Creating Tool Objects

[tlehotsky]

Has anyone tried creating new tool objects?

 

I don't mean adding blocks and simple stuff to the tool pallets but something more complex.

 

We use AutoCAD Architecture (unfortunately not MEP) and I want to create a tool to draw banks of conduits in plan with appropriate sweeps etc...

 

I've seen lots of info on creating new tools by copying others, but what if you want to create from scratch?

 

Also, has anyone come across a resource/site for sharing tool pallet objects?

 

thx

Tim

[CmdrDuh]

I have made custom objects for my palettes, some in VBA some in LISP. Do you have any code started yet?

[tlehotsky]

No its been about 3 years since I've done any sizable VBA work. Most of the libraries I've built also don't work beyond 2002.

 

This is a good opportunity to pick it up again, just wanted to do some research first.

 

I've done a good amount of searching, just surprised how little info i've found on customizing such a good feature.....

[CmdrDuh]

Once you figure out how you want the tool to work, adding it to the palette is easy.

[tlehotsky]

my VBA work has been limited to integrating Acad with excel and manipulating blocks.

 

I'm thinking (assuming) that a tool for a pallet would need to be created differently than a just a VBA routine, but now that I think about it makes sense....

[CmdrDuh]

Try to come up with what yuo want to accomplish, and we can help you get going....

[tlehotsky]

I want to draw conduit banks in plan view.

 

Eventually I'd like to provide a prompt for qty and size.

 

For now I like to have it draw (2) 4" conduits which equate to (2) double lines, each 4" apart and 2" in between the double lines

 

user would use cross hairs to draw, much like drawing polyline.

 

Ideally i would like to have it show either a wire frame or the 4 lines as you pick the points so you can visually see if there are any hits with other objects in plan.

 

any turns in the conduit need to be a 40" radius fillet at the most inside line and offset there out.

 

While in the command you should be able to step back using 'U'

 

a nice feature would be to have it automatically draw in rectangles (pull boxes) in between 100' lengths or after 180 degrees of turns and have them anchor like doors drawn in ACA.

[CmdrDuh]

Well, that is definitely a good place to start. Are you thinking polylines or regular lines? I would think poly as the fillets are a little easier, but maybe not. Maybe draw the centerline, and work out from there. Is there much elevation change or do they stay flat in the plan view?

[tlehotsky]

completely flat

 

I like the idea of drawing centerline with polyline I would just want some visualization of the how far the rack of pipes extend out from each side of the centerline so I don't hit a column or something...

[CmdrDuh]

My first thought would be to draw the pipes in 3d even though you are staying flat. the advantage would be the radius turns. Given your pipe size, your radius would be constant on the centerline, and automatic on either side when the pipe is created. However, that is a lot of work for a flat drawing, that doesn't need to be in 3d. Maybe someone has a better idea of how to automate that part.