The PICVAXE VSM export to Realpcb has a fix file for some of the footprint / pin id problems, it is not complete. In PICAXE VSM beta, some pins are identified with a "+" or "-" sign, these will ot export/import coprrectly. In PICAXE VSM beta, there are missing footprints for some components. Make sure your simulated circuit makes sense in the real world.Īll footprints must have identical names as in VSM.Īll pin identifications must match exactly those in VSM.
the VSM simulator has some great shortcuts and is very forgiving and will work without batteries in the circuit.
To be fair, you'll find these requirements mentioned in a careful reading of the HELP files.Īll components must have footprints (NULL isn't a footprint)Īll component must have the checkbox "do not include in pcb" NOT checked.Īll components shouoldhave pins identified with numbers or letters ( plus and minus signs do not work for exporting netlists)Īdd battery connectors.
Now for the "gotch'sa", these are requirements for successful export / imports to ANY pcb program ARES, Realpcb, DIPTRACE, and EAGLE. Overall, a good start, and just part of the learning curve. There were missing connections at those points.
Finding this out was the result of just trial and error on my part. It seems they need to be removed before netlist creation. There may be some interference with the meters used to measure current and voltage on the pcb during netlist export. I suggest that you open the TANGO netlist in notepad and look at it.Ĭheck to make sure all the components and packages are listed in the beginning.Ĭheck that all the connections are listed. the components that yopu want on your pcb should NOT have this box checked. VSM has a component properties check box that "omits this component in the pcb", make sure the is correct for all components.
The "ground" symbol does not connect automatically to the battery minus.īatteries need a place to connect to on the pcb. Unfortunately, when exporting a netlist, all the "t's" have to be crossed and all the "i's" dotted.Īll components must have designators (R1, C! etc) and associated fooprints. VSm will make certain "assumptions' to work. The VSM simulator is a rather forgiving when running a design in the simulator. Using the Multiwire netlist format, you will have to recreate the components also. I have little experience with Expresspcb, I and more of a DIPTRACE and formerly EAGLE fan but I took a quick look at importing netlists with Expresspcb. Convert pin numbers to match VSM component footprints.Īt this point, I now have a one click method to import any VSM schematic into DIPTRACE pcb. Redraw or rename DIPTRACE footprint to VSM names.ģ.
Create list of unique VSM pcb componenet footprints (approximarely 75).Ģ. I am finishing up a project that will allow exporting a VSM schematic to the free DIPTRACE pcb program. This has to be done each time you import a schematic.Įach component/footprint must have the identical name and pin numbers as in VSM. If the pcb priogram cannot identify and match the component footprint with one it its library, it will ask you to select an equivalent. Importing to other pcb programs using a netlist can be done but is somewhat difficult. VSM has a one click import to these programs. As Technical said, the easiest method is to use ARES or Realpcb.