using global variables to drive a pattern?

Hello,

I am using SW2007.

I am trying to model a part that has several circular patterns that
have the same number of instances. I would like to be able to change
all of the patterns at once, by changing a single global variable.
The help on the matter looks like it should work, but it doesn't. The
help says that equations may be used to drive pattern parameters.
When I try to enter my global variable, the dialog box insists I enter
a number between 2 and 1000 instead.

I cannot just put all the entities into a single pattern, as some of
them are dependent on earlier geometry. I would just like to be able
to change the number of instances more easily. Or if you could tell
one pattern to look at the parameters of some original pattern? This
doesn't quite seem to follow a design table tho.

Thank you for your help.

 

Why not link the counts? After making the patterns double click on
one, then double click on the count in the graphics and create a link.
Then do the same with the other patterns.

TOP

 

I am trying to model a part that has several circular patterns that

Look in the help for "linked values". This is probably what you want to use
to tie all the instance counts together.

When editing a dimension value with the dimension modify dialog box, you
can only type numbers or expressions which evaluate to a number (or number
with units). To add an equation or link a value, double click the dimension
to get the dimension modify dialog box. Click on the down arrow to the
right of the dimension value to get a drop-down list of options for adding
an equation or a linked value.

Adding global variables is done via the equation editor, which is not
accessible via the dimensions. Look for the Sigma on the tools toolbar or
go to tools, equations to get the equation editor.

Don't expect the process of adding and editing equations is SW to be
smooth. It is one of the weakest ares of the software.

 

woohoo!! linking worked! WHY don't they point stuff like this out in
the help manual?? WHY? I never would have looked under that pull-
down thingy for an option for linking... thank you both for your help!