Modular Synth Panels

I've always wanted to use the HPGL import in FPD. Unfortunately I
know very little about HPGL or .PLT files (aside from what Wikipedia,
etc. say).

My wish is that someone can tell me in idiot terms how to do this. I
am using Windows XP. What free program should I use to create/export
this file type? I tried installing an HP plotter driver and saving to
file instead of a printer. I could create the files but they don't
show up in FPD or maybe they are so tiny I can't see them?

Full details, step by step, good search words, anything would be
helpful at this point.

Thanks,
p.

You need a program, CAD mostly, that will export into an HPGL .plt file.
This is a graphics language developed by HP to drive their pen plotters. It
is a vector based language if memory serves. The files (used to be anyway)
an ASCII file with the vector information imbedded in it to tell the little
pens how to move in X_Y space. It was literally a list of commands like,
(can't remember exactly so take this with a grain of salt).

PU
MOVE 112, 159
PD
MOVE 105, 100

PU is pen up, PD is pen down, etc.

It's this type of language which will drive the engraving machine and other
tools drilling, milling, engraving, etc. your panel (at least that is what I
think happens...)


The easiest way to do it is to get an inexpensive (free?) 2D drawing program
(not paint, but a vector graphics program, CAD type is good) which will save
to a .plt file. You will have to make sure your elements can be translated
into vector description and choose the appropriate "pen" settings for all
the elements, like text, to show up.

Another way is to use FrontDesigner by ABACOM (www.abacom-online.de) and
available from places like Saelig. It is made to design front panels and if
you choose an "engraving pen" it will output your objects, including text,
to a .plt file which you can import into the Schafer/Panel Express program,
Front Panel Designer.

David





From: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of peng3002
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 8:51 PM
To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ModularSynthPanels] How to create HPGL graphics for FPD

I've always wanted to use the HPGL import in FPD. Unfortunately I
know very little about HPGL or .PLT files (aside from what Wikipedia,
etc. say).

My wish is that someone can tell me in idiot terms how to do this. I
am using Windows XP. What free program should I use to create/export
this file type? I tried installing an HP plotter driver and saving to
file instead of a printer. I could create the files but they don't
show up in FPD or maybe they are so tiny I can't see them?

Full details, step by step, good search words, anything would be
helpful at this point.

Thanks,
p.

Depending on what kind of graphics you want, you can use Inkscape
which is free, open source, and easier than most CAD programs. It
takes a little bit of time to get the export script working initially,
but will allow you to save .plt files that work in Front Panel
Designer. It is great for anything that is made out of lines. It even
has a function generator tool that's nice for making oscillator waveforms.

There was a small discussion about it at groupdiy here:
http://www.prodigy-pro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29059

If some people are interested then when I have some more time I can
put together a step-by-step tutorial on setting up export and drawing
some simple panel-related objects.



--- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, "peng3002" <megaOhm1@...>
wrote:

>
> I've always wanted to use the HPGL import in FPD. Unfortunately I
> know very little about HPGL or .PLT files (aside from what Wikipedia,
> etc. say).
>
> My wish is that someone can tell me in idiot terms how to do this. I
> am using Windows XP. What free program should I use to create/export
> this file type? I tried installing an HP plotter driver and saving to
> file instead of a printer. I could create the files but they don't
> show up in FPD or maybe they are so tiny I can't see them?
>
> Full details, step by step, good search words, anything would be
> helpful at this point.
>
> Thanks,
> p.
>