Re: Eagle drill-files (was: faster steppers)

Hi Larry,

This seems like an interesting program to write! I am fascinated with
such algorithms and programs! I have Orcad available to me at work, and
would prefer to do schematics in that program. What output file/format
(netlist) do you use from Orcad? OK, I'll bet you're talking about a
COMPLETE Orcad. We just have the "Capture", no board layout. :>(

I'm hoping to be able to use some level of Eagle, and generate useable
mill Gcode for small boards.

I'd love to discuss, exchange ideas with you on this, we'd probably need
to keep the "software stuff" offline!

Alan KM6VV
P.S. Thanks for the comments on Ztrace, I have no idea if they have
improved it yet or not!

P.P.S. 1 board a month sounds like several of us on the list, but not
at $320 USD!


Larry Edington wrote:

>
> 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