Good Dynamic Component Examples

Saladyne · 19 Feb 2011, 14:00

I've just started, having a go, at creating some dynamic components. I've been looking for examples of 'good' libraries or even individual components to learn from... is it just me or is there a dearth of good component examples out there?

My search for examples started because I was looking for a simple 'dynamic' door which I could insert into a wall and adjust its size. I wanted the door to cut the wall but I wasn't looking for anything fancy; just to place the door, adjust the width and height and have an opening be created in the wall... I couldn't even find a component that would insert a simple frame and cut an opening... all the dynamic door components seem to concentrate on swinging leafs and not much else!

Unfortunately many of the components I have downloaded (as examples) have serious bugs a couple even caused Sketchup to crash; although this may also be a Sketchup issue? Some components initially seem fine but would always jump to the origin, others just don't do what it says on the tin, they distort when scaled and many are frankly very basic examples. There are however one or two very nice dynamic models which I found very useful - just not enough!

There seems no easy way to search for actual dynamic components as opposed to regular components which have 'dynamic' as a key word. In addition manufacturers libraries of hundreds of very similar components (kitchen cupboards for example) clutter the search for useful examples. It would be good if there was a way to omit particular groups or creators from a search. As an aside I don't understand why there are hundreds of very similar 'dynamic' kitchen cabinets surely the whole point of dynamic components is that a single component can cover multiple types and sizes?

The advice on this forum for 'good DC characteristics' seems very manufacturer centric - how about some straightforward advice on good practice for non corporate component creators; on assigning variable names, building nested geometries, managing/defining start points and sub-component orientation etc. This information may be out there somewhere but it's not easy to find?

Anyway... I've created a fairly simple dynamic door called 'Door Multi' (search under BaxStudio), also attached.
It needs to be placed directly, from the component library, on a wall face but it cuts an opening and is adjustable. It can be handed using the scale tool. Combined with 'Door Back' it will form an opening in a double skin wall. Apologies to anyone using feet and inches - this first version is metric only.

As this is my first attempt at any type of component creation or upload I'm sure the model needs lots of adjustment - I have particular concerns about variable/component naming and although it seems straightforward, to me, to use I know there will almost certainly be issues for others. Also it was created on the PC version of Sketchup 8 so I don't know if it will work properly on a Mac. Any positive criticism/feedback would be gratefully received. And links to 'good' examples of Dynamic Components would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks, S

Door Multi & Door Back

jason_maranto · 19 Feb 2011, 15:20

One thing to bear in mind is you should be bringing the DC into your Sketchup file through the component browser -- if you open it as a regular Sketchup file you may get unexpected behavior or it may not work (depending on how it was built).

Best,
Jason.

jaxcoffee · 19 Feb 2011, 16:55

I have also found a huge lack of support for DC's. It started off very well, as an additional feature in the Pro version of the SketchUp program, but has not gotten the support for development I believe it deserves.

Some have created some good instructional videos, but most of them cost something, and others don't create enough of a fundamental understanding of how to develop DC's.

I believe the Ruby Script Language has taken first position to the development of DC's, which is great. Ruby is awesome. I would just like to see DC's get as much attention.

Just my experience.

Howard leslie · 19 Feb 2011, 17:25

Saladyne,
After a quick look at the DC you posted.....
Your DC Door looks pretty good to me - especially the different door styles.
...........
You'll have to decide if the following are any good or not as DC examples for your purposes, but some DC's I've created can be found right here on this very forum:

DC Door Builder
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=289&t=21350

DC StairCase Builder:
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=289&t=18545

DC SpiralStairCase Builder:
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=289&t=29484

Plus a few more - do a search in Dynamic Components Area.

... DC Resources ...

As mentioned by others in this thread, DCs are poorly documented and development hasn't really changed since they were initially introduced. This is a shame because they are REALLY useful.

Some DC info that I've used and found helpful:

SketchUp 7 Guide (PDF) DC Development Chapter Pages 441 - 473. Download from Google SketchUp Official Website. Hopefully this chapter is still in the new Version 8 PDF Manual. Reasonable info in this Chapter. Well worth a read.

DC Component Functions:
http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=108144

DC Reference Area:
http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115545

And of course, this forum !

Hope this Helps
...................
Regards
Howard L'

Saladyne · 19 Feb 2011, 17:48

Howard - Brilliant, thanks! This is just what I need. It's frustrating that I didn't find your models in my initial searches - but clearly I should have posted on this forum sooner!!!

Your stairs look fantastic - I'll certainly have a look at those in more detail.

Many thanks, S

Saladyne · 20 Feb 2011, 16:35

Many thanks, Jason and Jaxcoffee, for your responses.

I've been careful how I download/insert components and a number of DC authors mention your point, Jason, in the component descriptions.

I'm just puzzled that door components like this; http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=7bab89bf893fd435de650492e45fb14f&prevstart=0 are put forward as examples by 'Google' - the downloaded scale is weird, the handle position is very high and doesn't relocate to the edge when the door width is reduced (the handle can actually end up on the same side as the hinge on a narrow door), but worst of all the door opens into the door frame! Surely this is a component in urgent need of an update and not a good example for anyone?

Jaxcoffee - It seemed a bit too big a step to learn Ruby and then try writing a Ruby Script for a simple door, but I take your point that Ruby is much more flexible... maybe that's where I need to go; especially as getting good quality info about creating DCs is proving tricky.

Best regards, S

Saladyne · 8 Mar 2011, 23:30

After playing about a bit with DC's I've managed to update my door componentDoorway03x.skpso it's a bit more flexible (still metric I'm afraid). You can now click on the frame to change its appearance and I've tidied up the facing detail to hide the part edges. Imperial version next!

jason_maranto · 9 Mar 2011, 14:31

Looks very good

Best,
Jason.

