Help!!! Looking for PADS PCB convesrion tool!

[googlyone]

Help!

I have an old legacy design from the early 2000's done in PADS.

We don't have this CAD package anymore, and really need to get this into out design tool, Altium.

The time and risk of error involved in re-laying out the design makes re-entering it a rather unattractive option.

Does anyone have access to PADS PCB and would be able to open the binary PCB .PADS file, and save to the text PADS format?

 

[rayma]

I have an old legacy design from the early 2000's done in PADS.
We really need to get this into out design tool, Altium.

Altium should be able to import PADS files.
Import Wizard | Online Documentation for Altium Products

 

[googlyone]

Altium can, but only PADS .TXT format, not PADS binary.

For some reason the previous person left only the binary PCB file

 

[rayma]

the previous person left only the binary PCB file

I'd get hold of him and ask nicely for the .txt files. PCB guys keep all their files.
Do you not have the Gerber files?

 

[soekris]

I happens to use an old PADS, version 3.6, it can probably read your file and output the needed .asc file.... Let me know if you want me to help.

 

[googlyone]

Rayma,
The guy is gone for over a decade...

Soekris,
I will message!

Hmmm... seems the PADS version is around 2008. Still looking for help!

 

[rayma]

If you still have the Gerber files, that's all you need to make pcbs.

 

[googlyone]

I wish - I need to modify the design, pull out a $100 diode driver that should be a $2 part, and change the driver for a Type A to Type C laser diode

I am still looking for help, does ANYONE here use PADS????

 

[rsavas]

How big is the design?
Modyfing gerber data to make a design change is not so easy to do.
Sometimes it is better to start over again, CAD conversions usually do not go so good.

 

[rayma]

I need to modify the design, pull out a $100 diode driver that should be a $2 part,
and change the driver for a Type A to Type C laser diode

How about a small daughterboard to substitute for the old parts?

 

[soekris]

I wish - I need to modify the design, pull out a $100 diode driver that should be a $2 part, and change the driver for a Type A to Type C laser diode

I am still looking for help, does ANYONE here use PADS????

What about contacting your local pads reseller, they can probably help, although it will cost you....

Or maybe getting a demo, I believe you can get a 30 days demo without limitations....

 

[rayma]

What about contacting your local pads reseller, they can probably help, although it will cost you....
Or maybe getting a demo, I believe you can get a 30 days demo without limitations....

Hey you're in luck, for a two week trial at least.

"This licensed evaluation software is fully functional and yours to try for free, with no limitation.
It includes free translators and a complete evaluation guide."

Request Free PADS Standard Evaluation - Mentor Graphics