Welcome to the Numerical Innovations Support Forum!

Can ACE 3000 import an older Gerber File (RS274D format) that also requires an aperture list?

Admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:11:45 GMT

Can ACE 3000 import an older Gerber File (RS274D format) that also requires an aperture list?

Yes, ACE has the ability to load older Gerber file (RS274D format) which require aperture lists. There are two ways for ACE to handle the apertures (Dcodes) which must be defined:

Old Fashion Way:
A. Start ACE 3000, and go to menu: Setup | Aperture Table...
B. Enter the apertures (as read from the ASM600 aperture file).
C. Press OK, now proceed with importing the Gerbers as normal from ACE.

Aperture Rules Template:
ACE has the ability to automatically detect aperture formats using a template file. ACE ships with 30 templates that allow it to load most legacy aperture files. First we would recommend just trying to import your Gerbers (RS274D format), and see if ACE will automatically determine the aperture list format. If ACE does not load the aperture list, then please create an Aperture Rules Template (once you create it you will always be able to load that aperture list format). For more information about the Aperture Rules Template, please refer to the link:
http://database.numericalinnovations.com/help/ACE/HTML/aperture_rules_editor.htm

Forum: ACE Translator (CAD to EDA Translator)

EasyGerb 4 won't load into my AutoCAD 2008.

Admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:23:27 GMT

EasyGerb 4 won't load into AutoCAD 2008 for one of our computers. When I use appload, AutoCAD states "Unable to Load Arx". It loads fine into our other computers.

If EasyGerb won't load in your AutoCAD, there are only three reasons.

1. The wrong EasyGerb ARX version is being selected for your AutoCAD version. For example if you have AutoCAD 2010 (32-bit), make sure to load "EasyGerb2010.arx", if you have AutoCAD 2011 (64-bit) make sure to load "EasyGerb2011.arx", if you have AutoCAD 2000, make sure to load "EasyGerb2000.arx", etc.

Note: If you are using AutoCAD LT, it will not be able to load ARX programs like EasyGerb. However you can purchase "extender" programs which do allow AutoCAD LT to run Lisp & ARX. There are several products currently out in the market.

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2. In some cases AutoCAD cannot find the local EasyGerb support files. In this case you can add the EasyGerb installation folder to the AutoCAD "Support Files".
(A) Start AutoCAD
(B) Go to menu: Tools | Options..., and click tab "Files".
(C) Select "Support File Search Path", and click button "Add..."
Note: We will now add the EasyGerb installation folder, which is usually:
C:\Program Files\Numerical Innovations\EasyGerb 4
Note: You may use the button "Browse..." to select the folder location.
(D) After you have selected the EasyGerb installation folder, press OK.

>>> Try loading EasyGerb... If there are still problems, try step #3

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3. The are missing support files on your computer. EasyGerb is a plug-in that runs inside AutoCAD and typically every file EasyGerb needs was already installed in by AutoCAD. However there are many cases where your system may have been modified for a various number of reasons and some of those support files may have been eliminated.

A. Most likely the one computer is missing some Microsoft VC++ Redistributable DLL files. Here is the link to download.
http://www.numericalinnovations.com/downloads/vcredist_x86.exe

(1) Please run Microsoft VC++ Redistributable.
(2) Re-starting AutoCAD 2008
(3) Appload EasyGerb2008.arx

B. If there are still problems try using "Dependency Walker". It is a free tool that will let you select EasyGerb.arx and immediately check all the DLL support files it needs. If any files are missing they will be highlighted in "red". To download "Dependency Walker", please visit their website:

http://www.dependencywalker.com/

To use "Dependency Walker" is easy:
(1) Start "Dependency Walker" - depends.exe
(2) Go to menu: File | Open..., and select the appropriate EasyGerbXXXX.arx file.

Note: "Dependency Walker" will now analyze the EasyGerb file and let you know if there are any missing DLL's. If there are some system dLL's missing, please install them. Contact your system admin regarding the installation of these files; you may also search the internet or contact us and we'll be happy to assist you in where to download these files.

Forum: EasyGerb (AutoCAD to Gerber)

Sample C++ Code for calling FAB 3000 with Import Matrix File

Admin — Thur, 01 Jul 2010 03:14:56 GMT

This sample shows how to call FAB 3000 and then add the matrix file as the first argument. We're assuming the external tool has already created a successful matrix file called "matrix.fm6" located in the C:\Temp folder.

Note: Simply call FAB 3000 and pass the matrix file as the first argument.

Note: All FAB 3000 Import Matrix Files must end with *.fm6.

Note: This sample below is using MFC in Visual C++ 2005.

