Any way to Tidy schematic in multisim?

[lacy]

I understand what his fustration is about. He wants to, in this particular instance, to change the footprint for the LED. Since this is considered an interactive component you cannot directly edit it or save it in the database. But like Kittmaster said, you can create a component for layout only and select the LED as it's symbol. This way you can assign a different footprint for it from Ultiboard( if the footprint you need doesn't exist in Ultiboardyou may have to create it or use one as close to it as possible). Place this new component in your schematic and tranfer or forward annote to Ultiboard and BAMM!! you have the footprint you wanted on your board.

There are a few interactive components in Multisim that do not allow editing. Kittmaster and I have already put in a feature request on this and Nestor has acknowledged that it has been put on the list.

[kittmaster]

Oh, let me add then, you CAN add any footprint you want to an interactive component including the LED!

Enable spreedsheet view, find footprint, click the CELL, and make sure you can then select it from the database or just use "change" and type in the needed footprint........BAM, you have an interactive component with a user desired footprint......;)

Chris

[lacy]

Cool. See, there is always something new to learn in Multisim.  I really never have used the spreadsheet view, so this was something new for me too. Thanks Kittmaster.

[Dalmation]

My problem is that I want to add nets in multiboard, using the same method as in multisim (which I know cant be done).

If I spend hours getting the board layout done to exactly what I want, then have to change some components or add some components, going back to multisim is impractical- but the 'net editor' is ultiboard is a nightmare.

It seems like a useful feature and then you wouldnt need to be a NI Guru to do it in all sorts of extravagent methods.

-Dalmation.

[lacy]

You really wouln't have to go back to Multisim. You can make your changes to your project in Ultiboard and when you save your project it will produce a log file of those changes. Then the next time you open your Multisim file you can back annote and the changes will be made to the schematic. I sure there are limitations to this, but it does work.

I hope I understood what you are trying doing and hope this information helps.

Edit: I got what your saying. I don't know how to accomplish what your describing other than what has been discussed before. I wish I had a simple solution for you, but I don't. It may just be me, but I thought the netlist editor was fairly easy and straightforward to use. Of course, I never tried wiring up computer with it manually.

Message Edited by lacy on 08-05-2007 03:04 PM

[kittmaster]

I would just like to comment on your statement, why would you need to be adding components to your design "after the fact"? You can't have a stable PCB layout if your adding and taking away components as you go. This is why I said that you have to finalize your design in multisim first so that you only have to deal with ultiboard once.

It sounds like your using 1970's approach to laying out boards. Are you laying traces by hand? If you forward annotate after a component change, it will automatically update remove what doesn't belong and allow you to put the new components in automatically.

It sounds like you need to modify your approach. IMO, I've written courses from the ground up on how to create/build circuit boards and from what you've described thus far, you are working from the middle of the process and basically swimming upriver with this approach. What you've described is how they built boards in the 70's and early 80's before CAD tools. Working with the board first and fixing the schematic later is a completely wrong approach....:(

Just trying to lend a helping hand so place don't get upset. I applogize if this seems like a critism.

Chris

[Dalmation]

Chris,

Who said I wanted a stable pcb design? Far from it- I'm making prototype circuits. By their very definition- they probably need their design changed in one way or another.

 All I'm saying is that for the work I do- it would be MUCH easier and efficient to be able to draw some simple nets with 'click here', 'click there' -net laid! Rather than using the net editor.

I dont care if it breaks with industry habits/traditions - I dont limit my work with such artificial restrictions.

If the option was there- you could choose to use it, or not.

I dont see why people are getting so "thats not how WE do it!" about it. To me it makes PERFECT sense.

Thanks for the help anyways, it is appreciated.

-DAlmation.

[kittmaster]

I didn't mean for it to sound like that, just that most work for a verified schematic to ensure minimal processing time. For me, I love my CNC routers, but I try to minimize the time I have to cut and recut.

Everyone has there own method, if yours works great!

Noone said you have to do it our way, it is just unorthodox thats all.

Anyway, I hope Lacy and I have given enough to try to help you as best as we know how.

Chris

[lacy]

I understand exactly what you are wanting. The only problem is that I don't believe it is possible with what we have now. It is the net eidtor that you are stuck with currently for what you are trying to accomplish. This would have to be added to the requested features list and Nestor would have to do that. It sounds like a good idea to me. It would make the net list editor obsolete for placing nets since you would do it right on the board view.

I am just trying to help and give you ideas on how to use the software more efficiently. If you know how to more efficiently use something then it make the whole process less time consuming and fustrating. You do it however you want to do it. After all, the only person you have to please is yourself and it is your software.

Have a Nice Day

[nestor-sg]

Hey guys, wow this was a very long thread to see coming back to work. I read through all of it and I can see clearly what Dalmation wants to do from within Ultiboard. And Kittmaster and Lacy thanks very much for all the contribution on this thread.

I have a couple of comments maybe not related to the very last messages, but to the overall reason of this thread.

1. In Ultiboard there are very quick ways to place 'traces' (not nets), the connection machine, look for it under the Place menu and on the toolbars. The only drawback to this is that you really need to have a netlist configured. When you click on a 'ratsnet' Ultiboard immediately draws a proposed trace... you can just click to place.

2. I agree that there should be an easier way to create a netlist from within Ultiboard. As of now, it is setup so that you create a net first... and then very easily assign pins to it (with the quick pick tool from the netlist editor). However, there is no option to do it the other way... in which you just click on pins and quickly select a net for it.

3. If you need something like #2, kittmaster's suggestion about working first in Multisim and then do a quick forward annotate to Ultiboard will be much faster and easier. However, I will do file a feature request to R&D so they can evaluate this.

I hope those comments add some value to this thread...