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Iain Wilkie
United Kingdom
1015 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 10:19:20
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Its round about this time of year I think the programmers come out of hibernation and start looking at what can be put into V16 to improve the product further.
Personally I would like to see the inclusion of tools for high speed design (now becoming the norm) .... for instance, there is aready a report sysyem that allows to you to get the lengths of specific nets to ensure they are all the same length within limits (great) .... however these nets may have to have series terminations at each end in which case there will be another two "bits" of different nets that need to be added to the whole. This needs to be done manually at the moment and is a real pain.
Also in order the get these nets the same length it would be great to have a "serpentine" tool that would negate the need to do this maually, again very tedious.
I still also think there could be a better library management system, bound libraries were introduced in V15 but it is not perfect and I am still strugging a bit with libraries.
Also the creation of BOMs seems to have inconsistencies in generating particular forms of this report, has never been the best in my opinion, s would be good if this could be re-vamped.
Anyway thats my inputs .... what about the rest of you, this is your opportunity to get your wish list to the programmers.
Iain
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Edited by - Iain Wilkie on 22 Jan 2012 20:09:19 |
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Benno
Netherlands
79 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jan 2012 : 21:56:21
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| Compatibilty with the free RS version, or at least an import option for designs and components. Export would be nice too, since they have some nice 3D stuff and probably in future even more nice stuff. |
Edited by - Benno on 10 Jan 2012 21:56:50 |
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Iain Wilkie
United Kingdom
1015 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2012 : 08:32:07
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Totally agree with Benno,
Since Designspark is a stripped down version of EasyPC why oh why is it not compatible ????. Also it seens to have more library support (Accelerated Designs Compatible), ..... I think that all features available in a free version should be avaialble by default in the paid-for version....
Iain
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davep
United Kingdom
101 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2012 : 20:21:13
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I think that all the PCB software designers should get together to create a standard format for Library components and Artwork files.
Starting from Gerber or Spice might be a an idea.
This could then become an ISO standard or something similar. |
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toni9999
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2012 : 09:52:57
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I would like to see the ability to take a library and get EasyPC to dump it in to a blank PCB file.
It would then be easy to visually spot any issues with a footprint.
The same would be available in the schematic.
Another bug which is very annoying is the dockable bars randomly "disappearing". They are still set as to be shown but you have to drag them out as they minimise to nothing. Hard to explain but i have sent screenshots to support@numberone.com with no reply.
Toni |
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edrees
United Kingdom
779 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2012 : 10:04:48
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| Toni, the dockable bars can be locked or unlocked by toggling the drawing pin icon. The dockable window can be dragged to the size you require and when it re-appears it will remember that size. I think this feature works well! |
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toni9999
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2012 : 08:29:39
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Hey edrees,
This is correct and is what we here have it set to do, but when opening EasyPC the bar will randomly change its width to the minimum possible lets call it width 0 but it is still pinned.
Im not saying it becomes unpinned i just keep on having to re-adjust the docks width.
Toni |
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KevL
United Kingdom
78 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2012 : 18:55:00
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I have been banging on about the disappearing dockable bars problem since God was a lad. It is not reduced to width zero it is "randomly" switched off.
Ruins my day, frequently.
K |
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KevL
United Kingdom
78 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2012 : 19:04:12
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quote:
I would like to see the ability to take a library and get EasyPC to dump it in to a blank PCB file.
It would then be easy to visually spot any issues with a footprint.
The same would be available in the schematic.
Another bug which is very annoying is the dockable bars randomly "disappearing". They are still set as to be shown but you have to drag them out as they minimise to nothing. Hard to explain but i have sent screenshots to support@numberone.com with no reply.
Toni
Have a read of this thread. Your idea has been mentioned before.
http://www.numberone.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=492
K |
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toni9999
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2012 : 09:42:58
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Hey Kev,
Hope things are well.
