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[Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

[Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

2011-02-04 by Mark Lerman

I remember that a number of people on the group have plotters. As I 
mentioned in my DLP post, I would like to try a laser to strip paint 
resist off the pcb. Instead of a cnc, I'm wondering if a plotter will 
work. Questions:

1 - How good is a plotter's resolution? Can it draw (assuming a thin 
enough pen or a narrowly focused laser) 2 lines 4 mils apart?
2 - Can a plotter carry a laser diode weighing a few ounces (say 
60-100 gm) with trailing wires without its function being degraded?
3 - Are software and drivers reasonably available for windows XP?

I see that HP plotters are readily available on ebay (7450) - does 
anyone have experience with these?

Thanks for any insight!

Mark

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

2011-02-04 by anachrocomputer

--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
> From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...>
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information
> To: homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52

> work. Questions:
> 
> 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution? 

Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
HP plotter laanguage that nearly all plotters use, is
40 steps per mm.  So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
an upper limit to resolution, at least.

-- 
John Honniball

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

2011-02-04 by Mark Lerman

At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:

>--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
> > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...>
> > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information
> > To: homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
>
> > work. Questions:
> >
> > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
>
>Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
>HP plotter laanguage that nearly all plotters use, is
>40 steps per mm.  So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
>the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
>the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
>an upper limit to resolution, at least.

Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
Mark

RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

2011-02-04 by Boman33

Note:
The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A PCB is
rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper carrier.

The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting the
paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth track
the previous indented markings.

A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber optic
cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen assembly.
Today lasers are much smaller.
Bertho
==============================
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:

>--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
> > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...>
homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
>
> > work. Questions:
> >
> > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
>
>Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
>HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
>40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
>the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
>the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
>an upper limit to resolution, at least.

Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
Mark

RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

2011-02-04 by Mark Lerman

Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on 
the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can 
a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
Mark

At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>Note:
>The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A PCB is
>rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper carrier.
>
>The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting the
>paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth track
>the previous indented markings.
>
>A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber optic
>cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen assembly.
>Today lasers are much smaller.
>Bertho
>==============================
>
>From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
>At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>
> >--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
> > > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...>
>homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
> >
> > > work. Questions:
> > >
> > > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
> >
> >Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
> >HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
> >40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
> >the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
> >the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
> >an upper limit to resolution, at least.
>
>Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
>Mark
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

2011-02-04 by Ronald Cody

Check-out the small flat bed plotters A to B size. Many years ago I used the
small HP flatbed plotters to direct print PCB artwork at 2X then photo
reduce. That was Mid-1980's but they  did .001 resolution. The nice thing is
they are dirt cheap and built like a tank. A quick look on ebay looks like
$100 is the going price. So with a the flatbed no worries about the PCB
fitting.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Mark Lerman
Sent: February 04, 2011 2:18 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

 

  

Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on 
the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can 
a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
Mark

At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>Note:
>The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane. A PCB is
>rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper carrier.
>
>The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting
the
>paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth track
>the previous indented markings.
>
>A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber
optic
>cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen
assembly.
>Today lasers are much smaller.
>Bertho
>==============================
>
>From: Mark Lerman Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
>At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>
> >--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...
<mailto:mlerman%40ix.netcom.com> > wrote:
> > > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...
<mailto:mlerman%40ix.netcom.com> >
>homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com> 
> > > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
> >
> > > work. Questions:
> > >
> > > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
> >
> >Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
> >HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
> >40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
> >the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
> >the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
> >an upper limit to resolution, at least.
>
>Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
>Mark
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>





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

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plotter Information

2011-02-04 by Bill Maxwell

I have a Comrex plotter that moves the paper in the Y plane but I 
suspect that was common only in such cheaper devices and perhaps in the 
later larger plan print type plotters. My pair of Rolands are flat bed 
types that move the pen in both X and Y directions, with the paper fixed 
to the bed.

