Mike Rock

That was the ticket! For the next person struggle with this - A master snap point can be created when editing a group, setting the location by adding a 2D and/or 3D locus where priority snapping should occur, when enabled in the Snap to Object tool (see Snapping to an object). In the Object Info palette of the selected locus, select Master Snap Point. If the master snap point is in an obscure location and you want it to always display when the snap box is over the group, select Show Master Snap Point Outside Snap Box.

That is an option, a bit of a pain and looking at the symbol for "Global Truss U-Torm 100" it seems possible to do what I want with a generic solid, the flange at the top allows for snaping to the center of the hole.

I am missing something in my workflow for making symbols. My goal is to have a 3D symbol of a pipe with several holes in. The holes would allow me to snap to the center to help place hardware in other steps. My current process is to make a circle to represent the pipe, and then extrude it to the length I need. To make the holes I make some more circles, extrude them to be deeper than the pipe and subtract the holes from the pipe. I am then able to snape to the midpoint on the permitter of the hole but not the center. I feel like I am missing something basic - any advice?

I figured it was a big ask but wanted to see if it was a limitation of the software or a user error. At least I know it isn't a me thing.

@Scott C. Parker I have not observed this behavior you are describing in the real world on automated truss systems with load cells. Both in situations where the upper hooks are fixed and situations where the upper hooks track to keep the chains plumb. Attached is an excerpt from Entertainment Rigging by Harry Donovan. Maybe a better way to phrase the question would be " does vector works take into account the center of gravity when determining loads" which based on the response is no.

Can braceworks handle load calculations on trusses that are not horizontal in front view? In the example file I have a 40' truss supported by a 1 ton hoist on each end. When I raise one end of the truss I would expect the higher hoist to see more of the load. Looking in VW help and the form I can't seem to find anyone else with this issue. Am I missing something? Tilted Truss Example.vwx

I needed to add a custom bit of truss to my company's library, in order to get the new symbol to play nicely with the rest of them I had to remove the cross section UID from 21 objects in order to make the system work in any configuration. I understand the reasoning for locking the factory symbols to a cross section but this is a major effort work around. Please consider adding a way to streamline the process or provide the resources for 48 hour turn around on VW created objects.

Try using Total Weight (formatted) for the tag

Making a bunch of customish symbols is what I was afraid of. Glad to know I wasn't missing an easy option.

I'm trying to have the corner block and truss maintain specific orientations while snapping together. In the PDF I've called out what is important orientation wise to me, and then how it changes once I snap it together. I get frustrated when I set a specific hang and roll angle to a piece and then it flips to another orientation when it joins another stick of truss. Being able to temporarily turn off the magnet effect while getting things lined up would be helpful. CB Example w and wo magnets.pdf

I might not have made my point clear. I can get the truss placed in the correct orientation, the issue is connection it to the corner block either rotates the truss or CB out of the assigned roll angle. Attached is a file with a truss structure not snapped together with magnets. How would I be able to use magnets to arcuately position the truss without having any pieces rotate? CB Example.vwx

I've been drawing a few goal post style ground support systems and I've been pulling my hair our trying to get the drawing to reflect the correct orientation of the corner blocks and the connected truss. The nuclear option is to have several copies of each style of CB and adjust the magnets something like CB 5 Way - Tubes Vert Blank Side Top, CB 5 Way - Tubes Horz Blank Side Top and so on. but that feels like a lot to accommodate all the orientations of the corner block and how it would connect to the truss on each face. I was hopeful changing allow extra roll angle would let trusses connect with the magnets offset 90 degrees but that does not seem to be the case. Any suggestions to get more flexibility out of corner blocks or a better workflow? CB Woes.vwx

Bringing up this thread for the issue of wanting to put a worksheet in the same folder as a symbol. I am currently building out a workgroup library for my department and would like to include a worksheet with inventory counts several symbol folders deep, where the information will be most relevant, but am unable to mix and match types.

Thanks for the file, so to avoid the cross section mismatch I will need to remove the Cross Section UID for all components of the system?

Bringing back the thread for the same issue in VW 2024. I'm trying to get an XSF 6 way corner block play nicely with some Tomcat 12" truss. I've tried to follow the instructions SCParker posted but was unable to have success. I'd like to be able to set the Cross Section UID tag manually but can't figure out where that info is stored. Truss Cross Section Issue.vwx