hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Problem of seeing a created footprint - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dorato
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 31, 2013, 06:26:18 pm
content: Hi I'm new here. I am having trouble after I create a footprint I can not see it in the library. I have Altium 2004 running on Windows 7. I also am having the same issue on a computer with Windows XP. I talked to a rep from the company and she said the program should run in Window 7. I feel that there maybe something I am missing or something in the program that is not set up right. I read the manuals and search on line. The steps I take to create the foot print is as follows. I start with new PCB library project. I keep it sample by using the new component wizard. Once the foot print is created I saved it in a folder with a new name that I can ID it by. I then go to the PCB board to place the part on the layout. by clicking on the libraries tab then click install and browse to the folder where I saved it at. I also click on the tab were you can select components, footprint and 3D models. I do not have a problem to create the components just the foot print. If I use the Window explore and go to the folder where I save the footprint in and double click on it it will bring up the PCB editor program and show it. Can someone tell me what I am missing.ThanksDorato

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2013, 06:52:57 pm
content: It is possibly a problem with the Win7 virtualstore garbage.Microsoft in its minute wisdom decided programs are not allowed to write files in the "Program Files" directory structure. Something which many programs do. To avoid breaking so many programs the OS silently places such writes in another location called the virtualstore.Win7 also tries to fool the programs by making things in virtualstore look like they are in "Program files". I can't remember if it tries to fool users in explorer the same way (I never managed to stand UAC which this shit is part of for more than a couple of days). Sometimes or with some programs it fails to fool them and the program can't see a file it has just written.The short version is don't create your libraries in the "Program files" directory tree and don't try modifying the ones that are already there (if you can actually tell where they are anyway - lol).

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2013, 11:39:47 pm
content: Have you compiled the library? If so you normally find the compiled output in a sub directory to your saved location called "Project Outputs for <your lib name>"

author: dorato
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 12:04:26 am
content: Thanks for the info. I created a folder on my desk top then created a sub folder. I then made my footprint and saved it. I loaded up the library with the created footprint and now it is showing it. You were right that Window 7 must did something that will not allow you to see it.Thanks againDorato
PCB design KiCAD and Amphour #149. re: Altium rant - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2013, 01:56:36 am
content: /.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2013, 02:00:27 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on September 28, 2013, 01:56:36 amDave draws 350mA and Chris draws 150mA.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2013, 02:18:53 am
content: Those amp hour names? They certainly make it hard to find stuff.In regards to Kicad, I tend to have more issues with Altium reader than Kicad. I don't have normal Altium.The other day I tried to open a schematic in Altium reader by double clicking on it.Altuim duly opened up, it told me useful things like I was working in offline mode and that I should register, gave me a list of other schematics and designs that I may want to look at, but no sign of the schematic I actually wanted to see.It turned out the .sch file was probably an Eagle schematic not Altium, but no message to the effect that file is wrong format and the file didn't open.Bad UI is not restricted to open source.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2013, 02:24:53 am
content: Using "sch" as an extension for a schematic file is idiotic. KiCad does it, too. What, do you pay by the extension letter? Is your program MS-DOS compatible?

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2013, 06:43:26 am
content: Actually it seems Altium uses .schdoc as the suffix. I don't know how Altium reader was given the file association for that file type on my system, but it's fixed now.It seems Altium has taken your advice, but kept .sch for backwards compatibility.I guess really the preferable thing would be the linux/unix way where the file's type/usage data is kept out of the name.Apparently one of the other schematic design tools has gone with the .dsn suffix. I don't think that's going to help much either.I noticed that kicad recently changed it's layout design file suffix to .kicad_pcb, which couldn't really be any clearer.
Opening component datatsheets in external acrobat (Altium) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2013, 03:47:50 pm
content: Does anyone know what setting to change to have altium open a datasheet in adobe acrobat?I just did a complete OS re-install and although I saved my prefs, loading them didn't fix it.At the moment its just opening a blank tab.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2013, 10:55:19 pm
content: I just added a pdf to an Altium project and it opens up in Acrobat Reader correctly. I've not changed any settings relating to that as far as I know.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2013, 08:37:18 am
content: ThanksI was referring to a schematic component, where you right click, select references and then a list of documents you may have for that component comes upWhen I selected one it was coming up as a blank tab named Task.PickATask. Then I got confused with the option to open an externalbrowserfor web urls, thinking there was one for pdfs as wellIn this new windows install my data drive where the data sheets reside is now D: where it use to be E: so now all the links in all the libraries and schematics are brokenI wish there was a way to implement relative paths, that way datasheets could live in a subdir within a main library folder that could be moved and used anywhere
Scaling 3d model when making a component? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 04:32:19 pm
content: I've been trying to add a 3D model to a connecto . It's a Molex part and the Step file is supplied by them. All goes well, but the part is actually appearing to scale incorrectly- it's too small. Is there a way in Altium to apply scaling factor when importing a model?

