Display full version of the post: Veiw Ports

JRob
03.08.2011, 02:07
I'm using AutoCad 2000 and learning how to work in 3D.  With four equal viewports and using constuction lines, I have a problem with the X or Y constuction line not working.  Probably my ignorance.  But when I move from one view (front view) to another view (side view) construction lines don't work.  I've worked around this by using "new veiwports" "four equal" and sometime that works.  Or, by turining a layer on and off, consruction lines work again.  I'm sure it is something in my understanding or lack of understanding about viewports.  Thank you in advance for your response.
JRob

John Connor
03.08.2011, 11:42
What do you mean the construction line doesn't work?  You can't select it?


JRob
08.08.2011, 01:22
Thanks for responding, I thought I'd replied, but I don't see my replay.  I'm new to the forum and must have made some type of error.  Let me try to give a example.  I have selected "New Viewports and 4 equal, 3D".  With the "top view" activated, I can select the "end point" of a object and draw construction lines in the X-direction and y-direction.  If I now activate another viewport "front veiw" and try to draw contruction lines, I find that I can draw a line in the x-direction, but not in the y-direction or visa versa.  Turning on and off a layer not in use, seems to correct the problem.  Aticapating your response, JRob

John Connor
08.08.2011, 11:45
It sounds as though you have neglected to reposition your UCS.


John Connor
08.08.2011, 12:29
Do you have the UCSicon enabled?  If not type UCSICON at the command line and choose the option "On".A new UCS can be defined in the following ways.-Preset UCS by AutoCAD-Rotate current UCS about its axes-Align the UCS with the face of a solid object-Align the UCS with the current viewing direction-Align the UCS with an existing object-Specify a new origin, X/Y plane or Z axisThese options are available via the UCS command.


JRob
08.08.2011, 17:39
Thanks for your response. I sometimes turn off the UCS.  The icon gets in the way of were I'm working.  Obviously, I not an AutoCAD expert, just a self trained user.  Maybe this is wants causing the problem.  I'll try reading the section about the UCS again.  Would you take a moment to answer a couple of stupid questions.  When setting "Newview Ports, Four Equal, 3D" does AutoCad automaticly set the UCS in the proper direction for the view, i.e. X-direction and Y-direction?  While working in Four Equal views is the anything that I'm doing inavertenly that would change the setting?

John Connor
08.08.2011, 17:51
The default setting for four equal 3D viewports is Top, Front, SE isometric and Right.  The UCS is correctly set for the viewport you are working in.Could the UCS be inadvertently changed?  I suppose it could if you were using a version of AutoCAD that had the Dynamic UCS feature enabled.  But you are using AutoCAD 2000 so I'd say the likelihood of the UCS being changed on you without being noticed would be slim.Are you using any custom lisp routines while working in 3D?


JRob
08.08.2011, 22:02
Again, thanks for responding.  To the best of my knowledge I'm not using a lisp program.  If the default UCS is set, how come I have the problem I discribed.  I cannot draw in one direction, construction lines. lines, retangles, nothing works.  Agian doing sometime totally unrelated, turning a layer on and off, corrects the problem.

John Connor
08.08.2011, 23:56
I do not know the cause of the problem.Is the problem confined to just this one drawing?Post the drawing so someone here can take a look at it.  Maybe the problem can be diagnosed.


JRob
09.08.2011, 00:25
Thanks again.
The problem is not confined to one drawing.  Any new drawing will eventuallly develope this quirk. 
Activate any view, Top, Front, or Side and one direction will be blocked.
What do you think about turning on and off a layer to correct to problem?
JRob

John Connor
09.08.2011, 12:12
I can see no connection between turning a layer on/off and freeing up the ability to work in a particular direction in any of the four viewports.  None.Maybe I am not understanding the true nature of the problem.  Unless I was sitting by your side or watching a video of you working I can only guess at what you are experiencing.You do realize you can only draw in the X/Y plane right?  That's why it is necessary to rotate the UCS.


JRob
09.08.2011, 17:10
Thanks again.  Yes, I think I understand that when you are working in a particular viewpoint, you are drawing in the X-Y plane.  The problem is only one direction is available,  Sometimes X and sometimes Y, or everything is normal and you can draw in both X and Y.  I don't understand why turning a layer (any layer) on and off to corrects the problem.  But let me assure you if I am working in the side view and activate the top view, I may or may not be able to draw in both the X and Y directions.  Turning any layer on and off corrects the problem and I can now activate the top view and draw in both directions.
John, thank you for your many kind responses.  But, apparently I have an unsolveable situation.  And, I thought it was going to be an easy fix.
JRob

John Connor
09.08.2011, 18:43
Post one of these mystery drawings.  I'd like to take a look at it.If indeed it is a software glitch then you might have to resort to running the REPAIR option and see if that fixes things.