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Eagle 9.6.2
16
#eagle
#etch
#gcode
#2-layer
Autodesk - in their wisdom - seem set to kill off the current versions of Eagle, including the free version used by many hobbyists - myself included. The version running under Fusion is apparently not ccompatible with PCB-Gcode as well as forcing use of ghastly Fusion 360. Gone is the user friendliness of Eagle to be replaced, IMHO, by a user hostile revamp focussed more on mechanical engineering than on the electrical/electronic aspects of the task!! It is possible to legally download Eagle 7.7.0, and this already has most of the bells and whistles of Eagle 9.6.2 with the exception of the autorouter and its associated tools. The V7 track manipulation facilities are very basic compared to V9, which makes fine tuning of the layout very tedious. As a hobbyist community, it would surely be advantageous to lobby Autodesk to leave the free version as is, but without the requirement to log in every 2 weeks. No possible financial loss or gain for Autodesk but a huge gain for hobbyists. My personal PCB toolchain is Eagle 9.6.2 - PCB-Gcode - UCCNC(UC100) - Stepcraft420/2. No file manipulation needed between Eagle layout and the finished circuit board. Any thoughts on this????
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#pcbgcod
2
#pcbgcod
Dear J.J. Thanks to provid me Pcbgcode to do my dream after drawing circuits by hand and later use of photo sensitive boards. It was only possible that you did your software and offer it to the world. Saddly this days are a very diferente world where money never its enought and there are no red lines. So before to unsubscribe my name I want salut you and the good guys that help me too. I will arrive to 75 years on a few days ahead and need to rest and apreciate nature often. I wish you my best regards dear John.
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Alternatives to PCB-GCODE
2
#etch
Out of curiosity I has a look at FlatCAM as an alternative to PCB-GCODE. What a devilishly complicated process to go through that PCB-GCODE accomplishes almost instantaneously with one or two mouse clicks. I've been using PCB-GCODE for more than 8 years now and IMHO it's the product of a genius!! Some time ago I had the temerity to incorporate a very minor change to the generation of a solder mask so that it could be milled from a ( 0.25mm ) mylar sheet using the same tool as for copper "etching".
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Hello, I think I have found a bug in PCB-GCODE V3.6.6 What is the best way to report this. Running from Eagle 9.6.2, using pcb-gcode Setup, Isolation with Maximum set to 30, the gcode output starts missing paths when it touches the board edges. I can supply test files and pictures of output.
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#pcb-gcode-wizard #version101/April 2012
5
#pcb-gcode-wizard
Hello, A long time ago I found and downloaded a free version of the pcb gcode wizard executable program. I remember I sent a big complicated ngc g-code file to test the stability, then I purchased the license for the pcb-gcode-wizard executable program. The serial number I received is 1042. I no longer have the e-mail with the conversation. But I still use this program and it does wonderful work. I can sort the CNC "jumps", it shorts a lot of time. I even milled a big double-sided PCB which took me 28 hours per side using the sorted g-code output (search "hackaday.com" for "the pertec whisperer" to see the result). I noticed the executable program - in its freeware version - is no longer available anywhere. The website pcbcode.com became "[email protected]"... and there is no trace of that program. Just the name and the documentation on some github address. So I would like to ask - did it evolve into something better or is it a dead project? Thank you.
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How do I get the board outline to be cut out? The isolation spaces seem to work fine, and the holes get marked, but the outline doesn't show up and the mounting holes don't seem to get cut either. I'm only using a bottom layer for single layer boards, and I'm using the etch.tap file. Does the border and holes show up in another one of the tap files? Sorry if these are dumb questions, but I'm used to the toner transfer and etching the boards in ferric chloride. However, from what I can tell from the boards I cut, this has amazing potential in very short time. Should have put together a pcb router 20 years ago when it was being talked about back then, but back then it seemed harder to put one together.