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 04:37:08 pm
content: That's odd. Have you tried contacting molex about it? Sure you have the right part?

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 04:39:29 pm
content: Part number is the same and it looks right, just small

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 05:54:30 pm
content: that's weird.are you sure you have a correct STEP file (AP214) ?havent' seen that. scaling can;t be done ( it defeats the purpose of step files... they are supposed to be 1:1 scale)

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 06:01:30 pm
content: I wasn't sure if Step model has units or scale.The file came fromhttp://www.molex.com/elqNow/elqRedir.htm?ref=http://www.molex.com/pdm_docs/stp/54819-0519_stp.zip

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 07:12:30 pm
content: Quote from: reagle on May 28, 2013, 06:01:30 pmThe model looks OK to me and a few measurements I made match dimensions in the 2D PDF drawing on the same page.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 07:26:59 pm
content: Never mind. I am totally being stupid. My drawing and the new model were 90 degrees from each other. See picture and thanks for the help!
How to use Activation code and customer number  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: richcj10
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 02:02:54 am
content: I have both of these codes. I received these from a person who got 10 seats of Alt. donated to our school.How do I use these to sign into Alt?ThanksRick

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 02:27:02 am
content: Open the licence manager in Altium. I think it's reasonable obvious from there?

author: richcj10
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 02:31:16 am
content: All it gives me an option for is connecting to a server or add a stand alone licence file

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 03:17:38 am
content: Have you signed in to the Altium account that the licences are for?
LGA Footprint - Component Wizard - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 07:51:08 pm
content: Hi all,I am just starting out with Altium (not PCB design) and I am fairly impressed so far. I am now attempting to create my own footprint. I require an LGA package and I am attempting to use the component wizard but there is no LGA option. I am best selecting an LCC and modifying or just creating the footprint from scratch? Also, am I correct in selecting New > PCB Library to make the footprint?P.S. Anyone have a nice keyboard shortcut A4 sheet I could print out and place on my desk?

author: Fox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 08:12:40 pm
content: Hi,you could try use one the BGA variants and modify them for you needs.To create a footprint you can create a new library or add one to an existing library.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2013, 07:45:35 am
content: on a single A4 sheet that would have to be with a REALLY tiny font...

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2013, 07:05:01 pm
content: Quote from: poorchava on May 17, 2013, 07:45:35 amI suspected that might be the case!On a separate note, the dimensions for this LGA footprint are confusing me. The pad width is T2, and length T1, however there appears to be a third dimension T3. Now this is stated as T3x4 so I can only assume this is for the four corner pads?Datasheet:http://www.st.com/st-web-ui/static/active/en/resource/technical/document/datasheet/CD00254111.pdf

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2013, 07:06:45 pm
content: On second thoughts, I'm fairly certain it is the corner pads...
Change component pad colors by net? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Thebrakshow
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 03:07:46 am
content: Hello All,Is it possible to change component pad colors by net in Altium? I usually use Allegro and here is an example of this in Allegro ( See strapping resistors for U1). Thanks for any help in advance!!

author: Fox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 08:20:47 pm
content: Hi,it is possible with Altium too change the Net colors, afaik it is not possible for individual pads.http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Customization+of+Net+Colors
Signal Selection Via Componet Placement - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: embeddedbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 09:23:45 am
content: I have an output that is selected at manufacture by placing a component on the correct pad. As its RF I want a single pad entry and then depending on the component, depends on which route the signal takes. See here:Whats the best way in Altium to accomplish this? Is it to draw a three headed schematic/PCB footprint ? or overlay lap them and ignore/turn of error check due to overlap?
Method to draw custom shaped pads - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: embeddedbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 07:05:16 pm
content: Ive got a couple of components whereby I need to have custom shapes as pads: E.g. this RF filter:Regardless of the board, I would always layout this footprint at a minimum so it makes sense to include this in the PCB lib as it reduces effort redrawing. This is also the recommended footprint.However, I get lots of errors...I had another footprint for an inductor that id used fill and circles to draw which resulted in the same mess of errors so I redid as rectangular pads and all went away. I presume the problem is unassigned nets with fills and shapes...What is the proper method of drawing custom shaped pads for components in Altium?

