Eagle
Hi all,
Eagle uses good libraries, fairly good libraries and junk libraries.
I've been working with Eagle starting out at version 2.5.
Here are the steps for those who don't know exactly how to add a new component to a library or make a new library.
Let's start with a package: the same packages are used for many coponents. You can skip making a new package selecting the one you want to use (even if it requires small changes like the shape of the body or additional pins). Open the library with the package you want to use: Group the entire package including the text >NAME and >VALUE. Then copy it to the paste buffer by using the scissors symbol and then hit the button next to the green traffic light symbol. Now the package is in the paste buffer. Open the library you want to put the package into. Click package -> New and type the name of the package, e.g. SOT23 (If it's already there use a suffix like SOT23-1) Then paste the package onto the screen. Make your necessary changes and save it.
The symbol should fit easily into the schematic so you should know where to connect what to avoid crossover nets, which become confusing the more there are. Create a new symbol like you did with the package. Give it a name which refers to the function as well as to your specific schematic you are planning (e.g. NE555 for general purpose, NE555-P for PWM applications and so forth). Since you will type the pin names already into the symbol you should CHANGE -> Visible -> PAD (Activating BOTH gets too confusing).
Number the pins with the pad numbers and save the symbol.
Creating a device is the last necessary step. Click DEVICE -> NEW and type in the device name e.g. IRF450. Click ADD and select the symbol you've created before. Give it a name like IC or U for an integrated circuit or Q for transistor (Germans use T for transistor). Place the symbol close to the zero-zero point (X and Y position) because it will be referenced to that in the layout. (Having the reference point miles away you will hardly be able to move that part, in the worst case the reference point will be off the PCB. You can force that situation and then create a board. Click WINDOW-FIT and everything is fitted into the window, including your reference point, causing a small PCB on the screen) Finally click CONNECT and connect the pins and pads properly. If you are unsure about what to be connected just connect one pair of pin and pad, then click OK. The display shows what you've connected. If it's OK go to the next one, if not, click disconnect after you selected the faulty connection.
I hope this advise is good for newcomers on Eagle, and yes, Eagle is still DOS-based. If there are any questions arising making libraries of your own I'll be glad to help you, even "constructing" a new part which is not to be found in any library. Just email me the data sheet and you'll get the desired part with a package of no more than 1/1000mm tolerance.
Regards to all
Hans