CAM Files

[ltrakal]

I have been using the CAM files from Wind River and I didn't notice something since I started to panelize the boards in CAM350. Well all the PHO files are set with a center justification. Now if you want to import the PHO files and the DRL file into CAM350 you will see that the DRL file is offseted from the PHO files. Why not to setup the PHO files Offset and the same with the DRL file and then when we get that into CAM350 is all centered at the right spot and the only thing we should do (for those that are panelizing the boards) is just copy and paste and we don't have to mess with taligning the layers?

Laszlo

[Tom]

Laszlo,

Do you still think that Gerber Files should be set to "Offset"? What Offset value do you use? We use center and have to "Align" the drill holes up with the rest of the layers, but that process only takes a minute.

[phillipr]

I add the text "Alignment" on all layers In the bottom left and top right of the design.
Alignment is then spot on for all layers.

[ltrakal]

It only takes a minute if you are panelizing the same board, but when I have diferent boards and coupons in the same panel I like to have the stuff going out straight from Powerpcb, even the nc drill file, so I just import and walla!!! everything in place, even my drill chart is created afterwards with the actual amount of holes i have and merging all the vias with the existing values, like I told you before modifing the header in the excellon file exported from powerpcb, so I don't have to create any drill table, is always there, theose two programs talked each other really well.

Laszlo

[Tom]

We have not noticed this problem because we have the PowerPCB / CAM350 direct interface. Select Tools / CAM350 and everything goes into CAM350 aligned and ready to go.

We'll have to consider changing our CAM files to make it easy for those who do not have the CAM350 Interface.

[ltrakal]

But since when is this button working?????

[Mark Larson]

Next time bring your Gerbers in first without the drill, then set the origin in CAM350 to where your origin is in PPCB, then bring in your drill info, everything will be aligned