********************************************************************
*                                                                  *
*                  actiVplace / actiVplace98 v3.1                  *
*                       16-June-1998                               *
*                                                                  *
*                (c) 1998, Premier EDA Solutions Ltd.              *
*                                                                  *
********************************************************************

License Agreement
=================
IMPORTANT: Carefully read the license agreement as provided in
the LICENSE.TXT file on your distribution media. By installing
the software you indicate acceptance of and agreement to the terms
and conditions of the license agreement. If you do not accept
and agree to this agreement do not install the software and return
the complete product to the place of purchase for a refund.


Installation
============
If you have a previous installation of actiVplace, please 
remove prior to installing the new version.

Insert CD into drive and run INSTALL.EXE. Follow the instructions 
to install either the 16-bit or the 32-bit versions of actiVplace.


Requirements
============
Pentium PC, Windows 95, 32MB RAM. 10MB hard disk free.
EDA/Client, Advanced PCB 


Removing the software
=====================
1. Run EDA/Client and ensure that no document is open in actiVplace.
Click on the Client menu and select Servers, highlight ACTVPLCE in
the list and click Remove. Remove the server plus its associated
resources.

2. From the Control Panel, select Add/Remove activPlace98


Features of the demo software
=============================
The demonstration software is fully functional with two exceptions

1. A banner is displayed on starting the software.
2. The "update PCB" option is removed.


Enabling the software
=====================
By default the software starts in demo mode, to enable the missing
features you need to enter an access code. On purchasing actiVplace
you will receive notification of your specific access code and 
license number.

To enter the access code:-

Run EDA/Client and click on the Client menu. Select Servers, 
highlight ACTVPLCE in the list and click Security. Click the Unlock
button and type in your access code in the relevant field. Click the
Test button and your license number should be displayed, if not you
have probably typed in your access code incorrectly.


Notes regarding access codes
============================
There are three levels of access available to actiVplace users. These 
are governed by the access code:-
 
1. Demo version. Fully functional with the exception of the "Update PCB" 
   process disabled.
2. actiVplace. Full version of auto-interactive PCB placement system. 
   No autoplace or on-line congestion analysis. 
   Reported by EDA/Client as Security level 6.
3. actiVplace XO. Flagship of auto-interactive PCB placement system - 
   currently under development.
 
The status of the access level is reported in the actiVplace editor panel.

Enhancements in version 3.1
===========================
- Support for 32-bit EDA/Client 98

- New on-line help system including command reference, conceptual overview and
  on-line tutorial.

- Rationalisation of user interface to be more consistent. Includes new look 
  editor panel, new View-Connections function and improved AutoClass function.

- Shrink, spread, hole functions move components on grid

- Auto/Manual placement of decoupling capacitors has been enhanced : the decap is 
  rotated to get the power connection as short as possible.

- The length of connections is monitored dynamically and shown in a heads up display.

- Board outline and keepouts are completely checked for collisions.

- Rectangle and arc keepouts are recognized.

- The "access level" is now shown on the bottom of the panel.

- Highlight components mechanism from the editor window or through the panel.


Problems fixed since version 3.0
================================
- Components with no pin information are ignored.

- When no board outline (graphic on KEEPOUT layer) a warning message is shown.

- Components with no reference designator are named.

- Footprints with no name are named.

- 2 Components with same footprint but different pin ordering are now recognized.

- DRC errors are not checked when more than 100.

- Place All decaps place only the current decap class.

- Reports are limited to no more than 80 characters per line.

- The statistic report gives form factor for top and bottom with a bar graph.

- The panel is updated only when needed (for increased speed).

- In most of the dialog boxes you can now press enter close.


Known problems with this release
================================
 
1. With two PCBs open in EDA/Client switching to actiVplace only takes the 
   first PCB across. This problem is only found with Protel98 (v4.x). The 
   solution is to have only one PCB open at a time.
 
2. Edit-Move Selected - Shrink, Spread and Hole. These commands can sometimes 
   still move components off grid and/or introduce DRC errors.
 
3. Occasionally the Browser Panel may have a redraw interrupted by clicking 
   and hence fail to display correctly.
 
4. Nudging a component can push it off grid - this is a deliberate feature.
 
5. Switching back to another EDA/Client server may leave the current actiVplace 
   message on the status line.
 
6. It is possible in some instances to have multiple components highlighted in 
   the Browser Panel. This does not adversely effect the functionality of the 
   current command.

7. New group function introduced with component classes is disabled.
 
Reporting problems
==================
We strongly encourage feedback of any problems or suggestions.

Send to:-
    Premier EDA Solutions Ltd.
    2nd Floor, B&W House
    100 Crossbrook Street
    Cheshunt
    Herts. EN8 8JJ.
    United Kingdom

    eMail: support@eda.co.uk  or sales@eda.co.uk
    Tel:   01992 637116 (International + 44 1992 637116)
    Fax:   01992 637117 (International + 44 1992 637117)

    http://www.eda.co.uk
