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View CREATOR
Q. I had recently
created a footprint using board creator. Following the example
you gave in the book, I selected a pad that was not in use by
another footprint (in this
case pad #31), and then modified the width and length of this
pad; created my footprint and saved it. But when I
brought up the footprint later using load footprint, I
noticed that the pad sizes had reverted to the original 200mil
by 100mil, thus making the footprint unrecognizable. How
do I save the changes that I made to the footprint table
such that they are recalled the next time board
creator is used?
A. The way you are
creating footprint for parts it is Ok but at the same time you
need to change your Systems Pad Table right now you are done
this by modified Edit Pad Table by doing this you can change
PAD#31 only for this particular file. When you load symbol at
that time you get old pad size in your symbol so you need to do
modify PAD#31 in your FILE/Preferences/EDIT Systems PAD Table so
when ever you create or open a new pcb file you get PAD#31 with
same modification.
Q. I just purchased
the Circuit Creator Pro Software, I want to view the layers of a
printed circuit board that I design utilizing Board Creator,
how I can made VIEW CREATOR to display my PCB or any
other board already in Board Creator. I am not a
computer expert, however with your help I hope I will be
available to made the
Gerber files in View Creator.
A. View
Creator program is used to viewing Gerber Photo Plotter format
files. When you finished your work in Board Creator you need to
generate Photo Plotter format file for your PCB file and give it
to your board fabricators. Before going to Board Fabricator you
can see your file you generated correctly or not for that you
can use View Creator Program.
Q. After I
downloaded your pc board program I tried to run it but it asked
me for a missing
cg32.dll file where could I obtain this file.
A. You
can download the Supporting DLLs from following website. http://www.advancedmsinc/update/
Downloaded file will be a zipped file. Unzip it and copy all the
four .dll files into the same directory in which you have
installed the software. You should be able to use the software.
Q. Every time that I
have tried to pull down your PC Board design Cad software, I
get a time out error! I've been trying to retrieve same fm
the following site: http://216.150.88.190/pcbdesignandfab/software/ecad.exe
A. Please
download the software from following website. http://www.advancedmsinc.com/download/cktdwnld.htm
Follow the instructions of the download page to copy cc32.akf
file to the circuit creator directory. It should not ask you to
register again. However, to protect yourself save the current
Circuit Creator directory as back up. If it asks you to register
again, try to register. If the registration fails then send the
file cc32.akf to us and we will help complete the registration.
Q. I want to give
the design file (I assume the Gerber files) to a PCB manufacture
"HOW I MAKE MY FILE VISIBLE TO THE PC BOARD HOUSE"
that way they can make
my board from the Board Creator file.
A. You
have a problem with Gerber Photo plotter setup first do the
Photo Plotter setup in your File/Preference menu and then
generate following file to give your board house. Please refer
"How to generate Gerber Photo Print file" in Board
Creator program. This are the files is generated by Gerber Photo
Plotter
(1) GFA-1.PCB
This is your Pc Board file.
How to get print in Gerber file format. You just look at it in
print queue.
(2) GFA-1.PRN
This is your PC board report file.
(3) GFA-1.PCF
This file is for Gerber Photo plotter.
(4) GFA-1.APT
This is an aperture list file (D-CODE or Flash code). This file
you need to
Send your PC board fabricator.
(5) GFA-1.G01
This is a Gerber file for Legend print layer. This file you need
to send your PC board fabricator.
(6) GFA-1.G02
This is a Gerber file for Component side layer. This file you
need to send your PC board fabricator.
(7) GFA-1.G03
This is a Gerber file for Solder side layer. This file you need
to send your PC board fabricator.
(8) GFA-1.G04
This is a Gerber file for Solder mask as well as component mask
layer. Those files you need to send your PC board fabricator to
fabricate your PCB.
Q. I created a
footprint for a part with mounting holes. When I made a board
using the schematic I
made using Logic Creator, the Board Creator program assigned
a track to a hole. The hole was on the whole layer? I wanted
the track to be assigning to a pad, which was on the
bottom conductor layer? I put the conductor pads into
Board Creator in the same order I used when I made the symbol
for the part. I then made the holes for the part. I was under
the impression that Board Creator associated the pads in
the same order as the pads used by the symbol? Can you
tell me how to add mounting holes for parts that will not
be assigned to tracks? I need to specify the mounting holes to
be .156 in diameter.
