Homebrew PCBs

>
> I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 4050.
> 
> I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
> 
> The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
> 
> This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
> 
> In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this level of error is a disaster.
> 
> The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
> 
> Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
> 
> HELP!
> Dave
>

>
> This error is only in the long dimension of an A4 sheet, measurements across the paper appear to be correct.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@> wrote:
> >
> > I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 4050.
> > 
> > I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
> > 
> > The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
> > 
> > This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
> > 
> > In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this level of error is a disaster.
> > 
> > The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
> > 
> > Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
> > 
> > HELP!
> > Dave
> >
>

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Terry
Sent: 06 April 2011 15:14
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size

What are you printing on?  If you are doing toner transfer, some of the transfer media strech in one direction about 1/2 of 1%.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@...> wrote:
>
> This error is only in the long dimension of an A4 sheet, measurements across the paper appear to be correct.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@> wrote:
> >
> > I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 4050.
> > 
> > I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
> > 
> > The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
> > 
> > This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
> > 
> > In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this level of error is a disaster.
> > 
> > The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
> > 
> > Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
> > 
> > HELP!
> > Dave
> >
>




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

Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Adam Shea
Sent: 06 April 2011 15:18
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size

Also be sure that the printer isn't trying to "help" you with it's
Letter/A4 conversion.

--Adam Shea.

On 04/06/11 09:14, Terry wrote:
> What are you printing on?  If you are doing toner transfer, some of the transfer media strech in one direction about 1/2 of 1%.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@...> wrote:
>>
>> This error is only in the long dimension of an A4 sheet, measurements across the paper appear to be correct.
>>
>> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@> wrote:
>>>
>>> I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 4050.
>>>
>>> I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
>>>
>>> The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
>>>
>>> This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
>>>
>>> In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this level of error is a disaster.
>>>
>>> The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
>>>
>>> Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
>>>
>>> HELP!
>>> Dave
>>>
>>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> 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]



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

Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links

>
> I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 4050.
> 
> I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
> 
> The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
> 
> This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
> 
> In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this level of error is a disaster.
> 
> The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
> 
> Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
> 
> HELP!
> Dave
>

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew
Sent: 06 April 2011 15:42
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size

David,

What software are you using to generate the image? Many have the ability to scale the output in very fine amounts. E.g., Kicad gives the option to adjust the X and Y scales independently down to 6 decimal places. (I have trouble believing that one can actually obtain or use that level of precision, especially with toner transfer, but ...)

This may be what you are referring to when you talk about the printer driver only allowing whole percentages, but I wonder if perhaps you are generating the image from the PCB software, and then trying to scale it when you print -- as opposed to having the PCB software do the scaling.


--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@...> wrote:
>
> I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 4050.
> 
> I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
> 
> The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
> 
> This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
> 
> In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this level of error is a disaster.
> 
> The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
> 
> Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
> 
> HELP!
> Dave
>




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

Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links

>
> I've printed directly from the PCB software, and also from GC-Prevue using the Gerber files from the PCB software.  The output is identical in either case.  I don't believe Ultiboard has any ability to scale the output Gerber files.
> 
> Now if I had the GC_Prevue Plus ($495) then I believe that would allow me to scale everything in only one direction (though whether it would allow fractional percentages I don't know).
> 
> 
> Regards,
> David Partridge
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew
> Sent: 06 April 2011 15:42
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> 
> David,
> 
> What software are you using to generate the image? Many have the ability to scale the output in very fine amounts. E.g., Kicad gives the option to adjust the X and Y scales independently down to 6 decimal places. (I have trouble believing that one can actually obtain or use that level of precision, especially with toner transfer, but ...)
> 
> This may be what you are referring to when you talk about the printer driver only allowing whole percentages, but I wonder if perhaps you are generating the image from the PCB software, and then trying to scale it when you print -- as opposed to having the PCB software do the scaling.
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@> wrote:
> >
> > I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 4050.
> > 
> > I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
> > 
> > The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
> > 
> > This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
> > 
> > In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this level of error is a disaster.
> > 
> > The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
> > 
> > Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
> > 
> > HELP!
> > Dave
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>

From: Andrew <a_wake@...>
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, April 6, 2011 3:55:52 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size

  
Sounds like it's time for a conversion to Kicad! :)

Yes, I know -- that doesn't help a bit with the current project ...

