1 <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC
"-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
2 "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
6 <link rel=
"stylesheet" media=
"screen" type=
"text/css" href=
"./style.css" />
7 <link rel=
"stylesheet" media=
"screen" type=
"text/css" href=
"./design.css" />
8 <link rel=
"stylesheet" media=
"print" type=
"text/css" href=
"./print.css" />
10 <meta http-equiv=
"Content-Type" content=
"text/html; charset=utf-8" />
15 <div class=
"tocheader toctoggle" id=
"toc__header">Table of Contents
</div>
16 <div id=
"toc__inside">
19 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#general" class=
"toc">General
</a></span></div>
21 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#i_found_a_bug_what_can_i_do_about_it" class=
"toc">I found a bug! What can I do about it?
</a></span></div></li>
24 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#gschem_usage" class=
"toc">Gschem usage
</a></span></div>
26 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#there_is_no_symbol_in_the_chooser_dialog" class=
"toc">There is no symbol in the chooser dialog!
</a></span></div></li>
27 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_move_a_component" class=
"toc">How do I move a component?
</a></span></div></li>
28 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_move_components_without_dragging_a_tail_of_connectet_nets" class=
"toc">How do I move components without dragging a tail of connectet nets?
</a></span></div></li>
29 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_change_the_size_of_the_text_on_a_symbol" class=
"toc">How do I change the size of the text on a symbol?
</a></span></div></li>
30 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#is_it_possible_to_overline_text_in_gschem" class=
"toc">Is it possible to overline text in gschem?
</a></span></div></li>
31 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_unlock_a_locked_component" class=
"toc">How do I unlock a locked component
</a></span></div></li>
32 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_get_refdes_automatically_numbered_when_i_draw_a_schematic" class=
"toc">How can I get refdes automatically numbered when I draw a schematic?
</a></span></div></li>
33 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#what_is_a_bus_and_how_do_i_use_it" class=
"toc">What is a Bus and how do I use it?
</a></span></div></li>
34 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_change_key_bindings_in_gschem" class=
"toc">How can I change Key Bindings in gschem?
</a></span></div></li>
35 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#what_are_the_mouse_bindings_in_gschem" class=
"toc">What are the mouse bindings in gschem?
</a></span></div></li>
36 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#can_gschem_do_hierarchical_designs_with_sub_sheets" class=
"toc">Can gschem do hierarchical designs with sub sheets?
</a></span></div></li>
37 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#can_gschem_do_a_hierarchy_where_the_top-level_symbol_points_to_a_multi-page_schematic" class=
"toc">Can gschem do a hierarchy where the top-level symbol points to a multi-page schematic?
</a></span></div></li>
38 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#can_the_hierarchy_be_setup_in_multiple_directories" class=
"toc">Can the hierarchy be setup in multiple directories?
</a></span></div></li>
39 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_declare_a_global_net" class=
"toc">How do I declare a global net
</a></span></div></li>
40 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_options_and_libraries_be_specific_on_subsheet_level" class=
"toc">How can options and libraries be specific on subsheet level?
</a></span></div></li>
41 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#are_there_limitations_to_hierarchy_design" class=
"toc">Are there limitations to hierarchy design?
</a></span></div></li>
44 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#gschem_symbols" class=
"toc">gschem symbols
</a></span></div>
46 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#where_do_i_find_symbols_beyond_the_default_library" class=
"toc">Where do I find symbols beyond the default library?
</a></span></div></li>
47 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#what_s_this_business_about_heavy_vs._light_symbols" class=
"toc">What
's this business about heavy vs. light symbols?
</a></span></div></li>
48 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#i_am_using_a_symbol_out_of_the_library._how_come_it_s_not_aligned_to_the_grid" class=
"toc">I am using a symbol out of the library. How come it
's not aligned to the grid?
</a></span></div></li>
49 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#is_there_an_explicit_no_connect_symbol_that_i_can_should_place_in_the_schematic_to_prevent_gnetlist_from_thinking_i_ve_forgotten_a_connection" class=
"toc">Is there an explicit
"no connect
" symbol that I can/should place in the schematic to prevent gnetlist from thinking I
've forgotten a connection?
</a></span></div></li>
50 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_promote_an_invisible_symbol_attribute_into_the_schematic" class=
"toc">How do I promote an invisible symbol attribute into the schematic?
</a></span></div></li>
51 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#what_should_i_do_about_power_pins_on_my_symbolsmake_them_visible_explicit_or_invisible_implicit" class=
"toc">What should I do about power pins on my symbols: Make them visible (explicit) or invisible (implicit)?
</a></span></div></li>
52 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#is_there_a_specification_or_manual_for_creating_gschem_symbols_where_is_it" class=
"toc">Is there a specification or manual for creating gschem symbols? Where is it?
</a></span></div></li>
53 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#is_there_a_symbol_wizard_in_gschem" class=
"toc">Is there a symbol wizard in gschem?
</a></span></div></li>
54 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#can_my_local_library_cover_frequently_needed_sub_circuits" class=
"toc">Can my local library cover frequently needed sub circuits?
</a></span></div></li>
55 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#where_can_i_find_information_on_gschems_file_format" class=
"toc">Where can I find information on gschems file format?
</a></span></div></li>
58 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#gschem_configuration_customization" class=
"toc">Gschem configuration/customization
</a></span></div>
60 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_configure_my_local_gafrc_to_find_my_local_symbol_directory" class=
"toc">How do I configure my local gafrc to find my local symbol directory?
</a></span></div></li>
61 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#can_gafrc_use_a_variable_to_set_the_root_of_my_library" class=
"toc">Can gafrc use a variable to set the root of my library?
</a></span></div></li>
62 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#the_library_window_is_cluttered_with_default_symbols._can_i_restrict_to_my_local_lib" class=
"toc">The library window is cluttered with default symbols. Can I restrict to my local lib?
</a></span></div></li>
63 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_change_the_default_size_of_floating_text" class=
"toc">How can I change the default size of floating text?
</a></span></div></li>
64 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_have_a_different_background_color_other_than_black" class=
"toc">How can I have a different background color other than black?
</a></span></div></li>
65 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#each_time_i_start_gschem_the_log_message_window_is_shown._can_i_disable_it" class=
"toc">Each time I start gschem, the log message window is shown. Can I disable it?
</a></span></div></li>
66 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#can_i_get_a_customized_title_block_with_new_schematics" class=
"toc">Can I get a customized title block with new schematics?
</a></span></div></li>
69 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#printing_output" class=
"toc">Printing/Output
</a></span></div>
71 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_do_i_print_schematics_from_the_command_line" class=
"toc">How do I print schematics from the command line?
</a></span></div></li>
72 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_get_color_postscript_png_output" class=
"toc">How can I get color postscript/PNG output?
</a></span></div></li>
73 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_get_black_and_white_postscript_png_output" class=
"toc">How can I get black and white postscript/PNG output?
</a></span></div></li>
74 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_produce_pdf_output" class=
"toc">How can I produce PDF output?
