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Messages - xl97

1
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
got it.... thanks!

this whole script/gui you have done (and the optimized .py file posted here too!)..

has 'really' made my Cameo purchase worth it for me!

if I can find some other cool stuff to do with it.. it will only be a bonus now!@

thanks!
2
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
Quote
GUI front end for Gerber to Graphtec. It should work on Windows 7 and XP as well as on Linux (tested on Debian with XFCE).




Im thinking,.... "yes"  :)

I have NOT used the newest one posted for Linux/Mac (and also should work for Windows 7/XP)

I am still using the script from this post:

Windows 7/XP updated one:
viewtopic.php?f=68&t=5341&start=90#p52539


I have not tried the-

Linux/Mac & Windows 7/XP one:
viewtopic.php?f=68&t=5341&p=52600#p52583

@ jesuscf

should we all be using the latest version of the script? (or only if we need a Linux/Mac compatible script?)

Any reason the Windows users should grab/use the latest version?


thanks
3
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
[quote author="jesuscf"][quote author="xl97"]correct it.. still same results..

do I need to reboot the machine perhaps?  (I havent been)[/quote]

Wait a minute!  My fresh installation of pstoedit on Windows XP has no drvmagick.dll:

Code: [Select]
 Directory of C:Program Filespstoedit

06/01/2013  10:05 AM    <DIR>          .
06/01/2013  10:05 AM    <DIR>          ..
04/28/2013  08:27 PM           640,512 drvlplot.dll
04/28/2013  08:27 PM           294,400 drvswf.dll
12/03/2004  10:55 PM               315 examplefigmap.fmp
08/13/2001  07:44 PM           211,231 latex2e.fmp
08/13/2001  07:44 PM           296,447 mpost.fmp
04/28/2013  08:27 PM           495,104 pstoedit.dll
04/28/2013  08:27 PM             8,192 pstoedit.exe
04/28/2013  08:18 PM            78,129 pstoedit.htm
08/10/2009  04:37 PM             3,772 readme.wri
04/28/2013  08:27 PM           462,848 stddrivers.dll
11/01/2001  10:10 PM             1,096 svg.fmp
06/01/2013  10:05 AM             1,709 unins000.dat
06/01/2013  10:05 AM           716,126 unins000.exe
04/28/2013  03:43 PM               143 unix.fmp
08/13/2001  07:44 PM               615 wemf.fmp
04/28/2013  03:43 PM               146 windows.fmp
              16 File(s)      3,210,785 bytes
               2 Dir(s)   1,336,655,872 bytes free

C:Program Filespstoedit>

Some forums suggest removing that dll to get rid of the error.

Jesus[/quote]



BINGO!..

that was it!

just remove it...  (which I had done previously.. in the beginning ofmy troubleshooting here.. but it had gotten aded back over the course of testing things..


I do NOT get that error any longer..

thanks  :)
6
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
hmm..

Im not sure what is going on over here now.. LOL

somehow.. Im back to a non-working platform here..

I can NOT seem to generate a new .pdf file?  never updates.. and is still the OLD one from before..

going to update the new-new GUI.py file..

updating the .gui file seems to allow me to make .pdf's again.. (yeah)

but now I get this in the command window:

Quote
C:gerber-files-to-cutgerber2graphtec>"C:Program Filesgerbv-2.6.0bing
xe" --export=pdf --output=C:gerber-files-to-cutgerber2graphtec_tmp_gerb
 --border=0 "C:gerber-files-to-cutgerber2graphtecRepulsor-bottom_stenci
gbr"

C:gerber-files-to-cutgerber2graphtec>"C:Program Filespstoeditpstoedit
-q -f pic "C:gerber-files-to-cutgerber2graphtec_tmp_gerber.pdf" "C:ger
les-to-cutgerber2graphtec_tmp_gerber.pic"
Problem during opening C:Program Filespstoeditdrvmagick.dll:The specifi
cedure could not be found.

Problem during opening of pstoedit driver plugin: C:Program Filespstoedi
agick.dll. This is no problem as long the driver in this library is not ne
Possibly you need to install further libraries and/or extend the LD_LIBRAR
 (*nix) or PATH (Windows) environment variables.


I do see the new .bat file as well:

_tmp_gerber.bat


I 'have' added the path:

;C:Program Filespstoeditdrvmagick.dll  to the environment variables panel too..

at this point.. Im lost as to how to fix this error.. :)  I didnt even get to the point of the MSVCR100.dll error message yet..
7
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
great!..

while "I" personally never used spaces (camel syntax of underscores)..  this will be a great 'catch-all'  :)

still havent looked into fixing that path error yet..  LOL  :(



update:

tried add the path to the environmental variables..


I followed the steps in the link provided (although its for Win 7)


added this line to the end of all there stuff that was already there:

;C:Program Filespstoeditdrvmagick.dll




didnt work.. still getting this message/error in the CMD prompt window:


'C:Program' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
Problem during opening C:Program Filespstoeditdrvmagick.dll:The specified pro
cedure could not be found.

