Length of pipe as a parameter - saving toolbar config

[peglor]

I'm currently working on a model which uses pipes made by joining datum points with a mix of splines and straight lines. If I look up the info list for the pipe it will tell me the length of each piece of the pipe, as well as the total length of the pipe.

I now want to make the pipe a certain length by changing the position of one or more of the points. The problem is I can't access the length of the pipe from the analysis menus, so I can't make the program automatically move the point to give the correct pipe length using a feasibility study. Does anyone know how to do this?

My second query is about customising toolbars. I know how to customise them, but ProE only loads the customised version of the toolbars intermittently, sometimes reverting to the standard arrangement. Where is this file saved and where should it be put so ProE opens it every time?

I also want ProE to open my environment and drawing config files while it is starting up rather than making me load them manually every time. I'm using ProE 2001 on Win2000.

The last thing I'm wondering about is how to save a set of curves and axes as a skeleton model in order to create parts and assemblies driven by the skeleton rather than by their own dimensions.

All help appreciated!

 

[peglor]

I found the answer to part of my second question. You can get ProE to auto Load your config file by saving it as config.pro in whatever the default directory ProE looks in as soon as you start it up and go to open a file.

You can change the default directory by running C:\Program Files\proe2001\bin\ptcsetup.bat, leaving all the settings the same except for the 'directory to run in' option. The window drawing.pro file than automatically loads your settings for drawings.

I have 3DLogix to thank for this one:

http://www.sprdesign.com/3dlogix/ProETips/setup_installation_1.htm

 

[prohow]

About the problem with intermittent config.win files - the way to combine them all is:

- move all config.win files out of your \proe_loadpoint\text\ folder & startup folder

- then start Pro/E - so it's running with a default screen (no customisation)

- then Customise screen, uncheck the Auto save option at the bottom of the dialog box

- open each of the config.win files you want to combine

- then save the resulting config.win file & use this as your default (in \proe_loadpoint\text folder)

Regards
Ed