Lisp Routine for Scaling.

[Gratitude1977]

Hi all,

 

Just wondering if anyone would happen to have a lisp routine or help my out with writing a routine that would scale blocks upon insertion. I have all my blocks being inserted with a macro, I have them at 1:1. I am looking to have the blocks scaled at 1"=10' and so on.

 

I am working in model space and am using Autcad 2005.

 

Any and all help would be huge.

 

Thanks:D

[BlackBox]

This can be done by adding a "\" (or pause for user input) within your existing macro, instead of force inserting @ 1:1.

 

Or you could simply create a separate macro (button) for each scale desired; either way, it's your call.

 

Post your macro code if you need help modifying.

 

Hope this helps!

[BlackBox]

Perhaps this will accomplish what you want, if you choose to go with LISP instead of a macro:

 

(defun c:[color=red]FOO[/color] (/ pt)
 (prompt "\n  >> Specify Insertion Points: ")
 (while (/= nil (setq pt (getpoint)))
   (command "._-insert" "[color=red]YourBlockName[/color]" pt pause "" pause))
 (princ))

 

 

This will pause for both user input for the block's scale, but also the blocks rotation.

[Gratitude1977]

Thanks for the advice Renderman,

 

I am interested in the second Macro (button) that you are talking about. I have noted that the blocks are set at a perfect size for 1/360xp (1"=30") would you be able to help me with the Macro as I am very rusty with macro's as I have been out of the game for a while. This is the macro I have right now for inserting the blocks.....^C^C-la;set;generalplumbingstack;;-insert;plumbingstack . I require this second macro to change the scale as per the drawing scales. example 1"=10' and so on. Any help starting this macro would be great>

 

Thanks

[BlackBox]

Try saving this code to a text file named MyInsert.lsp (be sure to remember where you save this file):

 

(defun c:MyInsert  (/ *error* oldLayer layerName pt)

 ;; Error handler
 (defun *error*  nil
   (if oldLayer
     (setvar 'clayer oldLayer)))

 ;; Main code
 (setq oldLayer (getvar 'clayer))
 (if (not (tblsearch "layer" (setq layerName "generalplumbingstack")))
   (command "._-layer" "_new" layerName ""))
 (setvar 'clayer layerName)
 (prompt "\n  >> Specify Insertion Points: ")
 (while (/= nil (setq pt (getpoint)))
   (command "._-insert" "plumbingstack" pt pause "" 0))
 (setvar 'clayer oldLayer)
 (princ))

 

 

Then, create a new command within the CUI editor (for testing), and add this macro code:

 

^C^C^P(if (not c:MyInsert)(load "[color=red]FilePath[/color]\\MyInsert.lsp"));MyInsert

 

 

Also, you can add this to ACADDOC.lsp, and the user will now have the option of entering the command at the command line:

 

(load "[color=red]FilePath[/color]\\MyInsert.lsp")

 

 

This is a really simple tool, that will allow you to grow and customize as you become more proficient.

 

Hope this helps!

[Gratitude1977]

Thanks again,

 

So how will this routine help with the scale issues I am having? What I mean is how will this work on changing the blocks scale from 1:1 to 1"=10' and so on. Sorry for the repeat questions but I am really having a hard time grasping how to get the blocks scale changed.

 

Thanks again.

[BlackBox]

So how will this routine help with the scale issues I am having? What I mean is how will this work on changing the blocks scale from 1:1 to 1"=10' and so on. Sorry for the repeat questions but I am really having a hard time grasping how to get the blocks scale changed.

 

No worries; have you tried the code?

 

What I provided you does exactly what your original macro does, inserting a specific block on the desired layer, and then some....

 

... Specifically, the 'and then some' means:

• *error* checking is provided, so that if the user were to escape/*error* out before the routine is finished, the layer is changed back.
  
• A layer check is performed, so that if the layer does not exist it will be created
  
• This routine will allow to the user to insert the predefined block multiple times (if desired)
  
• The routine pauses for user input, so that the user enters the desired scale of the block as it is being inserted (instead of re-scaling it after your macro is done, i.e., less work)
  

Please let me know if I have misunderstood your question(s).

[Lee Mac]

Why not use Tool Palettes? All this functionality is already there.

