[quote=“Deppy, post:9, topic:1745”]
I’m not familiar with python. Although, I read the post but it’s not what I’m looking for in the moment but I’ll keep that in mind (when I’m in the mood for python). I prefer to create arcs in footprint editor and then convert them to copper in text editor.[/quote]
Well, I prefer to create copper spirals as tracks in python and copy&paste them into a kicad_pcb that has got the basic setup done and then enjoy myself
You’re welcome.
The code might need some polishing for CW/CCW of those spirals and maybe something that would add 1/2 segments per turn as it get’s quite corner-y in the outer turns compared to the inner ones.
@Joan_Sparky
I’m trying to import your file but it seems that I’m doing something wrong.
I am using BZR 6245 on VM winXP.
Steps I followed :
-Save helix.py (your file) in the directory Program files/Kicad/bin/scripting/plugging.
-Then restart PCBnew and re-open it.
-opened scripting console and typed “import helix”.
-open footprint editor and select “new footprint using footprint wizard” and then select “wizard script to load and run” and nothing is to be shown.
Sadly I can’t find a way to do this step. Could you please help me?
I have installed python 2.7 in VM and tried to use helix.py in shell and cmd.
Meaning, in cmd I changed the directory in order to read your file. Also, ran python.exe through cmd but I can’t do the “helix.py > helix.txt”… I did pretty much the same in the shell.
if you have a command line window open navigate to the folder where helix.py is located (btw, a helix is a 3d spiral )
Once you got the folder right, try to start the python script with this:
“python helix.py”
Do you see a couple of lines scroll by?
If yes, try this:
“python helix.py > helix.txt”
There then should be a helix.txt sitting next to helix.py in that same folder.
WOW! It worked! @Joan_Sparky Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
You are right about the meaning of helix. I was using it all the time because of the Autocad tool.
just in case - as you said you’re not so fluent with python - you found how to manipulate the spiral (turns, track spacing, CW/CCW, etc.), by modifying the ‘helix.py’ code, yes?
I’m interested in creating a spiral but I need to know the steps one by one. I downloaded the code “KiCAD_CopperSpiral_v2.py” But I can not use it … not know how to use the original code (copy / paste) First use “Windows 10 x64bit” The file is located in C: \ KiCAD_CopperSpiral_v2.py
And I’ll kicad, I press “python scrips display console” and paste the code: siguiente…pero and appears not to do after eso…hacia where I point the mouse pointer or should I type to pop me the spiral?
I really think that writing on the front line “execute …” is unnecessary …
because of the way I hit the code to the console without changing anything
I do not know
sorry for my bad English
many thanks
Those last lines of output… you need to put that into a .kicad_pcb file pretty much at the end.
Create a project with schematic and then create a track in pcbnew for that.
Save everything.
Then open the .kicad_pcb file in a text editor.
Study where the track element is and then add the output of the python script at that place.
Save the file.
Open in pcbnew again and the spiral should be there.
Just curious as to what you are using the spiral for, inductor, antenna, …?
Why not create a module that can be saved to a library and manipulated like any other footprint, associated with a schematic symbol and be DRC friendly?
ammm … I did not succeed … something I need and I can not figure …
This is what I do: I explain better in the pictures with respective order of numbers and letters …
previously I tried to paste the original code at the end of spiral outline text, then save your changes, and does not appear Pcbnew opened spiral
Is it necessary to have the “KiCAD_CopperSpiral_v2” file in c :?
…
…
or in addition also I paste the same code in the console window kicad?
Thank you very much for your patience again