using 'cal in a tool palette command string

[awatt]

This works as a tool palette command string:

^C^C_mleaderscale^m'cal^mgetvar(dimscale)^m

But when I insert this between two other commands, it doesn't work.

^C^C_servar^m_cmleaderstyle^mVC_Parts^m^C^C_servar^mmleaderscale^m'cal^mgetvar(dimscale)^m^C^C_mleader

The output is as follows: (The last *Cancel* is me hitting the escape key)

Command: _setvar
Enter variable name or [?] <MLEADERSCALE>: mleaderscale

Enter new value for MLEADERSCALE <1.00>: 'cal
>>>> Expression: getvar(dimscale)

Resuming SETVAR command.

Enter new value for MLEADERSCALE <1.00>: *Cancel*

Command:
Command: _mleader
Specify leader arrowhead location or [leader Landing first/Content first/Options] <Options>: 5

Invalid Input.
Specify leader arrowhead location or [leader Landing first/Content first/Options] <Options>: *Cancel*

It looks like something is being passed out of sequence, but I'm out of ideas.

[Paul_Gander · Accepted solution]

You need to add a \ character at the end of the calculation so that AutoCAD uses the result as input for the current command.

Try this:

^C^Cmleaderstyle;VC_Parts;mleaderscale;'cal;getvar(dimscale);\_mleader

[awatt]

It works.

Why?

The page describing special characters lists that one as a pause for user input.

About Special Control Characters

Thank you very much.