[BlackBox]

Why not use Tool Palettes? All this functionality is already there.

 

Agreed... I was simply trying to provide the OP with a better (more complete?) option then using simple, error prone Macros without giving up their buttons. :shrug:

[Gratitude1977]

Sorry guys,

 

I guess I am making this more confusing than it should be.

 

Here it is again, I have a symbols library. I created those macros to insert them, where I am having issues is how to have the blocks scaled for the appr. scale of the drawing, Ie. drawn building, paperspace scale is 1"=10'. so 1/120xp I need to have a macro or something to that effect that will change the blocks to that scale before I insert them in model space.

 

Hope that clears it up because I am more confused now! lmao!

 

And again thanks. Really appr. the help and time you are taking.

[BlackBox]

You have already been provided two options to accomplish this simple task:

• LISP code for command line, and button entry
  
• Tool Palettes
  

Good luck!

[Lee Mac]

Tool Palettes are definitely the way to go - and they are much simpler to create than the toolbars/buttons. Once created, you can set a specific scale/rotation/layer etc for each symbol in your library and furthermore, there is no macro to mess around with.

 

If you need help creating them, just shout.

 

Here is a good tutorial for 2005 (which I believe you are using).

 

http://www.sketch-plus.com/CAD_Tutorials/AutoCAD_2005-lesson_16-Introduction_to_Tool_Palettes.html

 

FYI: He says you have to 'drag' the blocks from the tool palette into the drawing to insert them - you don't: just click on the block icon and it can be inserted.

 

You can also add blocks using the Design Center, which can sometimes be easier.

[Gratitude1977]

I did not mean to sound greedy. I am sorry about the many questions. The only issue I had was scaling of blocks upon insertion.

 

Thanks for the help. I will use all ideas and options to help me figure this out.

[Lee Mac]

I did not mean to sound greedy. I am sorry about the many questions. The only issue I had was scaling of blocks upon insertion.

 

Don't worry, you didn't (or at least I didn't think so)

 

Thanks for the help. I will use all ideas and options to help me figure this out.

 

You're welcome - if you need any further help, shout

[Gratitude1977]

Update,

 

I ended up creating 4 toolbars with the same blocks on each, the difference is that each toolbar has a different scale for the blocks.

 

That is what I needed and that is how I did it. Took a little longer but it works.

 

Thanks again for the help.

[BlackBox]

I did not mean to sound greedy. I am sorry about the many questions. The only issue I had was scaling of blocks upon insertion.

 

Don't worry, you didn't (or at least I didn't think so)

 

 

Please do not take my silence as agreement; questions are welcome anytime.

 

I am simply very busy with migrating our entire system and active projects over to our new server, whilst remaining productive with project work.

[Lee Mac]

Update,

 

I ended up creating 4 toolbars with the same blocks on each, the difference is that each toolbar has a different scale for the blocks.

 

That is what I needed and that is how I did it. Took a little longer but it works.

 

Thanks again for the help.

 

Just curious - why did you avoid the tool palettes? - just seemed the easiest solution to me.

[BlackBox]

Why not use Tool Palettes? All this functionality is already there.

 

Agreed... I was simply trying to provide the OP with a better (more complete?) option then using simple, error prone Macros without giving up their buttons. :shrug:

 

Update,

 

I ended up creating 4 toolbars with the same blocks on each, the difference is that each toolbar has a different scale for the blocks.

 

That is what I needed and that is how I did it. Took a little longer but it works.

 

Thanks again for the help.

 

I'm always happy to not help. lmfao

[Gratitude1977]

Sorry for not replying before,

 

I am creating this standard in the office and my boss requested it be done this way. I would have much rather used the palette as this would have saved me loads of time and energy. I have it working and again I really appr. all the advice and help. Not in anyway mad or trying to make anyone think i am ungrateful.

 

Thanks again!

[alanjt]

Sorry for not replying before,

 

I am creating this standard in the office and my boss requested it be done this way. I would have much rather used the palette as this would have saved me loads of time and energy. I have it working and again I really appr. all the advice and help. Not in anyway mad or trying to make anyone think i am ungrateful.

 

Thanks again!

Did you try suggesting TP to your boss? Just because they're in charge, doesn't mean they know what's best or can't be persuaded.