hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Importing Dxf with netlabels and vias - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Anthony4tner
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 02:48:45 am
content: I'm working on figuring out an efficient workflow for going between parametrically designed shapes and net labeled traces in Altium, additionally it should also be able to place vias in parametriclly defined locations. Currently we are Using Solidworks to parametrically create our shapes then export those shapes as a dxf. We then make solid fills with AutoCad. After importing into Altium we need to add hundreds of vias, and label them to make electrical connections. I was just wondering if anyone had any knowledge of either a better way to do this, or a script or plugin that achieves a similar functionality. Thank you for any info!

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2019, 07:07:00 pm
content: I suppose you could make your vias into components. Then you could run the placement script to place by a .pik file. You could generate that file with some scripting probably. Idk just a thought.or you could write your own script within altium to add vias
AD19 schematic library sub parts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PeteT
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2019, 09:35:04 am
content: Hi All,I've been using AD19 for a while now. Currently still running 19.0.15 on my desktop as I upgraded my laptop beyond and the stability was flakey, but that may have improved...Anyway, while the schematic libraries still have the ability and process for adding sub parts to a component, when it comes to placing them the 'components' panel does not show them. The only way I can find to place them is to right click on the relevant part within the components panel and select 'place xxx'. This then places the sub parts, but always in order A, B, C, etc. This is ok for the likes of op-amps if all 4 of a quad are on one sheet, but with a processor where the blocks are spread across 7 or 8 sheets it is more than a minor inconvenience.I have looked at the online documentation and can't see this referenced anywhere - has anyone found a workaround to get the libraries to view properly, and allow sub part D, for example, to be placed without having to cycle through placing A, B and C on that sheet too?Many thanks....

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2019, 09:42:23 am
content: i'm not sure about your situation but as soon as open the library there's an SCH Library panel with those components & sub-parts.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2019, 10:23:50 am
content: If nothing else, after placing it, you can always change Part ID in Properties.Tim

author: PeteT
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2019, 11:16:48 am
content: Thanks for the thoughts -Mengfei - in the library editor it is fine, it is in the component placement in the schematic where it goes missing. Unless the 'component' panel is the wrong thing to use, and there should be a proper 'library' panel - but it isn't in the 'View < panels' list.Tim - that's true, I hadn't spotted that. Still a bit of a workaround, but much better than what I was having to do! Thanks!

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2019, 01:34:16 am
content: when placing a sub-part, try to press TAB then select which sub-part you need
Altium Evaluation License Issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wguid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 02:34:17 pm
content: Hi Everyone,I recently downloaded the trial version of Altium Designer 19 at work (I'm an intern). I'm pretty sure someone who used the computer before me also used an Evaluation License, so when I tried to log into my account and activate the license, it showed an error message that says something like, "You can only use one evaluation license on a single PC".How can I circumvent this? Will wiping the machine solve the issue? Or is the license somehow bound to the computer hardware?Thanks

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 02:36:14 pm
content: Bost likely tied to mac address.But .. eval licences are not to be used to do real work ...

author: wguid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 03:40:06 pm
content: I know, I'm using it for the first to accustom myself with it before we get commercial licenses.Does that mean I can use my evaluation license if I spoof the MAC address ?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 09:53:05 pm
content: Try it. If it doesn't work you could try a VM too.That or see if Altium is willing to send you a second less-restrictive license for that PC.

author: SerieZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2019, 09:47:13 am
content: Contact Altium (be prepared for a sales pitch lmao).They are not interested in withholding Eval Licences from Potential Customers.Back in the Day I tried a Eval Licence before getting my first Job and they would not stop trying to contact me for weeks to sell me a Licence.

author: lilstevie
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2019, 08:20:56 am
content: Definitely contact sales. It wouldn't work for me because I had done a CircuitStudio evaluation and their system was tripping up saying I'd already done it.Within 24 hours sales had emailed me the download and set up my account with everything required
deleting item in vault storage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2019, 06:34:19 am
content: hi,i just create a component and i want to delete it, but i can'tthey'r is an error message sayingQuotein the "where used" vault section, there is no data to display.where can i find where this item is used ?thanksFurthermore, the place action isn't available in the component panel for this item

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2019, 09:06:45 am
content: no one ?deleting are not really easy in altium

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2019, 02:37:04 pm
content: help please.i didnt find by myself how delete a component in altium, the right+click -> delete item return an error message.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2019, 02:09:11 pm
content: I am not familiar with vault. If I was in your situation and received that error, I would close out of all my projects and documents (maybe even restart first). Then, I would try to delete that part again.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2019, 02:32:08 pm
content: If you are on subscription just email/call Altium support.

