Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
wrote:
> Thanks for the link.
> I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to make the
> traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout as a
> series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD program.
> Does anyone know how to do this?
> Thanks,
> Tei


In your attempts, use a paper and a marker for the first tries.  One 
thing you need it 'trace isolation' and not cutting traces.

Cutting the traces of the Gerber files will remove the copper you 
want, and leave everything else.

I think it is best to start at the mill and work backwards.

What are you using to run the mill ?
What file type can that program accept ?
What conversion is needed to get that from your PCB software ?

The easy part is getting output from Eagle or others.

The hard part is getting a file your mill can use.


Dave











> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leon_heller" 
<leon_heller@h...>
> wrote:
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" 
<teilhardo@y...> 
> > wrote:
> > > Hi All,
> > > I just joined this group because I am planning to make a 
homemade
> > > motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
> > > circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
> > > computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 
and
> > > some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
> > > handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
> > popular
> > > software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  
Are
> > > there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
> > > Thanks,
> > > Tei
> > 
> > The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with up to 
100 
> > holes:
> > 
> > http://www.pulsonix.com
> > 
> > Leon