How to Auto Generate a Drawing Based on Different Standards

[mkhouryZ2SMT]

I have a list of blocks that I have to plug and play to construction standards.  Is it possible to create a tool that propmpts me to choose the blocks I need and it will auto generate a drawing?

[CodeDing]

@mkhouryZ2SMT ,

Based on your simple and vague description, the task you describe does sound possible.

Can you provide a lot more insight as to what you think the end product would look like please? The forums are usually geared toward specific questions about projects, so if you're stuck trying to accomplish something, we can give you some better guidance.

Best,

~DD

[mkhouryZ2SMT]

Yes, I can provide more details.

I'm working on creating utility pole diagrams from given blocks. These blocks are pole frame assemblies (ex. cross-arms, transformers, primary and secondary attachments, downguys, arresters, etc.). These blocks follow engineering and construction standards. I'm currently manually adding and removing blocks (pole frame assemblies) to construct a pole diagram for construction.

An example of a frame assembly block would be a cross-arm and a transformer and a lightening arrester dimensioned accordingly.

For example, I need to create a pole that needs 2 cross-arms for each circuit, transformer, downguy and deadend attachments for neutral and secondary. This all comes in one block and I can just copy and paste it on a pole, and we're done. It gets more complicated and time consuming once you start to deal with more complicated pole frame assemblies where you have both distribution and transmission on one pole

For this reason, I'm looking for a tool that helps me generate a pole diagrams by choosing specific and multiple blocks(pole frame assemblies).

[Sea-Haven]

If you look at a lisp you can enter values that then choose correct block and keep adding more blocks based on questions, things like say a transformer must be 1000 below cross arms. If it is only once in dwg then all done, if  need to be copied can make a nested block of the correct blocks.

Just take what you do now ask question look up answer, repeat as required. The lips would be the steps written down. 

I dont use tool palettes but these can group your blocks, I use old fashioned menu's to select correct item. Then would say place onto a pole based on design criteria.

[CodeDing]

@mkhouryZ2SMT ,

Whew, that does sound a lot of data to try to implement. I've worked on creating some utility pole elevations in the past and I think I ended up with the method it sounds like you're already using by overlaying multiple blocks based on what the pole needs.

But if you want to create a specialized process for you blocks that sounds like it would take a hefty amount of customization. The community probably will not have something already created that suits your needs directly and getting free labor (not implying that's what you're looking for) isn't necessarily difficult on these forums, but it usually doesn't happen on large projects like yours. It does sound do-able though if you put in the proper effort.

Do you have any more questions or things you need cleared up or suggested from the forum?

Sometimes people get bored on here, and it couldn't hurt to post a DWG containing 3 things: The initial conditions you are given... The parameters you are working with (or even a description of the parameters/input)... And finally,  an example of the desired outcome given the parameters you described.

Sometimes somebody takes on the whole project, and sometimes it just sits there lol.

Best,

~DD