Feature PolarArray2
PolarArray feature makes a polar array of placements (circular arrangement). The placements wrap around local Z axis, as defined by array's Placement. PolarArray is attachable.
In combination with 'SpreadsheetLink' and 'Values Source', serves to set up picking list of angles from a spreadsheet. See Value series generator for more on that.
Boolean properties, that flips corresponding local axis of each placement.
Sets how orientation (rotation) varies along the array.
-
Zero: all placements have no rotation (aligned with coordinate system of the container). -
Static: all placements have same rotation as array's Placement property -
Radial,Vortex,Centrifuge,Launchpad,Dominoes: placement rotates along with the angle in the array. Modes differ by initial rotation of the first placement.
Radius of the polar array. Can be zero.
Normally, the array increments counterclockwise. Setting 'Reverse' to True makes it go clockwise.
Serves to set up picking list of angles from a spreadsheet. See Value series generator.
If True, 'Radius' property is controlled by arc of circle the array is attached to. The arc should be linked by Reference1 field of attachment.
Sets how to use arc the array is supported by. (The arc should be linked by Reference1 field of attachment.)
- 'ignore': array's supporting arc's range is not coupled to array range.
- 'as Span': 'SpanStart' and 'SpanEnd' are filled in automatically, so that array's span matches the supporting arc.
- 'as Step': 'Step' property is filled in automatically to match arc's angle.
(this is a brief overview; click the title for more info)
Values are angles measured around array axis (local Z axis of array's own Placement), where to put the placements. Angles are measured from the direction automatially constucted to be perpendicular to the axis of the array. The direction tends to be along Z axis, or along X axis if Z axis is colinear to array axis.
Values can be typed in directly, sourced from a spreadsheed, or (default) generated in-place. The source is chosen with ValuesSource property.
Generator is set up with its own set of properties, the most important of them are Count, SpanStart, SpanEnd, Step. Since these four are interrelated, those which can be edited and those computed are set up with GeneratorMode property:
- SpanN: fit Count placements into SpanStart-SpanEnd angle interval. Step is computed (read-only).
- StepN: make Count placements spaced by an angle of Step, starting from SpanStart. SpanEnd is computed (read-only).
- SpanStep: fill SpanStart-SpanEnd interval with placements spaced by Step. Count is computed (read-only).
- Random: put Count placements into SpanStart-SpanEnd angle interval, randomly. Step is ignored.
If you set the angle span to be not 360 degrees, consider switching on EndInclusive property. Otherwise, the last placement under an angle equal to SpanEnd is omitted.
(click the title)
Clicking the toolbar button creates a new polar array. The menu offers a selection of presets, that differ in the value assigned to 'GeneratorMode' property.
If a circle/arc of circle is selected when the button is clicked, the array is made linked to that circle/arc: it is automatically attached in Concentric mode, and Span is controlled by the arc range (except Step*N option, where arc angle controls Step). If something else is selected, attachment editor is opened.