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<rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">
    <channel>
        <title>PCB-GCode's New Home - Forum</title>
        <description>Discussion about this forum. How to do things, what happened to the other group, etc.</description>
        <link>http://pcbgcode.org/list.php?13</link>
        <lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:38:44 -0700</lastBuildDate>
        <generator>Phorum 5.2.7</generator>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,474,474#msg-474</guid>
            <title>Viewing drill Preview/experiencing problems (6 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,474,474#msg-474</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello,<br />
<br />
I am a new-b to the CNC world, and I have not received my CNC router yet, so I've been playing around with PCB-GCODE steadily for about a week now. The only problem that I haven't been able to figure out is how to view the drilling preview. (I've searched the boards over for this issue, and I haven't found a good answer, yet. So far the boards have solved most of my learning issues.)<br />
<br />
I'm only planning on making single sided boards for now.<br />
<br />
Here's what I do:<br />
1) Draw a board up in Eagle.<br />
2) run pcb-gcode-setup c:/mygcode */I keep my files in the mygcode folder because otherwise I get wacky errors.*/<br />
3) I select: Generate Bottom Outlines, Generate Bottom Drills, Show Preview, Generate Milling, Spot Drill Holes<br />
4) The preview of the bot.etch.tap shows up first. It looks great!<br />
top.mill.tap, bot.mill.tap are blank. I think this is probably ok though.<br />
<br />
The file filename.bot.drill has locations for 28 holes, which is 1 more than is on the board. Any help to actually see the preview and to make sure that I'm doing it right is greatly appreciated. I want to be sure that I'm up to speed once my CNC router arrives.<br />
<br />
<strong class="bbcode">Also</strong>, which files does EMC2 (for Ubuntu) use to control a CNC device? I'll be using Lumenlab's micRo for the CNC routing, if that is something that helps.<br />
<br />
Other info:<br />
Windows XP (both at work and at home...same problem)<br />
Eagle 5.10.0 Light<br />
PCB-GCODE (latest version 11-2009)<br />
<br />
Thanks,<br />
tech-tut]]></description>
            <dc:creator>tech-tut</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:30:38 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,468,468#msg-468</guid>
            <title>Some improvement proposal (4 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,468,468#msg-468</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ hello,<br />
<br />
First, thanks very much for this really useful ULP and sorry for my bad english! ;-)<br />
<br />
I tested PCB-Gcode 3.5.2.11 and it is very good!<br />
But I have some improvement proposal.<br />
<br />
I think it's better, on the beginning of a file, the XY-Move is before the Z-Move to Z-Up.<br />
Because, there can be a &quot;device to hold the pcb&quot; (i don't know the english word for this - i hope you understand me).<br />
And the Move to X0,Y0 is not needed, i think. <br />
The result will be looking like this:<br />
<br /><pre class="bbcode">
G21
G90
G00 Z30.0000 
M03
G04 P2.000000
<strong class="bbcode">G00 X-30.5590 Y31.9900 // First move XY directly to the first position of the job, not to X0, Y0</strong>
<strong class="bbcode">G00 Z2.0000  // And after the XY-Move it comes the Z-Move to Z-Up</strong>
G01 Z-0.1000 F254   
G01 X-30.5972 Y31.8978 F508   
G01 X-30.6678 Y31.8272</pre>
 <br />
<br />
I testet it with following editing:<br />
<br />
pcb-file-utils.h:<br />
<br /><pre class="bbcode">
void begin_gcode(void)
{
	out(get_mode());

	<strong class="bbcode">cur_x = -999.999; // I think you forgot it?!...
	cur_y = -999.999; // ...Its important that the cur_positions are &quot;cleared&quot;... 
	cur_z = -999.999; // ...before starting a new file.</strong>

	out(ABSOLUTE_MODE);
	<strong class="bbcode">rz(DEFAULT_Z_HIGH); // Here the Move of Z first!
	//rxy(X_HOME, Y_HOME); // This is not needed, i think...</strong>
	out(fr(SPINDLE_ON, SPINDLE_ON_TIME));
}</pre>
<br />
<br />
pcb-gcode.ulp: <br />
<br />
void drill()<br />
<br /><pre class="bbcode">
if (DO_TOOL_CHANGE_WITH_ZERO_STEP == YES) {
		<strong class="bbcode">rxy(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_X, TOOL_CHANGE_POS_Y); // This I added</strong>
		output_tool_zero_begin();
		fzr(0.000, FEED_RATE_Z);
		out(fir(TOOL_CHANGE, m_current_tool, drill_size));
		output_tool_zero_end();
		<strong class="bbcode">rz(DEFAULT_Z_UP); // This I added</strong>
	}

