Protel 99se to MACH 3 - Options?

[jdkerr]

Looking for information on converting Protel 99SE files into a format that can be milled.

There appears to be two solutions that I have found so far. KCam appears to be used by some people but they are experiencing problems with the converted files.

The other applications, CopperCAM looks interesting. I have tried the demo, but have not been able to get any output code to import and run in to MACH 3.

Are there other cost efficient (hobby budget!) solutions I should look at? Or, does anyone have a registered version of CopperCAM that they can take a small Protel file from me and perform the isolation on the file as a trial?

Appreciate any feedback or comments,

John
www.pcboard.ca

[Steve-Tee]

Hi Jdkerr,

CopperCam is a very good choice.
It's wonderfully easy to use and is rather interesting to watch as it graphically processes the Gerber file.
I have been using it with Altium to produce tool paths for simulation purposes.
Once my CNC mill is completed, it will be making a few PCBs with it .

Please feel free to upload a small sample of your top copper layer, and I can run it thru Coppercamel for you.

I can then upload the .NC file, so you can try it out on your machine.


Best wishes,
Steve.

[CKTOS]

Hi Steve:
I have been trying to get some software to convert Gerber file into to G-code, I have been watching with DESKPCB but I am not sure to get good results. I read your thread and I think you can help with your CopperCam experiences. I make my desing with Tango (from Accent) and Eagle and would transfer the Gerber file to G-Code to isolate with my hobby CNC. Can you send me more information about CopperCam before I try to buy it. Look my email is
j_oyarce@hotmail.com Best regards Juan

[Steve-Tee]

Hi CKTOS,

Coppercam should be able to read your Gerber files.
I have tried mine with a number of different ones, and it has worked well.

From this site:

http://www.galaad.net/coppercam-eng.html

You can download a trial version. It's pretty limited, but it will allow you to load - and test your Gerber files.
This is a great little software solution, and it's certainly worth getting the licenced version .

Please give this a try, and get back to me if you would like some help with it.


Best wishes,
Steve.

Originally Posted by CKTOS Hi Steve: I have been trying to get some software to convert Gerber file into to G-code, I have been watching with DESKPCB but I am not sure to get good results. I read your thread and I think you can help with your CopperCam experiences. I make my desing with Tango (from Accent) and Eagle and would transfer the Gerber file to G-Code to isolate with my hobby CNC. Can you send me more information about CopperCam before I try to buy it. Look my email is j_oyarce@hotmail.com Best regards Juan

[CKTOS]

Hi Steve, I downloaded a Coppercam demo and I have been trying with it. Can you tell me how can process the PCB isolation with Match3 or TurboCNC. Do I have to export the file as c;\Coppercam.iso ? I still do not unsderstand well the process to make .bot
.top and rilling extensions. regards Juan

[Zig]

Copper Cam is interesting to observe as it generates isolation paths.. but right now I would not recomend it UNLESS you are happy to do manual editing of generated toolpaths. It does not do a 100 % edge conversion.

It will leave tracks shorted out to rest of copper.

This was my experience with the software about 12 months ago.

I must admit I was very disapointed by the lack of decent performance; price is very approachable.

I had looked for suitable options and eventually settled on a professional gerber cam product written by Graphicode.

Its lightning fast in terms of conversion to G code no erronious output ( it did have a problem with very small feature which were converted to circles but the good people at Graphicode corrected their software and its as good as gold) affords flipping rotation step and repeat importation of multiple jobs and paneling.

It is not a hobby priced package however.

If anybody interested in sample g -code..send in the gerbers and excellon drill file

[CKTOS]

Hi Zig, you mention another program to make PCB written by Graphicode can you send me the software name and web site location?
I am looking for a software to make milling PCB instead Etching process.

[Zig]

Juan ,

There are a number of software packages which will do it for You.

An american product CNCDESK i think can do it , generate outline files and output G-code. Very much a hobyist entry level package.

A german supplier called BUNGARD has a package i think called ISOPRO.

A Belgian supplier COLINBUS has a package called COLILINER.

Am American supplier T-TECH has a packagename of which escapes me.

Some are cheaper than others but BUNGARD and COLINBUS i think attempt to reach hobyist market.

I have settled for GRAPHICODE product called POWERSTATION which with some modifications which extend GERBER EDITING and CAMing capabilities to generate G-code outline information. May I add it is not a single button operation.


EDIT: Juan, Google will take you to all of these information locations. Tell us what You think of above alternatives.

[native]

[QUOTE=Zig;577098]Copper Cam is interesting to observe as it generates isolation paths..

This was my experience with the software about 12 months ago.

Hi Zig
You mentioned that you had CopperCam working experience,so can you please help in few questions? How to make a double PCB (Set origin point,set reference pad) There is only one point to connect layers(set reference pad,adjust reference pad).

[Zig]

Hello Native,


I did have a look at Copper Cam but after noting the quality of data it generates and time it takes I had dropped it from further consideration.

I did not think it produced a reliable error free output in a reasonable time.

I was in contact with the author of copper cad at the time in the hope of seeing when the speed and correctnes of G code output would be addressed. Unfortunately all too late for my needs
If the performance is to your satisfaction I am sure the price is.. go right ahead and purchase it.

I tried to use it and purely from the speed point of view it was taking a couple of hours to process some of my test files.


Bungard from germany ( google will find them ) have a software package which is probably much faster in terme of data processing and truer in terms of quality of data it generates.

If You have reasonable amount of money to play with check out T-Tech of usa and their software offering.

I am using Graphicode gerber editing and CAM ing software. Graphicode have a utility called PRINTER DEFINITION FILE ( or PDF a bit confusing at times) which helps export contour information in G code which EMC2 speaks

Sorry i could not help you with practical hands on PCB fabrication in copper cam.

[native]

thank you Zig, now I'll try software from bungard called IsoPRO..

[Joe S.]

Originally Posted by native thank you Zig, now I'll try software from bungard called IsoPRO..

Hi native,
2 months have passed . . . How do you like this software? How much do they charge for it ? In your opinion, is it worth the money? Thank You.