Hi,
I'm in the process of building an application for designing stripboard layouts for the diy community. For ease of use it reads and write in the DIYLC v1 file format. It is still far from finished, but I'd like to hear your opnion and comments here. because YOU are my audience.
The app will be free of charge.
Current requirements are: Java 1.6+ installed, OpenGL enabled graphics card.
Click link below, to start the app. Then load your favorite .diy stripboard layout, or create one.
http://www.friedair.com/stripmagic/start.jnlp (http://www.friedair.com/stripmagic/start.jnlp)
Notes:
Use mousewheel to zoom.
Press mousewheel to pan (or alt+left mouse)
I like it. Very intuitive. The flashing graphics are a little disconcerting at first, but one quickly gets used to it.
This is obviously just a quick appraisal based on a few minutes of use, so no constructive critiscisms for now. Nice one.
EDIT: Is the clipboard button meant to close down the program? :-\
EDIT2: Undo not working.
EDIT1: No, Actually I did that to remind me I still have to build that..
EDIT2: After what action?
It is still VERY beta. Lots of room for improvements.
eg. Copy/Paste does not work yet.. as you might have noticed.
The most usefull feature I think is highlighting what component nodes are connected (even through jumpers) that way you can see if you are being correct.
Nice, congrats man
Quote from: ~arph on September 02, 2009, 06:46:17 AM
EDIT1: No, Actually I did that to remind me I still have to build that..
OK ;D.
QuoteEDIT2: After what action?
I just put in some random jumpers and tried to undo. No go.
Quote
It is still VERY beta. Lots of room for improvements...
I appreciate that. You`ve made a good start.
QuoteThe most usefull feature I think is highlighting what component nodes are connected (even through jumpers) that way you can see if you are being correct.
I meant to point that out. Nice feature.
So far, I'm totally impressed ... nice job. :icon_cool:
Cool, thanks for the kind words. I'm happily surprised that no one is having trouble starting the app.
How do you like the resistor color codes? :icon_cool:
Quote from: ~arph on September 02, 2009, 07:30:22 AMI'm happily surprised that no one is having trouble starting the app.
Anyone that can't run Java these days need a kick in the nuts :icon_lol: :icon_lol:
Quote from: ~arph on September 02, 2009, 07:30:22 AMHow do you like the resistor color codes? :icon_cool:
Honestly, the bands could be a touch wider ... but I'm old and my eyes aren't as good as they used to be. Nice definition between brown, red and orange though, which can be a problem on real resistors.
This is so gonna blow DIYLC outta the water. We truly are not worthy (http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)(http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)(http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)(http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)
Quote from: Naz Nomad on September 02, 2009, 07:38:52 AM
Honestly, the bands could be a touch wider ... but I'm old and my eyes aren't as good as they used to be.
There are the type of comments I'm looking for. Thanks. Will change this.
Quote
This is so gonna blow DIYLC outta the water. We truly are not worthy (http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)(http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)(http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)(http://209.85.48.16/4801/139/0/e5000035/e5000035.gif)
Well, my intention is not to blow DIYLC out of the water.. note it is for stripboard only (no immediate plans for other boards now).
BTW. Try the image export for the tracecut side.. plus.. try the slider bottom right for the component opacity.
Quote from: GREEN FUZ on September 02, 2009, 06:58:39 AM
I just put in some random jumpers and tried to undo. No go.
Thnx, I think it's a jumper issue.. other components should work.. even if you move more then one simultaneously. (you can select/rubberband multiple using the select tool)
does it compute automatically a layout from a netlist?? 8)
Quote from: cpm on September 02, 2009, 07:50:59 AM
does it compute automatically a layout from a netlist?? 8)
Not yet. BUT: I'm 75% done with that. Not from a netlist, but from an LTSpice file. But I want to be able to draw the schematic too so this will take a bit more time. ( I am reading the draw instructions from the .asy files and that works great, but curved lines are a hassle)
Also, the auto generated layout uses no trace cuts. So it can still be optimized for minimum board size.
Fantastisch Arnoud!
Easy download, easy install, runs smooth (OS: Linux Mint 7).
I am no stripboarder, but I just had to try this app. Intuitive interface, love the resistor color codes. The app has a very smooth feel to it.