	<strong class="bbcode">rxy(drill_x, drill_y); // This I added -&gt; First move to the XY position, after that it comes the Z-Move
	out(fr(SPINDLE_ON, SPINDLE_ON_TIME)); // This i moved from two lines below to here</strong>
	rz(DEFAULT_Z_UP);
	<strong class="bbcode">//out(fr(SPINDLE_ON, SPINDLE_ON_TIME)); // see two lines before...</strong>
	output_tool_change_end();</pre>
<br />
<br />
<br />
void device_draw()<br />
<br /><pre class="bbcode">
case ST_START_LINE:
			user_track_begin(rx1, ry1, rx2, ry2);

			m_lines += coords(rx1, ry1, rx2, ry2);

			<strong class="bbcode">if (cur_z != DEFAULT_Z_DOWN) // This i added
				rxy(rx1, ry1); // This i added (Move XY before Move Z)</strong>
			rz(DEFAULT_Z_UP);
			rxy(rx1, ry1);
			fzr(z_down, FEED_RATE_Z);
			fxyr(rx2, ry2, FEED_RATE);
			pair_count = 0;
			break;

	case ST_ARC_END:
			user_arc_end(rx1, ry1, rx2, ry2);
			real cx = rx2;
			real cy = ry2;
			real end_x = rx1;
			real end_y = ry1;
		
			if (1 /* USE_IJ_RELATIVE */) {
				cx = rx2 - rx1;
				cy = ry2 - ry1;
			}

			<strong class="bbcode">if (cur_z != DEFAULT_Z_DOWN) // Here the same...
				rxy(rx1, ry1); // ...as above</strong>

			rz(DEFAULT_Z_UP);
			rxy(end_x, end_y);
			fzr(z_down, FEED_RATE_Z);
			if (g_side == TOP || MIRROR_BOTTOM == YES) {
				out(frrrr(CIRCLE_TOP, m_arc_begin_x, m_arc_begin_y, cx, cy));
			}
			else {
				out(frrrr(CIRCLE_BOTTOM, m_arc_begin_x, m_arc_begin_y, cx, cy));
			}
			break;</pre>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is all, i think. If you want, you can take this changes for the next release of pcb-gcode.<br />
It's just an idea. In my opinion, it is better with this changes, but you can decide :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
And i have another Idea. For the Tool-Change Positions it is useful to use the &quot;G53&quot;-command for using the Machine Coordinates.<br />
Maybe, you can create a new Checkbox in the Dialog: <br />
<br />
pcb-gcode-setup.ulp (dlgDialog):<br />
<br /><pre class="bbcode">
dlgGroup(&quot;Tool Change&quot;) {
				dlgGridLayout {
					dlgCell(1, 0) dlgLabel(&quot;Position X &quot;);
					dlgCell(1, 1) { dlgRealEdit(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_X); 
						dlgLabel(m_uom_suffix, YES); 
					}
					dlgCell(2, 0) dlgLabel(&quot;Position Y &quot;);
					dlgCell(2, 1) { dlgRealEdit(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_Y); 
						dlgLabel(m_uom_suffix, YES); 
					}
					dlgCell(3, 0) dlgLabel(&quot;Position Z &quot;);
					dlgCell(3, 1) { dlgRealEdit(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_Z); 
						dlgLabel(m_uom_suffix, YES); 
					}
					<strong class="bbcode">dlgCell(4, 0) { dlgCheckBox(&quot;Use Machine Coordinates  &quot;, USE_MACHINE_COORDINATES_FOR_TOOL_CHANGE); //Here is the new Checkbox
					}</strong>
					
