Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Eagle drill-files (was: faster steppers)

While I haven't tested Ztrace in 2 years, when I did try it,
I found it almost worthless.
It's DOS, it's clunky, it's too expensive for what you get
and it just didn't work for me.

For a hobbiest doing 1 board a month using simple CAD tools
it "might" be useable.

But, using Protel 99SE or Orcad, with dual sided boards of
low complexity I found
it impossible to generate a useable toolpath. I sent file
after file to the authors and never
got a satisfactory isolation path.

Isolator Pro from T-Tech however, works first time every
time. But, it's a $2000 program.

So, I've begun to write my own. My goal is Gerber in, G code
out. Isolator Pro outputs HPGL and
most CNC controls won't use HPGL.

later,
Larry E.

----- Original Message -----
From: Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 10:33 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Eagle drill-files (was:
faster steppers)


> Hi Jim,
>
> As I recall, Ztrace was a contender. New URL:
>
> http://www.ddt-us.com/
>
> They seem to have added to their product line. Some
freeware there
> too! I haven't done much checkout of the program, As I
recall, you can
> download a limited version. If you check it out, I'd like
to here your
> evaluation!
>
> Hope this is useful.
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
>
> squirejc@... wrote:
> >
> > Alan,
> >
> > I've been looking to buy a program that does just
that...take a
> > gerber/excellon file combo, figure out how to isolate
the pcb traces,
> > and output G code. I've found several groups that sell
proprietary
> > software that works with their unique milling machines
that do this,
> > but nothing that I could use.
> >
> > Please tell me; what company sells the roughly $300
software that
> > computes the isolated milling paths and outputs G code?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Jim
> >
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Alan Marconett KM6VV
<KM6VV@a...> wrote:
> > ...I am interested in is "outlining" the traces, so
> > > that a Sherline or other small mill could cut traces
in PC board.
> > The
> > > algorithm for "outlining" a trace is the tough part.
Vector seems
> > to be
> > > able to do this to a limited extent, but would take a
fair amount
> > of
> > > work on a board with several hundred traces! A
program is
> > available for
> > > about $300. More fun might be had in figuring it out
myself (yeah,
> > I need more projects!).
> > >
> > >
> > > Alan KM6VV
>
> Welcome to CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...,an unmoderated list
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