Warehouse update

After a long period without updates, the warehouse of parts for eagleUp just got refreshed. The parts are now sorted by categories that you can download separately.

There are now parts for everyone, from the smallest SMD to the largest DIP packages.

These parts will help you start the 3D model of your own circuit. If you miss something, check the video tutorials on part modeling and import from stp/iges files.

You can send me your own models by email. I will upload them in the warehouse after a quick check. Remember to name them correctly or to write the exact part number.

 

import step files for your models

Many mechanical parts like connectors, switches and large parts are offered as STEP models by their manufacturers. Unfortunately there is no direct way to import them into Sketchup, so we usually have to redraw them from scratch based on the datasheet and some imagination.

Lorenz wrote me a short description of his method to import STEP files. I will illustrate it with a Micro-Match connector, manufactured by Tyco. The reference of the part is 1-215460-0. Follow the link and download the STEP model (you do not need to sign in, just close the popup).

Locate the zip file on your computer and extract it. There should be a .stp file inside.

Download and install FreeCAD. This tool is multi platform. Launch it.

Import the model with File / Import .

Press ‘0’ (zero) for isometric view. Pretty realistic. It would be a lot of work to draw so many details !

Create a mesh for this model : Meshes / Create mesh from shape. Click OK in the left hand side tab.

Then click on “c_0215460_10_u_3d (Meshed)” and Meshes / Export mesh… Save as binary STL.

You can open the STL file with eDrawings to check the intermediate file.

Still looking nice ?

Now download and install Blender. This tool is multi platform. Launch it and import the STL file : File / Import / Stl…

Export as Collada (DAE).

Then Import the dae file in Sketchup. You can explode the model and edit it : add colors, re-orientate it.

A good check is to measure the component and check that the dimensions are correct (remember the scale : millimetres are now meters).

Summary : STP => STL => DAE => SKP

Feel free to share your own methods in the comments.

the warehouse is open

The part warehouse is now open.

All the parts you find on this page have been tested with Eagle default footprints in size and orientation. You can use them safely in eagleUp.

You can send your own parts by email, with the name of the package, or enclosure, or hardware, you have drawn.