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@...> 
wrote:
>
> I've printed directly from the PCB software, and also from GC-Prevue using the 
>Gerber files from the PCB software.  The output is identical in either case.  I 
>don't believe Ultiboard has any ability to scale the output Gerber files.
> 
> Now if I had the GC_Prevue Plus ($495) then I believe that would allow me to 
>scale everything in only one direction (though whether it would allow fractional 
>percentages I don't know).
> 
> 
> Regards,
> David Partridge
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On 
>Behalf Of Andrew
> Sent: 06 April 2011 15:42
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> 
> David,
> 
> What software are you using to generate the image? Many have the ability to 
>scale the output in very fine amounts. E.g., Kicad gives the option to adjust 
>the X and Y scales independently down to 6 decimal places. (I have trouble 
>believing that one can actually obtain or use that level of precision, 
>especially with toner transfer, but ...)
> 
> This may be what you are referring to when you talk about the printer driver 
>only allowing whole percentages, but I wonder if perhaps you are generating the 
>image from the PCB software, and then trying to scale it when you print -- as 
>opposed to having the PCB software do the scaling.
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@> 
>wrote:
> >
> > I just got a 36x2 way card extender type edge connector, 0.156 pitch to fit 
>the card extender PCB I made with toner transfer printed with my HP Laserjet 
>4050.
> > 
> > I found that the PCB I so carefully created in my PCB design package has 
>ended up slightly oversized - over the 36 ways the distance from first to last 
>should be 5460 mils and is shown as such in the PCB design software.  The 
>finished PCB is larger at 5490 mils over this distance, which doesn't sound a 
>lot, but that's about 0.76mm which isn't a trivial error.
> > 
> > The whole board should be 8.1875" (207.9625mm) but the printed outline is 
>actually 209mm.  So call that a 1mm error which is HUGE.
> > 
> > This works out to be about 1.005 times the size it should be.
> > 
> > In this case, there's (just) enough leeway for the board to still work as a 
>card extender without things shorting or failing to connect, but in general this 
>level of error is a disaster.
> > 
> > The printer driver won't scale except in full percentage points, and while 99 
>percent is closer to 99.45% than 100%, it isn't right.
> > 
> > Has anyone worked out a good solution to this problem.
> > 
> > HELP!
> > Dave
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> 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]

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size


The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.

Leon
--
Leon Heller
G1HSM

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size


The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.

Leon
--
Leon Heller
G1HSM

>
> Does anyone know if any of the free Gerber viewers have this sort of scaling capability when they print?
> 
> I know GC_Prevue doesn't
> 
> D.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
> Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> 
> 
> The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.
> 
> Leon
> --
> Leon Heller
> G1HSM
>

On 4/6/2011 9:35 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:
> Does anyone know if any of the free Gerber viewers have this sort of scaling capability when they print?
>
> I know GC_Prevue doesn't
>
> D.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
> Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
>
>
> The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.
>
> Leon
> --
> Leon Heller
> G1HSM
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 6019 (20110406) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>
> http://www.eset.com
>
>
>
>

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim
Sent: 06 April 2011 20:29
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size

Pentalogix has a free Gerber viewer ... works very well ...you need to leave your e-mail address and they will send you a "Magic Pass-word" 
with instructions.
Also I use DipTrace (free version) ... you can Import a Gerber(s) and when printing the image, it has a "Printer calibration" out to 6 decimal places for X and Y.
Jim KI6MZ

On 4/6/2011 9:35 AM, David C. Partridge wrote:
> Does anyone know if any of the free Gerber viewers have this sort of scaling capability when they print?
>
> I know GC_Prevue doesn't
>
> D.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
> [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
> Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
>
>
> The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.
>
> Leon
> --
> Leon Heller
> G1HSM
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus 
> signature database 6019 (20110406) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>
> http://www.eset.com
>
>
>
>



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

Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew
Sent: 06 April 2011 19:30
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size

David,

I just checked GerbView, which is part of the KiCad package (but can be run as a separate program), and it does support scaling when printing ... sort of. The problem is that in KiCad, at least on any version I've run under Linux, printing produces a "blocky" output rather than a usable, smooth output. To get the output you really need, you have to "plot" rather than "print." (You can "plot" to a postscript file, from which you then can print perfect output to a laser printer.)

