Something gets 'stuck' in board layout that screws up 3D render

[Jeff_Birt]

I had a very simple PCB and needed to update the board outline. So, I hide all but layer 20, delete all on that layer and 'run import-dxf' and all looks good. Go to render the 3D view and the PCB disappeared! There was also now three slots around the pins on the connector (con-jack DCJ202) that seemed to be the source of the problem. 

I tired reverting back to the previous version but that does not seem to work properly with an electronics design so I exported the previous version and imported it again, what a PITA. 

After trying many thing I realized that it had something to do with the connector. If I deleted the connector from the schematic I could then import the new board outline and generate the 3D view BUT there were three slots where the connector pins would have been!

I had to delete all but the schematic and lay the board out again. I don't know what 'stuck' but I am glad it was a very simple PCB.

[Jeff_Birt]

This happened to me AGAIN today trying to update the PCB outline. This time I had removed the connector I 'thought' was causing the issue but had the same problem and had to export the previous version of the project and import it again because 'promoting' the pervious version does not work!

I had added some mounting holes to the board and now these were causing the problem. When I hid every layer except #20 the holes still showed up. When I deleted everything on layer #20 they were still visible but now could not be selected or moved even if layer #45 was enabled. Again, I was totally screwed because the ghost of the holes was 'stuck' there. Luckily I had not saved the project at this point so I could close it without saving,

As a work around I hid every layer but #20 and #45, copied #45, and then deleted both, imported the new PCB outline from DXF, and then pasted the holes back. 

Can you please look into this and while you are at it make it possible to DISABLE 'push violators'?

[Jeff_Birt]

I take that back, copying/pasting the holes back did allow the 3D view of the PCB to be generated but you cannot move the holes after pasting them! 

Any placed holes or components foot prints that include holes will screw up trying to update the PCB profile.

[panpan_fan]

Hi @Jeff_Birt 

I hope you are doing well!

Sorry for the inconvenience. I see your post in https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-electronics/disable-part-placement-restrictions/m-p/975531...

The new feature Push and Shove is powerful for Routing and Move in 2d PCB. And you can see the demo video for it  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4wkUCD9HSs&t=24s

Does it work well when you choose Ignore Violators Mode when you do the workflow you mentioned? If you still have problems with this workflow, please leave your comment and let us know. Thanks!

Regards,

Panpan Fan

[Jeff_Birt]

The 'push violators' is a fine tool but it should NOT be on by default. Take a few typical scenarios.

#1 You start a new design, you make the schematic, you go to place your parts on the PCB roughly in the area where you want them. At this stage you have an idea where you want certain components, say like switches, a display, etc.,  but want to get a feel as to where the best place for other things to go to make routing easier. But, as you try to move things around and some components won't move where you want them to go. Why? Because 'push violators' is on. 

#2 You have an existing design and want to import a modified PCB profile using 'import-dxf', but for some unknown reason many of the line segments of the profile are missing. Why? Because 'push violators' is on and it decided you could not place a line there.

As I said it is a fine too but it should not be on by default, or at the very least let the user choose to not have it on by default. When I want to use it I can turn it on.

[Jeff_Birt]

Another piece to this puzzle is when you hide all layers the holes layer, #45, is still displayed. In fact, try it for yourself. Bring up the visible layers dialog and click 'Hide Layers'. Any holes will still be displayed. Now click on 'Preset _Standard'. Now you board is back to 'normal', you can still see the holes but you cannot select them. Why? Because the holes layer is NOT enabled, but yet you still see it. This is the reason it appears 'stuck'.

[panpan_fan]

Hi @Jeff_Birt 

I hope you are doing well! 

I download you f3z file and check it. I think the 'Hole' you mentioned is the Slot in the 46 Layer Milling. It is added from the J1 Device in the Footprint. So it will not disappear when you hide all layers.

And for the 'Stuck' issue, would you mind to attach a video to show the issue? I don't meet the issue when I use you file to View 3D PCB or do render. Or if I misunderstand something here, please leave your comment, thanks!

And for your suggestion to the Default settings, our team may need more discussion. And I will keep you updated if we have a conclusion for it. Sorry for the inconvenience again. 

Regards,

Panpan Fan

[Jeff_Birt]

Hi, thanks for looking at this. I think I found why you were not able to see the problem. The problem of 'stuck' holes occurred to me again today, so I exported the file and then had the idea to close it and open it again. How I was able to select the holes again and reposition them. However it still fails to generate the 3D view of the PCB acting like the profile is not closed. I have attached this file.

[panpan_fan]

Hi @Jeff_Birt 

I hope you are doing well!

Thanks for attaching the new file and now I can reproduce this issue.

I have reported this issue to our develop team and I will keep you updated when it is fixed.

And we also find some workaround for your issue. You can have a try and see if it will create the 3D PCB successfully.

Way 1: You can Remove 3D PCB Link in 2d PCB and then View 3D PCB again, it will generate 3D PCB successfully

Way 2: You can Edit Sketch in 3D PCB by Creating Dimension and click Show Profile check box, then you can Edit Board and select the profile again. See the attached video https://autode.sk/3iY7ctZ

Our developer suggest way 2 since it may not affect the file you have created. 

Please have a try and see if it will solve your problem. Thanks!

Regards,

Panpan Fan

[Jeff_Birt]

Thank you very much! Work around #2 allowed the board to be generated. That is good enough for now.