</a></span></div></li>
75 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_insert_schematics_into_my_latex_document" class=
"toc">How can I insert schematics into my LaTex document?
</a></span></div></li>
76 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#how_can_i_split_postscript_output_over_multiple_pages" class=
"toc">How can I split Postscript output over multiple pages?
</a></span></div></li>
79 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#gschem_installation_run-time_problems" class=
"toc">Gschem installation/run-time problems
</a></span></div>
81 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#gschem_segfaults_when_i_delete_components_on_fc5_and_other_linux_distributions_is_there_a_work-around" class=
"toc">Gschem segfaults when I delete components on FC5 (and other Linux distributions)! Is there a work-around?
</a></span></div></li>
82 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#after_installation_gschem_does_not_work_what_could_be_wrong" class=
"toc">After installation gschem does not work!? What could be wrong?
</a></span></div></li>
83 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#add_components_offers_no_symbols_what_can_i_do_about_it" class=
"toc">"Add Components
" offers no symbols! What can I do about it?
</a></span></div></li>
84 <li class=
"level2"><div class=
"li"><span class=
"li"><a href=
"#i_m_using_gschem_gaf_through_a_ssh_connection_and_i_get_an_error_likexlibextension_render_missing_on_display_localhost10.0" class=
"toc">I
'm using gschem/gaf through a SSH connection and I get an error like:
'Xlib: extension
"RENDER
" missing on display
"localhost:
10.0".
'</a></span></div></li></ul>
91 <h1><a name=
"general" id=
"general">General
</a></h1>
95 <!-- SECTION "General" [1-24] -->
96 <h2><a name=
"i_found_a_bug_what_can_i_do_about_it" id=
"i_found_a_bug_what_can_i_do_about_it">I found a bug! What can I do about it?
</a></h2>
99 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> See if you can reproduce the bug.
</div>
101 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Ask on the
<a href=
"http://www.geda.seul.org/mailinglist/index.html" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://www.geda.seul.org/mailinglist/index.html" rel=
"nofollow">geda-user mailing
</a> list if there is a work around, or has been dealt with in the bleeding edge version of gEDA/gaf. Note, that you must subscribe to the geda-user e-mail list before you can post to this list.
</div>
103 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> See whether the issue is already in the
<a href=
"http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=161080&atid=818426" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=161080&atid=818426" rel=
"nofollow">bug tracking system of geda/gaf
</a>. If not, file a bug report. Make sure to give all information necessary to reproduce the bug and add the version of gEDA/gaf that contains the bug.
</div>
105 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Finally, as with all open source projects, you may flex your programming muscles and try to fix the bug yourself. Please file a patch of the changes you had to make to the BTS of geda/gaf. The patch will be gladly accepted to improve the next release of gEDA/gaf.
</div>
110 <!-- SECTION "I found a bug! What can I do about it?" [25-946] -->
111 <h1><a name=
"gschem_usage" id=
"gschem_usage">Gschem usage
</a></h1>
115 <!-- SECTION "Gschem usage" [947-975] -->
116 <h2><a name=
"there_is_no_symbol_in_the_chooser_dialog" id=
"there_is_no_symbol_in_the_chooser_dialog">There is no symbol in the chooser dialog!
</a></h2>
120 The chooser dialog presents a list of captions of the library sections. Click on the right-pointing triangle to the left of caption. This will expand the list. Scroll down to the symbol you want to add to the schematics.
124 <!-- SECTION "There is no symbol in the chooser dialog!" [976-1252] -->
125 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_move_a_component" id=
"how_do_i_move_a_component">How do I move a component?
</a></h2>
129 In versions equal to or more recent than
20060824, do this:
132 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Select the component by clicking it with the left mouse button. The component will highlight.
</div>
134 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Drag the component (using the left mouse button) to the place you want it.
</div>
139 This is probably what you are already used to doing.
143 For folks with older versions of gschem, here are three ways to move components within gschem:
150 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Grab the component with the middle mouse button. The component will follow the cursor around as you move it.
</div>
152 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> To place the component, release the middle mouse button. The component will stay where you placed it.
</div>
160 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Select the component by clicking it with the left mouse button. The component will highlight.
</div>
162 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Hit the “M” key on the keyboard. The component will now follow the cursor around as you move it.
</div>
164 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> To place the component, click the left mouse button. The component will stay where you placed it.
</div>
172 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Select the component by clicking it with the left mouse button. The component will highlight.
</div>
174 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Click the right mouse button. A pop-up menu will appear.
</div>
176 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> With the left mouse button, click on the “move” option in the pop-up menu.
</div>
178 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Click on the component with the left mouse button. The component will now follow the cursor around as you move it.
</div>
180 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> To place the component, click the left mouse button. The component will stay where you placed it.
</div>
185 <!-- SECTION "How do I move a component?" [1253-2687] -->
186 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_move_components_without_dragging_a_tail_of_connectet_nets" id=
"how_do_i_move_components_without_dragging_a_tail_of_connectet_nets">How do I move components without dragging a tail of connectet nets?
</a></h2>
190 Type [or] to toggle this behaviour. That is, the “o” key followed by the “r” key. The status window will report if the toggle command was performed. The command can also be accessed via the Options menu.
194 <!-- SECTION "How do I move components without dragging a tail of connectet nets?" [2688-2973] -->
195 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_change_the_size_of_the_text_on_a_symbol" id=
"how_do_i_change_the_size_of_the_text_on_a_symbol">How do I change the size of the text on a symbol?
</a></h2>
198 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Select the symbol.
</div>
200 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Right click → down symbol (or do Hierarchy → down symbol). This takes you to the symbol editor.
</div>
202 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Select the pinnumber you want to change.
</div>
204 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Do Edit → Edit Text (or type keyboard shortcut “ex”).
</div>
206 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Change the font size in the pop-up box.
</div>
208 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Repeat for all desired text elements.
</div>
210 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> File → save
</div>
212 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Right click → up (or Hierarchy → Up). Now you are back in the schematic editor.
</div>
214 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> With the symbol still selected do Edit → Update component (or use the keyboard shortcut “ep”). If this doesn’t work, just delete the symbol and reload it.
</div>
219 More generally, you can use this procedure to edit anything on a symbol. (Substitute “Edit Text” for your desired edit, of course.)
223 <!-- SECTION "How do I change the size of the text on a symbol?" [2974-3765] -->
224 <h2><a name=
"is_it_possible_to_overline_text_in_gschem" id=
"is_it_possible_to_overline_text_in_gschem">Is it possible to overline text in gschem?
</a></h2>
228 Yes, overbars are possible. A backslash followed by an an underscore will start an overlined section of text. A second backslash-underscore combo will return to normal text. Example: Double click on an attribute ansd type “\_this\_”
232 Note, on transfer to pcb, there will be no overline on the layout.The backslash is ignored, which leaves an underscore at the edges of the overlined text.
