I am trying to add a satellite multi-switch to my drawing (converts the 4 polarity feeds from a quad LNB to 16 mux'ed outputs for feeding skyboxes). I dont carewhat brand it is. how can I "search" my symbols library for a "multi-switch"?

TIA

Dave

is there any other source of symbols other than what i can download to stardraw during install? Specifically I want this multi-switch (happens to be Alcad) and also some other Alcad products (coax amps, satellite decoders).

The Stardraw website is the only source of symbols that can be installed into your Offline Libraries,  but you can open other file formats, e.g. DWG and DXF, and save them as your own symbols - just drag a selection into the Library List under My Symbols.

You might find it just as easy, however, to create your own symbols using Tools | Symbol Wizard.  This allows you to create a new symbol with all the text, inputs and outputs you need, fully compliant to Stardraw's standards, without having to do any dawing work, in just a few seconds.  See http://www.stardraw.com/products/stardrawav/NewFeature.asp?date=0212

If you would like us to add symbols for particular products, please request them online: visit http://www.stardraw.com/products/stardrawav, and click on the Request Symbols link.

Kind regards,
Rob Robinson
Stardraw.com

I had to create a load of symbols with the symbol wizard for my last drawing (not 1 single device on this install had a stardraw symbol). I have now found out that I need to include more ports on the symbol (as the corresponding device has more ports than I originally presumed). How can i edit this symbol and use it in future drawings?



Further, what happens to the rack view with these pictures? How do I edit the symbols rack-view?



Some insight would be much appreciated.



Dave

Hi Dave,

I'm assuming you've saved the symbols you created into your Library List under My Symbols.

You can edit a symbol file by doubleclicking on it in the Library List.  Click on YES when asked if you really want to edit it.

When the file opens I'd recommend first setting the grid size to be the same as the Block Schematic environment.  Rightclick, select document and go to the Grid tab.  X and Y grid spacing should be 2.5mm.  You can then copy existing ports, edit labels by doubleclicking on the text etc. and perform any other drawing/editing action you want.  When finished, just save and close the file.

The same is true for any rack symbols you have created, but note that the grid should be X=25.4mm, Y= 44.45mm.

I hope this is helpful.

Kind regards,
Rob Robinson
Stardraw.com

Hi Rob,



Thanks for this, but I am still confused on a few points.



I dont know why but when I try and change the spacing of the grid, it is in METRES (currently 0.003m) not MILLIMETRES (you said it should be 2.5mm). I cant change the unit? I cant type in 0.0025m either.

Also, I noticed that my actual block drawing (onto which I am trying to place these symbols) has this grid setting at 0.003m.



So why should I change this to 2.5mm from 0.003m?



And if i need to how?



Furthermore, I need to add connection types (such as CAT5) that I didnt include at all in my initial attempt at creating the symbols. How can I add a new KIND of port. I obviously cant copy and paste if there is no port type like this to paste.



TIA,

Dave

Hi Dave,

Your preferences are currently set to units of Metres at a precision of 3 decimal places.  This is why you can't enter 0.0025m but instead it is being rounded to 0.003m (and therefore 3mm).

To change your unit, select Options | Preferences | Millimetres

To add a new type of port, copy and paste an existing one, then just move the copy onto whichever layer you want to contain that port type.

I hope this is helpful.

Kind regards,
Rob Robinson
Stardraw.com