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Alternate method of DIY PCB Milling
#how-to
Hello, I hope this post may be useful to those interested in another method of milling PCB's. This is a suggestion and no way to slight the hard work in developing or the use of PCB GCode in anyway, but here is how I have done one off PCB for test fixtures and such: I use the PCB program SprintLayout 6.0 which can in addition to the usual 274X Gerber and drill files can also do isolation path files. Then I use the free 3rd party tool called SL2M3 (SprintLayout to Mach3) to process the files into G Code that will work with LinuxCNC or the commercial Mach3 CNC program. There is a checkbox within the SL2M3 program that formats the G Code file for LinuxCNC input. The SL2M3 program inserts tool change code into the G Code file to prompt for tool changes as required. I have one of the Chinese CNC 6040 machines that I carefully tweaked and used with the LinuxCNC program. IIRC LinuxCNC used to be called EMC2. I believe that full source code is available for LinuxCNC should one want to venture on their own. LinuxCNC can drive the usual parallel port interfaced CNC machines or can be configured to drive Ethernet to parallel port converter cards. Very slick. It's a really low cost solution that otherwise would require a LPKF machine. If you are interested in this, below are the links for SprintLayout6.0 and also the SL2M3 program by Bernd Pahl. I really like SprintLayout in conjunction with SL2M3 for knocking out designs really quickly as the learning curve is very short. Herr Pahl regularly updates the SL2M3 program with improvements. It has been a while since I used it, but it works really well. There is also a manual for it on his website. If you have a PCB program that can output HPGL isolation paths then it possibly could be used with SL2M3 as well. SprintLayout6.0: https://www.electronic-software-shop.com/lng/en/electronic-software/sprint-layout-60.html?language=en SL2M3: http://www.b-pahl.de/bastel/isofr/sl2m3en.html LinuxCNC: http://linuxcnc.org/ The usual disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the SprintLayout product at present. I just like their products and the quality of support they provide, even though in 15 years I have rarely needed it. I have been using the Sprint layout product for over 15 years (since version 5) and have personally layed out probably more than 1000 pcbs using it. It remains to be an easy PCB layout program to learn and use, and I have tried them all. It also amazes me that the installed footprint of the program is under 10MB. When one uses the program you are immediately aware that the program's designers are also PCB designers and that it was not a program developed by programmers that have never built a PCB in real life. It's not fancy but it quickly gets the job done and has the best graphics and easy to use interface I have ever seen in a PCB layout program. This product replaced my commercial Accel Tango II PCB+ DOS program when I could no longer get it to run on modern operating systems. There is a free SprintLayout6.0 demo you can download that does everything but save. The cost for a full version is about what dinner for 4 costs at McDonalds. A lot of bang for the buck! Quite a few Eagle users have moved to it. It does have a point to point router but I never use it. I have never had the need for an autorouter as most of my designs are for RF or of mixed signal. I can have most boards manually routed in probably the time needed to set up a router. If you do happen to have an older LPKF machine and the Boardmaster software, Sprint's 274X Gerber output also plays well with those machines. I do have an older 91s machine that I also use in addition to the Chinese CNC 6040. The front to back registration is better on the 91s so if I have a finer pitch layout I use that machine. If you you have further interest there are files on my SprintLayout groups.io site that show you how to convert layout files from Protel AutoTrax & EasyTrax DOS and other Protel and Tango formats into SprintLayout6.0 to make editable PCB's. Quite handy for converting 274X gerber and drill files into editable PCB's
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It’s been twenty years…
25
#pcbgcode
Somehow, twenty years has passed since I began circulating pcb-gcode. For a large part of those years, Art aka Country has been your fearless moderator and helped many people through issues with the software. Thanks Art! There have been three messages this year on the group here. I am fortunate to have a full time job now, and it’s been at least 15 years since I made a pcb. So where do we go from here? The group still has 3,000 members. I wonder how many still use pcb-gcode? Have you all moved on to something else? Maybe KiCad? I understand Autodesk is going to pull the plug on Eagle sometime in the near future. The group doesn’t cost anything, so no problem leaving it up. Would different group software (e.g. Discourse) help anyone, or be worth paying for hosting? Appreciate any thoughts you all have! Regards, JJ
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Drill file moving at Z0.0000 axis.
2
#drill
Hello, I seemed to be keep getting this issue and it was never addressed as I just fix this with a wordpad and replace the Z axis movement but for awhile now I forgot to do this and when I ran it, it ended up scratching the pcb board. This happens with the top drill file. After finishing the etch, I change the tool and run the drill and at some point, the Z axis goes to Z0.0000 and move back to home position and along the way it scratches the board. I used to just substitute all Z0.0000 to Z0.1000 as the last movement from drilling is to move it to Z0.1000 height. Using 3.6.2.4. G00 Z0.1000 G00 X2.9500 Y1.3500 G01 Z-0.0750 F10.00 G00 Z0.1000 G00 X2.9500 Y1.6500 G01 Z-0.0750 F10.00 G00 Z0.1000 M05 G00 Z0.0000 <=== issue. Using find/replace in notepad to G00.Z0.1000 G00 X0.0000 Y0.0000 M06 T05 (0.1181 )
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Eagle 8.5 with #PCBGcode 3.6.2.4 issue
3
#pcbgcode
After a long time to rest, I had try to make a small board, and I found an error that never found before: When type run pcb-gcode an message appear: unable to open the include file source/pcb-gcode.h. Perhaps its my mistake, but now I can?t see where it is. Can you please help me on this? Thanks in advance. My best regards. Excuse my poor english!
