Synth-DIY Yahoo! Groups Archives

Thread

Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by Kamal Shankar

I have a lot of small graphics/pictures as PS files
which I want to embed/convert into a single PS/PDF
file so that I can print out all the graphics in one
sheet instead of one small graphic per sheet.

The individual graphics are on the average 1/10 the
size of A4 and I want to print as many of them as
possible on a single A4 sheet without changing their
original size/scale. (100%)

Actually, the "graphics" are PCB layouts output by
EAGLE in PS format. I use the toner transfer method to
make my own PCBs and so I want to consolidate as many
small PCBs as possible in a single A4 Glossy paper
sheet.

How do I do that ?

I have access to Adobe Acrobat Prof. 6.0 and the GNU
Ghostscript set of tools.

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by Leon Heller

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kamal Shankar" <kbshankar2000@...>
To: <eaglecad@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2006 3:08 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

>I have a lot of small graphics/pictures as PS files
> which I want to embed/convert into a single PS/PDF
> file so that I can print out all the graphics in one
> sheet instead of one small graphic per sheet.
>
> The individual graphics are on the average 1/10 the
> size of A4 and I want to print as many of them as
> possible on a single A4 sheet without changing their
> original size/scale. (100%)
>
> Actually, the "graphics" are PCB layouts output by
> EAGLE in PS format. I use the toner transfer method to
> make my own PCBs and so I want to consolidate as many
> small PCBs as possible in a single A4 Glossy paper
> sheet.
>
> How do I do that ?
>
> I have access to Adobe Acrobat Prof. 6.0 and the GNU
> Ghostscript set of tools.

What I used to do with Easy-PC was to copy/paste the individual PCBs into a
larger PCB and print that. If you output them as Gerber files you might be
able to use GC-Prevue to panellise them.

Leon

---
[This E-mail has been scanned for viruses but it is your responsibility
to maintain up to date anti virus software on the device that you are
currently using to read this email. ]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by Mycroft2152

Leon,

I'm sure that works well in EASY PC, but as he said he
is using EAGLE. Most likely the free version which
only allows a 3" x 4" board, which is why he has a lot
of small files.

If he has a full version of EAGLE , then he can
panelize, or cut and paste the pcb's there.

I usually just cut out a small piece of the toner
transfer paper and attach it to a sheet of regular
paper with laser labels.

Though it would be more convenient to paste the
graphics first and then print.

I've just started using Adobe Acrobat Prof, but I t
seems there should be a way do do it there.

TANSTAAFL!

Myc

--- Leon Heller <leon.heller@...> wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kamal Shankar" <kbshankar2000@...>
> To: <eaglecad@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2006 3:08 PM
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on
> a single A4 paper
>
>
> >I have a lot of small graphics/pictures as PS files
> > which I want to embed/convert into a single PS/PDF
> > file so that I can print out all the graphics in
> one
> > sheet instead of one small graphic per sheet.
> >
> > The individual graphics are on the average 1/10
> the
> > size of A4 and I want to print as many of them as
> > possible on a single A4 sheet without changing
> their
> > original size/scale. (100%)
> >
> > Actually, the "graphics" are PCB layouts output by
> > EAGLE in PS format. I use the toner transfer
> method to
> > make my own PCBs and so I want to consolidate as
> many
> > small PCBs as possible in a single A4 Glossy paper
> > sheet.
> >
> > How do I do that ?
> >
> > I have access to Adobe Acrobat Prof. 6.0 and the
> GNU
> > Ghostscript set of tools.
>
> What I used to do with Easy-PC was to copy/paste the
> individual PCBs into a
> larger PCB and print that. If you output them as
> Gerber files you might be
> able to use GC-Prevue to panellise them.
>
> Leon
>
> ---
> [This E-mail has been scanned for viruses but it is
> your responsibility
> to maintain up to date anti virus software on the
> device that you are
> currently using to read this email. ]
>
>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by guja

CorelDRAW, import PS.
:)
Leon Heller <leon.heller@...> wrote:

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kamal Shankar" kbshankar2000@...
......
> I have access to Adobe Acrobat Prof. 6.0 and the GNU
> Ghostscript set of tools.