Bill
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 5/02/2011 8:19 AM, Boman33 wrote:
> Note:
> The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A PCB is
> rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper carrier.
>
> The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting the
> paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth track
> the previous indented markings.
>
> A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber optic
> cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen assembly.
> Today lasers are much smaller.
> Bertho
> ==============================
>
> From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
> At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>
>> --- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>  wrote:
>>> From: Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>
> homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>>> Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
>>> work. Questions:
>>>
>>> 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
>> Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
>> HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
>> 40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
>> the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
>> the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
>> an upper limit to resolution, at least.
> Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
> Mark
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3421 - Release Date: 02/03/11
>
>

Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-05 by designer_craig

PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller and a rubber pinch roller.  It depends on the grit pattern digging into the paper. Alos the paper bed is curved.  You also need a roller set at the other side of the paper or it will not run straight.

Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had an electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder system.

Craig 

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on 
> the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can 
> a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
> Mark
> 
> At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> >Note:
> >The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A PCB is
> >rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper carrier.
> >
> >The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting the
> >paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth track
> >the previous indented markings.
> >
> >A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber optic
> >cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen assembly.
> >Today lasers are much smaller.
> >Bertho
> >==============================
> >
> >From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
> >At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> >
> > >--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
> > > > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...>
> >homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
> > >
> > > > work. Questions:
> > > >
> > > > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
> > >
> > >Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
> > >HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
> > >40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
> > >the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
> > >the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
> > >an upper limit to resolution, at least.
> >
> >Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
> >Mark
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >------------------------------------
> >
> >Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> >http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-05 by Boman33

I currently have, and I have used several other models of HP pen plotters,
but they are old and all of them were analog and took a varying voltage as
input.  In other words, not easily controlled by a computer without
additional digital to analog converters.
Bertho
======================================
From:  designer_craig    Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2011 14:25
PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller and a
rubber pinch roller. It depends on the grit pattern digging into the paper.
Alos the paper bed is curved. You also need a roller set at the other side
of the paper or it will not run straight.
Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had an
electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder
system.
Craig 

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
> Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on 
> the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can 
> a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
> Mark
> 
> At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> >Note:
> >The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane. A PCB is
> >rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper carrier.
> >
> >The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting
the
> >paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth
track
> >the previous indented markings.
> >
> >A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber
optic
> >cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen
assembly.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> >Today lasers are much smaller.
> >Bertho
> >==============================
> >
> >From: Mark Lerman Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
> >At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> >
> > >--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
> > > > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...>
> >homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
> > >
> > > > work. Questions:
> > > >
> > > > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
> > >
> > >Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
> > >HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
> > >40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
> > >the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
> > >the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
> > >an upper limit to resolution, at least.
> >
> >Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
> >Mark

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by VK3YV

Hi , I am again looking for information on a DXY 800. I have one with both 
serial and parallel but no information regarding drivers and any other info 
that is relative to it, "any luck". If all else fails  I may rebuild it 
using a 5 axis driver board I am waiting on. The only problem I have is it 
is a MACH 3 CNC activated thing and I don't know If I can plot with it. I 
have a HP pen holder and solenoid to replace the Roland one. One of the uses 
will be for board layouts using the plotter frame and use the electronics in 
a better frame and steppers to engrave panels.
Many thanks,
Don....
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "designer_craig" <cs6061@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:25 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information


> PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller and 
> a rubber pinch roller.  It depends on the grit pattern digging into the 
> paper. Alos the paper bed is curved.  You also need a roller set at the 
> other side of the paper or it will not run straight.
>
> Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had an 
> electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder 
> system.
>
> Craig
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
>>
>> Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on
>> the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can
>> a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
>> Mark
>>
>> At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>> >Note:
>> >The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A PCB 
>> >is
>> >rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper 
>> >carrier.
>> >
>> >The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting 
>> >the
>> >paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth 
>> >track
>> >the previous indented markings.
>> >
>> >A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber 
>> >optic
>> >cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen 
>> >assembly.
>> >Today lasers are much smaller.
>> >Bertho
>> >==============================
>> >
>> >From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
>> >At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>> >
>> > >--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@...> wrote:
>> > > > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@...>
>> >homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>> > > > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
>> > >
>> > > > work. Questions:
>> > > >
>> > > > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
>> > >
>> > >Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
>> > >HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
>> > >40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
>> > >the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
>> > >the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
>> > >an upper limit to resolution, at least.
>> >
>> >Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
>> >Mark
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------------
>> >
>> >Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
>> >Photos:
>> >http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
> Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3423 - Release Date: 02/05/11 
06:36:00

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by Bill Maxwell

I cant help with the DXY-800 specifically, Don but I have recently 
scanned the Operations manual for its multi-pen brother, the DXY-880, if 
that helps.

Bill, VK7MX
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 6/02/2011 11:54 AM, VK3YV wrote:
> Hi , I am again looking for information on a DXY 800. I have one with both
> serial and parallel but no information regarding drivers and any other info
> that is relative to it, "any luck". If all else fails  I may rebuild it
> using a 5 axis driver board I am waiting on. The only problem I have is it
> is a MACH 3 CNC activated thing and I don't know If I can plot with it. I
> have a HP pen holder and solenoid to replace the Roland one. One of the uses
> will be for board layouts using the plotter frame and use the electronics in
> a better frame and steppers to engrave panels.
> Many thanks,
> Don....
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "designer_craig"<cs6061@...>
> To:<Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:25 AM
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information
>
>
>> PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller and
>> a rubber pinch roller.  It depends on the grit pattern digging into the
>> paper. Alos the paper bed is curved.  You also need a roller set at the
>> other side of the paper or it will not run straight.
>>
>> Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had an
>> electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder
>> system.
>>
>> Craig
>>
>> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>  wrote:
>>> Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on
>>> the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can
>>> a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
>>> Mark
>>>
>>> At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>>>> Note:
>>>> The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A PCB
>>>> is
>>>> rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper
>>>> carrier.
>>>>
>>>> The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting
>>>> the
>>>> paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth
>>>> track
>>>> the previous indented markings.
>>>>
>>>> A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber
>>>> optic
>>>> cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen
>>>> assembly.
>>>> Today lasers are much smaller.
>>>> Bertho
>>>> ==============================
>>>>
>>>> From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
>>>> At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> --- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>  wrote:
>>>>>> From: Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>
>>>> homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>>>>>> Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
>>>>>> work. Questions:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
>>>>> Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
>>>>> HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
>>>>> 40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
>>>>> the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
>>>>> the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
>>>>> an upper limit to resolution, at least.
>>>> Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>>>> Photos:
>>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>> Photos:
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3423 - Release Date: 02/05/11
> 06:36:00
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3424 - Release Date: 02/05/11
>
>

Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by hotsnausage

It's not clear to me how much you're really going to be leveraging the existing software for the plotter though.  You might not have enough control over the plotter for things like (the equivalent of) feed rate, and you'll have to do something custom for managing the intensity (incl. on/off) of the laser.  For example, you'll probably have to spoof the pen up/down control to turn the laser on&off with your own electronics.

So in the end, you may just be using the mechanical parts and have to drive it yourself.  Nevertheless, having a working software/hardware setup that you could reverse-engineer would be A Good Thing (tm).

