OK I exported the .dsn file and now I can see the file in the project directory. I also followed the instructions and put that short .py script in the appropriate directory, and yes the “freeroute” option appears in Tools -> External Plugins. And yes I also put the “freeRouting.jar” file in its appropriate directory. So now I can click on that option and I see a new window open instantaneously and close immediately and no changes are made to anything. How am I expected to troubleshoot this?? (freeRouting.jar is showing as 1,367 KB size, hope this is the correct version)
Do you have java installed? Which version?
I’m not sure, in Win10 it’s a little less than obvious. But actually if I go to where the .jar file is installed and just double-click on it I do get a dialog, and if I tell that what directory the .dsn file is in it opens and it does complete the routing, and actually I’m pretty impressed (not the “Manhattan” style I’m used to but that wasn’t really important anyway). So it’s either the .jar file is slightly “off” or (more likely) it’s something about the version of the Python script not quite supporting the current version of KiCAD. Overall not really a major problem, just another example of the “special instructions” that one finds in a Google search really only being appropriate for the version during which they were released, and it 's not always easy to figure out which version was being referenced when that tip was posted nor when is it no longer valid I guess.
I am a bit confused. Did you solve your problem or not? (Your response could be read either way.)
Yeah that’s because it is both ways, it runs if I double-click on the .jar file and navigate through the dialog box to show it the .dsn file, then I guess I’ll have to show it where to put the .ses results. That’s OK to see what the route looks like but in the long run it would sure be nice to run it from the plugin menu like it’s supposed to! Any help figuring that out would be appreciated.
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In which case, I suggest you raise it as an issue with the author of the plug-in.
Double clicking the .jar file should give you access to the other menu items to set up the rules (see previous link). As explained, to get the best out of any autorouter you need to spend a bit of time setting it up with the net classes, routing preferences etc. Sounds like the plug in is simply a replacement for the old yellow launch button. Exporting and reimporting the .dsn/.ses files really isn’t that difficult though, is it?
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