I was afraid you were going to say that.
In this example I'll make reference to a simple tube where my length will impact the OD and ID, but you can change it to whatever you like. I'll assume you know how to go into your variables table and play around with it a bit. Remember to save your work often. Ok, let's get started.
So you build a part, and it has three variables; Inner Diameter (ID), Outer Diameter (OD) and Extrude Length (L). Make a forth, scalar variable and make it equal to L (difference here is that it has no units). Great. Now open up a new excel spreadsheet. Name three columns L, OD, and ID. Fill in the space underneath these names with the values you want. Next, your gonna Right-click on the scalar variable (in SE) and click on "copy link". In excel, special paste with link (Under Edit) in a cell underneath your table L column. This cell will update as you change the length in SE.
Next comes the tricky part. In an empty cell, write the formula "=EQUIV(A9;A2:A6;1)", where A9 is the cell of your pasted link, A2:A6 is the range of your lengths, and 1 is just there for kicks (let's imagine). This will return the value of the currently valid row of your number.
In another cell, write the formula "=INDEX(B2:B6;B8;1)", where B2:B6 is the range of OD, B8 is your equiv equation, and 1 is there for kicks. after accepting this formula, it should give you the value in the corresponding column and row previously found. Repeat for 2nd, 3rd, etc. values.
Now right-click copy the OD "index" cell. In SE, right-click on the OD variable and click on "paste link". Voila, your variable is now driven by an excel spreadsheet.
2 VARY IMPORTANT WARNINGS
First, the excel spreadsheet will always need to be open before SE for this link to work. If you close the sheet, the tube will no longer update accordingly.
Second, to my knowledge the "equiv" equation always takes the smallest value. Ex: if two rows are 40 and 50, and the input is 45, then excel will go towards 40. Also, I didn't check to see what happens if the rows are not in order.
If need be, I can provide a simple excel sheet and SE part file to illustrate what I've said here. Any other question, don't be afraid to ask.
Cheers,
Martin
P.S. I should get charge for this stuff!
