kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[Cirilo Bernardo <cirilo.bernardo@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi folks,

 I've created a merge request for the introduction of the new 3D code:

https://code.launchpad.net/~cirilo-bernardo/kicad/3d_initial_merge/+merge/281439

If/when merged we will basically have 2 sets of 3D code in use with the
intention of replacing all of the older code at a future date when the new
code has matured. The effects of the newer code will only be visible in the
3D model properties dialogs where there is a preview of the model and the
model selection mechanism is greatly improved. The model previews are in
fact created via the new 3D Model Plugin scheme; the plugin scheme allows
us to extend support for other 3D model specifications by writing a plugin
rather than the current method of adding numerous source files and
compiling them directly into kicad.

At the moment the only finished 3D plugin is the IDF plugin, so IDF users
will be able to see IDF outlines that they wish to associate with their PCB
model. These IDF models will not be visible in the 3D Viewer at this point
in time but they will be visible in the new 3D viewer which is being
developed by Mario Luzeiro. The VRML2 plugin is currently in development
and as enough features are implemented then users will have a preview of
VRML2 models in the model properties dialog.

For the moment, all 3D plugins can be tested via the preview pane in the
model properties dialog. Any model which renders correctly in that pane
will render correctly in the new 3D viewer which is under development. This
gives us an opportunity to test/debug the 3D plugins before the completion
of the new 3D viewer and that helps to ensure that the transition from the
old viewer to the new will be smooth.

- Cirilo