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2019, 06:10:03 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on October 15, 2019, 02:32:08 pmi did ... 2 time, they just didnt reply

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2019, 11:35:20 pm
content: need to enabling "Allow placed components to be deleted from Vault " in the alitum nexus server -> Admin -> Settings -> VAULT ->Part Request -> Permissionsnota : altium recommended to leave this option disableddidn't find other way to solve that issue. and there is a misunderstanding because component was didn't placed before. so the was didn't in used and didn't appear in the "where used" section. so they normally don't ne to activate this option to be displaced., if anyone have an answer or a proper way to delete vault item i'll take it
Altium rules: discrete drill sizes / available tool table - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 07:46:06 am
content: Can I create a rule in Altium that will only allow specific drill sizes? We have a small CNC and it would be nice if we can only design with the tools we actually have.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 11:25:08 am
content: Sure. I think you will need to create a rule for each drill size though.Do you use rivet vias or something? Keep in mind their finished i.d. is quite a lot smaller than drilled!Tim
[Solved] Cannot route on middle layers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 01:34:43 am
content: I created a 4L design, which I started from top and bottom.Today I was working on its middle layers, and Altium threw errors on clearance violation, which I didn't.File is attached, if anyone can take a look at it.The trace under investigation is 1V0 on the left bottom corner of the large chip on the right side of the board.Version: 19.1.8 through auto update. Thanks.//Solved.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 03:22:51 am
content: "Everything" including design rules? Classes?That's one thing that can be propagated poorly from SCH, classes. Obviously the PCB-exclusive classes, but I've seen net classes not sync correctly.Could also just be general paranoia, restart Altium etc. Who knows.Tim
Collaborate, Compare and Merge ISSUE - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: YaSaRa_N
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2019, 09:15:07 am
content: Hi !I've been experimenting on team-collaboration using SVN version control feature in Altium(using the in-built SVN ).everything works fine except the merging a local copy with the current head revision in the repository.following image shows what i get when i click "Click to show merge resolution view" in the "Collaborate, Compare and Merge" panel.as you can see the background is completely white and i can barely identify the content of the PCB. i tried this with Altium 18 ,19 and 20(beta).the merging works without a problem but i can hardly see whats in there. Is this normal?however there is no such issue in Altium 17.is this a bug or have i done some thing wrong ?Thank you.
add symbol and footprint to "manufacturer part search" ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2019, 11:13:39 pm
content: hiis there any possibilities to add symbol and footprint to "manufacturer part search" part ?thanks

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 02:09:06 am
content: Quote from: grosfaignan on September 30, 2019, 11:13:39 pmI don't know of any free/paid for CAD packages that don't allow adding components.Despite having many millions of components in libraries sods law says the one you want isn't in there.It will be buried in the menu's somewhere.

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 04:29:40 am
content: sorry i didn't understood you'r answer.for example i tried to use this component :Quotebut there is no schematic/footprint for it. so i drawn a symbol, a footprint and a 3d model.but i don't no how to make this information available in the manufacturer part search

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2019, 01:42:19 pm
content: no one for an idea ?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2019, 02:21:06 pm
content: I cant possibly see how would you add a symbol to part search. Symbols may be drawn arbitrarily (in a variety of ways), therefore cant be used in general as search attributes.

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2019, 01:19:43 pm
content: i dont want to use them as search attribute, i just try to have one place to access all component. and not 36, as library, vault sotrage, other server, etc ...

author: lilstevie
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2019, 02:32:23 am
content: Quote from: grosfaignan on October 05, 2019, 01:19:43 pmAs I understand it the part number search is linked to the Altium Vault, so you can't add it.

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2019, 06:34:58 pm
content: ideally, symbol insertion into schematic would not be dependent of footprint/packaging. i try to find a way to create symbol library, only dependent of component catégories and affect part Numbers in a seconde time, Which this part number would be able to allocate the right foot print to the symbol.but, i'ts a little bit difficult to have to wait about component drawing disponibility in "part search" and manage them in a one more time databasewhat's your practice about that ?

