Topic: Water Hatch?

[craigr]

Does anyone have a Water Hatch that you are willing to share?

craigr

[Matt__W]

Maybe over here?? I can't DL zips so....

http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=522168

[craigr]

Thanks for the link.

I followed that link and several others and all of the water hatches appear to be the same file or VERY similar to each other. And, it / they aren't quite what I am looking for.

Attached is a .jpg of what I would like the hatch to look like. I have just been creating each line individually, which of course takes more time.

craigr

[Matt__W]

I don't have anything like that.  Sorry.   

[CAB]

I made this rather hurriedly. Maybe it will work for you.
Scale may need to be 100.

[craigr]

I made this rather hurriedly. Maybe it will work for you.
Scale may need to be 100.

That is EXACTLY what I needed!!

I bow to your Greatness -

Thanks A LOT,
craigr

[CAB]

Glad it worked for you. I've been wanting a pattern like that but too lazy to do it for myself.
Thanks for the motivation.
I may tweak it a bit tomorrow.

[CAB]

This is the one I tweaked.

[craigr]

Hey, I appreciate you going to all of this trouble.

Apparently others have wanted one also, aw I see it has been downloaded several times.

craigr

[CAB]

No trouble.

I'm supprised we didn't see it before now.

[Spike Wilbury]

...
pat... attached

[craigr]

Since you folks were kind enough to help me out with the Water Hatch....

Does anyone have a linetype that looks like the surface of water?

Basically what I am looking for is when drawing a side view of a vessel and using the Water Hatch, I want to be able to draw it half full, (half empty). So, I need the linetype for the upper boundry of the hatch.

craigr

[dustinthiesse]

Apparently others have wanted one also, aw I see it has been downloaded several times.

I never know when or if I will ever need some things.  I just download them anyways so I don't have to go searching for it later.
Searching for stuff on the swamp can be a chore sometimes.

[craigr]

Reserecting an OLD Post (1 year later)

While looking at the old post, I see that I requested a Water Linetype. No one posted an answer to my request.

I am needing one again. Before I go to the trouble of learning how to make one, is it even possible to make one?

Basically, it would just be a bunch of arcs attached to each other by the ends. But, since the arcs are really a text, I'm not sure if making them a linetype is possible.

craigr

[mjfarrell]

why would the arcs be text?  (they do not NEED to be text)

is it a linetype or a hatch pattern?

start with something like this:

*FENCELINE1,Fenceline circle ----0-----0----0-----0----0-----0--
A,.25,-.1,[CIRC1,ltypeshp.shx,x=-.1,s=.1],-.1,1

only you will need to create and add to the ltypeshp.shx file a(n) Arc of the desired parameters, and then call that in your linetype definition


look in help under:

In addition to defining vectors, a specification byte can use special codes to create additional forms and specify certain actions. To use a special code, the second character of the three-character string (the vector length specification) must be 0, or you can specify only the code number. For example, 008 and 8 are both valid specifications.

Codes 0, 1, and 2: End of Shape and Draw Mode Control
Codes 3 and 4: Size Control
Codes 5 and 6: Location Save/Restore
Code 7: Subshape
Codes 8 and 9: X-Y Displacements
Code 00A: Octant Arc
Code 00B: Fractional Arc
Codes 00C and 00D: Bulge-Specified Arcs

[craigr]

I thought to be part of a linetype, the 'object' has to be some form of a text symbol - like a X or such. (?).

craigr

[JCTER]

Nah, you can create a Shape file (.shp) and "compile" it into a .shx file, which can be referenced into a linetype.  You can put any ol' shape you can draw into a linetype.  I saw someone create a linetype that creates a string of christmas lights, once.  Was pretty neat.  Long time ago though, and they were a bit funny looking.

Anyways, yea, I'm a bit lazy today, so here's the help file:

A complex linetype can contain embedded shapes that are saved in shape files. Complex linetypes can denote utilities, boundaries, contours, and so on.

As with simple linetypes, complex lines are dynamically drawn as the user specifies vertices. Shapes and text objects embedded in lines are always displayed completely; they are never trimmed.

The syntax for complex linetypes is similar to that of simple linetypes in that it is a comma-delimited list of pattern descriptors. Complex linetypes can include shape and text objects as pattern descriptors, as well as dash-dot descriptors.

The syntax for shape object descriptors in a linetype description is as follows:

[shapename,shxfilename] or [shapename,shxfilename,transform]
where transform is optional and can be any series of the following (each preceded by a comma):

R=## Relative rotation

A=## Absolute rotation

S=## Scale

X=## X offset

Y=## Y offset

In this syntax, ## is a signed decimal number (1, -17, 0.01, and so on), the rotation is in degrees, and the remaining options are in linetype-scaled drawing units. The preceding transform letters, if they are used, must be followed by an equal sign and a number.

