How to Create New Database Symbols in IRRICAD Link
Posted: Fri May 07, 2021 1:49 pm
Database symbols are used in the database to display a symbol for each hydraulic item. The exception is the Pipes and Wires groups, where a line type is selected.
The program comes with an extensive choice of symbols, however, symbols can be drawn and saved, or imported and saved.
1. It is best to start with a clean design. In the Model space, draw the new symbol at the size of 1 by 1 centered at the coordinates 0,0. This will make sure that it is the same scale as the existing database symbols so a size 5 for the new symbol will be the same size as a size 5 of existing symbols. Use any of the drawing tools to draw the elements of the symbol on the screen. Note that if you have imported the constituents or a complete symbol make sure it is fully exploded, resized to 1x1, and centered at 0,0.
2. If the symbol does not have any feature in the centre, for example it may be an open symbol, then zoom in very close to the centre and draw a very small 'cross' (vertical line crossed by a horizontal line). This will ensure that the connection point is correctly located to connect to pipe junctions.
3. Set the colour of the items to BYBLOCK. This will ensure that the colour specified in the database will be able to display in the design.
4. Select the symbol components and action the WBLOCK function to write to a DWG Block file. In the dialog select the “Object” or “Entities” option and the “Pick point” for the base point. Enter a file name and browse for the correct path. Click [OK].
5. Because the “Pick point” option was specified you can choose the base insertion point by clicking in the centre or on the edge of the symbol (as per your requirements).
The IRRICAD Team
The program comes with an extensive choice of symbols, however, symbols can be drawn and saved, or imported and saved.
1. It is best to start with a clean design. In the Model space, draw the new symbol at the size of 1 by 1 centered at the coordinates 0,0. This will make sure that it is the same scale as the existing database symbols so a size 5 for the new symbol will be the same size as a size 5 of existing symbols. Use any of the drawing tools to draw the elements of the symbol on the screen. Note that if you have imported the constituents or a complete symbol make sure it is fully exploded, resized to 1x1, and centered at 0,0.
2. If the symbol does not have any feature in the centre, for example it may be an open symbol, then zoom in very close to the centre and draw a very small 'cross' (vertical line crossed by a horizontal line). This will ensure that the connection point is correctly located to connect to pipe junctions.
3. Set the colour of the items to BYBLOCK. This will ensure that the colour specified in the database will be able to display in the design.
4. Select the symbol components and action the WBLOCK function to write to a DWG Block file. In the dialog select the “Object” or “Entities” option and the “Pick point” for the base point. Enter a file name and browse for the correct path. Click [OK].
5. Because the “Pick point” option was specified you can choose the base insertion point by clicking in the centre or on the edge of the symbol (as per your requirements).
The IRRICAD Team