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 07:18:17 pm
content: For that kind of pad you could duplicate it with two rectangular SMD pads (not fills/shapes) with touching edges. Name them both '1'. It may be that you need to add a design rule to allow these same-nets to touch each other. I forget

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 07:21:02 pm
content: TryDesign | Netlist | Update Free Primitives From Component NetsThat should assign nets to the primitives in the component to match the pads they are connected to.Recent versions have better tools for creating custom pad shapes. Footprints can contain region shapes which have their own solder and paste mask expansion settings. I don't know for sure but I suspect these regions will get nets assigned automatically based on their connection to the component pads.

author: Niklas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 10:02:51 pm
content: Have a look here:http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Creating+a+Custom+Pad+Shape

author: embeddedbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 09:13:05 am
content: Quote from: Rufus on May 07, 2013, 07:21:02 pmDesign | Netlist | Update Free Primitives From Component Nets didnt seem to work. The odd thing is some of these footprints are created by the IPC wizard.
Defining inner plane cutouts in library part? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2013, 11:00:42 pm
content: I'm creating a part in altium which is a GPS antenna. I want to define a region in the part itself that will remove the inner power planes from a defined area. Does anyone know if this is possible/how to achieve this? Thanks

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 02:35:31 am
content: Simpl add a polygon and define it as keepout area.In the inspector there is a checkbox for that
Clearance rule problem... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mad ID
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2013, 11:48:11 am
content: For my current project I have to use dozens of net classes which have clearance rules between each other.I have created net classes with schematic directives and have defined electrical clearance between them with PCB rules:Where the first object matches: InNetClass('XY');Where the second object matches: Not InNetClass('XY') or InNet('No Net')This worked out well until new problem appeared. Now I have a problem with "No net" pins that have a smaller clearance to the other objects (pads and tracks) than it is defined by the clearance rule.I have tried to define additional rules (with smaller defined clearance):Where the first object matches: InNet('No Net')Where the second object matches: Not InNet('No Net')also I also set that rule as a priority rule, but it doesn’t work either.I searched for a solution but I couldn’t find any, so hopefully someone here can help me.Thanks in advance

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2013, 01:43:27 pm
content: You dont need that second clause. That is most likely the cause of the trouble.If innet nonet. This clearance.

author: Mad ID
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2013, 06:35:57 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on April 13, 2013, 01:43:27 pmI already tryed that but it hasn't worked out.Any other suggestion/solution?Below you can see what is the main problem:

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2013, 07:50:17 pm
content: Quote from: Mad ID on April 13, 2013, 06:35:57 pmI'm not sure what you are trying to achieve or exactly what your problem is.I can say that NoNet isn't a real net because all NoNet objects would be connected if it were. I am pretty sure InNet('NoNet') doesn't match objects with no net.You could try ((Not InAnyNet) And IsPad)

author: Mad ID
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 02:19:43 pm
content: Thanks a lot! That is exactly what I was looking for!Quote from: Rufus on April 13, 2013, 07:50:17 pm
Version 13.1 stability (or lack of it) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 05, 2013, 01:57:11 am
content: I've been recently using Version 13.1 quite a bit and am finding it annoyingly unstable and buggy. It almost reminds me of the old Rev 10 before all the patches came out. Is anybody else seeing a spike in issues in this version? Things like random objects seen on layers, that go away on program close and reopen. Access violations, crashes and overall flakiness. Features work one time, but not the next time. Sometimes it forgets to scale the display and I get windows with byuttons outside the screen. This is with the latest updates (version 10.1570.27559).Running on Win7 PCs with anywhere from 4 to 16G of RAM gets me the same results

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2013, 05:20:37 pm
content: Seems more like broken graphics driver, try installing the most recent version for you graphic card.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 05, 2013, 08:54:14 pm
content: Not likely- problems exist on a laptop with internal Intel video and a desktop with a Radeon graphics card.More like bugs on their end. I know, unheard of

