Dynamic Blocks change names?

[mcoffman]

I've been working on a routine that identifies a block by its name property and adds the appropriate data for the selected block to a schedule. One of the blocks we use has dynamic rotation. Any time the block is in a status of rotation other than the default insertion the .name property is changed to "*U###" rather than the given name. Any ideas on why or workarounds for a static identifier for the blocks? I thought about using the handle but isn't that unique to each reference to the block, not the block in general?

Ideas and suggestions appreciated!

MC

[Opie]

Have you looked at the EffectiveName property?

[mcoffman]

I was unaware of that property. It works like a charm. Thanks!

BTW Do you know why it's not part of the "available" options that appear when you type the "." after the object? How many other gems are out there that aren't part of the built in options? Where might I find info on them?

Thank you,
MC

[Opie]

I do not know that answer. Have you looked at the Developer Help that came with AutoCAD? It contains all the properties, AFAIK, for all the objects.

[mcoffman]

The Dev Help system has been a great asset to me as I'm trained in full VB and not the intricacies of VBA for AutoCAD. Because of that there are many features and properties that I find myself ignorant of and if it weren't for these forums, that list would be even longer. The dilemma that then arises is how can one find something they don't know to be looking for?

MC

[Opie]

The Dev Help system has been a great asset to me as I'm trained in full VB and not the intricacies of VBA for AutoCAD. Because of that there are many features and properties that I find myself ignorant of and if it weren't for these forums, that list would be even longer. The dilemma that then arises is how can one find something they don't know to be looking for?

MC

Seeing that you knew you were looking for a particular object, you could look up the properties for that object. The EffectiveName property is listed there. It is just a lot of trial and error on my part and of course AUGI to find these things out.

Good Luck.

[mcoffman]

You do make a good point. Sometimes I get to thinking inside the box rather than out. I guess I thought the .name property was the end of the road. I'll try to think outside the box next time.

Thanks,
MC

[Ed Jobe]

I was unaware of that property. It works like a charm. Thanks!

BTW Do you know why it's not part of the "available" options that appear when you type the "." after the object? How many other gems are out there that aren't part of the built in options? Where might I find info on them?

Thank you,
MC

Perhaps you dim'ed the object as something other than a AcadBlockReference, e.g. AcadEntity?

[mcoffman]

Not in this case. The object was dim'ed as an AcadBlockReference. I simply didn't see the tree for the forest when I looked at the available properties.

MC

[Ed Jobe]

"I see!", said the blind man.