Stardraw Forums

Jack plates and patch panels in the Block Schematic Module

http://forums.stardraw.com/Topic19233.aspx

By Bender3000a - 4/1/2025 2:53:09 PM

Rather than directly connecting devices with cables, we always specify structured cabling be installed from a patch panel at the rack location to jack plates at each of the devices in the room.  Then short pre-made jumper cables connect the jacks to the device ports.  What is the best method to draw these patch panels and jack plates in the Block Schematic Module?  As a frame of reference, when using other signal flow drafting programs, I typically represent these jack plates and patch panels as shown in the attached image.  
By Rob Robinson - 4/1/2025 3:31:26 PM

Thanks for your post and the image.

In essence, the Jack Plate is simply another product in the system with inputs and outputs so it would seem to make sense to create User Defined Products for the various Jack Plates you employ so you can re-use them across projects.  As UDPs they'll also be useful in the Cables View and Cable Schedule output.

From the Tools menu select Create User Defined Product and, after you've set the name criteria for the UDP, choose to create a new Block Schematic symbol and set the inputs and outputs you need.  UDPs can be generated in this way in a matter of seconds.

You might also find it useful to refer to the video "Adding New Products", #09 at https://www.stardraw.com/sd7/movies - the UDP Wizard is shown at about 1m 45s.

I hope this is helpful.