| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Ampdoctor
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Nov 2025 : 18:30:43
|
Hi all,
I bought the library when upgrading to V29. I'm just wondering who generated some of the components. Op amps, transistors and even diodes are now represented as empty boxes with leads and numbers, but zero representation of the function of the part.
This makes them unusable for me. My schematics are a representation of the function of the circuit, not just an alternative connection layout of the PCB.
If this has been farmed out to some 3rd party, the subbie has done a very poor job. |
|
|
Scazon
United Kingdom
70 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2025 : 21:27:11
|
You'll have observed by now that the forum is pretty well dead, as I suspect is EPC itself. The rot started when DesignSpark was forked off, and now that's really where all the sales are now.
But you might get a better response by emailing support directly (support@numberone.com) quoting your user number. |
 |
|
|
shadders
United Kingdom
225 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2025 : 23:13:54
|
quote:
Originally posted by Scazon
You'll have observed by now that the forum is pretty well dead, as I suspect is EPC itself. The rot started when DesignSpark was forked off, and now that's really where all the sales are now.
Hi,
I don't think the forum is dead, as the product works as expected with the odd glitch here and there.
Have you seen the costs for DesignSpark with it being a subscription based offering ?
EasyPC is vastly better value for money without the need to pay to use. The problem is that people do not know about it.
Regards,
Shadders. |
|
|
|
Ampdoctor
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2025 : 08:27:55
|
The thing that really highlighted the library quality was when I experimented with KiCad. That has libraries of very high quality. The only thing stopping me from migrating is having to create a lot of custom components and learn all the differences of a new program when I'm nearing retirement.
|
|
|
|
Scazon
United Kingdom
70 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2025 : 10:20:25
|
I have noted the inexorable upward creep of DesignSpark pricing for quite a few years now. At one stage I was tempted to switch, but back then DS was so cut down that I decided to stay with EPC. Now I'm past retirement I only use it to occasionally support ex- customers or do the odd bit of hobby work.
Any particular components you're after, AmpDr? BTW I quite agree with your take on symbols, and I wish EPC's hierarchy system was a bit better.
Maybe we could all post useful selections of our custom components and symbols on Github... which would be easier if the library system wasn't so ramshackle.
|
|
|
|
Ampdoctor
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2025 : 10:34:51
|
Partly it's my own fault, when installing the new library I seem to have allowed it to overwrite existing libraries.
That's led to it overwriting some of the old libraries that I had edited and built up.
I can rebuild them, it's just annoying that when I've gone to use components that I've just paid for, they are essentially useless. I expect an op amp to be the conventional triangle design, and a 4148 diode to look like a diode and not have an IC reference.
I pulled up a transistor which had a CR reference, that's a 1960's reference for a diode.
At least I know not to waste my money buying the library again. |
|
|
|
edrees
United Kingdom
800 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2025 : 10:53:05
|
The "non-descript blank box" schematic symbols are what you get by using the free "Library Loader" (https://componentsearchengine.com/) or "SnapMagic" (under Component Search) or similar.
Maybe someone had a summer holiday job creating these "cost-option" libraries for EPC.
Personally, I've never had confidence in 3rd party libraries, due to conflicts and errors experienced in the past. It really doesn't take long to create your own Component.
Also, always use your own Component Library names, -not the generic EPC names, and then they will never be overwritten when you install an update. |
|
|
|
Peter Johnson
United Kingdom
514 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2025 : 11:19:19
|
The original libraries that come with the program as standard are, admittedly, very old. They were manually created for the DOS version of the program when Number One Systems Ltd. was still around - I know, I did some of them! That's why the schematic symbols are well detailed. The 'boxes with sticks' set in with the cost option libraries as they were automatically imported from third party data. I don't know, but I suspect a web source, much the same as everyone now complains about.
It's not an ideal solution, but if you do want to replace the schematic symbols, look at [File], [Databook] and browse the schematic symbol libraries until you find something suitable that you could use directly or possibly with minor edits. Once you've got a replacement, you can edit the component and select the required symbol using the 'Gate' tab - but check the pin numbering as well!
|
|
|
|
Ampdoctor
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2025 : 12:15:13
|
The old libraries aren't a problem, it's the new ones that are an issue.
I'm fortunate that most of the specialised parts I use were in a custom library that wasn't overwritten.
|
|
|
|
jlawton
United Kingdom
109 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2025 : 09:01:20
|
Always create your own library folders so that the parts will then never be overwritten by any updates.
John
John |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Library components