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by VK3YV

Hi Bill, I have nothing except the plotter and even that is missing the 
power supply. Is there any chance of a copy of what you have scanned it 
would be most useful and I would at least have an idea what the switches do. 
Its all black magic at the moment!
Many thanks,
Don....
 vk3yv@...
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Maxwell" <wrmaxwell@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 12:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information


>I cant help with the DXY-800 specifically, Don but I have recently
> scanned the Operations manual for its multi-pen brother, the DXY-880, if
> that helps.
>
> Bill, VK7MX
>
> On 6/02/2011 11:54 AM, VK3YV wrote:
>> Hi , I am again looking for information on a DXY 800. I have one with 
>> both
>> serial and parallel but no information regarding drivers and any other 
>> info
>> that is relative to it, "any luck". If all else fails  I may rebuild it
>> using a 5 axis driver board I am waiting on. The only problem I have is 
>> it
>> is a MACH 3 CNC activated thing and I don't know If I can plot with it. I
>> have a HP pen holder and solenoid to replace the Roland one. One of the 
>> uses
>> will be for board layouts using the plotter frame and use the electronics 
>> in
>> a better frame and steppers to engrave panels.
>> Many thanks,
>> Don....
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "designer_craig"<cs6061@...>
>> To:<Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
>> Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:25 AM
>> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information
>>
>>
>>> PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller 
>>> and
>>> a rubber pinch roller.  It depends on the grit pattern digging into the
>>> paper. Alos the paper bed is curved.  You also need a roller set at the
>>> other side of the paper or it will not run straight.
>>>
>>> Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had 
>>> an
>>> electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder
>>> system.
>>>
>>> Craig
>>>
>>> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>  wrote:
>>>> Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on
>>>> the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can
>>>> a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>> At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>>>>> Note:
>>>>> The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A 
>>>>> PCB
>>>>> is
>>>>> rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper
>>>>> carrier.
>>>>>
>>>>> The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually 
>>>>> indenting
>>>>> the
>>>>> paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth
>>>>> track
>>>>> the previous indented markings.
>>>>>
>>>>> A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber
>>>>> optic
>>>>> cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen
>>>>> assembly.
>>>>> Today lasers are much smaller.
>>>>> Bertho
>>>>> ==============================
>>>>>
>>>>> From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
>>>>> At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> --- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>  wrote:
>>>>>>> From: Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>
>>>>> homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>>>>>>> Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
>>>>>>> work. Questions:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
>>>>>> Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
>>>>>> HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
>>>>>> 40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
>>>>>> the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
>>>>>> the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
>>>>>> an upper limit to resolution, at least.
>>>>> Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
>>>>> Mark
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------------------
>>>>>
>>>>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>>>>> Photos:
>>>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>>> Photos:
>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
>>
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3423 - Release Date: 02/05/11
>> 06:36:00
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
>> Photos:
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----
>> No virus found in this message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>> Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3424 - Release Date: 02/05/11
>>
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
> Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3424 - Release Date: 02/05/11 
18:34:00

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information / free SW

2011-02-06 by William Alford

At 10:45 PM 2/5/2011, you wrote:
> >>>>>> Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
> >>>>>> HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use

for what it's worth i've recently discovered that this free 
downloadable SW below will drive an HP plotter (haven't tried it 
yet). i have 2 HP plotters i plan to convert to vinyl cutters with 
addition of a knife holder.  if anybody pursues this please stay in 
touch, i'd like to hear about it.
-------------------------------------
a neat little FREE program that is a cutter driver and has SW that 
will vectorize. the parent company is defunct and the SW is therefore 
free and unrestricted. must always select to run in the 'trial' mode 
each time, but this is  same as full mode and will provide all the 
features. there is even a current forum to discuss using the SW.

  <http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?>http://support.uscutter.com/index.php? 
knowledge base

  <http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?>http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?
  step by step walk through on how to vectorise in SignBlazer Elements.



William Alford

"Great spirits have always found violent opposition from 
mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not 
thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and 
courageously uses his intelligence."
           -- Albert Einstein


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

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by Bill Maxwell

Give me a snail mail address, Don  and I'll send you a copy of the CD. 
I'm temporarily in Canberra at present and using pre-paid nextG, so 
bandwidth is too limited to try emailing it.

The manual gives the switch settings and also a good description of the 
DXY and RD-GL Command sets. I'm not sure whether they are all common to 
the DXY-800 although I did come across a review in a 1984 magazine when 
I was clearing out my old shack a month ago that suggested they were 
then newly released on the market at the same time, with the 800 
offering a slightly cheaper, single pen option. There was some coverage 
on this group back in January though that suggested the DXY-800 had more 
in common with a different model.