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2019, 05:41:38 pm
content: Quoteit seems ^^, ... so nexus seems finally useless too
[SOLVED]nexus server - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2019, 01:10:33 am
content: hi therei tried to install nexus server but i got some error message at the installation end.error messages varies really but they were produced at the same installation progress (at end)generally they turn around firebird.so i saw i can use oracle instead. this option will really solve my issue ?what oracle version do i use ?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 03:08:31 pm
content: Nexus installs firebird by itself. it is a single package. no need for a different install.it does need Server 2012 or later though or it will not work.

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 09:38:24 pm
content: i tried to install the latest nexus server package but it not works, that's my problem as explained in my first post.i can post some log file if necessary

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2019, 04:08:15 am
content: post the logfile.

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2019, 01:41:14 pm
content: the problem was with my windows installation,system re-initialization solved it.
room size HUGE when transferring to board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2019, 10:59:00 am
content: When I import changes to my board, the rooms are HUGE and the components are all very far apart. I have to rearrange all the components before I start anything. Is there a way I change change this?

author: nickb
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 03, 2019, 11:46:10 am
content: You can arrange the components closely together in the room by clicking "Tools -> Component Placement -> Arrange Within Room" and then clicking the room.
Altium Designer 19 Schematic Device Missing Pins / Not Showing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: offline
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2019, 01:10:11 am
content: I have two devices in a schematic, not all the pins are showing in the sheet, under properties they are all checked show all.The missing pins/names seem to have a lighter grey. Any ideas?144 pin ARM Microcontroller56 pin NOR Flash

author: SerieZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2019, 07:18:25 am
content: The Component is split into several Parts. You are currently only seeing Part A.You may want to go under Properties and select Part A, B, C.... and place them separately or create a whole new Symbol for the Component if you want all the Pins on one single Symbol.With a Component with so many Pins I am not sure If that makes a whole lot of sense.

author: offline
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2019, 01:24:33 pm
content: Found it, thanks
Altium help needed, board cutouts not showing on JLCPCB website - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rutger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2019, 11:10:42 pm
content: I am trying to upload a panel of Tubescreamer (famous guitar pedal) clones I made in Altium, but for some reason the inner cut-outs are not coming through.Any suggestions on what I should check/do in Altium or should I contact JLCPCB about these cutouts.Thanks.

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 08:33:34 am
content: When I send boards to JLCPCB with internal cutouts, I do the cutouts in the keepout layer, and I also put the text "CUTOUT" inside the cutout area (the text is also on the keepout layer)I also write a remark to the order that they need to watch "cutouts" in the design.Works every time

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 01:50:28 pm
content: Are your cutouts included in your board outline gerber?

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 02:05:42 pm
content: Yes, they are in the gerber, see below

author: JackJones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 02:18:03 pm
content: Their gerber viewer is just really buggy, I have the same issue with boards made with Kicad. As long as it shows the cutouts correctly with other viewers it should be fine.The boards I have ordered have come out correctly despite their viewer showing no cutout.

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 02:21:39 pm
content: Same here, as soon as you make something that isn't a standard square board, their viewer fucks up!

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 05:21:12 pm
content: Quote from: cgroen on October 01, 2019, 02:05:42 pmI was talking to OP. I think you calling it keepout confused me.

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 06:04:55 pm
content: Quote from: Pseudobyte on October 01, 2019, 05:21:12 pmAh yes, its not me calling it thatThe file is the .GKO which stands for Keepout Layer.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 07:58:35 pm
content: Yeah Altium users would typically put their board outline on a mechanical layer like GM1. Altium is phasing out keepout.

author: Rutger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2019, 01:36:36 am
content: I put the cutout in the 'keep-out' layer as suggested (with text) and it seems to work, thanks for the tip.Initially it did not show up after the upload, but when I went to the online gerber viewer it seems to be a black area.
Migrating existing Altium configuration to a new PC? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bjdhjy888
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2019, 12:43:22 am
content: Sometimes I wonder if I could install Altium on a brand new PC and import my previous Altium settings from my older PC. In this way, I would not need to re-configure the details, like via's diameter, wire's width, etc, pain in the neck tedious work.But I doubt there is such a function. Correct?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2019, 03:11:05 am
content: The rules for via diameter/width etc.. are all saved with each project.The only thing that is not saved is the default values for new projects and general display/user settings.I'm not sure if this gets saved in a file in the Altium directory somewhere or in the windows registry.If it's in the directory then just install Altium on your new PC and then delete its newly created Altium folders and copy your old folders in to replace them.The folders will be in Program Files as well as App data.If its in the registry you will need to search it for any Altium groups and export them so you can import on new PC

