kl1k said:
I've download the trial version of P-Cad and am busy fiddeling with a few
schematics.
I've read thru some of the tutorials but am still clueless on how you find a
specific component in all of the livrary files they give you.
Are you supposed to load all the libraries and then do a query for the
compenet you want? Surely there must be a easier way?
Back before I was working, it took me a good number of 12-hour
days--about two weeks worth, in fact--to get comfortable in PCAD 2002.
I'm sure that you will figure it out if you keep after it. In
answer to your question, only load the libraries which contain the
components that you want. The libraries which you can download
directly from PCAD usually have descriptive names, so you will know
what you are looking for. Later, you can make your own libraries
with Library Executive. When you select the component placement tool
in the toolbar (PCAD Schematic), a dialog box will pop up which will
also give you the option of going into the "library setup". From
there, you can add or remove specific libraries from the dialog box.
But let me tell you a little secret...PCAD does not supply library
patterns for every component in the world...so you will need to learn
how to make your own. If you want to do this, open up Library
Executive and open up a component similar to the one which you want to
make. This way, you can see how they do it. You can make any
component pattern in Library Executive, with the help of the Symbol
and Pattern Editor, whether it is a DIP, SO, array, quad package, or
just random pads of different sizes and shapes.
If you ever want to lay down different types of pads in Pattern Editor
or PCB, etc, you have to go up to the title bar and select Current
Pad. This will open the dialog box for the types of pads currently
included in the project. You can then copy a pad style, and modify
it to suit your tastes, be it a SM pad, through-hole, etc.
This general process that I follow when using PCAD makes my job
easier:
1. Make sure that you have opened all of the component libraries in
Schematic that you will need. If extra components need to be
created, then do so.
2. Create your schematic in the Schematic program.
3. Generate a netlist under the Utilities tab.
4. Go to PCB and make sure that all of the same component libraries
are opened (netlist will not load correctly otherwise).
5. Under the Utilities tab, load the netlist file.
6. Route your board with the manual routing tools (located in
toolber).
7. Setup your output files by going to File>>Output>>Gerber or NCR to
setup your gerber and drill files. Different board houses require you
to use different settings for the drill file. Usually you have to ask
them what they require.
PCAD can be difficult program to master, initially, because there is
so much to it. But as you get more practiced, it gets much easier
and much less frustrating. It is a very powerful program. The
company that I work for likes to hire people who are comfortable with
PCAD.
Best Regards,
Sam B.
