AutoCAD 2007 - Specify a distance while using Object Tracking

[rsonoda]

hello. just upgraded from '02 to '07. i was able to start a line (for example) a specified distance using osnap and otrack on with the drag of my mouse in the direction i wanted to draw. can't seem to do it now, or find the settings for it in options. acad seems to pick an arbritrary point in space. any ideas? thnx.

[.T.]

Hi,

Try DSETTINGS at the command line and see if what you are looking for is in there.

HTH

[rsonoda]

yeah, i've been there, turning various options on and off; without success.

[.T.]

Hi,

Hmm, sorry. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are trying to do. I'm assuming its not Ortho you are thinking of.

If you just type number, AutoCAD returns a point that is that distance toward the cursor, as you know.

Can you explain a little more?

[rsonoda]

-umm, no its not ortho. i apologize for not clearly explaining myself (just too right brained for my own good)
using my original example, if i wanted to start a line 3" from the corner of an existing object, i'd use osnap to pick the corner, then move my mouse in the direction i wanted to start the line from, only typing in the distance from the corner (3"). now, when i type 3", it picks what seems to be an arbitrary point in space.

[stelthorst]

Are you thinking of TK?

1. Start line command
2. Type TK (for tracking)
3. Snap to point to start tracking
4. Move cursor in direction from start point and enter distance (3" from your example)
5. Hit enter. Line should start 3" from start point in direction you chose.

Hope this helps

[rsonoda]

-yeah, getting warmer.

only before, i didn't need to type in "TK". i believe it was a feature introduced w/ '02. it was supposed to be an alternative to "TK", or using the "FROM" command. also, "TK" remains active until you hit "enter" again. the option i'm looking for is more akin to the "FROM" cmd.

btw, mahalo tim, scott, anyone else for your help!

[Li'l Crys]

-yeah, getting warmer.

only before, i didn't need to type in "TK". i believe it was a feature introduced w/ '02. it was supposed to be an alternative to "TK", or using the "FROM" command. also, "TK" remains active until you hit "enter" again. the option i'm looking for is more akin to the "FROM" cmd.

btw, mahalo tim, scott, anyone else for your help!
I may be misunderstanding, but there should be a toggle button on the bottom task bar for that. Or one of the F keys

[.T.]

Hmm. According to THIS (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=2868509&linkID=2475323), it must have changed, but it is hard to tell when. I guess TK is the closest approximation. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[madcadder]

Mine works:

Polar Tracking:
Polar Tracking On
All Polar angle
Absolute

Dyn:
Pointer On
Dimension On
Show command prompting checked

[rsonoda]

i'm glad for you madcadder...as for myself...still no joy. it was such a simple but so effective tool.

looks like i have to get used to an extra step - typing in "TK" before i start.

once again, mahalo for all your help!

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

Take a look at the following thread, it offers other settings that you may wish to look at...

Increase length of Line by given amount

Have a good one, Mike

[jalenw]

F11 will toggle snap tracking on and off. (or at least it does in 2008 i am pretty sure its the same in 2007)

If not do this:
On your pulldown menus goto:

<Tools
Drafting Settings

A dialog box will appear with 4 tabs at the top. Select the "Object Snap" tab.

Check mark the box at the top right "Object Snap Tracking On (F??)"

[gmastro]

I am running 2007 as well and had the exact same issue. All other trials stated in this thread failed for me as well.

Here is what worked -

Tools>options>drafting tab

Alignment Point Acquisition
check "Automatic" - mine was set to "Shift to Acquire"

This worked.

NOTE: I also have all boxes checked under "AutoTrack Settings" (same tab).

hope this helps

[kelly803934]

So you have your command line floating? I had the same problem as you, but all i had to anchor the command box and it worked.