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2019, 10:08:45 pm
content: You can export and import settings (including default primitives), but in my experience while it gets most of them it will randomly miss some things and I'm not sure how well it works across versions. Still better than trying to recreate everything from the install defaults though!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2019, 05:41:46 am
content: Tools/Preferences, save prefs. Includes object defaults (what you set by hitting TAB last time you placed one).What, you haven't backed up your prefs before? Yikes, what if Altium mega-crashes and you need to "factory reset" it?I also highly recommend saving your 2D and 3D layer view configurations (if you aren't using the defaults there as well), and your GUI layout prefs (positions of panels, command shortcuts -- yes, you can change some of these! -- that sort of thing).Keeping these handy shifts your recovery time from several hours to tens of minutes.Speaking of recovery, don't forget to enable auto-save, and you can move where it stores backups -- I moved mine from AppData to a common-projects subfolder, easy to reach. Just as well, you can keep a link to it handy.Tim

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2019, 03:10:26 pm
content: under \appdata\Altium\simply copy the contents of folder of your current installation to the new machine's folder.
sheet entry not linked to child sheet / multi sheet design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2019, 11:14:15 am
content: I tried to make a multi sheet design and found myself getting some strange errors. I made a sheet and repeated it 6 times and repeated the inputs, but I keep getting a "sheet entry not linked to child sheet" error when compiling and the changes wont update to the PCB. The ports are the same name, the child sheet is included in the project and the inputs / outputs are the same. I looked in the 'synchronize sheet entries and ports' menu but everything is matchedpicture attachedcan anyone help shed light on this problem?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2019, 08:37:30 pm
content: You have project options for Net Identifier Scope set to automatic or hierarchical right?https://www.altium.com/documentation/18.0/display/ADES/((Creating+Connectivity))_AD

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2019, 08:57:09 pm
content: Try renaming the sheet entry from "Repeat(in1)" to "Repeat(volt)"? That's how the Altium documents show it, the repeat syntax is funky and I think only works if you make the names match between the sheet entry and the wire connecting to it.Also it looks like you're missing a comma in the Repeat() on the sheet name.https://www.altium.com/documentation/18.0/display/ADES/((Multi-Sheet+and+Multi-Channel+Design))_AD

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2019, 02:00:21 pm
content: thanks! I had a few problems, one of which was the incorrect repeat syntax, but I also found elsewhere that altium doesn't like spaces in the port names
PSA: Importing CS into AD can create problems w/ Variants & Pick'n'Place File - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: twistedresistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2019, 11:54:14 am
content: Just a heads up for you:I've imported Circuit Studio design into AD 17.1.9. I don't know if there were any variants defined in Circuit Studio.A variant property of components got imported, but not the variant itself. Variant dialog of AD does not show any variants defined.Outputting Pick and Place file without checking "Include Variation Component" does leave out parts that have a variant property set.Because I had no indication that there were variants, I left the option disabled, resulting in components missing from the pick and place file.So if you are in the same position as I was, make sure to check the option to include all variants in output and show the column with the variants in your pick and place dialog.I hope this saves someone some hassle.EDIT: more descriptive title
How to hide/remove these labels - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: encoad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 25, 2019, 03:18:24 am
content: Total newbie here, just looking to panelize with two PCBs into one set of gerbers.I'm trying to figure out how to remove these layer names on the side. I can't even Google it because I don't know what they are called.Ideally I'd like to remove them only from the panelized display, but I'm open to suggestions.https://imgur.com/a/2qmKD3P

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2019, 04:56:06 am
content: It may help to tell us what CAD package you are using.

