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Status of VUTRAX 12.4a & 12.4b Before Release of 12.5a (Nov 2003)
Extract of Change Marked Sections from
\SRCE\DOC\VTXLOG.PFM last updated on Wed Nov
05 09:41:24 2003
VUTRAX 12.4a
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002 - 8 Sep 2003
Problems:
- [Windows only] The 'finalise the installation' phase of a Vutrax update
from a system originated with Vutrax 11 (current until Apr 1998) may fail with
a meaningless Menu error messages. Install is trying to update extracts from the
menu you used at that time to preserve PLOT option settings or similar using
(now obsolete) utility MENUTOOL.
Workaround: Use Windows Explorer (or a DOS
window) to remove files named VTXPLOT*.OMN from the Vutrax folder, and run
update again. If this still fails first remove all *.MNU and *.OMN files - this
time menu settings will be lost.
- The Vutrax authorisation system may fail intermittently if you use
always-active Virus checking, archiving, 'spyware' or versioning software that
reacts immediately that a changed file is closed. Program may refuse to start or
hold up while running, complaining of a missing key or sumcheck error.
The
cause is that authorisation files written for or updated by VTXMSG are
accessible immediately after update because they are locked by the 3rd party
software. Workaround: Disable such software temporarily. If it is 'spyware'
you will probably want to delete it anyway. Fix: All effected modules will be
updated in Vutrax 12.5a
Enhancements & Changes:
- Design files are backwards compatible with Vutrax 12.3 - new attributes
are preserved but ignored when edited by it.
- Interactive facilities that generate 'backup' files now append the .bak
extension to the current extension, keeping different backup files distinct.
Version: DRAFT 38.22h (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 6 Dec 2001 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Automatic Saving features have been enhanced to include much more
control of the name used by DRAFT. The default is to use the name
<original name>.auto.bak .
- DRAFT now assumes Schematic (SCHEM) mode when started on a new file.
- DRAFT import of corrupt of truncated files (as might be received by e-mail)
provides more useful diagnostics.
- Changing of Surface Mount pad side changes provides more explicit
information.
- The DRAFT Parameter selection Dialogue has been altered to change the
persistence of the parameter browse feature.
- The DRAFT 'OPTIMISE' feature has been substantially extended to include
sequencing of non-signal structures, and to include optimisation by name or
explicit selection, rather than just optimisation markers. Warning: Some
previously available typed commands have changed - if you use command line input
you need to read the changes section.
- DRAFT sets the 'optimise required' markers for some more selected track
changes.
- DRAFT Track length and Impedance measurements has been extensively revised
to include partial tracks, and comparison of whole or partial tracks to enable
erasure matching the trace lengths in time critical designs.
- DRAFT 'PICK' and 'BLINK' setting options now include picking signal Routes,
sequencing between zero widths (including curve fillets) and an explicit range
of points.
- DRAFT can now update script in suitable protected structure with a simple
confirmation, rather than changing modes.
- DRAFT 'GROUNDPLANE' now names the generated structures to indicate the
signal name and layer to which they apply. Removing groundplanes has an
equivalent selection feature.
- Outline sequencing is automatically applied for DRAFT 'GROUNDPLANE'
outlines.
- DRAFT - BREAK on a named structure can opt to apply the original name to one
or more of the fragments.
- DRAFT 'BANDING' control can be used to provide your own prompt when you
create your own function key or toolbar buttons.
- DRAFT 'OUTLINE' is introduced to provide explicit control of outline drawing
direction, and to show the effect of milling a particular set of cutouts and
profiles.
- DRAFT 'FIND' dialogue based searches automatically pan to the found item if
it is off-screen. Typed and command file forms do not add this function so they
will work as expected.
- DRAFT 'PAN IFOFF' pans to current Vutrax coordinate if (and only if) it is
out of the DRAFT Window.
- DRAFT Library Building using Schematic Footprint and Netlist Footprint
styles check that numbered pins are contiguous, and optionally include overrides
so that it is accepted.
- DRAFT 'Tool Tips' can be disabled by including a '-' anywhere in the
envionment variable DRAFTHINTS using Auto Draft Hints from (File > Setup).
- If DRAFT should suffer a protection error it will attempt to save your
current database to a file name derived from that you use for automatic save.
- DRAFT can preview the effects of drill settings sensitive to Plated-through
and non-plated-through drill requirements.
