kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[Wayne Stambaugh <stambaughw@xxxxxxxxx>]

On 2/25/2016 6:50 AM, easyw wrote:
>> .. 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

You could possibly use the virtual flag for 3D model only footprint but
I've never tried it so it may not work.  If it's possible, then I see no
reason not to allow it although it does seem like a bit of a convoluted
solution that may confuse users.  Creating a footprint with no pads,
silkscreens, and/or text and only a 3D model seems a bit
counter-intuitive to me.

> 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
>>
> 
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