Quote from: ~arph on September 02, 2009, 07:57:50 AM
Not yet. BUT: I'm 75% done with that. Not from a netlist, but from an LTSpice file. But I want to be able to draw the schematic too so this will take a bit more time. ( I am reading the draw instructions from the .asy files and that works great, but curved lines are a hassle)
If it is possible I would really love an export to the Eagle format from Spice. Since you are writing a converter for the Spice format.... any change your output file could be used by Eagle?
Quote from: Naz Nomad on September 02, 2009, 07:38:52 AM
Quote from: ~arph on September 02, 2009, 07:30:22 AMI'm happily surprised that no one is having trouble starting the app.
Anyone that can't run Java these days need a kick in the nuts :icon_lol: :icon_lol:
I had to resort to Google to figure out how to download it, kick me in the nuts if you like, I can take it :)
Once I'd done that it looks like it will be pretty cool once it's finished, nice work.
Quote from: slacker on September 02, 2009, 01:06:44 PM
Quote from: Naz Nomad on September 02, 2009, 07:38:52 AM
Quote from: ~arph on September 02, 2009, 07:30:22 AMI'm happily surprised that no one is having trouble starting the app.
Anyone that can't run Java these days need a kick in the nuts :icon_lol: :icon_lol:
I had to resort to Google to figure out how to download it, kick me in the nuts if you like, I can take it :)
Once I'd done that it looks like it will be pretty cool once it's finished, nice work.
I had a problem at first too, then I found that my Java was the 19th century version, updated it and no problem now. Looks nice - but no plans for a perf option?
My problem was just that my browser didn't know what to do with the .jnlp extension, once I told it to open it using the javaws program everything was fine.
... twas only a virtual 'kick in the nuts' ... a mere tickle really. ;D
Thanks for the kind words!
Quote from: Auke Haarsma on September 02, 2009, 12:56:01 PM
If it is possible I would really love an export to the Eagle format from Spice. Since you are writing a converter for the Spice format.... any change your output file could be used by Eagle?
Eagle is on my list. Trouble is, it is not an open file format. Unless I find out how that works internally, it's not possible. Plus if I do find out how, I'm not sure the eagle guys will like it.
Quote from: frequencycentral on September 02, 2009, 01:11:15 PM
Looks nice - but no plans for a perf option?
Welcome in the 21 century!
I know I need perf in order to get you to use it... ;) Should not be too hard to implement (just like lots of jumpers really..), but I really want all the basics first. Top on my list are, finishing up copy/paste. Make the BOM.
I would like to know if you think it is important to have the external components available too.. Pots, Jacks and switch mainly. Since you can indicate these with wires too.. I never used them in any of my vero layouts. So that is why I have not included them now. Should I? (they are hard to draw :P)
Btw, is anyone experiencing throuble on the memory useage side of the app? I heard some signals on a different forum that it was pulling 100% on a single core. (in a dual core config)
EDIT: Btw, Undo/Redo currently only works on moving and deleting components. Not placing.
I like it. So simple, even I can use it! ::)
Very nice!
This is great work, overall it seems more friendly and less slugglish than DIY. I have a few thoughts:
- The resistor bands could be larger and grouped together for easier visibility
- I don't care for the flashing strip, though I see how it can help you see what is connected on a strip when there are trace cuts, so I'll remain neutral on that one. Maybe make this function an option to turn on/off.
- You can enter the value and type of each component but I don't see any way to disply the value when you export the final image, like DIY's auto generated component list. Perhaps I am just not seeing how to use this function.
- When exporting the final .png image the .png extension is not saved as part of the file name unless you add it manually.
- I really like adding pots and other external compomenets to my diagrams, so I would love to see them included in this project.
- A few basic file managent things are missing, like it doesn't remember the last folder you opened or saved a project to, and it doesn't ask for an auto save when you exit.
It used about 50% of my system resources but very little memory.
Again great work, I use mostly strip projects and DIY is a huge sluggish pain in my rear end. Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing how this turns out!
Quote from: ~arph on September 02, 2009, 06:46:17 AM
The most usefull feature I think is highlighting what component nodes are connected (even through jumpers) that way you can see if you are being correct.