Version: DRAFT 38.23b (*** On Trial for Vutrax
12.5a)
Entry Date: 20 Sep 2002 - 2 Nov 2003
Problems:
- The groundplanes dialogue may harmlessly mess up the courtesy display
of the selected outline name if the name is long.
Fix: Apply SAN197
(VTXPATCH) to '\win32\draft.exe' (Linux: '/xwin/draft') using no options and
with patch file 0A 00 A0 00 0C 00 51 ; ? ? 18 01 ? ? ?
- [Linux only] DRAFT variable layout dialogue boxes (e.g. 'Required
Parameters' and 'Display New File') may not show keyboard shortcut underlines
and all of character descenders.
Fix: Available on Request.
- If DRAFT 'Postscript' output fails (e.g. disk space exhausted) DRAFT will
not update it's window properly, and in Windows may crash or hang.
Windows
Workaround: Save before attempting Postscript output. Ctrl+Alt+Delete & stop
a hung DRAFT from the task list. Restart DRAFT from the top of the recent files
list. Linux Workaround: Save if necessary, Exit and restart from the top of
the recent files list. Fix: Available on Request.
- During schematic analysis (WIREGEN), if more than 1 legend appears for a
signal and the one furthest away from the signal is reasonably close to another
signal, a warning diagnostic may be output.
Workaround: Move the reported
legend at least 200 thou from any other signal, or assign an 'ignore layer' and
place it on that layer. Fix: On trial.
- Using the dialogue setup versions of the BUS, HATCH or DASH commands when
the previous command used a local menu command, and is still rubber banding, may
skip the item selection stage for the new command.
Workaround: If only the
Banding is wrong, move to the proper starting position and use [Reselect] from
(Local Menu). Otherwise UNDO and select the command again (e.g. using the
[Again] menu or F3).
- If a component pad or VIA matching the [Ground Signal Name] has it's centre
on or just inside a GROUNDPLANE outline, and [Thermal] is the selected style for
that type of pad, then there is a chance of an erroneous thermal tie or DRAFT
crashing. If DRAFT crashes any unsaved changes written to <name>.crash.bak
(as notified in failure message) are intact and can be restored.
Avoidance:
Ensure that the pad centre is outside the area or at least Minimum Gap +
Resolution + (Tie Width / 2) inside.
- SEG operations may select a line segment on a layer that is not on view when
in SKETCH, SCHEM or MAKELIB modes.
Workaround 1: Type 'SEG' and fall onto
the start of the segment. Press <enter> until it locates the layer you
want. Workaround 2: Type (or define a key/button) to the command prefixed by
PRIV+T<space>. e.g. PRIV+T SEG C Fix: Use SAN197 to apply the following
patch to ...\win32\draft.exe (Windows only):- 75 1C B8 01 00 ; 90 90 ? ?
?
- [Milling Display] from (Options > Drilling & Milling) (OUTLINE M) may
leave out single drawn lines of the CNCMILL milling path of profiles or cutouts
that do not form simple enclosures (e.g. run back on themselves or include
'spurs'). PLOT will produce the same effects.
Workaround: See PLOT 16.02
Fix: Development issue 38.23a Dev G is available on request.
- [Milling Display] from (Options > Drilling & Milling) (OUTLINE M) may
leave out whole internal or profile outlines if you use the explicit priority
style, and the CMCMILL<priority> names differ in length.
Workaround
& Fix: See PLOT 16.02
- OUTLINE CLOCKWISE and OUTLINE ANTICLOCK of a multiple outline structure may
draw a line from the altered part of the outline to the next part.
Workaround: Set the erroneous line to zero width.
- [Windows XP KB824141 update (15 Oct 2003 onwards) ONLY] DRAFT dialogue boxes
for ROUND, CURVE and Parameter setting will malfunction if you apply (or allow
auto-update) this update from Microsoft.
Diagnosis 1: Start DRAFT and Select
[Change Point To] from (Edit > Change Point). Click
[Browse] and if an almost empty area appears this indicates the problem is
present. [Cancel] and select again - now you have radio buttons and a drop down
listbox, but other malfunctions remain. Diagnosis 2: In DRAFT type
RND<enter>. If [Elliptical] is initially checked, clear it, [Cancel] and
start again. Now alternate between [Elliptical] checked and unchecked. In the
checked state settings Y-Radius should appear below X-Radius. If only X-Radius
appears you have the problem. Emergency fix: (NOT recommended) Uninstall
update KB824141 - see Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-045. Fix: There are no
workarounds for all of the malfunctions and it is not realistic to expect a
prompt fix from Microsoft, so we have developed a patch that avoids the problem
without removing the security patch:- Apply SAN197 (VTXPATCH) to
'\win32\draft.exe' using no options and with patch file below.
