Create independent object with symbol insertion

[livespace josha]

Hello!

I'm looking to create something to streamline our workflow...I've seen something done very similar with plug-ins, but curious how to implement it to our needs.

 

Here is the workflow I use:

I have several different symbols used to call out electrical boxes on a building floor plan. I have the same record format attached to each symbol that populates a worksheet. This gets submitted to an electrician and general contractor for installation.

 

What I would like to have happen:

I'd also like to implement a "map" showing how all these boxes connect with each other. 

With every symbol insertion, I want a separate object created (polygon, etc) that is independent from the main symbol in terms of placement, class/layer, etc. I have a few fields in the record format that I'd like copied over from the "main" symbol (number, name, etc). 

 

Bonus points:

One of the fields in the record format is an integer. Can this number dictate another attribute on this created object (i.e. number of attached objects created, line thickness, line color, etc)

 

Thanks!

Josh

[Gadzooks]

On 6/28/2018 at 3:11 PM, livespace josha said:

I'd also like to implement a "map" showing how all these boxes connect with each other

 

Josh, (Not a solution, but just to get an understanding of the question).

 

Do you mean '(actual) circuit' or 'diagrammatic layout'?

 

Sparky won't love you for anything other than a diagram. If that's what you need, are you proposing the lighting (including multi -way switching etc.) also be automatically created? (Doubt it, but interested to understand the level of detail you require)

 

The above to include TV, CAT5/6, Intruder/Fire alarm, Door Interlocks, CCTV etc? (you get the general idea)

 

And the system you create will apply the correct cable length/amperage to calculate cable sizes? (Once again, doubt it)

 

Not something I'd want to put my PI on risk to, but I'd be interested to see the outcome of this. 

 

On 6/28/2018 at 3:11 PM, livespace josha said:

This gets submitted to an electrician and general contractor for installation.

 

Leave it to them - you're already being super helpful to them by identifying and counting the boxes via linked worksheets. 🙂

 

Or do I completely misunderstand? 

 

Edited July 1, 2018 by Gadzooks

[livespace josha]

Thanks for your reply. I've attached a couple screen shots to show what we do currently and what I'd like to implement. I understand this probably won't be an automatic process, but if it can get me 80-90% of the way there, I'd be very happy!

 

18 hours ago, Gadzooks said:

Do you mean '(actual) circuit' or 'diagrammatic layout'?

- diagrammatic layout is a better way to phrase it! I've done them in the past (example attached), but they are manually created. I'm looking for something that would at least create another symbol for each entry, and then I can arrange and format it to my liking.

 

18 hours ago, Gadzooks said:

Sparky won't love you for anything other than a diagram. If that's what you need, are you proposing the lighting (including multi -way switching etc.) also be automatically created? (Doubt it, but interested to understand the level of detail you require)

- low voltage boxes, conduit stubs, conduits linking main junction boxes, etc

 

18 hours ago, Gadzooks said:

The above to include TV, CAT5/6, Intruder/Fire alarm, Door Interlocks, CCTV etc? (you get the general idea)

- Yes, all low-voltage systems...Audio, video, data, speakers, etc.

 

18 hours ago, Gadzooks said:

And the system you create will apply the correct cable length/amperage to calculate cable sizes? (Once again, doubt it)

- No, not at this time.

 

18 hours ago, Gadzooks said:

Not something I'd want to put my PI on risk to, but I'd be interested to see the outcome of this. 

Leave it to them - you're already being super helpful to them by identifying and counting the boxes via linked worksheets. 🙂

- I completely agree with you, but it's our field guys who suffer if things aren't done correctly. My though is if I'm already generating this information and can display it in another way easily, it's just insurance that it will be done properly. 

 

[Gadzooks]

Thanks @livespace josha 

 

Gotcha - Understand a lot more!  

 

You'll see from the jist of my last post that I was looking at your request for an 'architectural' solution, but looks like you're in events/theatre. 

 

(Great to see the varied uses VW is put to)

 

Your first image I'd call schematic.  The second I'd probably describe as diagrammatic (overlaid onto plans/layouts). I usually have a DL with my design intent power/lights etc (to be refined by specialist subby), but looks like you provide more info on your designs.  

 

6 hours ago, livespace josha said:

My though is if I'm already generating this information and can display it in another way easily, it's just insurance that it will be done properly. 

 

Now thats a ✅. Couldn't agree more. 

 

Still scratching the surface on this atm, but...

 

On 6/28/2018 at 3:11 PM, livespace josha said:

One of the fields in the record format is an integer. Can this number dictate another attribute on this created object (i.e. number of attached objects created, line thickness, line color, etc)

 

Yes - Have you looked into data visualisation to create your required output?  

 

Here's a start, which might suggest how you could work at modifying your workflow and use VW Data Vis to produce the layouts/diagrams you're looking for.

 

https://youtu.be/xwZ2E2NZ_XM

 

Someone may kick in with marionette solutions for this so I'd be interested to see how it ends up.

 

All the best.