The pattern tool and f/b annotation

[didrik.madheden]

I like the new pattern tool. However, and correct me if I'm wrong, there seems to be no way to use the tool in the board editor while in f/b annotation is active. This seems like a major oversight, considering that the live f/b annotation is one of the major features of Eagle.

Is there no other way to use the pattern tool in this situation, than to sever the f/b annotation, create the components separately in the schematic and on the board, and then reconnect the schematic and board?

This brings me to a more general point. The message "can't backannotate this operation, please do this in the schematic" seems like exactly the kind of age old Eagle cruddy UI issue that Autodesk should sort out. That message shouldn't have to exist. You ought to be able to add parts in the board editor and have them added automatically in the schematic, if only to make the pattern tool work better. 🙂

[rachaelATWH4]

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@didrik.madheden wrote:

I like the new pattern tool. However, and correct me if I'm wrong, there seems to be no way to use the tool in the board editor while in f/b annotation is active.

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You are not wrong, the pattern tool is currently quite limited as a result. I tried it out a month or so back and discovered this issue, which makes it currently not so useful. I'm sure they'll be looking at how to resolve this though.

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@didrik.madheden wrote:

This brings me to a more general point. The message "can't backannotate this operation, please do this in the schematic" seems like exactly the kind of age old Eagle cruddy UI issue that Autodesk should sort out. That message shouldn't have to exist. You ought to be able to add parts in the board editor and have them added automatically in the schematic, if only to make the pattern tool work better. 🙂

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I agree but, where would you put the components which were added in the board? In a single page schematic it could be argued to just put them off page in negative coordinate space like in the board, but how about multi page designs?

What about if somebody used the SIGNAL command in the board to add an airwire there too? How would that be reflected back in the schematic? I guess a short net stub with the signal name on would work but I'm sure there are plenty of potential pitfalls with this approach.

Best Regards,

Rachael