DSPCB enhancements that you may have missed!
Many of the following changes and features were instigated from user feedback via the Support Ticket system, so please always feel free to make suggestions.
The details of all enhancements and changes are in the Update Notes provided with each release.
But their application may not be clear until you have the requirement, so here we detail some of the enhancements and their application.
Explorer, Creator and Engineer.
Close using Cross on Window Tabs. Explorer+
A ‘nice to have’ requested feature is to quickly close a design tab.
Tabs now have a ‘Close’ cross. The active window will show the cross, whilst other windows will only show the cross when the mouse is hovered over them.
Set Colour of System and Relative Origins. Explorer+
Available for both the schematic and PCB, you can now from the Colours dialog specify the colour of the System and Relative origins. This provides clarity when designing and in any documentation produced.
Forward Design Changes – Schematic Save option. Explorer+
When performing the Forward Design Changes option from Schematic to PCB, you will be prompted with the option to save any current changes to the Schematic design before continuing with the process.
TIP. This is an important step, as if you subsequently close the design without saving the schematic, your schematic and PCB will be out of sync. This can catch out beginners to DSPCB.
Remove Highlight. Explorer+
Available from the context menu when nothing else is selected.
Rotate Around Centre. Explorer+
Rotates an item in an often more convenient way.
Edit Track – Backspace moves the cursor to the end segment. Explorer+
Cursor is in the position to continue the track edit after a segment delete.
Export PNG Image. Explorer+
Produces a much smaller file than the previous BMP option.
Via oversize is now shown. Explorer+
Prevents issues such as the vias appearing bigger than their actual size, vias are now displayed showing the solder mask clearance.
Manufacturing Plots dialog improved. Explorer+
Several improvements; obsolete RS-274-D removed. Format selected is highlighted and listed in reports. Drill Ident table now saved with the design and shows if used in the table.
Creator and Engineer.
Synchronise Library Names. Creator+
An option in Preferences > General allows for library synchronisation across tabs.
In the Library Manager, for any tab where you select a library, such as ‘User’, this will synchronise the other tabs to use the same-named library (obviously, as long as it exists!). This can considerably speed up tasks when working in the Library Manager.
.DSL Files Imported to Create Full Library Content. Creator+
You can now quickly import a .DSL file from any of the online libraries by a single ‘drag and drop’ into the library; the schematic, PCB and Component will be updated at the same time.
You are prompted for the technology file for the symbols and which library to use.
Making the component instantly available to use in your design.
Free Text – Own Colour Selection. Creator+
Just as it states, for further visual enhancement.
Drop Via Option Added to Add/Edit Track. Creator+
Great for stitching vias for shielding and power distribution between tracks.
Auto Weld On Drop. Creator+
Just drop a component on tracks to get an automatic connection of the pads. This is a key feature used in the article Breadboard layout to a PCB - a DSPCB approach
Spiral Shape Algorithm. Creator+
Enhanced smoother spiral produced.
Attached Dimensions. Creator+
Dimensions dynamically update and move with the attached object.
Drill Ident Setup Dialog. Creator+
Now enhanced such that it only displays Drills used in the current design.
Engineer
Working Design Area now 2m Square. Engineer
For both the schematic and PCB, particularly useful for PCB design of LED strips and sensor probes.
New Callout Pointer Shapes. Engineer
Shapes + and X added for documentation improvements.
Set Origin At Item Centre. Engineer
Very useful for placing components such as LEDs and Switches where the central point needs to be positioned precisely with an enclosure opening.
Serpentine Routing. Engineer
Extremely useful for advanced designers working at high frequencies where track lengths require matching and control. For full details, see this tutorial https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/how-to-use-serpentine-routing-in-dspcb
Design Rules Check (DRC). Engineer
Simplified and reorganised for greater clarity of the existing controls.
Interactive HTML BOM Export. Engineer
A useful tool for sharing a design as a self-contained HTML file with technicians for PCB population. Component highlighting in the BOM list allows the component location and orientation to be visualised. For full details, see this tutorial: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/how-do-i-use-the-interactive-html-bom-export-tool
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