The following linetype definition defines a linetype named CON1LINE that is composed of a repeating pattern of a line segment, a space, and the embedded shape CON1 from the ep.shx file. (Note that the ep.shx file must be in the support path for the following example to work properly.)

*CON1LINE, --- [CON1] --- [CON1] --- [CON1]
A,1.0,-0.25,[CON1,ep.shx],-1.0
Except for the code enclosed in square brackets, everything is consistent with the definition of a simple linetype.

As previously described, a total of six fields can be used to define a shape as part of a linetype. The first two are mandatory and position-dependent; the next four are optional and can be ordered arbitrarily. The following two examples demonstrate various entries in the shape definition field.

[CAP,ep.shx,S=2,R=10,X=0.5]
The code above draws the CAP shape defined in the ep.shx shape file with a scale of two times the unit scale of the linetype, a tangential rotation of 10 degrees in a counterclockwise direction, and an X offset of 0.5 drawing units before shape elaboration takes place.

[DIP8,pd.shx,X=0.5,Y=1,R=0,S=1]
The code above draws the DIP8 shape defined in the pd.shx shape file with an X offset of 0.5 drawing units before shape drawing takes place, and a Y offset of one drawing unit above the linetype, with 0 rotation and a scale equal to the unit scale of the linetype.

The following syntax defines a shape as part of a complex linetype.

[shapename,shapefilename,scale,rotate,xoffset,yoffset]
The definitions of the fields in the syntax follow.

shapename
The name of the shape to be drawn. This field must be included. If it is omitted, linetype definition fails. If shapename does not exist in the specified shape file, continue drawing the linetype but without the embedded shape.

shapefilename
The name of a compiled shape definition file (SHX). If it is omitted, linetype definition fails. If shapefilename is unqualified (that is, no path is specified), search the library path for the file. If shapefilename is fully qualified and not found at that location, remove the prefix and search the library path for the file. If it is not found, continue drawing the linetype but without the embedded shape.

scale
S=value. The scale of the shape is used as a scale factor by which the shape's internally defined scale is multiplied. If the shape's internally defined scale is 0, the S=value alone is used as the scale.

rotate
R=value or A=value. R= signifies relative or tangential rotation with respect to the line's elaboration. A= signifies absolute rotation of the shape with respect to the origin; all shapes have the same rotation regardless of their relative position to the line. The value can be appended with a d for degrees (if omitted, degree is the default), r for radians, or g for grads. If rotation is omitted, 0 relative rotation is used.

xoffset
X=value. The shift of the shape in the X axis of the linetype computed from the end of the linetype definition vertex. If xoffset is omitted or is 0, the shape is elaborated with no offset. Include this field if you want a continuous line with shapes. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S=.

yoffset
Y=value. The shift of the shape in the Y axis of the linetype computed from the end of the linetype definition vertex. If yoffset is omitted or 0, the shape is elaborated with no offset. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S=.

[JCTER]

Do you have Express Tools in LT?

If so, there are commands to vastly simplify the process.

MKSHAPE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Creates a shape definition based on selected objects.

Command: MKSHAPE
Select a ".SHP" file: <drawing.shp>: Enter a shape file name where you would like to save your shape
Reading shape file: drawing.shp...Done.
Enter the name of the shape: Specify the shape name
Enter resolution <124>: Enter a number for the resolution value (see Resolution Values below.)
Insertion base point: Specify a point
Select objects: Select line, polyline, lwpolyline, arc, circle, and/or ellipse objects (for definition purposes, the selected objects are treated as though they are of a continuous linetype)

Determining geometry extents...Done.
Building coord lists...Done.
Formatting coords...Done.
Writing new shape...Done.

Compiling shape/font description file
Compilation successful. Output file C:\Express\drawings\drawing.shx contains 152 bytes.

Use the SHAPE command to place shapes in your drawing.

[JCTER]

MKLTYPE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Creates a linetype based on selected objects.

Command: MKLTYPE
Select a ".LIN" file: <C:\Express\Drawings\acad.lin>: Enter a linetype file name and directory path
Enter linetype name: Specify a linetype name
Linetype description: Specify a linetype description
Starting point for line definition: Specify a starting point
Ending point for line definition: Specify an ending point
Select objects: Select a line, polyline, lwpolyline, point, shape, and/or text object

[craigr]

No, unfortunately not.

I know that the Full version has sooooo many neat tools.