236 <!-- SECTION "Is it possible to overline text in gschem?" [3766-4210] -->
237 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_unlock_a_locked_component" id=
"how_do_i_unlock_a_locked_component">How do I unlock a locked component
</a></h2>
241 When a component is locked it cannot be selected with the middle mouse button; however it is selectable using a window select. To window select a component, click and hold the left mouse button and drag the mouse to create a rectangular region containing the component to be unlocked. Execute the command
<strong><em>Edit
</em></strong> <strong>→
</strong> <strong><em>unLock
</em></strong> to unlock the component.
245 <!-- SECTION "How do I unlock a locked component" [4211-4625] -->
246 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_get_refdes_automatically_numbered_when_i_draw_a_schematic" id=
"how_can_i_get_refdes_automatically_numbered_when_i_draw_a_schematic">How can I get refdes automatically numbered when I draw a schematic?
</a></h2>
250 Edit the system-gschemrc file or place the following into a gschemrc file (either
<strong><code>~/.gEDA/gschemrc
</code></strong> or a
<strong><code>gschemrc
</code></strong> file in the local directory where you invoke gschem):
253 (load (string-append gedadata
"/scheme/auto-uref.scm
")) ; load the autonumbering script
254 (add-hook! add-component-hook auto-uref) ; autonumber when adding a component
255 (add-hook! copy-component-hook auto-uref) ; autonumber when copying a component
259 <strong>Note:
</strong> Starting with version
1.2 of gschem the name of the path variable has changed:
262 (load (string-append geda-data-path
"/scheme/auto-uref.scm
")) ; load the autonumbering script
263 (add-hook! add-component-hook auto-uref) ; autonumber when adding a component
264 (add-hook! copy-component-hook auto-uref) ; autonumber when copying a component
268 <!-- SECTION "How can I get refdes automatically numbered when I draw a schematic?" [4626-5530] -->
269 <h2><a name=
"what_is_a_bus_and_how_do_i_use_it" id=
"what_is_a_bus_and_how_do_i_use_it">What is a Bus and how do I use it?
</a></h2>
273 A ‘bus’ is purely decoration. The netlister ignores it. The netname= attribute does actual work of connecting points together
–this is what gnetlist reads and transforms into your netlist. It is not possible to connect to a discrete line or ‘bit’ on a bus because, again, the bus is merely a graphical entity.
277 Some users have found it helpful to organize their nets by incorporating a bus name into the net name. For example “net=busA:
1” may be added to each busripper to aid in sorting out the nets.
281 <!-- SECTION "What is a Bus and how do I use it?" [5531-6086] -->
282 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_change_key_bindings_in_gschem" id=
"how_can_i_change_key_bindings_in_gschem">How can I change Key Bindings in gschem?
</a></h2>
286 Key accels are determined by configuration files read on start-up. The default key bindings are set in the file system-gschemrc. If you want to change them, it is recommended to copy and modify the corresponding keymap section to a local config file ($HOME/.gEDA/gschemrc, or $PWD/gschemrc). The modified section will override the the definitions given in system-gschemrc.
290 <!-- SECTION "How can I change Key Bindings in gschem?" [6087-6513] -->
291 <h2><a name=
"what_are_the_mouse_bindings_in_gschem" id=
"what_are_the_mouse_bindings_in_gschem">What are the mouse bindings in gschem?
</a></h2>
298 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Left mouse button is used for picking and drawing.
</div>
300 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Middle mouse button is either move object (just hold down the middle button over an object and move the mouse) or copy object (ALT key held down while holding down the middle button over object and move the mouse).
</div>
302 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Right mouse button is a popup menu.
</div>
307 You can change the middle button by adding the following to a gschemrc file:
309 <pre class=
"code">(middle-button
"action
") ;default binding, move or copy an object
</pre>
314 <pre class=
"code">(middle-button
"stroke
") ;draw mouse gestures/strokes (must install libstroke to enable
</pre>
319 <pre class=
"code">(middle-button
"repeat
") ;repeat the last command executed
</pre>
322 You can change the right button by adding the following to a gschemrc file:
324 <pre class=
"code">(third-button
"popup
") ;default binding, show a popup menu
</pre>
329 <pre class=
"code">(third-button
"mousepan
") ;use the mouse to pan around the schematic
</pre>
332 For more information on these options, please see the
<code>${install_prefix}/share/gEDA/system-gschemrc
</code> file.
336 <!-- SECTION "What are the mouse bindings in gschem?" [6514-7597] -->
337 <h2><a name=
"can_gschem_do_hierarchical_designs_with_sub_sheets" id=
"can_gschem_do_hierarchical_designs_with_sub_sheets">Can gschem do hierarchical designs with sub sheets?
</a></h2>
341 Yes. Sub sheets are represented by special symbols on the top level schematic. You can find an example for a hierarchical design in the doc section of gschem (
<code>geda-doc/examples/gTAG/gTAG.sch
</code>). Currently, there is no way to automatically build a sub sheet symbol from an actual sub sheet. The sub sheet symbol has to be drawn manually. Any patches or external scripts that get the job done would be greatly appreciated.
345 A
<code>source=
</code> attribute attached to the sub sheet symbol gives the path to the sub sheet file. The pins of the symbol correspond to ports from top sheet to sub sheet. These ports should correspond to a refdes of a port symbol on the sub sheet. The port symbols in the default library of geda are
<code>in-
1.sym
</code> and
<code>out-
1.sym
</code>. Use the hierarchy menu to navigate within the hierarchy of sub sheets. Alternatively, you can navigate with the page manager.
349 To convert a hierarchy to a netlist just call gsch2pcb on the top level schematic. By default, net names and refdes’s of components are strictly local to the subsheet. They get the sub sheet symbol refdes as a prefix when inserted into the net list. You can even use multiple instances of a sub sheet symbol without undue short cuts. Whether or not net names and refdes’s are mangled and thus local to the sub sheet can be configured in the config file gnetlistrc. Copy the corresponding lines from
<code>system-gnetlistrc
</code> to
<code>gnetlistrc
</code> in the current working directory or to
<code>$HOME/.gEDA/gnetlistrc
</code>. A convenient configuration is to make nets delivered by power symbols global while ordinary nets remain local to the sub sheet. This can be achieved with “hierarchy-netattrib-mangle” enabled.
353 <!-- SECTION "Can gschem do hierarchical designs with sub sheets?" [7598-9340] -->
354 <h2><a name=
"can_gschem_do_a_hierarchy_where_the_top-level_symbol_points_to_a_multi-page_schematic" id=
"can_gschem_do_a_hierarchy_where_the_top-level_symbol_points_to_a_multi-page_schematic">Can gschem do a hierarchy where the top-level symbol points to a multi-page schematic?
</a></h2>
358 Yes. Just attach the
<code>source=
</code> attribute multiple times with different values. Drill down into the schematic from the symbol, then use [page-up] / [page-down] to navigate through the pages on that level.
362 <!-- SECTION "Can gschem do a hierarchy where the top-level symbol points to a multi-page schematic?" [9341-9648] -->
363 <h2><a name=
"can_the_hierarchy_be_setup_in_multiple_directories" id=
"can_the_hierarchy_be_setup_in_multiple_directories">Can the hierarchy be setup in multiple directories?
