Diptrace Component Libraries

[alanb]

I'm new to Diptrace so please excuse these very basic questions.

Is it possible to search for components across multiple libraries? Currently I have to select a library before I can search it and that pre supposes that I know who manufactures a particular part.

Is it possible to use a wild card when searching e.g. *555 to list all of the different prefix variants of the chip.

Alan

[Mechatrommer]

searching part in diptrace is a PITA for 2 reasons:
1) the part's library must be preloaded and clicked so it shows on left corner
2) they dont allow wildcard search. they expect us to memorize every part in the world to every alphabet in the part number. if you have NE555P in your library and you search NE555, you'll get zero result. if you have every possible 555 chip number in your library and you use wildcard in your search, you'll get zero result!
programatically that should be easily implemented but i dont know why someone in the world havent mentioned this.

[alanb]

That's what I thought.

It's a pity that such a basic requirement lets down what would otherwise be a great product.

[novarm44]

1). If you search the selected library, you should type the value in main window (such as NE555), and NE555 will show NE555XXX components as well. You don't need to know exact number.
2). For wildcard search through all libraries use Objects/Find Component option.

[Mechatrommer]

1). If you search the selected library, you should type the value in main window (such as NE555), and NE555 will show NE555XXX components as well. You don't need to know exact number.

i dont know maybe i did it incorrectly. but i tried in diptrace bundled standard library where a bunch of soic connectors and names etc. typing "soic" wont direct me to anywhere.

2). For wildcard search through all libraries use Objects/Find Component option

thanks now i know the mechanism.

thinking about it... if its too hard to implement pattern search (eg *555?-ETC) then "simple keyword search" is sufficiently "good enough" search engine. ie suggestion, by typing "555" in the search textbox (top of the library view on the left corner), the library will automatically show (filter) only parts with "555" in it (regardless if its in the beginnning, middle or end of part number), and automatically, no need to click that "dormant" binocular button. empty'ing the textboxt will return to normal "view all" parts.

[alanb]

Thanks Novarm44.
Objects/Find Component is useful, it gives most of what I need however is is possible to do something like ??555 to return all of the 555's with a 2 letter prefix? Entering just 555 returns 39 records containing 555 anyware in the string, this is useable but not ideal.

[poorchava]

I think the search mechanism is pretty useful. Never went wrong with it. It is a little bit slow, but probably so is every other (and still it's a rocket compared to for example Altium)

[andyturk]

Is there any way to see everything in a library without opening up the Component editor? Many times I want to find a component without knowing its name (e.g., finding a USB connector in the USB library). The search function barks if you can't give it at least one character to search for.