What ARE the new features & updates of V8??

[nnovotney]

Looking at possibly upgrading to the new V8...but where is the list of new features & fixes?  We have been waiting for many many since the big announcement last summer & seriously look forward to them, finally.

There is a link on the Autodesk site, but it is a dead link:

This is just a small sampling of all the features and enhancements we’ve brought on board for Autodesk EAGLE. You can view them all on our Autodesk EAGLE release notes.

Don't plan on too many current V7 users to switch to a payment plan (even your most reasonable low cost one), unless the promised upgrades are now in place & working!  It's gonna be great ...someday....won't cut it any more.

[hudriwudri]

Yes, having Release Notes point to a nonexistent file AND on a server using the wrong certificate is hilarious. But there is also a file doc/UPDATE.en in the Eagle installation directory that contains all changes since version 4.0. This file also has a section for the changes in 8.0, but this section actually lists the changes for 7.7 !

I would also like to know which of the new features actually work:

• new icons and different placement: Only makes it difficult to switch between old versions and 8.0
• Group command default on: Nice idea, but seems to break selecting geometries at same coordinates (e.g. copper and paste mask)
• Routing improvements: Watching the short video, I don't see much change from 7.7 (only loop removal)
• BGA fanout: Seems to hang/crash when used with non-optimal parameters. I would actually like to test this one with a 289-ball BGA on 4 layers, but can't unless I pay for a subscription -- which I won't.
• Modular design blocks: Not sure about this one yet. At one place it states that changes are synchronized, but I can't see how this is done (yet).

I really have the impression that this release was rushed out before it was complete.

[edwin.robledo]

Hi nnovotney,

Thanks for your participation on the forum, greatly appreciate your comments and suggestions.  It might seem that the implementation in Autodesk EAGLE v8 are only a few, but they are quite loaded.  We will be periodically posting blogs and videos for each one of these features.

- Design Blocks

This new cutting edge feature gives you the capability to save an entire design as a block or only a segment of the design.  This block can now be used on the existing design or a new one.  The block can consist of a component in the schematic or a group of connected component in the schematic. Then you can select the pertaining board layout for this block.  The board layout can include the traces or the signals, depending what best suits your design needs.   You can also create design block only for the schematic or only for the board portion. 

-BGA Routing

Very powerful tool that will save lots of time for those designer that use BGA for their design.  The idea for the BGA routing is to support  DRC settings and fan out the connections to a point at the edge of the components.  At this stage the user can select manual route to finish the board or invoke the autorouter.   The best way to take advantage of the BGA router is to setup your layers in DRC to support Blind Vias, also setup DRC Microvias for best results. In the near future we expect to be providing .DRU file that will support example files. In the BGA Routing selecting, you can determins which signal will use Full Vias, Blind vias or microvias. 

-Slice

The ability to slice a line (ripup if its a connections) a trace or multiply traces.  Some of us have been using for graphical purpose as well.   The Slice command gives you the option to determine the width of you split. 

-Schematic Pin Snap

Earlier version of EAGLE force you to work on a .1 inch grid to assure successful defined connection on a schematic. As you are running NET it will snap to the connecting point of a pin regardless of grid. 

-Icons

New Icon system has a much better contrast and symbol representation.  They have been re-arranged just a little for logical design flow.

-Group command improvement

Now it is setup by default or if you environment has no other command active.  You can define a Group and notice all selected items are highlight, press and hold the CTRL button to add or remove from the group.  Press and hold the SHIFT key to move the group. There more to it but just trying to provide you bullet points.

-Rout Command

This feature is now loaded.  Changing layers vias will appear on your mouse cursor instead of placed on the design when the route is finished.  You can enable or disable Loop Routing. Routing trace places a 'x' at the end to confirm valid connection before committing.  Back track manual routes by pressing the Backspace button. 

I hope this brief summary helps.

Best Regards,

Ed

[nnovotney]

The improvements seem rather sparse and lacking for 6 months of supposed fast-track improvements by Autodesk's massive resources..

Is there now a way to view the Gerber files (built into Eagle)?

Can the PCB new be viewed  and worked on using a bottom view?

Is the highlighting now fixed so that it doesn't disappear when you take some action?

Are the issues with directory setups now resolved?

If these and other issues haven't been addressed by now, this really suggests Autodesk is getting further behind after the much ballyhooed promises.  When will the changes be in place?  There never seems to be a definitive  answer.

Asking for a subscription when items requested for years and STILL NOT IMPLEMENTED is probably asking for too much. 

Just go back to the original license model, there is no reason at all that can't be put in place.  

Get everyone excited with addressing the many issues & maybe the subscription would be more accepted. Not the other way around.