#SCRIPT FILE
3 messages in this thread
DEAR JAMIE, I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE GETTING A SCRIPT FILE TO PAUSE DURING
EXECUTION AND WAIT FOR A KEYBOARD INPUT, AND THEN CONTINUE. SPECIFICALLY, I
HAVE BEEN TRYING TO AUTOMATE THE ENTRY OF THE DIMVARS DIMTP AND DIMTM. DO
YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?
Steve –
..
The script file capability of AutoCAD was not meant to be used in the
manner you outline. It was originally designed to allow Autodesk
sales people to have a running "show" on the screen at trade shows. So,
the only pause capability relates to interrupting the script and resuming.
..
Nonetheless, a lot of us have done stuff with scripts that were never
intended. I've got customers with large geological databases that are
massaged by fancy inquiry programs that generate huge scripts that draw
entire sets of maps overnight. (Hmm…the databases are massaged, not the
customers.)
..
Anyway – tell us more about your application, and, more importantly, which
version of AutoCAD are you working with? Hopefully, you'll be able to
use the built-in programming language (AutoLISP) to accomplish your goal.
If that isn't available, try constructing the entire script with another
language (like BASIC or C) before actually submitting it to AutoCAD.
..
Lansing Pugh
Authorized AutoCAD Dealer / Austin, Texas (512) 441-4666
Lansing
. Thanks for your reply to my question about Autocad script files. I was in
a bit of a rut trying to use script files for more then they were intended
and the information you provided helped me to see that.
. I was able to write a couple of menu macros which work well, use less m
memory and are easier to initiate then scripts would have been.
. [D I develop consumer products which are generally small electro-mechanical
devices fabricated of formed metal, cast metal, machined metal and molded
plastic parts. Drawings for components used in these products have
dimensions with a wide variety of tolerance values. Working with Autocad
2.62 as received, the number of picks required to change the plus and minus
tolerance value and turn the tolerance feature on or off if is large, hence,
automating the selection process will save me much time.
. One of the macros I wrote prompts me for both dimtp and dimtm after one
pick, and then dimtol is automatically turned on. Other macros allow me to
me to set the number of places behind the decimal point with one pick. While
I was at it, I revised the screen menu and the dim menu so that my most
frequently used commands are available on the first menu panel. Which brings
me to my next and more philosophical question…How come a great program like
Autocad has such terrible menus? At almost $3000, several logical menu
files, based upon frequently used commands for several desciplines, should be
included as part of the standard package, in my opinion. There is no need
for you to answer, Lansing, the qu question is rhetorical.
. Thanks again, you did help.
. Steve Shapiro