I was wondering if anyone could help / point me to a description of how to take a STEP file (a cad drawing) of a ALPS switch and import into Eagle as a libary item?
(or should I just start from the begining and draw a new item in Eagle?)
The item Im trying to use is push switch from ALPS
http://www.alps.com/WebObjects/catalog.woa/E/HTML/Switch/Push/SPUJ/SPUJ193700.shtml
Regards
Hazzer
"Morten Leikvoll" a écrit dans le message de groupe de discussion :
589724597342302077.993435mleilvol-yahoo.nospam@news.cadsoft.de...
harry percy <communitymanager@premierfarnell.com> wrote:
I was wondering if anyone could help / point me to a description of how
to take a STEP file (a cad drawing) of a ALPS switch and import into
Eagle as a libary item?
(or should I just start from the begining and draw a new item in Eagle?)
The step model is a 3d format for viewing the components physicalities. It
does non contain soldering information.
But it would be nice is a future version could actually use it and render
it for 3d collision drc. It could also be used to check your footprint, and
if I dream further it could be used to auto create the footprint.
I suspect that neither is not going to happen in many years, if ever.
===
Step files are not very useful for a footprint where you need mainly proper
outline, pads and drills.
However, if you have time, here is a way to check that your footprint will
fit the Switch :
- make your own library package for the switch, based on the datasheet.
- see http://eagleup.wordpress.com/how-to-model/#import_step to convert your
step model into a skp file (can be quite long, see the video)
- install the export/import plugins by following the tutorial
http://eagleup.wordpress.com/installation-and-setup/
- then export your board and import it into Sketchup. If you have all the
steps correct you should see your board and the switch on it.
I use this process with every new mechanical part, as usually their
datasheet is not very precise for our E-CAD use 
You can also see eventual collisions with your enclosure, with other
components ...
Check this video for a real world exemple of project modeled in a couple of
days :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uC9YPETKAYg
Jerome