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2013, 03:38:18 pm
content: Yeah, i noticed some annoyances as well. Posted some to bugcrunch.I get an error on opening an existing linrary : step model not found. Open library in older version: fine. Open in 13.1: error.
Import a dxf file with hole - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2013, 09:48:00 am
content: Hi,i have to import a dxf with my board outline ,a cutout and some holes, my problem is that altium don't recognize these last two and "put" the board in the holes and in the cutout. How can i resolve this?The placement of the holes must be precise. I think a way to solve this is to import a 3D of the board but i wonder if there is a way to do this with a 2D file.Thanks to all for the help and sorry for my bad english.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2013, 10:41:53 pm
content: I have found a way, but it's kind of cumbersome.-choose a layer for board cutouts (in your mind, I tend to use Mechanical 4)-go to File->Import (hotkey F-I) and select your DXF-define your board shape as something very large, with origin somewhere in center. If your geometry from DXF is larger than board shapem there will be an error-select all relevant layers from DXF to be placed on your chosen layer and hit ok-select the outline and do Design - Board Shape -> Define from selected objects (hotkey D-S-D)-now select your cutout geometry and use Tools->Convert->Create board cutour from selected primitives (hotkey T-V-B).unfortunately defining cutout from primitives can be done only one path at a time, which means that you have to select every hole individually and press TVB. Hopefully you don't have many cutouts in your pcb

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 04, 2013, 03:32:51 pm
content: Thank you very much for the help!!
increase/decrease radial spacing of components in Altium 09 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: goldeneagle272
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 25, 2013, 03:22:32 pm
content: Lets say I have placed some LEDs on a circle (mech layer), and for some reason I want to decrease/increase the diameter of the circle and place all those LEDs again. Is there an easy way to do it? I have tried creating a union (LEDs) and re-sizing it but its not working. Any tips/tricks will be appreciated.Thanks!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2013, 03:51:16 pm
content: polar grids... but you are on 09....set the rotation step in the preferences.place a loose pad at the cente rof rotation.place another loose pad at the radius of the circle.select the pad on the radiusedit-copyclick on pad in the centre ! don;t click on the pad on the radius !!now do edit-paste and hit space bar.you will get a copy of the pad on the radius spun with the given angle around the centreoption-preferences lets you type in the rotation step you want.that is the easiest and quickest way to do this kind of trickery.

author: goldeneagle272
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 25, 2013, 04:08:45 pm
content: Thanks, I know another trick for that. Set angle in preferences, select all components on a circle, cut from center and paste -> spacebar -> left clcik on center.But I want to change the radius not the angle. For example, the components are placed on 10mm circle, I want to change it to 8 or 12mm.
Name of the library which contain standard symbols: CE and "Do not dispose" etc? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: king.oslo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2013, 01:27:09 am
content: Hello,I believe there is a lib for Altium which contains the normal symbols such as CE-marking, UL, do not dispose etc which is useful for silkscreen.Does anyone remember the name of the lib (that way I may be able to download it), or is able to share it?Thank you for your time.Kind regards,Marius

author: king.oslo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2013, 10:45:45 am
content: No, sorry. I haven't got the time right now. I am overloaded with work for a few weeks.Anyone able to give me the name of the library I am referring to?Thank you for your time.Kind regards,Marius

author: Randall W. Lott
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 02:08:07 pm
content: Give these a try:https://forum.sparkfun.com/download/file.php?id=1015&sid=7434258b416e24601ba916d8b51d1cadIt's a .zip containing a few font files. There are loads of symbols that are of course scalable when used.I've used the earth symbol on my silkscreen before and it worked well when I got the PCB manufactured.

author: king.oslo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 03:07:37 pm
content: ThanksM
Multiple P&P points per footprint - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: WR3
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 28, 2013, 08:19:07 pm
content: Hello all,I have a PCB project with multiple LED options on the same footprint.Lets say i have a higher power LED with 4 pads (+ Thermal pad) and another lower power LED with 2 pads can perfectly fit the same footprint with just a bit offset to the side.One way to get two different pick and place points would be to use MidX MidY on 4 pin LED and RefX RefY lower power LED. But what to do if i have a third option with LED placement?Is there a way to have multiple P&P point per footprint, or even better have multiple same looking footprints that are easily replaceable with a few clicks but have different P&P points?Thanks in advance.

author: Niklas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2013, 10:27:49 am
content: I haven't used it myself yet, but this sounds like "Assembly variants"http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Managing+Design+Variation+with+VariantsPlace all 3 components and control which one to populate in each variant. Each variant will have its own pick and place file.