Howard leslie · 9 Mar 2011, 22:30

Saladyne,
Your new improved DC looks OK
..........
A few Observations and Notes on DC quirks:

You don't have to design both metric and imperial versions (Good news !!!)

........ Flexible Units .................
In the Component Attributes Design Area......
I would NOT recommend using list boxes (dropdown menus) for user entered lengths / widths etc eg sizes such as door widths, heights etc eg for the Attribute LenY. (Not flexible for either you designing DCs or for your users).
Instead consider using settings as follows:

Units: Centimetres (Always pick this if you are UK / European - its very confusing !!! It doesn't mean your final DC Units are cm !!! NOT a good part of DCs)
Display Rule: Users Edit Text Box
Display Label: <Anything>
*** Display in: End users model Units *** <do this for all your user entered attributes>
Now users can use any units they wish - no need for you to make 2 DCs ie will work for American and European users no problem.

... Referencing Attributes - Relatively ............
You can use Parent!LenY for example to reference an attribute in a parent group or component (ie a relative referencing system can be used as opposed to an absolute referencing system).
Unfortunately you can't use Parent!Parent!LenY for a more deeply nested component. (2 levels down).
Parent! is useful because if you rename groups / components etc it still works.
...............
Hope this helps
Regards

Howard L'

jster · 26 Mar 2011, 17:23

Hi,

I'm new to components; I'm using version 8 pro. I'd like to make both doors and windows that cut through dual-sided walls. I think that's what your multi-door is designed to do, however, it looks like it is a 2-step process, i.e., place the multi-door component, then the doorBack component. Is there any way to combine them into a single component that can be placed on a wall that corresponds to their combined thickness (in a single step)? Pardon me if this solution is described in this thread - I'm just not "gettin' it" so far.

Thanks!!

@unknownuser said:

Saladyne,
Your new improved DC looks OK
..........
A few Observations and Notes on DC quirks:

You don't have to design both metric and imperial versions (Good news !!!)

........ Flexible Units .................
In the Component Attributes Design Area......
I would NOT recommend using list boxes (dropdown menus) for user entered lengths / widths etc eg sizes such as door widths, heights etc eg for the Attribute LenY. (Not flexible for either you designing DCs or for your users).
Instead consider using settings as follows:

Units: Centimetres (Always pick this if you are UK / European - its very confusing !!! It doesn't mean your final DC Units are cm !!! NOT a good part of DCs)
Display Rule: Users Edit Text Box
Display Label: <Anything>
*** Display in: End users model Units *** <do this for all your user entered attributes>
Now users can use any units they wish - no need for you to make 2 DCs ie will work for American and European users no problem.

... Referencing Attributes - Relatively ............
You can use Parent!LenY for example to reference an attribute in a parent group or component (ie a relative referencing system can be used as opposed to an absolute referencing system).
Unfortunately you can't use Parent!Parent!LenY for a more deeply nested component. (2 levels down).
Parent! is useful because if you rename groups / components etc it still works.
...............
Hope this helps
Regards

Howard L'

Saladyne · 27 Mar 2011, 10:21

Hi jster

I've been pretty busy so I haven't been able to update my components following Howard's very helpful input; hopefully sometime soon!

I initially tried to create a component that would cut the two wall planes in one go but as far as I can tell this is just not possible. Which is why I created the 'Front' and 'Back' door components; not ideal but better, I think, than forming an opening and placing a simple door component.

I had to orientate both the 'Front' and 'Back' components around the same 'lengthwise' start point so that, once placed, so long as you change the size of the opening on both components the opening stays aligned. The specific sizes were to suit 'standard' British door sizes but I can see this won't suit everyone so I'm planning a suite of components from very simple openings (with variable input) to more complex specific 'real world' door sizes and types. Not sure when I'll get around to uploading all these - soon I hope!

Hope this helps, S.

jster · 28 Mar 2011, 14:46

@saladyne said:

Hi jster

I've been pretty busy so I haven't been able to update my components following Howard's very helpful input; hopefully sometime soon!

I initially tried to create a component that would cut the two wall planes in one go but as far as I can tell this is just not possible. Which is why I created the 'Front' and 'Back' door components; not ideal but better, I think, than forming an opening and placing a simple door component.

I had to orientate both the 'Front' and 'Back' components around the same 'lengthwise' start point so that, once placed, so long as you change the size of the opening on both components the opening stays aligned. The specific sizes were to suit 'standard' British door sizes but I can see this won't suit everyone so I'm planning a suite of components from very simple openings (with variable input) to more complex specific 'real world' door sizes and types. Not sure when I'll get around to uploading all these - soon I hope!

Hope this helps, S.

Hi Saladyne,

Thanks for the reply... Very helpful information.

Not being able to configure a component to cut into a 2 sided wall is a very unfortunate limitation indeed (very surprising, actually). I'll keep looking around - if I find anything I'll let you know. Until then, your 2-step solution will have to do.

Cheers,

j.

fionmacool · 9 May 2011, 11:47

[quote="Saladyne"] I've created a fairly simple dynamic door called 'Door Multi' (search under BaxStudio), also attached. Also it was created on the PC version of Sketchup 8 so I don't know if it will work properly on a Mac. Any positive criticism/feedback would be gratefully received. And links to 'good' examples of Dynamic Components would be greatly appreciated!

Hey thanks for a great component. I have just checked it out on my Mac and it seems to work fine. Its great to see a component that not only works well but looks great as well. I love Google but the components they come up with like doors, windows etc. are fairly lame. I have uploaded a DC called "block wall"

http://bit.ly/kUCsmN

See what you think of it. Its not perfect and anyone who would like to improve it I would be delighted to share credit- would love to partner up with people who want to make DCs commercially. Any takers?