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Sotiris
Greece
9 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 10:38:07
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DXF import failing (crash) when selecting to add them at some layers
Sot. Pd |
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edrees
United Kingdom
779 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 10:44:24
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| I vaguely remember something about EasyPC failing to import "splines" in the past. Maybe this explains why problem exists on "some layers" only? |
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Iain Wilkie
United Kingdom
1015 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 11:11:37
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You are correct Ed, no splines allowed, but not sure if this would cause a crash ??
Iain
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Sotiris
Greece
9 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 12:06:32
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Well, what I'm having here is that I try to import a pcb design from Gerbers transferred to DXF format. I'm using a gerber to DXF converter and have transfer every layer independently to a DXF related file. Then I'm trying to import each DXF (one for every layer plus the Board outline, and drill layout). The import works for the later two - the board outline DXF selected to be imported as "board" and the drill outline as "shape' to a "dill table" layer made by me to the technology file, but when a normal electrical layer (also as shape but at the ie Top electrical layer) is selected to be represented for the DXF related to import, the routine starts as it should be, but just before finishing (the upload bar window) stops and stack there for ever. If i click or try to move the window the message "not responding" comes up and EPC crashes!!!
Have to clarify that this is happening to DXF's translated from Gerber outputs of the PADS CAD, while I have successfully done it with DXF's translated from Gerber outputs of ALTIUM!
But from PADS files DXF's doesn't work for the electrical layer import! Can't think why! Shouldn't DXF's work from either?
Sot. Pd |
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edrees
United Kingdom
779 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 12:32:23
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I wonder if you have viewed the DXFs in an independent DXF viewer?
But why translate the Gerbers into DXF only to import then into EasyPC. Why not just import the Gerbers (either using "Intelligent" Import (cost upgrade) or using File=>Import Import (Gerbers)? You have lost the inter-connectivity by changing into a DXF format anyway. |
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Sotiris
Greece
9 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 13:11:14
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Hi Edrees
Am I missing something or Gerber import feature is only a cost option add-on (as is the intelligence Gerber import that seems to be the only one currently available from the Number One site to buy)? I've just checked it and our EPC V21 doesn't allow to import Gerber files as standard feature. I know that there is the "intelligence Gerber import" add-on but still haven't bought it. Is standard - stupid  - Gerber importing capability available and can't find it under [import] command? As I see by searching thru the help topics it seems there is no "free" Gerber import functionality
{The Gerber Import facility is available as a Cost Option - please contact Number One Systems for the current list price.
Gerber Import allows existing Gerber format files to be loaded into the design onto nominated layers to create a picture of the design. This facility does not rebuild the design with electrical connectivity but does build an electrical picture which can be used as a template to recreate a working design from.
It can also be used to load in specific information such as a company logo which is in Gerber format, or a component silk screen layer which can be used for overlaying component placement }
Sot. Pd |
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edrees
United Kingdom
779 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 13:29:20
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I do have the Intelligent Gerber Import" add on. Maybe this enables a "dumb" Gerber import as well? I can do both. Under File, I have the option of Import, and then further down the list I have Intelligent Gerber Import.
However, if I go to File=>Import on a new pcb design, it comes up with a "Open" dialogue box and it prompts me to find a suitable file to import. The bottom right hand corner of the box drop down menu asks "All Import Files" for *.dxf, *g* etc. So I think this is the same Import dialogue you use to import dxf. Maybe *g* is greyed out with you?
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Edited by - edrees on 14 Feb 2018 13:47:59 |
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Sotiris
Greece
9 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 13:46:57
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Hi again
Nope, there is no *g or whatever else can be realted to "gerber" files, available to my version (unlimited pin EPC back from 1998 first Windows version). I guess should buy the add-on. Can I ask you as a user of it, if it works as they say? Can you reverse engineer a pcb from Gerbers? That would be quite "intelligent" for sure...
Sot. Pd |
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edrees
United Kingdom
779 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 14:24:20
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Hi,
It largely does what it is supposed to do, but I found that it can get confused with non-round pads and some other issues, so one has to thoroughly check the imported files against a third party Gerber viewer to ensure everything has imported correctly.
See here for more comments,-
https://www.numberone.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=885&SearchTerms=Intelligent,Gerber,Import
I have used this on a few occasions and I would say that it has paid for itself many times over. |
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Topic |
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DXF import failing (crash) at some layers