				}
			}</pre>
<br />
<br />
the USE_MACHINE_COORDINATES_FOR_TOOL_CHANGE certainly have to be defined...<br />
<br />
pcb-gcode.ulp: drill()<br />
<br /><pre class="bbcode">
if (drill_size == last_size) {
					output_drill_hole(drill_x, drill_y, DRILL_DEPTH);
				}
				else {
					m_current_tool++;
					output_tool_change_begin();
					out(SPINDLE_OFF);
					<strong class="bbcode">if (USE_MACHINE_COORDINATES_FOR_TOOL_CHANGE == YES) { // This I added
						rz_mc(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_Z);	// This I added
						rxy_mc(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_X, TOOL_CHANGE_POS_Y); // This I added
					} // This I added
					else { // This I added </strong>
						rz(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_Z); 
						rxy(TOOL_CHANGE_POS_X, TOOL_CHANGE_POS_Y);
					<strong class="bbcode">} // This I added</strong>
					out(fir(TOOL_CHANGE, get_tool_num_for(my_strtol(drill_args[DRILL_SIZE]), m_current_tool), drill_size));
					output_tool_changed();</pre>
<br />
<br />
And the new routines in pcb-file-utils.h:<br />
<br /><pre class="bbcode">
<strong class="bbcode">// Move Z in machine coordinates
void rz_mc(real z)
{
	
	out(MACHINE_COORDINATES + fr(RAPID_MOVE_Z, z) + EOL);
	cur_z = 999.99; // Very important, because the &quot;real&quot;-Position (Not-Machine-Position) is not well-known!!

