Problem with Cadstar 8: can't make parts

hi
am using cadstar v8.0. am able to create symbol and component. but i couldn't make part . the library editor is always throwing an exception.
could anyone please suggest a solution to this problem

cheers
skr

Re: cadstar problem...

Forget the library editor.

Use notepad instead, it's much easier.

Look in your library folder, the .lib files should be able to open with notepad.

Look at how the other parts are made.

start with a full stop for the name
I.E.

.PIC16CXXX ; description here [leave space before semicolon]
PCB footprint name [copied from pcb footprint libary]
*STM U [stem name]
*DFN PIC16CXXX [definition - also copy to top]
PIC16C64 [schematic symbol name]
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 & [sch pin to pcb pin mapping, allow to flow into next line by adding "&"]
9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0

[note - have symbol pins the same as those that belong to the footprint pins they go to, I.E. pin 1 = pin 1. The old method of swapping them over is far too complex]

All text in between square brackets [] are my comment on how to do this.

Then from the library menu in design editor, choose parts, parts index and OK that to create a new index.
It will tell you if you have made an error.

BIG TIP = Read the help files on library managment & try it.

If you can't manage it after that give some more info on the part your trying to create.
I.E. Symbol name, footprint name, required part name etc.

Re: cadstar problem...

hi
i did as u said i.e., in notepad...unfortunately it's same problem again.

cheers
skr

Re: cadstar problem...

OK, can you be more specific about the problem then please.
1) what is the exact wording of the error?
2) what is the exact name of the component?
3) what is the exact name of the symbol?
4) what is the exact part entry, as found with notepad in the library?

With these I may be able to figure it out.

Roland.

Re: cadstar problem...

hi
am doing a surface mount switch. am using the schematic symbol which is already there in the library (normal switch symbol). i created the footprint with name mecswitch.

the name of symbol is ksa tactile switch
the name of component is mecswitch
the name of part is mecswitch
the error is part not found.
this is the error when we do in notepad. but am still able to see the part with both symbol and footprint in the library.

if i do it in parts library, then it is throwing an exception of libedit.exe run time error and crashes.

thanks for ur interest in this. ur suggestions would be appreciated.
cheers
skr

Re: cadstar problem...

I know what.
Export the footprint and the symbol to archive files.
Copy the part library .lib file with the details in and remove all other parts from that library file.
Also a datasheet/info on the switch will be needed.
Then zip them all up and post them here & I'll have a look for you.

Or join the cadstarusers Yahoo group and they might be able to help out.
(Just don't mention the legality of your license).

Having the part name the same as the footprint AFAIK won't do also, I think that brings about an error, try changing the part name to SM mechswitch ?

Something like this should be the library entry.
(my comments are in brackets and should be removed).

sm mechswitch ; SMT tactile switch (space before the ";" comment after)
mecswitch (footprint name)
*STM SW (this gives the stem name I.E. SW1, SW2 etc)
ksa tactile switch (symbol name)
1.0 2.0 (assuming it's only 2 pins)

With this added using notepad, then saved. Open the file with the library editor and it should add the definitions, save it from libed and then do a parts index file.
It should then show up OK.

That's a point, you are making a parts index aren't you?

Re: cadstar problem...

hi
yes am doing parts index. i did it in exactly same format as u send me...
thanks for ur suggestions
cheers
skr

Re: cadstar problem...

Uh ih, best to zip up the files like I said.
Roland.