Pcb-gcode lets you use your milling machine, router, engraver, etc. to make printed circuit boards without using toxic chemicals. You create your design with Eagle, then use pcb-gcode to create g-code, which you run on your machine. Your machine cuts around the traces for the circuits. pcb-gcode also creates drill files to drill holes, mill files to cut the board out, or make cutouts in the board. You can also create files to engrave text on the boards, such as your copyright, component names, etc. Did I mention it is free? There is a free version of Eagle to. http://pcbgcode.org/index.php Fri, 18 May 2012 08:16:08 -0700 Phorum 5.2.7 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,674,674#msg-674 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,674,674#msg-674 mikewaller Forum Thu, 10 May 2012 08:28:56 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?10,673,673#msg-673 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?10,673,673#msg-673 i want creat a cnc via avr
how to program g-code into avr?
the shematic? &gcode?
please help me]]> j111111 General Thu, 03 May 2012 23:18:58 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,669,669#msg-669 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,669,669#msg-669 So this is a board I did up yesterday, don't think I have done anything out the ordinary.
When I go to process it with pcb-gcode all I get is the main dialog box with,
"Error: Sorry...
Illegal phase 0 in main routine"

pcb-gcode still works fine with other previous boards.
I don't see where to look for diagnostics of where problems may be?

can anybody try the board, and confirm, or if you're a miracle worker, spot my problem?

Andrew]]> dustooff Forum Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:10:17 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,666,666#msg-666 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,666,666#msg-666 I am in no way blaming softwares, i am sure i didn't check a box somewhere.

eagle pic is what it should look like.
cambam pic is what i get.
Anyways, if someone has a minute please download the board file and see what pcbgcode outputs for you.

Eagle 6.1
pcbgcode 3.5.2.11
cambam 0.9 for viewing and editing
Mach3

all traces on board are 10mil, clearance 8mil

my setup for pcbgcode is:
default .001
max .008
step size .005
tool size .007

UPDATE: Problem solved with the help of JayC pointing to this excellent site
[www.millpcbs.com]


setup should be like this:
default .0001
max .0001
step size .005]]> bizzz3 CAD for PCBs Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:36:50 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,658,658#msg-658 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,658,658#msg-658
I've just started using Eagle and PCB-Gcode. Neat stuff. The only issue I ran across was the hole drilling. My cnc machine does not have auto tool changing, so multiple drills is a pain.

I decided to write a small program that reads in the pcb-gcode drill file, and then makes a new file that cuts the holes with a small end mill. If the hole is larger than the endmill, the endmill just moves in a small circle.

I've been using a 0.0200 dia carbide endmill and it works great. I thought others might like to try it. I attached it to this Message.

Best regards,
Dave Mounce
dmounce@sceadu.com
www.sceadu.com]]> dmounce Forum Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:49:18 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,656,656#msg-656 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,656,656#msg-656 I use Eagle 6.1.0 (light) and pcb_gcode 3.5.2.11 and would like to generate Gcode to engrave a small single side pcb (routed on Top layer).
I've spent much time on this and keep having the same result :
-the .etch.tap contains only comments and drill moves (if I check the corresponding option) - but NO route outlines at all.
-adding text on the milling layer works (=produces Gcode).
Same results with all boards I have.
The viewer shows no trace either (except the text on the milling layer)

I tried default config and then changed parameters (smaller bits...) without success.

I also tried FastGcode.ulp and I have similar results : drills OK but NO outlines.

Anybody Help Please.
Pierre.]]> pierre26 Forum Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:44:31 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?6,643,643#msg-643 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?6,643,643#msg-643 Jeff_Birt Optimizing Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:50:47 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,641,641#msg-641 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,641,641#msg-641
C:/Eagle/ulp/source/drill.h(142):
Can't find field name 'drill_size' in header (first line of database)

Included by:
C:/Eagle/ulp/pcb-gcode.ulp

Already tried copying everything to the 'ulp' root folder but the problem prevails. Any help?]]> kosme Forum Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:01:10 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,638,638#msg-638 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,638,638#msg-638 MiniMill CAD for PCBs Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:55:31 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?15,635,635#msg-635 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?15,635,635#msg-635
Ok my new problem is after running pcb-gcode it generates all the files except the mill file is basically blank the etch files are fine it's the mill and text files that are empty. Can someone help?]]> MiniMill Documentation Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:11:43 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,633,633#msg-633 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,633,633#msg-633 MiniMill CAD for PCBs Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:24:33 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,630,630#msg-630 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,630,630#msg-630
I need to generate a file for milling thru some shapes in a aluminium instrument panel, like 1.5mm thich, leave some shapes cut only ~80% thru, as "knockouts".
(Too bad square drills are so expensive!)
Any tips on a method to do this?