I'm not sure what you mean here, is this the flashing strip?
One other thing I noticed that would be nice is to add a trim pot object.
Thnx,
I will make the flashing strip less obtrusive (perhaps switchable). the flashing strip shows the continuity on the mouse position on thecurrent strip. Add a tracecut and you will see.
Connected component nodes are highlighted with green circles.
Trimpots are in there, but you can't place them yet. however if you open a .diy design that has trimpots in it it will display them.
Plus you can do funny things with transistors right now (dragging seperate pins). Have to fix that too.
Bill of materials is coming.
This software looks great, I hope you find the time to do the updates :)
I found that I couldn't delete track cuts but I can delete other objects fine. And I love the highlight of the connected component pins feature, that was a great idea.
I don't do stripboard, but the Java allows cross platform as I am able to open in Ubuntu Linux.
Nice job.
Hi,
great job!
One thing:
If you type a value in the "Component properties" window, you have to use the mouse to click on the "OK" button. That´s really slow. Hitting "Return" or "Enter" should work like the "OK" button...
Hi,
Thank you for the input.
That is definately on my list.. irritates me too. ;)
I allready have some fixes on the shelf like functioning Copy/paste
Let me put it up right now..
Regards,
Arnoud
improved version up!
Very nice. Google chrome had this working perfectly, with no issues. I hope you include plastic jacks and relays and such, and also the ability to convert to pcb.
Small update
It is now possible to export a Bill of Materials in the File -> Export menu
Hi,
I just did a quick release. The current version keeps unknown components when saving. This means all pots, and jacks and switches that were in the original diylc file will be kept when you save it again with stripmagic.
Regards,
Arnoud
Ok, shame but it looks like I can't run this anymore on my Mac G4. I'm running 10.5.8 but I can't update jre further without an Intel injection!
I'm a dinosaur :icon_frown:
Hi All,
I found some time to work on this last evening.
I've made some updates available, which I hope you like.
New features:
- Place wires
- Place Potentiometer
- Place Timmers
- Select electrolyte size
- All components con now be placed offboard.
- Jumpers can be drawn at any angle
- Enter key in the value field of the component editor will save and exit
- PERFBOARD option selectable in the Board Properties dialog.
I hope you like it.
URL as always:
http://www.friedair.com/stripmagic/start.jnlp
Thank you for all your excellent and hard work Arnoud -- and just in time for my weekend perfboard project!
Let me know how that goes, because beside creating the option of switching to perf I did not add any logic to it. ( I even turned off the strip highlight and connectivity display). Though I'm sure that at least one person here might start using this app now too.
Liquids notified me on a issue with perf. Saved perf layouts could not be opened in Stripmagic, but they could in diylc.
I've fixed this, so your saved perf layouts can still be opened now.
Quote from: Tony Forestiere on October 03, 2009, 12:42:05 PM
I don't do stripboard, but the Java allows cross platform as I am able to open in Ubuntu Linux.
Nice job.
I'm on Kubuntu - How can I use that file?!
Yeah cross platform is good!!!
1) Make sure you have Java 1.6+ installed (go to java.sun.com )
2) click the url in my sinature. That will start the application
That should work. Otherwise contact me over PM and I'll try to help you out.
Regards,
Arnoud
Installed the sun java 6.17 (jre and bin) via the system manager (adept).
the program starts, but i Cannot see any layout in the main window. I tried to open those .diy files, and the name of them appear on the top, as it they were open, but no file to see...Also, trying to start a new one, no strips are there...
Not knowing much about programming :icon_redface: this might be a stupid question :icon_question:
Would it be a lot of work for you to also do something like this but with a breadboard instead of a strip board?
No, actually...
NEAT IDEA :o
Expect this soon
Really! Man you just made my day!
The hard part will be the code that checks for the connected nodes. The graphics are relatively easy.
I'll start on this when I get some time and when I'm sure that perf is stable too.
Tempting ;D
(http://www.friedair.com/stripmagic/stripmagic-teaser.png)
And now it's going even harder to wait! :'(
I would change the LED icon to differentiate it from the diode icon. Add the 2 little arrows pointing up.
Very very nice, I love it.