author: WR3
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 29, 2013, 08:11:44 pm
content: Thank YouI knew about assembly variants but didn't know you can change the component case and placement too. I will have to look this assembly variants in more details then. Hope i can find what i need between all this Altium documentation and tutorials :-)But if I must place all 3 components in pcb one on top of another and then select between them that seems like a lot of extra work... but i have to try it out first.
Remember to roam on a trip.... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 09:04:33 pm
content: So I'm on the flight. Comfortable seat with power. Laptop out. Time to get some personal designs done on Altium. Stupid me. No internet. Can't save. Grrrr.I believe I'll be taking my "Portable" version of the same software with me in the future. Very annoying. No way to use software you want to for a 9 hour flight back from Europe.Figured out how to Roam a license when back in the office this morning. Great.
Altium - Copy Room Format  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 11:29:16 am
content: I am designing a new 2 channel board that is basically a cut down version of a 5 channel design I did previously.The new board uses the same channel sheet symbols as the old project. I have placed and sized the rooms on the new board.What I'd like to do is copy the room format from one channel in the previous project PCB to the rooms of the new project PCB.How do you do this? The Copy Room Format function only works within the same PCB file as far as I can see.

author: caffeinatedbard
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 12:37:52 pm
content: I haven't used this myself but thought it might be helpful.http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Snippets-bard

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 09:22:18 pm
content: Thanks, I'll check that out. It might be a viable alternative.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2013, 09:59:13 pm
content: Snippets don't seem to what I want for this multi-channel design.Does anyone else work with rooms a lot?

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2013, 05:20:15 pm
content: Why not just start with a copy of the old design and "throw away" the portions you don't need?If that won't work for some reason, SNIPPETS should work for what you want. After adding the new "snippets" to your current board you will probably have to resynchronize your schematic and PcbDoc.
L M and N - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Gregory
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 06:19:14 am
content: Guys. When I put a smd component I can choose M, L or N footprints? What is the diference between than?

author: electroguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 09:35:27 am
content: I can't remember what each one stands for, but it refers to the size of the footprint/pads.As an example, it's something like this for chip resistors, 0603, 0805 etc... (you can pick a footprint from each one and use CTRL+M to prove it's size).L - about 10% smaller than N - use this if you are really tight for space.N - NORMAL size, use this most of the time, if it suits you.M - about 10% larger than N - use this if you want a larger than normal footprint.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 10:36:04 am
content: Yeah, as said above, it's for different board densities (how close you want to pack the components)Use M If you're soldering by hand, it will make things easier.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 02:09:13 pm
content: Least, Most and Nominal density I think are IPC nomencultureFor a given component they stipulate the size of the pads and talk in terms of heal, toe etc.Essentially, least will be a very big pad and Most will be a very small pad thats why electroguy and psi are saying that Nominal is usually ok for hand soldering

author: enz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 04:28:21 pm
content: Quote from: AlfBaz on March 11, 2013, 02:09:13 pmSorry, but it is the other way around.Least: means the least space occupied, --> small pad --> high density --> difficult for hand solderingNominal: means normal sized pad, between Least and MostMost: means the most space occupied, --> big pad --> low density --> easy to hand solderMartin

author: Gregory
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 05:02:39 pm
content: Thanks guys. So the component size and package are the same? but what changes is nly the pads? right? It's my first SMD pcb, I will use M so. I wilk make the board on OSH park, you think I wii get to use 0603 resistor? or is better I start with 0805? thanks

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2013, 04:29:59 pm
content: If you have the pcb room I'd say go for 0805, that makes it a bit easier for hand assembly. Currently doing a layout as well for a 5x5 cm board. And at first I wasn't sure if everything was going to fit so I started out with 0603 parts. But turns out that there's room after all, so I changed all the 0603's to 0805's purely to make things a bit easier for myself.Using N (nominal) pads here for the 0805's.
Adding additional Non-PCB/Mechanical parts with a main Standard Part - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gcp6ca
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2013, 09:56:39 pm
content: I am new to Altium and still trying to figure out how to use many features. Is there a way to link Non-PCB parts with another PCB part in the BOM? On Labcenter Proteus, I could add a "BOMPART" property so that I could add one matching socket for a DIP IC into the BOM automatically or a few crimps with connectors. It also gave me the option to delete that property on the individual part itself so that I could to delete it.The reason I do that is because I usually use the complementary part and do not want to go through hassle of finding it again.