</a></h2>
367 Yes. Make sure, the
<code>(source-library
"…”)
</code> and
<code>(component-library
"…”)
</code> declarations in your gafrc file list the appropriate paths.
371 <!-- SECTION "Can the hierarchy be setup in multiple directories?" [9649-9854] -->
372 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_declare_a_global_net" id=
"how_do_i_declare_a_global_net">How do I declare a global net
</a></h2>
376 All netnames are global with regard to the current sheet. Whether or not netnames are global in a hierarchical stack of schematics, depends on the settings in gnetlistrc. This file can reside in $HOME/.gEDA or locally next to the schematics. Defaults are set in system-gschemrc. Copy the respective lines to your local gnetlistrc, if you want a different behavior.
380 There is no way to make individual netnames global. However, you can differentiate between netnames granted to nets the netname attribute and netnames defined by the net attribute. This aims at power symbols, which set their net with the net attribute. That way, you don’t need to hand the power nets in the sub sheet symbols.
384 <!-- SECTION "How do I declare a global net" [9855-10590] -->
385 <h2><a name=
"how_can_options_and_libraries_be_specific_on_subsheet_level" id=
"how_can_options_and_libraries_be_specific_on_subsheet_level">How can options and libraries be specific on subsheet level?
</a></h2>
389 When opening schematics, libgeda changes directory. So it should load any gafrc in the sub-dirs too, as and when the schematics are processed.
393 <!-- SECTION "How can options and libraries be specific on subsheet level?" [10591-10807] -->
394 <h2><a name=
"are_there_limitations_to_hierarchy_design" id=
"are_there_limitations_to_hierarchy_design">Are there limitations to hierarchy design?
</a></h2>
398 Although support for subsheets covers many aspects of hierachical design, there are some limitations:
401 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Buses cannot connect into subsheets.
</div>
403 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> There is no
<acronym title=
"Graphical User Interface">GUI
</acronym> way to start subsheets. You need to manually create a seperate symbol for each subsheet.
</div>
408 Feel free to fix these issues. Contributions are welcome.
412 <!-- SECTION "Are there limitations to hierarchy design?" [10808-11177] -->
413 <h1><a name=
"gschem_symbols" id=
"gschem_symbols">gschem symbols
</a></h1>
417 <!-- SECTION "gschem symbols" [11178-11209] -->
418 <h2><a name=
"where_do_i_find_symbols_beyond_the_default_library" id=
"where_do_i_find_symbols_beyond_the_default_library">Where do I find symbols beyond the default library?
</a></h2>
422 There is a website
<a href=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org/" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org/" rel=
"nofollow">gedasymbols.org
</a> dedicated to user contributed resources for gEDA. You can search the site, preview symbols and download them individually. If you have configured your gafrc files accordingly you can put the symbols right next to the schematics file of your project. You might want to build a local library of symbols, so all projects can access the new symbols. See
<a href=
"geda-faq-gschem.html#can_gafrc_use_a_variable_to_set_the_root_of_my_library" class=
"wikilink1" title=
"geda-faq-gschem.html">below
</a> for the details.
426 You can even download all user contributed content from gedasymbols. See the instructions on how to
<a href=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org/cvs.html" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org/cvs.html" rel=
"nofollow">access gedasymbols using CVS
</a>.
430 <!-- SECTION "Where do I find symbols beyond the default library?" [11210-11956] -->
431 <h2><a name=
"what_s_this_business_about_heavy_vs._light_symbols" id=
"what_s_this_business_about_heavy_vs._light_symbols">What
's this business about heavy vs. light symbols?
</a></h2>
435 This nomenclature arose from a discussion which frequently appears on the geda-user and geda-dev mailing lists. A light symbol is one which contains very few built-in attributes in the symbol itself. It requires that the user attach almost all attributes at the schematic level (e.g. using either gschem or gattrib). A heavy symbol is one which contains many attributes (such as package footprints, SPICE model names, etc.) built into the symbol file itself. A heavy symbol therefore requires very little attribute attachment at the schematic level – you just place it and you’re done.
439 The debate between proponents of heavy and light symbols is very detailed and involved. Briefly, proponents of heavy symbols believe that they provide better integration between gschem and PCB since the important layout attributes (such as
<a href=
"geda-pcb_tips.html#i_want_to_use_pcb_to_do_layout._how_do_i_know_what_value_to_use_for_the_footprint_attribute" class=
"wikilink1" title=
"geda-pcb_tips.html">footprint name
</a>) are already built into the symbol. This is considered a good thing for new users (noobs) who just want to design a simple board and don’t appreciate or don’t care about the zillions of variations that even a simple resistor might have (e.g. different footprint, TCR, precision, material composition, etc). Proponents of light symbols prefer to deal with attributes at the schematic level because they believe it to be more flexible. They are quick to point out that a library of heavy symbols will quickly grow into the thousands of parts with grotesquely long names trying to distinguish between the different variations of the part. They also point out that the utility “gattrib” is the preferred tool for dealing with attributes at the schematic level (i.e. in the .sch file).
443 GEDA/gaf, as default configured, uses light symbols, although it can be configured to use heavy symbols. For further information, you may read these dicussions from the geda-user mailing list:
447 <a href=
"http://archives.seul.org/geda/user/Jun-2005/msg00001.html" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://archives.seul.org/geda/user/Jun-2005/msg00001.html" rel=
"nofollow">http://archives.seul.org/geda/user/Jun-
2005/msg00001.html
</a>
451 <a href=
"http://archives.seul.org/geda/dev/Oct-2005/msg00043.html" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://archives.seul.org/geda/dev/Oct-2005/msg00043.html" rel=
"nofollow">http://archives.seul.org/geda/dev/Oct-
2005/msg00043.html
</a>
455 <a href=
"http://archives.seul.org/geda/user/Dec-2007/msg00146.html" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://archives.seul.org/geda/user/Dec-2007/msg00146.html" rel=
"nofollow">http://archives.seul.org/geda/user/Dec-
2007/msg00146.html
</a>
459 <!-- SECTION "What's this business about heavy vs. light symbols?" [11957-14148] -->
460 <h2><a name=
"i_am_using_a_symbol_out_of_the_library._how_come_it_s_not_aligned_to_the_grid" id=
"i_am_using_a_symbol_out_of_the_library._how_come_it_s_not_aligned_to_the_grid">I am using a symbol out of the library. How come it
's not aligned to the grid?
</a></h2>
464 The symbols in the symbol library, like those available at the
<a href=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org" rel=
"nofollow"> gedasymbols
</a> website are contributed by users just like you. Some people use different grid settings than other people (e.g.
50mil vs.
100mil). If you discover a symbol which seems to be off the grid, try reducing your grid spacing, move the symbol so that it sits on
<strong>your
</strong> grid, then revert to your preferred grid settings.
