Creating a parametric array family with different nested family at start and end

[Sahay_R]

The parametric array family that I have created for multiple trash enclosure doors requires one last tweak - which is to add a (slightly) different door at the start and end of the array. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[L.Maas · Accepted solution]

Not familiar with the family you are talking about but....Array will not allow to change objects. So you would have to place a different door at the beginning and end. On those you could place a type parameter to change models and/or a visibility parameter to show/hide them.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

I love doing arrays. Can't explain 'em them worth s**t, though! Hopefully a picture can paint a thousand words that I can't.  

I did the attached Revit file for someone else on this forum a while ago. I think it addresses what you’re trying to achieve, albeit in a different construct. Drill down and examine the “Acme” families in the project. You’ll see how (through the use of another family and parameters to automatically control it sizing), I incorporated an “odd” end piece into the vertical and horizontal arrays.

Hopefully, this is on point and helpful to you. If not: no harm, no foul. 

Cheers!

Side note: “Append to End” is important.

[Sahay_R]

@barthbradley Acme? It won't blow up on me, will it? ROFL

I see where you're going with this - but the end piece that you speak about is the same family. What I am talking about is an array that starts with Family X, then Y-Y-Y (that's the Array), and ends with Family X again. That is, if that's possible.

Finally, I was unable to find the Append To End that you speak so highly of. Or maybe I had too much lunch.....

[barthbradley]

I'm sure it will blow up! I didn't test it all that much, nor do I use it personally. It was just an example for the other person to follow. 

Regarding the end piece: it does't have to be the same family. You can use anything you like to "cap" the ends of the array. 

Regarding "Append to End": it's on the Option bar when you create the array. 

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

@Sahay_R

What @L.Maas said should work perfectly.

- Place family X 

- Place family Y after family X, constrain the distance 

- Array family Y parametrically without Append to End

- Place family X, constrain to the end of the array either by reference plane or formula

[barthbradley]

...exactly the way "Acme" is built; with Append to End unchecked. It's default is checked. 

...Right, @ToanDN? You saw my family originally. I sent it to you. 

[ToanDN]

@barthbradley

I think I did and yes it should work.  Just needs to add the starting family before the Array.

[barthbradley]

This was also addressed in the final iteration of "Acme" (check it out). Family origin vs. array origin. Get it? 

@Sahay_R: Also note that "Acme" Arrays are all line-based. Makes a difference. 

[ToanDN]

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@Sahay_R wrote:

I see where you're going with this - but the end piece that you speak about is the same family. What I am talking about is an array that starts with Family X, then Y-Y-Y (that's the Array), and ends with Family X again. That is, if that's possible.

Finally, I was unable to find the Append To End that you speak so highly of. Or maybe I had too much lunch.....

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Do you want a fixed distance between objects or do you want them distributed equally within the overall length?

[Sahay_R]

@ToanDN - I would like to control the distance O/C between the doors.

[ToanDN]

See if this works.

[Sahay_R]

@ToanDN - As always - perfection!

[barthbradley]

...oh, please. Get a room you two. 

[Sahay_R]

[barthbradley]

Rina: You better put that tongue back in your mouth before @Viveka_CD sees it. She might pull your post.

(Just kidding, Viveka. Rina has a great sense of humor. She’s fun to banter with sometimes. You’re welcome to join in anytime.)

Cheers! 

[Viveka_CD]

@barthbradley There are few more eyes watching all this not just me, and the admin pulls away posts

 that doesn't fit with our community guidelines.

As for the light banter, we are all in this, aren't we? 

 

Regards,

[barthbradley]

Good one! Love cartoons! I'm hanging onto this one. Thanks for sharing!