Datasheets

The Parts database supports links to datasheets stored on local drives or the internet.

I prefer to use links to datasheets on the internet when possible because locally stored datasheets will be outdated when the manufacturer revises datasheets.

To support a relative path to locally saved datasheets the 'Datasheets folder'
and 'Parts_Backend' folder should same parent folder as shown below. 

'Datasheets' folder shown below is relative to the Parts Backend folder.

Select the datasheet folder button to view locally saved datasheets.

If you wish to open locally save PDFs from Schematics or the Libraries Panel uncheck the Datasheet option in the Configuration Options and save the Configuration.

The Datasheet Folder option can be toggled (checked then unchecked) after moving the datasheet folder to update the full path to the local datasheets. 

Tip: Access has as text field size limit of 255 characters, this is rarely a problem. However storing the backend database and local datasheets in a folder with a short path is advised.

Why would you want to use a Relative Datasheet folder ?

When working with multiple customers using the Relative Datasheet Folder is a good choice.

If your are an independent contractor or a service bureau absolute file paths to datasheets on your drive will not be beneficial for your customers.

Tip: You can keep completely separate Backend databases for each customer, including the datasheets, footprints and symbols.

Locally stored datasheets can used in situations where the datasheet is proprietary, in a preliminary status, or not available on the internet.

Website URLs 

You can drag and drop a URL links from your favorite browser to the 'Link 1 URL' or 'Link 2 URL' fields.

Tip: You will never have file locked issues when using URL links to datasheets.

That's It !

Preferred Manufacturer Names

Parts includes an optional feature to create and use Preferred Manufacturer Names

Select the button next the the Manufacturer field to open the Manufacturers form.

Preferred Manufacturers has three purposes.

1) Create Hyperlinks to the Manufacturer's website.

2) Create or Edit Preferred Manufacturer Names.

3) Map Manufacturer Names to PCB Libraries.

Example: Preferred Name for Molex Connector Corporation













Example: Consolidate all variations of Molex




Notes:

The Parts demo Manufacturers table includes 1000+ Mfrs.  However the drop down list for Mfrs in your Parts Frontend displays only the Mfrs which you have used in the Parts database.

The latest version of Parts includes a Mfr_PCBL field which is used to optimize searches for footprints at PCB Libraries.

Refer to: https://www.pcblibraries.com/POD/data/mfrlist/

That's It !

Filter

click on image to view

The Filter (Search) form can be temporarily stretched by dragging the right edge.

The Part's Filter is an intelligent cascaded sorting filter, which uses up to 3 search conditions with top down sorting.

Note: Sorted Filtering is applied AFTER the Apply Button is selected.

You can use wild cards (asterisks) and drop down lists or any combination of both.

Example wild card searches:

CAP* Starts with CAP 

*1K* Contains 1K
*SOT23-5 Ends with SOT23-5

?* Parts that do not have empty (blank) fields

1K Exact Value example

Command Buttons: (Left to Right)

Export - Filtered records to Excel.

SQL Query - Opens the SQL Query Dialog.
Default - Resets the Fields and Values to Defaults. (The Defaults can be customized)
Save - Saves the current Filter settings.
Recall - Recalls the saved Filter settings.
Clear- Initializes the Filter Selections.
Apply - Searches and Sorts the Parts Database.

Tip 1: Wild card ** searches include records with Empty (Blank) data.

Tip 2: Select Show All in the Main Form for an Unfiltered View.

Contact Parts to request technical support or a Free online demonstration.

That's it.