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There are basically two pairs of 10 LEDs, each in 0603 package. I need to place both of them in a circular path at 36 degree apart. I need to try a few different circle radius before I finally how I want the end product to be.

In Eagle PCB, I could just run a ULP script that would place the parts. How do I place parts along a circle or any other uniform path (that can be defined using formula) in the Altium designer PCB editor?

quantum231
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  • Perhaps this will [answer your question](https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/282415/altium-paste-component-at-a-new-pattern-shape-like-circular-or). – qrk May 02 '23 at 19:42
  • I am using Altium 22.2.1. I am trying to put components that were in schematic, into circular pattern in the PCB view. I do not see why that should require copy paste since paste creates new components. – quantum231 May 02 '23 at 19:57
  • Agreed, previous comment not helpful. See answer below. – qrk May 02 '23 at 20:37
  • Altium has scripting, I don't get the impression it is all that easy to do compared to just placing 10 LEDs on a snap grid (or even just typing in the coordinates on older versions). Maybe if you had 200. – Spehro Pefhany May 02 '23 at 22:09
  • What does Altium use internally, VBA? JavaScript? Python? Something Altium specific? I just calculated the values in Excel and then input them into the Altium designer. I am 50% done so far after all this time. – quantum231 May 02 '23 at 22:19
  • @quantum231 If memory serves, VBA and Delphi. Might have changed recently though. I've only used scripts rather than written them. – Spehro Pefhany May 02 '23 at 22:43
  • Wow, I wonder who thought of using delphi. Anyway, hopefully they will learn common sense and move to Python in 50 years time. – quantum231 May 03 '23 at 10:54

1 Answers1

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One option is to place a local polar grid. If the "Comp" check box is checked, parts will automatically rotate when placed on the polar grid. This requires manual placement of the parts.

enter image description here

qrk
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  • I did not know Altium could have polar grid as well. I created an excel spreadsheet and have been using that to calculate XY coordinates for the components and their silk screen, about 25% done so far. Lets see what this polar coordinate system can do. – quantum231 May 02 '23 at 20:39
  • I am getting option to add horizontal, vertical, +45 or -45 deg guide and add snap point. I do not see option Comp. – quantum231 May 02 '23 at 20:47
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    @quantum231 The image is divided in to 3 sections. Left is the pcb layout screen, middle is the polar settings dialog to configure the local grid, right is the Properties tab (click in a clear area of the layout screen). Click on Add to create a new local grid and select Add Polar Grid. Double-click on the newly created grid in the Properties tab (left red arrow is pointing to the line to double-click on). Enable snapping parts to the polar grid by checking the box the right arrow is pointing to. – qrk May 02 '23 at 22:57
  • I don't know why it did not work yesterday. However, I have been able to add the polar grid and by enabling comp, the components snap to it and rotate as they should (automatically) as well. – quantum231 May 05 '23 at 02:10