Mail Archives: geda-user/2017/02/16/23:10:21
Hi all,
this is especially for users; users of _any_ EDA tool. Any EDA tool is in
the game: free, non-free, *NIX, OSX, Windows, C64.
I am offering to build new bridges between pcb-rnd and your favorite EDA
tool if you are willing to do a minimal amount of user contribution.
This is how it works with a schematics -> pcb flow in 6 easy steps:
1. take your whatever tool that is capable of making schematics
2. make a small, simple schematics (e.g. blinking LED); make sure to set
all footprints (must) and resistor/capacitor values (optional) and maybe
net names (optional)
3. the "input pack": make a screenshot and export in all formats the tool
supports. Pack up these files and send me the pack. Make sure to not
include secrets: we need to be able to distribute your pack.
4. if I find any of the export formats feasible, the import plugin will
appear in pcb-rnd trunk/ usually within days.
5. please test the result by editing your schematics a few times and doing
the flow to a fresh compilation of pcb-rnd
6. Optional: maybe write a blog entry, a writeup, a tutorial about how it
works in the practice so it becomes useful for others.
A similar approach would work with external autorouters, any sort of
netlist-processor software or even with other PCB editors - only some
technical details of step 1..3 differ (and the cost of implementation -
anything that requires import/export of copper geometry will tend to cost
a magitude more so it will take longer time).
The above was about the "something -> pcb-rnd" ("import") bridges, but we
can probably work out the step details for "export" bridges too.
Regards,
Igor2
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