tracking

I'm using AutoCAD 2008 and using tracking (tk) to track from the endpoint of a line (say at a distance 20 in the x-direction and 30 in the y-direction from the endpoint). I can track using direct distance entry no problem but I have to point to the right and input 20 and then point up and input 30 or vice versa.

However, in the AutoCAD Manual, it seems to suggest that I can specify a tracking point using relative co-ordinates. Here is the extract from the manual.

_________________________________________________________

Alternatively, tracking can establish a new point by combining the X and Y values of two specified points. You can specify these two points in any order, depending on the cursor direction after the first point. Direct distance entry specifies a distance in the direction of the current location of your cursor. Coordinate filters combine X, Y, and Z values from different points into a single point. Relative coordinate entry locates a point relative to the last point entered.

__________________________________________________________

I can't seem to track using relative co-ordinate entry. Is this possible?

to use relative coordinate, type it with @ dist 1, dist 2.

to use relative coordinate, type it with @ dist 1, dist 2.

Have you tried this? I have, but it doesn't work....

What exactly did you type? @20,30 (no spaces in the input)

Hi Eldon

Yes. Here is the input

Command: l

LINE Specify first point: tk

First tracking point: end

of

Next point (Press ENTER to end tracking): @20,30

Next point (Press ENTER to end tracking):

Specify next point or [undo]:

Specify next point or [undo]:

Command: dist

Specify first point: Specify second point:

Distance = 20.0000, Angle in XY Plane = 0, Angle from XY Plane = 0

Delta X = 20.0000, Delta Y = 0.0000, Delta Z = 0.0000

The point starts @20,0 from the point as opposed to @20,30 from the point as you can see from the distance that I measured.

Never having used Tracking before, or encountered a situation where I could envisage needing it, I have just tried it out, and it sets up Ortho mode, and there appears nothing you can do about it. That is the way it works.

Personally, I would draw a line to the relative coordinates, and erase that line afterwards. Sometimes new features over-complicate simple actions.

Never having used Tracking before, or encountered a situation where I could envisage needing it, I have just tried it out, and it sets up Ortho mode, and there appears nothing you can do about it. That is the way it works.

 

Personally, I would draw a line to the relative coordinates, and erase that line afterwards. Sometimes new features over-complicate simple actions.

Thanks for your help Eldon. I actually use tracking quite a bit and find it a very helpful command. Also, I think it's a bit of a waste of time go back and erase the construction line afterwards especially if you use it quite often. The reason I asked the question in the first place is because the AutoCAD User Guide suggests that it can be done. However, I can't get it to work.

Thanks for your help Eldon. I actually use tracking quite a bit and find it a very helpful command. Also, I think it's a bit of a waste of time go back and erase the construction line afterwards especially if you use it quite often. The reason I asked the question in the first place is because the AutoCAD User Guide suggests that it can be done. However, I can't get it to work.

Eldon

Something you said clicked with me and I solved the problem. You mentioned that tracking seems to set up ortho mode. Yes it does but if you turn off ortho during the command the relative co-ordinate works. Problem solved. Thanks for your help.

A pleasure to help, even if I didn't know I was doing so

I agree with soleary, It is quite useful tool & I also use it a lot.

sorry about the incompletre answer yesturday, as I was having very hectic day & could not log in back to follow up.

I agree with soleary, It is quite useful tool & I also use it a lot.

sorry about the incompletre answer yesturday, as I was having very hectic day & could not log in back to follow up.

No problem. Thanks Dipali.