Author Topic: Flex Duct Creator  (Read 70743 times)

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CAB

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #75 on: March 31, 2010, 02:03:42 PM »
Another test version:
<edit: old code removed>
« Last Edit: April 03, 2010, 08:12:47 PM by CAB »
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dgorsman

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #76 on: March 31, 2010, 05:16:58 PM »
Dude... just... dude   8-)

Any chance of a 3D solid creation based on this?
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alanjt

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #77 on: March 31, 2010, 07:24:26 PM »
Alan this is awesome! I only wish I had a use for it.
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CAB

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #78 on: April 02, 2010, 10:15:31 AM »
Thanks All.

I don't do much 3D but I'm sure it can be done. I just don't have a use for that feature.
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CAB

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #79 on: April 03, 2010, 08:16:40 PM »
Minor update, routine create only one pline where there were two before.
Add the C option to change the Collar length during the command.

Thinking of adding an option to set the collar length for the start of the flex and a separate setting for the end collar length.

<edit: old code removed>
« Last Edit: April 04, 2010, 07:36:15 PM by CAB »
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CAB

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #80 on: April 04, 2010, 07:35:33 PM »
OK added the separate end collar length option.

If you set the Collar option it over rides any End setting. Although during the prompt you may enter S or E and over ride the Both setting.
Collar defaults to zero if not specified.

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Rickochet

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #81 on: April 23, 2010, 07:47:00 AM »
That's quite interesting as a solution to the issue of Flexible ducting, I have to admit to having considered that option when I last looked at flexible ducting solutions.

The solution I eventually settled on (because I'm simple) was the old standby of Shapes and linetype definitions and the results are quite pleasing to the eye and require only one shape for all sizes of duct, and more importantly for me the Ductwork is easily modified as it's just a single line. Using this approach also allows for the output of Flexible duct sizes and lengths with a data extraction and if the end user doesnt want to see the flexible duct they can set it for center linetype (or up the ltscale so it reverts to a single line). plus it's easy to change the size of the duct as it's just a linetype.

One other benefit of a linetype solution is that as you can draw with it active you get to see the duct and make sure it's not drawn with tight bends.

Your function has collars which of course a simple linetype would not although it would be possible to build a collar shape into the linetype if needed. It might be nice if your routine would allow altering of the flexible point density so that it doesnt just scale with increases in duct size (if that makes sense)

Keep up the great work on the routine.





CAB

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #82 on: April 23, 2010, 08:08:47 AM »
Welcome to the Swamp & Thanks.
I'm on the way out of town for a week so I will be silent for a time.

I've played with shapes but did not have the success you had in appearance. (Nice Job)

I could add a reactor to give the assemble some intelligence and do all those things.
Because I do house design and not HVAC I haven't been motivated yet.
A Dialog box may also be in the routines future.  Ah need more computer time. :?
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Rickochet

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #83 on: April 23, 2010, 03:18:36 PM »
ahhh Computer time.. The wife wont allow it I'm sure.

A Dialog would be a good way to enable options and flexibility (no p.. ok pun intended), it might pay to offer the option of a shape based duct or entity based as there would be times when having the lines actually there would be nice and times when just a shape might be preferable.

You are quite welcome to have the shape and definition file to have a play with if you like.


Derek

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #84 on: May 30, 2010, 07:57:06 PM »
That top flex representation in reply 81 looks great. Just been told by the fearless leader that he doesn't like our current one.(The one shown on the bottom of reply 81) Is the former mentioned included in a lisp anywhere here? I think the fearless leader doesn't like how that flex sort of dominates the print on paper when there is a lot of it.

Rickochet

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #85 on: May 30, 2010, 08:09:03 PM »
Hi Derek,

I've included the Shape file and the linetype definition. you can of course vary the intensity of the flexible via colour and being a linetype it's very simple to use and lends itself to splines quite nicely.

You can add more sizes in the linetype file if needed.

Richard.

Derek

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #86 on: May 30, 2010, 08:57:39 PM »
Right. So now I should be able to include this into an existing lisp routine, or through the forums get someone to for me? I also noticed that point to point flex generation lisp. That would be great to play with too. I know nothing about lisps. I felt pretty happy with creating a toolbar shortcut with custom button for my current flex!

I have gotten it to display, but my linetype scale is messing with it somewhere. Looks like the sort of shape I think that we could use so thanks. Just need to work out best way to include it now into our drawings. A lisp would be prefferable.


« Last Edit: May 30, 2010, 09:16:59 PM by Derek »

Rickochet

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #87 on: May 30, 2010, 09:04:24 PM »
The problem will be that Autocad can't find the shx file..
just make sur ethat the folder you have put the shx file in has been put in your support list of folders.

ie.. you may have a lisp folder that is part of your support list just add the shx file in there.
the lin file can be anywhere and not in the same location.

so long as Autocad can find the file it will work.

Richard.

CAB

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #88 on: May 30, 2010, 09:15:38 PM »
Derek,
The zip file Richard provided contain files that should be extracted to your SUPPORT folder.
Then you may load the Flex Duct line type by locating the BS.lin file to load the line types.
Looks they will work better in a Metric file than with Imperial Units.

Oops, Richard beat me to it. 8-)
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Derek

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Re: Flex Duct Creator
« Reply #89 on: May 30, 2010, 09:49:17 PM »
Thanks guys, I got it to display, but my line scale is up the creek somewhere. I can sort that though. Is there a lisp routine out there that shares a similar shape to this one? For me, a lisp is nice.