polar/ortho with simple math (add, subtract, mutiply, divide)

[krautfed]

I'm coming back to ACAD after using Microstation for a while. In Microstation, Accudraw allows you to copy/move/etc from one base point, to a another (tentative) point with simple math. This is what I'm trying to accomplish (Microstation Accudraw with calculator): http://envisioncad.com/tips/accudraw-with-popup-calculator/

 

For example, setting out rebar or framing on equal distance would be as simple as drawing the first bar, the last bar. Copy first bar from one of it's (tentative) endpoints, to the last bar's endpoint (tenative)... divided (/) by number of spaces.

 

Is there anything like this for ACAD 2012+? The weird thing is I can get divide to work in polar by typing it in manually WITHOUT decimals. Example that works in polar mode: copying object "10/2" will copy it 5. Example that does not work: copying object "10.5/2" will error.

[rkent]

In AutoCAD you will type that as

(/ 10.5 2)

 

Always include at least one decimal, so (/ 13 3) will give rounded result where (/ 13 3.0) will not round.

[BIGAL]

Transparent CAL can be used more a calculator style eg circle 'cal 20.0*3.05 draws circle with radius = 61

 

Search help for CAL functions.

 

Command: C

CIRCLE

Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]:

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 'cal

>>>> Expression: 20.0*3.05

 

Resuming CIRCLE command.

 

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 61

[BIGAL]

A different approach a mix of lisp and CAL this example work out offset then using cal do it 1x 2x 3x etc use the mouse to imply drag direction.

 

Command: (setq of (* 20 3.05))
61.0
Command: COPY
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects:
Current settings:  Copy mode = Multiple
Specify base point or [Displacement/mOde] <Displacement>:
Specify second point or [Array] <use first point as displacement>: !of
61.0
Specify second point or [Array/Exit/Undo] <Exit>: 'cal
>>>> Expression: 2*of
Resuming COPY command.
Specify second point or [Array/Exit/Undo] <Exit>: 122
Specify second point or [Array/Exit/Undo] <Exit>: 'cal
>>>> Expression: 3*of
Resuming COPY command.
Specify second point or [Array/Exit/Undo] <Exit>: 183

[rkent]

...The weird thing is I can get divide to work in polar by typing it in manually WITHOUT decimals. Example that works in polar mode: copying object "10/2" will copy it 5. Example that does not work: copying object "10.5/2" will error.

 

You could also use 105/20 instead.

[Patrick Hughes]

I would just use a dynamic array - you indicate you're on 2008 but in your comment you are using 2012?

[rkent]

I would just use a dynamic array - you indicate you're on 2008 but in your comment you are using 2012?

 

I saw his profile showing 2008, but he inquires about 2012+. Not clear if he has 2012 or higher or just wants to know if there is a way to do it if he had a newer release.

 

Dynamic array is definitely the way to go if he does have the newer release.

[krautfed]

Thanks for the replies guys. I haven't updated my profile since joining.

 

'cal is what I was looking for.

 

What is dynamic array?

[rkent]

...

 

What is dynamic array?

 

It is the array command that keeps the array as one group that can be dynamically edited for spacing, number of columns, rows, etc. Very handy and might be what you are after rather than doing the math. The dynamic array (or associative array) is easily edited when using the Ribbon and also with grips only.