There are two mounting holes a two conductor pad holes for the
part.
A. Please
make sure, when you create board symbol you assign a pin number
on mounting hole. When you get extra pad on footprint you can
give over pin number you have in part. For Example: - You want
to create Transformer footprint with mounting hole. You have 4
part pins and 2 mounting holes. When you create footprint you
give 1 to 4-pin number to parts PAD and 5 to 6 give to mounting
hole. Other wise you assign pin number "0" (zero) to
all mounting holes.
Q. I am trying to
create a new footprint from Board Creator. (I select New from
the File Menu, then I
select Load Symbol, then I select New.) When this happens I get
the message "Only available in Platinum version" and I
am not allowed to proceed with the edit. I was under the
impression that the only difference between
the Pro version and the Platinum version was the Spice module.
A. You
are doing wrong to create a new footprint?
Creating new footprint you don’t need to select new footprint
from File/Load symbols. For creating new footprint you have to
create new board file from File/New Manu and draw your footprint
you want to keep store in footprint library files (.pcs). After
finish footprint select whole footprint symbol by using
Edit/Select command now go to File Manu and click on Save Symbol
or press Ctrl + V from keyboard. You get a new symbol save menu
type your footprint name and click on OK button now your
footprint file is stored in program library.
Q. I have changed my
platform on my computer from windows 98 to windows 2000.
I am experiencing printing problems with both my Logic
Creator and Board Creator. Most of the time I can get
logic creator to print a schematic and rarely can I get
Board Creator to print my pc board. The software I am using is
Version 3.00 Professional; the printer I am using is a HP
LaserJet 3200 series.
A. Yes. You
can change your platform by reformatted your hard drive or you
run setup WIN 2000 as an second operating systems so when you
want to use 98 you can use instead of WIN 2000. That is
depending upon your operation of installing Win2000 in your
systems. If you not reformatted your drive you have to reinstall
your Circuit Creator program from original CD's and reregister
it again because Win 2000 and Win 98 using different files from
his systems. Other wise you have to reinstall your printer
driver in your systems.
Q. If I want to
change some footprint for e.g. say footprint of resistor. So if
I create a new
footprint then is it possible to change all the resistors in my
PCB globally with new footprint on board creator? I have
tried it but didn't find any option to change it
globally. Only in Edit menu there is option called as Change all
but in that it’s not possible to change foot print
directly. Also I tried option as Update from Edit menu
but there also I didn't able to change it. So I just want to
know how to change any footprint globally in case of
Board creator?
A. Yes. You
can change footprint in Board Creator but you can’t change all
footprint directly from Board Creator. If you want to change
footprint from board creator you have to place new footprint
instead of old footprint with same instance "R1, C1, U1,
X1" then update it from I/O menu using update from logic
creator option and run upd file again.
Edit/Update: From EDIT menu you can’t do that because this
update options is using for object. (Like. LINE, PAD, TEXT,
etc.)
Change footprints Using UPD file: You have only one option to
change you footprint globally editing UPD file here is sample
file of UPD file you have to change only footprint name in UPD
file in below sample I highlight footprint name you have put
your footprint name as per your specification after change all
the footprint name you have to go Board Creator program and
select I/O/Creator from Logic Creator options and select your
updated UPD file from list after that you get what you want.
Board Creator update
list
UPDATE_LIST
PART .01UF C22 DISC-C
PAD C22 1 GND
PAD C22 2 3.3VCC
END_UPDATE_LIST
Q. I have drawn
footprints of R, C & D according to my requirement &
changed the distance
between the pads. But automatically outlines of resistor,
capacitor & diodes have changed but distance between
the pads that I have adjusted is retained. Why this has
happened? Before that I just change parameters of one of the
pads of other component & just selected Load system pad
table from File/Preferences.
But this shouldn't cause above problem.