Regarding the dockable bars wish the forum would let me attach an image as i have a screenshot of my minimum width issue.
It shows the bar so it isnt unpinning its self it is just a thin sliver in between the PCB window and the side tab containing the bars that i do not have pinned (these are left unpinned on purpose).
So there must be two bugs all be it intermittent ones.
Toni. |
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KevL
United Kingdom
78 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2012 : 21:52:10
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mmmmmmm maybe it is randomly setting itself to zero width. Have not noticed that effect as I set mine up so that I have my dockable bars permanently set to left hand side of screen. I have most open all the time using tabs to switch between goto, layers, comp bin etc.
I just know that I'm forever loosing layers bar and have to revisit menu item to re-tick it. Pain in the backside.
When yours goes to zero width does reticking in dockable bars menu bring it back?
Work is good here. You still enjoying work or looking for a change?
K |
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KevL
United Kingdom
78 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2012 : 22:04:50
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Arcs, circles and drawing tools
Circles, arcs need improving. Need circles with ref in centre and a start and end angle parameter - this is available in almost all CAD tools. Doesn't sound hard to add this to EZ.
Drawing tools could be improved to allow picking key points when starting to add new primitives and moving groups of primitives.
key points are e.g. end of lines, mid point of line, centre of circles, centre of arcs, intersection of lines etc. Say special key held down and passing cursor over objects offers option to snap to coords of key point. Would then be able to position new entities correctly etc. Similar could allow groups of selected entities to have datum point selected and target datum selected for move operation. Currently one has to add extra entities to a group and use these to help in move operation.
This would raise EZ into far more professional editing behaviour.
K
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toni9999
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2012 : 08:25:31
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quote:
Originally posted by KevL
mmmmmmm maybe it is randomly setting itself to zero width. Have not noticed that effect as I set mine up so that I have my dockable bars permanently set to left hand side of screen. I have most open all the time using tabs to switch between goto, layers, comp bin etc.
I just know that I'm forever loosing layers bar and have to revisit menu item to re-tick it. Pain in the backside.
When yours goes to zero width does reticking in dockable bars menu bring it back?
Work is good here. You still enjoying work or looking for a change?
K
My issue is not fixed by reticking the option in the dockable bar menu which confused me for quite a while.
Glad the new place is working out for you.
Work not too bad at the mo enjoying the extra responsibility and that people in the other depts are starting to listen to things i have to say.
Toni |
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TheBFG
United Kingdom
61 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2012 : 08:48:17
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I like the suggestion by KevL about improving the arcs, circles and drawing tools.
Also suggested by some one else was the ability for the DRC output to perhaps be HTML with some ability to click each error and be taken direct to the error. This would save me a lot of time. Great suggestion IMO.
Here are some other items I would like to put forward for consideration:-
1. Use arrow keys to nudge components by increments equal to the grid spacing. This could help with congested designs to achieve maximum packing density. Also if the software could perhaps refuse to nudge and pop a message on the status bar when a DRC error is about to be created (proximity error).
2. The DRC for proximity really needs some work. I find I'm not really using it anymore due to the number of false positives. How about having an optional extra layer in PCB footprints which defines the physical footprint of the component for DRC / proximity checking purposes? This would probably be required to be some sort of closed shape. The DRC needs to be able to check proximity between polygons.
3. AFAIK ODB++ does not automatically generate solder mask / resist, the options to do this automatically as in the gerber generator would be great.
4. Optional layers for solder paste / solder resist in pcb footprints, but while somehow still maintaining the excellent way of automatically generating this output (should the layers not be defined).
So to summarise for 2,3&4 in the PCB footprint creation there would be three extra checkboxes:-
- explicit physical outline shape for DRC purposes
- explicit solder resist
- explicit solder mask
5. The ability to tick a box to exclude any component on the PCB from proximity error checking, this could include connectors close to board edges, or in my case SMD components underneath a daughterboard mounted on pillars.