Unfortunately, although GerbView includes both a plot and a print command, only the latter includes the ability to scale.

However, GerbView can load a gerber file and load it into PCBNew, which is the pcb design progam in the package -- and it can then plot (to postscript or other output), with scaling.

So, it's a little roundabout, but appears to be do-able: 1) generate gerber files from your current program. 2) Run KiCad and select GerbView (or run GerbView directly); load the gerber files and import them to PCBNew. 3) "Plot" the loaded files to postscript, using appropriate scaling. 4) Print the postscript file to printer.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@...> wrote:
>
> Does anyone know if any of the free Gerber viewers have this sort of scaling capability when they print?
> 
> I know GC_Prevue doesn't
> 
> D.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
> [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
> Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> 
> 
> The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.
> 
> Leon
> --
> Leon Heller
> G1HSM
>




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

Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links

>
> I tried KiCad, but it would only print one layer per sheet, and I wanted board outline as well as copper top superimposed. It also imported the Gerbers "Off the page" (Bottom left versus Top left origin I think) so to speak, and I had fun trying to work out how to print them (move them onto the invisible page).  
> 
> D.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew
> Sent: 06 April 2011 19:30
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> 
> David,
> 
> I just checked GerbView, which is part of the KiCad package (but can be run as a separate program), and it does support scaling when printing ... sort of. The problem is that in KiCad, at least on any version I've run under Linux, printing produces a "blocky" output rather than a usable, smooth output. To get the output you really need, you have to "plot" rather than "print." (You can "plot" to a postscript file, from which you then can print perfect output to a laser printer.)
> 
> Unfortunately, although GerbView includes both a plot and a print command, only the latter includes the ability to scale.
> 
> However, GerbView can load a gerber file and load it into PCBNew, which is the pcb design progam in the package -- and it can then plot (to postscript or other output), with scaling.
> 
> So, it's a little roundabout, but appears to be do-able: 1) generate gerber files from your current program. 2) Run KiCad and select GerbView (or run GerbView directly); load the gerber files and import them to PCBNew. 3) "Plot" the loaded files to postscript, using appropriate scaling. 4) Print the postscript file to printer.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@> wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone know if any of the free Gerber viewers have this sort of scaling capability when they print?
> > 
> > I know GC_Prevue doesn't
> > 
> > D.
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
> > [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
> > Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
> > To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> > 
> > 
> > The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.
> > 
> > Leon
> > --
> > Leon Heller
> > G1HSM
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>

>
> I tried KiCad, but it would only print one layer per sheet, and I wanted board outline as well as copper top superimposed. It also imported the Gerbers "Off the page" (Bottom left versus Top left origin I think) so to speak, and I had fun trying to work out how to print them (move them onto the invisible page).  
> 
> D.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew
> Sent: 06 April 2011 19:30
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> 
> David,
> 
> I just checked GerbView, which is part of the KiCad package (but can be run as a separate program), and it does support scaling when printing ... sort of. The problem is that in KiCad, at least on any version I've run under Linux, printing produces a "blocky" output rather than a usable, smooth output. To get the output you really need, you have to "plot" rather than "print." (You can "plot" to a postscript file, from which you then can print perfect output to a laser printer.)
> 
> Unfortunately, although GerbView includes both a plot and a print command, only the latter includes the ability to scale.
> 
> However, GerbView can load a gerber file and load it into PCBNew, which is the pcb design progam in the package -- and it can then plot (to postscript or other output), with scaling.
> 
> So, it's a little roundabout, but appears to be do-able: 1) generate gerber files from your current program. 2) Run KiCad and select GerbView (or run GerbView directly); load the gerber files and import them to PCBNew. 3) "Plot" the loaded files to postscript, using appropriate scaling. 4) Print the postscript file to printer.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David C. Partridge" <david.partridge@> wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone know if any of the free Gerber viewers have this sort of scaling capability when they print?
> > 
> > I know GC_Prevue doesn't
> > 
> > D.
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
> > [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leon Heller
> > Sent: 06 April 2011 16:36
> > To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP Laserjet 4050 prints over-size
> > 
> > 
> > The Easy-PC PCB software I used to use had a correction factor for use with laser printers. Errors in both axes could be fixed.
> > 
> > Leon
> > --
> > Leon Heller
> > G1HSM
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
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