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Protel 99SE or Altium and PCBgcode
3
#gcode
I've been a member of this group for years but until now the commercial side of work-work means I was required to use outside firms to make plated through 4 layer boards. Now I'm pseudo retired and looking again at doing small PC boards for my own amusement. I still use Protel 99SE even though my last license for Altium was Version 18 and I do use that when needed. Is there a way to get pcbgcode to create the CNC router G-Code from Protel or Altium files? Thanks John
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Having used PCB-GCODE for more than 6 years and seen that an new updated Version 3.6.6 was available, I decided to download and give it a try. Not wishing to damage the original running version, I installed it in my "Downloads" folder. Starting the setup ulp from an existing Eagle design appeared problem free and I was able to set up all parameters without any problems, however as soon as I clicked on "Accept and make my board" an error pop up appeared!! I've no idea what this file is about or how I should create it. See attached screen shot Fortunately reverting back to Rev 3.6.2.4 was problem free, apart from some of the machine parameters having been "fiddled" with in the interim !! Please can someone lighten my darkness. Thanks
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Hey everybody, I am new around the forum as I came across the pcb-gcode UPL. So happy to be here. Since a while I am looking for a new option to generate my own PCB's and I was always wondering if I can handle some PCB milling with my 3D printer. As I am having holiday at the moment and came across your very interesting program which convert the Eagle PCB data to some gcode, I am really interested in this approach. However, if I am going to start the generation of the gcode by clicking "Accept and create my board" within EAGLE, I get an error that stats that the `Meine.upl` can not be opened. Please see the image attached. I am using Ubuntu 22.04 on my laptop and I also tried to generate the file myself. Doing so, I got another error stating that we have an unexpected file ending. Would be nice to get some feedback from you. Thank you in advance, Tobi
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pcbgcode.com domain secured
2
#pcb-gcode
In a moment of being overly generous a few years ago, someone asked if they could register the pcbgcode.com and I agreed. Seventeen minutes later, I regretted it. He was selling some modified version of pcb-gcode, which also didn't sit well. Since 2003, my goal has been for pcb-gcode to be a free tool available to everyone that wanted it. I checked this morning and the domain was available again, so I paid the ransom to Network Solutions and bought the domain. It's still processing, and not active yet (it's only been 5 hours, and you know how slow computers are this century). Anyway, should be live soon, and I'll probably just forward to the groups group, like pcbgcode.org does, but wanted to share what I think is good news. ps. the beta of pcb-gcode with hole milling should be available soon. If you're interested in trying the alpha, send me an email. Thanks! Regards, JJ
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Textmate bundle for Eagle’s ULP language? Or an Emacs mode?
