fryeguy

I have created a 24x36 drawing template for plan view drawings based on automation information in the default SI5 templates.

I have found a few issues and have comments:

1. When I create a new Plan drawing using my template, the first time it is opened in SI5 the titleblock, which is a CAD block object, is deleted. The command history shows no history of commands causing the deletion. This makes me believe that something is happening programmatically from VB automation or other means. I can use the "insert" command to reinsert the title. Then I have to open "Project Information" from the D-Tools menu and click "Save" to populate the title info.

2. Can D-Tools provide a list of automation fields available for populating blocks? Both Project information and product information. I think PROJECTADDRESS-1, -2, -3 is divided improperly. Most people use addresses this way:

1234 Any Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

For this to be effective, D-Tools would use something like this:

PROJECTADDRESS-1 (1234 Any Street)
PROJECTADDRESS-2 (San Francisco, CA 94123)

The current solution also apparently leaves out the "Address 2" filed if a value is entered.

Is D-Tools strictly using "Attributes" for filling in automation data? The Field object is typically more flexible for this. An example using fields:

[PROJECTADDRESS]
[PROJECTCITY], [PROJECTSTATE] [PROJECTZIP]

This allows advanced placement of data mixed with non-data text entities.

I would invite further discussion on how best to use these tools to allow for maximum flexibility.

NareshN

D-Tools updates only attributes on block references.

D-Tools code looks for and updates these attributes on any block reference with data from the project database: -

ProjectName
ProjectNumber
PROJECTADDRESS-1
PROJECTADDRESS-2 (Project City)
PROJECTADDRESS-3 (Project State and Zip)
FILENAME
TOTALSHEETS - You must have a active sheet set for this
FIRMNAME
COMPANYADDRESS-1
COMPANYADDRESS-2
COMPANYADDRESS-3 - (Company City, State and Zip)

For Product blocks references these attributes are updated based on product data -
1. ComponentID
2. Category
3. Manufacturer
4. Model
5. Type
6. Phase

If your Title Block is getting deleted it means there is some "XData" on the block tagging it as a D-Tools block (you may have copied this from a D-Tools block). D-Tools deletes block references on drawing open if they are tagged as D-Tools block references and the product it is supposed to represent it not part of the project database anymore. If you wish attached the template with the problem here and I can take a quick look.

fryeguy

Here is the file. Thanks for your input. I just checked and it is a really clean file. No extra blocks or other objects.
I have worked with XData in the past on some programming but it certainly wouldn't be part of this template.

What about Fields that reference attributes? Might this have something to do with it?

Victorc

For the problem of the disappearance of your title block here is some step to end with the issue.

1) Delete your Title Block (or D-Tools Title Block) and the Vport from the Paper Space
2) Insert (again) your custom Title Block
3) Draw a new Vport and save you dwg
4) In your SI project create a new dwg file from the template that has your custom Title Block.

__________________
Vic
D-sonic

fryeguy

by simply deleting and recreating the viewport the problem appears to have gone away.

Thanks!