Z coordinate drawing issue

[jamathi]

Hi All,

 

I searched the issue I'm having and didn't find any solution.

 

I'm working in ACAD 2012. I am at times, unable to draw simple vericle lines in the z-axis. Drawing pluming riser diagrams in 3D. Steps I am taking,

 

1) Opening the drawing.

2) X referencing a floor plan.

3) Changing the veiw using the cube to SW Isometric

4) Using the LINE command selecting a point, aligning the cursor with what seems like the Z-axis and entering the distance, heitting enter.

 

The line drawn is flat. This line can be seen as flat when rotating views. The only solution I have found is to use the "Reset Autocad Setteings to Default"

 

Observations: Sometimes I am able to draw in 3D just fine, but something will happen in the middle of the drawing proces that will now only allow me to draw flat. Also was never able to draw polylines in 3D is that how it's supposed to be? Used another computer with the smae drawing, at first won't allow me to draw in 3D but after a couple attemts will eventually draw in 3D jsut fine. Tried starting from a blank template, no luck. Tried changing drawing space to 3D modeling and 3D basics, no luck. Also, when working drawings with existing 3D objects, I am able to snap to verticle point as a start point but cannot snap to a point on any other points on the object that at are at a different elevation.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

[ReMark]

Are you using the Dynamic UCS?

[Bartjacks]

is your z lock on?

[jamathi]

I tried toggling between Dynamic UCS on and Off, no dice. I looked into z lock just now, assuming that is the selection in the drafting tab that "Replace Z value with current elevation", no luck. I did notice that once I start the line command and pick the first point, afterwards typed any random letter and hit enter, Autocad prompts: 2D point or option keyword required.

 

Also, Polar tracking is no longer working in the z-axis direction. With Ortho on, the line does not even display going in the z-axis direction.

[ReMark]

Turn Dynamic UCS and try manipulating the UCS manually. What happens?

[Bartjacks]

just covering basis here, your not in LT right? it is indeed a full version of acad?

[jamathi]

Yes full version of version of Autocad, it's so weird that the other is stuck to only x or y axis even in front or side view.

 

ReMark, I tried turning Dynamic UCS on and off, not sure how to manipulate it manually but still no luck.

[jamathi]

While having ortho on, I cannot move objects along the z-axis. While in Front view I can start a line at any elevation but then it is restricted to only that elevation.

[SLW210]

If you use the viewcube, you will have to manually change the UCS to View or object etc.

[bill_borec]

Make sure you are using LINE or 3DPOLY, not POLYLINE...plines are great but only 2d.

[bill_borec]

Do have any solid/surface/face that might be autoselecting (which designates a plane that ACAD thinks you meant to use)? This can be a handy feature, but annoying if you accidentally get into a plane you didn't mean to.

[jamathi]

I just ran a full autocad reset, things are working better. I still cannot move objects in front view with ortho or polar on, how do I match the UCS to the view?

[jamathi]

Do have any solid/surface/face that might be autoselecting (which designates a plane that ACAD thinks you meant to use)? This can be a handy feature, but annoying if you accidentally get into a plane you didn't mean to.

 

I've tried it without any existing objects in the drawing, I've been testing in both my current drawing and in an empty acad template.

[jamathi]

Can someone guide / walk me through this advice by Spacepig:

 

"Spacepig

21st Dec 2005, 09:34 am

Hi firepoiboy

 

I presume you are viewing the model in 3d (3dorbit / dview / ddvpoint). Make sure your osnap is off. Set your ucs to world , then set it to the xz plane (ucs / x / 90). Now try drawing - has it worked?

 

Spacepig"

 

Original thread: http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-5185.html

[ReMark]

Part of that advice is about orienting the UCS manually via the keyboard.

 

Start by typing UCS at the command line then press Enter. Look at the prompts.

[Dadgad]

I just ran a full autocad reset, things are working better. I still cannot move objects in front view with ortho or polar on, how do I match the UCS to the view?

 

If you use the VIEWS toolbar to change your views, it will adjust your UCS as you go, thus enabling you to draw in whichever perspective you choose.

Another way to do the same thing is with the VIEWPORT CONTROL in the upper left hand corner of every viewport.

You could also set your UCSFOLLOW system variable to 1.

Additionally you would probably be comfortable using UCS > VIEW from the options at the commandline.

 

 

The VIEWCUBE is all about looking at things. It WILL NOT, as SLW210 noted have any effect on your UCS.

[jamathi]

Thnaks everyone for your input and Dadgad for summarizing the issue. I believe my constant use of the viewcube was causing my misery.