How to open *.pcb files?

[vytas]

Does anybody knows how to open *.pcb files, what is the easiest way to view and print these files without expensive programs.

 

[jan.didden]

Do you know by which program they were generated?

Jan Didden

 

[vytas]

I'm not sure, but it could be made by p-cad or similar. I find many diferenc viewers and programs. I tried two of them but no one was usefull. I did'n open the files.

 

[UrSv]

As janneman implies the best way is to use the right application.

Open the file as text in some viewer (like NotePad or similar) and look around. Usually the file marks the contents with something that identifies the application to use.

 

[jan.didden]

Yes, that's a good idea.

Most of these formats are proprietary, and cannot be opened by other programs.

There is a program called CAMbridge that can convert between a lot of these formats, but the professional version is expensive. I don't know if there is a limited version. Anyone?

Jan Didden

 

[Rudy]

CAM350 stores files with that extension

only 1 problem, very expensive and demo version doesn't allow printing ( at least i think )

there is also a trial verssion availebel on there site, but i do not know if you will be able to print.


site...

Rudy

 

[dhaen]

Yes, there are several PCB programs that use that extension.
If there is no clue in Notepad, why not attach one of your files. Perhaps there will be a member who can open it, and send you a .gif or a .prn file for a common printer.

 

[iCebReakEr409]

Protel DXP is reading some .pcb formats, too. Maybe it's possible to convert the file.

 

[Centauri]

The old Protel for DOS PCD layout Autotrax program used *.pcb files and Protel 99 will convert them. Autotrax is now a free download from Protel site if you can run DOS programs.

Cheers

 

[cadmaniac]

ExpressPCB is free & easy, and also comes with a schematic editor.

 

[vytas]

Thank you very much for replays
I tried the CAM350V8 and avsolpdemo software - nothing good.
This file I can open with notepad, but I can't see anything useful.
I attached this file if anybody can convert it to *.jpg or *.gif
Now I'm downloading the expressPCBSetup.exe, but any way if you are able to open and convert it I will be very very thankful.

 

[dhaen]

What it's not...

it does not open with EasyPC for Windows.

That's one possibility eliminated!

 

[Pedja]

It is Traxmaker's .pcb file. Protel can open it too.

Pedja

 

[Centauri]

vytas,

Cannot convert to jpg or gif from protel, but have converted it to Autocad DXF format, which is common cad data exchange format - expressPCBsetup may be able to import this file.

Printing out could be a problem too - seems like Silicon Chip magazine, in their wisdom, drew the copper layout as filled rectangles over top of all component holes, therefore cannot get a print which has pattern with holes in it.

http://www.centauriaudio.com.au/500WampPCB_DXF.zip

Cheers

 

[vytas]

Centauri,

Thank you very very much. *.DXF or *.DWG are the best files that I could expect. Thank you all for your advices.

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