Note: This sample assumes that you installed FAB 3000 to "C:\Program File\Numerical Innovations\Fab3000"

//Start

STARTUPINFO si;

PROCESS_INFORMATION pi;

GetStartupInfo(&si);

SetCurrentDirectory( "C:\\Temp" );

CString CamPath = "C:\\Program Files\\Numerical Innovations\\Fab3000\\Fab3000.exe";

CamPath += " \"C:\\Temp\\matrix.fm6\"";

if( !CreateProcess( NULL,(LPCTSTR)CamPath,NULL,NULL,FALSE,0,NULL,NULL, &si,&pi))

{

printf( "Unable to Start FAB 3000" );

}

Forum: FAB 3000 (Gerber/CAM Software)

If I buy your software product I will OWN the license, correct? In other words, its not an annual fee, correct?

Admin — Thur, 01 Jul 2010 00:06:06 GMT

If I buy your software product I will OWN the license, correct? In other words, its not an annual fee, correct?

Yes, if you purchase the software it is a "Permanent License" that you own (no annual license fee).

Note: All new orders receive one year free Maintenance (upgrades & technical support). Maintenance is optional, and should you wish to continue receiving Maintenance after the first free year, there would be an annual cost (usually around $200 per user). Again, Maintenance is an optional cost, and you only pay if you wish to continue receiving updates and technical support after the first year of purchase. For more specific information about Maintenance, please view the following link:
http://www.numericalinnovations.com/orderform/maintenance.html

Forum: Sales Questions

How do I create a clear object inside of another object (like say for instance the letter O which has a dark outer circle and a clear inner circle)?

Admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:13:14 GMT

How do I create a clear object inside of another object (like say for instance the letter O which has a dark outer circle and a clear inner circle)?

To create the clear objects inside of another object, you will need to place the clear objects on a separate layer and then merge. This is called creating a composite gerber layer, and I have provided a movie tutorial showing how to perform this step:
http://www.screencast.com/users/Numerical/folders/Jing/media/62573854-822d-495f-a5cc-fbd75ecf5aa9

Forum: EasyGerb (AutoCAD to Gerber)

Introducing FAB 3000 DFM - "World's Best Gerber Viewing and DFM Solution."

Admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:57:26 GMT

Introducing FAB 3000 DFM - "World's Best Gerber Viewing and DFM Solution."

While most PCB Layout tools are very good at performing DRC (Design rules check), they rarely capture many common DFM (design for manufacturing) problems that are hidden in the physical artwork (i.e. gerber, drill files). It's the artwork which is ultimately used to manufacture your boards (not the PCB Layout database) and any hidden problems in your artwork WILL AFFECT the manufacturability and yield of your boards. This is why using a Gerber Viewer has been so popular with PCB designers, but unless you have eyes like a hawk, simply staring at gerber files (containing hundreds of signals & thru holes) inside a free viewer is just an invitation for mistakes. FAB 3000 DFM is your protection against these common DFM problems and mistakes. For more information, please view the following link:

http://www.numericalinnovations.com/fab3000_dfm.html

http://numinno.blogspot.com/2010/06/introducing-fab-3000-superview.html

Note: FAB 3000 SuperView has been renamed to FAB 3000 DFM (on June 28th, 2010).

Forum: FAB 3000 (Gerber/CAM Software)

Does Numerical Innovations have a free Gerber view?

Admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:43:50 GMT

Does Numerical Innovations have a free Gerber view?

We used to offer a free gerber viewer, however if you're interested, you can download our free trial of FAB 3000 DFM, which is basically a "beefed-up" Gerber Viewer used by engineers who want to do more than view: such as quickly perform manufacturing checks on the Gerbers, compare designs, load ODB++, etc. FAB 3000 DFM also has a direct link with EasyGerb, so you can instantly view your results. For more information, please view the following link:
http://www.numericalinnovations.com/fab3000_dfm.html

Forum: EasyGerb (AutoCAD to Gerber)

Does Numerical Innovations have a free Gerber view?

Admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:43:01 GMT

Does Numerical Innovations have a free Gerber view?

We offer a powerful viewer called FAB 3000 DFM, which is basically a "beefed-up" Gerber Viewer plus QuickDFM engine used by engineers who want to do more than view: such as quickly perform manufacturing checks on the Gerbers, compare designs, load ODB++, etc. FAB 3000 DFM also has a direct link with EasyGerb & ACE, so you can instantly view your results. For more information, please view the following link:
http://www.numericalinnovations.com/fab3000_superview.html

You may download a free 30-day trial from the following link:
http://www.numericalinnovations.com/fab3000_download.html

Forum: FAB 3000 (Gerber/CAM Software)

I am trying to convert a dxf file to gerber, but I am having trouble with the arcs.

Admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:53:15 GMT

I am trying to convert a dxf file to gerber, but I am having trouble with the arcs. I dont get any mistakes and when I finish the conversion I see no mistake in the CAD viewer; However when I check the gerber file, the arcs are converted to segments;

Just as I suspected. When you exported the gerbers, you may have set the Decimal digit value to 1 (which means that all gerber files exported are only accurate to 1 decimal place). To fix the problem, change the Digit (decimal) value to 4 or higher. For example choose: 4.4 or 4.5 or 4.6

Thanks a lot, it is perfect now!

Forum: ACE Translator (CAD to EDA Translator)

Do you accept payment with PayPal?

Admin — Thur, 24 Jun 2010 22:37:13 GMT

Do you accept payment with PayPal?

Yes, we do accept payment with PayPal. If you have a PayPal account or want to use your Discover Card, please email us sales@numericalinnovations.com and we'll quickly create a payment link for you through our PayPal account.

Forum: Sales Questions

What do I receive if I buy a "Single License"?

Admin — Thur, 24 Jun 2010 22:27:47 GMT

What do I receive if I buy a "Single License"?

When you purchase a single license, you receive the following:

(1) A permanent "Activation Code" or "License Key" that will let you run the software product on your computer.

(2) Free 1-Year Numerical Software Maintenance (Upgrades & Technical Support)*

* All orders starting from 2010 (and beyond) receive a free 1-Year Numerical Software Maintenance. This represents our commitment to offer you the best software and service available.

Forum: Sales Questions

I purchased a single license, and now I want to transfer from my old computer to my new computer. How do I do this?

Admin — Thur, 24 Jun 2010 22:21:54 GMT

I purchased a single license, and now I want to transfer from my old computer to my new computer. How do I do this?

A single license is activated for a single computer. To transfer your single license to another computer please perform the following.

1. Go to your old computer, and start our software tool.
2. Go to menu: Help | Enter License Key | De-Activate...
3. Enter your activation code password.

Note: Your activation code will be removed from your old computer within 24 hours.

4. After 24 hours, go to your new computer and start our software tool.
5. Go to menu: Help | Enter License Key | Activate..., and proceed with product activation on your new computer.

Note: Please make sure both your old & new computer have internet connection.

Forum: Sales Questions

How can I get an Instant Quotation?

Admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:50:55 GMT

How can I get an Instant Quotation?

To instant receive a quotation, please perform the following:

1. Visit our online order form:
http://www.numericalinnovations.com/buynowOrderForm.html

2. Select your product, fill out the order form, print, and forward to your purchasing department.

Forum: Sales Questions

What license types do you offer?

Admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:44:29 GMT

What license types do you offer?

We offer four license types: Single, User, Network, Enterprise.

Single - We issue you a license key that runs the software on a single computer used exclusively by a single person.

User - Run the software on multiple computers used exclusively by a single person. Guaranteed to always have a working key on any computer. (Windows Only)

Network (Floating) - A network license is not assigned to an individual machine. The software can be run on as many computers as needed which are connected to a centralized server location. Numerical Innovations, LLC uses FLEXnet Publisher (formerly FLEXlm) for concurrent license management. The number of licenses purchased determines the number of concurrent users.

Enterprise (Multi-User) - The ultimate freedom in software licensing because it grants your company the right to run X seats of the software onto your workstations, networks, laptops, or home computers. License management is easy with a single license key, and you can activate/deactivate various computers using an intuitive online control panel. Perfect for large corporations and universities. (Windows Only)

Forum: Sales Questions

Convert Scanned PDF to Gerber.

Admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:09:13 GMT

I need to convert a scanned image to gerber data. I have a PDF file, can FAB 3000 perform the PDF to Gerber conversion?

As I feared the pdf contains "raster image" objects. FAB 3000 PDF importer handles "Vector" objects (like text, lines, arcs, circles, etc.). If your scanner is able to generate an image file (like Bitmap or Tiff), I would recommend our product called FAB 3000 Professional. Why? Those scanned images will require cleanup (i.e flash the pads) and generate outlines for metal areas, etc. FAB 3000 has the ability to import large images, cleanup data, and export to gerber.

We're here to help, so if you can get a hold of a bitmap or tiff image, I can show you how to convert it to gerber.

Note: I have attached tutorial movie file for your reference:
http://www.screencast.com/users/Numerical/folders/Jing/media/2688c361-908b-40d6-a96c-c39e7102b3c2

Note: The option "Merge Adjacent Pixels" will create an outline for boundaries, however it can be very time consuming. For larger images, we recommend you uncheck "Merge Adjacent Pixels", quickly import the image, and then perform cleanup.

Forum: FAB 3000 (Gerber/CAM Software)