author: encoad
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 25, 2019, 11:13:35 am
content: Hello,I'm using Altium 19.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2019, 09:29:12 pm
content: It doesn't look like the usual layer guide:https://www.altium.com/documentation/19.0/display/ADES/PCB_Obj-LayerStackTable((Layer+Stack+Table))_ADYou cant just select it and delete it?Another option is use a different tool to do panelization:https://github.com/ThisIsNotRocketScience/GerberTools

author: twistedresistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2019, 11:05:16 am
content: Hi I'm pretty sure these labels are drawn directly onto the crorresponding layers and not the layer stackup table that is generated by Altium.Can't you select it and delete it?
AltiumDesigner15: Working with complex shapes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2019, 07:19:08 am
content: I have some graphics i want to place on my PCB for a logo in Altium Designer 15.If i try import by copy/paste using a B&W image the quality is bad. Probably because the source is pixels not vector.If i try import it as a DXF it works but contains many thousands of super short traces and this slows down Altium to the point of being unable.Does anyone know a way to reduce the complexity of a region or a outline?Basically reduce the number of vertices in it. It doesn't need to be super accurate.Or better yet, any method to insert a graphic on the PCB that results in both smooth edges and doesn't slow down Altium.

author: enz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2019, 09:35:40 am
content: I typically convert logos to TrueType fonts. This delivers me a vector format and makes the logo easily scalable.I used two different programs in the past.1. FontForge: free, but a little bit difficult to use for a first time user (or for seldom use).2. FontCreator from HighLogic: 49$ / 149$, but there is a trial version available. Much easier to use than FontForge, in my opinionMaybe there are other programs which can vectorise a picture into a true type font.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2019, 10:54:39 am
content: There is a script to import. It turns it into horizontal lines.Here is an example.https://www.pcbyes.com/index.php?route=information/news&news_id=9After that, you can group the lines, or convert it to a region (if it is supported in 15 already).

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2019, 12:35:45 pm
content: Thanks, i'll try both those ideas and see how it goes.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2019, 01:04:02 am
content: Quote from: enz on September 12, 2019, 09:35:40 amI tried FontForge and made myself a font with the symbols to test it out.This part worked fine.I now have a font with the symbols for 01234 characters.I can use the font in word/notepad and it all look great at 120pt size etc..But if i use that font in Altium it looks pretty terrible, like Altium has 'simplified' the font.Any ideas?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2019, 01:08:31 am
content: Nevermind, I had the Altium text set to BOLDLooks good now

author: enz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2019, 08:53:30 am
content: Glad I could help

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2019, 04:33:14 pm
content: Also, Tools/Convert/Outline to Region? Forget when that was introduced, but it's in 16 at least. There's also a script that converts BMP to Region somehow.Tim
Component On Other Layers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2019, 06:30:10 pm
content: We had a bit of a terrifying experience today with Altium.PSAMake sure you turn on your Permitted Layers rule in your DRC. If by chance you were to change the layer of lets say a diode to "Silkscreen Top" and then you ran your output job to generate gerbers. Altium willBACK ANNOTATEto your layout. It will move your pads from whatever layer they were on to silkscreen. Completely destroying your layout. You cannot undo this, but rather have to revert to a previous save. In your gerbers it is very obvious that the mistake is there.We however ran into a situation where our customer was generating final documentation from the design. They do not review gerbers like we do and FABs were ordered with missing pads and messed up silkscreen.I have to ask the question: Has anyone ever had the need to place a component on a layer that isn't top or bottom? I find myself asking why it is even an option to place a component on a layer like silkscreen top...FYI we are running AD19.1.7 not sure if the issues exists in all releases.~Bryan
HELP - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: digimax
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 14, 2019, 01:20:21 pm
content: I know I've seen this issue before but I couldn't find the solution again.For some reason my boards are not showing the "edge" on the sides of the pcb's. They are showing up hollow.All i see is the soldermask, screenprint and copper layers, but nothing in between. Any idea on how to fix this?Doesn't matter what project I am in. I even uninstalled and reinstalled Altium and the issue still exists.Any help much appreciated.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2019, 08:58:44 pm
content: Check the view options (press the L key)You might have the opacity of the board turned down or the thickness scale not set to 1

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2019, 07:40:00 am
content: Yeah I think that's the default view. As ddavidebor mentioned, you need to increase the opacity of the core.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2019, 07:42:19 am
content: Using a more descriptive title may entice more people to view your thread and help you.
Altium Designer 19.1.5: very dark 3D preview, black footprints - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sidlauskas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 08:26:30 am
content: Anyone facing the same issue? How this could be fixed? Tried to do a clean install, but it doesn't help. I'm on Windows 10 with all the recent updates.

author: sidlauskas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 02:51:52 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 26, 2019, 08:33:44 amI'm also on Parallels 13 VM. Which version do you use?

