array block on a path rotation error

[richgorrod]

When I array a block along a path and use the z direction no something happens to the rotation value of the block.

 

see attached.

 

Top array z direction =yes

Bottom array z direction = no

 

any ideas.

 

Thanks alot

bbpost.dwg

[steven-g]

It could be something to do with the array command, but your bottom array is a series of nested blocks I needed to explode it twice to get at the actual blocks, and then they automatically updated with their values.

[Tuns]

Same here. I exploded the block twice and the values updated themselves. I tried to array the blocks after I exploded them and they cannot be arrayed. I wonder why.

[richgorrod]

sorry the old drawing was wrong.

 

See new one.

 

When I explode the bottom array once. the block rotation changes but it is still not right. Strange.??

 

The only difference is I used the z direction no rather than yes.

 

Pulling my hair out here!!

 

Thanks alot

bb post v2.dwg

[Tuns]

What kind of block rotation are you aiming for?

[richgorrod]

just trying to get the rotation attribute to be correct.

[steven-g]

Again the same results, I should say that I am using 2011 which doesn't have the patharray command which may make a difference, the only difference I see with how the z value effects it is that the bottom array aligns the blocks 3 dimensionally with the path, but once again exploding twice gets the attributes to update correctly.

[Tuns]

For some reason while it is arrayed it will not update the values. When I explode the array and then regenerate the drawing it updates the values correctly. Try that maybe? Ok. Now I'm confused. I exploded your array, regenerated the drawing, arrayed it again, and all the values of the array are correct. There is something wrong with your original array.

[richgorrod]

thanks what version are you using when I explode it and regen the values dont update I ma using 12

[steven-g]

I'll have another look at work tomorrow I have 2013 LT there which I think does have arraypath

[Tuns]

This is kinda what I got when I worked with it a little. I deleted all your blocks on the lower line and copied one of the blocks from the line above it. I arrayed that block along the line, exploded it, then regenerated it. It gave me all the correct values. It's something to do with the original block you had there. I don't think you can actually make it work while it is in an array.

 

 

[ATTACH]44744[/ATTACH]

[richgorrod]

thanks alot. I am using 2012 and definately does not update the rotate value.

 

Thanks again

 

Cheers

 

Rich

[Tuns]

Check here later because Steven might know how to make it work while in an array. He's better with blocks than I am.

[richgorrod]

great thanks alot for all your help. the only difference between to the 2 the z direction the one with the z direction yes works fine and z direction doesnt work.

[richgorrod]

Hi,

 

thansk for the attachmenty. Your bottom array has the z direction set to yes. - Works as expected.

 

When z direction set to n is when it doesnt work.

[steven-g]

OK getting somewhere now. When you choose no for the Z direction you are telling the command to array the block to match the selected path, so what is actually happening is that the blocks are inserted as though the UCS is set to align with the path at that point, which is why the rotation is showing as either 90 or 270 degrees, in the first array the blocks are being inserted with the USC fixed, That must be how the command is working internally, so unfortunately I think you have found a limitation in the program, couldn't really call it a bug - it's just how the program works. It does actually allow you to align the 3D blocks in 3D space which I must say is quite impressive, but I think you may have to do without the rotation parameter or find it someother way. possibly a second block that just contains a small line and rotation parameter and array'd with the Z option as yes.

[Dadgad]

While this does not address your question directly,

the following link

 

http://www.lee-mac.com/objectalign.html

 

will take you to a very good and helpful lisp by Lee Mac

Thanks Lee

Should you fail to complete the task with ARRAYPATH,

or even if you do succeed, you will likely appreciate this,

and find it useful another time when alignment becomes problematic.

[richgorrod]

thanks everyone for your help. I guess will just have to array with z direction yes and get the info from that. any other thought greatly appreciated.

[steven-g]

Without knowing what you intend doing with the rotation information and why it is important, it is difficult to give any further options. The blocks would appear to be stage lighting are these to be computer controlled ?

[richgorrod]

Hi Steve,

 

basically you are correct. this is for the winter olypmpic in russia. they are computer controlled lights. we have a lighting desk that accepts the x.y.z and rotation values to create a wysiwyg model drawing what you see is what you get. this is a virtual lighting programme that you connect a lighting desk to and can see the lighting working -changing colour move etc.

ideally i need the 3 rotation values of each block. i would do this manually but there over 2000 lights!!

Lee Mac has said he can do it so I think i am going to get him to do it.

thanks alot for your input.

cheers

 

rich