On the file menu either File -> Open defaults to only open projects or add another entry File -> Open Project. I almost never want to open anything other than a project. |
Edited by - TheBFG on 23 Jan 2012 08:51:26 |
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TheBFG
United Kingdom
61 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2012 : 14:09:18
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| Increased level of maximum zoom and less of a change between levels, perhaps half the current jump? |
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n/a
41 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jan 2012 : 10:47:18
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I have a couple of suggestions:
1) Make the bitmap import function work properly for black and white bitmaps, even if it's only applicable to silk screen layers.
2) Add a function to the parts list report to collect together component refs for same parts onto one line and include a quantity, eg R10 R11 R13, 3, 10k, etc etc.
3) Allow, or make it easier to add a drawing border (similar to that available for the schematics) to the PCB layout page for paper printouts.
4) Despite the arguments for and against, add a proper fudical shape for those who do still need it.
Pete. |
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Iain Wilkie
United Kingdom
1015 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jan 2012 : 20:18:22
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quote:
Originally posted by HRPeteG
2) Add a function to the parts list report to collect together component refs for same parts onto one line and include a quantity, eg R10 R11 R13, 3, 10k, etc etc.
To be fair you can actually do this already, but there does seem to be some bugs that causes it to not function as expected. User interface could also be improved on I think.
Iain
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edrees
United Kingdom
779 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 09:23:47
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1) BOM collation (as already reported)
2) "Breakapart" capability for closed shapes ?
3) Group feature, add facility/de-bug add/remove component from specific Group, and improve interaction/cross probe between Sch & pcb of Group functions.
4) Full DRC on sch for "To" & "From" symbols.
5) Prevent (or flag warning) rotating/moving one layer whilst other (disabled) layers stay in the same place.
6) De-bug 1/40th grid "nudges" using the shift key (I know of the workround).
7) Various improvements required to "Intelligent Gerber Import". See other specific threads regarding weakness & faults. |
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n/a
41 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 10:07:57
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Iain - please explain? I can get same components collected together in groups with one descriptor but all refs are still on separate lines?
edrees - agreed on the gerber import. Part of my job is rescuing old .pcb files from our archive (Orcad files I think), but EZ's importer file type list doesn't list these files. My workaround is currently to open them with GerbMagic, save each layer separately as *.gbr and then import them one by one into EZ. This works, but it would be nice if the intelligent (??) importer could do it.
Interestingly, you would have thought it would be able to understand it's own *.pcb files, but apparently not - it does try to import them if asked to, but with some very odd results! |
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Iain Wilkie
United Kingdom
1015 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 16:39:13
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"Iain - please explain? I can get same components collected together in groups with one descriptor but all refs are still on separate lines?",
Thats the problem .... I can't remember how I acheived it ... I just mucked about with the settings .... the collate check box has something to do with it on a particular dialogue panel. However what I can get for example is ...
Number Footprint Name Value Qty
RESISTOR 0603 R5 R6 R10 R12 R30 47K 5
Think it something to do with collating "Names"
Iain
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edrees
United Kingdom
779 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 16:53:52
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HRPeteG, I recently spent all of a Sunday afternoon trying to sort this feature out once and for all. I failed, and eventually resorted to trial & error, - and still failed. Like Iain, I have previously sorted this out once ( in V14?????). Try re-naming the orcad gerbers extension to gbr. I'm suprised that you have to use an alternative importer first of all. Square/rectangular pads etc will still be a problem with "Intelligent" importer. Also, manual entry of D codes into "Intelligent" importer has inconsistent results, (e.g. only affects one pad in a design, when there are dozens of same style pads).
Another (new?) suggestion,-
Add "values" of selected component (pcb editor) on the status/info bar on the pcb editor, so we can see for example, the resistance value of a selected component etc. Ticking the properties box for "visibility" does nothing in the pcb editor. |
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TheBFG
United Kingdom
61 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2012 : 09:09:15
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HRPeteG,
1) A scaleable bitmap on a silk screen layer would be brilliant addition.