}

// Move XY in machine coordinates
void rxy_mc(real x, real y)
{
	out(MACHINE_COORDINATES +  frr(RAPID_MOVE_XY, x, y)               + EOL);
	cur_x = 999.99;
	cur_y = 999.99;
}</strong></pre>
<br />
<br />
The variable MACHINE_COORDINATES have to be defined in the postprocessor-files as &quot;G53 &quot;.<br />
Just Tested with Mach3! -&gt; works! :)<br />
<br />
I hope I could help you.<br />
<br />
regards<br />
kami89]]></description>
            <dc:creator>kami89</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:12:20 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,464,464#msg-464</guid>
            <title>No bottom drill file being generated (4 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,464,464#msg-464</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Just got PCB-GCODE running. It's producing  the &quot;board.bot.etch.tap&quot; file just fine. But I don't see bot.drill.tap or bot.text.tap files. Any ideas? I think(?!) I have it set up properly in the pcb-gcode-setup. <br />
<br />
Also I can see the board.bot.etch.tap file loads nicely into Mach3.<br />
<br />
Any ideas on where these files are or how to generate them?<br />
<br />
Thx ...]]></description>
            <dc:creator>ecm</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:30:48 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,459,459#msg-459</guid>
            <title>No Z depth on milling file (3 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,459,459#msg-459</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ HI I have made A board and thee is no depth on the Z in the .mill file the .etch is fine.<br />
If some one can help would be good.<br />
Regards<br />
David.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>cnc.david</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sat, 07 Aug 2010 08:49:10 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,454,454#msg-454</guid>
            <title>Problem with isolation width settings (4 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,454,454#msg-454</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi,<br />
<br />
i try to convert a simple test layout to g-code for experimenting with my self build cnc. Now i have a little problem with the settings in pcb-gcode for the width of the isolation path.<br />
<br />
For my tests i set &quot;Default&quot; &quot;Maximum&quot; and &quot;Step size&quot; isolation settings and &quot;Etching Tool Size&quot; to the same value of 0.2mm. The wanted result is that i have only one etching path around the pads and wires. I created a simple test layout just for this which has everywhere more than 0.2mm space between all pads and wires. Now the problem is that at positions where the space is only marginal greater than 0.2mm i have no etching patch inbetween.<br />
<br />
So maybe i misunderstand the settings but when i set my tool size to 0.2mm and the wanted isolation to 0.2mm than why isn't there an isolation patch between these pads/wires?<br />
<br />
I already tried to set the stop-masks to zero so that there is no greater border around the objects but that doesn't help. When i set all four settings to 0.15mm i get some and when setting to 0.1mm i get all of the missing etching paths. But i don't think that it would be a good idea to set these to 0.1mm when my etching tool is 0.2mm in reality.<br />
<br />
I attached a screenshot of the sample layout with grid set to 0.2mm. It is easily seen that the distance of 0.2mm is even at the critical positions available. I also attached the resulting visual of the gcode for 0.1/0.15/0.2mm settings where my problem could be seen.<br />
<br />
I hope someone knows what i do wrong because i'm eager to further test my cnc accuracy with this test layout. :)<br />
<br />
Ciao,<br />
Rainer]]></description>
            <dc:creator>rainer</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:43:53 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,451,451#msg-451</guid>
            <title>Troubles... (1 reply)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,451,451#msg-451</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi,<br />
<br />
I am having a bit of trouble generating the gcode with pcb-gcode and will explain. The board was designed in kicad. Gerber files were generated using 'plot' in kicad. I then used the &quot;gerber to eagle script&quot; found in Eagle PCB power tools so that I could open my pcb in eagle. Now able to open the PCB in eagle, I am using pcb-gcode (v3.5.2.11).  &quot;run pcb-gcode&quot; runs the script, produces a plot with only the holes visible, not the traces. I also don't actually get a .nc file. I have tried putting a location after: &quot;run pcb-gcode C:\...&quot; and have run the setup. Nothing seems to do it.<br />
<br />
<a rel="nofollow"  href="http://img842.imageshack.us/i/eagletop1280.jpg/"><img src="http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2662/eagletop1280.th.jpg" class="bbcode" alt="http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2662/eagletop1280.th.jpg" /></a><br />
<a rel="nofollow"  href="http://img827.imageshack.us/i/gcodeviewer1280.jpg/"><img src="http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1331/gcodeviewer1280.th.jpg" class="bbcode" alt="http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1331/gcodeviewer1280.th.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Thanks for taking,<br />
Thorp]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Thorp</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:37:09 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,450,450#msg-450</guid>
            <title>getting started (1 reply)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,450,450#msg-450</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello Everyone,<br />
<br />
This is my first post here so this is all new to me. A friend of mine has a small CNC Taig Mill using a Mach controller. I'd like to find someone here that is familiar with this set-up and possibly has a small board designed with Eagle software that they could share with me and to help to get my friends taig mill to make his board. I realize this is a long shot and a lot to ask but it would really get me going into designing my own boards and would shorten the steep learning curve required if anyone has the patience and the time. Any help would really be appreciated.<br />
<br />
Thanks In Advance<br />
jessey]]></description>
            <dc:creator>jessey</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:39:52 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,447,447#msg-447</guid>