For my use I would love to be able to select smaller resistors (3 pin instead of 4)
and switching between classic and 1% tolerance color code (one more band).
Also, it could be nice to choose capacitors colors, this way it will be easy to select
one color for one material (mica vs MKT for exemple).
Inline multiturns trimmers too !!
With the breadboard option it might be the ultimate working tool, at least for me.
Thanks !!
Thanks for the kind words.
Resistors can be any size. Once there are less then two holes inbetween the legs, it places them upright.
Also, the trimmers can be adapted to any size you like. You can drag the individual legs to any place. So inline pinout is allready possible.
The resistor band, and cap color suggestions are certainlly good points I can pick up.
I'll keep posting here.
i had a quick play with this- looks good-
here are my thoughts ;)
-trace cuts under components are too hard to see- suggest making them wider and also with a red cross (so you can see the cut under components- all the others breadboarding apps do this, it works well
-the delete button (del) doesnt function- i selected the "arrow" cursor from the top, selected a component and then pressed "Del" on the keyboard- this did not delete the component- i figured out that you need to select "delete" from a pull down menu, and then what ever you click on from then on gets deleted- i suggest you change it so there is an "X" button that you can click on next to the "cursor" button to turn the cursor into an "X icon" or an "eraser icon" and then you can use your cursor to delete objects.
-the text is hard to read on the components- suggest putting a 1px stroke around the text or making the colours more plain and generic
-the current colours look pretty, but are hard to work with- suggest plainer solid colours
best of luck with it-
cheers, ulysses-
Quote from: ulysses on February 02, 2010, 04:26:09 AM
-trace cuts under components are too hard to see- suggest making them wider and also with a red cross (so you can see the cut under components- all the others breadboarding apps do this, it works well
-the current colours look pretty, but are hard to work with- suggest plainer solid colours
Try the slider, bottom right in the statubar. It sets the component opacity, this way you can see where the cuts are.
Plus there are separate image exports for both tracecuts and component view, so when you are going to make the layout you can clearly see where to cut
Quote
-the delete button (del) doesnt function- i selected the "arrow" cursor from the top, selected a component and then pressed "Del" on the keyboard- this did not delete the component- i figured out that you need to select "delete" from a pull down menu, and then what ever you click on from then on gets deleted- i suggest you change it so there is an "X" button that you can click on next to the "cursor" button to turn the cursor into an "X icon" or an "eraser icon" and then you can use your cursor to delete objects.
Del button is something on my list, but there is actually a delete button and it allready is besides the "cursor" button. It has an icon of a trashcan, I guess it should be more obvious. On the other hand ALL the icons need work.
Quote
-the text is hard to read on the components- suggest putting a 1px stroke around the text or making the colours more plain and generic
Agreed, needs work.
Thanks for the input!
Breadboard option is available! ;D
So sweet!!!
Man your fast!
Would it be a big deal to be able to display the component list under the board so when you export to print you get the board and list on the same page?
Great work by the way!
I can't find the TEST button???
You know the one where you plug your guitar in your computer's sound card's input and listen to what your effect sounds like. Then you can change things around and listen to the changes. Or maybe you are stile working on that option? ;D I wish!
Quote from: alparent on February 02, 2010, 08:28:38 AM
Would it be a big deal to be able to display the component list under the board so when you export to print you get the board and list on the same page?
That is on my list.. so it will get done eventually
Any plans of adding off board components? Like Jacks, switches, battery?
Pots and wire are allready available, jacks and switches are in the making.. battery...er.. why?
Sparked by a PM. I did a quick release of what I have done so far.
Now it's possible to:
- Select RGB wire and Cap colors
- Select font size, style and color
- Save as a diyx file.. which indicates that it contains extended diylc functionality. Not sure if the files will open there.
- Added the switch component
- Made text on components stand out with a small outline
- Fixed setting board type when openging a saved file
- IC's with more then 8 pins drawn correctly now
- IC connectivity highlight now works on all pins (usefull for breadboard and perf)
- You can rotate components (through the menu or with the R key)
- Delete button on keyboard works on selected component(s)
Working on Jacks..
Have fun!!
EDIT: tracecuts should be more obious now too..
Just a quick followup on my previous post.
