dataset explorer - part definition - use annotation scale dependant cell pattern

I'm creating a part library for our company. We use both 1:100 and 1:50 frequently for our output drawings. I would like to have the same patterning on both scales. Now my pattern looks fine on 1:50 but is too dense to use on 1:100.

I created a model in a .cell-file which includes my cell model. I've checked the "can be placed as an annotation cell" in the model properties. This makes the 'A' sign appear in the cell library, indicating this to be active.

When I place the cell in my drawing, this cell scales when changing the annotation scale of the drawing as expected. However, when using the cell with the "pattern area" tool, this seems to have no effect. Also in the "cut patterns" in the part definitions in the dataset explorer (where I want to use it) the cell doesn't scale.

Is there any way to make this work? Or any other way to do this? Creating a part library for each scale isn't an option, I want to keep the option of chosing the output scale open during the project (and make it possible to use different scales within the project).

  • Here  is one workable simple way ... open your cell libray file as a file now open your first cell...

    move all your pattern to a named level that has the scale in it and cell name

    turn this level off now make a new level for the pattern to be at the different scale and change the density  and size relative to the scale factor make sure that this level reflects the scale and pattern name.. now turn on all the levels and save your cell model..

    now in any new design attach your patterned cell and then turn on/off the level for the different scale pattern name

    of the scale you dont want to see the patterns of...

    If you dont mind turning on and off  solution do it through the level manager and it will be a permanent setting for that model and cant be turned on by accident in the level display manager..

    I just tried it and it works but you need to make your level name contain the scale number and the cell name so you can do it to lots of cells without interfering with each others level names....

    This way no extra cells just extra levels in the same cells.....

    Lorys

    Lorys

    Started msnt work 1990 - Retired  Nov 2022 ( oh boy am I old )

    But was long time user V8iss10 (8.11.09.919) dabbler CE  update 16 (10.16.00.80) 

    MicroStation user since 1990 Melbourne Australia.
    click link to PM me 

  • Hi Lorys, thank you for your answer.

    I get your answer and it sounds interesting to do when using the "pattern area" tool, but I think for the part definition it would probably not work.

    The reason I think this won't work is the cut patterns always seem to end up on the "section level". So I think even if the cell has both sizes of the pattern on a different level, both will end up on the same "section level", which makes it impossible to independantly turn them on/off. There should be a way to have the cells keep their own level settings when used as a cut pattern.

    Windows 10 pro

    OpenBuildings Designer Connect Edition Update 10.10.01.151

  • HI StefanC,

    I am reading your original post and Is your issues that Patterns do not work with annotation scale?  If so then that is correct currently paterns do not support placing with annotation scale or changes to annotation scale.

  • StefanC

    What version and application are you using?

    regards / Thomas Voghera

  • I'm using AECOsim Building Designer 8.11.09.325

    Windows 10 pro

    OpenBuildings Designer Connect Edition Update 10.10.01.151