            <title>Using the Viewer (2 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,447,447#msg-447</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ First time using PCB-GCode.  How do you use the viewer to preview your .tap files? It appears to always open the same file: .../docs/examples/enabtmr.bot.etch.tap and I can't figure out how to open other files.  I've tried running the ULP from Eagle and running the viewer app from the command line (Win7 64bit).  I have the Show Preview box checked. Sorry if I'm missing something simple.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>rdagger</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:09:49 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,445,445#msg-445</guid>
            <title>Problems generating Gcode from eagle PCB (1 reply)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,445,445#msg-445</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello all,<br />
<br />
First of all, PCB g-code is an excellent program. I have just finished my CNC drill and use it to generate a few PCB drill files. I have been trying out various PCB's to drill, but Pcb-gcode generates an error on one particular PCB.<br />
<br />
Let me explain a bit:<br />
<br />
When I etch a small PCB, I usually repeat the pattern a few times over so I get more out one 8 by 10cm panel. <br />
<br />
I have a small PCB about 3 by 4 centimetres and use Pcb-gcode to generate the drill file for the PCB, no problems occur. But when I generate the drill file for one pcb with a few small PCB's on it. I get the following error:<br />
<br />
C:/Program Files/Eagle-5.7.0/ulp/source/drill.h(142):<br />
<br />
Can't find field name 'drill_size'<br />
in header (first line of database)<br />
<br />
Included by:<br />
C:/Program Files/Eagle-5.7.0/ulp/pcb-gcode.ulp<br />
<br />
Any idea what is wrong? If you want I can put the whole eagle project online somewhere.<br />
<br />
Thank you in advance.<br />
<br />
PS: Remaking the PCB is going to be a royal pain in the lower back, It is a one on one copy from an application note and took quite some effort to get right.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>squantmuts</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:27:36 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,444,444#msg-444</guid>
            <title>Milling SMT PCBs, spindle speed and feedrate? (3 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,444,444#msg-444</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ I tried milling PCBs previously, but didn't have good luck for a bunch of different reasons.<br />
I started playing with this again recently with much better equipment, and I've been having good luck so far milling small ( 1&quot;x1&quot; ) boards.  <br />
<br />
I attached a Proxxon Pro. Grinder IB/E as a secondary spindle for my Emco F1 CNC machine (upgraded to work with Mach3).  While the Proxxon looks like a dremel tool, it has much less runout than my dremel and is much easier to mount with its 20mm collar.  I'm using a Drewtronics 60 degree spade bit.  For the images I've attached, I'm running the spindle at 20Krpm and using a feed rate of 8in/min.<br />
<br />
In one of the images, I overlaid an image of my eagle file (I had to skew it slightly because the camera was not right over the PCB when I took the picture).  You can see a tiny sliver of copper between the component pads and the copper pour on the bottom because my cut was just a bit thinner than what I had put into Eagle.  I still had plenty of isolation, so I just left it that way and soldered up this board; it works as expected first try!<br />
<br />
I'd be interested in any thoughts on feeds and spindle speeds.  I can run up to 20Krpm spindle speed and up to 45in/min feed.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>SamCoVT</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:18:52 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,443,443#msg-443</guid>
            <title>Drills (no replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,443,443#msg-443</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi, there's some way to generate one separate file for each drill tool?]]></description>
            <dc:creator>yuri</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:50:05 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,441,441#msg-441</guid>
            <title>metal backed PCB laminates (no replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,441,441#msg-441</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello group,<br />
<br />
Not quite sure where to make the following announcement.<br />
<br />
I am now in a position to offer copper sheetmetal backed FR4 laminate.<br />
<br />
Hope to be able to offer Aluminium backed FR4 laminate soon.<br />
<br />
The laminate is stacked up according to Your preferences and starts life with half ounce copper foil on top layer.<br />
<br />
The foil can be plated to Your requirements.<br />
<br />
laminate offered in only one size 380mm x 360mm. The limiting factor is the size of laminating vacuum cassette and press.<br />
<br />
Costing will depend on specific requirement.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Miller</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2010 03:27:30 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,437,437#msg-437</guid>
            <title>drill_size error? (2 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,437,437#msg-437</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello,<br />
<br />
When running program in version 5.8.0 I get the following error when the scripts gets to creating the drill files:<br />
<br />
error in file drill.h<br />
<br />
&quot;can't find field name drill_size in header (first line of database)&quot;<br />
<br />
The other files are created without any problems.<br />
<br />
Do you have any ideas what the issue may be?]]></description>
            <dc:creator>bacon</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:38:48 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,436,436#msg-436</guid>
            <title>Thin diagonal traces (1 reply)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,436,436#msg-436</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ I am having trouble where all my traces are thinner when they are diagonal than vertical or horizontal.  It is causing 16mil traces to occasionally disappear when they would otherwise be fairly wide.  Does anyone have any ideas about what typically causes this?  My only idea is the stepsize might be too large, but it is 4000 steps per inch which seems plenty small to me.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>gammaxy</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 06:12:18 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,417,417#msg-417</guid>
            <title>Error (no replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,417,417#msg-417</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ I have just set up pcb gcode on my mac and everything seems to be working (zipped files into ulp and setup program runs) but when I go to run pcb gcode in eagle it tells me that  there is an error. &quot;illegal phase 0 in main routine&quot; Has anyone experienced this problem or does anyone have an advice? Thank you and I tried to attach a screenshot for more clarity.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>monfrere</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:55:49 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,406,406#msg-406</guid>