What I used to do with Easy-PC was to copy/paste the individual PCBs into a
larger PCB and print that. If you output them as Gerber files you might be
able to use GC-Prevue to panellise them.

Leon

---------------------------------
Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by William Kroyer

I'm new to using the PCB layout CAD programs but I have found that
you can place traces, etc outside of the 3"X4" area. You just can't place
parts outside of that space. I tried copying and pasting a small boards
layout next to each other and it did copy all of the traces and vias
associated with the traces but not the vias for the parts. It would be
a bit
time consuming but you could, in theory, go through and replace the
missing vias and then use that one to copy and paste multiple boards
side by side.

Mycroft2152 wrote:

> Leon,
>
> I'm sure that works well in EASY PC, but as he said he
> is using EAGLE. Most likely the free version which
> only allows a 3" x 4" board, which is why he has a lot
> of small files.
>
> If he has a full version of EAGLE , then he can
> panelize, or cut and paste the pcb's there.
>
> I usually just cut out a small piece of the toner
> transfer paper and attach it to a sheet of regular
> paper with laser labels.
>
> Though it would be more convenient to paste the
> graphics first and then print.
>
> I've just started using Adobe Acrobat Prof, but I t
> seems there should be a way do do it there.
>
> TANSTAAFL!
>
> Myc
>
>
>
> --- Leon Heller <leon.heller@...> wrote:
>
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Kamal Shankar" <kbshankar2000@...>
> > To: <eaglecad@yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2006 3:08 PM
> > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on
> > a single A4 paper
> >
> >
> > >I have a lot of small graphics/pictures as PS files
> > > which I want to embed/convert into a single PS/PDF
> > > file so that I can print out all the graphics in
> > one
> > > sheet instead of one small graphic per sheet.
> > >
> > > The individual graphics are on the average 1/10
> > the
> > > size of A4 and I want to print as many of them as
> > > possible on a single A4 sheet without changing
> > their
> > > original size/scale. (100%)
> > >
> > > Actually, the "graphics" are PCB layouts output by
> > > EAGLE in PS format. I use the toner transfer
> > method to
> > > make my own PCBs and so I want to consolidate as
> > many
> > > small PCBs as possible in a single A4 Glossy paper
> > > sheet.
> > >
> > > How do I do that ?
> > >
> > > I have access to Adobe Acrobat Prof. 6.0 and the
> > GNU
> > > Ghostscript set of tools.
> >
> > What I used to do with Easy-PC was to copy/paste the
> > individual PCBs into a
> > larger PCB and print that. If you output them as
> > Gerber files you might be
> > able to use GC-Prevue to panellise them.
> >
> > Leon
> >
> > ---
> > [This E-mail has been scanned for viruses but it is
> > your responsibility
> > to maintain up to date anti virus software on the
> > device that you are
> > currently using to read this email. ]
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
> Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
>
> If Files or Photos are running short of space, post them here:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs_Archives/
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
> Electrical engineering degree online
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=j8BDcUZHaUFXRiTdGW1cNQ>
> Electrical engineering degree
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+degree&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=1hRjimUH1bArkHkhwLHsKQ>
> Printed circuit board
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Printed+circuit+board&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=w-9RSkp3c_F5z9sFsIUKCg>
>
> Electrical engineering
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=kdeBl4DzkdrbwYZnXCp4qA>
> Electrical engineering course
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+course&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=b2N2CgZCtQayHKIbuMnSbw>
> Electrical engineering graduate school
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=4vee4qVM4QxoRdI6upxwMg>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> * Visit your group "Homebrew_PCBs
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs>" on the web.
>
> * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
>
> * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

--

<www.kilroysprojects.net>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by Lez

save all as bitmap at 300/600 dpi etc, I use shareware prince digital
to fit to a page.

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by Stefan Trethan

Print or export to some graphic format (e.g. TIF), and copy/paste the
files together with paint shop pro or similar software.
paint shop can be found for like $10 on ebay for the older versions, which
are a lot faster for large tiff files anyway, so better. I use version 6,
i believe 7 should be OK also. 8 is already slow.

