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PeterHer
Netherlands
10 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Jul 2025 : 06:40:19
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Hi All,
Is it possible to have some kind of live measurement?
Example: I have two M3 mounting holes on the pcb and the space between the two needs to be 5 cm.
Now I use the measurement tool.
But when the space is not correct, I need to exit the tool move one hole and measure again.
I would be handy that the measurement tool doesn't need to be closed when moving one hole.
I use the measurement tool a lot not only for positioning mounting holes. |
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edrees
United Kingdom
795 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2025 : 08:23:03
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There are several methods that you can achieve this.
1) Possibly the easiest is to define the first MH as a "Relative Origin" Duplicate the first MH and the offset co-ordinates can then be read from the bottom right of screen.
2)Manually draw a 5cm measurement ("Dimension") starting on the first MH and ending in free space. This will give you the distance to manually place your second MH.
3)Duplicate the first MH. Right click, =>Type Offset. This will place your second MH where you want. |
Edited by - edrees on 09 Jul 2025 08:44:56 |
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Peter Johnson
United Kingdom
512 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2025 : 10:48:26
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edrees has answered well, but I thought it worth adding a comment as to why the measurement tool isn't live.
It's actually very simple. Everything that's 'live' has to be permanently running in the background and needs to be checked to see if it's in use. Add too many of these and the program will s-l-o-w right down because of the background overhead. There are already instances, particularly with larger files, when the speed isn't as great as it might be. Some of those permanently active background tasks can be disabled, but it's definitely the case that any more would be too many!
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Scazon
United Kingdom
68 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2025 : 15:20:49
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Edrees's first method is far the easiest, and allows you to position features relative to the PCB as well. You really can do precision designs this way. For something more complicated, say a funny shaped PCB, you might consider using a mechanical CAD and importing the shape as DXF.
And when you've done, don't forget to fix the features and make them non- selectable. |
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Ampdoctor
United Kingdom
30 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2025 : 15:53:36
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I use the relative co ordinates. Set the relative coordinate at zero in the first pad / M3 hole.
Place the second and type in 50.00mm in the X or Y windows in the properties box for that pad/ hole. |
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some kind of live measurement