I wish we could afford to get at least ONE copy of Full CAD to allow me to do some of the neat things you Full Version folks do.

craigr

[CAB]

Boy was I slow to respond but I'll post anyway.

Possible, Yes definitely.
The results you want, maybe.
Two ways that come to mind are use a shape file which means including the shape.
Or use a special character which means the font must be included.

My choice would be to use the parentheses character (  which can be rotated 90 degrees
in the line type.

[craigr]

MKLTYPE - Not a valid command in LT.

[JCTER]

Well you can still create shape files, compile them into shx files, and insert them into a linetype definition, you just have to do it the long way.

I like CAB's suggestion about using hte parenthesis rotated... that's probably the best K.I.S.S. method yet. 

For example, it might be :


*WATER,Water Linetype UUUUUUUUUUU
A,.001,["(",STANDARD,S=1,R=90.0,X=0.001,Y=0.001]


I think lines have to start with a dash/dot of some kind, not sure.  You could try adding the above two lines into your .lin file and see what happens.  If it appears upside down, either use the other parenthesis, or change R=90.0 to R=270.0.  One or the other.

[craigr]

I like the 'parentheses' - that is exactly what I am after.

craigr

[craigr]

In the following example, (thanks), I keep getting the error 'There must be from 2 to 12 dash/dot specifications'

*WATER,Water Linetype UUUUUUUUUUU
A,.001,["(",STANDARD,S=1,R=90.0,X=0.001,Y=0.001]

What does this error mean?

- (This stuff is waaaay above me, but I'm trying.)

craigr

[JCTER]

Sorry, I didn't check my work before suggesting it.  Let me try again.


*WATER,Water Linetype UUUUUUUUUUU
A,0,["(",STANDARD,S=1,R=90.0,X=0.001,Y=0.001],-.001

That works for me, but the parenthesis doesn't show up for me.  I'll figure that out and post back.  I haven't messed with linetypes in a long time, I'm sorry.

[Matt__W]

;;; WATER LINE
*WATER LINE,UUUUUUUUUUUUU
A,0.1,[")",STANDARD,S=.1,R=270.0,X=.1,Y=0.03],-.1

I was using SIMPLEX for the STANDARD text style.

Not sure how you'd get rid of the horizontal line though...

[JCTER]

*WATER,Water Linetype UUUUUUUUUUU
A,-0,["(",STANDARD,S=.5,R=90.0,X=-0.188,Y=-.25],-0.75

Make the line into a dot, and it minimizes the impact.  I also scooted the X and Y of the rotated parenthesis to overlap all the repeated dots.  However, the initial starting dot will just have to be "put up with" unless someone can fix that, too.  I can't.

[JCTER]

With my standard text style set to use RomanS, I get this:

Note, you may adjust the scale of the text (S=.5)  by tiny bits, and reload the linetype to get the squiggles to line up perfectly... you can see they barely overlap in my screenshot.  Also, you can see how the "Dots" aren't EXACTLY at the peak of the 'waves'.

I have no dashes defined in the linetype.  AutoCAD automatically adds them in because it has to.  It's dumb.  It has to have a dash or a dot in the line otherwise it doesn't know what it's doing, so it adds them in at the beginning of the linetype, even if you tell it to only use spaces (as I did)

[Matt__W]

With my standard text style set to use RomanS, I get this:

[JCTER]

With my standard text style set to use RomanS, I get this:

I love that .gif    I think it's his facial expression... it just MAKES the image... it really does. 

I'm sure I'll have use for this later... so thanks for the motivation to try it, Craig!  I hope that helps you... here's a legend for what each part of that deal does:

A, (key for 'alignment' which all linetype defitions must start wtih)
-0,  (the '-' specifies "PEN UP" (think of raising or lowering your pen as you draw a line) and the zero is the distance... so it's a zero width space... Not sure if it's necessary, but I think you're supposed to start a line with a dash-or-space, and not a letter.  The acad.lin examples do so, anyways)
["(",  (  The opening [ begins the definition of a text character.  Inside quotes, is the character, ( to be used )
STANDARD, this specifies the TEXT STYLE (not font name) to be used for the text character.
S=.5,  This is a factor to SCALE the text character by. 
R=90.0,  This is the degrees to ROTATE the text character. 
X=-0.188,  This is the offset in the X direction (parallel to the line) to move the characters origin.  In this case I moved it left (I think) 0.188 units.
Y=-.25],  This is the offset for Y, similar to above, but perpendicular to the direction of the line you're drawing... this ends the text character definition and so has a closed bracket ]
-0.75 This is a "PEN UP" (signified by the dash) distance of 0.75 units... just to create a buffer distance between the start of the next repetition of the pattern.  If you increase or decrease this number, it will probably be a nice place to start to space your waves closer or further. 

