Re: [Pcb2gcode-devel] Two very minor additions

[Patrick B. <pbi...@us...>]

Hi!

> 1) A command line option (drill-front) and code so that the drilling
> gcode is generated for drilling into the front of the pcb (as opposed to
> the back). I use this since I've been making single sided boards using
> only the front side copper.

I've thought of this possibility. The pre-1.0-versions of pcb2gcode
automatically did everything from the top side if there was no bottom 
layer specified, but this functionality is not yet implemented in the
rewrite.
If your patch does this for the outline too, I can directly add it. 
Otherwise, it's still a good starting point for the mentioned feature.


> 2) A command line option (extra-isolation) and code that makes the
> Surface::get_toolpath function generate multiple passes of the mill bit
> around each track. Each extra pass is made by growing the track 1/2 the
> tool diameter and then generating a new set of tool paths (collecting
> all the milling paths together). This results in larger isolations
> between used paths and unused copper while keeping fine detail, with the
> obvious trade off of increased milling time and tool wear. Also, no
> attempt has been made to collapse redundant paths. I find the larger
> isolation makes it easier to solder components without inadvertently
> shorting something to the unused copper.

This is something I'd wanted to have somewhere far down the line too, If 
it's ok for you, I'll call the parameter --multipass=x or --passes=x, 
what do you think?

I think gcam does something similar too, but I haven't used it's gerber 
importer for a year or so.


> If you would be interested in considering either patch for inclusion in
> the codebase I would be happy to provide the code in whatever form would
> be most useful, and/or make any requested changes necessary for
> inclusion.

git patches or a clone/repo that i can pull your changes from would be 
ideal, but diffs are ok too.
Heck, you can tar everything and send it to me if you want ;-)

Thanks!


-- Patrick