Up until now, you could successfully map components and extract a KiCad-compatible netlist. But let’s be honest—while a netlist is great, what we really want when reverse engineering a board is a readable schematic diagram.
What is Schema ReTrace?
I've updated the web app to include a built-in schematic generator. Now, instead of just exporting a raw netlist and trying to visualize the connections in your head (or relying solely on external tools), you can generate schematic diagrams right alongside your board photos.
How it works:
Schema ReTrace takes the data you've already painstakingly mapped out — your identified components and traced nets—and turns it into a visual schematic.
- Seamless Integration: As you trace nets and assign component pins in the main view, Schema ReTrace can process those connections.
- Visual Validation: It makes it infinitely easier to spot mistakes. If a schematic looks incredibly weird, you'll see it visually rather than hunting through rows of netlist data.
- 100% Client-Side: Just like the rest of PCB ReTrace, this runs entirely locally in your browser. No data is sent to any servers, keeping your reverse-engineering projects completely private.
- Live Web App: You can try it right now a thttps://pcb.etaras.com/
- Source Code: Check out the repo on GitHub: https://github.com/dev-lab/pcb-retrace
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