Re: gEDA-user: PCB questions

[DJ Delorie <dj@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> First of all, from my previous background, I'm accustomed to running
> routers that place pin-escape vias before actually starting the primary
> routing.  I just routed a board using PCB, and I had to place all of the
> pin-escape vias manually before starting the actual route.  Is this the
> correct approach, or am I missing something?

Well, you could let the autorouter give it a try, but I doubt it would
do as well.  Alternately, the vias could be added to the footprint
itself, so that the vias become the "pins" of the device.  I don't
think we have a way of adding the copper traces to the footprint
though.

So yeah, you're probably doing the Right Thing.

> Secondly, I keep getting warnings that a short exists between my power
> and ground planes.  I suspect that this is a result of some closely
> spaced pin-escape vias, but I've been unable to find the problem area on
> the board.  Is there an off-line method for checking DRC violations, and
> if so, where can I learn about it?

Zoom way in before running DRC; it might pan you somewhere.  It's been
a long time since I've been there.

www.freedfm.com might be useful too.