author: dfnr2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2013, 09:14:14 pm
content: You can create parts with different types, such as standard (in the schematic and the BOM); mechanical (not in the circuit, but in the BOM); standard (no BOM), for things like printed inductors, etc. When you create a schematic part, the properties box in the left upper corner has a select box for "Type" where you can choose this.In multi-page designs, I sometimes have a page with just mechanical parts. I will include the correct size ESD bag, sticker, etc. as well, so the assembly facility knows exactly what to order to get the part out the door.I don't know how you can link two parts, although if there is a way, I'd like to know. You can create and extra field (or more than one) for "accessories", or even "Accessory Description", "Accessory Part #", "Accessory URL" in your standard component template.

author: Randall W. Lott
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 02:12:15 pm
content: This is a fantastic video describing how to add PCB-only or non-PCB items. The audio is a little low, but he explains things well.
Scaling mechanical objects (title block/template) in PCB editor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 02:55:14 am
content: Does anyone know how to scale a group of objects in the PCB editor? I have a title block / drawing template (for my assembly and fab drawings) that is composed of quite a bit of text / lines, and I'd like to scale it down to better fit the size of my board. This is the one function that has eluded me for the longest time; Seems like such a simple task, yet I have never been able to find the appropriate command / keyboard shortcut. Anyone know how?I know it can be done, since I saw our previous PCB design engineer do it. But he's moved on, and I never took the opportunity to ask how. Doh!Edit: FYI, this is in Altium Designer Summer '09 (9.3.1.XXX)

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 03:07:55 am
content: as far as i know that is not possible. you cannot scale anything in altium. that would defeat the mechanical precision of the toolyou can use pcb sheets. there is a whole bunch of templates. those can be scaled automatically.http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Preparing+the+Board+for+Design+Transfer

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 03:33:30 am
content: 1) Select all the objects2) Right-click on one of them and select "Unions" - "Create union from selected objects"3) Right-click again and select "Unions" - "Resize Union" and select one of the objects so handles appear on each corner of the union4) Drag the handles to resize the entire union5) Right-click and select "Unions" - "Break objects from union" and remove all objects from the union.6) Pay me $100

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 03:51:43 am
content: Quote from: Psi on February 21, 2013, 03:33:30 amDid Summer 09 have unions?A possibility is exporting to DXF and importing with a different scale.That said a title block and text needs to be a certain size to be readable which is independent of the size of the PCB so I don't really see much point.

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 04:10:36 am
content: Quote from: Psi on February 21, 2013, 03:33:30 amWorked beautifully!! Except step 6... that function is not supported in Summer '09!I had a feeling it had to do with unions, but I never saw the "resize union" option. I tried searching all sorts of keywords including "resize" in Altium's wiki, but it never pulled up the "resize unions" function. Darn them! Anyway thanks a lot!P.S. We have several drawing templates that we use at our company, but I was making a drawing for a very small, detailed PCB, and our standard smallest template was still way too large. I thought about the DXF import/export option, but I knew the resize option was possible since I saw it done in the past.Anyway, problem solved. Thanks again Psi!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 04:40:52 am
content: holy bimbam !!!i finally learned a new trick in altium.never used unions yet.
Standard footprints - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Gregory
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 06:15:07 am
content: Hello guys! What is the library containing standard resistors, capacitor..., footprints? like 0603, 0805.. I'm get a bit confused here because I can only find very specific parts...

author: electroguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 09:27:54 am
content: There are a few in (location depends on your config/install):\Library\PCB\Surface Mount\and a few more in\Library\PCB\IPC-SM-782\Don't forget some footprint names are in metric, others in imperial, ie:0402 (1005 metric)0603 (1608 metric)0805 (2012 metric)1008 (2520 metric)1206 (3216 metric)1210 (3225 metric)...etc...

