So, I am slowly learning basic...I can get input boxes to pop up, use the data in formulas-and spit answers back out on the screen...but what I am now having trouble doing is taking my input paramter into a sketch dimension or parameter:
i.e.
Sub BalcLeng()
Length = InputBox("Please Enter Balcony Length.")
End Sub
where in my model sketch I have a model paramter called "Length".

Hello,
To get things interacting properly, the data type you get from an input box is a string, however you need a data type of Double for Parameters. I personally would use the Convert to double (CDbl(expression)) function to change the string value received from the input box to a double for use in your parameter.

Try this
Sub BalcLeng()
Dim strInputLength As String ' input box variable assigned here
Dim dblParameterInput As Double ' variable to hold the numeric value once converted

strInputLength = InputBox("Please Enter Balcony Length.") ' get user input
dblParameterInput = CDbl(strInputLength) ' change the uset input string to a double

' This below is a short cut to demonstrate, it assumes you have a part document open, if not it will all go pete tong(... wrong) if not
' may still go wrong anyway actually
Dim varParameter As Inventor.Parameter
' don't which release enabled us to be able to specify what we wanted via names, however you may have to select which item you require
' via an integer e.g. Parameters.Item(1)
Set varParameter = ThisApplication.ActiveDocument.ComponentDefinition.Parameters.Item("Length")
' move the input value to the value
varParameter.Value = dblParameterInput
End Sub

Watch word wrap

Scott

One other tip to offer when using Text Boxes for numeric input. If you are trying to get numeric input, you want to restrict entered keystrokes to 0-9 and ".". If a user inadvertantly types in "12A3.06" and isn't paying attention, the CDbl function will throw an error (Type Mismatch). You can use the following code in your Text Box Change event to restrict the input to numeric. Be sure to change the instances of "TextBox1" in your code to match the name of the Text Box you are using.

_________________
Robert A. Williams
http://www.leacar.com
"Gentlemen...you can't fight here. This is the War Room!"

Thanks,
that helps a ton...now I need the time to play with the code a bit....;-P and then I'll ask a few more questions. Also, just so I am not barking up the wrong tree (or any tree for that matter)...is it possible to write a code that will call/create a new part file (assume it already exists with a complete sketch, just no extrusion or tweaking done to it) and and instert it?

_________________
Swim - Bike - Run ...Repeat
@BreakingChad
The Company Website

Yes, it is possible. There are examples in the help file (Look for Samples...) that should put you on the right path.

_________________
Robert A. Williams
http://www.leacar.com
"Gentlemen...you can't fight here. This is the War Room!"