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 08:48:57 pm
content: NOT on pure Windows 10.

author: sidlauskas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2019, 06:20:36 am
content: Quote from: eliocor on June 26, 2019, 08:48:57 pmSo I guess it's due to Parallels VMIs there anyone else who also use the Altium on Parallels VM?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2019, 05:02:42 pm
content: select a componentselect similar so all components are highlightedright click a component now and select component actionsupdate from library.that will resolve this.you have a corrupt step file in a library somewhere.Did you bring in designs from circuitmaker or circuitstudio by any chance ? that is a known issue.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2019, 08:52:59 pm
content: Similar issues on parallels.Try messing with colors on the layer panels and thickness on the stack editor.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2019, 10:02:13 am
content: Proposed solution: Use the software gfxcardstatus to check that your card is set to "dedicated", then reboot windows inside the VM
Automating the creation of library components - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2019, 09:36:45 pm
content: This applies to Circuit Studio also but I suspect there are more eyes in this forum: has anyone managed to script the creation of components? Like if I have a CSV spreadsheet of info about a manufacturer's line of 0603 resistors with manufacturer and supplier P/Ns, create schematic library components for each of them, and link them to my high, low, and nominal density footprints that I trust. Right now my libraries grow just-in-time with each new value I use. I would really love a better way with less time spent on repetitive library work.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 03:25:48 pm
content: So with the component structure. You create symbols and footprints separately. You have the option to include parameter information with the symbol, however if you are looking to reuse that symbol for multiple resistors you don't include part information. Instead you create components directly from the line of your spreadsheet. When you pull a part from a component database you are merging a particular line of your spreadsheet with the symbol and footprint.More information on the specifics can be found , not sure if the same feature set exists in circuit studio.https://www.altium.com/documentation/17.0/display/ADES/((Working+with+Database+Libraries))_AD

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 10:11:24 pm
content: DBLibs work well for this. Define the footprint and symbol once, create as many database entries as you want to define different values (with whatever additional parameters you want) that reference those symbols. You can still define components 'just-in-time' which is what I do and would recommend (why would you add a component you aren't using or don't specifically intend to use?), in which case you can simply duplicate the database line and edit whatever values you need to create the new component.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 11:09:45 pm
content: It looks like the AD documentation is quite good linked above. But for reference:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/showing-the-footprint-name-on-the-schematic/msg2627130/#msg2627130

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 01:21:29 pm
content: Hello,As AJB suggested dblibs are the way to go, it will be the easiest to manage. You can start doing them with an excel files, there are a few thread in this forum about it.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 07:56:50 pm
content: CircuitStudio doesn't support DBLibs so you need a friend with AD to convert them to IntLibs for you.
Printed pages missing parts, but they show in PDF? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AndrewM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 07:10:59 pm
content: First I was having trouble with my PDFs were missing pin labels that were on the schematic, but deselecting "Render Text with GDI+" seemed to fix it.Now the PDF looks fine, but when I print it on paper, it's missing a lot of stuff. For example:Paper:PDF:Ideas?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 06:18:58 pm
content: Are you printing directly from Altium?

author: AndrewM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2019, 07:56:14 pm
content: No, I was printing from that PDF loaded in Acrobat.Anyways, I sorta fixed it. If I open the PDF, then print the PDF to another PDF, then I print PDF#2, it prints properly.
Please can someone convert this file to the old Altium format - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 18, 2019, 09:13:01 pm
content: I have downloaded the design files for an xplained board so that i can design a shield for it but I can't open the PCB file that will allow me to see the header positions in Circuit studio as circuit studio uses the older Altium format. Could anyone convert it for me please.Note that I have made the file extension *.zip as the forum will non take a rar file but only rar will make it more compact than 5MB (zip sucks!)

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2019, 03:58:59 am
content: What version i.e. Binary 3, 4 or 5 or the ASCII version?Here it is converted to ASCII.Cheers.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2019, 06:21:50 am
content: Thank you but ASCII does not work. I think CS uses Binary 4.