author: Gregory
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 04:54:16 pm
content: Ohhh!! Thanks, now I can start my schematics!! really thanks
BoardStation to Altium?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 05:32:01 pm
content: Hi all-I'm new here but read thru quite a few threads before registering.Hopefully someone can give me some kind of answer on this. I have (9) old layouts that were completed in our old software, PANTHEON, a couple of years ago..I'd like to get those designs into Altium for reuse. I'd like to have full functionality once there.Is there any way to do this?Thanks in advance for any help.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2013, 06:47:47 pm
content: save as odb++ and pull it in through the Camtastic module.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2013, 07:11:27 pm
content: So I'm back to this project. I read my gerber and drill file into Camtastic and then went thru the reverse engineering process that Altium has in their Help.One problem.... most of the unplated drill holes did not convert from the Camtastic files to the new PcbDoc file. They are in the Camtastic document but they didn't convert to the PcbDoc.Any idea why?
Altium pointer is disconnected from the component that is being moved - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: John Lumsden
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 13, 2012, 10:03:57 pm
content: I use Altium 10 (Windows7) when I attempt to move a part on the schematic the part can be moved but the mouse pointer moves about a quarter of a screen away...ANY IDEAS?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2012, 10:55:17 pm
content: I don't have Altium 10, but there are a few things that maybe happening.1) You have the 'snap-to-grid' on and the grid size quite large.2) Mouse/graphics driver issues.Try reinstalling your video and mouse drivers.Also check you don't have any weird mouse options enabled.3) The component your moving has a free pin which is far away from the component itself.Altium jumps the mouse position to one of the component pins as you drag it, so if you have a pin way off in the distance it may jump to that.This is only likely to be the cause if you have been editing components or making your own.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2012, 11:02:11 pm
content: let me guess .. this is a part you made yourself ?the origin is off in the schematic library... the snap point is where the cross is in the schematic library ...so you need to draw your part in the center in the library editor.other potential problem is that the designator or description has been moved far away from the part. this can yield strange effects as altium will refuse to move the part if any object of it falls outside the document size. you can check this by simply clicking on the part. you will get a dashed rectangle around the part. if that dashed rectangle is much larger than the part : bingo.... you got stuff far waya from where it needs to be.

author: tinhead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2013, 07:39:12 pm
content: sometimes it helps out to select part, rotate it 4 times (360°), unselect and then move it.
Making Complex Schematic Part, any Tips? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2012, 06:40:21 pm
content: Just installed the demo a few days ago, so still trying to wrap my head around the flow of Altium. I'm trying to evaluate before my new company drops the cash on it.Any tips or tutorials for making a complex part, such as 450+ ball BGA ARM processor?Creating the PCB footprint was pretty easy, once I thought about making all balls and deleting, rather than trying to make the inside square and outside ring. (Kind of a duh, once I thought about it.I've converted ball names (this is alpha style, A1, AA23, etc.), pin names, electrical, and a few other fields into Excel. I'm looking at a multi part object and creating pins with Smart SchList Paste. Is that the best method of doing this, or am I missing a better way?

author: samarkh
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 08:11:14 pm
content: Have you watchedhttp://altiumvideos.live.altium.com/#Detail/1170?If the above link fails, navigate to..Altium Live, Design Secrets, SCH/PCB/LIBS, Smart Grid Insert for Rapid Component DevelopmentQuoteAltiums words..Yours Simon M.
Smoothing tracks near vias or Another things - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: theorotica
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 12:09:17 am
content: Hey,Does anyone know that How to smooth tracks near vias or another things? I searched learning guides and helps about altium but I can not find how to do this. There is an examle picture added to this message. May be I don't know exactly this function. Or maybe it is a plugin. But, this is really amazing thing that beautifies the design.

author: theorotica
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 12:21:06 am
content: I am talking about the smooth connections between tracks and vias in this picture.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 12:53:47 am
content: It's called "teardrops".

author: theorotica
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 01:07:15 am
content: So cute property..Thanks.
Translating multiple component designators as a group - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: basketofkittens
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 12:23:45 am
content: I've been tearing my hair out here for a bit and I can't seem to make sense of this.I've got a large-ish grid of passives on my board that are grouped densely enough to where I need to relocate all the component designators to a separate area of the board.I have no problems filtering the designators to select only the ones I want, but that's where I hit a wall. If I grab one of the designators, only the one I grabbed will move. The others stay in place. I've tried unlocking the primitives on the components, creating a union of the designators, and various other things. The alignment tools also choke on them in strange ways. Selecting the designators and choosing "Distribute horizontally/vertically" or "Increase horizontal/vertical spacing" spreads them apart in decidedly non-uniform ways.Moving single designators works just as you would expect, but there's seemingly no way to move multiple designators as a group. Any ideas?I would very much like to avoid having to move them one by one, as there are quite a few of them and I'm unsure of exactly how to place them to make them fit in their new positions.Thanks!