3b c3 74 10 83 fb 01 1b c0 40 50 57 e8 ;
? ? 90 90 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Explanation: Windows API function IsWindowVisible returns Boolean state of
the WS VISIBLE window style, but since the update it sometimes returns the
wrong value. Microsoft article KB820252 provides some background to problems
with this API.
- [Linux Only] The Parameter dialogue [Build Up Sequence] scheme does not
work.
Workaround: Type parameters directly into the top edit box.
- Explicitly stored Pan & Zoom states [Restore Zoom] from (View >
Stored Views) were unnecessarily cancelled when a DRAFT was used to start
displaying a new Window. Does not effect [Zoom Last].
Version: TOOLBOX 11.08d (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 1 Feb 2002 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements
- TOOLBOX 'FORWARD-MODIFY' checks that the SIDE layer settings are
compatible.
- TOOLBOX 'LAYOUT' and 'BACKMOD, WIRE combine to enable changes to position or
content of Script text embedded in Silk screen outlines can be preserved
through new layout and Back-modification cycles.
- New facility 'PANELIZE' provides a facility for automating the production of
'panels' of a given artwork on larger production PCB blanks.
Version: TOOLBOX 11.09a (VUTRAX 12.4a Update 1)
Entry Date: 7 Oct 2002
Problems Fixed:
- The GLUESPOT directives for specifying automatic spot style for
specific side, pad type or component size, did not suppress the output of non
matching spots when spot positions were included in the provided artwork.
Fix: Install Vutrax 12.4a Update 1.
Version: TOOLBOX 11.10a (*** On Trial for VUTRAX
12.5a)
Entry Date: 31 Mar 2003
Problems Fixed:
- [Make Job Library] (BUILDLIB) and [Schematic Renumber] (SILKRENAME)
mishandle the drawing hierarchy references DRAWING & PEERREF if the
filenames in the schematic include embedded spaces or are enclosed in quotes
unnecessarily.
Fix: Pre-issue update available on Request. o [Make Job
Library] does not name a file that can not be opened before displaying the
termination message box. It is usually the last filename listed for processing.
Workaround: Start TOOLBOX using [Option n] from (Specify), run
interactively, and the error message will appear.
Version: AUTOPLACE 8.05a (*** On Trial for VUTRAX
12.5a)
Entry Date: 28 Sep 2003
Problems:
- Areas of Artworks using coordinates less than -2500 thou or -62.5mm may
not be scanned for placements (a legacy of issues with lower resolution and
smaller drawing board).
Workaround: Move the whole board artwork into the
positive quadrant without messing up convenient alignments. [Pick All] from
(Edit > Picked Items > Set Markers. Note down the coordinates of the
top left corner of your drawing (say -5700 -1850) and work out a suitable move
to maintain alignments (say by 6000, 2000). Type the command (filling in your
values) like:- NOTE;; RIGHT 6000;; DOWN 2000;; PICK T <Enter Key>
If this has the effect you want [Clear All picked] from (Edit > Picked Items
> Clear Markers) and [Save] the result. The next [Analyse Position] from
(Tools > Placement) will adopt the modified position.
- The DEVHT directive obtained from the Rats-Nest library is interpreted at
one tenth of the specified size. The height limit assigned using rectangles
named HEIGHTnnn are processed properly. Consequently height controls normally
have no effect.
Workaround: Rather than alter device assignments, reduce the
values in the HEIGHT outline name by 10 until the next issue.
Version: PLOT 16.01a (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 21 Dec 2001 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements
- PLOT can output instructions for CNC Milling machines, including
control of direction for cutouts and profiles, and milling holes too big to
drill.
- PLOT can generate CNC drill data or drill charts sensitive to Plated-through
and non-plated-through requirements. DRAFT can preview the effects.
- PLOT now includes the original artwork coordinate of any element it is
unable to plot, rather than the plotting device coordinate.
