Suggestions for how to create one part out of three

[robmacklin]

I have a radio that plugs into my board.  The radio socket is made from three headers that must be located correctly relative to each other for the radio to fit correctly.  I created one symbol for the radio, and one footprint that orients the locations for the three headers correctly.  

When I export a BOM, it shows the radio, but no headers.  I would like to have the headers also appear on the BOM.

I can add the headers to the schematic, but then they also show on the layout.  I already have the combined footprint for the radio, so I don't need the footprints for the three headers.

Is there a way to add the headers so they show on the BOM, but not in layout?  I tried a part with no footprint, but it will not let me add it to the schematic.

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @robmacklin ,

I hope you're doing well. This is a tricky situation, I definitely understand the appeal of consolidating the headers as a single part. What I would recommend in this scenario is to edit the BOM to reflect the three headers that way you don't have to change the component.

The other option is to place the 3 headers and then form a persistent group on the 2D PCB. This will allow you to move them as a group preserving the relative placement between them . The advantage with this method is that the BOM is correct from the outset.

As you can see, currently neither of the options is perfect you just have to pick the tradeoff that better suits you.

Best Regards,

[robmacklin]

Thanks for the help.  I've been using your first option.  I was hoping to automate it so I don't forget the manual BOM edits on each release.  Using a group might work on one schematic, but it doesn't make it very easy to use the same common footprint on other schematics.