A. I
think your are doing something wrong with Board Creator if you
need to update your footprint file you have to move Pad’s by
using Edit / Select option from Edit menu and press O you get
option Manu to enable and disable segment and Layers enable FLAT
options click on OK to exit. Now change your footprint
accordingly you want. You must have to know which number of PAD
is used in footprint file after that you can change parameter of
PAD from Edit / Pad table after doing this don't load system pad
table when you load system pad table Board Creator update you
edit menu and you get original PAD parameter so please don't do
that.
Q. I have drawn
footprints of R, C & D according to my requirement &
changed the distance
between the pads. But automatically outlines of resistor,
capacitor & diodes & some times pad positions are
also changing when I rotate any footprint. Actually
it should not happen.
A. You
are not changing footprint you are modifying footprint directly
on the board using copy paste all the footprints. You cannot do
that so when you select those components for move only pads are
moving. As far as for Pad’s of R, C, & D you assign offset
value so your components pads is not placed on the grid.
Q. I have created a
PCB using manual routing and need to send the Gerber files to
a board house now. Would you please tell me the steps that I
need to take to create the Gerber and drill files? I used
to remember how to do this but I didn't use the software
for a couple of years and I don't remember how I did it before.
This is kind of urgent so
I would appreciate your help as soon as possible.
A. For
Creating Gerber Photo file first you have select Gerber.PCF
print configuration file in your Circuit Creator. For doing this
first you have to go to File/Preference/Path-Options Manu and
click on Plotter/PCF and then select Gerber.PCF file from your
current Circuit Creator directory and select the film page size
and then click ok and exit from Preference Manu. Now load your
PCB file and go to File/Photo Plotter menu you show photo print
queue screen you have select your required Layer/Mask and then
click on Ok. Now Circuit Creator generate Gerber file for your
PCB file all the print file extension is PCB filename. G01...
.G10 You can go up to 10 different Layer/Mask plot in Circuit
Creator and in the same screen you can generate Excellon Drill
file for CNC purpose.
Q. However, when I
go to File Menu and choose "Photo Plotter..." it gives
me an error message
saying "Printer Config - Cannot recognize: WIDTH WARN "D12*\\13\10".
Would you please let me know where the problem might be?
A. You
have to check your Photo Plotter setup printer configuration in
File/Preference menu or may be possible you have currently
selected other printer instead of Gerber Photo plotter. Also
make sure you have not selected any color pen in your printer
option queue in your printer.
Q. I have been using
Board Creator for several years now and every time I send
Gerber files to Advanced Circuits they have trouble reading
them. I am using Professional
Edition Version 3.01. Build Date Dec 13 2001.
A. This
is latest update on Circuit Creator Pro. Program you are
currently using. When you generate the Gerber file for your PCB
you must need to know in which format of Gerber Photo Plotter
use by your PCB Fabricator. In Circuit Creator program we
provide both type of Gerber Photo File format. (1) 274 X and (2)
274 D
Q. Advanced circuit’s
reports that the pads are missing. I look at it using the
Gerber viewer you provided and then look fine. They then do
something to fix the
problem.
A. Yes
it is possible. They can edit your Gerber Photo files and do the
changes if they want to change.
Q. This time a new
guy called and said I should contact you and maybe you have a
fix for it. I ask him to send me an email explaining what is
wrong and I have attached
it so you can read it.
A. Yes
we must help you to fix this problem. Below files are different
file format used by Gerber Photo Plotter. In 274 X format you
don't need to provide them Flash code file for Photo Print and
in 274 D format you must need to provide Flash code file to you
fabricator. Flash code file is automatically generated by
Circuit Creator program (.APT).
Q. The program
creates the G01, 02, etc. But when I want to view them I still
get the same message
which is an error message saying WIDTH WARNS if I choose one
of the sample demo1. G01 or G02 it opens it fine. But when I
open my .G01 or G02,
etc. it gives me that error message and won't open the file.
A. In
Gerber Photo plotter you can’t select color Pen for separate
layer mask so select only Black color pen and then generate
Gerber output files and extension of print file .G01, G02, …
G10.
Q. When I restart
the program and choose photo plotter I get the same message as
before. Also, when I restart the program, the GERBER.pcf has
changed to Triage.pcf.
