Component family for strut channel

[nathan]

I'm new to Revit and am hoping to make a component family for a strut channel that can be:

1. hosted on a wall, ceiling, or floor and be oriented vertically or horizontally (and ideally at an angle set by parameter) on any host
2. the length of the extrusion be set in 2" increments via instance parameters
3. the face of the channel should act as a host face for pipe and conduit

I don't yet have the skillset to build it, just looking for confirmation that it's possible and maybe point to some tutorials on the family editor that could help me get there. 

I work in special hazards fire protection and almost everything we do (discharge piping, electrical conduit) lives on a strut channel, so this component would be quite valuable to our models. 

Thank you!

[ToanDN]

You can create the Unistrut family using Generic Model Line Based family template.

[craigjonnson]

I too work in services and produce content for our industry nationally, so im in a good spot to provide you with some tips. 

I often share Paul Aubin's step-by-step family guide which is a really good introduction for you to get into.

• Revit Family Creation: A Step-by-Step Introduction (Just For Beginners) | Autodesk University
• Understanding revit formulas is another one. This link is gold for any user and will help you with the increments you need. Revit Formulas for "everyday" usage - Revit Forum
• My advice is dont use hosted families for this task. I understand your reasoning, but from my experience you would have an issue placing hosted items onto round services. Instead work toward setting an elevation and copy the support struts where required.

Have a go at it, yes start with the Generic family, set your category, lock everything to reference lines and dont be afraid to edit existing families to see how they work. Everything i have listed will make more sense once you go through the step-by-step guide. if you're still having issues, people will help you out on here.

Good Luck.