Is anyone else having trouble with windows 7? I'm having some serious performance issues. I think I need to update the OpenGL libraries.
This is starting to look very good! Good job!
I noticed that when resizing a trim pot, sometimes the center does not follow and ends up on the side of the trim pot.
John
I love this program! I wish more people would use it...spread the word. :)
There is something I just noticed in my recent layout - I started using the switch component. When I created switches, I added them and placed them 'off-board.' When I went to open the file today, the components (capacitors) I had connected to the off-board switch were still there, but the switches were gone, as were the jumper wires connecting said components to the switch.
It does seem the program currently has a particularly hard time with anything off board - oftentimes I have to expand the board size (if it's a full layout) and move a wire or component that needs adjustment to someplace on the board in order to adjust its length or angle. Then I can put it back where I want it. Adjusting length or angle when one of the points is offboard is finicky at best.
Also, it's an easy work-around, but for perf layouts, wanting to export the 'trace side,' (wonderful feature) you would ideally be including the jumpers, which act as traces for perf. For now I simply delete the components (much faster and easier to do in this program than DIYlc) and then export the image again as 'component' side. Then I open it in MS paint, flip it, etc--being very careful not to save the file with the deleted components over the original layout file! :icon_confused:
That being said, I do prefer working with this program to other layout programs by leaps and bounds, and I also have to say that Arnoud has been incredibly gracious, responsive to tweak or add things when I've offered suggestions. Thank as always Arnoud, we appreciate your contribution. :)
A turret/eyelet board option would be great too........
Cool, thanks for the support!
That perf, jumper option can be easily done. Though I want to introduce a trace component that willl be just for that. So in the future we can do PCB layouts too. Switches are just in there since the last release, which was just a quick release of everything done to this point. I does not amaze me that there are still some little wrinkles to iron out..
Regards,
Arnoud
OH MY GOD!
This is SERIOUSLY kick ass!!!!
The fact that you can hover over a lead and see what other components are connectes is SERIOUSLY amazing. Wow.
The export of a cutting template is amazing too!!!
There are some weird issues when dragging a lead around. Some parts, and the numbers/letters disappear, mostly when you drag a lead onto the other lead of the same component.
Great work. though. This will be my goto for stripboard from now on!
Thanks for the kind words, I'm aware of the buggy node dragging.. will fix that someday
And this:
Quote from: benallison on May 06, 2010, 04:55:07 PM
The fact that you can hover over a lead and see what other components are connectes is SERIOUSLY amazing. Wow.
Works through jumpers as well ;D
Regards,
Arnoud
Exist offline version? I haven't internet at home.
Thank you for answer
No I'm sorry, the only way to get it is through the link in my signature.
Hey, great job on this program. Extremely easy to use. Fast, simple, and effective. I have a few of suggestions/requests, and pardon me if these have already been made.
a) Separate transparency for the traces/jumpers. The main reason I need transparency is to look at the covered up traces. In fact, I never need to reduce the reduce transparency for traces, unless I just need an exported shot of the component layout (which you have already).
b) The ability to make daughter boards would be great. Guess this might go hand-in-hand with the offboard suggestions others have made.
c) a vertically mounted pot option (as opposed to the present right-angle mount) would be nice, but not crucial.
Thanks again for working on this helpful app, Arnoud.
am sorry I never knew about this program before. Really nice to use. Thanks!
-What I do very often is taking an existing layout and then try to make it smaller.
For that, it´s a great advantage over diy-layout creator, to be able to select some components with the mouse. But what is really missing is the little box with the "Move up/down/left/right" buttons. Or am I just blind?
-And it would be great to add/erase individual rows/columns. Maybe a command like "Add row after row F"...
-And the bill of materials MUST be visible during component placement. Without that, it´s a blind flight...
-A real shortcoming of DIY-LC is, that a wire and the related text are handled separately. What about this: Make two different component: "simple wire" and "wire with text".
Text would be added left to the wire if the wire ends left to the component board and below the wire if the wire ends below the component board, for example...
regards, Immo
Good points, thanks
The move box is not there, I chose drag and drop. You can drag single nodes of a component or a whole component when it is selected. Also there is the option to rotate a component from the menu. (right click too I believe, it's been a while since I last used it)
I'll consider your points for the next release (the row/column add/remove sounds like a definite yes)
Great job on this program, Very nice!
