Array of different nested families

[nicholas.hendrickx]

Hello everybody

I have to work on a project that involves the following problem:

I want to create a family for a lighting fixture, based on a rail
so I have a simple 3d rail, drawn in the family editor

Now on this rail, there can be various elements such as lamps, signs (such as exit signs), security lights, etc.
Therefor, I want to add an (integer) parameter that allows the user to set the amount of segments on this rail. Each segment can hold an element

For example, when you set the parameter to '3 segments', the rail will take a certain length and 3 elements, nicely divided over the length
When you set the parameter to '5 segments', the rail will get longer and 2 more elements are added automatically

I managed to do this using arrays, but the problem I have now is an obvious one:
the 'elements' I use are nested families (a simple baseplate with a series of nested elements such as lamps and signs)
Since it's an array, all the segments have the same element:

Here is a picture that shows my current test family and how it changes all my elements to the same one since it's an array
The main family is a rail, in this family I have a nested family which is a base plate that has yet another nested family inside (beeing a square, circle or a triangle)
http://users.pandora.be/dark-soul/array.gif

It's really hard to explain, but in general, the project I have to make is a rail and when you place it you can choose how many elements it has, and then one by one select the rail segments and pick an element from a list

Can somebody think of a way to do this please?

[twiceroadsfool]

There are a couple of reasons you wont be able to get that to work. But, since you would have to touch each one to select which object it is, you might as well build them as seperate families and place them manually.

That, or use the array with an object that is an all-encompassing symbol, and then schedule these fixtures, and cover which item is which in a schedule.

But its not possible to do what you want to do. The only way to keep the Family Type parameter activated without breaking the Associated Group is to NOT group and associate during the array. THEN youd be able to change them each.

So i take that back, its possible, but very much not worth the hassle. You could basically do the following:

Parameterize the length, and decide the MAXIMUM number of *objects* you would ever have. Lets call it 7. You could then array and NOT associate, the elements 7 times. Give them a Label for Family Type, etc. Then also give all 7 objects a visibility yes/no and call it "7". Do the same for 7, and 6, and 5, and 4, and so on.

Now itll flex, and show the right number, and you can select which object they are. But its TOTALLY not worth it, lol... The family will be clunky and heavy, and annoying.

Its another case of "you, me, and an endless supply of labor can do anything," hehehe...