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Manual

5.13.10.13. Additional modules 5.13.10.13.1. Connectionpoint Wizard
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5.13.10.13.1. Connectionpoint Wizard

	Note
	Precondition to be able to use this function and for the context menu command to be displayed is that the files `cpwizard.cfg` and `cpwizard.vbb` do exist under `$CADENAS/libs/all/plugins`.

	Note
	The Connection Point Wizard can ideally be used in combination with the plugin Electrical classification import/export.

With the help of the Connection Point Wizard, via the functions Create Cp (Ctrl+C) (for a single feature), Create Cp (All) (Ctrl+A) (for all identical features) or Save as template (Ctrl+S), you can automatically set connection points on features.

Furthermore, via the functions Create BoundingBox Cp (Ctrl+B) and Save BBox as template, you have the possibility to place a connection point on a corner of the BoundingBox. On this also see Section 5.13.10.1, “Align component”.

In the following, first the basic setting options will be explained. Then two examples follow, one to explain setting of connection points on features, one on the BoundingBox.

In the index tree, select the desired directory level. Then in the dialog area Parts, projects of the next lower level are displayed, which then can be edited.
In PARTproject, under Project selection -> context menu of catalog -> Automation call Connectionpoint Wizard.

Connectionpoint Wizard - Launch
Select the 3db file of the desired part.

Note

Also for single parts in assemblies, connection points can be set, however, not for assemblies.

When clicking on the part is opened in PARTdesigner.
Under Selection mode, select one of the following options:
- None: If no 3D selection is required. Choose this option when you want to place connection points on a corner of the BoundingBox. (The other options are also possible.)
  
  See below.
- Connection points: Choose this option if you want to detect the name of a connection point. When selecting a point in the 3D view, the point is marked in below listing.
  
  Selection mode: Connection points
- Features: Choose this option if you want to automatically set connection points on features, either single ones or for all identic features at once.
  
  See below.
  
  Example: Selection of feature "Cylinder"

Select the desired function.

When selecting one of the functions Create BoundingBox Cp (Ctrl+B) or Save BBox as template, under Selection mode, no special option has to be selected.

Create BoundingBox Cp (Ctrl+B)

With the help of this function you can create a connection point on a corner of the BoundingBox.

See below.

When clicking on the icon the respective dialog is opened.

Create BoundingBox Cp (Ctrl+B) -> Dialog

Set the desired entry under Name template, Position, Axis orientation and Reverse direction and confirm with Ok.

-> The connection point is placed on the desired corner of the BoundingBox.

Connection point set on BoundingBox
Save BBox as template

When clicking on the button the same dialog box is opened like under Create BoundingBox Cp (Ctrl+B).

Make the desired settings and confirm with Ok.

-> The template is saved and displayed in the dialog area on the right side.

Template saved

When clicking on Create Cp(All) from Template (Ctrl+T) top right, you can set the respective connection point on the BoundingBox directly from the activated template.

When selecting one of the functions Create Cp (Ctrl+C) (for a single feature), Create Cp (All) (Ctrl+A) (for all identic features) or Save as template (Ctrl+S), under Selection mode, the option Features and in the 3D view, a feature has to be selected.

Feature "Cylinder" selected

Otherwise an error message is displayed.

Error message: "Please select a feature"

Create Cp (Ctrl+C): A connection point is set on the selected feature.
Create Cp (All) (Ctrl+A): A connection point is set on the selected feature and in addition for all identic features.

Save as template (Ctrl+S): With this function, you can create and save templates. For this select a feature and then click on the icon.

-> On the right side a template is displayed.

When clicking on Create Cp(All) from Template (Ctrl+T) top right, you can create connection points from the activated templates.

Create Cp(All) from Template (Ctrl+T)

	Note
	In order for a template to be used not only the feature has to be identical but also all parameters' values (at a cylinder e.g. the diameter).

Example - Place connection point on a corner of the BoundingBox

Select the desired 3db file.
Click on the button Create BoundingBox Cp (Ctrl+B).

-> The respective dialog box is opened.

Create BoundingBox Cp (Ctrl+B) -> Dialog
For the parameters Name template, Position, Axis orientation and Reverse direction, perform the desired settings and confirm with Ok.

-> The connection point is set on the desired corner of the BoundingBox.

Connection point set on BoundingBox

Example - Set connection points on features automated

When clicking on one of the functions Create Cp (Ctrl+C), Create Cp (All) (Ctrl+A) or Save as template (Ctrl+S), a dialog box for the specification of the parameters Name template, Position, Name order and Reverse direction is opened.

In the following the procedure after selecting the function Create Cp (All) (Ctrl+A) is shown.
- Name template: Accept the suggestion or adjust the expression as desired.
  
  Name template
  
  Example:
```
IP_{NUMBER}      <default>
```
  or
```
IP_GROUP1_{NUMBER}
```
- Position: Select the option Start, End or Center. The following figures illustrate the usage with the help of a cylinder.
  
  Beginning
  
  Center
  
  End
- Name order: Determines the way of numeration, which is according to the priority of 3D coordinates.
  
  Name order
  
  In the following exemplary figure the numeration is according to "XYZ".
  
  Name order -> Result
  
  Y doesn't matter, because all points have the same value for Y. The start point "IP_0" has the highest X and Y value. The second point has a X value of the same value, however, a lower Z value, etc. In the second row points with next higher X value follow, beginning with the highest Z value, etc.
- Reverse direction: ... the orientation of the connection point is reversed
  
  Reverse direction