Parametric Parts with a simple top view

[jgilroy]

I get how to build parametric parts, but I'm having trouble creating the graphics for the top (plan) view. I thought the symbol & annotation plane was used for a simple representation of a more complicated part. Can someone explain?

[buzz]

Your best bet is to use mvparts (multi-view parts) - these will allow you to modify the top view however you like.

http://geniusoft.blogspot.com (http://geniusoft.blogspot.com/)

http://www.geniusoftllc.com (http://www.geniusoftllc.com/)

-Buzz

[buzz]

You could also play around with the Schematic Symbol for the Parametric Part. To do so, check out the help file in AutoCAD...

AutoCAD MEP User's Guide (mk:@MSITStore:C:\Program%20Files\AutoCAD%20MEP%202009\Help\ame.chm::/WS1a9193826455f5ff16e376210d63c80e0c-7f9a.htm) > Customizing Catalog-Based Content (mk:@MSITStore:C:\Program%20Files\AutoCAD%20MEP%202009\Help\ame.chm::/WS1a9193826455f5ff9110c71085341391d-35be.htm) > Working with Parametric Parts (mk:@MSITStore:C:\Program%20Files\AutoCAD%20MEP%202009\Help\ame.chm::/WS1a9193826455f5ff9110c71085341391d-2107.htm) > Creating Parametric Parts Using Content Builder (mk:@MSITStore:C:\Program%20Files\AutoCAD%20MEP%202009\Help\ame.chm::/WS46b90c3cb2c58cad1e9cb75fe2b2aa8fb-7ffb.htm) > Overview of Creating a Parametric Part (mk:@MSITStore:C:\Program%20Files\AutoCAD%20MEP%202009\Help\ame.chm::/WS73099cc142f4875517f0e73109db1799f2-7e42.htm) > Schematic Symbol of a Parametric Part

-Buzz

[bradg]

Hi jgilroy,

I've had moderate success with the symbols for parametric parts. Like Buzz suggests, check out the tutorial first (I think they show you how to add a symbol for an air diffuser).

You're right with the Symbol and Annotation Plane. If I remember correctly, the plane has 3 divisions: one for symbol blocks, one for parametric graphics, and one more that I can't remember what it's for. The trick is, once you have your 'symbol' on the plane, you need to go to the part's options and check the 'Use Symbol in Plan View' checkbox.

There are a few problems I've found with using the parametric part symbols:
1) The symbol will automatically center itself in the plan view of the part, which can be a blessing for symbols that are symmetric and should be centered, but a curse for asymmetrical symbols.

2) The symbols automatically scale depending on the part size (again, a blessing/curse depending on what you need them to do). I haven't had time to figure out how AMEP scales the symbols.

3) Text can be tricky to display. I didn't have much luck getting text to display like I wanted when I tried adding "FD" to the symbol of a fire damper.

4) The symbol only displays if the part is oriented a 0 degrees. This should be fine for equipment, but was a problem when I tried making a symbol for manual balancing dampers, as some would need to be rotated 180degrees around the duct, and the symbol wouldn't show up for the ones that were rotated.

5) I don't think you're able to use different linetypes/layers in the symbols for parametric parts, unlike I think you can do for block mvparts (according to Buzz at least).


So I guess what it boils down to, is that it all depends on the parametric part you're wanting to create the symbol for.

Good luck!
Brad

[buzz]

Point 5 is true - if you need help with this let me know.

We need a Buy Brad a Beer link!
:beer:

-Buzz

[bradg]

We need a Buy Brad a Beer link!
:beer:

-Buzz

I hear that!...

[stelthorst]

I hear that!...

"You must spread some Reputation before giving it to bradg again"
"You must spread some Reputation before giving it to buzz again"

Are you hearing voices again Brad? ;)