Thanks
I still have issues with text on the board - maybe it is due to so many icons like trace cuts and traces etc being linked to the same points in so many places, but the way I text 'on the board' causes the program to run slowly and shut down. So when I get to that point I save it every change or two. Of course this is problematic because it does not remember the saved file name or location, so I have to hunt it down every time...
However, at this point I can't imagine using anything else anymore! Great program.
wow, how did i only just discover this existed?
I almost exclusively use veroboard and this will make my life at least 50 times easier.
Thanks for all the kind words, I really need to find me some time again to really improve this program and fix annoying issues like you mention. I have major issues on windows 7, so bad that I can't even work with the app. Maybe there are some smart Java programmers out here so I can share the source and we can all work on it together.
Please? ;D
Renewed interest, as always I need DIYLC activity to start looking at tihs again.
I just ported the whole thing to a less ancient version of OpenGL, I hope to resolve my Win7 issues and get this thing back on the rails.
Yay!
Quote from: ~arph on January 25, 2011, 06:14:37 AM
Renewed interest, as always I need DIYLC activity to start looking at tihs again.
Glad I inspire you to make it even better :) SM is pretty cool little app.
Cheers,
Bane
Thanks!
I look forward to your new version, I still use v1 sometimes :icon_biggrin:
I like the fact that we can read eachothers threads to come up with improvements or adapt good ideas implemented in the other app. This way we'll end up with two great apps :P
Quote from: ~arph on January 25, 2011, 06:14:37 AM
Renewed interest, as always I need DIYLC activity to start looking at tihs again.
I just ported the whole thing to a less ancient version of OpenGL, I hope to resolve my Win7 issues and get this thing back on the rails.
Yeah, quoting myself ;D I fixed the Win 7 performance issue.. The coding can commence!
Yeah, just using it on Win7 64bit with no problems. Great job and Thanks.... :icon_exclaim:
You do? ok great, must have been my videocard then. As I did not put up a new version yet :P
Made some progress on LTSpice import.
Imports components, names, values and ratsnest. When a component is selected little lines show where to connect.
(http://www.friedair.com/images/spice-import.png)
Good sir, you have demolished the usability of DIYLC and set an extremely high bar. I am sold, but I hate to ask...
How is the PCB transfer generator function coming along? Once it has that I am forever hooked.
Quote from: mattthegamer463 on February 03, 2011, 06:25:23 PM
Good sir, you have demolished the usability of DIYLC and set an extremely high bar. I am sold, but I hate to ask...
How is the PCB transfer generator function coming along? Once it has that I am forever hooked.
+333
Very nice so far! Two quick things I have noticed:
- When resizing a board smaller, there should be a check that there are no components in the area being removed. At the moment it seems to just chop off the top m rows and the last n columns - perhaps a "reduce excess board size" option is required where the program determines the smallest bounding box for the layout and puts it on a board that size?
- For fun, I set the board size ludicrously large (1000x1000). The program stopped accepting input, and I killed it after it went over 1GB (!) of RAM usage. Having a board size limitation or some sort of "Really? That big?" confirmation when trying to input large board sizes would be good, especially as it's possible to accidentally type in unfeasibly large values.
Quote from: jonnyeye on February 03, 2011, 10:52:48 PM
Very nice so far! Two quick things I have noticed:
- When resizing a board smaller, there should be a check that there are no components in the area being removed. At the moment it seems to just chop off the top m rows and the last n columns - perhaps a "reduce excess board size" option is required where the program determines the smallest bounding box for the layout and puts it on a board that size?
- For fun, I set the board size ludicrously large (1000x1000). The program stopped accepting input, and I killed it after it went over 1GB (!) of RAM usage. Having a board size limitation or some sort of "Really? That big?" confirmation when trying to input large board sizes would be good, especially as it's possible to accidentally type in unfeasibly large values.
Thanks, very useful input. I will implement them both. There are still plenty opf bugs and features I want in there. Oh btw, I have already done bezier wires like in the new diylc.
