[Pcb2gcode-devel] pcb2gcode improvements

[Lionel S. C. <lio...@gm...>]

Dear all,

I'm using pcb2gcode to mill prototype boards in my company. I'm glad I can
use it as it is command line oriented and I feel very comfortable with that.
I would like to thank those who contributed to this project. I think the
code is handy as I have successfully made some modification today (and it
works).

Then, I would like to know if there are some active people here to discuss
it and them give me the green light to commit it.

After board outline calculates the size of the board, I added the surface
of the board.
I use the unit flag to give those information in imperial (in, in squared)
or metric (millimeters and decimeter squared)

I experienced difficulties with drillmill, I change "G02 Ixxx Jxxx" code to
4 "G03 Xxxx Yxxx Rxxx" codes. My CAM does not handle the former, but
handles the latter.
I think drill mill is not well described in the manpage. It is not clearly
stated that the router bit is used, I had to read the code to check it.
Perhaps should we modify the text of the manpage?

For me, the mirroring of the outline layer is not obvious, perhaps should
it be stated in the program STDOUT information? Described in the manpage?

I could be interested to implement a tool list list, so that the tools are
correct with respect to my CAM database, especially the drill bits. The
first biggest drill bit is selected to drill holes. With the drillmill
option only the holes bigger than the router bit are routed, the smaller
bits are drilled. Perhaps some warnings can be implemented.

I don't like the stair-like path. I will try to take the time to have a
look at the algorithm and try to find a solution.

Last but not the least, when I look at both the iso and gerber files in my
CAM software, It seems that on the non horizontal/vertical lines, pcb2gcode
output is erroneous (with respect to tool radius of course). I can transmit
the files if someone wants to check it.

I hope this mailing list / project is still active.

Sincerly yours.

Lionel SAINTE CLUQUE
adresse:
1, rue Paul de KOCK
92500 Rueil Malmaison
Téléphone +33 (0)6 18 04 20 75