Using Dynamic Blocks in Tables

This topic is task oriented to demonstrate some important benefits of using Dynamic Blocks in AutoCAD Tables. For reference, see the previous Cadtales article DYNAMIC BLOCKS and refer to the AutoCAD help file for TABLES.

Dynamic Blocks are blocks with enhanced features to store, and display on command, specific views, configurations, logical data and alternate designs. A single Dynamic Block can encompass the same dynamic range of parameters normally covered by hundreds of individual design variations. For example, a family of fasteners with variables for head type, tool shape, length, diameter, thread count, etc., can be incorporated into one Dynamic Block.

A Dynamic Block will have one or more parameters or properties assigned. In currently supported AutoCAD releases object properties can be extracted and tabulated in the same way Attributes have been used in current and earlier versions of the program.

Tables are AutoCAD geometric & text objects based on preset and variable parameters. Tables are defined in the Format>Table style command. Most Table parameters are preset in the style, however, Table dimensions, row and column counts are set automatically by the data being imported or manually at the time of insertion. Tables can be created from the Tools>Data Extraction menu, from the Insert>Table menu or from an Excel spreadsheet insertion.

In this task well:

1. Design an electrical communication symbol with (3) variations,
2. Insert the block (in different configurations) into a drawing,
3. Perform a Data Extraction,
4. Designate Dynamic Block properties (parameters) as relevant data, and
5. Create a Table of extracted block "attributes" (for configured visibilities).

Draw the following symbol components:

Use 0.25" for the edge dimension for the triangle and 0.2" for the line length.

Use the intersection of the line and the triangle as the base point.

Save the objects as a Block named "D" or any other convenient name.

Reminder: Placing all symbol elements on Layer 0 will allow the finished block to adopt the properties (color, linetype, etc.) assigned to the layer on which it is inserted.

1. Open the Block Editor and create a new block named "Telecom."

2. Insert the "D" block at (0,0) and explode.
3. On the Block Editor Palette, Parameters tab, click Visibility Parameter.

   　

   

4. Place the Visibility Parameter symbol near the triangle.
5. On the Block Editor title-bar, click the Manage Visibility States button.

6. In the Visibility States dialog box rename the default visibility mode to "DATA." Dont click OK at this point. While we are here well create two additional visibility states we need for this Dynamic Block.

   

7. Click the NEW button and name the new Visibility State VOICE and check "Hide all existing objects in new state." Click OK.

   

8. Repeat step 7 above and create a VOICE-DATA Visibility State. Click OK.

9. In the Visibility States dialog box double-click the VOICE state to make it current (indicated by a check mark). Click OK to exit.

   

   　

10. In the Block Editor note that VOICE is the current mode in the Visibility States window and the symbol elements have been hidden (only the Visibility icon will be visible).

    

11. Insert the "D" block again at (0,0) and explode.

12. Add a solid hatch pattern to the triangle.

13. In the Visibility States window select VOICE-DATA.

14. Insert the "D" block again at (0,0) and explode.

15. Draw a vertical line and solid hatch one side on the triangle.

16. In the Visibility States manager use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to re-order the list with the default state at the top. (The default visibility mode for a Dynamic Block on a Palette can also be set through the tools properties).

17. Close the Block Editor and save changes.

18. Insert the Telecom symbol and test your creation.

At this point you could add other dynamic block parameters and actions to enhance the usefulness of the block. The Alignment Parameter is especially applicable to this type of symbol.

In this example well start with the Data Extraction command and let the format of the data determine the configuration of the table. This means that we will be using the Standard table style with the default settings.

1. In a new AutoCAD drawing draw a convenient line configuration to represent a room or space to place the new Telecom symbols along a "wall."

   

2. Insert several instances of the Telecom block, rotate as necessary, and place at various wall locations. Click any Telecom symbol, then the visibility icon and select either the VOICE-DATA, VOICE or DATA visibility modes.

   

   　

3. Use the Tools>Data Extraction command to start the Data Extraction wizard. Make the following selections:

4. On Page 1 of 8 Select "Create a new data extraction." Name the file and save.

5. On Page 2 of 8 Click "Select objects in the current drawing," click the Show Me button.

6. Select all Telecom symbols in the drawing that will be included in the table. Click Next.

7. On Page 3 of 8 Display Section: un-check all except "Display blocks only." The selection window should show the Telecom object (and any other blocks you included in the previous instruction). Click Next.

   

8. On Page 4 of 8 Category Filters window: un-check all filters except "Dynamic Blocks." The selection window should show Visibility in the Property column. Click Next.

   

9. Page 5 of 8 In this view you can reorder and sort columns, filter results, add formula columns, and create external data links. Click Next.

   

10. Page 6 of 8 Select "Insert data extraction table into drawing." Click Next.

11. Page 7 of 8 Retain the default "Standard" Table selection. Select "Manually setup table," and enter: Telecom Device Count, as the new title. Check the "Use property names as additional column headers" if you want the visibility mode labels to function as column headers in the table. Click Next.

    

12. Page 8 of 8 Final direction, place the table in the drawing or to an external file according to the choice you made on Page 6 of the wizard. Click Next.

13. The Table appears at your cursor, click to place.

14. Check your work. The table should reflect the name and total device count for each active visibility mode for the selected devices in the drawing.
    
     

You can update the extracted data in a table or external file manually.

If the drawings that were used for the data extraction have changed, you can manually update the data. To update a data extraction table, you can use either of two methods.

• Open the drawing that contains the table and use the Data Extraction wizard to edit the DXE file that contains the extraction settings.
• Right-click the data extraction table to access its shortcut menu. Click Data Extraction Update Data Extraction.
• Be sure to use the same wizard settings for this update or your data Table may not reflect the original content and format. If you chose to "Select objects" on Page 2 of the wizard you must repeat the selection process again.

To update the extracted data that was output to an external file, you use the Data Extraction wizard and specify the DXE file that was used for the extraction.

Note: The .dxe file is saved with the file name and location that was specified between Pages 1 and 2 of the wizard when a new data extraction was created.

Check List:

1. Create a symbol lock.
2. Open in the Block Editor and add Dynamic Parameters & Actions.
3. Create a test drawing file, insert symbols.
4. Configure symbols for different views.
5. Create a data extraction.
6. Configure for the information required in a table.
7. Format the table.
8. Place the table in the drawing or export to a file.
9. Update the table to reflect continuing changes.

Do you see a productivity and quality benefit in applying Dynamic Blocks and Tables to your design and drafting environment? Call your Hagerman sales representative 714-579-0295 about AutoCAD training and customization or see http://www.hagerman.com/Contact_Us/Contact.htm for a location near you.

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