gEDA-user: random observations

[Andy Peters]

In no particular order.  All observations pertain to the latest  
version in fink (20061020).

+ Assume the symbol is not embedded in a schematic.  If one edits an  
element (text line, attribute whatever) in the symbol (either in a  
text editor or using gschem), the next time the schematic is loaded,  
only visible elements get updated.  If you make all of the hidden  
attributes visible, select a component and use ep (Update Component),  
the attribute still doesn't update.

+ After gschm2pcb runs, it gives a list of "Next steps."  Step 1 says  
"From within PCB, select `File->disperse all elements.' " Actually,  
"disperse all elements is in the Select menu.

+ Step 3 is "From within PCB, enter :ExecuteFile(boardname.cmd) to  
propagate the pin mames of all footprints to the layout."  It wasn't  
obvious that you need to choose Window->Command Entry from the main  
PCB menu.  Also, the colon in front of :ExecuteFile causes the  
command to fail (the terminal shows a log message, "unknown action  
`:ExecuteFile").  Removing the colon does the trick.

+ It would be nice if the PCB Command Entry dialog's command-entry  
drop-down listbox retained any previously-entered commands.

+ If you give a pin a pinlabel that includes parentheses (or perhaps  
simply has a close parenthesis as the last character), for example,  
VOut (tab), the ExecuteFile(boardname.cmd) complains with "unknown  
action `)'"

+ gsch2pcb handles netnames with \_ \_ delimiters that indicate  
active-low signals and has no trouble creating a netlist with these  
characters included.  Importing that netlist into pcb is fine, too.   
However, if you save the pcb file, close pcb, then re-open the pcb  
file in pcb, you get a syntax error in the pcb file at the first  
instance of \_.

+ Having zoom in and zoom out as part of the history is driving me  
bonkers.  According to the archives, this is a religious issue.   
Perhaps a way to toggle this would appease all gods?

+ Is there any way to have the net name appear on the pads and pins  
in pcb?

+ Ratsnest rubberbanding seems to turn off for no reason.

-a