Suddenly unable to move components

Is it because Eagle thinks you have exceeded the limits of the version you are using?

What are the limits of this version?

Thanks very much for responding Douglas.

I'm fairly certain I've not exceeded any restrictions for the free version of Eagle.

If anything I've been lightening the load on the project prior to running into the problem - I've been removing components that I didn't need and cleaning up routing of traces.

Suddenly I can't move the components, but I can add, remove and move traces.

I've never seen this error, but I use a full version of Eagle.

Maybe if you zoom way out you might see a component or object way off the card, making the project too big for the version?

Or maybe there are too many layers?

Tried the 'Zoom To Fit' option and that just frames the board. Zoomed right out too and there's nothing additional to see.

I wondered if layers might be the problem but you're restricted to top and bottom in the free version, I've not added (or tried to add) any additional ones.

The issue is definitely unique to this project too, I'd really love to know what I've done to cause this!

I'll try to help.

I suspect you have a version 9, you have not said. I use v7.7 so I cannot be specific about the first thing I'd check. I remember seeing some where that the dimensions of the area limitation in the later versions was adjustable. Instead of being locked to a size of 100mm x 80mm  you can change a setting to , say 200 x 40  and be within the area limitation. So check that out first. I'd be keen to have confirmed that this is true in these later versions.

Failing that suggestion, next confirm your board is still at the origin (0 0) and extends in the positive X and Y directions.

All versions will load a huge board but you can only reposition elements into the area your version permits.

So set the grid to mm

Next confirm your design is still where you placed it . Bottom left at about the board origin at  (0 0) and top right no more than (100 80)

Have a look at the info properties of an element  you wish to move. The Position figures should be positive and less than the 100 and 80 numbers.

Try to move a small element using the command line. Try it on a small resistor, say R1,

MOVE R1 (40 40)

If that works, then try 'zoom to fit' . It may reveal that the whole design is living way out of the area you placed it.

An undo will get that R1 back where it started from so you can then group the whole design and get it back to where it should be.

Let us know how you get on.

Warren

Thanks Warren.

You're right, I'm on version 9.2.2

I've been through your list of suggestions and all is as it should be as far as part location and board size are concerned. I think the file/project has somehow just become corrupted?

I've found a workaround of sorts, I've discovered I can make a part 'stick' by hovering it over where I want it to be and then hitting the ratsnest key command. Not the perfect solution but it at least means I don't need to start the project again from scratch.

Hi

That ratsnest workaround is strange.

I see you are using 'Projects' . Historically occasional oddities have been observed when Projects are involved. Personally I avoid using them.

I would try displaying the board but not by using 'Project' functionality.

Turn off all projects. (No green dot on any)

Then starting with only the Control Panel open, simply open the troublesome board by itself.

By not activating a project (turning on its green dot), you avoid running the project's eagle.epf file so that removes one variable.

Consider posting your board file here so I/others can have a look at the XML within the file. It is likely that is where there is a small corruption that is tripping up Eagle but the file remains good enough to open.

As the problem persists after repetitive 'saves', Eagle is happy to re-save the error.

I think you have exposed a bug that Autodesk should be made aware of. They will also wish to see the board file to diagnose the problem.

HTH

Warren

On 07/01/19 18:54, Warren Brayshaw wrote:

I see you are using 'Projects' . Historically occasional oddities have been observed when Projects are involved. Personally I avoid using them.

Really? I don't think I've ever heard of oddities with projects. I've

certainly come across plenty of people having issues that can be avoided

if you do use projects.

Poor use of terminology on my part I'm afraid.

By 'project' I meant the job I've been working on rather than I'm using the Project feature in Eagle.

Looks like I've managed to get things as complete as I need to in order to export Gerbers etc. If I get the same issue in future I guess it needs bringing to the attention of Autodesk.

Thanks again for your help Warren.

Check your grid settings and be sure its set small enough. I accidentally increased mine to 1000mil once and took me two hours to figure out parts wouldnt move because the grid was too large to snap to and was throwing the free eagle warning