Expert: Bob - 3/21/2006

Question
Hi Bob,
Thanks for being an expert and giving your time!

I am going crazy trying to print out a dashed line in Autocad 2002. I've got it so it shows in model space (not paper), but when it prints, it is solid.

I've set the global factor (format-linetype) to 50, the 'current object scale' is 1 in the same box, and in the properties box when the line is chosen I put in a value of .008.

Any help you might offer would be appreciated!

Thanks!

PS - I have AC2006 but am hesitant to install it because I adhere to the theory of 'if it ain't busted, don't fix it.' Do you know if it is possible to install both versions on the same computer without problems developing? I am a casual user and if it is really different I don't want to go through the learning curve for the 10th time!  :-)  

Answer
Hi -- I am not feeling very expert today, but let's go at it!  For this one, I often have to bat around slightly -- so, for today, here is a lesson in batting around.  I am also going back 3 releases with you, so I may be rusty.
Put all the stuff you mention you changed back to default for now.
I can't suggest values to use, as you did not give me the viewport scale.
Type LTSCALE and mess around with values until your linetype looks good in the layout -- try 1, then 6, then 24, pick something in between that works. Also type PSLTSCALE and set it to 0. (alternate is 1, you can try that to see what it gives you.) Plot preview may or may not show dashes as they will print, depending on printer.
Be sure to check "scale lineweigts" in the plotter dialog.
If this messes up other lines, then go back to Properties and try the linetype scale.

Re 2006 -- my theory is "if they spent millions of dollars to make it better, stay up with it".  YOU decide for you. The New Features Workshop (opens with 2006 until you shut it off) is a good starting point.

All new releases now live happily with old --just have sufficient hard drive space and memory, as they keep getting bigger. (but your files in 2004-6 format will be half the size.)

BOB