Cross-reference item numbers in assembly drawings

[BradF]

Context:
I'm creating an large assembly procedure, with lots of exploded views, and step by step instructions to assemble a machine. I've got the Top Level BOM on the first page, and then for each "Step" (which is a configuration of the assembly) I've got a separate page, with the exploded view(s) and another (SW) BOM Table, this time with all of the lines hidden except for those items that I am adding to the assembly at that step. My item numbers are all consistent because they reference the Top Level Assy configuration, and are driven by the assembly order, and I overwrite the QTY column for any items like bolts so that I can only write the number of bolts I will need for that particular step, rather than the total quantity in the machine.

What I want to do:
1) In the assembly "steps" which are written in Notes, I would like to refer to a bolt by its item number, e.g. "tighten #10-32 screw (Item XX)". However, if I ever add an item to the assembly, the item number will change. Is there a way to insert a cross-reference to the item number from my BOM into a note? This would be similar to the Cross-Reference feature for figures, headings etc. in MS Word.

2) Because of the size of the assembly, I've had to break the procedure into several different drawing files (SW seems to crap out after about 5 sheets or so with the big assembly). Is there a way to insert the sheet numbers as a running total (e.g. Sheet 3 of 17)? I'm imagining inserting a Custom Property into the drawing for 'StartPage' and 'TotalPages' and then adding the built in 'SW-CurrentSheet' property to the start page in a note in the drawing footer. However, I can't seem to be able to figure out how to insert a formula to add it in the CustomProperty insert thing for a Note.

Thanks for any advice you can provide, sorry for the long explanation.

 

[handleman]

1) Assuming SW 2008 or later, you can link a note to a balloon. Just click (or double-click? I forget) a balloon while editing the note and it will link.

2) No way that I know of to do this automatically. I think you're stuck manually typing in the sheet number.

-handleman, CSWP (The new, easy test)

 

[BradF]

Wow, terrific, exactly what I wanted. Thanks so much.

 

[BradF]

Not that beggars should be choosers, but any idea on how to not have the circle show up in the Note when you link it to an item, but still have the balloons in the figure?