BEWARE - FLIPPED FOOTPRINTS!

[Tomg]

Hi grimepoch. Since it seems you are referring to through-hole patterns, can't you get the results you want by changing the pattern to the opposite side and loading the connector on the original side?

[KevinA]

I cannot believe you guys took out this feature for people that actually DO use flip footprint, instead of just addressing the bug that you had that wasn't doing the right thing.

When I insert board connectors, it is much easier to have the pin numbering be identical between 2 boards and the just flip the pattern on the receiving end of the board so that things line up. I verify all the pins visually with both boards up.

With this change you have forced on us, I now have to rewire a very large connector in reverse direction it seems. (Although it appears older boards will remain flipped, it just won't let you flip new things)

I get that this is very bad for component footprints of the nature of IC or anything with more than 2 pins that are not symmetrical, but there are cases where it makes sense. It seems the upgrade I just paid for was a downgrade.

I think a check box with DISABLE PATTERN FLIP would be a better approach, please, and maybe a warning if it is not checked on the first pattern flipped and the warning box have a check box for NO MORE WARNING?

[Tomg]

That seems dangerous to me. I can see where one could end up with different variations of the pattern between designs (or even on the same PCB) and lose track of what happened, where and when. And then there is the question of rules enforcement. If it is truly necessary, it might be better to create a special set of components with flipped patterns and include the word "flipped" somewhere in their names. Either way I think we're opening a can of worms here.

[grimepoch]

Hi grimepoch. Since it seems you are referring to through-hole patterns, can't you get the results you want by changing the pattern to the opposite side and loading the connector on the original side?

This is a surface mount connector between two boards. That's why it is a problem.

[radioman1000]

Yes, when designing a board that will be stacked it is necessary to flip the bottom connector on the top board to match the pin numbering on the bottom board connector. You can flip pins in the pattern editor and then rename it something obvious like 34 pin 2mm flipped, or whatever.
Just my 2 cents.

Sam