Supply is a little unusual in that it supplies 9VDC at 500mA and 35 DC 
at 700mA supposedly, although mine supplies 15VDC and 40VDC, which 
combined with its weight suggests that it is a simple tapped- secondary 
transformer and rectifier supply, without regulation.

Bill, VK7MX
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 6/02/2011 3:45 PM, VK3YV wrote:
> Hi Bill, I have nothing except the plotter and even that is missing the
> power supply. Is there any chance of a copy of what you have scanned it
> would be most useful and I would at least have an idea what the switches do.
> Its all black magic at the moment!
> Many thanks,
> Don....
>   vk3yv@...
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bill Maxwell"<wrmaxwell@...>
> To:<Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 12:15 PM
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information
>
>
>> I cant help with the DXY-800 specifically, Don but I have recently
>> scanned the Operations manual for its multi-pen brother, the DXY-880, if
>> that helps.
>>
>> Bill, VK7MX
>>
>> On 6/02/2011 11:54 AM, VK3YV wrote:
>>> Hi , I am again looking for information on a DXY 800. I have one with
>>> both
>>> serial and parallel but no information regarding drivers and any other
>>> info
>>> that is relative to it, "any luck". If all else fails  I may rebuild it
>>> using a 5 axis driver board I am waiting on. The only problem I have is
>>> it
>>> is a MACH 3 CNC activated thing and I don't know If I can plot with it. I
>>> have a HP pen holder and solenoid to replace the Roland one. One of the
>>> uses
>>> will be for board layouts using the plotter frame and use the electronics
>>> in
>>> a better frame and steppers to engrave panels.
>>> Many thanks,
>>> Don....
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "designer_craig"<cs6061@...>
>>> To:<Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
>>> Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:25 AM
>>> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information
>>>
>>>
>>>> PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller
>>>> and
>>>> a rubber pinch roller.  It depends on the grit pattern digging into the
>>>> paper. Alos the paper bed is curved.  You also need a roller set at the
>>>> other side of the paper or it will not run straight.
>>>>
>>>> Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had
>>>> an
>>>> electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder
>>>> system.
>>>>
>>>> Craig
>>>>
>>>> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>   wrote:
>>>>> Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on
>>>>> the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can
>>>>> a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
>>>>> Mark
>>>>>
>>>>> At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>>>>>> Note:
>>>>>> The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane.  A
>>>>>> PCB
>>>>>> is
>>>>>> rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper
>>>>>> carrier.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually
>>>>>> indenting
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth
>>>>>> track
>>>>>> the previous indented markings.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber
>>>>>> optic
>>>>>> cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen
>>>>>> assembly.
>>>>>> Today lasers are much smaller.
>>>>>> Bertho
>>>>>> ==============================
>>>>>>
>>>>>> From: Mark Lerman   Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
>>>>>> At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> --- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>   wrote:
>>>>>>>> From: Mark Lerman<mlerman@...>
>>>>>> homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>>>>>>>> Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
>>>>>>>> work. Questions:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
>>>>>>> Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
>>>>>>> HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
>>>>>>> 40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
>>>>>>> the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
>>>>>>> the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
>>>>>>> an upper limit to resolution, at least.
>>>>>> Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
>>>>>> Mark
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ------------------------------------
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>>>>>> Photos:
>>>>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>>>> Photos:
>>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>> Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3423 - Release Date: 02/05/11
>>> 06:36:00
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>>> Photos:
>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----
>>> No virus found in this message.
>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>> Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3424 - Release Date: 02/05/11
>>>
>>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
>> Photos:
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.872 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3424 - Release Date: 02/05/11
> 18:34:00
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3424 - Release Date: 02/05/11
>
>

Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by designer_craig

I would look at hacking one of  your old plotters.  Remove all but the motors and possibly the power supply.  If they used stepper motors you are in good shape just get a low cost two channel stepper driver bord off ebay then drive it Mach3 software. Now it will dance to G-Code which is very close to Gerber.