            <title>Losing Calibration (17 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,406,406#msg-406</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello,<br />
<br />
First of all I would like to thank JJ for creating a very nice and pretty easy to understand plug-in, Thank you very much.<br />
<br />
I would like to ask the people on this forum about the following. When I run a PCB with 1 pass there is no problem. When I cut multiple passes I appear to have the problem that my CNC machine is not cutting right next to the cut that's already there. This results in a PCB that's not useable at all because the machine sometimes cuts the existing traces.<br />
Does anyone know to solve this problem? And is it an EMC2 problem or PCD-GCODE problem?<br />
<br />
I use a 0,4mm V-bit on a <a rel="nofollow"  href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ75p4ImsjY">CNC-Sable machine</a>.<br />
<br />
I could be that I should calibrate something in EMC2 but for no I just have no clue. <br />
<br />
Thanks in advance,<br />
<br />
Rob.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Rob</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:56:37 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,404,404#msg-404</guid>
            <title>Invisible Fill Polygon problem (no replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,404,404#msg-404</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ I seem to have an invisible polygon.  As you can see, I'm hoping the etch will look like the picture labeled &quot;New Picture (1)&quot;, but instead, it looks like the picture labeled &quot;New Picture,&quot; which has that extra useless fragment outside the board outline.  You can't see it in the pictures but there is one running the length of the board on the bottom.<br />
<br />
Any ideas how to get rid of it?  There aren't any polygons up there, I checked.<br />
<br />
Thanks!]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Technosteve</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:32:47 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,401,401#msg-401</guid>
            <title>Milling and Etching text (2 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,401,401#msg-401</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ I made several pcbs, all SMD.  The only useful file is the Etch file. For some reason the milling and text files show up empty.<br />
<br />
What can I do to be able to get text to show up on the Etch file?<br />
<br />
Thanks!]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Technosteve</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:33:13 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,398,398#msg-398</guid>
            <title>I have a problem. (2 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,398,398#msg-398</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ <a rel="nofollow"  href="http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,14344.0.html">My thread on the Mach3 forum.</a><br />
Pcb-gcode is turning a horizontal line to a diagonal line. Why is it doing this?<br />
<br />
Thanks for the help.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Drools</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:47:19 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,396,396#msg-396</guid>
            <title>new member with one question (1 reply)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,396,396#msg-396</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ My Probotix CNC router is on its way and I've been experimenting quite a bit with pcb-gcode.  I'll be using EMC2.  My main question is, how do you reset/rezero the board accurately after flipping it?  I have no real experience with machine tools, so I'm unfamiliar with the operation that will give me perfect registration from the back to the front.<br />
<br />
Is there a procedure or FAQ on this topic?<br />
<br />
Joe]]></description>
            <dc:creator>wiggler</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:34:21 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,391,391#msg-391</guid>
            <title>Cutting circles on the milling layer (2 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,391,391#msg-391</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello, I am trying to mill a board outline which was drawn with the &quot;circle&quot; command in eagle. Even though I have set the layer to milling, the gcode program will not produce any code. I don't have any problem generating code for outlines drawn with the &quot;wire&quot; command set to the milling layer. Any ideas?]]></description>
            <dc:creator>darren</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:45:41 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,388,388#msg-388</guid>
            <title>Creating SMT PCB;'s using PCB G-code (1 reply)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,388,388#msg-388</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi, this is my first post so here goes.<br />
<br />
I am having difficulty tryoing to get correct settings to allow me to make smt PCB's on my cnc machine.<br />
<br />
Can anyone advise on settings required?<br />
<br />
its so annoying as i only seem to just get outlines of complete smt devices, and not the individual pads.<br />
<br />
Thanks for any help.<br />
<br />
Nat<br />
<br />
roboteernat.blogspot.com]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Roboteernat</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:51:59 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,377,377#msg-377</guid>
            <title>Would any one mind looking over a couple of Eagle files (4 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,377,377#msg-377</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi<br />
I am totally new to the cad side of PC boards. I have downloaded Eagle and read the tutorial and input a schematic. Then attampted to do the board.<br />
<br />
Would anyone look the Eagle files over for me and tell me if they have any chance of making it through PCB Route?<br />
<br />
If so I could attach or email the two Eagle files..<br />
They are for a win detector for a cub scout pinewoood derby..<br />
<br />
Thanks<br />
Garry]]></description>
            <dc:creator>gmfoster</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:21:07 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,375,375#msg-375</guid>
            <title>Some question for understanding pcb-gcode (1 reply)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,375,375#msg-375</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi all,<br />
