Helix

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Creates a 2D spiral or a 3D helix.

Accessing the Command

command bar:  helix

menu bar:  Draw| Helix

toolbar:  Polylines |

 

: helix

Prompts you in the command bar:

Number of turns = 3.0    Twist = CCW

Specify center point of base: (Specify a point in the drawing.) (1)

Specify base radius or [Diameter] <default>: (Specify the radius of the base or press Enter to accept the default.) (2)

Specify top radius or [Diameter] <default>: (Specify the radius of the top or press Enter to accept the default.) (3)

Specify helix height or [Axis endpoint/Turns/turn Height/tWist] <default>: (Specify the height of the helix or enter an option or enter 0 to create a 2D spiral) (4)

 

Command Options

Option

Description

Diameter

Prompts you:

Specify diameter <default>: Specify the diameter of the base of the helix.

Default

The initial default values are:

  • Base Radius: 1

  • Top Radius: equal to the base radius

  • Base Diameter: 2

  • Top Diameter: equal to the base diameter

  • Height: 1

  • Turns: 3

  • Twist: CCW (counter clockwise)

In a drawing session, the previously used value for each parameter becomes default value.

Axis Endpoint

Prompts you:

Specify axis end point: Specify a point in the drawing.

The axis endpoint defines the height and orientation of the helix.

Turns

Prompts you:

Enter number of turns <default>: enter the number of revolutions for the helix. Numbers from 1 to 500 are accepted.

 

Turn Height

Prompts you:

Specify distance between turns <current>: specify the height of one revolution.

The turn height and the number of turns define the height of the helix.

Twist

Prompts you:

Enter twist direction of helix [CW/CCW] <default>: type CW (clockwise) or CCW (counterclockwise).

 

Grips Editing

Helixes can be edited through grips:

  1. Select the helix. Notice that it has four grips.

  2. Drag the grips to perform the following actions:

  3. (1) Move the helix.
  4. (2) Modify the base radius.
  5. (3) Modify the top radius.
  6. (4) Modify the height.

 

Related Commands

3dPoly - draws 3D polylines

Pline - draws polyline lines, arcs, and splines

Spline -  draws open and closed splines

 

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