SketchUp
PCB Converter for SketchUp
PCB Converter for SketchUp is a FREE design tool for the engineer community. The tool allows you to convert Intermediate Data Format (IDF) files to COLLADA format for Google SketchUp. Google SketchUp users can now incorporate an accurate representation of a PCB into a mechanical design. A simple drag and drop interface makes the conversion process quick and easy. Click here to view the user guide. The source code is available here under a BSD license.
Please note: This tool is provided on an "as-is" basis. Support on the DesignSpark website will be strictly limited, but DesignSpark members Dan_E_Thomas and Pirttpe have posted a fix to a common problem here.
Google SketchUp
Google SketchUp is already known as the world's most popular free 3D design tool, and is rapidly gaining a wide spread and loyal following with electronics design engineers due not only to its capabilities as a CAD package, but also the fact that many of these capabilities are available in the free version.
* Also works with other CAD applications
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- 21 Kommentare
PeterJ
Hi,
Managed to get somewhere - using Cadstar PCB Design
The 3D model comes in, so pretty happy so far.
I found that there are components in Sketchup format out there, so I downloaded them and copied them to the component library folder that Sketchup accesses.
I would like to bring these in, rather than use the blocks that are generated from the .idl file.
Is this possible?
Since the converter builds the .dae file from the .idl & idb files, I'm guessing that it may not be (possible)?
Cheers!
Ome other thing, Circles or Arcs will cause the converter to fail. Is there a work around for that, other than creating a polygon?
Thanks again for the program!
dan_e_thomas
For those following this page for fixes, there was a bug found on this page which I believe is the same problem:
http://www.designspark.com/pcbconverter#comment-7122
dan_e_thomas
I just tried changing the system decimal separator from Control Panel ->Clock, Language, and Region -> Formats -> customize...
before starting the converter, and the conversion worked with the standard program! Thanks again for solving this problem!!
cksd
Hi all,
poorly there is still absolutely no support available from the creators of the tool...
I will no longer wait for a useable version with which you can work :-(
So I decided to uninstall this time consuming and unusable tool. Also poorly the designspark PCB application.
In the meanwhila of waiting for a fix I looked for another userful 3D layout tool and found the Target 3001 Tool (simply google for Target 3001)...
Target 3001 has the 3D View and a good Simulation feature on Board without the need to install several third party tools and plugins to use these features.
May be it is useful for you too...
Kind Regards
Chris
dan_e_thomas
Hello Chris,
Thank you for the information on another that can do the same. I am also close to remove the program, but have made one last attempt to reach someone to help. I asked them to post a known good file to help with troubleshooting; we will see if it comes! Otherwise, I will uninstall also!
Regards,
Dan
cksd
Hello Dan,
I am interested in the results because I think that this tool has never been working as aspected...
There are two versions for download and every version produces the same error...
So this is far away beeing a helpful tool for professionals.
It is poorly time wasting trying to get such tools running without support from the creators...
Have a nice time!
Chris
cambe
I've try the same procedure... do you solve it?
dan_e_thomas
Hello, I am also experiencing problems. If I follow the steps in the video, when I come to the step of dragging the file to PCB Converter (ver.1.1) I get the error message:
"The selected .IDB file appears to be corrupt."
I took at look at the "analogue circuit.idb" and "analogue circuit.idl" files, as well as the standard found here:
http://www.simplifiedsolutionsinc.com/images/idf_v30_spec.pdf
I did notice the units difference (the default was mils on my computer after installing DesignSpark PCB 3.0), but no other problems in the output files to explain why the converter program thinks the file is corrupted.
I also tried an example circuit, as well as the example found in the idf standards doc with the same error. It is any way to get more information on what it thinks is corrupt in the file? (error log created somewhere?).
Thanks!
cambe
Hi, I can't convert my file generated by CAD CR-5000.
it's possible to have a model of file *.idb that works with PCB converter for SketchUp ?
I think the problem is the format output of the file; if there is a table that explain how PCB converter accept the file will be help everybody!
Thanks in advance
bobabre
The Tools that worked before, still not used with version 3.0 of DesignSpark because the files are not compatible.
THEN WHAT AND WHO IT IS USED?
Thanks for the reply.
Roberto
MikeBK
Hi bobare,
I just tried it and works just fine with DSPCB V3. You must be doing something wrong, please provide a more detailed description of the issue you encounter. Thanks
bobabre
DesignSpark reinstalled 3.0.
Uploaded the example analog circuit.
Generated .idt files
Drag to PCB converter for sketchup
Result same as before "The version of the selected. IDB file is curently not supported"
Where did I go wrong? Thank for helpRoberto
cksd
Hello all,
I am using DesignSpark 3.0 and I have just tried to convert an output idb/idl Fileset with
your converter...
Got the same message as B-yond: "The version of the selected .idb file is not currently supported ..."
I am using windows 7 ultimate 64bit.
Do you know in the meantime what could be the reason for this?
It would be very helpful to get an import ti sketchup...
Thank you in advance with any help that can be suitable :-)
Chris
MarcoFlores
Hi I have the same problem that Claude, you say that if make a renaming those files can work, but my file is already .idb so I think I don't need no make this change.
I'm exiting to use this powerful tool , can you have a idea why isn't working.
Thanks
Marco
Connector Geek
Hi Marco,
I am happy to have a look at your files if you'd like to send them to me. I have sent you a connection request. You can respond to me and then send me your files.
Best regards
"Geek"
dan_e_thomas
Hello,
I would be interested in sending you my files because I still can't get past "corrupted file" error message I get from the file converter. I have tried several things (please see my comment on the this page, from 9 March).I would appreciate you sending me a connection request, thank you.
Dan
claude_sanm
My CAD tool generate IDF files of extention .ldf and .bdf which are not supported by your PCB Converter.
Connector Geek
Hi Claude,
You may be able to use our tool just by re-naming your files. Try renaming your files "*.ldf" to "*.idl and "*.bdf" to "*.idb"
Let me know how you get on.
Best regards
"Geek"
B-yond
Sorry, but the PCB Converter doesn't work!
Regardless of which ECAD-Program generated the IDB File v3.0 (even RS DesignSpark himself!), PCB Converter for SketchUp does NOT accept it.
You only get the message: The version of the selected .IDB file is not curently supported.
I think that further debugging is required...
B-yond
(Layout Designer)
Connector Geek
Hi there,
Would you be happy to share your files with me so we can get our development guys to work?
I have sent you both a connection request. Please accept the requests, and you can PM me the files.
Many thanks
"Connector Geek"
axf33
un suprer softe pour le cao