InsertCallout

Applied Parameters: None

Summary

This command is used to place a Callout object into the active Draftsman document (*.PCBDwf). Callouts can be placed anywhere to provide further information about specific points of interest. On a Board Assembly-related view, they can provide an automated reference to a BOM item, or a specific component parameter. In addition, they can also provide a link to a specified Note entry.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PcbDrawing Editor by:

• Choosing the Place » Callout command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Drawing Annotations toolbar.
• Right-clicking in the workspace and choosing the Place » Callout command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair, and you will enter callout placement mode. Placement of a callout depends on the type of callout being created.

To place a custom text callout:

1. Position the cursor at the required point within the document. For a Board Assembly View (including associated Board Section Views and Board Detail Views) ensure this is a point where the drawing element is not highlighted. With the cursor in position, click to lock the arrow end of the callout.
2. Move the cursor to size the callout and click to anchor its end.
3. The default text for a newly placed custom text callout is ?. Change the text to that required, through the Properties panel. Multi-line text is supported.

To place an automated BOM component link:

1. Position the cursor at the required point within a Board Assembly View (including associated Board Section Views and Board Detail Views), ensuring this is a point where the drawing element is highlighted (component edge, or a point on a component). With the cursor in position, click to lock the arrow end of the callout.
2. Move the cursor to size the callout and click to anchor its end.
3. The callout link will show the corresponding BOM entry number for that component, as entered in the Item column of a placed Bill of Materials Table.

To place a Component Parameter link:

1. Position the cursor at the required point within a Board Assembly View (including associated Board Section Views and Board Detail Views), ensuring this is a point where the drawing element is highlighted (component edge, or a point on a component). With the cursor in position, click to lock the arrow end of the callout.
2. Move the cursor to size the callout and click to anchor its end.
3. In the Properties panel, change the Source Type entry for the callout (in the Source grouping of properties) to Component Parameter.
4. Select a parameter from the Parameter drop-down list.

To create a reference to a Note entry:

1. Position the cursor at the required point within the document. For a Board Assembly View (including associated Board Section Views and Board Detail Views) ensure this is a point where the drawing element is not highlighted. With the cursor in position, click to lock the arrow end of the callout.
2. Move the cursor to size the callout and click to anchor its end.
3. In the Properties panel, change the Source Type entry for the callout (in the Source grouping of properties) to Note Item.
4. Select a note number from the Note Item drop-down list - a Note object must already exist within the Draftsman document for this menu to be populated.

Tips

1. A Callout can be graphically modified after placement. Click on it to select it - an editing handle will appear at its end point. Click and drag this handle to move the end point as required.
2. Most aspects of a placed Callout are available for editing through the Properties panel. If the panel is already open, simply select a placed Callout to populate the panel with its associated properties. If the panel is not open, double-click on the Callout to access it.
3. An existing Callout may be changed to a different type by selecting that option from the Source Type list in the Properties panel.
4. If changes have been made to the PCB document, using the Tools » Update Board command will ensure that a placed BOM-related Callout is kept in-sync.
5. Defaults for this primitive type can be defined on the Draftsman - Primitive Defaults page of the Preferences dialog.