ST

On Sun, 14 May 2006 17:10:26 +0200, William Kroyer
<william.kroyer@...> wrote:

> I'm new to using the PCB layout CAD programs but I have found that
> you can place traces, etc outside of the 3"X4" area. You just can't
> place
> parts outside of that space. I tried copying and pasting a small boards
> layout next to each other and it did copy all of the traces and vias
> associated with the traces but not the vias for the parts. It would be
> a bit
> time consuming but you could, in theory, go through and replace the
> missing vias and then use that one to copy and paste multiple boards
> side by side.

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-14 by Christopher Hart

I just use a much simpler method for my boards right now. As I don't have a
laser printer, but my parrents do for their shop, I just export the file as
an HPGL file, and import it into CorelDraw, save it, and they print it and
press it on the board for me with their heat press. If I am making multiple
boards, I can put as many on the sheet as I want. I don't know what the paper
they use is, but I do know that it costs about $1 per legal size sheet.
(8.5x14)

Christopher Hart
KC8UFV

On Sunday 14 May 2006 11:10, William Kroyer wrote:
> I'm new to using the PCB layout CAD programs but I have found that
> you can place traces, etc outside of the 3"X4" area. You just can't place
> parts outside of that space. I tried copying and pasting a small boards
> layout next to each other and it did copy all of the traces and vias
> associated with the traces but not the vias for the parts. It would be
> a bit
> time consuming but you could, in theory, go through and replace the
> missing vias and then use that one to copy and paste multiple boards
> side by side.
>
> Mycroft2152 wrote:
> > Leon,
> >
> > I'm sure that works well in EASY PC, but as he said he
> > is using EAGLE. Most likely the free version which
> > only allows a 3" x 4" board, which is why he has a lot
> > of small files.
> >
> > If he has a full version of EAGLE , then he can
> > panelize, or cut and paste the pcb's there.
> >
> > I usually just cut out a small piece of the toner
> > transfer paper and attach it to a sheet of regular
> > paper with laser labels.
> >
> > Though it would be more convenient to paste the
> > graphics first and then print.
> >
> > I've just started using Adobe Acrobat Prof, but I t
> > seems there should be a way do do it there.
> >
> > TANSTAAFL!
> >
> > Myc
> >
> > --- Leon Heller <leon.heller@...> wrote:
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "Kamal Shankar" <kbshankar2000@...>
> > > To: <eaglecad@yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2006 3:08 PM
> > > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on
> > > a single A4 paper
> > >
> > > >I have a lot of small graphics/pictures as PS files
> > > > which I want to embed/convert into a single PS/PDF
> > > > file so that I can print out all the graphics in
> > >
> > > one
> > >
> > > > sheet instead of one small graphic per sheet.
> > > >
> > > > The individual graphics are on the average 1/10
> > >
> > > the
> > >
> > > > size of A4 and I want to print as many of them as
> > > > possible on a single A4 sheet without changing
> > >
> > > their
> > >
> > > > original size/scale. (100%)
> > > >
> > > > Actually, the "graphics" are PCB layouts output by
> > > > EAGLE in PS format. I use the toner transfer
> > >
> > > method to
> > >
> > > > make my own PCBs and so I want to consolidate as
> > >
> > > many
> > >
> > > > small PCBs as possible in a single A4 Glossy paper
> > > > sheet.
> > > >
> > > > How do I do that ?
> > > >
> > > > I have access to Adobe Acrobat Prof. 6.0 and the
> > >
> > > GNU
> > >
> > > > Ghostscript set of tools.
> > >
> > > What I used to do with Easy-PC was to copy/paste the
> > > individual PCBs into a
> > > larger PCB and print that. If you output them as
> > > Gerber files you might be
> > > able to use GC-Prevue to panellise them.
> > >
> > > Leon
> > >
> > > ---
> > > [This E-mail has been scanned for viruses but it is
> > > your responsibility
> > > to maintain up to date anti virus software on the
> > > device that you are
> > > currently using to read this email. ]
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> > http://mail.yahoo.com
> >
> >
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
> > Photos:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> >
> > If Files or Photos are running short of space, post them here:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs_Archives/
> >
> >
> >
> > SPONSORED LINKS
> > Electrical engineering degree online
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+degree+onlin
> >e&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degre
> >e&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engine
> >ering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=j8B
> >DcUZHaUFXRiTdGW1cNQ> Electrical engineering degree
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+degree&w1=El
> >ectrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Pr
> >inted+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+c
> >ourse&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=1hRjimUH1b
> >ArkHkhwLHsKQ> Printed circuit board
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Printed+circuit+board&w1=Electrical
> >+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+ci
> >rcuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w6
> >=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=w-9RSkp3c_F5z9sFsI
> >UKCg>
> >
> > Electrical engineering
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering&w1=Electrica
> >l+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Printed+c
> >ircuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+course&w
> >6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=kdeBl4DzkdrbwYZnX
> >Cp4qA> Electrical engineering course
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+course&w1=El
> >ectrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+degree&w3=Pr
> >inted+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engineering+c
> >ourse&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=b2N2CgZCtQ
> >ayHKIbuMnSbw> Electrical engineering graduate school
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electrical+engineering+graduate+sch
> >ool&w1=Electrical+engineering+degree+online&w2=Electrical+engineering+deg
> >ree&w3=Printed+circuit+board&w4=Electrical+engineering&w5=Electrical+engi
> >neering+course&w6=Electrical+engineering+graduate+school&c=6&s=211&.sig=4
> >vee4qVM4QxoRdI6upxwMg>
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > * Visit your group "Homebrew_PCBs
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs>" on the web.
> >
> > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
> > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> > Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> --
>
>
>
> <www.kilroysprojects.net>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
> Photos: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
>
> If Files or Photos are running short of space, post them here:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs_Archives/
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
> Electrical engineering degree online Electrical engineering degree
> Printed circuit board Electrical engineering Electrical engineering
> course Electrical engineering graduate school
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
> Visit your group "Homebrew_PCBs" on the web.
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
> Message transport security by GatewayDefender
> 11:10:41 AM ET - 5/14/2006

