RE: [mfg-smartcam] macro question

[Pete Ruehle]

There is a bug in v11x that's somehow related to the Insert Property bar. Occasionally, it will even misbehave when using it "manually" (not in a macro).  The sequence position simply refuses to change.  In a macro, repeating the commands often does not work.  Rearranging commands, adding irrelevant commands, or changing the *_SEQ command parameter, BA sometimes works.  Depending on your patience threshold, you may end up raising the white flag and using the only sure fire solution:  Turn off the Insert Property Bar before executing the macro. I have most of my lengthy macros tweaked so they run without shutting off the bar (I don't believe in white flags).  But even so, occasionally, one will crash.   I always liked SmartCAM and still do. The automation and customization possibilities, at times, seem almost endless.  But I've always had an issue with SDRC's failure to correct what I consider to be a major bug before discontinuing support and upgrades AND continuing to sell it as is. I'd never consider another one of their products for that reason alone. They could create software that machines in 4D, it wouldn't matter to me.  They were never worthy to own and sell SmartCAM.  They failed to carry the torch passed on by Point Control and Camax.   Once in awhile, I still need to get that off my chest.  Thanks for the opportunity. Have a great day.   Regards, Pete -----Original Message----- From: gary [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 03, 2003 5:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [mfg-smartcam] macro question Thank you for your help.   I have a question. How do you create a element before the last one you just created.   Below is the beginning of my macro. It dose not work  properly because it dose not insert the comment in the right place.   Any help would be appreciated.     VAR_REMOVE_ALL[] #elmt=GRP(1)   LINE[XE=STX(#elmt), YE=STY(#elmt), ZE=STZ(#elmt), AN=0, DS=10, SE=2, SS=2]   LEAD_IN[EL=#elmt, AN=45, DS=1, LC=0, TY=0, CS=0, RP=0, MO=0]   PROF_SEQ[BA=0, EL="#ELEM", ME=1] UEVENT[XS=STX(SEQEL()), YS=STY(SEQEL()), LV=STZ(SEQEL()), TX="@CMPL"]     Thank you Gary       ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 03, 2003 9:04 AM Subject: RE: [mfg-smartcam] macro question Gary, The first thing you need to do is find Chapter 6 "Automating SmartCam with Macros" in the SmartCam Customization Manual on your CD. Print it out. All the following information and a lot more can be found there.   If you open your macro in a text editor, you will see the various commands which perform the work. The element will be represented by EL=yourElementNumber. You need to provide a variable to replace "yourElementNumber", which can be any combination of integers and letters preceded by the pound # sign. The macro command VAR_REMOVE_ALL[] will clear all variables so that you start with a clean slate. Also, you can make use of the system variable GRP(1), which represents the first element in any group.   So, to put it all together: -- Add "VAR_REMOVE_ALL[]" (omit quotes) to the beginning of your macro. Make it a line by itself. This will clear all variables to start.   -- On another line, add the variable declaration: "#elmt=GRP(1)" (omit quotes). This will initialize the variable #elmt with the first element in your group.   -- Next, substitute "EL=#elmt" (omit quotes) for every place you find "EL=yourElementNumber" This will allow the macro to work with any grouped element, no matter what its element number is.   Now group your geometry and try running your macro. If it doesn't work and you can't figure out what's wrong, post it on the forum and someone will try to help.   Regards, Chris -----Original Message----- From: gary [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 3:24 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [mfg-smartcam] macro question I have recorded a macro that performs pretty much what I want.   When I run the macro it modifies the same element # every time.   How can I change that so the macro selects a grouped element or a prompt allows me to pick a element.     Regards, Gary