6
#eagle
#development
Bit of a stretch, but several years ago I created a bundle for the Textmate editor that did syntax highlighting for Eagle’s ULP language. And I seem to have lost it. Would any of you happen to have a copy, or someone else’s? Or a mode for Emacs? Thanks, John
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Hello Folks, The question recently came up about how pcb-gcode calculates it's toolpath, and why pads aren't isolated when there seems to be plenty of room between. Hopefully, this will help show how this is done. I'll add this to the manual at some point (or revise what's there). Eagle has the ability to create "pours", which are usually used for things like ground planes. It fills in around areas where there aren't any tracks, and does this obeying a couple of parameters that are relevant to this discussion, width, and isolation. Width is the size of the line used to draw the polygons that make up the pour. For our purpose, this is the tool size. By using tool size as the width, the outer edge of the polygon becomes the tool path. This saves me from having to do tool offset myself, which is a pain (especially in inner corners), and the reason I abandoned a BASIC version I was working on in another CAD program. Isolation is a minimal amount that the pour (polygons) should be from all tracks. This is the minimum isolation parameter in pcb-gcode-setup. So here's why the pads you think should be isolated aren't isolated. As shown in the image below, the total width of everything between the pads is isolation+width+width+isolation. To give an example, say you have a 0.1mm tool, and have minimum isolation set to 0.05mm. The total then is 0.05+0.1+0.1+0.05=0.3mm, which may be larger than the space between the pads you want to isolate. Technically, yes, everything might fit, but that would require my (or someone) writing code to do tool offset, and that's not practical for me at the moment. How to work around this? - Change minimum isolation to 0.0, if your machine is rigid enough. - Edit the parts in Eagle and make the pads smaller (I think it's restring?). - Use a smaller tool. - Draw the pad outlines on the milling layer. Set the line width to the width of your tool to see the actual tool path. - Fudge a little on the tool size, realizing your tracks will be slightly smaller. Maybe you folks have other workarounds? Hope this helps! Regards, JJ
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Hello Folks, I've been thinking about and working on the long-requested (ca. 2018) feature that would let one mill holes of different diameters using an endmill. I would like your input. * Is this useful? * Do let me know if you have suggestions on gcode. My knowledge on this is limited. I would like to support as many controllers as possible (TurboCNC <http://www.turbocnc.com/> (happy to see TCNC is still around!), Mach3 <https://www.machsupport.com/software/mach3/>, grbl <https://github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki>, LinuxCNC <https://www.linuxcnc.org/>, etc.), so make it as generic as possible. o I'm thinking G03 (counter clockwise) for all holes. o From what I've read, using IJ is preferable over R, and I recall from my experience R arcs can get whacky. o I'm thinking 4x 90° arcs to make a circle. Again, to accommodate as many controllers as possible. * I'm concerned about holes that are larger than 2x the tool diameter. o For example, in the image attached, the tool is 0.015"/0.381mm and the holes are 0.020"/0.508mm, 0.035"/0.889mm, and 0.050"/1.27mm. There is a 0.005"/0.127mm post in the center hole, and 0.020"/0.508mm on the right-hand hole. + The debris left in the center (see attached pics), which could potentially become ensnared by and break the tool. o One way to eliminate this is as two (or more) holes, a smaller one to full depth, then larger ones. + This would probably need "pecking." o I could also use a sort-of center-out strategy, where the cutter starts in the center, then mills at increasingly larger diameters until the desired size is reached. Rather than the helical path shown, I would probably just plunge some amount in the center, then start milling the concentric circles at that depth out to the max diameter, plunge at the center a bit deeper, rinse and repeat. * How do we control chip load? o Step down for Z axis as an absolute amount (e.g. 0.25mm/0.010") per pass? + Sounds reasonable. o What about increasing the diameter if concentric holes or multiple passes are used? + Could be a fixed maximum, I suppose, or some percentage of the tool diameter. * Code that generated the images is attached. o Let me know what you think about it too. I just generated it in Excel for the time being. Would appreciate your input and expertise! Regards, JJ
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Issue #8 closed - implement always climb milling
#release
#beta
This release implements Harald's code to always conventional mill, leaving better edges. Thanks Harald! Please test if you can. https://github.com/JohnAtl/pcbgcode/releases/tag/v3.6.5-beta Regards, John
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Hello Folks, This addresses Issue 9 filed by mprowe, where the spot drill depth was used for the second and subsequent drill holes. I've marked it as a prerelease, and would appreciate if some of you could test it and let me know how it goes. I ran a simulation using Camotics (pretty impressive!) and it looks good. If you get the settings just right, you can see the spot drills that just mark the board, then the thru-holes after drilling. I also added the project files for the simulations to this release. Thanks, JJ
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Updates to Github
2
#github
[pcbgcode:master] New Issue Created by mprowe: #9 When generating drill file, first drill OK. Remaing drills use "Spot Drill" depth? Eagle Ver 9.6 PCB_GCODE ver 3.6.3 Repeatable: Yes. Requesting drill only: First hole is OK, subsequent holes use the "Spot Drill" depth. This is a snippet from drill file. Workaround: Make the "Spot Drill" depth the same as "Drill Depth". And don't forget to return to correct value for "Spotting" while requesting Outlines. Regards, M. [pcbgcode] New branch 9-when-generating-drill-file-first-drill-ok-remaing-drills-use-spot-drill-depth was created by JohnAtl. 1 New Commit: [pcbgcode:master] By Johnson, John T <john.johnson@...>: 523544a7d016: Ignore the eagle bundle I might be working on. Modified: .gitignore
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Image Name
Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am