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Kamal Shankar

--- guja <guja2001bg@...> wrote:

> CorelDRAW, import PS.
> :)

Guja - can you clarify the following :

You are saying that if I get CorelDraw, then I can
open up each .PS file separately and copy them all/fit
them into a single A4 sheet ?

Is that right ?

Do clarify as I dont wanna spend money behind
CorelDRAW if this cannot be done. Also I never used
this package before, so do tell me if it will maintain
the sizes of the graphics (I don't want the PCBs to
shrink/stretch in any manner)

Hmmm... if this works, do anyone of you have a copy of
CorelDRAW you are willing to transfer by FedEX ?

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Kamal Shankar

--- Mycroft2152 <mycroft2152@...> wrote:

> is using EAGLE. Most likely the free version which
> only allows a 3" x 4" board, which is why he has a
> lot
> of small files.

Right on target. I'm making these boards at home,
where I have a free version.

>
> If he has a full version of EAGLE , then he can
> panelize, or cut and paste the pcb's there.

I have a full version at work though, but am not
familiar with the above. Could you just explain it to
me ?

Note that the PCBs are from different projects, and
I/m not sure if EAGLE can open more than one project
at a time.

> I usually just cut out a small piece of the toner
> transfer paper and attach it to a sheet of regular
> paper with laser labels.

That's manual labour and my last resort if things
don't work the electronic way ;)

> I've just started using Adobe Acrobat Prof, but I t
> seems there should be a way do do it there.

Exactly !

Acrobat should have some way of letting me edit PS/PDF
files.

I thought that there must be a way where I can open up
all my small PS files, and copy-paste them into a A4
sheet.

But perhaps Acrobat does not let me do that or I am
too dumb to figure out how.

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Kamal Shankar

--- Christopher Hart <tech_guru@...>
wrote:

> If I am making multiple
> boards, I can put as many on the sheet as I want.

That's exactly what I want to do.

Say if I have 4 PCBs 2inches long by 2 inches wide,
and I have a 4x4 sq. inch glossy paper, I want to
print two PCBs across and two down, so I get all the 4
PCBs fit nicely on a single page.

Is this what you are saying ?

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Christopher Hart

That's exactly what I'm saying. They don't even have to be the same board.
I'll upload a screenshot of a layout of multiple boards in Corel 9 (the
version I use) when I get home from work.

