DipTrace 5.2 beta

[novarm44]

Hi All,

We have published DipTrace 5.2 beta today. Walkaround option has been added to manual routing: it works separately (routes around all existing objects and traces) and together with push traces (routes around static objects and tries to keep area to push existing traces, then push traces). The second option is still needs improvements, especially for high-density boards, and we plan to improve it at the nearest time, however it already has good reviews from independent testers: "Yes, at first look walk around does perfect job. Congratulations.", "Productivity is better than Easyeda! Diptrace is very smooth and mind is very relaxed.", "I am seeing great improvements done in manual routing , very nice.", "Yes, current features will drastically improve productivity and professional touch in Layout."

Please download it from https://diptrace.com/download/download-diptrace

The full list of features:

Interactive Routing Enhancements:
- Walk Around router;
- combined Walk Around and Push routing modes for more flexible trace handling.
Intermediate pads are now automatically connected when a trace is completed.
Enhanced "Find in Layout/Schematic":
- Search results can now be selected directly on the layout;
- Object properties can be edited from the results list;
- Multi-selection is supported.
EasyEDA Pro import: schematics, layouts, libraries.
Pulsonix import: schematics, layouts.

Regards,
Stanislav

[amshh]

Hello DT-Team,

just had a quick test. I have an area whera I placed a "Route Keepout"
around to be prevented from filled with Copper Pour. But I must be able
to route traces in their AND OUT OF IT.
But with "Walke around" switched on, I cannot route the trace over
the Route Keepout limitations.

DT_Walk_Around_Issue.jpg (40.78 KiB) Viewed 38262 times

Best regards and thank you for that brilliant product!
Andree

[novarm44]

Hello DT-Team,

just had a quick test. I have an area whera I placed a "Route Keepout"
around to be prevented from filled with Copper Pour. But I must be able
to route traces in their AND OUT OF IT.
But with "Walke around" switched on, I cannot route the trace over
the Route Keepout limitations.

DT_Walk_Around_Issue.jpg

Best regards and thank you for that brilliant product!
Andree

You can turn on/off all router options on the fly.
Route with walk around and click in front of cutout, then turn off walk around and push traces in the left-top side, route what you need without limitations, click to fix the trace and turn on the options back.

[amshh]

Good morning novarm44,

You can turn on/off all router options on the fly.

That sounds to me like a walkaround (for "Walk around" ...) and not like an intended solution.
The behavier that routing isn't possible above this frontier seems to me disruptive and like
an issue.

[Tomg]

Hi amshh,
There is a reason for naming that layer "Route Keepout". Naturally, its purpose is to prevent routing incursions. As novarm44 has implied, the user is only one hotkey away from intentionally routing into an otherwise forbidden zone.
I hope this helps.

[amshh]

Hello Tomg & novarm44 again,

it's nothing that prevents me from working. It's only a disturbance.
And yes, I did know why the layer is named as it is. But I used it
(in this case) for being prevented from flooding with ground pour
at all. But single traces I want to have in there. Maybe this is a
misuse, but it works

So let's stop it here right now. It's not worth further discussion.
I use DP for many years now and can say it works very well for me.
Regards
Andree

[arco]

That works fine as far as I can see!
The 'push and shove' of existing traces isn't working yet? (still gets mangled up)

[novarm44]

That works fine as far as I can see!
The 'push and shove' of existing traces isn't working yet? (still gets mangled up)

Not yet, we plan to make it for 5.3. We're currently upgrading walk around + push traces feature for 5.2. It is already significantly improved if compare to beta, we plan to add one more feature to it before 5.2 release, then work on push and shove for editing/moving + adapted trace segment/walk around and more completion features for 5.3.
Another development line for 5.3 is fast library search by different parameters/description/category and 3D preview of components while searching.

[damso77]

Great update — the new Walk Around routing and other enhancements sound like big productivity boosts!

[quirkycond]

The new Walk Around routing feature sounds promising! It's exciting to see enhancements that can boost productivity. Have you had a chance to try it out yet? I'm curious how it compares to the previous routing options.