Error processing 'J6': Cannot modify element; the object or a parent has the FIXED property. ------The item does not appear to be fixed.

I have used the following skill command to delete all 'FIXED' properties in a design when having these types of issues:

skill 'axlDBDeletePropAll "FIXED"'

I'm a bit further along since I made the post, and I seem to have gotten past the "fixed" problem (seems like it was still looking for an old file that was replaced).   All of my problems now arise from my new 30 pin connector having 2 extra ground pins, technically making it have 32 pins.    I don't know how to proceed from here.   This was supposed to be a quick and easy job for a newb like me, but unfortunately it's starting to look like this is all just above my head.

Easy peasy.  But first, which part has 32 pins?  The schematic part or Allegro part?  

If you really need to have the extra 2 pins make electrical contact then they need to appear in the schematic part.  Then on the Allegro side you would open the ".dra" file for the part and "add pin" giving it the appropriate pin numbers that match those in the schematic.

Otherwise, if Allegro has 2 extra pins that the schematic does not have then go in to the Allegro ".dra" of the symbol and delete the pin number property on the extra pins.  That will make them mechanical.

I imagine if it's your first time it might be overwhelming but post back up here or check out youtube for some vids.  

Hey Redwire, thanks for the response!   Let me explain where i'm at now.


The old 30 pin connector actually had 30 pins, and all was right.   Then that connector became obsolete.   I set out to find a new one, and I did.   We settled on a new hirose 30 pin connector, but after deciding it was good fit, and purchasing orcad, and learning these past few weeks how to make the corrections, I noticed that the connector in fact has 32 pins(doesn't seem like an easy mistake to make, but it sure felt like one).   The connector has 30 connections BUT with 2 dedicated ground pins that connect the shield to ground(So 30 + 2 gnd pins).

To make my life easier, yesterday I deleted the extra pins, and managed to get my new connector on the board, but as you see from the screenshot, there are DRC violations everywhere, and adding the new connector (with a matching 30 pins to the old one minus distance between pins).   It appears at the moment that the connector is just hovering over the board, and there are no electrical connections taking place.


I'm going to try some of the things you've recommended, and post back later today.   

Thanks again for the help!

I think the attachment failed to attach...  If you get stuck stuck, PM me and I can help.  But from your description, add two more pins to the schematic part and, just for testing, change the PCB_Footprint name in the schematic to something new -- that way Allegro will not try to re-read the old part.

Then in Allegro (OrCAD) part editor delete the dummy pins and re-add as electrical connections.  Then save the part with the new name you put in the schematic field.

When you netlist in there should be no warnings about pin count mismatch.  If so you should be good to go in Allegro(OrCAD) when you open the updated database.

I think the attachment failed to attach...  If you get stuck stuck, PM me and I can help.  But from your description, add two more pins to the schematic part and, just for testing, change the PCB_Footprint name in the schematic to something new -- that way Allegro will not try to re-read the old part.

Then in Allegro (OrCAD) part editor delete the dummy pins and re-add as electrical connections.  Then save the part with the new name you put in the schematic field.

When you netlist in there should be no warnings about pin count mismatch.  If so you should be good to go in Allegro(OrCAD) when you open the updated database.

Sorry, got really busy yesterday.


So, I did what you recommended, and I am miles ahead of where I was a few days ago.   I'm currently trying to remake all of the connections that were disturbed during the change.   Because i'm not the original creator of the board, i'm worried i'm going to drastically mess something up.   I mean, I'm following the old board, and the schematic, but I still get nervous because I don't fully understand everything yet.   

If you know any tips for making connections fast, and easy, that would be fantastic,   If not, I will PM you with any questions or roadblocks I run into.

Thanks again for taking the time to help.   Really appreciate it.

-Darcy