On Monday 15 May 2006 22:40, Kamal Shankar wrote:
> --- Christopher Hart <tech_guru@...>
>
> wrote:
> > If I am making multiple
> > boards, I can put as many on the sheet as I want.
>
> That's exactly what I want to do.
>
> Say if I have 4 PCBs 2inches long by 2 inches wide,
> and I have a 4x4 sq. inch glossy paper, I want to
> print two PCBs across and two down, so I get all the 4
> PCBs fit nicely on a single page.
>
> Is this what you are saying ?
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
> Photos: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
>
> If Files or Photos are running short of space, post them here:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs_Archives/
>
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
> Visit your group "Homebrew_PCBs" on the web.
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
> Message transport security by GatewayDefender
> 10:42:58 PM ET - 5/15/2006

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Kamal Shankar

> That's exactly what I'm saying. They don't even have
> to be the same board.
> I'll upload a screenshot of a layout of multiple
> boards in Corel 9 (the
> version I use) when I get home from work.

Thanks a lot. I'll wait for your screenshot.

I guess you convert the PCBs to pictures and then
treat them as pictures througout.

Right ?

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Christopher Hart

Actually I export them as HPGL, which is basically a text file with all the
lines decribed in it. It is the same language that controls most plotters. I
import it 1 to 1, and it makes itself the right size. CorelDRAW is primarily
used for editing vector graphics, although it can work with raster images
(bitmaps)

Christopher Hart
KC8UFV

On Tuesday 16 May 2006 02:15, Kamal Shankar wrote:
> > That's exactly what I'm saying. They don't even have
> > to be the same board.
> > I'll upload a screenshot of a layout of multiple
> > boards in Corel 9 (the
> > version I use) when I get home from work.
>
> Thanks a lot. I'll wait for your screenshot.
>
> I guess you convert the PCBs to pictures and then
> treat them as pictures througout.
>
> Right ?

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Mycroft2152

Its been a while since I've used EAGLE, I've moved
over to DipTrace (free version), it's much easier to
use. There is no limit to the size of the board, just
the number of pins. t even imports EAGLE libraries.

I put 12 1"square pcbs on one EAGLE board. I remember
2 things abpout doing it. First, there is a panelize
ULP and second, I had to keep the schematic file
closed and work only with the pcb file.

It seemd that cut and paste did work, again with the
pcb open only.

For anything larger than 3"x4" with EAGLE FREE, you do
need some type of graphics program. Just be careful
that you don't change the size of the printout, even
very subtly.

If i can find the file, I'll post it. it may give some
clues on the procedure.

Sorry, I can't be of more help.

Myc

--- Kamal Shankar <kbshankar2000@...> wrote:

> --- Mycroft2152 <mycroft2152@...> wrote:
>
> > is using EAGLE. Most likely the free version which
> > only allows a 3" x 4" board, which is why he has a
> > lot
> > of small files.
>
> Right on target. I'm making these boards at home,
> where I have a free version.
>
> >
> > If he has a full version of EAGLE , then he can
> > panelize, or cut and paste the pcb's there.
>
> I have a full version at work though, but am not
> familiar with the above. Could you just explain it
> to
> me ?
>
> Note that the PCBs are from different projects, and
> I/m not sure if EAGLE can open more than one project
> at a time.
>
> > I usually just cut out a small piece of the toner
> > transfer paper and attach it to a sheet of regular
> > paper with laser labels.
>
> That's manual labour and my last resort if things
> don't work the electronic way ;)
>
> > I've just started using Adobe Acrobat Prof, but I
> t
> > seems there should be a way do do it there.
>
> Exactly !
>
> Acrobat should have some way of letting me edit
> PS/PDF
> files.
>
> I thought that there must be a way where I can open
> up
> all my small PS files, and copy-paste them into a A4
> sheet.
>
> But perhaps Acrobat does not let me do that or I am
> too dumb to figure out how.
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by mycroft2152

I posted a board file in the EALGE Cad file section showing mutiple
boards on a single pcb. I couldn't find the 12 up version, this is
actually better, since it nas multiples of 2 different boards.

