Replace 2D/3D symbol by truss element

[TomaSz]

Hi.

Is there any possibility of replacing (converting) a 2D/3D symbol with a truss element?

In that case it will be a part of truss inventory.

[jcogdell]

Yes you can convert a 2D/3D symbol into a truss object,

there are a couple of things you need to be aware of if you want it to work correctly in Spotlight though.

you will need to make sure that the symbols geometry is correctly orientated to its internal origin (both the 2D and 3D parts),

 

 

the centre line of the truss should be lined up with the symbols internal origin like in the above image, as if the truss is lying on the ground (bottom of ht geometry at 0 height on the Z axis), to the right of the symbols internal origin. The bottom centre line of the truss should be in line with the internal origin.

 

Once the 2D/3D geometry of the symbol is prepared you have 2 methods to convert the symbol into a truss object

If you have Braceworks you can use the convert to truss command from the Braceworks menu, which will open the truss properties dialogue so you can configure the truss object.

or if you don't have Braceworks you will need to locate the symbol in the resource manager right click on it and use the attach record command to attach the truss record. Once the record is attached insert the symbol and this will activate the truss properties dialogue so that you can configure the truss.

 

for auto connect to work the type and connectable with fields have to have the same contents ie if it a HD44 truss type and connectable with would both have HD44 in them.

[TomaSz]

Thanks @jcogdell.

Now it's clear for me now, if you creating new rigging.

But what if we have something different, for example big rig system imported from DWG.

Can we convert blocks to Truss system elements, or replace them by stock?

[jcogdell]

You can use this method to convert a big rig system that is based on imported DWG block, however it will likely not be an easy process, due to the way blocks get prepared.

the main challenges are,

• the internal origin of the DWG block is most commonly at the center point of its 3D geometry,
• often the 3D geometry will be rotated (vertical) compared to our truss symbols being laid on the ground, which can mean once you have you ave foolowed the above workflow that al the trusses end up moving
• DWG block trusses tend to have very complex geometry, which can have a huge performance impact when converted into a truss object. For the best performance results in Spotlight the 3D part of the truss symbol should be a single generic solid not a large number of individual objects (NURBS, extrudes, 3Dpolylines, etc...)

Because of this I would recommend importing the DWG file as a  referenced layer and redrawing the rig in a separate layer using normal Spotlight truss symbols as this will likely be quicker than trying to manually convert the blocks to Spotlight trusses and then having to go back through the model to correct all the errors the process can potentially cause.

 

Have you contacted Design Express Poland?
they have a very good Spotlight Specialist on staff who can probably help you with this.