468 Yes, the gEDA docs suggest that you use a
100mil grid spacing. But everybody likes to do things their own way, and there is no overall symbol dictator to enforce the rules on contributed symbols. Therefore, you just need to be aware of this possibility.
472 <!-- SECTION "I am using a symbol out of the library. How come it's not aligned to the grid?" [14149-14922] -->
473 <h2><a name=
"is_there_an_explicit_no_connect_symbol_that_i_can_should_place_in_the_schematic_to_prevent_gnetlist_from_thinking_i_ve_forgotten_a_connection" id=
"is_there_an_explicit_no_connect_symbol_that_i_can_should_place_in_the_schematic_to_prevent_gnetlist_from_thinking_i_ve_forgotten_a_connection">Is there an explicit
"no connect
" symbol that I can/should place in the schematic to prevent gnetlist from thinking I
've forgotten a connection?
</a></h2>
477 Answer: misc → nc-left, nc-right, nc-top, nc-bottom.
481 Caution: occassionally this may create a net called “no_connect” (or “NC??
") which may lead to no-connect pins being connected together in gnetlist – which you probably _don’t_ want to happen.
485 If you want an entire symbol to be graphical (no elec. connections) , add a “graphical=
1” attribute. The netlister will ignore these symbols entirely.
489 <!-- SECTION "Is there an explicit no connect symbol that I can/should place in the schematic to prevent gnetlist from thinking I've forgotten a connection?" [14923-15493] -->
490 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_promote_an_invisible_symbol_attribute_into_the_schematic" id=
"how_do_i_promote_an_invisible_symbol_attribute_into_the_schematic">How do I promote an invisible symbol attribute into the schematic?
</a></h2>
494 Most attributes living in the symbol do not get promoted to the schematic unless they are visible. To promote invisible symbol attributes, look for the following keywords in the system-gafrc file:
496 <pre class=
"code">(attribute-promotion
"enabled
");
497 (promote-invisible
"disabled
") ; ⇐ This one
498 (keep-invisible
"enabled
")
</pre>
501 Add to your gafrc file:
503 <pre class=
"code">(promote-invisible
"enabled
")
</pre>
506 and you will get all the attributes promoted. The “keep-invisible” keyword will keep hidden those attributes that are hidden in the symbol file.
510 <!-- SECTION "How do I promote an invisible symbol attribute into the schematic?" [15494-16107] -->
511 <h2><a name=
"what_should_i_do_about_power_pins_on_my_symbolsmake_them_visible_explicit_or_invisible_implicit" id=
"what_should_i_do_about_power_pins_on_my_symbolsmake_them_visible_explicit_or_invisible_implicit">What should I do about power pins on my symbols: Make them visible (explicit) or invisible (implicit)?
</a></h2>
515 In the past, digital logic circuits often hid the power pin, and attached power nets using an attribute inside the symbol. Modern thought is that this is a bad practice (although religious wars still occasionally rage about this topic).
519 It’s marginally OK for an old logic circuit which is all
5V TTL to have hidden power and GND pins. If you only have +
5V on your board, then hiding the power pin can simplify your schematic somewhat. However, few designers design such circuits nowadays;
5V TTL (and
5V CMOS) are rapidly becoming antique technologies.
523 It’s always been unacceptable to hide the power pins on analog chips. First, analog often has multiple power connections (VCC, VEE) which need to be explicitly drawn out. Second, good design practice is to place decoupling caps on each and every power pin. Sometimes one places an inductor in series with power also. Since these should be drawn into the schematic, it is best done by attaching them to an explicit power pin. Therefore, one should never use hidden power pins for analog symbols.
527 New logic circuits often use multiple supplies for different chip sections (OVDD, DVDD, etc). It is also typical to have several logic families on a single board (
5V,
3.3V etc.). Therefore, it’s best to explicitly place and wire the power pins on the symbol. Hidden power pins are a recipe for disaster since you can all too easily misconnect a
5V part to a
3.3V power net, for example.
531 To paraphrase Nancy Reagan: Just say “no” to hidden power pins.
535 That said, it may still be useful to detach the power pins from the functional part of the symbol. To do so, define a seperate power symbol and give it the same
<a href=
"geda-glossary.html" class=
"wikilink1" title=
"geda-glossary.html">refdes
</a> as the functional part. A run of gsch2pcb will treat the siblings properly as one single component. As neither gschem nor gsch2pcb explicitely know that the component is only complete with both symbols defined, you have to check yourself. With this workaround, you can draw all power related circuitry in one corner of the schematic where it does not interfere with the signal nets. In many cases this is advantageous with analog circuits.
539 <!-- SECTION "What should I do about power pins on my symbols: Make them visible (explicit) or invisible (implicit)?" [16108-18365] -->
540 <h2><a name=
"is_there_a_specification_or_manual_for_creating_gschem_symbols_where_is_it" id=
"is_there_a_specification_or_manual_for_creating_gschem_symbols_where_is_it">Is there a specification or manual for creating gschem symbols? Where is it?
</a></h2>
544 Yes. It is the
<a href=
"geda-scg.html" class=
"wikilink1" title=
"geda-scg.html">Symbol Creation Guide
</a>.
548 <!-- SECTION "Is there a specification or manual for creating gschem symbols? Where is it?" [18366-18507] -->
549 <h2><a name=
"is_there_a_symbol_wizard_in_gschem" id=
"is_there_a_symbol_wizard_in_gschem">Is there a symbol wizard in gschem?
</a></h2>
553 There is no wizard included in the gschem-
<acronym title=
"Graphical User Interface">GUI
</acronym>. But there are scripts which automatically create symbols from parameters given in a config file. One of these scripts is
<a href=
"geda-tragesym_readme.html" class=
"wikilink1" title=
"geda-tragesym_readme.html">tragesym
</a>. It is part of the default installation of geda. A short
<a href=
"geda-tragesym_tutorial.html" class=
"wikilink1" title=
"geda-tragesym_tutorial.html">tutorial
</a> will get you started with this tool.
557 One of the major contributors to the project wrote his own symbol creation script:
<a href=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org/user/dj_delorie/tools/djboxsym.html" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://www.gedasymbols.org/user/dj_delorie/tools/djboxsym.html" rel=
"nofollow">djboxsym
</a>
561 <!-- SECTION "Is there a symbol wizard in gschem?" [18508-19041] -->
562 <h2><a name=
"can_my_local_library_cover_frequently_needed_sub_circuits" id=
"can_my_local_library_cover_frequently_needed_sub_circuits">Can my local library cover frequently needed sub circuits?
</a></h2>
566 Yes, symbols can contain symbols and nets.
569 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Copy the subcircuit to a fresh sheet. (unlock and remove the default title block as you won’t need it)
</div>
571 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> The values of refdes attributes should end with
"?
", to allow to auto number them later.
</div>
573 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Move the sub circuit to the lower left of the available space. (You can use symbol-translate from the edit menu)
</div>
575 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Save the sub circuit as a *.sym file in your local library.
