Manufacturing > Custom Cycles > To Define the Cycle References, Variables, and Prompts
  
To Define the Cycle References, Variables, and Prompts
1. On the top toolbar of the Customize Cycle dialog box, click .
The middle portion of the Customize Cycle dialog box displays the Cycle Prompts list box with a list of all the references and variables currently defined for the cycle. At first, the list contains only the two reserved references: start surface and end surface.
2. Place your cursor in the Cycle Prompts list box and click the right mouse button. Use the following options on the pop-up menu:
Add Variable—Add a new variable. Type the name of the variable in the Name text box. The value in the Type box is automatically set to Variable. Type the prompt for instantiating the variable in the Description text box. Click Apply. The system lists the new variable in the Cycle Prompts list box.
Add Reference—Add a new reference. Type the name of the reference in the Name text box. The value in the Type box is automatically set to Reference. Type the prompt for instantiating the reference in the Description text box. Click Apply. The system lists the new reference in the Cycle Prompts list box and displays it in the graphic window on the right.
Add Expression—Add a new expression. The Expression Builder dialog box opens. For information on how to build new expressions, follow the link under See Also. When you define the expression and close the Expression Builder dialog box, the system lists the new expression in the Cycle Prompts list box.
Change Description—Change the prompt for the reference or variable selected in the Cycle Prompts list box. Edit the prompt in the Description text box and click Apply. You cannot change the name of a reference or variable; you have to delete it and add it again with a new name.
Redefine Expression—Change the definition of the expression selected in the Cycle Prompts list box. The Expression Builder dialog box opens.
Remove Variable—Delete the variable selected in the Cycle Prompts list box.
Remove Reference—Delete the reference selected in the Cycle Prompts list box.
Remove Expression—Delete the expression selected in the Cycle Prompts list box.
3. When you have defined all the references, variables, and expressions, proceed to defining the cycle statement syntax.