using command palette

Hi, sorry if this is stupid but am trying to draw a basic shape by typing in the coordinates and using the draw/line function, but when i press enter the line flies off to some other coordinate.

I'm using the 'introduction to autoCAD 2009' Alf Yarwood book and this is the second task in the book.

I believe i have set up my acadiso template correctly as instructed, am I making some schoolboy error here?

Thanks

let's see - how are you typing in the coordinates? Have you actually done a ID on the point where the line ends up to see what coordinates it doesn end up on? Have you Units (under Format) set to millimeters or inches? Are you suppose to use millimeters or inches?

Maybe you're entering relative coordinates instead of absolute coordinates.

Try setting Dynpicoords to 0.

or turn off Dynamic Input (the DYN button on the Status bar).

My first coordinate is: 80,235

this seems okay, then: Specify next point or [undo] : 275,235

I then seem to jump to coordinates -130,340

Have tried turning off the DYN. No mention of units.

Just for laughs. Type each entry thusly:

#80,235 and #275,235 and tell me what happens.

Is the line straight? Does it have an overall length of 195? Does the angle of the line in the XY plane = 0?

typed in with the #, get: Invalid point.

line is straight. Line length could be 195, not sure how to check.

Thanks for help anyway guys.

Invalid point response is because you turned Dynamic Input off. Turn it on and try again.

You can check the line lenght with the command DIST (just type in DIST) and point at each end of the line.

or use LIST and select the line

Okay I turned the Dynamic Input back on and used the # and it worked.

That's awesome thanks guys, but why am I having to type in the # ?

Much appreciated.

leonard: I'm glad to hear that my proposed solution worked for you. Honestly, I have no idea as to why you have to type in the sign but at this point let's just be happy it solved the problem. I don't explain 'em I just offer them (tips) up. LOL

leonard: I'm glad to hear that my proposed solution worked for you. Honestly, I have no idea as to why you have to type in the sign but at this point let's just be happy it solved the problem. I don't explain 'em I just offer them (tips) up. LOL

more accurately, I used to know.

About the time dynamic input was released the default system changed from absolute (no need for # but @ was necessary) to relative (no need for @ but # was necessary). There is a variable that will swap the default back but I don't know what it is. Besides, I use dynamic input all the time.

I don't know why the sky is blue either although I know I've heard the explanation a dozen times or so. I just accept that it is until the day I walk outside and it is red. Then I'll have a few questions. LOL

I started typing "I know" (doesn't happen often but I like my smug points) and the realised I had forgotten. While telling you I'd forgotten, I remembered! Never one to let all that typing go to waste I finished it and posted.

I didn't realise the sky is blue - it just seems to have been a uniform grey for so long......