2) You can group the part numbers together already. It's a bit cryptic, Peter talked me through it. IIRC the key setting was "Collate This Column":-
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14681647/collate.png |
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Iain Wilkie
United Kingdom
1015 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2012 : 10:44:24
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quote:
Originally posted by TheBFG
HRPeteG,
1) A scaleable bitmap on a silk screen layer would be brilliant addition.
2) You can group the part numbers together already. It's a bit cryptic, Peter talked me through it. IIRC the key setting was "Collate This Column":-
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14681647/collate.png
Yes the whole BOM/Parts list report system is very difficult to set up, a new more straightforward interface is needed.
Iain
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n/a
41 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2012 : 13:49:03
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edrees: I don't have the original gerbers separately, I only have the *.pcb files and I've still had no luck getting the EZ "intelligent" importer to make any sense of them. However, the third-party (and irritatingly free) viewer can open them fine and neatly presents me with the layers contained within. All I have to do then is to resave those layers one-by-one in EZ-compatible format.
If the importer hadn't cost anything extra it would just be a pain, but since I badgered my company into buying it, it's a little embarrassing that it seems so unintelligent - I was kinda hoping it would do what it said on the tin....
The BFG: I can't open the link you posted (company firewall etc)- where is this "Collate This Column" setting please? |
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Iain Wilkie
United Kingdom
1015 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2012 : 14:54:19
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The intelligent gerber import is only for gerber files. Your orcad .pcb file is native to orcad and not an Easypc file, so this is why you cannot open it in easypc (even although it has a pcb extension)
The inteeligent gerber importer is simply a normal gerber importer but it can recreate connectivity. It is not for importing designs from other tools.
Iain
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TheBFG
United Kingdom
61 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2012 : 15:50:32
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quote:
Originally posted by HRPeteG
The BFG: I can't open the link you posted (company firewall etc)- where is this "Collate This Column" setting please?
Reports->(Select Report)Edit...->(Select Component List)->Edit...(Select Ref. Des.)->Edit...
The field name should be Ref Name and on the right hand side there is a tick box "collate this column". |
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n/a
41 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2012 : 16:59:06
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TheBFG:
That explains why I couldn't get to it, my "Edit", "Copy" and "Rename" buttons are all greyed out! Is this a permissions thing? I don't have admin rights on the machine I'm using. |
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TheBFG
United Kingdom
61 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2012 : 08:35:55
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Here's another suggestion which is close to top of my priorities:-
I don't get assigned a "company part #" for components until late in the project. This means when I add the part number as a value and update components, all the positions for ref des etc are completely reset and my pcb and schematic need to be tidied up.
Please Please Please add the ability to update components without resetting ref des / value positional information. |
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toni9999
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2012 : 08:39:17
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quote:
Originally posted by TheBFG
Here's another suggestion which is close to top of my priorities:-
I don't get assigned a "company part #" for components until late in the project. This means when I add the part number as a value and update components, all the positions for ref des etc are completely reset and my pcb and schematic need to be tidied up.
Please Please Please add the ability to update components without resetting ref des / value positional information.
I would most definitely second that.
Toni. |
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robhardy
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2012 : 10:57:47
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| This is one thing that wastes lots of time. I move all the reference designators to the place I want them to be. I update the component and it moves, so I have to start over again. Please change this. |
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robhardy
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2012 : 11:21:11
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Another change is how the design options/adjust text rotation works
currently it will rotate any text on a component as well, not just the reference designator.
This cause a bit of grief on a mains voltage switch I used. the symbol had 240 written on it as on component.
This was rotated by auto rotate and then fitted by manufacturer the wrong way round, fortunately it was spotted and only on small batch
Rob |
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Topic |
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Ideas for V16 Improvements