Dimensioning with Ordinates - Mutliple 0,0 points of reference?

[dblclkmatt]

I will receive printed out drawings that are entirely drawn with the use of ordinates, putting the 0,0 point in the corner of the part, and dim everything from that corner. Like this example:

 

 

The problem I'm having is when I recreate the parts digitally and have multiple parts to dimension, I can do one that looks as clean as the ordinate version, but the rest are dimensioned using the baseline tool, and look like this:

 

 

Though it works, it takes a while to make it nice and legible for my print out version. And most the time the parts are more organic and don't have any corners, but this is the best example for my question.

 

I know I can't have multiple 0,0 points in model space, but I was hoping there would be a better way to achieve the clean look of the ordinate points. Or perhaps create a reference point that can be duplicated, moved, and the ordinates will recognize.

 

 

Note: As much as I'd like to use paper space to dimension my parts, I can't.

[rkent]

You can create as many UCS as you want which establishes the 0,0 origin for you, wherever you want it.

 

UCS, Origin, pick a point. Dimension away. Repeat for the next part.

[ReMark]

Why can't you specify a new origin by relocating your UCS to the lower left hand corner of the next part to be dimensioned?

 

rkent beat me to it.

[ReMark]

No, I didn't just copy the rectangle and circle.

I moved my origin. Note the location of the UCSicon.

Also note that despite being dimensioned separately both circles have the same ordinate dimensions.

[dblclkmatt]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]45674[/ATTACH]

No, I didn't just copy the rectangle and circle.

I moved my origin. Note the location of the UCSicon.

Also note that despite being dimensioned separately both circles have the same ordinate dimensions.

 

 

 

I... I had no idea that I could move that thing. I thought it was hard coded to its position.

I guess I've been asking the wrong question in my search for this solution, because that had never come up as a possibility.

 

 

Thanks for making that such a simple fix; ReMark, rkent.

[ReMark]

The credit goes to rkent. I just echoed his statement and provided a visual.

 

It's nice to learn something new each day. It makes that whole getting-out-of-bed thing worthwhile.

 

Glad you got it squared away now.

[dblclkmatt]

The credit goes to rkent. I just echoed his statement and provided a visual.

 

It's nice to learn something new each day. It makes that whole getting-out-of-bed thing worthwhile.

 

Glad you got it squared away now.

 

Well, first problem after using this method in my drawing, assuming it's a related.

 

 

I put UCS into my command, and followed the prompts, effectively repositioning it and allowing me to place my ordinates on my part.

I go back to another part that has a similar string of text, and copy it (only it, I checked a dozen times). When I attempt to paste it, instead of the item being right on top of my cursor as it normally is, it is some distance away (off screen if I'm zoomed in close enough).

 

 

What could be happening here?

[rkent]

Use the COPYBASE command instead of ctrl+c.

[ReMark]

In my example I used the regular COPY command and only after doing so did I then relocate my 0,0,0 origin to the bottom left hand corner of the copied rectangle.

 

BTW...when I copy objects that have to be placed accurately I always make my basepoint an intersection that falls on the object I am copying. Using OSnaps is the key.

[dblclkmatt]

BTW...when I copy objects that have to be placed accurately I always make my basepoint an intersection that falls on the object I am copying. Using OSnaps is the key.

 

Use the COPYBASE command instead of ctrl+c.

 

Both good suggestions. I've been trying to figure out a quick key like ctrl+c, instead of typing out COPYBASE.

Is there a way to override the original ctrl+c with the COPYBASE command?

[ReMark]

Why not just add it to your acad.pgp file using CB as the two letter alias for the COPYBASE command?

 

 

The nice part is the letters C and B are just above the space bar and located within easy reach of your left hand. They are only separated by one key (letter V).

 

Today's AutoCAD lesson is brought to you by the letters C and B and the number 1.

[dblclkmatt]

Why not just add it to your acad.pgp file using CB as the two letter alias for the COPYBASE command?

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]45808[/ATTACH]

 

The nice part is the letters C and B are just above the space bar and located within easy reach of your left hand. They are only separated by one key (letter V).

 

Today's AutoCAD lesson is brought to you by the letters C and B and the number 1.

 

Sorry for the delayed response, holidays and all.

I added it to my autolisp file, seems to work fine there. Works perfect.

I didn't know about the .pgp file, is there a benefit to adding commands here over my lisp file?

[ReMark]

Is there a benefit? Not entirely sure if one method is any better than the other. User's choice.

[dblclkmatt]

Is there a benefit? Not entirely sure if one method is any better than the other. User's choice.

 

I guess I'm always a little gun shy about adjusting anything labeled "program parameters" without knowing fully what I'm doing. They way I understand lisp is it's just like CSS with web pages; it's an accessory to make any adjustments easier to do. If it's broken, it won't break the core system.

[ReMark]

Editing the acad.pgp requires nothing more than an ASCII text editor like Notepad. If you make a wrong entry it will not prevent the rest of the command aliases from functioning.

 

On the other hand, a poorly written lisp routine may not work and in the process may fail to reset system variables that were changed as part of the routine. That would not be good.

[dblclkmatt]

Editing the acad.pgp requires nothing more than an ASCII text editor like Notepad. If you make a wrong entry it will not prevent the rest of the command aliases from functioning.

 

On the other hand, a poorly written lisp routine may not work and in the process may fail to reset system variables that were changed as part of the routine. That would not be good.

 

True, I have experienced when troubleshooting a script, it will break all commands/scripts after it if it itself is broken. No bueno.

 

Alright, well appreciate the knowledge ReMark.

[nestly]

Just an FYI. Autocad has an internal Command alias editor available via Express Panel or Express menu or ALIASEDIT from the command line. IMO, this is the easiest method of editing the pgp as the user doesn't need to worry about syntax, or whether they're editing the correct pgp, or remembering to REINITialize AutoCAD after making changes.

 

[ReMark]

Re: Re-initialization.

 

After issuing the REINIT command check off the box for PGP File then click the OK button.