Replies

• 

  Posted by MikeBK at Tue Oct 30, 2012 12:30 pm

  Linking to 3D view is very easy, see the example project ChipKit 32 in DesignSpark PCB Version 4. Right click on any component and select values. See the attribute called 3DPackage. This sets the correct package alias for 3D View and makes your components rendering properly. Hope this helps

• 

  Posted by skeldro at Mon Nov 05, 2012 10:06 am

  Hi Mike,
  
  Thanks for your reply and sorry about the delay in acknowledgement - I've been very busy recently.
  
  I can follow what you say about assigning a 3-D model to a component, and I realise that new models can be created by clicking on 'new item'. Perhaps some guidance on how to use the building blocks contained there would be helpful - I was trying to create a model for an axially mounted resistor but couldn't manage a very realistic image.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Don.

• 

  Posted by skeldro at Mon Nov 05, 2012 10:09 am

  Mike - a typo above, I meant a radially mounted resistor!

• 

  Posted by wl888 at Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:00 pm

  Mike
  Same request for a tutorial on creating 3D components..
  
  Also:-
  I have Solidworks, is this a suitable utility to construct the 3D models, if not, what is?
  
  What is the required format?
  
  Where are the existing files stored so that i can access them and edit/enhance them in the appropriate utility?
  
  At this early stage Modelsource doesnt have a lot of library file for download, it would be easier for me to create custom models as required, between 5 - 30 mins for the exact model. eg: SLA7078MPR Driver IC
  
  I would be happy to post them open source.
  
  Doug

• 

  Posted by MikeBK at Fri Nov 09, 2012 10:47 am

  Hi Doug,
  
  Please go to Help>Contents>Search>3D
  
  This will help you understanding how 3D view works and you will realise it different to typical 3D models you find in mechanical 3D CAD software.
  
  Mike

• 

  Posted by wl888 at Sat Nov 10, 2012 9:05 am

  Mike
  Thanks for the reply.
  Yes I can see what you mean, there is obviously a set of background user adjustable variables in play to control the overall shape of the object.
  So yes, this is program specific, but is it at all feasable to release the tool or do you think it would create more problems than answers.
  or
  would there be any benefit in setting up a component request link for items that dont fit the ( at this point ) pre-defined shapes available
  eg: SLA7078MPR shape and generic Heatsinks with the same style of variables.
  
  this could be put in as a site development/improvement.
  
  anyway, your thoughts ??.
  
  Doug

• 

  Posted by wl888 at Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:59 am

  Mike
  Further to my post above, some suggestions for additional component formats....
  
  1. verically mounted resistor and diode.
  2. Link Wire...just like a resistor with a thin coloured body...must have a variable length and possibly a variable guage.
  
  any other suggestions i come up with i will forward to you here..
  
  
  one visual error i have found is with the terminal blocks...they sit above the PCB instead on flush mounted.
  see : "Terminal Block (5mm-3pole) "and similar in the PIcaxe library see attached pic
  
  Doug

  

  Battery Charger.jpg (104.58 KiB) Viewed 462 times

• 

  Posted by MikeBK at Wed Nov 21, 2012 5:58 pm

  Hi Doug,
  
  Thanks for the feedback, I noted this down and will come back to this when we take a look at the 3D libraries in the future revisions of the software. Cheers