</div>
577 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Choose “Include component as individual objects” when selecting this complex symbol for your actual schematic. The whole sub circuit will be pasted to your sheet. Be sure to switch back to the default mode for inclusion of ordinary symbols.
</div>
582 <!-- SECTION "Can my local library cover frequently needed sub circuits?" [19042-19787] -->
583 <h2><a name=
"where_can_i_find_information_on_gschems_file_format" id=
"where_can_i_find_information_on_gschems_file_format">Where can I find information on gschems file format?
</a></h2>
587 Unlike many other EDA software, the format of gschem is strictly human readable
<acronym title=
"American Standard Code for Information Interchange">ASCII
</acronym>. This is deliberate, to facilate scripting. It also allows for quick fixes with the text editor. The format of gschem files ist described
<a href=
"geda-file_format_spec.html" class=
"wikilink1" title=
"geda-file_format_spec.html">here
</a>.
591 <!-- SECTION "Where can I find information on gschems file format?" [19788-20104] -->
592 <h1><a name=
"gschem_configuration_customization" id=
"gschem_configuration_customization">Gschem configuration/customization
</a></h1>
596 Gschem is configurable in more ways than can be describe here. Look at “system-gschemrc” for suggestions what else can be done.
600 <!-- SECTION "Gschem configuration/customization" [20105-20283] -->
601 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_configure_my_local_gafrc_to_find_my_local_symbol_directory" id=
"how_do_i_configure_my_local_gafrc_to_find_my_local_symbol_directory">How do I configure my local gafrc to find my local symbol directory?
</a></h2>
604 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Create a project directory, for example ${HOME}/myproj.
</div>
606 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Place the symbols you want to use into ${HOME}/myproj/symbols.
</div>
608 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Create a gafrc file in ${HOME}/myproj.
</div>
610 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> In gafrc, put this line:
<pre class=
"code"> (component-library
"./symbols
")
</pre>
613 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Run gschem from your project directory ${HOME}/myproj. That is, do this to run gschem:
<pre class=
"code">cd ${HOME}/myproj
614 gschem myschematic.sch
</pre>
623 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> The guile stuff which processes your RC file doesn’t understand or expand shell wildcards like
"~
" or ${HOME}. It does understand
".
" as the current working directory, and it does understand absolute file paths. If you want to do something tricky, you can try to use Scheme functions to get directory information.
</div>
625 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Make sure gafrc lives in your main project directory.
</div>
627 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Run all gEDA programs from your main project directory.
</div>
629 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Run the programs from the command line in a terminal shell
– don’t use any whizzy, shiny desktop icons to run gschem (if you have them) since you won’t know what directory gschem is starting in, and gschem might not find gafrc.
</div>
631 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> The key is: start gschem in the same directory as where your gafrc lives.
</div>
636 <!-- SECTION "How do I configure my local gafrc to find my local symbol directory?" [20284-21538] -->
637 <h2><a name=
"can_gafrc_use_a_variable_to_set_the_root_of_my_library" id=
"can_gafrc_use_a_variable_to_set_the_root_of_my_library">Can gafrc use a variable to set the root of my library?
</a></h2>
641 Currently (v1.3
.1) gschem does not descend into subdirectories of the symbol library. You have to give individually each and every directory of your local lib in your gafrc file. However, you don’t have to repeat the absolute base path over and over. You can use the function ‘build-path’ to concatenate the path on the fly:
643 <pre class=
"code">(define gedasymbols
"/path/to/local/library
")
644 (component-library (build-path gedasymbols
"analog
"))
645 (component-library (build-path gedasymbols
"block
"))
646 (component-library (build-path gedasymbols
"connector
"))
</pre>
649 <!-- SECTION "Can gafrc use a variable to set the root of my library?" [21539-22155] -->
650 <h2><a name=
"the_library_window_is_cluttered_with_default_symbols._can_i_restrict_to_my_local_lib" id=
"the_library_window_is_cluttered_with_default_symbols._can_i_restrict_to_my_local_lib">The library window is cluttered with default symbols. Can I restrict to my local lib?
</a></h2>
654 Put a localized version of the following lines in a gafrc.
657 ; empty the library path and populate it with local paths
658 (reset-component-library)
659 (component-library
"/foo/localgedalib1
")
660 (component-library
"/bar/foo/localgedalib2
")
664 You have to add each and every dir of your local library. Subdirs are not automatically reckognized by gschem and gsch2pcb. Its a good idea to place this gafrc in your projects dir. That way, if you start gschem from some other place, you still get the system symbols shown. This also allows to configure special symbol libs for specific projects.
668 <!-- SECTION "The library window is cluttered with default symbols. Can I restrict to my local lib?" [22156-22847] -->
669 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_change_the_default_size_of_floating_text" id=
"how_can_i_change_the_default_size_of_floating_text">How can I change the default size of floating text?
</a></h2>
675 <pre class=
"code">(text-size
10)
</pre>
678 into your gschemrc and replace “
10” with your favorite size.
682 <!-- SECTION "How can I change the default size of floating text?" [22848-23006] -->
683 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_have_a_different_background_color_other_than_black" id=
"how_can_i_have_a_different_background_color_other_than_black">How can I have a different background color other than black?
</a></h2>
687 Edit the system-gschemrc file and near the top you will find lines like:
690 ; Start of color section
692 ; Load up a color scheme has a light (almost white) background
693 ; Comment out the first line and comment in the second line for a
694 ; dark (black) background. The dark background is the original look.
696 (load (string-append gedadatarc
"/gschem-darkbg
")) ; dark background
697 ;(load (string-append gedadatarc
"/gschem-lightbg
")) ; light background
</pre>
700 Comment out the
<strong><code>darkbg
</code></strong> line (with a ;) and comment in the
<strong><code>lightbg
</code></strong> line. This will give you a light background instead of a black background. It also adjust all the other colors to be compatible with a light background.
704 Note, starting with version
1.2 of gschem the syntax of this line changed to
706 <pre class=
"code">(load (build-path geda-rc-path
"gschem-lightbg
")) ; light background
</pre>
709 If you want more control over the colors, please edit
<strong><code>${prefix}/share/gEDA/gschem-darkbg
</code></strong> or
<strong><code>${prefix}/share/gEDA/gschem-lightbg
</code></strong> or create your own file and load it in the
<strong><code>system-gschemrc
</code></strong> file.
713 A dark background is preferred by many users.
717 <!-- SECTION "How can I have a different background color other than black?" [23007-24205] -->
718 <h2><a name=
"each_time_i_start_gschem_the_log_message_window_is_shown._can_i_disable_it" id=
"each_time_i_start_gschem_the_log_message_window_is_shown._can_i_disable_it">Each time I start gschem, the log message window is shown. Can I disable it?