Problem during opening of pstoedit driver plugin: C:Program Filespstoeditdrvm
agick.dll. This is no problem as long the driver in this library is not needed.
Possibly you need to install further libraries and/or extend the LD_LIBRARY_PATH
 (*nix) or PATH (Windows) environment variables.
        1 file(s) copied.


now the file still cuts....?  and seems to be ok..  so Im not sure what is going on here?

thanks!
8
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
@jesuscf-

thanks.. I'll try to check out that link and see what the problem is..

I did find out (last part of my previous post), that I cold NOT have a space int he file name (using a random gerber file "I" didnt create or name as a test).. found out fixing the space also fixed the error of not getting a.pdf created..etc..


Also.. I use Eagle as mypcb design software..  however.. it 'really' depends on the CAM job you use to export/create your gerber files..

usually people use the CAM job file that comes from the pcb fab house they plan on using..

this names the gerber files to whatewver THEY use or are looking for (as far as the naming convention)..

I use the CAM job file from iTeadStudios..

not really a 'problem'.. just an odd break in workflow when I realize I need to go back and change the extension is all :)


quick fix list for me:

1.) Change g2g_gui.py script to allow any gerber file extension:

*change lines 180 and 185 or g2g_gui.py to allow for any extensions you would like. For example, you can change line 180 to:
Quote
input_filename=tkFileDialog.askopenfilename(title='Select paste mask Gerber file', filetypes=[('Gerber File', '*.g*'),("All files", "*.*")] )

2.) Another attempt at fixing the .dll PATH error?

*try is adding C:Program Filespstoedit to the path
Quote
http://geekswithblogs.net/renso/archive/2009/10/21/how-to-set-the-windows-path-in-windows-7.aspx





@ivin -

Im not sure about you being able to use the G2G python script based approach as I am not sure about it handling/reading any sort of output from Adobe Illustrator..

can you try to re-draw the stencil in Eagle?  and then use either of the methods explored in this thread?
9
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
I just tried the GUI.. and the new OPTIMIZED.py script (just re-placed the original one correct?)  (I made back-up of original as well just to be safe) ;)

results were pretty good/comparable to the originals (maybe a bit better in some areas)

the time seemed faster as well.. but I left and came back so cant be certain as to HOW much faster...

couple things..

the gerber file you choose HAS to have the .g extension?  not that I mind.. just curious.. I am having to go back and change the extension so the GUI will use the gerber I choose/pick..


also.. I am seeing this in the command window:  (Im on Windows XP)

Problem during opening C:Program Filespstoeditdrvmagick.dll:The specified pro
cedure could not be found.

Problem during opening of pstoedit driver plugin: C:Program Filespstoeditdrvm
agick.dll. This is no problem as long the driver in this library is not needed.
Possibly you need to install further libraries and/or extend the LD_LIBRARY_PATH
 (*nix) or PATH (Windows) environment variables.
        1 file(s) copied.

I checked the directory.. that .dll is 100% 'there' in the same path it says...

any ideas?

here is my GUI settings by the way (again Im on Windows XP.. notice the no (x86) in the pathing..


Im VERY stoked that 'all' of this has turned out so well....

this will save me TONS of time and money is prototyping!!


thanks again to everyones hard work.. (and sharing it!)




update:

I just realized it didnt even cut the correct gerber file I picked in the GUI?  it picked an OLDER one I had done before?

I also am noticing.. I dont see a new .pdf file being created ..  hmmm......


*I think I found the problem..  the name had a SPACE in it..  (grabbed a different random file for testing..didnt notice the space in name)

fixed that and now things are as normal.. waiting to see the final results for GUI and new optimized.py on the new stencil.
10
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
that would be cool!..

I am using the /bat file posted here for my file name prompt....

(I edit the how many passes, position, speed & force settings in the .py script itself though)

anything to help beginners like myself get up and running fatser!  :)
11
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
I 'believe' your setting are only set up to cut twice.. (not 4 times)..  (but I could be wrong).

seems like you only set 2 speed settings.. and 2 force settings (for two passes)

I have to have my blade on setting 2 (physically).. I have never gotten blade setting on 1 to work on mylar or the Apollo sheets!


I believe I have done same as you as well.

* a brand new Silhouette Cameo
* driver x86 from CD
* a brand new cutting mat from Silhouette Cameo retail package
* blade setting: 2
* Apollo wrtie-on transparenceis
* used a credit card to smooth sheet on sticky mat.

(G2G settings I used are attached to each image results I posted)

yours look really (really) good..

worth a shot to try those Avery style ones now..lol
12
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
wow those DO look great!..

I dont think my results have been that good even!..

I have used mylar and Apollo transparencies..


