Suddenly unable to move components

Question

Hoping someone can help please. This isn't the standard "I've switched off origins" issue btw...

I opened a project this morning and I can't move or rotate components on the board I've been working on for the last week or so. I can move traces fine or the board perimeter, but not components.

I select 'move', select the component and it moves with the cursor, but when I click to place the component, it won't stick. If I try to rotate a component I get the "the free version of Eagle can't perform..." dialogue.

This applies to all components that are on the board I'm working on. I opened an older project and no problems, so the issue seems unique to the project I'm on now.

WarrenBrayshaw · Answer

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

rackham1 · Answer

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.

dougw · Answer

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?

rackham1 · Answer

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!

WarrenBrayshaw · Answer

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