DipTrace Command Line Converter and Export Tools

[_Cale_]

We need a command line utility that imports and exports all DipTrace binary files to and from ASCII, as well as exports 3D models, Gerbers, and takes screenshots. Having a command utility allows us experts to write batch sh scripts for jobs such as BOM post processing, cost optimization, footprint pattern verification, and write automated scripts to process footprint and component libraries, auto-generation of permutations of parts, schematics, and PCB component placement automation. All we need is the command prompt, and well make DipTrace superior to Altium Designer without you paying a penny in dev costs. We can host open-source scripts for free on GitHub and link to them in the Forums. You already have the code written. All you need is a command line utility. We need to be able to automate the export of screenshots from various angles for datasheets and users manuals. Ideally it would be nice to run sh scripts from the File menu inside of all of the editors via a Run Script Menu without having to exit.

Here is an example of how powerful this would be. Say I wanted import some new parts. All I need to do is make a link attribute on the new parts called "Digi-Key URL" for each new component in the schematic with a link to the part on Digi-Key. Then I can write a script that automates the following:

1.) Import all of all component libraries, footprints libraries, and 3D models into current project dir and relinks all files to the files in the project directory.
2.) Imports the component metadata from Digi-Key.
3.) Automatically download all of the EDA files for all of the components in my schematic from Digi-Key into the project directory sorted according to "./Manufacturer/PartNumber and uncompresses all the files.
4.) Record metadata about 3D models such as original filename, pin 1 location, orientation, and offset.
5.) Changes/Updates part numbers to internal part numbers.
6.) Output documentation for the product complete with screenshot that get automatically draws PCB images onto the cover page.
7.) Export gerber files.
8.) Merge gerber files.
9.) Verifies RoHS status.
10.) Output super clean HTML5 documentation.

This task would take a REALLY long time if done by hand, but can be done in seconds via an open-source Python API that us users will write.

[moshannon]

I would also like to export and import DipTrace ASCII files from the command line. I just spent the better part of a day making this work using SendKeys. But this is a very unreliable solution. If any problem occurs and DipTrace displays a message box, my keystrokes go to the wrong places. Simple command line options for Import and Export would be very, very helpful.

[workacc]

Is there any update on this? or plans at all? even just exposing the headers so we can hook into the dlls without having to RE?

[Serg]

At the moment, we are not working on the development of this feature. Currently, we are focusing on improving the interactive routing functionality.