I never got to the point where I was any good with linetypes... I have to do a -lot- of trial and error, a lot of reloading the linetype, to get to where I'm satisfied.  It's a very archaic system.

[craigr]

Thanks for the code!!

Your example looks great!  I had to change one of your numbers to make it work for me but the bottom of my waves are Squared off instead of rounded like yours.

It looks the same if I just type the ( in SLine Text.

It even squares it off when printed.

Do you have any ideas?

[Matt__W]

Whats your standard text style using for font?  If it's TXT.shx, then thats the problem.  Try switching to something mo' bettah!

[craigr]

First off, this is GREAT!!!

I LOVE learning this stuff!!!

So, another question, is see where you are talking about and it IS using the Txt.shx.

Which one is yours set to?

[Matt__W]

First off, this is GREAT!!!

I LOVE learning this stuff!!!

So, another question, is see where you are talking about and it IS using the Txt.shx.

Which one is yours set to?

I was using SIMPLEX.shx.

[CAB]

Yes, htis worked for me after tweaking the y=  no need for -0

Code: [Select]

A,0,["(",STANDARD,S=.5,R=90.0,X=-0.188,Y=-.12],-0.75

[craigr]

Okay, here is the latest pic.

The linetype will not go to the edges of the container, so I cannot use my 'Water' hatch inside it.

Which number do I mess with?

[Matt__W]

Okay, here is the latest pic.

The linetype will not go to the edges of the container, so I cannot use my 'Water' hatch inside it.

Which number do I mess with?

I don't think you'll ever get it to be 100% exact (at least that's been my experience).  And if you do (and if you D-O-O-O-O-O-O) what will happen if your rectangle changes dimensions?  You might be better off just drawing an arc, making a block of it, and using the MEASURE command instead.  Just thinking out loud.

[craigr]

Argh!!!

We are SOOO close!!!

I'll have to keep pecking away at it - this would be tough to let go.

Thanks for all of your help!! You have helped me learn alot.

craigr

[JCTER]

Okay, here is the latest pic.

The linetype will not go to the edges of the container, so I cannot use my 'Water' hatch inside it.

Which number do I mess with?

I'll be honest with you, that's one thing I've had trouble with as well.  Text linetypes will never be truly awesome, because unless it can complete the next 'repetition' in it's entirety, it just leaves it off and ends it with either a dash, or a space, depending on how you started it ( I think )

I'm sorry, I don't know how much help I can be.

I changed the code to this:

*WATER,Water Linetype UUUUUUUUUUU
A,0,["(",STANDARD,S=.5,R=90.0,X=.27,Y=-.1],-0.75

Which helped eliminate SOME of the offset, but you can never get it to completely fill the length of the line.  If there's not enough room to fit a WHOLE parenthesis, it won't put one at all... it's unfortunate, but one of those quirks :\

Kind of like if you have a CENTER linetype... and the line is too short, it won't show ANY dashes, making it look continuous... same reason, here.

What I've done before is play with the line length and just find the best fit.  Sometimes if you make it a LITTLE longer than the box, in this case, it might "appear" better.  Gotta just find the best case.

Maybe better would be a dynamic block... got those in LT? 

[mjfarrell]

you will be happier using an arc as a compiled shx within your linetype

[craigr]

Okay, NOW I understand why it is leaving it off.

So, it looks like the linetype may not be what I want after all.

I am exploring the 'measure' command that you mentioned. Maybe that will do it for me.

Thanks

[JCTER]

you will be happier using an arc as a compiled shx within your linetype

How would that behave differently than a text character?

[Matt__W]

Okay, here is the latest pic.

The linetype will not go to the edges of the container, so I cannot use my 'Water' hatch inside it.

Which number do I mess with?

Again, thinking out loud...

Let's say you moved the U's so that they fall within the limits of your rectangle (forgetting the fact that the actual ends of the line don't) can you change the line type scale to have the U's shrink/grow to fill the space?  I haven't tried so like I said... just thinking out loud.

[mjfarrell]

you will be happier using an arc as a compiled shx within your linetype

How would that behave differently than a text character?

they finished the segments cleaner

[craigr]

Well, I just played with the 'Array' commad, which I haven't used since R14 many years ago.

Anyway, I did the Array, then used the Scale with Reference to 'shrink' it to my container sides. Then Copyclip w/basepoint then pasteblock. I now have my solid 'line'

I know this is a long pain in the backside way of doing it, but it will have to suffice until I come up with something easier.

Thanks again folks for all of your help. I had fun trying.

craigr