</a></h2>
722 In the system-gschemrc file, you will find the following section:
727 ; Controls if the log message window is mapped when gschem is started up
729 ; startup - opened up when gschem starts
730 ; later - NOT opened up when gschem starts
731 ; (can be opened by Options/Show Log Window)
733 (log-window
"startup
")
734 ;(log-window
"later
")
</pre>
737 Comment out the
<strong><code>startup
</code></strong> line (with a ;) and comment in the
<strong><code>later
</code></strong> line, or add the following line to your gschemrc file:
739 <pre class=
"code">(log-window
"later
")
</pre>
742 <!-- SECTION "Each time I start gschem, the log message window is shown. Can I disable it?" [24206-24868] -->
743 <h2><a name=
"can_i_get_a_customized_title_block_with_new_schematics" id=
"can_i_get_a_customized_title_block_with_new_schematics">Can I get a customized title block with new schematics?
</a></h2>
747 Put the following line into your gschemrc file:
749 <pre class=
"code">(define default-titleblock
"title-A3.sym
")
</pre>
752 Replace “title-A3.sym” with the file name of your favorite title block symbol.
756 <!-- SECTION "Can I get a customized title block with new schematics?" [24869-25121] -->
757 <h1><a name=
"printing_output" id=
"printing_output">Printing/Output
</a></h1>
761 <!-- SECTION "Printing/Output" [25122-25152] -->
762 <h2><a name=
"how_do_i_print_schematics_from_the_command_line" id=
"how_do_i_print_schematics_from_the_command_line">How do I print schematics from the command line?
</a></h2>
766 Running the script
<strong><code>print.scm
</code></strong> will create the Postscript file that is specified on the command line.
770 The command line below creates a Postscript file from a schematic file (replace MY_SCH with the name of your schematic and GEDA_SCHEME_DIR with the name of the directory where your gEDA scheme files are installed):
772 <pre class=
"code">gschem -p -oMY_SCH.ps -sGEDA_SCHEME_DIR/print.scm MY_SCH.sch
</pre>
775 The
<code>bash
</code> script below, which I name
<strong><code>gschem-print
</code></strong>, creates a Postscript file for each schematic file that is specified on the command line and then outputs each Postscript file to the default printer:
777 <pre class=
"code">#!/bin/bash
780 # -oPS_FILENAME output to Postscript file PS_FILENAME
781 # -sSCRIPT_FILENAME run script SCRIPT_FILENAME
782 # -p autoplace windows
786 base=
"${name%.*}
"
787 gschem -p -o$base.ps -sGEDA_SCHEME_DIR/print.scm $base.sch
788 lpr -P$PRINTER $base.ps
792 The default printing size is used when printing from the command line. To set the default printing size to A4 add
794 <pre class=
"code">(paper-size
11.69 8.27) ; A4
</pre>
797 to your
<code>gschemrc
</code> in
<code>$(HOME)/.gEDA
</code> (or in the local directory
<code>gschemrc
</code>). The full list of paper-size options can be found in
<code>system-gschemrc
</code>.
801 <!-- SECTION "How do I print schematics from the command line?" [25153-26443] -->
802 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_get_color_postscript_png_output" id=
"how_can_i_get_color_postscript_png_output">How can I get color postscript/PNG output?
</a></h2>
806 Edit the
<strong><code>system-gschemrc
</code></strong> file or place the following into a
<strong><code>gschemrc
</code></strong> file (either
<strong><code>~/.gEDA/gschemrc
</code></strong> or a
<strong><code>gschemrc
</code></strong> file in the local directory where you invoke gschem):
808 <pre class=
"code">(output-color
"enabled
") ; for color postscript output
809 (image-color
"enabled
") ; for color PNG output (enabled by default)
</pre>
812 To control the background of the PS output, change the following line in either gschem-darkbg (for the default black colored background) or gschem-lightbg (for the alternative light colored background):
814 <pre class=
"code">(output-color-background
16 "black
" "null
" "0 0 0" 0 0 0)
</pre>
817 The “
0 0 0” is the RGB components (between
0.
.1) for the background color of the PS output.
821 To control the background of the
<acronym title=
"Portable Network Graphics">PNG
</acronym> output, change the following line in either gschem-darkbg (for the default black colored background) or gschem-lightbg (for the alternative light colored background):
823 <pre class=
"code">(background-color
0 "grey94
" "null
" "1 1 1" 255 255 255)
</pre>
826 The
255 255 255 are the RGB components for the background color of the
<acronym title=
"Portable Network Graphics">PNG
</acronym> image.
830 <!-- SECTION "How can I get color postscript/PNG output?" [26444-27576] -->
831 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_get_black_and_white_postscript_png_output" id=
"how_can_i_get_black_and_white_postscript_png_output">How can I get black and white postscript/PNG output?
</a></h2>
835 For black and white PS output, place the following into a gschemrc file:
837 <pre class=
"code">(output-color
"disabled
") ; for monochrome postscript output
</pre>
840 For black and white
<acronym title=
"Portable Network Graphics">PNG
</acronym> images, place the following into a gschemrc file:
842 <pre class=
"code">(image-color
"disabled
") ; for monochromoe PNG output
</pre>
845 <!-- SECTION "How can I get black and white postscript/PNG output?" [27577-27942] -->
846 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_produce_pdf_output" id=
"how_can_i_produce_pdf_output">How can I produce PDF output?
</a></h2>
850 There are different ways to produce
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym> in gschem:
853 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Print to file as Postscript and externally convert to
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym>. The utility ps2pdf needs the option -sPAPERSIZE=a4
</div>
855 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Use a
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym>-Printer installed on the system.
</div>
860 The second option is more convenient, but needs a little more administration.
864 In a gnome environment a prerequisite to make this work is the package cups-pdf. A
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym> printer called “CUPS-
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym>-Printer” should be configured as a “Local Printer” via the usual CUPS interface. Choose Manufacturer “Generic”, model “CUPS-
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym>-Printer”. Add this line to the local gschemrc to make the lp print command default in gschem:
866 <pre class=
"code">(print-command
"lp -d CUPS-PDF-Printer
")
</pre>
869 The resulting
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym> will go to $HOME/
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym> by default.
873 In a KDE environment the print command is “kprinter” with the output option set to
<acronym title=
"Portable Document Format">PDF
</acronym> is the way to go. So you need to add this line to the local gschemrc:
875 <pre class=
"code">(print-command
"kprinter
")
</pre>
878 <!-- SECTION "How can I produce PDF output?" [27943-28915] -->
879 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_insert_schematics_into_my_latex_document" id=
"how_can_i_insert_schematics_into_my_latex_document">How can I insert schematics into my LaTex document?
</a></h2>
882 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Print the schematic to a file. This will be generic postscript (*.ps).
</div>
884 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Convert the postscript file to epsi with the tool ps2epsi. This is a script from the ghostscript suite.
</div>
886 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> Include usepackage{graphicx} to the preamble of your latex document. Use the command
<strong>includegraphics
</strong> to place your schematic.
</div>
893 <pre class=
"code">\documentclass{article}
894 \usepackage{graphicx}
897 \includegraphics[width=
100mm]{ModulPID.epsi}
902 <!-- SECTION "How can I insert schematics into my LaTex document?" [28916-29484] -->
903 <h2><a name=
"how_can_i_split_postscript_output_over_multiple_pages" id=
"how_can_i_split_postscript_output_over_multiple_pages">How can I split Postscript output over multiple pages?
