kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[easyw <easyw@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> .. back to discussion!
here I am

> I see, so that is a already implemented flag.
yes, as in pcbnew manual
http://docs.kicad-pcb.org/en/pcbnew.html
13.11. Attributes
"Virtual indicates that a component is directly formed by the circuit 
board. Examples would be edge connectors or inductors created by a 
particular track shape (as sometimes seen in microwave footprints)."
Virtual IMO is perfect also for mechanical objects as for example 
enclosures or mechanical parts
typically there is no 3D model associated to a footprint with Virtual 
Attribute, so it is possible to add e.g. the enclosures or mechanical 
PCB stand-off spacers
Please note that if you use e.g. a mechanical TH pad, the pad footprint 
will be displayed in 3d-viewer also if Virtual, but the 3D model will or 
will not in function of the virtual flag

> It is not missing, it is not yet implemented in my branch :) .. the options is still there in same place.
ok, I just will wait/hope for the resurrection :)

> > it is a personal local branch...
> Is it online? How do you get the "Virtual" attribute from the model?
in April 2016 we already talked about :)
https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/msg18083.html
I just moved the sourced away, because the new 3d-viewer is now 
available, anyway here some code I added:
info3d_visu.h
enum DISPLAY3D_FLG {
    FL_AXIS=0, FL_MODULE, /*maui*/ FL_VIRT, FL_ZONE,

3d_draw.cpp
in void EDA_3D_CANVAS::buildFootprintShape3DList
for( MODULE* module = pcb->m_Modules; module; module = module->Next() )
    { //maui
	if( !g_Parm_3D_Visu.GetFlag( FL_VIRT ) ) { //maui
		if(module->GetAttributes() != MOD_VIRTUAL) {  //maui
            render3DComponentShape( module,  loadOpaqueObjects,
                                        !loadOpaqueObjects );
		} //maui
}									
	else {
            render3DComponentShape( module,  loadOpaqueObjects,
                                     !loadOpaqueObjects );
		}  //maui
	} //maui
the same for TransparentObjects and in case of not used Materials

and in
3d_frame.cpp
you need to load/save your previous value if you want to start in the 
same condition (but can be saved with the other 3d-viewer flags e.g. 
FL_SHOW_BOARD_BODY)

Please note that the 3D mechanical VRML models would be loaded (adding 
rendering/parsing time) only if the Virtual is selected

It is very small piece of code for a quite useful improvement
Moreover it is very easy visually align your enclosure to the footprint 
just using my StepUp tools
Please let me know if you need more details

Maurice


On 25/02/2016 11.16, Mário Luzeiro wrote:
> Hi Maurice,
>
> .. back to discussion!
>
> > as I suggested it is possible to associate the Virtual option to a model
> > in pcb (Footprint Properties, Properties Tab, Attribute, Virtual)
> > and this is done without changing anything in the pcb format
>
> I see, so that is a already implemented flag.
> I checked the other threads, looks there was no much attention on that
> and since nobody is reading us here :) I will open a new thread to discuss that "Virtual" attribute and if that could be used
>
> > that was an already available option now missing
> It is not missing, it is not yet implemented in my branch :) .. the options is still there in same place.
>
> > it is a personal local branch...
> Is it online? How do you get the "Virtual" attribute from the model?
>
> Mario Luzeiro
> ________________________________________
> From: easyw [easyw@xxxxxxxxxxxx]
> Sent: 24 February 2016 20:45
> To: Mário Luzeiro; Cirilo Bernardo; KiCad Developers
> Subject: Re: [Kicad-developers] VRML export
>
> > In any case, I believe there is no elegant way to individual save that options locally.
> as I suggested it is possible to associate the Virtual option to a model
> in pcb
> (Footprint Properties, Properties Tab, Attribute, Virtual)
> (e.g. a silk/Fab model text to which the enclosure would be associated
> or better an anchor hole/pad)
> then, as I mentioned many times, it is possible to display or not
> footprints that have Virtual attribute ... and this is done without
> changing anything in the pcb format, nor in the local/global options
> https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/msg18069.html
> https://www.mail-archive.com/kicad-developers%40lists.launchpad.net/msg15739.html
> as you can see the info are available...
>
> > So it will take time.
> if someone cares of
>
> > Related with Materials.
> > Please do not mix the two things.
> > You will get a proper way (I hope) to deal with virtual / mechanic / enclosures / ...
> as already pointed out, it is a problem to display the board with pads,
> flashing when moving the board, just to display 'nice' material props...
> I just said let the user choose what to display... that was an already
> available option now missing
>
> > I know that you are using the material option to show/hide enclosures,
> no, I'm not, I use virtual attribute, I only suggested that with this
> option also any other user would have this opportunity
>
> > I remember you have an option in your branch, what is the link for the branch?
> it is a personal local branch...
>
> Cheers
> M