How to parametrically rotate text within a generic annotation family?

[james]

I'm at my wits end.  Our office uses a pretty basic north arrow graphic with an "N" for north.  Until now the N was static and would rotate with the rest of the symbol when it was rotated on the sheet to align with true north.  It'd be a lot nicer if the N would rotate separately so it could always be horizontal no matter the rotation of the symbol.

I'm sure there are a dozen ways to skin this cat, but I was imagining simply creating a rotation parameter within the symbol and aligning a nested generic anno family containing the "N"- but ever time I try to flex the family, the alignment between the rotation parameter reference lines and the nested generic anno break. 

What am I doing wrong, or should I be going about this differently?  See attached family.

[Alfredo_Medina · Accepted solution]

1) Delete all the elements marked with "x" in this image:

2) Leave the reference line  marked with a check mark above, but move it to the center of the symbol, make it short, just the distance that is necessary from the center of the symbol to the center of the "N". Then constrain the start point of that line to both the vertical and reference planes. If the angular parameter is deleted, restore it.

3) Move the nested "N" away, and make it be vertical again. Then do Align > to the end point of the reference line > align the horizontal plane of the nested "N" and lock. Then, to the same end point of the reference line > align the vertical plane of the nested "N", and lock.

That's all.

4) Additionally, you need a model line, aligned and locked to the reference line, same length or a bit shorter, so that you see the direction of the North in the project, once the family is loaded.

[james]

sonofabitch! That did the trick; thanks buddy!

[Alfredo_Medina]

You're welcome. Glad to be of help.