PCBs from pdf files

ericallan · 15th January 2006, 09:53 PM

I was trying to start a group buy up over at pinkfishmedia from a circuit that's an optimised Naim pre-amp layout. The link to the design is at http://www.acoustica.org.uk/t/naim/preamps.html (The 'Air Guitar-iste' preamp at the bottom of the page).
The layout is at http://www.acoustica.org.uk/t/naim/...airg_tracks.pdf
I was hoping to get a number of pcbs from a manufacturer but I apparently need a gerber file to keep costs down.
Does anyone know how to convert a pdf to a gerber file? I've managed to get the file in the form of a dxf file, but this won't load into the pcb sofware I've got (Traxmaker).
Any ideas?

Nisbeth · 15th January 2006, 10:08 PM

To my knowledge you need to redraw the PCB from the pdf-file in a PCB-editor before you can generate gerber's

/U.

ericallan · 15th January 2006, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nisbeth
To my knowledge you need to redraw the PCB from the pdf-file in a PCB-editor before you can generate gerber's

/U.

That was my fear.

poobah · 15th January 2006, 10:14 PM

There are many ways

From PDF

Go to adobe illustrator

From illustrator go to DXF

using PCaD or good PCB software open the DXF and clean it up... it will not be perfect, Then create the gerbers...

Post your pdf's

pinkmouse · 15th January 2006, 10:23 PM

You will also need to make an Excellon drill file, and possibly solder resist mask and silkscreen gerbers.

How many were you planning to make?

steenoe · 15th January 2006, 10:25 PM

The easy way would be to make a couple of boards yourself, from the PDF's

Do a search on "toner transfer" Its actually pretty easy

Take a look at these boards:http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...857#post772857

Steen

Edit. Let me know and I will find a few threads for you

Edit again

Normally you cant do much with a PDF file, its like a bitmap. You cant import a file like that into a vector program with great results! You can import it allright, but you have to redraw all the lines. And their width too!! Too much of a hassle?

poobah · 15th January 2006, 10:29 PM

Yeah I just tried to open iy in Adobe illustrator... it threw up flags... but still posted an image... it not dxf out for me though.

Did you say you had dxf's?

And how do they look?

pinkmouse · 15th January 2006, 10:37 PM

Have you asked the guy who designed the board;

a) for permission to use it?

b) for the gerbers?

The answer to a) might well give you the answer to b)

steenoe · 15th January 2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Did you say you had dxf's?

If its a DXF file, you need the electronic's module for either Autocad or Microstation. Otherwise you wont get a real view of it. If it is a .PLT or HPG file, you might have a chance.

Steen

steenoe · 15th January 2006, 10:45 PM

Just followed the links in the first post

Thats a nice PDF allright, so I dont think they mind making a few for yourself at all. Also, I think it would be an easy task

Just adjust the size, and off you are.....

Steen

15th January 2006, 09:53 PM	#1
ericallan diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Yorkshire	PCBs from pdf files I was trying to start a group buy up over at pinkfishmedia from a circuit that's an optimised Naim pre-amp layout. The link to the design is at http://www.acoustica.org.uk/t/naim/preamps.html (The 'Air Guitar-iste' preamp at the bottom of the page). The layout is at http://www.acoustica.org.uk/t/naim/...airg_tracks.pdf I was hoping to get a number of pcbs from a manufacturer but I apparently need a gerber file to keep costs down. Does anyone know how to convert a pdf to a gerber file? I've managed to get the file in the form of a dxf file, but this won't load into the pcb sofware I've got (Traxmaker). Any ideas?

15th January 2006, 10:23 PM	#5
pinkmouse diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chatham, England	You will also need to make an Excellon drill file, and possibly solder resist mask and silkscreen gerbers. How many were you planning to make? __________________ Al I conceive of nothing, in religion, science or philosophy, that is more than the proper thing to wear, for a while. Charles Fort

15th January 2006, 10:37 PM	#8
pinkmouse diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chatham, England	Have you asked the guy who designed the board; a) for permission to use it? b) for the gerbers? The answer to a) might well give you the answer to b) __________________ Al I conceive of nothing, in religion, science or philosophy, that is more than the proper thing to wear, for a while. Charles Fort

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15th January 2006, 10:08 PM	#2
Nisbeth diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Denmark	To my knowledge you need to redraw the PCB from the pdf-file in a PCB-editor before you can generate gerber's /U.

15th January 2006, 10:14 PM	#4
poobah diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	There are many ways From PDF Go to adobe illustrator From illustrator go to DXF using PCaD or good PCB software open the DXF and clean it up... it will not be perfect, Then create the gerbers... Post your pdf's

15th January 2006, 10:25 PM	#6
steenoe diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004	The easy way would be to make a couple of boards yourself, from the PDF's Do a search on "toner transfer" Its actually pretty easy Take a look at these boards:http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...857#post772857 Steen Edit. Let me know and I will find a few threads for you Edit again Normally you cant do much with a PDF file, its like a bitmap. You cant import a file like that into a vector program with great results! You can import it allright, but you have to redraw all the lines. And their width too!! Too much of a hassle?

15th January 2006, 10:29 PM	#7
poobah diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	Yeah I just tried to open iy in Adobe illustrator... it threw up flags... but still posted an image... it not dxf out for me though. Did you say you had dxf's? And how do they look?

15th January 2006, 10:45 PM	#10
steenoe diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004	Just followed the links in the first post Thats a nice PDF allright, so I dont think they mind making a few for yourself at all. Also, I think it would be an easy task Just adjust the size, and off you are..... Steen

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