- CNC Drilling control files no longer automatically include paper tape
'run-out' which confused some viewers.
- PLOT standard control files now introduce no fixed plot offset for any of
CNC Drilling, Gerber Photoplotting or CNC Milling. The normalisation scheme for
CNC Drilling now matches that for other forms. The intent is that mixing and
matching numeric control sequences produces registered results.
Warning: Be
particularly careful when you first use the revised scheme.
Version: PLOT 16.02a *** On Trial for Vutrax 12.5a
Entry Date: 17 June 2003 - 26 Sep 2003
Problem:
- MILLING output may leave out single drawn lines of the CNCMILL milling
path in profiles or cutouts that do not form simple enclosures (e.g. run back on
themselves or include 'spurs').
Diagnosis: The DRAFT feature [Milling
Display] from (Options > Drilling & Milling) (OUTLINE M) shows identical
behaviour and can be used to check whether there is going to be a problem in
PLOT output. Workaround: Simplify the drawing to remove awkward constructions
highlighted by diagnosis. If necessary adopt the output from the test output
for CNC purposes only, and correct it. Fix: Development issue PLOT 16.02 Dev
D is available on request. Advice: When the board profile and or cutouts are
a non-contiguous outline (e.g. include spikes, crossovers etc.) it important
that you define each shape separately with its only sequence number so that each
part of the milling is analysed as a separate item.
- MILLING output may leave out whole internal or profile outlines if you use
the explicit priority style, and the CMCMILL<priority> numeric parts
differ in length.
Workaround: Ensure these structure names match in length by
adding leading zeros or whatever. e.g. to expand single digit to single leading
zero use typed commands (or .DEX file):- FIND CNCMILL? *0;;
NAME/CNCMILL/CNCMILL0;; FIND Design Change: Priorities are analysed as
numeric fields rather than alphanumeric strings. Fix: Development issues PLOT
16.02 & DRAFT 38.23a are available on request.
- Spurious lines between outlines may appear if you allow complex milling to
be automatically sequenced. The effect appear using the DRAFT test feature
OUTLINE M.
Fix: Development issues of PLOT 16.02 & DRAFT 38.23a are
available on request.
- PLOT issues 16.01a to 16.02a (Vutrax 12.4a to 12.5a beta 1) with non-Gerber
274X Control files generate the updated aperture list (normally PHOTO.NIB) with
'Draw' apertures listed as 'Mill'. If you try to make use of this file for
subsequent plots it will be rejected.
If you use the automated Gerber 274X
output, or don't use the PHOTO.NIB file, then no fix is required. Fix: Apply
SAN197 (VTXPATCH) to '\win32\plot.exe' (Linux: '/xwin/plot') using no options
and with patch file below. Apply the patch once (each application reverses the
effect). 'Mill %' ; 'Xill %' ; 'Draw %' ; 'Mill %' ; 'Xill %' ; 'Draw
%' (missing final ; intended)
Version: GERB274X 2.01a (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Gerber 274X now orientates thermal rings to match the DRAFT display,
and provides an option to choose your own orientation.
Version: GERB274X 2.02a (*** On Trial for VUTRAX
12.5a)
Entry Date: 31 Mar 2003
Problem Fixed:
- GERB274X generates an improper format for the definition of an Annular
ring, using ',' instead of 'X' between outer and inner diameters. Most viewers
and plotters interpret this definition as intended, but some do not. No other
shapes are implicated (Broken/thermal rings and round pads with white centres
meet the specification).
Avoidance: When generating powerplanes Select [Disk
+ Clearance], the settings on first installation. Fix 1: Use SAN 197 to apply
the following patch to ...\win32\gerb274x.exe (Linux: .../xwin/gerb274x):-
'C,%s,%s' ; 'C,%sX%s' Fix 2: GERB274X issue 2.02a is available on request.
Version: DESRULE 34.05c (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Includes checks that connectivity is not assumed though holes
designated Non-PTH, and that milling objects are not confused with signals.
- Accepts wildcard style names in the list of SYNONYM and ONENODE signal
names. Particularly intended for use with the potentially large number of names
generated by Groundplane generation.
Version: EMCRITIC 2.05a (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Outline sequencing is automatically applied for any 'POWEROUTLINE'
region outlines.
