Reporting Parameter Host Error

[brocks]

Hi all,

I'm editing an existing family and am trying to output a value in a tag.

The casework component has been modelled a long time ago, it's a typical bench/vanity setup.

I am trying to get the width value to read in a project when I tag it. For example, an 1800mm wide vanity would tag as '1800v'.

So far I have added a reporting parameter and assigned it to an additional dimension.

I have then added my tag parameter and am trying to use a formula for it to read the reporting parameter but I get an error.

"A reporting parameter can be used in a formula only if its dimension references are all to host elements in the family."

From doing some searching, I can't use reference lines for the dimension, so I have changed the dimension to read the modelled items but I get the same result.

I have no idea what the 'host element' is in a casework family. I've even tried using the reference level (in a different axis) with no luck.

Can someone please assist?

I feel like I'm really close and just missing one silly thing.

[barthbradley]

You need a Shared Parameter for that.  

The Parameter in the Family and the Tag must use the exact same Shared Parameter to work. 

[brocks]

'OH Component Mark' is a shared parameter. This is used for tagging various other components.
'Vanity Width Tag' (report) is a family parameter. This was just created by me, does it also need to be shared?

[barthbradley]

Both the Parameter in the Family and the Tag must be the exact same Shared Parameter from the exact same Shared Parameter Text File.  Get it?  So, "OH Component Mark" is used in the Family AND for the Tag Label.   

No Reporting Parameter is needed.  

[brocks]

I'm not sure if we are talking about the same thing.
I can't get the family formula to work, so I haven't can't test out the tag in a project yet.

'OH Component Mark' is text based, so I can't assign it to a dimension.

Shouldn't the highlighted part in the attached image read '1200' to match the reported value?

This is where I am getting an error.

This is all new to me, apologies if it's frustrating.

[brocks]

You keep editing your posts so it's hard to keep up.
How can I do this without reporting?

[barthbradley]

Your question was: "I am trying to get the width value to read in a project when I tag it. For example, an 1800mm wide vanity would tag as '1800v'.

That's the question I'm answering above. 

Regarding  "OH Component Mark" being a Text type makes no difference. If it's Shared then its Text Value can be pulled into a Tag.  But your question was about WIDTH. That's a LENGTH type Parameter typically.  Therefore, you need to create a LENGTH type Shared Parameter.   

Now, regarding that screenshot, the error shown is not related to that "OH Component Mark" Parameter that you have highlighted.  That error is regarding something else.  Like I said though, you don't need a Reporting Parameter to do what you specifically asked about.  

[barthbradley]

FWIW, regarding that error you are showing in your screenshot: it is telling you that the Reporting Parameter-Labeled Dimension is not referencing a Host element. A Host element is like the Wall in a Wall-Based Family or the Floor in a Floor-Based Family. Those host elements that do not carry over to the Project. 

Try this exercise:

1.  In a Door Family, go to Plan View and pull a Dimension between the Interior and Exterior Host Wall Faces (NOT Ref. Planes).

2. Label the Dimension with a "Wall Thickness" Reporting Parameter. 

3. Load the Door Family into the Project and place it on several Walls of different thicknesses.

4. Select each Door and look at its Properties. See "Wall Thickness"? Notice its value is the thickness of the Wall that the Door is hosted to.  

Hope that helps your understanding.