Myc

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mycroft2152 <mycroft2152@...>
wrote:

>
> Its been a while since I've used EAGLE, I've moved
> over to DipTrace (free version), it's much easier to
> use. There is no limit to the size of the board, just
> the number of pins. t even imports EAGLE libraries.
>
> I put 12 1"square pcbs on one EAGLE board. I remember
> 2 things abpout doing it. First, there is a panelize
> ULP and second, I had to keep the schematic file
> closed and work only with the pcb file.
>
> It seemd that cut and paste did work, again with the
> pcb open only.
>
> For anything larger than 3"x4" with EAGLE FREE, you do
> need some type of graphics program. Just be careful
> that you don't change the size of the printout, even
> very subtly.
>
> If i can find the file, I'll post it. it may give some
> clues on the procedure.
>
> Sorry, I can't be of more help.
>
> Myc
>
>
> --- Kamal Shankar <kbshankar2000@...> wrote:
>
> > --- Mycroft2152 <mycroft2152@...> wrote:
> >
> > > is using EAGLE. Most likely the free version which
> > > only allows a 3" x 4" board, which is why he has a
> > > lot
> > > of small files.
> >
> > Right on target. I'm making these boards at home,
> > where I have a free version.
> >
> > >
> > > If he has a full version of EAGLE , then he can
> > > panelize, or cut and paste the pcb's there.
> >
> > I have a full version at work though, but am not
> > familiar with the above. Could you just explain it
> > to
> > me ?
> >
> > Note that the PCBs are from different projects, and
> > I/m not sure if EAGLE can open more than one project
> > at a time.
> >
> > > I usually just cut out a small piece of the toner
> > > transfer paper and attach it to a sheet of regular
> > > paper with laser labels.
> >
> > That's manual labour and my last resort if things
> > don't work the electronic way ;)
> >
> > > I've just started using Adobe Acrobat Prof, but I
> > t
> > > seems there should be a way do do it there.
> >
> > Exactly !
> >
> > Acrobat should have some way of letting me edit
> > PS/PDF
> > files.
> >
> > I thought that there must be a way where I can open
> > up
> > all my small PS files, and copy-paste them into a A4
> > sheet.
> >
> > But perhaps Acrobat does not let me do that or I am
> > too dumb to figure out how.
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > protection around
> > http://mail.yahoo.com
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Stefan Trethan

On Tue, 16 May 2006 08:15:35 +0200, Kamal Shankar
<kbshankar2000@...> wrote:

> Thanks a lot. I'll wait for your screenshot.
> I guess you convert the PCBs to pictures and then
> treat them as pictures througout.
> Right ?

Yes, that's what i do. Just make sure you set the printing scale to 100%
and use the correct DPI setting for the image (like 600DPI if you use a
600DPI printer). Then it will come out 1:1.
I found this to be the most tricky part - getting 1:1 scale, because the
TIFF export was out of scale on my PCB software, but they fixed it now.
I usually make a new image in PSP with A4 size and resolution 600DPI, into
which i copy the PCBs, multiple times if needed. This allows me to see how
it fits on the page and where to place them.

By the way - while we are at fixed PCB software, they added custom colors
per net for ratsnest lines to Target V12 after my suggestion. Finally i
have that neat feature back which i missed so from the Orcad days. Now i
ought to update to the new version to get that feature ;-). I wasn't
expecting it, the guy didn't sound enthusiastic on the phone when he
called to ask about it back then...

ST

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Leon Heller

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 12:47 PM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

By the way - while we are at fixed PCB software, they added custom colors
per net for ratsnest lines to Target V12 after my suggestion. Finally i
have that neat feature back which i missed so from the Orcad days. Now i
ought to update to the new version to get that feature ;-). I wasn't
expecting it, the guy didn't sound enthusiastic on the phone when he
called to ask about it back then...

I can do that with Pulsonix. I never use it though.

Leon

---
[This E-mail has been scanned for viruses but it is your responsibility
to maintain up to date anti virus software on the device that you are
currently using to read this email. ]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Kamal Shankar

I was hacking around with Paintshop today :

Opened up the .PS in Paintshop, and copied the PCBs
into a single sheet but on different layers.

What I noticed though was that there was considerable
distortion in the picture - edges were jagged and
traces were un-uniform....

