BigDumbDinosaur wrote:
EPCB likely changed the internal format of their PCB files so the Copper Connections program can't decode the data and generate a Gerber from it. After all, if they can't lock you into their service then they will lose money. So by importing your old files into the new program you likely changed the internal structure to something unknown to Copper Connections. Also, you can't link your schematics to the new PCB layout software, a definite step backwards.
Perhaps that is the case.... I've not looked into the Copper Connections program. There are some new features however which would either make the Copper Connections program incompatible or an updated/new version would be required. However, you can link a schematic... and yes, I also was looking for the obvious (aka, old method) to do this. To link the schematic you go into board properties and click on the "Documentation" tab. Once you enter the schematic name/path, you can use the continuity tool to highlight the pads that are netted together and it also highlights the traces that connect them, albeit the contrast on thin traces will be a bit hard to see with the default color/pattern.
There's some differences that I don't like, which might be default options. Perhaps they can be changed, I've not had a chance to really dig into it yet. In any case, my goal is to use it for the latest board layout as some of the enhancements will result in a less expensive board with some extra features. One which I immediately used was to bury the separate power supply traces between bypass caps to components into the inner layers.
As of now, I still think it's too early to make a judgement call... the good news in my view, is that the development team are listening to feedback and making changes. Then again, once I start a new board layout using the new version, maybe I'll change my tune a bit.
Edit: Okay, because I had imported an existing PCB layout, adding the schematic name to the Documentation tab and using the Continuity tool gave the appearance that they were linked. Turns out that's not the case at all. I created a new PCB project and tried using a schematic... it's has no function at all. So, as BDD noted earlier, it doesn't work.
This makes me wonder what value the new version provides in creating an initial PCB layout. Unless you've memorized the entire schematic, it's going to be a long and painful project. It does give one the ability to "dress" things up a bit and get around from limitations in the older version. I also noticed the parts library is more limited so you'll likely need to create a lot of your own components. I found there are no existing PLCC sockets, which were present in the old version (sans a 32-pin PLCC).
Perhaps this is more of a work in progress.... ugh.