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 01:14:31 am
content: Unfortunately i don't think you can in older versions.It looks like they've added it into Altium Designer 10 in update 10.818.23272If they're in a grid probably the quickest way is to work out a new X/Y start and X/Y step value, write down the grid in excel and then just set each ones X/Y position individually to match the table by doubleclicking and typing the X/Y position.

author: basketofkittens
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 01:52:19 am
content: I guess I'll be moving them manually then. Ugh.At least now I know it wasn't my fault. Thanks!
IRC channel - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jhansonxi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 06, 2012, 06:32:29 pm
content: There's an IRC channel for Altium Designer that myself a few other people hang out on. I access it through the freenode server. The channel is #AltiumDesigner. Yes, the sharp is part of the channel name so you have to join it with:Code:/join ##AltiumDesignerThere's also a general PCB IRC channel named #pcb (another mis-named channel with an extra sharp):Code:/join ##pcbIf you've never used IRC before there's plenty of tutorials on the web. One tip - don't expect immediately replies so stay logged in (many users leave their IRC clients open 24/7). Another tip - if replying to a specific individual publicly, start the message with their ID because most clients will beep or pop-up a notification whenever your ID is found in a new message.On Windows you can usemIRC. On Ubuntu Linux I use the Gnome version of XChat. There aremany more clients available.
Assembly guide/drawings - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 10:40:04 pm
content: Hi,I usually have a computer next to me when assembling my boards, in order to look up component values and positions on the pcb. Is it possible in altium to create a printed "hand assembly" guide with say all 100nF caps highlighted on one page, all caps of another value highlighted on another, and so on?How do you guys do it, when assembling prototypes?/Jonas

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 10:50:00 pm
content: you can make a plot that shows the values. as for making plots that show specific values highlighted .. don;t know. i know this was a feature in orcad.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2012, 10:53:47 pm
content: Print overlayHighlightersSorted

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2012, 10:10:05 pm
content: Where is that exactly?
Trying to make an Arduino shield, but I have a colision problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 01:06:43 pm
content: Good evening, sorry for the not so clear subject, but its not easy to explain with a handful of words.So, I'm trying to make an Arduino shield, and so I have created a footprint that has the headers that will match up with the Arduino headers, but when laying out the pcb, Altium says that I have a colision with the componentes between the headers, because it assumes that the headers are a monolithic part.Is there a way to circunvent this, or will I have to use loose header and align then in the pcb.Image that will help understand my problem:

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 06:07:37 pm
content: Any ideas? (sorry for nagging)

author: gxti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 06:23:29 pm
content: Same answer as for the other guy with clearance issues -- draw a 3D body and it will be used for clearance calculation instead of the bounding box.

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 09:43:07 pm
content: I will try to add 3d models of stackable pin headers and I will see if it solves the problem.Thanks
Altium Database - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lippy01
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 11:19:32 pm
content: Hi AllI have created a database library for the company I am working at and have put the library on the private server. It works well except for when I want to edit/add a component while other people are using Altium. The excel spreadsheet I am using as my database says it is locked and is read only.My Question is can I edit the excel spreadsheet (and Hence the Altium database) while other people are using Altium??Thanks AllLippy

author: Lippy01
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 07, 2013, 07:56:32 pm
content: I think I've found the answer to my own question so I'll post it up.After browsing the Altium forums (which I've just gained access to) I've found that it is normal for excel to lock up. The alternative is to use Access (which is better because it will eliminate sharing violations and Access will scale much better than Excel) or use a "proper" database like Microsoft SQL.The forum post where I got this information from is found:http://forum.live.altium.com/#posts/195638

author: dda
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2013, 08:22:38 pm
content: A google doc spreadsheet can be used and edited by many people at once.

author: Lippy01
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 07, 2013, 11:33:41 pm
content: You can't use a google spreadsheet because you cannot give the file location to Altium

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 04:01:50 am
content: When you used access did you have to enter the database connection string in somewhere. If I remember correctly there was a bunch of stuff you could specify in it such as passwords and sharing attributes etc...

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 04:23:44 am
content: Quote from: AlfBaz on February 08, 2013, 04:01:50 amSorry I meant excell

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 05:29:26 am
content: Quote from: Lippy01 on February 07, 2013, 11:33:41 pmMy experience with Google docs is limited, butYou can mount your 'google drive' as a directory (or as its own drive letter using subst)And you can open 'google docs' files from a 'google drive', so i don't see a problem.