Dynamic Block editing?

I'm trying to edit a dynamic block

It's a simple drawing of a plan view of a conveyor belt that can be stretched to any length and some predefined widths

There is a tag in the block but it has no bubble around it, so I added one in block editor

I also added a piece of unrelated text on a test layer just to test if I can switch layers on and off within the block

When I open the block it looks fine, however, when I stretch it width or length ways, both the bubble around the tag and my piece of test text disappear

Any ideas?

can you attach the block so we can take a look at it?

I think I have worked out what was going on with the text bubble disappearing, but now I have another question

The dynamic blocks have already been defined. The motor on the conveyor is represented by the large yellow box on the top edge of the plan of the conveyor. We want to show a more accurate size and representation of the motor which is now shown in magenta

The problem I have now is that I can't get the new motor to move in relation to the length of the conveyor. If you stretch the length of the conveyor the pink motor stays where it is relative to the left hand side of the conveyor. I would like it to stay centralised like the older yellow box representation of the motor.

I don't seem to be able to add an attachment, I can't get the file to zip to below 758kb

not sure how else I can get it to you

Look into Chain Actions. You can 'chain' one parameter set to another so that if you manipulate one action it will chain another action/parameter to it. Like if you chain a move to a stretch one object will move when you stretch another. I have not had the need to use it, so I can't offer specifics on how to do it. I have used array and stretch at the same time, but only a couple of times and it was over a year ago. Many of the tools in the dynamic block features are great for architectural and mechanical drafting; however, I am an electrical designer and don't utilize as many of the features. Not that I won't run into the need in the future - just haven't at this time.

Good luck and hope I have pointed you in the right direction. Maybe someone else will come along with stronger skills than mine and give you some more insight.

The new motor representation object is not included in the original stretch parameter. You will probably have to erase and re-do the stretch parameter set, and include the new motor object within the stretch area. The dynamic parameter sets have to be added to a fully complete block. Objects added to the block after the parameters are added, don't get included in the actions.

It is more difficult to explain how to do this than to do it, especially without seeing how the block is constructed. Make a copy of the original block and work with the copy until you have it working, then save the copy as the original definition.

The new motor representation object is not included in the original stretch parameter. You will probably have to erase and re-do the stretch parameter set, and include the new motor object within the stretch area. The dynamic parameter sets have to be added to a fully complete block. Objects added to the block after the parameters are added, don't get included in the actions. I have found that you can add objects to actions by double clicking the action tag - it will then prompt you for the object/objects you want in the action. If you include the object in the stretch action it will move, but only in relation to where it is - it won't be at say the center of the stretched object unless it is tied to it. Not sure how to accomplish that, but know it can be done.

 

It is more difficult to explain how to do this than to do it, especially without seeing how the block is constructed. Make a copy of the original block and work with the copy until you have it working, then save the copy as the original definition.

Maybe if you purge the block/drawing it will make it small enough to upload.

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?44591-Dynamic-blocks-and-chained-actions&highlight=chained+dynamic+blocks

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?26272-Chained-Actions-in-Dynamic-Blocks&highlight=chained+dynamic+blocks

try these two threads - they may lead you in the right direction or to a place with more information. Also at the bottom of every thread there is a section that lists related threads that can sometimes point you in the right direction. I'm sorry I'm not more help at this time.

Thx Ryder, for setting us straight. I can't believe after 3 years of dynamic blocks, I didn't know you could do that. I should have stopped after my first sentence. Mia culpa to the OP for being misleading.

There are a couple of ways to get an object to stay in one spot while the rest of the block is stretched but they are both more complicated than the original block probably is.

One way is to have two stretch parameters in oposite directions starting from a point at the object, but that will require two manipulations.

Another way is to have two stretch parameters full length in oposite directions assigned to the same point on one end of the block. There will be two stretch areas, one near each end of the overall object.

Maybe this last example is the way the conveyor block was set up. There would be two stretch action labels in the block definition. One would not have to include the motor object in either stretch area.

I attached a simple block that stretches in both directions from one action flag. I got it here on the forum a few months ago and forgot who to give credit to.

Stretch In Two Directions.dwg

No problem Dana - no matter how long we use ACAD there is awlays something new to learn. I guess that is why I like it so much - that and the fact there are many different ways to accomplish the same thing.