parameter value validation

[Ning Zhou]

just wonder if there're good methods or workarounds for parameter value validation because inappropriate value(either default or user input) may "destroy" that family as user may play around w/ different values.

besides simple validation like value range, how to handle validation whose value is based on conditional statement?

well, i don't know if Revit family API can handle this? but some kind of macro ability within Revit family editor will be great help.

[truevis]

It depends upon how robust you want to make the family.

You can, for example, make a parameter for User Depth and make Depth = if (User Depth < 2, 2, User Depth) for a depth that cannot be less then 2.

[Dimitri Harvalias]

Validating data is one thing as Truevis describes. Unfortunately there is no way Revit can provide feedback about inappropriate input or prompt the user for appropriate input. So even if the parameter value is corrected by the conditional the user really has no way of knowing that the value they entered is not acceptable.

[truevis]

... even if the parameter value is corrected by the conditional the user really has no way of knowing that the value they entered is not acceptable.

I suppose that the overachieving RFA maker could make a big red X of model lines that becomes visible when any parameters are wrong.

[Dimitri Harvalias]

One man's overachiever is another man's 'thorough dude'
Good suggestion.
My concern about incorrect values has more to do with scheduled values rather than parameters controllinig model geometry.

[truevis]

...My concern about incorrect values has more to do with scheduled values rather than parameters controllinig model geometry.

Couldn't we make a calculated value in a schedule equal
☺if good
№ if bad
or something?

Those are Arial font characters.

if (User Depth < 2, №, ☺)

[JoelLondenberg]

I suppose that the overachieving RFA maker could make a big red X of model lines that becomes visible when any parameters are wrong.

We have done something similar for some of the MEP elements. For instance - a single air grille size will have an appropriate range of air flows. For each size we used a parameter that compares the "Flow" to the "Min Flow" and "Max Flow". If "Flow" is outside that given range shows a big no smoking sign (you know the circle with the diagonal slash) in plan view. It's made with invisible lines so they won't print, just feedback for the user.

[Dimitri Harvalias]

Good ideas gents. I'll have to remember that one.