As a matter of fact I also have the drawing routines done for spice, so I can draw the schematic too. Just need to find a good spot for that :P
Quote from: trixdropd on February 03, 2011, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: mattthegamer463 on February 03, 2011, 06:25:23 PM
Good sir, you have demolished the usability of DIYLC and set an extremely high bar. I am sold, but I hate to ask...
How is the PCB transfer generator function coming along? Once it has that I am forever hooked.
+333
I did create a automatic veroboard placement routine once for nestlists. I do plan including it, so it will lay out a veroboard from a spice file for you. It's just that I've never been a big fan of autorouters, so auto-placement is not a item on the top of the list. (I will not do it for PCB's though) First I have to create PAD and trace components I guess.
This just keeps getting more and more impressive Arnoud. I can't even run it until I get my new mac, but I'm following the thread. Really great solo effort, thanks.
Ok, I put up a new version 0.2b
Has a bunch of improvements. Mainly dragging components around and selecting works a lot better.
- Dragging is instantaneous, no more selecting first.
- Selecting a component is done by double click or rubberbanding (drag selection)
- There are some new components, wires are beziers (nice and curvy)
- Should run smooth again on win7 and vista.
- Component names and values are displayed below the board.
Did I mention that it has a LTSpice import function now :D ?
First make sure you have LTSpice installed. StripMagic will ask you where you installed it. Just select the install directory.
When you import a spice schematic, all components are added above the board. You have to drag them in place. select a component (dbl click) and you will see where you have to connect the nodes.
This is still a beta, and probably still full of bugs. I just wanted to put this out so you know the project is not dead.
Oh and yes, the trim board size and mega board bugs have been tackled.
Will give this a try, any estimate on the PCB functionality?
~arph,
Thank you, this is a very cool app. It is going to come in handy.
Very impressive indeed!
I also pickup up coding today since I saw your post on the newtone forum but I'll never beat your nifty Spice import :(
Maybe I'll just write a StripMagic importer someday! 8)
Awesome work arph!
@Perrow: I've already started on PCB/Eylet/Tagboard support. I have to do some layer functionality for the traces and pads.
@Harold: Start with a diy lc import function and you're 90% there. ;D. It's all XML and easy to read.
The spice function is just a gimmick. It's a good starting point, but you have to keep in mind spice knows nothing about component packages.
Wanted to pass along a little help. I've got an older video card that wouldn't run the OpenGL driver. After attempting to install I just got Java error logs. No worries, once you try to install StripMagic you can then go into the registry and check these statements. Insert them if they're not there: (You may have to look for whatever video card you have in the hive below if it's not "ati2dvag." Just get there and you'll be in the right spot)
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\OpenGLDrivers\ati2dvag]
"Dll"="atioglxx.dll"
"DriverVersion"=dword:00000001
"Flags"=dword:00000001
"Version"=dword:00000002
Here's the key: If the statements are all there, change the "x" before the .dll to a 2. If it's already a "2", change it an x. That should make StripMagic fire up when you try it.
Thanks ~arph! Can't wait to do some layouts!
Hi Arnoud,
I have some saved layouts which refuse to open. They want an application to open with. I have StripMagic running but obviously it doesn't show up in my apps. What's the trick to saving layouts?
Edit: I'm using the perfboard.
It doesn't work that way around. You need to start up stripmagic by hand and then open the files from there.. I'm not sure if I can get the OS to have a file association with a webstart application.I'll have to investigate that.
OK, that makes sense. I was tired last night and couldn't work it out. Thanks for the quick response.
Yep, that works :D
Been a while here...
Is there an easy way to get files developed in StripMagic (diyx) to load/convert to the current version of DIYlc? Sorry if this is obvious, but I don't want to risk ruining any layouts.
can't run the app java splash screen comes up but nothing starts unfortunately
Quote from: ~arph on February 03, 2011, 10:53:45 AM
Made some progress on LTSpice import.
Imports components, names, values and ratsnest. When a component is selected little lines show where to connect.
(http://www.friedair.com/images/spice-import.png)
Damn. DIYLC with ratsnest. I'm gonna be soooooo productive.
Unfortunately, I've got the same problem:
Quote from: pappasmurfsharem on August 12, 2013, 11:59:23 AM
can't run the app java splash screen comes up but nothing starts unfortunately