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2019, 09:56:57 am
content: Hi Here it is in Binary 4.Cheers

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2019, 05:20:07 pm
content: Sorry, apparently CS supports version 5 binary.

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2019, 03:15:20 am
content: Binary 5.Cheers

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 21, 2019, 06:57:53 am
content: Thank you, managed it in the end. now I can get to work.

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2019, 10:00:11 am
content: Cheers
Increased GDI Objects in Windows - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 12:24:45 pm
content: I have a board that as soon as I open it in Altium I get the yellow box warning me I'm getting close to the GDI object limit. Has anyone increased the number of GDI objects in windows? If so did you notice any performance, reliability advantage/disadvantage?I have a co-worker who uses Solidworks, and its common procedure for Solidworks user to increase this limit by default. I didn't know if there was any value in this for Altium or not. I figured I'd check with the community, I'm sure I'm not the only one with this idea.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 08:43:10 pm
content: What number are you seeing in task manager?https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2018/03/solidworks-resource-monitor-warning/
AD19 Interactive differential pair tool - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FPSUsername
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 06, 2019, 08:30:34 am
content: Hello,I am currently working on a PCB that has USB ports and I decided to use AD19 since it handles differential pair rules better using the impedance profiles. The problem I have is that the route tool is utterly crap compared to the already bad one from AD17. (as you may know from my previous topics on the length matching tool and its limitations).What settings would I have to change so that it will start behaving normal and more logically like in AD17?Check the attachments below:Instead of connecting to the existing traces OR making a new trace to fit the connection, it just goes straight to the pad.Setting routing gloss effort to weak or strong has no impact. When I turn it off, it's so bad, it's a better idea to manually route each trace...Why does it want to go on an angle so badly? Did I move my mouse to the left? NO!Also, why doesn't it leave the pad in the center and then converge like in AD17 (I manually did that to the pads visible in the bottom).
Altium Designer Stackup Error - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AliErgun
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2019, 05:17:03 pm
content: Hi everyone,I'm using Altium Designer v19.1.6, today I got an error in stackup section. When I change the stackup layer number and, on PCB side, I couldn't see any difference. I saved the stackup changes but nothing happend on PCB. I tried it few times. Is it bug for this version ?Thanks!

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2019, 06:19:00 pm
content: Mind posting a screenshot of the stackup, and the error?
Drill  Chart Vs location on the PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 11:28:15 am
content: Hello,the drill symbols are small and difficult to identified on the drill layer can they be resized?Is there a method to select symbols from the chart and have them high lighted on the drill layer?thanks

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 12:05:02 pm
content: Hello,Please take a look at the Draftsman functionality, it has some more advanced drill drawings.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 05:55:44 pm
content: Double click on the drill table.Click on the "Drill Symbols" button.Symbol size is in the bottom left.
PCB editor: one object highlighted with brighter hue.  How do I turn it off? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TTAQT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 12:04:54 pm
content: Hi folks,A component (or in this most recent incident a buried plane or net or something) is somehow always depicted in a much brighter hue than it normally is (blue, for bottom polygon fill in this case). In the 3D view, all objects which would normally be in the way are cut away so that the object appears directly.I keep accidentally hitting some keystroke or doing some misclick to produce this. Does anyone know what this is and how turn this off? I've been searching through the Altium documentation online in vain for hours.It's gone again now because I failed to resave, so no pic sorry :-(

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 04:13:45 pm
content: I forget if there's highlighting for components or other objects, that may've been added in 18+.Net highlighting can be controlled on the PCB Panel.Tim

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 05:41:00 pm
content: Like Tim mentioned it sounds like you are highlighting a particular net. This shortcut is ctrl+LMouse. The shortcut to clear any filtering or selection or highlighting is shift+c.