Thanks!]]> pancake Forum Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:48:29 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,610,610#msg-610 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,610,610#msg-610 Does this convert Protel Advanced PCB 3 or is it only for Eagle??
(Please say yes!)]]> muddy0409 Forum Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:49:32 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,607,607#msg-607 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,607,607#msg-607
I have now gotten to a point where I have a machine that I will be able to use to generate some PCBs:})
I would like to use the Auto leveling system as posted by Lee back in the summer, however, I am lost. I am trying v71 and "think" I have done as instructed. I unzipped the file and made a new directory called "I:\ulp" and put this path at the front end of the ULPs in Eagle 5.0.0 options. It seems to find everything ok.
I then ran the setup.ulp and mad sure the "Probe and Auto level" was check. I have tried both the generic and the mach/emc post files, but when running "pcb-gcode.ulp" against the example board in the files, I get an "Unknown identifier 'strxstr' included by pcb-gcode.ulp(27).

Does anybody have a clue as to what I am doing wrong???? I sure would like to get this to run.
Thanks in advance.

Art
Country bubba]]> Country_Bubba CAD for PCBs Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:04:12 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,605,605#msg-605 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,605,605#msg-605
Just purchased a Roland EGX-30a to do light PCB work and instrument panel engraving. In time I will try to read all posts.

Regards


Gerald
Melbourne Australia]]> VK3GJM Forum Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:43:50 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,601,601#msg-601 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,601,601#msg-601
I will be doing mostly through hole, with some basic SMT components...

The smallest SMT component I will probably use, is this:
[www.sparkfun.com]

Can you guys tell me what types and sizes of bits I would need?]]> Dr. Bogger Forum Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:10:58 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,600,600#msg-600 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,600,600#msg-600 I love the ULP for milling path optimization, but wonder which program do you use for drill path optimization?? My drill path is horribly erratic.]]> MilesW CAD for PCBs Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:58 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,593,593#msg-593 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,593,593#msg-593


....but the cut was too shallow, here's the associated G-Code...


G21
(Absolute Coordinates)
G90
G00 X0.0000 Y0.0000
M03
G04 P3.000000
G00 Z2.5400
G00 X1.0472 Y-16.4655
G01 Z-0.1778 F38
G01 X1.0481 Y-13.5283 F150
G01 X1.7102 Y-13.0341

...but it seems no matter what I make the pcb-gcode Z depth setting too, my g-code is always produced with the zame Z depth of -0.1778mm?!!!

Any ideas (I've deleted all .nc files, come out of Eagle, gone back in re-run with different settings, but still the Z depth is always -0.1778 !!!)]]> HankMcSpank CAD for PCBs Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:32:25 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,592,592#msg-592 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,592,592#msg-592
I am using rarely the pcb-gcod to do some boards.
Everything was fine, but now I change the computer.
The new one is with win7-64bit. I have Eagle 5.6.0. and I installed the pack for gcode like before in XP.
When I open the pcb-gcode.ulp it shows up that the etch file was create, also I can see the preview (is appear normally),
the same for drill file.
When I try to open in Mach 3, there is nothing in the preview picture (the file exist and has about 4000 lines).
In the status line of Mach3 it shows up the message :"Nested comment foundLine 0" (see the picture please)

THAT is because of win7 - 64 ? or I miss something ?
Thank you everybody !
Mihai]]> mihai CAD for PCBs Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:17:27 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?4,590,590#msg-590 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?4,590,590#msg-590 Is this something to do with the way eagle works? or am I somehow missing some configuration entry or option?

if there is nothing that can be done, is there an automated way to have a program go through the gcodes and replace the G01 interpolated arcs and replace them with G02 and G03s?
I back plot the gcode into my cad program, and the small G01 line segments make up a circle that has been interpolated, and I can pick 3 of the small entities and do a 3 point arc, divide the arc in two, then join them to each other, to get the circle back... kind of de-interpolating it... since I can do this manually, I am thinking there should be a way to automate it. I also notice that the arcs around pads and wires are interpolated much finer than they are around polygons.