I am pretty new to the CNC thing and now trying to produce a PCB, at least drilling and outline milling.<br />
<br />
I have created a simple Layout with a nice Outline (something to place LEDs on it).<br />
<br />
But how does the ULP create the outline? I have drawn the outline in Eagle on Layer &quot;20, Dimension&quot;, but pcg-gcode only generates Mill-Files (and Etch-Files and Drill-Files) for Top and Bottom Layer.<br />
<br />
I am a little confused how the different Tools and depths (one for engraving the circuit paths and one for milling the outline of the PCB) are handled / generated.<br />
<br />
I would have expected something like &quot;Generate outline milling&quot;.<br />
<br />
Best regards,<br />
Mr.Green]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Mr.Green</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:34:47 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,371,371#msg-371</guid>
            <title>Missing Isolation Traces... (2 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,371,371#msg-371</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ I seem to be having a severe time getting PCB-Gcode to output all the isolation traces and via pads.  I have a pretty simple PCB built from scratch (1.5 dozen or so traces and components) using Eagle.  When running pcb-gcode, the preview looks like it's properly determining the perimeters to carve but when I import the resulting g-code into mach3, it seems that some of the traces or pads are simply missing......sometimes it dies right in the middle of a via or pad...<br />
<br />
Is there a way to &quot;tell&quot; pcb-gcode to outline everything once using whatever bit I want, and done?  I'm just trying to get it to output everything necessary to cut a side of the board, regardless of pad size and hole tolerances.<br />
<br />
Any input would be most helpful.....and I have to say, I can see that this could be a very, very useful tool......<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
<br />
Matthew]]></description>
            <dc:creator>madmattman</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:07:26 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,366,366#msg-366</guid>
            <title>Return to zero (4 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,366,366#msg-366</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi folks,<br />
I just started using this software with Eagle 5.6 and Mach3. A  question. I didn't see a way to eliminate the return to zero for bit changing in the 'pcb-gcode-setup' screen and had to do it in my gcode.(a pain) Is there a way to set this up without going into Gcode? <br />
<br />
Thanks for the softwatre and help,<br />
Rob]]></description>
            <dc:creator>Robaroni</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:47:39 -0700</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,364,364#msg-364</guid>
            <title>Gentlemen, Calibrate your bits (2 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,364,364#msg-364</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ A number of people have contacted me, complaining about the quality of PCB's they end up with, and one common problem is that people have not spent time calibrating the width of the bits they use.<br />
<br />
Rather than repeat myself in email, I have created a web-page with how I do it:<br />
<br />
[<a rel="nofollow"  href="http://phk.freebsd.dk/CncPcb/calibrate.html">phk.freebsd.dk</a>]<br />
<br />
enjoy,<br />
<br />
Poul-Henning]]></description>
            <dc:creator>bsdphk</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:44:42 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,363,363#msg-363</guid>
            <title>Fills generation (3 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,363,363#msg-363</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hello JJ. I am continuing to use pcb-gcode-3.3.3 version for the bottom and top fill while milling, drilling and cutting the printed circuit board using the version pcb-gcode-3.5.2.11 changing each time the directory path in Eagle ULP . Unfortunately, the process fills the case in one direction. One solution might be to change the lines of gcode, but it is a job very long at the risk of making mistakes. Is there an easier way to do this kind of change? Thank you in advance and congratulations for the work. Merry Christmas and happy new year. Giordano.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>giordano58</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:25:12 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,352,352#msg-352</guid>
            <title>Drill parameters,  and post processors (6 replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,352,352#msg-352</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ Hi JJ,<br />
I can not get the parameters for drill cycles using the Turbocnc post processor. The tcnc post used to produce them with the first hole co-ordinates for every drill. <br />
<br />
Here's a sample block from a post showing how tcnc PP used to work:<br />
<br />
G82 X-0.2000 Y0.2000 Z0.1000 F5.00  R0.3500 P0.100000<br />
<br />
which is now replaced by this block instead:<br />
<br />
G82 X-0.2000 Y0.2000 <br />
 <br />
Is it possible to obtain information on how to write a CNCPRO post processor? At present, I post in Turbocnc and manually edit the files for cncpro. CNCpro has a homing function which I need to flip the boards on a mirror line, established by 2 pins in the table top. So the board has to reference to the table which has the home switches. You sent me a CNCPRO PP trial version about a year ago but it wouldn't work and I didn't want to bother you because your life seemed pretty hectic at the time, so I carried on  hand coding.<br />
I can email good working samples of Tcnc posted drill cycles converted over to cncpro drill cycles. The drills are the most difficult to convert by hand.<br />
cheers,<br />
Denis]]></description>
            <dc:creator>dcassyc1</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:58:18 -0800</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,349,349#msg-349</guid>
            <title>I just posted a new topic and I cannot find it.... (no replies)</title>
            <link>http://pcbgcode.org/read.php?13,349,349#msg-349</link>
            <description><![CDATA[ JUst posted a new topic a few minutes ago and I can't see what happened to it...<br />
<br />
<br />
Note from Moderator: It should be there now as you were (operative word) on moderated status.  The message was just approved and you have been removed from moderated status.]]></description>
            <dc:creator>oxxyfx</dc:creator>
            <category>Forum</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:54:29 -0700</pubDate>
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