[v8i, CONNECT] Printing to PDF using PRINT SCALE key-in sets a wrong center

Hello,

I use key-in for batch processes that involve MicroStation operations , usually I/O.

Usually, I use Print Organizer with PSET files. It's very useful for well defined projects where I can build a PSET file. 

But now I need a script for plotting user selected files.

I've found some documentation and I print DGN's "on the fly"  using key-in commands: https://docs.bentley.com/LiveContent/web/MicroStation%20Help-v18/es/GUID-EEF2F7C8-FA08-5B96-1AB2-C6BEE85E3C4C.html

I've generated a Script that prints a file

RD=D:\DiscoD\tmp\jrufas\auxiliar\C1000.d\geoportal\cat\dgn\420-33-32-21.dgn
PRINT DRIVER K:\trabajo\auxiliar\ustation\v8\plotcfg\pdf_500.pltcfg
PRINT PAPERNAME ISO A1
PRINT BOUNDARY FIT ALL
PRINT SCALE 0.5:1
PRINT AUTOCENTER ON
PRINT EXECUTE D:\DiscoD\tmp\jrufas\auxiliar\C1000.d\geoportal\cat\pdf\420-33-32-21.pdf

 

The result is an uncentered plot.

It doesn't matter when you turn AUTOCENTER ON. I have tested everywhere (even before and after). I have also tried modifying the origin later, without any success.

Even sending the commands with the dialog open, as much as the Preview window indicates one thing, it ends up generating another.

In this example, even if it looks centered and the Origin contains some values, all this is ignored and it is printed as in the previous example (this is not the same DGN, but the same result).

I have tried both -

v8i - 08.11.09.916

CONNECT - 10.16.00.80

(Spanish version) getting the same results.

The option to modify the path of the files of a .PSET (by Key-in) and launch the print organizer would also help me.

In desperate impulse I have thought of modifying the PSET file programmatically. At the moment I have given up because it is better to delegate it to Microstation, but I do not rule it out.

I will appreciate any help

Regards,

Javier Rufas

  • Uncheck the box under the thumbnail preview window that indicates whether design graphics should be depicted.  That will probably show the magenta print area rectangle perfectly centered within the black paper rectangle (or coincident with it, with only the black paper border being displayed).

    Likely you have some stray design elements in the lower left corner that are being picked up by your "fit" command.  Sheet models have been around for almost 20 years now and are the superior way to define the print area.

          
    .

  • Hello Barry and Andrew,

    Thank you for your responses.

    The file hasn't rare elements. The PRINT FIT key-in works correctly and the drawing fits on the paper size. This works well for most drawings that are not printed to scale.
    What actually happens is that when the PRINT SCALE key-in is used, the drawing is no longer centered on the paper regardless of which key-in is executed next.
    I debug the Script in interactive mode by typing each line in the keyboard textbox and seeing how the print dialog behaves.

    My conclusion is that there is something in the PDF printer driver that overrides the position settings when scaling is set. This doesn't happen with the Windows printer driver.

    Regarding the use of Sheets, we do not use them. As our main job is the maintenance of the cartographic base, we have never had the need to define the printing of each drawing because we no longer keep paper copies. Those were times of v7.

    Anyway, I will investigate the subject of Sheets and how to use them from a script environment. Although I think that it will be easier and faster for me to calculate the print area and define the print size and origin from that calculation when I need it.

  • Your print dialog screen shot shows cercado "Fence".. when I draw without a fence and  use the fit to view  from control p my workspace config is set to use fit view to print to the paper size  so if I use control p with your drawing and if  I dont use a boundary shape or fence mstn it maximises to fit the view to my default paper size in my  default printer... look at the workspace configs  options for printing  I don't have mstn at home only at work so I can't see my  workspace config to share maybe tomorrow if I get a chance to come back...

    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 

  • You can open your pltcfg file for editing. On the base properties tab expand the Advanced field. Check if the Scale Adjustment Factor is set to something other than 1. I was able to reproduce the offset in the pdf, but the print preview looked fine. Autocenter was overridden by this setting.

      

    Microstation CONNECT 10.17.00.209

    ORD CONNECT 2021 R1 10.10.1.3

    Microstation v8i SS 10 08.11.09.919

    Power InRoads v8i 08.11.09.615

    ORD CONNECT 2021 R1 10.10.1.3

    ProjectWise 10.0.3.453