While the programs with nothing but G00 and G01 will run on my mahcine, I would like to get programs with G02 and G03 for arcs because my machine runs smoother with G02 and G03s, with all G01s, it stops for every tiny line segment, and all the starting and stopping makes it run kind of jerky. Also the arcs with G02 and G03 are more precise than the interpolated G01, which is not really an issue for the boards I am making now, which are all large though hole components, but it could make a difference if I ever get into small package surface mount things]]> zaaphod General Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:38:38 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,588,588#msg-588 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,588,588#msg-588
Nachdem ich zwischenzeitlich dachte, es klappt, hier nun doch wieder:

Sowohl bei TvOut 2 beta als auch bei Display Out habe ich das Problem, dass via VGA Adapter an meinem Ipad2 (4.3.3) die Ausgabe auf dem Monitor / TV auf dem Kopf steht. Drehe ich das iPad, dreht sich auch das Bild am Monitor und steht immernoch auf dem Kopf!






ipad 2 dock Electronics Wholesale ipad 2 skins]]> Jemar Forum Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:58:50 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,587,587#msg-587 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,587,587#msg-587 But then I clicked on "Accept and make my board" and got the following error:

ERROR
X Can't open 'C:\Program Files\EAGLE-5.11.0\scr\pcb-gcode-prg.scr'

What happened?

- Miles]]> MilesW CAD for PCBs Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:48:50 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,586,586#msg-586 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,586,586#msg-586 mikewaller Forum Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:28:00 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,585,585#msg-585 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,585,585#msg-585 Its a TB6550 based board, purchased from the guy on ebay that sold me my mill. (HE WAS ABSOLUTELY OF NO HELP!)

What i need to know is:
1) Have any of you owned one like this? (See attachment for photo)
2) If yes, could you tell me how to hook up the 5 pin mini plug on the PCB to stop switches or probe?

The documentation (See attached document) describes 4 inputs, i suppose this means the 5 pin connector? However, there is no description to hook them up, or even to identify pin 1 within the 5 pin connector.

Please add any information that might be helpful to a newby such as myself. I have made about 5 PCBs,
but now i'm ready to move on to probing and limit switches (I want to mill safely).
Thanks!

- Miles]]> MilesW Forum Sun, 04 Mar 2012 07:44:32 -0800 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?4,577,577#msg-577 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?4,577,577#msg-577 ecm General Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:51:27 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,561,561#msg-561 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,561,561#msg-561
[www.probotix.com]]]> mbroderick127 Forum Wed, 18 May 2011 11:33:23 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?6,550,550#msg-550 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?6,550,550#msg-550
I need some test files to torture it with... Anybody out there have some worthy examples? I would also like a couple of rather large ones to try it on. Execution timeston this sort of optimizer tend to go up order n squared. On a 2 Ghz box it optimizes a 6500 segment file in 0.2 seconds. On a 50,000 segment file it takes around 30 seconds.


(edited to fix a LOT of typos)]]> texaspyro Optimizing Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:58:31 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?15,549,549#msg-549 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?15,549,549#msg-549
Also, why does pcb-gcode not cut circles? It can do 359.xx degree arc, but not circles.]]> texaspyro Documentation Thu, 12 May 2011 03:39:04 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,547,547#msg-547 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?7,547,547#msg-547 I´m new in the forum and also using Eagle so this may be a really stupid question.
I´d like to get a GCode output to draw the pcb board using a CNC router. I use a pen in my router so the idea is to get a code to write each wire in the PCB.
The code I want should run inside the wires, and not outside like the one you use in a milling machine.
Any ideas about how to get this?]]> Roman9999 CAD for PCBs Sun, 08 May 2011 17:54:01 -0700 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?4,542,542#msg-542 http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?4,542,542#msg-542
I just wrote this for my own use. It seems to work OK, but I haven't exhaustively tested it yet. Feel free to give it a try and give me feedback. It works exclusively in inches. If you don't like the default settings, edit the ulp file and they are all right at the top.

For reference, I use 20 degree spade bits (from China off eBay) at 20k rpm for my stencils. They cut at around 12 mils wide. I like to put Z=0 at the surface of my table, so when my machine travels to Z=0 it is cutting the stencil. I use 5-mil brass sheets from McMaster and super-glue them to my MDF table. I cut and use stencils with openings for parts as small as 0402 and DFN/QFNs.

What my software does seem to handle:

separate top and bottom files (independently selectable)
settable tool size (does not warn you if tool is too large)
settable rapid travel z (z_up) and cutting z (z_down)
settable plunge feedrate and cutting feedrate
rectangular SMD pads
rectangles in the tCream/bCream layers
pads and rectangles at any rotation


What it kinda handles:

SMD pads with rounded edges - it currently just cuts a rectangle for them. This usually works fine when I stencil boards.


What it doesn't handle at all:

polygons in the tCream/bCream layers. It doesn't generate any gcode for them. If you have an item that uses a polygon for the solder cream opening, just add a rectangle of the appropriate size there in the tCream or bCream layer to get an opening in the stencil.

metric units

There is no toolpath optimization, but stencils are a single pass and cut in a few minutes, so it didn't seem worth the hassle.]]> SamCoVT General Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:33:27 -0700