</a></h2>
907 gschem does not provide this functionality internally, however there is a program called “poster” which does exactly this. It can be downloaded from either
<a href=
"http://www.gnu.org/directory/poster.html" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://www.gnu.org/directory/poster.html" rel=
"nofollow">here
</a> (GNU) or
<a href=
"http://printing.kde.org/downloads/" class=
"urlextern" title=
"http://printing.kde.org/downloads/" rel=
"nofollow">here
</a> (KDE Print).
911 <!-- SECTION "How can I split Postscript output over multiple pages?" [29485-29828] -->
912 <h1><a name=
"gschem_installation_run-time_problems" id=
"gschem_installation_run-time_problems">Gschem installation/run-time problems
</a></h1>
916 <!-- SECTION "Gschem installation/run-time problems" [29829-29881] -->
917 <h2><a name=
"gschem_segfaults_when_i_delete_components_on_fc5_and_other_linux_distributions_is_there_a_work-around" id=
"gschem_segfaults_when_i_delete_components_on_fc5_and_other_linux_distributions_is_there_a_work-around">Gschem segfaults when I delete components on FC5 (and other Linux distributions)! Is there a work-around?
</a></h2>
921 This bug emerged in mid
2006 for users of Fedora Core
5 (and other linux distributions that use glib
2.10.x). The bug has been fixed by the developers; the latest versions of gEDA/gaf (i.e. Oct
2006 and beyond) shouldn’t have this problem.
925 If you happen to have an older version of gEDA/gaf, you can work around this bug by setting the environment variable G_SLICE to “always-malloc”. Specifically, before you run gschem, do this:
931 <pre class=
"code">export G_SLICE=always-malloc
</pre>
936 <pre class=
"code">setenv G_SLICE always-malloc
</pre>
939 <!-- SECTION "Gschem segfaults when I delete components on FC5 (and other Linux distributions)! Is there a work-around?" [29882-30536] -->
940 <h2><a name=
"after_installation_gschem_does_not_work_what_could_be_wrong" id=
"after_installation_gschem_does_not_work_what_could_be_wrong">After installation gschem does not work!? What could be wrong?
</a></h2>
944 If you run gschem and you get a window without a menu bar, no colors, and the program terminates when you press a key with the following message:
946 <pre class=
"code">ERROR: Unbound variable: current-keymap
</pre>
949 Or you get errors like this:
951 <pre class=
"code">Gtk-CRITICAL : file gtkpixmap.c: line
97 (gtk_pixmap_new): assertion `val != NULL’ failed.
952 Gtk-CRITICAL : file gtkpixmap.c: line
97 (gtk_pixmap_new): assertion `val != NULL’ failed.
953 Tried to get an invalid color:
0
954 Tried to get an invalid color:
7
955 Tried to get an invalid color:
0
956 Tried to get an invalid color:
7</pre>
959 then gschem is not finding an rc file. There are two required rc files. The first is
<strong><code>system-gschemrc
</code></strong> and the second is
<strong><code>system-commonrc
</code></strong>.
962 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> The system-gschemrc rc file should be installed when you install gschem and typically resides in
<strong><code>${prefix}/share/gEDA/system-gschemrc
</code></strong>.
<strong><code>${prefix}
</code></strong> is where you installed gschem (usually
<strong><code>/usr
</code></strong> or
<strong><code>/usr/local
</code></strong> or
<strong><code>$HOME/geda
</code></strong>). This file can also be installed in /etc/gEDA (the .debs packages do this).
</div>
964 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> The system-commonrc rc file should be installed when you install the symbol library for gEDA/gaf. It resides in
<strong><code>${prefix}/share/gEDA/system-commonrc
</code></strong>. This file can also be installed in
<strong><code>/etc/gEDA
</code></strong> (the .debs packages do this). This file is not loaded directly by gschem. It is loaded by a “(load
…)” in the system-gschemrc rc file.
</div>
969 Make sure these file are installed. The gschem.log file (which is created everytime you run gschem) holds valuable debugging information which should help in determining what is wrong. Check this file for where gschem is looking for the rc files.
973 Also, some older releases of gEDA/gaf had some bugs when the rc files were installed in other locations (other that
<strong><code>${prefix}/share/gEDA
</code></strong>), so please upgrade to a more current release.
977 <!-- SECTION "After installation gschem does not work!? What could be wrong?" [30537-32461] -->
978 <h2><a name=
"add_components_offers_no_symbols_what_can_i_do_about_it" id=
"add_components_offers_no_symbols_what_can_i_do_about_it">"Add Components
" offers no symbols! What can I do about it?
</a></h2>
982 Make sure that at least one of your config files contains a valid path to a symbol library. At startup, gschem checks for the following config files (on a Debian system):
985 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> distributed system-wide gafrc file:
<code>/etc/gEDA/system-gafrc
</code> (will be overwritten on update)
</div>
987 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> local system-wide gafrc file
<code>/usr/share/gEDA/gafrc.d/gafrc
</code> (with geda versions after summer
2009)
</div>
989 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> user gafrc file:
<code>~/.gEDA/gafrc
</code></div>
991 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> local gafrc file:
<code>$PWD/gafrc
</code></div>
993 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> system gschemrc file:
<code>/etc/gEDA/system-gschemrc
</code></div>
995 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> user gschemrc file:
<code>~/.gEDA/gschemrc
</code></div>
997 <li class=
"level1"><div class=
"li"> local gschemrc file:
<code>$PWD/gschemrc
</code></div>
1002 All of these config files may or may not append paths to the library search list. If a config file contains the command
1004 <pre class=
"code">(reset-component-library)
</pre>
1007 the library search path will be emptied. Order is obviously important, as this command will erase any previously appended paths.
1011 <!-- SECTION "Add Components offers no symbols! What can I do about it?" [32462-33420] -->
1012 <h2><a name=
"i_m_using_gschem_gaf_through_a_ssh_connection_and_i_get_an_error_likexlibextension_render_missing_on_display_localhost10.0" id=
"i_m_using_gschem_gaf_through_a_ssh_connection_and_i_get_an_error_likexlibextension_render_missing_on_display_localhost10.0">I
'm using gschem/gaf through a SSH connection and I get an error like:
'Xlib: extension
"RENDER
" missing on display
"localhost:
10.0".
'</a></h2>
1013 <div class=
"level2">
1016 If you are getting into the remote machine by doing:
1018 <pre class=
"code">$ ssh -X your_username@your_remote_machine
</pre>
1021 and afterwards you get the Xlib RENDER message, then try using:
1023 <pre class=
"code">$ ssh -Y your_username@your_remote_machine
</pre>
1026 The latter enables trusted X11 forwarding.
1030 <!-- SECTION "I'm using gschem/gaf through a SSH connection and I get an error like: 'Xlib: extension RENDER missing on display localhost:10.0.'" [33421-] --></body>