[sdiy] Another EAGLE question

[Justin Owen]

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Buchstaller [buchi at allnet.de]
Subject: Re: [sdiy] Another EAGLE question

>>My preferred method is to use the Library editor to create a 'device' that uses a 'symbol' without any 'pins' - and no 'package'.

>This will work well for mechanical parts like Screws, case parts etc.. But i assume when a pot is needed that will be mounted on a front panel, one will need a connector on-board to connect the pot leads to the pcb. (even if the pot is on a separate daughter-board, i think there will be at last sone solder points for it.

True - like I said, using the above method puts _nothing_ on the board. You need to add _something_ to the board (and ideally, for clarity, to the schematic) so you can connect the pins/lugs/whatever from the off-board component to the board.

>I did create all parts myself, because i am seldom happy with what is in the libraries. So i simply added a row of 3 solder holes as one of the possible "packages" for the pot - so i can use it as a plain device in the schematic, and have only the solder holes on my pcb.

Obviously personal preference is a big part of this and yes, creating your own library parts is well worth the effort - personally I find that adding wire pads to the board as a separate device lets me put them wherever I want - so e.g. for a pot - I can have Pins 1, 2 and 3 wherever I want on the board - without having to change packages or variants.

Yes, it makes the schematic a little bit busier - but I find I can lay out tighter boards. Just my personal pref though.

J