Can we have AE3 Shield design files in a better accessible format?

OpenMV Boards
1

OK, I’m designing an AE3 Shield to attach via the B2B connector.

The ‘template’ is available at Shield Templates – OpenMV but it’s just a binary Altium Designer project. I do not have Altium Designer.

I need to import the board outline and placement of the B2B connector to www.easyeda.com design software. It claims to accept Altium Designer files directly, provided that they are in ASCII format (the files online are binary format). I can work with a DXF file of the board outline with the relevant connectors (B2B and the P0-P3 pin row) included. I also can work with a well-dimensioned 2D sketch too, but the draftsman does not have dimensions…

Could you please provide us with one or more of the following:

  • Altium Designer files in ASCII format (I can verify if it can get imported on EasyEDA)
  • if possible: KiCAD/EAGLE files (assuming Altium can export to these formats)
  • DXF file of the back side of the board with the connector in place

I can in a pinch work with the AE3 STP file and recover the dimensions, but this is scratching my left ear with my right foot while jumping up and down on my other foot. Doable but not the easiest way of doing things…

Thanks and best regards!

Marek

2

openmv-ae3-shield-ascii.zip (166.0 KB)

Please let me know if these files work for you, and I will then go through and update the template files.

Note that KiCad can directly import Altium files. The issue with binary file support seems to come from using EasyEDA. Altium doesn’t really have export to other format abilities, just import from other formats.

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3

Hi,

first and foremost: thank you for taking time to save it in this format!

And yes, it works :slight_smile:

I could import it in EasyEDA Pro, it still complained that some files were ‘binary’, but the schematic and the PCB files were imported successfully and I can add my components to the shield!

It’s also a good hint that KiCad can directly import Altium, I wasn’t aware of that, maybe you can add this as a hint on the template page?

BTW: EasyEDA is a Protel/Altium functional clone but it is connected directly to LCSC (huge electronic parts store) and JLCPCB (PCB manufacturing and assembly service) so it’s a turnkey solution for hobbyists and professionals - you place components that you know the footprint fits, the stock exists, the price is known and you get it delivered neatly packed to your door… I’m not sponsored, I just use them for my projects.

Thanks again for your support!

best regards!

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4

Okay, I will update the files online.

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