Scott C. Parker

Please post a sample file so that the collective can take a look.

Please post a sample file so that the collective can take a look.

Hoists along truss.mp4

Please post a sample file so that the collective can take a look.

Yes, it should work as before. If you're having trouble, please post a sample file so that the collective can take a look.

Hello @jjost I've played with your file, and with help from @JustinVanHassel, we figured out the issues. Your corner block was close (nice work), but needed a couple of things. As for calculating, check both Second order analysis and Compensate drops. Here's your file. Vectorworks Forum.vwx

Classes for this are particularly challenging, as equipment symbols can contain multiple classes within each. Can you expand on the workflow you envision that would use classes? btw, I don't disagree. Classes would be very helpful.

Please post a sample file so that the collective can take a look.

When I open your file, the truss objects do not seem to have the truss record attached. As such, when I right-click on the truss, I am not able to open the Customize Truss Symbol Data dialog. The symbols report as Invalid Truss Symbols when trying to convert the system into a Hanging Position. In the RM, right-click on the truss symbols and Attach Record to attach the truss record. Your file doesn't contain the record. Bring it in by using the truss tool and insert a truss from the stock library. This will bring in the record. Once attached, you'll need to add the appropriate info matching the truss objects you're working with. After that, you can then add the needed Truss Symbol Data. I was able to get to the Truss Properties dialog via: I opened your truss symbol and copied the truss geometry. I pasted the geometry into the design layer. I then created a new symbol of the truss object Then I used the Convert to Truss command and this is what opened the Truss Properties dialog. It is in this dialog that you need to add the needed info to have Braceworks see them as truss. More on building custom truss. https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2025/eng/VW2025_Guide/Braceworks/Creating_a_custom truss_symbol.htm?rhhlterm=convert converting truss trusses&rhsearch=convert to truss

I posted this a while back with a workaround for using the label legend version of the typical symbol, and my personal preferred workflow for typical symbols. The first half of the video, which covers the workaround and my workflow, is shown approximately halfway through the video.

To stop the lights from snapping to the actual truss, I suggest moving the rigged truss to another layer. Then, use the Spotlight preferences to turn off auto-snapping. Turn off snapping.mp4 Yes, Move by points worked for me. I played a bit and here's what I found. Movebypointverttower.mp4

Play with changing the numbers, ...parts ordered', '1', '1') The first 1 is the cable section. The second 1 is the part. So, ...parts ordered', '1', '2') will show the second part of the first section. ...parts ordered', '2', '1') show the first part of the 2nd section. As for your custom cables, Please post a sample file so that the collective can take a look.

What happened when you ran Braceworks? The answer is, if you used the Insert Connection Tool to build your piles of truss, it should work. If it doesn't, please post a sample file so that the collective can take a look.

RIght click on the power symbol in the RM and choose Edit 3D. Select the power source component (turn on the power parts classes) and use the Connector drop down to choose the connector you wish to use.

@Dylan Hovey Play with these. The one you want is =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '1', '1') Better yet, =SUBSTRING(OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '1', '1'), '-', 2) ='CableObject'.'LengthPartsTotal' ='CableObject'.'CableRun_ID' =OBJECTDATA('CableObject'.'CableRun_ID') =LENGTH('cable break', 'Vertical Drop', 0) =LENGTH('cable section'.'Length') ='CableObject'.'Swag' =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'Name', '0') =LENGTH('cable section', 'Start Slack', '0') =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '0') =LENGTH('cable section', 'End Slack') =OBJECTDATA('cable break', 'name', 0) =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'Name', '1') =LENGTH('cable section', 'Start Slack') =LENGTH('cable section', 'End Slack') =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '1') =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '2') =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '3') =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '4') =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '1', '1') =OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'parts ordered', '1', '2') =CONCAT('CableObject'.'CableRun_ID', ' ', OBJECTDATA('cable section', 'Name', '0')) '=LENGTH('cable section', 'Swag', '1')' =Length('cable section', 'total vertical drop', [<optional section index>])