the circular error. The former design has the "derived from Fireplace as the first icon in the history. Any idea as to how I can resolve the circular error? Or am I missing something?

Many thanks

[TrippyLighting]

I've not watched all of John's screencast, but the right way to do this is to create one Master Parameter file that only contains parameters .

Then you can derive parameters form that file into the design files, e.g. the fireplace and the brick layout file.

Then those files are assembled in another assembly design

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

The Vertical Brick... file already has the derived file Fireplace issue... in it thus the cyclic problem.  If you right click on the icon shown, derived, you can choose to Break Link and then do what you want.  You can not derive the same file into another file twice.

[john.n.johnson]

Thanks Peter. This makes sense (one parameter file that can be shared across designs). What is the process of setting up this "global parameter file"?

Many thanks

[TrippyLighting]

It's just a "regular" design file, but only has user parameters. No sketches or geometry.

[john.n.johnson]

Thanks John, breaking the link worked.

Peter suggested creating a "global" parameter file that can be used in multiple designs. This would simplify the workflow. Do you know the method of how to create a single parameter file that can be shared? 

Many thanks

[jhackney1972]

The process to use a parameter file derived into another model is outline in the last part of my video in message 2 of this form post.

[john.n.johnson]

Thanks much Peter. Makes sense (simple......with no sketch). Where I ran into the circular issue was when I used an existing design with multiple parameters and used the derive function in a new design. Then tried to insert the first design into the new one. 

Much appreciate your and John's input/help with this. All is working well now.