If they were built with servos you need to find a low cost servo driver like the open source UHU servo board.

Or even change the motor out to low cost steppers.

Then mount a laser diode on the pen holder.

Sounds like a fun project.

Craig

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Boman33" <boman33@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I currently have, and I have used several other models of HP pen plotters,
> but they are old and all of them were analog and took a varying voltage as
> input.  In other words, not easily controlled by a computer without
> additional digital to analog converters.
> Bertho
> ======================================
> From:  designer_craig    Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2011 14:25
> PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller and a
> rubber pinch roller. It depends on the grit pattern digging into the paper.
> Alos the paper bed is curved. You also need a roller set at the other side
> of the paper or it will not run straight.
> Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had an
> electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder
> system.
> Craig 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman <mlerman@> wrote:
> > Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on 
> > the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can 
> > a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
> > Mark
> > 
> > At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> > >Note:
> > >The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane. A PCB is
> > >rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper carrier.
> > >
> > >The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually indenting
> the
> > >paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth
> track
> > >the previous indented markings.
> > >
> > >A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber
> optic
> > >cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen
> assembly.
> > >Today lasers are much smaller.
> > >Bertho
> > >==============================
> > >
> > >From: Mark Lerman Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
> > >At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> > >
> > > >--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@> wrote:
> > > > > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@>
> > >homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > > > > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
> > > >
> > > > > work. Questions:
> > > > >
> > > > > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
> > > >
> > > >Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
> > > >HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
> > > >40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
> > > >the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
> > > >the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
> > > >an upper limit to resolution, at least.
> > >
> > >Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
> > >Mark
>

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by Henry Liu

My company makes low cost laser engravers (
http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/co2laserv2-40w.html) and laser
engraver electronics /software (
http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/RetinaEngrave.html)

I have played with 2 plotters already for PCB using a sharpie: Roland DXY
880 and DXY 1120.

Both of these had WinXP drivers (no Win7).

As others have mentioned, plotters are made to go at one speed and you can't
really slow them down.  I think mounting a laser would be pretty easy to the
12v solenoid down circuit.  You can tap 12v from the head also but you would
need to overcome the speed issue somehow.

Our CO2 laser works fine for stripping off paint, etc but you still need to
etch it and the dot size isn't that small (diffraction limited to around
0.002-0.005" depending on your lens).  You also need to paint the board and
also etch it afterwards which no longer makes this process fast.

We programmed a full set of printer electronics from scratch using our
RetinaEngrave controller including high speed rastering and vector modes.
 This would be a lot easier to do than hacking the plotter but of course at
higher cost (except remember the DXY 1120 was around $5000+ when new).  Our
software is also much easier to use since we can just print from any
application and it goes to the laser.  Just print your Gerber file and
instead of ink it ends up laser workpiece.

We used to run Mach3 but then realized GCode really isn't that suitable for
a laser because of the delay between turning the laser on/off and the time
it takes to start moving.  Basically it leave pierce points everywhere.
 When we rewrote everything we knew the exact velocity and position as a
function of time and were able to modulate the laser power around corners,
etc.  Mach3 also uses a very basic acceleration algorithm which isn't nearly
as good as our own in house vector trajectory algorithms.

Raster mode is easier to implement especially when you have a solid state
laser that you can turn on / off basically instantly.  Some other group
member mounted a blu ray laser to an inkjet printer and it worked pretty
well but no one else was able to replicate it due to the complexity.

Since we designed 100% the laser electronics and software, we could help
people modify to use other laser sources if they wanted (standard 5v
high/low signal to a mosfet).

We tested with a high powered q-switched DPSS YAG and also q-switched fiber
laser and were able to directly ablate copper in these scenarios.  However,
these lasers were not cheap.

On Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 10:10 AM, designer_craig <cs6061@...> wrote:

>
>
> I would look at hacking one of your old plotters. Remove all but the motors
> and possibly the power supply. If they used stepper motors you are in good
> shape just get a low cost two channel stepper driver bord off ebay then
> drive it Mach3 software. Now it will dance to G-Code which is very close to
> Gerber.
>
> If they were built with servos you need to find a low cost servo driver
> like the open source UHU servo board.
>
> Or even change the motor out to low cost steppers.
>
> Then mount a laser diode on the pen holder.
>
> Sounds like a fun project.
>
> Craig
>
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Boman33" <boman33@...> wrote:
> >
> > I currently have, and I have used several other models of HP pen
> plotters,
> > but they are old and all of them were analog and took a varying voltage
> as
> > input. In other words, not easily controlled by a computer without
> > additional digital to analog converters.
> > Bertho
> > ======================================
> > From: designer_craig Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2011 14:25
> > PC stock would not work in a larger HP plotter, you have a grit roller
> and a
> > rubber pinch roller. It depends on the grit pattern digging into the
> paper.
> > Alos the paper bed is curved. You also need a roller set at the other
> side
> > of the paper or it will not run straight.
> > Best bet is to find a smaller 11 x17 flat bed HP pen plotter. They had an
> > electrostatic system for holding the paper down and a gantry pen holder
> > system.
> > Craig
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Mark Lerman <mlerman@> wrote:
> > > Yes, I had heard about the indentation. I assume the indents are on
> > > the bottom so that I could mount the pcb on paper or cardboard?? Can
> > > a pcb fit mechanically without modification?
> > > Mark
> > >
> > > At 04:19 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> > > >Note:
> > > >The pen moves in the X plane and the PAPER moves in the Y plane. A PCB
> is
> > > >rigid so you would need to attached to the equivalent of a paper
> carrier.
> > > >
> > > >The plotter technology is clever with the grit wheels actually
> indenting
> > the
> > > >paper on the first pass so the paper on future passes back and forth
> > track
> > > >the previous indented markings.
> > > >
> > > >A long time ago I played around with this idea but I was using a fiber
> > optic
> > > >cable to keep the laser stationary and the weight down for the pen
> > assembly.
> > > >Today lasers are much smaller.
> > > >Bertho
> > > >==============================
> > > >
> > > >From: Mark Lerman Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 15:38
> > > >At 03:25 PM 2/4/2011, you wrote:
> > > >
> > > > >--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark Lerman <mlerman@> wrote:
> > > > > > From: Mark Lerman <mlerman@>
> > > >homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > > > > > Date: Friday, 4 February, 2011, 18:52
> > > > >
> > > > > > work. Questions:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 1 - How good is a plotter's resolution?
> > > > >
> > > > >Just a quick answer: the basic resolution of HPGL, the
> > > > >HP plotter language that nearly all plotters use, is
> > > > >40 steps per mm. So, if you add 40 to a co-ordinate,
> > > > >the pen moves by 1mm. Now, I don't know if this is
> > > > >the mechanical resolution of the plotter, but it sets
> > > > >an upper limit to resolution, at least.
> > > >
> > > >Thanks - that would be .001 inch (1 mil) per step, more than adequate!
> > > >Mark
> >
>
>  
>


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

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information

2011-02-06 by anachrocomputer

--- On Sun, 6/2/11, Henry Liu <henryjliu@...> wrote:
> From: Henry Liu <henryjliu@...>
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Plotter Information
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Sunday, 6 February, 2011, 21:04

> As others have mentioned, plotters are made to go at one
> speed and you can't
> really slow them down. 

This is not correct. There is a command in HPGL, "VS", that sets
pen velocity. The Roland plotters certainly support it (I have the
DXY-990 and use VS to get better lines with poor pens).

-- 
John Honniball

Move to quarantaine

This moves the raw source file on disk only. The archive index is not changed automatically, so you still need to run a manual refresh afterward.