Guides
Practical guidance for getting your instrumentation documentation into a project.
How to prepare an IO list for import
The fastest way to get value out of SchematicForge is a clean IO list. Here is what the importer looks for and how to get a vendor file in shape in minutes.
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Reading a loop diagram: a field guide
Loop diagrams look dense until you know the conventions. A quick tour of the title block, signal path, and annotations on a generated sheet.
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ISA-5.1 loop diagrams: what the standard asks for
A practical reading of ISA-5.1 identification and typical loop-sheet content — tags, function letters, and the path from field to I/O — without treating generated drawings as a certified deliverable.
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DeltaV IO lists: columns SchematicForge actually reads
How a typical DeltaV I/O spreadsheet maps to tag, signal type, card, and channel — without treating SchematicForge as a DeltaV symbol library.
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Siemens PCS 7 IO lists: tags, channels, and what we do not claim
How a PCS 7 or S7 I/O spreadsheet maps into SchematicForge — tag and signal type first, hardware columns if present, no Siemens block library.
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Allen-Bradley IO lists: ControlLogix aliases into loop sheets
Map ControlLogix or CompactLogix I/O spreadsheets to tag, signal type, slot, and channel. No Rockwell symbol library — drawings still come from the IO list.
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How instrument wire numbers are assigned
Wire numbers must be unique where they are printed. SchematicForge stores them per signal and draws them on the loop sheet. A project-wide from-to list is not a download yet.
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How a junction box terminal strip is numbered
Capacity, spare percent, and voltage groups decide how a field JB is filled. The public tool numbers a strip for planning. It is not a manufacturing strip drawing.
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What happens on Rev B of a loop package
Re-import the Loop Register. Only changed loops regenerate. Inside the purchased band, Rev B is $0. Growth past the band is the difference to the next band.
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What a loop folder contains at handover
Cover, index, loop sheets, register, and schedules. SchematicForge issues those from one IO list. It is a drafting package, not a signed FAT certificate.
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