Re: gEDA-user: Mirrored headers: how do I define the footprints ?

[DJ Delorie <dj@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

You cam mirror-image a component by flipping the board over and
placing the component on the other side.  Use the <TAB> key to flip
the board, then place the component as usual.  To move a component to
the other side, use the Flip action ('b' hotkey).  Of course, this
only really solves your problem if they're through-pin components.

Note that if you have mating connectors, they usually have independent
footprints with mirrored pin layouts, this is especially important for
SMD connectors.

> Does the user define the footprint when it is used in the schematic
> to make it more versatile ?

Yes, because there are many different types of 50-pin headers.  In
general, there are a few relationships you (the user) needs to specify
for a given schematic symbol: Its physical packaging and its value are
the two common ones, part numbers are often specified too.  For
example, the "resistor" symbol could mean a 1/4w axial or an SMD, it
could mean 100k or 47 ohms, it could be a standard 1% or a 47-X3J
alpha-hardened mil spec part.  These are all things that you, the
designer, need to choose when you add a part to your schematic.

What GAF is missing is a giant global database mapping vendor part
numbers to the corresponding symbol sets, footprints, and values.
Imagine the possibilities - you add a resistor symbol, and a "find it"
dialog lets you navigate the thousands of resistor types, eventually
narrowing it down parametrically to the one you want.  Default
preferences for starting search (803 SMD, SOICs, mil spec, vendor,
etc), full footprint support, etc.