Version: EMCRITIC 2.06a (*** On Trial for VUTRAX
12.5a)
Entry Date: 31 Mar 2003
Problem Fixed:
- The warning for over-long connections to a Crystal lists the length in
0.0001" units rather than inches and mm. The actual check is correct.
Version: AUTOTRAK 23.04c (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Accepts wildcard style names in the list of SYNONYM signal names.
Particularly intended for use with the potentially large number of names
generated by Groundplane generation.
Version: VUROUTE 8.04c (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Accepts wildcard style names in the list of SYNONYM signal names.
Particularly intended for use with the potentially large number of names
generated by Groundplane generation.
Version: WIRE 68.00c (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 5 Aug 2002 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- TOOLBOX 'LAYOUT' and 'BACKMOD, WIRE combine to enable changes to
position or content of Script text embedded in Silk screen outlines can be
preserved through new layout and Back-modification cycles.
Version: WIRE 68.01a (VUTRAX 12.4a Update 2)
Entry Date: 18 Nov 2002
Problems:
- [Windows NT, 2000 & XP] Rats Nest generation (WIRE) may crash when
handling a new device whose name includes a '/' character, or where a silk name
group designator implies the need for a new device not already placed.
Fix:
Install Vutrax 12.4a Update 2
Version: PARTGEN 10.02a (NOT RE ISSUED)
Entry Date: 13 Jan 2003 - 28 July 2003
Problem:
- If you generate a [Production List] (Option -LR) without also
generating an [Ordering List] (Option -LO) then any parts with multiple
suppliers will list the lowest priority (last listed) suppliers part number
rather than the first.
Workaround: Check the [Ordering List] box but ignore
the output. Fix: Request pre-issue PARTGEN 10.02a.
- Devices with empty silk legend fields may be omitted from comma separate
list output styles that include the silk reference. Any related 'accessory'
part(s) will also be absent.
Workaround: Empty silk fields have to be
explicitly forced by the user to override a reference assigned during initial
rats-nest generation. If you want none to appear in the artwork or schematic,
set the Script point size to zero or remove the point. Fix: Pre-issue PARTGEN
10.03a is available on request.
Version: SEE 11.04a (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 18 Dec 2001 - 23 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Automatic Saving retains the original file extension, using name
<original name>.auto.bak .
- You can now select between Edit and View-only mode when changing files or
opening an extra window.
Old Version: VTXUDDU (Various - not previously logged)
New Version: VTXUDDU 5.01a (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 12 Aug 2001 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Upgraded to 32 Bit executable handling 'long' file names and with much
larger capacity.
- Absence of option -du and -ud implies 'convert to current operating system'.
Version: PRINTFRM 41.02b (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 21 Dec 2001 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Direct printer output options specified that are incompatible with the
operating system, and automatically modified.
Version: VTXHELP Windows: 2.01a & Linux 2.01b
(VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 3 Nov 2001 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Selection to format the output for printing is offered. Depending on
the volume it offers to print one or more of just one page, the whole section,
or the whole volume.
Version: SQUASH 12.00a (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Asks for confirmation before overwriting destination files. There is an
option to override this check.
Version: VTXSETUP 12.4a (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 16 July 2002 - 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Accepts Vutrax 12.4a changes.
Version: VTXSHELL 5.02f (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- Provides a means of obtaining and manipulating the time stamp of a file
from within command files.
- Command 'TOUCH' can be used to alter the time stamp(s) of files.
- Command 'FC' has improved options for skipping white space and indents.
- Command has arithmetic calculation capabilities for both integer and
floating point.
- VTXSHELL command option DIR /Z<depth>#<size> used for disk space
management accepts multipliers K, M or G on the <size> field.
Version: VTXSHELL (Not re-issued)
Entry Date: 18 Nov 2002
Problem:
- [Linux only] XCOPY does not reliably retain the time and date stamp of
the source file. (COPY is fine but has no /S option). No impact on standard
Vutrax operation.
Fix: Available on Request.
Version: VTXFIND 1.05b (VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 13 Sep 2002
Enhancements:
- [Windows only] Display of found files recognises the .HTM and .HTML
extension as needing the system registered browser.
Version: VTXPATCH 6.07 (*** On Trial
For Vutrax 12.5a)
Entry Date: 26 Sep 2003
Problem:
- Multiple patches in a single control files reported a continuously
increasing offset for the patch rather than resetting each scan. The actual
changes are applied correctly.
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