Triage is the name that I have chosen for my PCB.
A. Don't
worry about that this process is automatically done by Circuit
Creator program when you are select Photo plotter printer
configuration file .PCF from file menu it generating photo
plotter setup process in this process program change the PCF
file with the name of current PCB file name.
Q. How to see the
Gerber Photo Plotter files in Circuit Creator?
A. If you
want to see Gerber photo file you have to run View Creator
program and select Printer configuration file (.pcf) file from
Photo plotter setup in File menu this .pcf file is same name of
PCB file click on OK and open Gerber Photo printer format (g01,
2, 3,) file now you can see your PCB output file.
Q. The program
creates the G01, 02, etc. But when I want to view them I still
get the same message
which is an error message saying WIDTH WARNS if I choose one
of the sample demo1. G01 or G02 it opens it fine. But when I
open my .G01 or G02,
etc. it gives me that error message and won't open the file.
A. In
Gerber Photo plotter you can’t select color Pen for separate
layer mask so select only BLACK color pen and then generate
Gerber file and .G01, .G02, .G10 is the extension of print file
of Gerber Photo plotter. So Please make sure which one format
use by your fabricator for Gerber then select right format from
Photo Plotter print menu and provide right format of Gerber file
to your Fabricator. Also you can provide Excellon Drill data
file to your fabricator this report is automatically generate by
Circuit Creator program just click one box in Photo Plotter
Print Manu.
Q. The flashed pads
are improperly defined in the Gerber code. I have two data
sets and will contrast the differences found to cause
problems with the pads disappearing.
A. Yes.
This is possible because you are using different Photo Plotter
format Rs 274X format included flesh code data in to same file
so in this format we don’t need to provide aperture list file
to PC Board Fabricator but in RS 274D format we must have to
provide flash code file to PC Board Fabricator.
(1) 274 X Format G54D3* < The "D3" command
designates a flash and should be used on the same line.
X4612Y11538D2* < The "D2" command (Linear move with
light off) and should not be used.
G54D3*
X4612Y11638D2*
G54D3*
X1512Y12538D2*
G54D13*
G54D3*
X1612Y12538D2*
G54D3*
X1712Y12538D2*
G54D3*
X3012Y11538D2*
G54D3*
M02*
(2) 274 D Format
G54D10*
G01X022671Y069011D03* <This code illustrates the flash
command per Gerber protocols.
G01X018841Y060161D03*
G01X012941Y061521D03*
G54D18*
G01X038101Y064881D03*
G01X037941Y066641D03*
G54D10*
G01X028611Y063651D03*
G01X035941Y064581D03*
M02*
Q. Please let me
know, if YOU HAVE an option to control 0's suppression OR
NOT!
A. Here
is the sample format of GERBER FILE generated by Board Creator
program. G04 Board Creator Date: Wed Oct 29 10:13:44 2003 G04
Source File: C:\needle1\needle1.pcb
FSLAX23Y23*
%AD*%
%ADD10R,0.11000X0.03000*%
%ADD11R,0.04000X0.04000*%
%ADD12C,0.00800*%*
You are talking
about above format for zero suppression but you don't have to
worry about that because that is the header format for RX274X
output format. Now you can see from the below line your PCB data
files starts from here so don't worry about that.
G54D12*
X1062Y18938D2*
X1062Y18938D2*
X1062Y18908D1*
X1092Y18938D2*
X1062Y18938D1*
X1062Y18813D2*
X1092Y18813D1*
X1062Y18813D2*
X1062Y18838D1*
X12182Y18863D2*
If your PCB
FABRICATOR gives you any query about the wrong GERBER file
format at that time you forward us those query we can take care
of those query also.
Q. As per manual mentioned on page 164, in case of drawing new
footprint its possible to save the setting of pad by
clicking on Ok button after selecting a pad from
pad table in Edit Menu.
A. Yes
you can change your pad definition as per your requirement but
it will allow you only on this board if you want same pad shapes
and size for every pc board file you have to do this procedure
with Edit systems pad table in File/Preference/edit systems pad
menu.
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