Use ratsnest without having it physically fill polygon pours

Question

I am designing a 6layer board, using layers 2 and 5 as VDD and GND pours respectively. Every time I hit ratsnest, it reduces airwires (for things connected to 2 and 5) but also fills the screen with copper. It is very annoying trying to look through the copper to see traces below and above it. I keep going to the edge of the board to move the polygon to lose the copper pour but not bring back the airwires (have done about a million times, very aggravating). Is there a way to use ratsnest, have it reduce airwires (for things connected to pours), and not fill in the board? If I turn off ratsnest processes polygons in Options/Set/Misc, it will not make any connections to either layer 2 or 5. Using EAGLE 6.5.0 professional. Thanks.

autodeskguest · Accepted Answer

On 11/11/2014 10:55 a.m., Nick S wrote: I am designing a 6layer board, using layers 2 and 5 as VDD and GND pours respectively. Every time I hit ratsnest, it reduces airwires (for things connected to 2 and 5) but also fills the screen with copper. It is very annoying trying to look through the copper to see traces below and above it. I keep going to the edge of the board to move the polygon to lose the copper pour but not bring back the airwires (have done about a million times, very aggravating). *Is there a way to use ratsnest, have it reduce airwires (for things connected to pours), and not fill in the board?* If I turn off ratsnest processes polygons in Options/Set/Misc, it will not make any connections to either layer 2 or 5. Using EAGLE 6.5.0 professional. Thanks. -- To view any images and attachments in this post, visit: http://www.element14.com/community/message/130837 Does turning off those layers after a ratsnest not work for you? Warren

autodeskguest · Answer

Nick S wrote:

I am designing a 6layer board, using layers 2 and 5 as VDD and GND pours
respectively. Every time I hit ratsnest, it reduces airwires (for
things connected to 2 and 5) but also fills the screen with copper. It
is very annoying trying to look through the copper to see traces below
and above it. I keep going to the edge of the board to move the polygon
to lose the copper pour but not bring back the airwires (have done about
a million times, very aggravating). *Is there a way to use ratsnest,
have it reduce airwires (for things connected to pours), and not fill in
the board?* If I turn off ratsnest processes polygons in
Options/Set/Misc, it will not make any connections to either layer 2 or
5. Using EAGLE 6.5.0 professional. Thanks.

there is 'ripup @' which removes the filling of all polygons

or 'ripup @ signal-name(s)' with does the same but restricted to the

listed signal(s)

you could switch off your VDD & GND layers

or perhapse hiding the airwires for VDD and GND (ratsnest ! GND VDD)

will the job.

--

Lorenz