I think it will be better if I manipulate the .PS or
HPGL files directly, instead of converting them to
pictures and then printing them.. maintaining the
scaling correctly ishard work too when you are working
with pictures, as I see it.

Never ever worked with PSP before though, never
required to ;)

Hope this problem works out...

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Christopher Hart

I was unable to upload this to the files area, it says there is not enough
space available, so I made it available on my machiene here. Note that this
is a cable modem, please don't take all my bandwith. :-)
http://kc8ufv.no-ip.com/Eagle2Corel.zip

Christopher Hart
KC8UFV

On Tuesday 16 May 2006 02:21, Christopher Hart wrote:
> Actually I export them as HPGL, which is basically a text file with all
> the lines decribed in it. It is the same language that controls most
> plotters. I import it 1 to 1, and it makes itself the right size. CorelDRAW
> is primarily used for editing vector graphics, although it can work with
> raster images (bitmaps)
>
> Christopher Hart
> KC8UFV
>
> On Tuesday 16 May 2006 02:15, Kamal Shankar wrote:
> > > That's exactly what I'm saying. They don't even have
> > > to be the same board.
> > > I'll upload a screenshot of a layout of multiple
> > > boards in Corel 9 (the
> > > version I use) when I get home from work.
> >
> > Thanks a lot. I'll wait for your screenshot.
> >
> > I guess you convert the PCBs to pictures and then
> > treat them as pictures througout.
> >
> > Right ?
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
> Photos: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
>
> If Files or Photos are running short of space, post them here:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs_Archives/
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
> Electrical engineering degree online Electrical engineering degree
> Printed circuit board Electrical engineering Electrical engineering
> course Electrical engineering graduate school
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
> Visit your group "Homebrew_PCBs" on the web.
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
> Message transport security by GatewayDefender
> 2:21:18 AM ET - 5/16/2006

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-16 by Stefan Trethan

On Tue, 16 May 2006 16:42:26 +0200, Kamal Shankar
<kbshankar2000@...> wrote:

> I was hacking around with Paintshop today :
> Opened up the .PS in Paintshop, and copied the PCBs
> into a single sheet but on different layers.
> What I noticed though was that there was considerable
> distortion in the picture - edges were jagged and
> traces were un-uniform....
> I think it will be better if I manipulate the .PS or
> HPGL files directly, instead of converting them to
> pictures and then printing them.. maintaining the
> scaling correctly ishard work too when you are working
> with pictures, as I see it.
> Never ever worked with PSP before though, never
> required to
> Hope this problem works out...

If you use raster images you need to make sure everything is at printer
resolution and stays that way.
If for some reason it is resized/resampled it will be made a mess off.

ST

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-17 by Kamal Shankar

--- Stefan Trethan <stefan_trethan@...> wrote:

> If you use raster images you need to make sure
> everything is at printer
> resolution and stays that way.
> If for some reason it is resized/resampled it will
> be made a mess off.

That's the VERY reason why I wanna stay with vector
graphics. Used vectored graphics all my life and wanna
stay that way.

That's why I wanna tools that directly support PS
/HPGL and son, but I can;t seem to find any.

Do you know if some Gerber compatible viewers (Autovue
?) can also handle PS/HPGL ?

Let me know

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Printing many small PCBs on a single A4 paper

2006-05-17 by Zoran A. Scepanovic

Hello Kamal,

Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 7:18:34 AM, you wrote:

> --- Stefan Trethan <stefan_trethan@...> wrote:

>> If you use raster images you need to make sure
>> everything is at printer
>> resolution and stays that way.
>> If for some reason it is resized/resampled it will
>> be made a mess off.

> That's the VERY reason why I wanna stay with vector
> graphics. Used vectored graphics all my life and wanna
> stay that way.

> That's why I wanna tools that directly support PS
> /HPGL and son, but I can;t seem to find any.

> Do you know if some Gerber compatible viewers (Autovue
> ?) can also handle PS/HPGL ?

> Let me know

CorelDraw! Search on e-Bay!

--
Best regards,
Zoran A. Scepanovic
zastos@...

*********
Good judgment comes from experience,
experience comes from bad judgment
*********

Please be advised what was said may be absolutely wrong, and hereby this disclaimer follows. I reserve the right to be wrong and admit it in front of the entire world.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]