Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 19.24
Associating parameters with a dimension using the + sign
grip
It is important to establish the orientation of the Width and Height
dimensions of a connector on your equipment. Otherwise, duct or duct
fittings that are connected to the connection point may not be oriented
properly. Connectors located on the side of the equipment should be easy
to orient and configure. The height of the connector is the Z axis (up).
However, connectors on the top or bottom surface of families can be a little
tricky because there is no clear
up
direction. In those cases, testing the
family in the project environment is best in order to see what makes the
most sense.
The most common way to identify the “correct” orientation is to draw a
duct and make sure that you are not getting any transitions. If you are
gettingtransitions,youneedtorotatetheconnectorandchangethemapped
parameters for duct height and duct width. You can rotate a connector
placed with the Face option by clicking and dragging it; however, this is
an inaccurate method of rotation. Using the Rotate tool allows you to set
a specific angle of rotation. If you use the Pin tool to lock the location of a
connector, you will also not be able to rotate it. This can be useful if you
find that you are accidentally clicking and dragging the rotation of your
connectors when working in the Family Editor.
Pipe Connectors
Connectors for pipes can be placed on your equipment families in the same
manner as duct connectors. You can find options for setting the system
type on the Options Bar, as shown in
Figure 19.25
, when you click the Pipe
Connector button on the Create tab in the Family Editor.
