Wipeout wipeout

[David Kozina]

Well I'm stumped again - that didn't take long.

Is there a way to add a Wipeout object using VL ActiveX functions? If so, how? Or must one fall back to (command "WIPEOUT" ...) in order to accomplish this?

(I am ultimately trying to define a block with the wipeout subentity first, followed by more stuff 'on top')

I've searched the ng, without finding much other than via 'command'...

Any thoughts?

 

[Walt Engle]

This is not a direct response to your query, but you should be aware that wipeout does not work correctly all the time. There have been many users reporting in these discussion groups that in using wipeout, there are problems in printing, i.e., sometimes the frame is printed and sometimes the items that were to be wiped out are printing.

 

[David Kozina]

WHAT! WIPEOUT DOESN'T WORK CORRECTLY ALL THE TIME?!
- yeah, I know they've had 'issues' - and I've had a few with them, myself.

I'm trying to define a simple detail bubble symbol with a wipeout 'behind' - fwiw. In this particular case I think I'd be able to live with it not working 100% of the time - as my *other* option would take yet more time (manual trimming and/or excruciating re/positioning) - and *still* probably wouldn't be complete 100% of the time, either. If a few things get missed - well, so be it. I usually try to position the bubble in the least intrusive manner, anyway - but sometimes it's not too easy to do, and that's where a wipeout would be pretty handy.

And as for the frame printing - well, I've been using wipeouts with frames visible (gads I hate trying to track down invisible things) but setting them to an 'invisible ink' plot style in a .ctb. So far I ain't seen 'em - except on screen.

I know I can store the block drawing in a folder, but I'd prefer to do this programmatically, as it's 'cleaner' IMO. I really can't see any way to create a wipeout other than via (command...) - but, though I haven't attempted this yet, my idea is to create the wipeout that way, adjust it's properties (plot style, color, etc.), then put it in a selection set, and convert the selection set to an items collection. Then begin the block definition via the 'Add method, and then copy in the wipeout via 'AddItems. (This is the main part I'm not convinced will work - but I'll be quite happy if it does.) Add the other 2 objects (a circle and lwpolyline). And - finally - go back and erase the original wipeout.

Again, I haven't had a chance to try this - so I don't know if this will even work. I'll post some code if (when) I get stuck - unless someone already knows its hopeless and would mind informing me before I get too banged up... Otherwise, off I go...

GERONIMO!

 

[John Uhden]

Dave:
I did a little research for you this am. Seems as though only the Copy method is available, not Add. To learn more, create a WIPEOUT and do a (vlax-dump-object Object 1) to see your available ActiveX properties/methods.

As to making WIPEOUT work better, I include "WIPEOUT.ARX" in my acad.rx file so it's loaded every session.

 

[David Kozina]

Well... I guess we can *'ADD* ANOTHER ISSUE to the pile regarding these stinkin' things! I thought wipeouts went 'native' in 2004. As if.

C'mon Autodesk! Grumble, grumble... ...and don't do anything to enhance access to MLINES or MLINESTYLES EITHER by ANY means! Might as well throw that in, while I'm stewing.

Crumb. Well, I got a little ways with the code, but looks like (command -block ...) or the ilk will have to suffice - unless someone has found a better way. I can't remember where I saw it, but I *thought* I saw some code once wherein some tricky VL- method was used to convert or add a selection set to a block object definition somehow - but after reviewing the object model info in the help files, I don't see the means to do that. Ah well.

Thanks anyway, John. Especially that dump-object tip - I hadn't seen that before. So, not a total waste after all.

Best regards,
David Kozina

 

[James Maeding]

We should run a test to see how far we can insult adeslk before they pull a post. They seem to ignore these threads. I love how their ADN site has this like a big resource. The fact is you have to get lucky to get in contact with someone at adesk who gives answers. I talked to a guy through the ADN and it was great. I had to totally complain to get that call though. I feel their support for fixing bugs with existing autocad is overwhelmed and so its super diluted. It makes serious acad usage an exercise in dumbing things down. I run into some api bug on every serious program I write. Every single one! The fact is most people treat acad like hand drafting on the computer and keep on upgrading so their version does not become unsupported. Its too bad colleges do not teach decent cad skills. Graduates do not realize their salary for the first two years at least is determined by cad skills. The whole industry is still in transition but seems happy to pay ever increasing prices.

"David Kozina"
|>Well... I guess we can *'ADD* ANOTHER ISSUE to the pile regarding these |>stinkin' things! I thought wipeouts went 'native' in 2004. As if. |> |>C'mon Autodesk! Grumble, grumble... ...and don't do anything to enhance |>access to MLINES or MLINESTYLES EITHER by ANY means! Might as well throw |>that in, while I'm stewing. |> |>Crumb. Well, I got a little ways with the code, but looks like |>(command -block ...) or the ilk will have to suffice - unless someone has |>found a better way. I can't remember where I saw it, but I *thought* I saw |>some code once wherein some tricky VL- method was used to convert or add a |>selection set to a block object definition somehow - but after reviewing the |>object model info in the help files, I don't see the means to do that. Ah |>well. |> |>Thanks anyway, John. Especially that dump-object tip - I hadn't seen that |>before. So, not a total waste after all. |> |>Best regards, |>David Kozina |> |> |>|>> Dave:
|>> I did a little research for you this am. Seems as though only the Copy |>method |>> is available, not Add. To learn more, create a WIPEOUT and do a |>> (vlax-dump-object Object 1) to see your available ActiveX |>properties/methods. |>> |>> As to making WIPEOUT work better, I include "WIPEOUT.ARX" in my acad.rx |>file so |>> it's loaded every session. |>> |>> -- |>> John Uhden, Cadlantic |>> <the e-mail address is bogus> |>> http://www.cadlantic.com |>> Sea Girt, NJ |>

James Maeding
Civil Engineer/Programmer