Rotate Lamp Object

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know how to rotate a standard archiCAD library lamp object (ie. Fluorescent Recessed 02 13) along the x-axis to accommodate a sloped ceiling?

Based on reading other threads about similar topics, I'm not too optimistic. I've read its possible if you modify the GDL script of the object, but this is a bit beyond me. If modifying the GDL script is rather straightforward and someone could walk me through it, I'd really appreciate the help.

Thank you.

[Dwight]

Adding a Rotation Parameter:

1: Make the new Object so as not to ruin the original:

Place the original object in the plan view, select it and "File>Libraries and Objects>Open Object"

"Save As" a new name. Place the new file in a new library folder. Keep the object parameter/script dialog box open.

2: Add Parameter:

Open the Parameter List, add two parameter values and make them look like this attachment. Play with the bits - you are making an angle parameter for the x and y planes.

[Dwight]

3: Fixing the 3D script:

This is a raw hack, but make the lead-in for the 3D script look like this attachment

[Dwight]

Change the 2D script:

Throw away the existing script.

Add the attached line of code.

This merely gives you a modelled representation of the object, not a proper dotted overhead line like you should have.
That needs more specific scripting.


Others can help you better than me, but these quick changes will get you a tilted light fixture.

[Dwight]

NOTE: adding parameters at the end of the parameter list makes the tilt parameters appear beneath the Parameters for Listing Area.

If i knew more about this newfangled stuff I could direct you better.

[Dwight]

How is it that five minutes after I post the answer, thirty people have looked at these rudimentary code tidbits?

Is this really that arcane a skill?

[Anonymous]

Maybe not, but we always appreciate your posts.
hope I can buy your book soon.

[vistasp]

Dwight wrote:
NOTE: adding parameters at the end of the parameter list makes the tilt parameters appear beneath the Parameters for Listing Area.

In the parameters page when you're editing the object there are double-headed arrows to drag a parameter up or down in the list to the desired location.

Dwight wrote:
If i knew more about this newfangled stuff I could direct you better.

[Ralph Wessel]

BenY_Boston wrote:
Does anyone know how to rotate a standard archiCAD library lamp object (ie. Fluorescent Recessed 02 13) along the x-axis to accommodate a sloped ceiling?

Try OBJECTiVE if you want a simple, intuitive way to rotate objects like lamps. To rotate, do the following (referring to the attached image):

• 1. Select the lamp and use the menu OBJECTiVE > Tools > Rotate. Click twice to define the axis to rotate the lamp around.
  
  2. Then click a third time to define the rotation angle (you can use the standard coordinate input to type an angle too).
  
  3. The result in 3D (before and after).

Note that you can also rotate several lamps at once, and rotate the lamps in section/elevation views (which is often easier because you can align to the ceiling angle).

[Dwight]

And considering that over 400 members have viewed my laborious code tweak in just 12 hours, the simplicity of OBJECTIVE should make it in great demand!!!