author: TTAQT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 07:11:46 pm
content: That was it!! Thanks, it was driving me crazy.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 07:30:10 pm
content: Oh yeah, CTRL+click highlights a net and ALT+click highlights a component.I think I was confused by your use of "hue", which is color (red-green-blue). The intensity is the luminosity, which is how this highlighting works. (That leaves saturation, which is how intense the color is; masked objects are set to gray, i.e. zero saturation.)Brackets [ ] change the background level while highlighted, or the | Snap | Mask Level | Clear | buttons in the bottom-right access menus for this (and snap things, and Clear is just SHIFT+C).Tim
Altium - Slow to save imported CircuitMaker schematic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jackster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 01:46:16 pm
content: Hi allI have been using Circuit Maker for a while and a issue that caused so many problems a few years ago started again.The software crashed and had a "catastrophic failure" and this basically destroys the project.You can't even go back reversions to restore working files.I have pulled the files into Altium Designer and they open.But saving the schematic takes 5 mins each time.Any ideas?So one of the components in the schematic was the issue.Normally the schematic file is like 300KB but this one component was making it 6MB.Removing it solves this issue. now Altium crashes and CM just fails to download.
Altium 19 - Variant, footprint overlap, unconnected traces? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: martin1454
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2019, 12:05:18 pm
content: Hi there!Once again I have a issue with Altium "variants".I have 2 footprints for a pin header ( different amounts of pins) but the 2 footprints are placed on the same location -My problem is that the alternative footprint is showing "unconnected", but I cant route from it since it is overlapping, and it says that it is unconnected?Can I change that somehow? they should both be connected to the same net, but it still complains

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2019, 01:25:06 pm
content: Variants are really only for BOM change, not for difference in the routing. So design in the bigger pin header, make the schematic according to that.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2019, 04:59:50 pm
content: you do not understand what variants are for and how they workVariants are for two scenario's- different component with SAME footprint.- different footprints for same component.The first one is easy : Example : a 100K resistor becomes a 220K resistor. This is handled in the variant manager by assigning a different part to the same DESIGNATOR. it is important that both parts use the same footprint in the same library.The second one is a bit more involved.you need to draw BOTH components in the schematic and wire them properly.in the variant manager you toggle the component to 'not fitted' depending on which flavor you want.In your case you woudl draw both connectors in the schematic and wire them. Lets call them J4 and J5in variant 1 you set J5 to not installed , and in variant 2 you set J4 to not installed.on the pcb both footprints will show up. And you will be able to wire it properly.
Login broken for anyone else? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Remcohn
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 11, 2019, 06:44:05 am
content: At the moment i cannot login in altium or on the website. tells me my username/password is incorrect. when i try to reset my password, it tells me my email address is invalid.Im am in europe. Its currently 8:43am here and the local people are not in yet. been in queue on the phone with the US for 20 minutes and gave up.At the time of writing there is nothing on their twitter account.Remco

author: Remcohn
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 11, 2019, 10:31:20 am
content: Apparently it was just a fuckup with our account(s) and they where all disabled or something.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2019, 12:24:11 pm
content: When did you last time login?Are you on the subscription?Just tried, no issues.
A18- 3D Body Opacity 0%-Question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: generic_username
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2019, 07:09:49 am
content: Hello everyone,I'm currently verifying my layout with a 3D Body for Assembly.(Quick Note, the PCB will be mounted on a flat plane hence the 3D verification)So I imported a Step Model of my mounting plane as a generic 3D Body and aligned the PCB with it. looks all fine and dandy butI don't always want to see the 3D Body when layouting so I have 2 choices.1st I could hide the mechanical Layer on which the 3D Body is placed.2nd I can set the opacity of the 3D Body to 0% as it apperantly hides it even in 2D Mode, the Problem with this method is that I have no clue on how to make it appear again if needed as I can't click on it anymore, is there a List of imported 3D Models or something else?For the time beeing I'll hide the mechanical layer so not a problem for me but would be neat to know if there's an option like this.cheers.

author: enz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2019, 07:22:35 am
content: Yes there is. This is for AD19, but I'm pretty sure that it is the same for AD18:- Activate the PCB panel- At the top drop down list, select "3D Models"- In the middle of the panel select "Free Models"- At the bottom now you have a list of all free models in the pcb. At the end of each line you'll find a blue icon: Clicking on it will cycle through the opacity levels in steps of 25%.Hope that helps.Best regards,Martin

author: generic_username
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2019, 08:37:52 am
content: Worked for AD 18 just fine.Great Thank you

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2019, 03:57:51 am
content: You'll also find them on the PCB List (view only 3D Component Bodies, sort by opacity) and by query (although in the past, querying 3DComponentBodys hasn't been very effective so YMMV).Tim