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Circuit Creation |
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As the introductory example showed, arcs are created by clicking the creation button. This can actually function in two different ways, depending on what is highlighted. If one node is highlighted, segment drawing is done, in which a new pin is placed at the location of the cursor and a wire is created to connect that pin to the highlighted node. If the cursor is over another object, then the segment will connect to that node or arc. To disable this connecting feature of segment drawing, use the wire button instead of the creation button.
The other way that the creation button can operate is two-point connection, in which two nodes are highlighted and one or more wires are created to connect them. Highlighting of these two nodes is done by clicking the selection button over the first one, and then using the select another button on the second. Once the two nodes are highlighted, use the creation button to run a wire between them. (Also, when two nodes have been selected in this manner, the Get Info command of the Info menu will report their distance.) Note that the highlighted ports on the selected nodes is important: wires will run between them, so they must be compatible in their wiring capabilities.
Two-point arc creation first attempts to run a single wire. Generally, this can happen only if the ports are lined up accurately. Failing single wire placement, an attempt is made to connect with two or three wires and intermediate pins. The determination of wire location depends upon the position of the cursor when the creation button is clicked. If the cursor is inside of the area defined by the two components, the connection will make a "Z" bend through the cursor. If the cursor is to one side of the components, the connection will make a "U" bend through the cursor location. Finally, if the cursor is in a corner outside of the components, the connection will make an "L" bend towards the cursor. The nature of the connection can also be affected by the directionality of the ports, which, if it exists, will override cursor location to obtain a sensible connection. | ![]() |
![]() | In addition to running an arc between two nodes, you can also use arcs as the starting or ending point of arc creation. If it is sensible, the creation command actually uses one of the nodes on an end of the selected arc. However, if the connection falls inside the arc, it is split and a new pin is created to make a "T" connection. |
A final circuit creation command is the Insert Break In Arc command of the Edit menu which insert breakpoints in arcs (by deleting the arc and replacing it with three that connect to new pin nodes. The arc is thus jogged, and either part may be moved away from the other.
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