I have gotten mixed results from the stock/default G2G script (havent tried the optimized one yet)

some of the holes/cuts will be GREAT..  and then some will have one side/cut skewed or bowed or angled..

maybe the optimized fixes that..and I need to re-test?
13
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
I found that I too was getting inconsistent cuts using the original G2G script..

it was only certain areas... or certain 'angles/cuts' that were off though..

(not so bad the stencil wasnt usable though..to be clear)

after many (many) tests in the same area..

I attributed it to two factors:

1.) not a clean blade (make sure you unscrew the white cap and clean whatever is in there, out)..
2.) sticky/tacky in that area..

Is the OFF-SET parameter the correct way to place where the cut is made/placed?

I no longer want it started in the top/middle area...

the place of the mat is getting worn-out.

:)

I'll try the new optimized script soon!
14
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
thanks..

yeah I have been thinking of getting one..

Im not familiar with red cap/blue cap?

is this the same thing you mean (the holder)?

this is what I am planning to buy..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Graphtec-CB09-B ... 0632177982

same thing..yes?



at this point.. Im 'ok' with the results I have..

Id still like to:

1.) try the 60 degree blade to see about the tighter/smaller cuts.. (always better)

2.) like to try exporting my gerbers using another CAM job instead of the iTeadStudio one..

(Im trying to figure out why the 6mil shrink on the cream layer isnt any different than the 4mil shrink one I did and exported..

(when viewing them both in gerbv.. they are the same 'sizes'..  (although smaller than the OK without shrink version)

but it seems I am capped/limited at shrinking to 4mil?  (odd, but havent looked into too much yet)
15
Tools of the trade / Re: Cutting mylar stencils with a silohuette cameo
[quote author="teletypeguy"]Hey Jerry:  Glad to see you are getting some good cuts now.  Not sure why blade depth of 1 did not penetrate for you, but maybe it is related to your mylar -- jesuscf had Canon mylar that was the same thickness as Apollo stuff, but was apparently a tougher plastic and did not cut well.

You can also use the sil-studio program to test material, even little scraps.  Load a bit of test material (anywhere on the mat really), fire up sil-studio, and in the send-to-cameo dialog there is a button for a test cut.  Use the blue cursor buttons on the cameo to move the knife to where you want to cut, and click test cut.  It cuts out a little square with a triangle inside -- you can move the head out of the way (or unload the mat) and dig out the square with an xacto, or peel of your samlple.  This is a good way to try different blade depths for different materials.

Are you sure you shrunk your cream layer?  I thought I had at first but got the same results -- then I used gcprevue, imported just the top-copper and solderpaste layers (which gcprevue assigns different colors).  You want the layer list on the left to have paste above copper (if not drag one layer above/below the other).  Zoom in and then you can see clearly whether your paste is shrunken (?), shrinked (?), ahh, reduced-in-size, as you expect.

So, is this little round board going in the nosecone of a rocket?

gil[/quote]

I have been doing alot of testing..but not 'sure' when the blade got some vinyl in it..  (not sure how skewed my data/results are now?)
either way I swapped out with my replacement/new blade.. and gave it a test again..

on Apollo transparency sheets now (write-on type..I believe to be same brand/type tested with previously here)

after new blade.. blade setting 3 was 'too' much.. ripped/merged holes..etc

blade setting two 'did' result in full penetration..

2-pass
(new blade)
Blade setting: 2
Speed: 1, 1
Force: 8, 16

I got full through cuts..

Im not sure if I should drop to blade setting of 1, and try again?
or keep blade setting of two.. and try light 'force' values?

(if I do a single pass, do I "ONLY" have to have 1 value in the speed & force parameters? (I havent touched the others before, border or matrix..etc..etc)

this Apollo stuff seems much stronger.. and a bit more 'brittle' (at a certain point too.. if that makes sense..LOL)..

Im hoping its good for cuts and keeping shape..etc..


Good point with the Cameo test cuts!!!

Im new to the Cameo in general, as a whole.. I have only cut 3 vinyl pieces:




and the rest has been working playing with stencil stuff right out of the box!  :)

I wish the pcb was for a rocket something 'er other!  lol.. sounds like some fun!  woot!..

but alas.. not as adrenaline pumping at that.. :)

was the end result of a 'goal/project' I gave myself.. to retro fit a Spider-Man webshooter prop with some electronics..

the space was VERY (very) tight.. (height was a killer, since almost no components could populate the top of the pcb.. and the bottom has a microSD card!.. and the pcb isnt much bigger than that!

Was really just a result of a bunch of things I hadnt tried before
custom shape pcb in Eagle (also just square/rectangles)
Arduino +3.3v
Arduino running on internal 8MHz clock
just some things I had not ever tried.. :)






quick vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unyKKA1JOnw



I'd like to hear about the results/speed (and then of accuracy after speed) of the optimized.py script as well?

I 'do' believe I have shrunk the cream layer*..

I open up an original and a new one I did after 'shrinking' in Gerbv and sticked and turned on/off the layer.. you can see the original was is 'bigger'...

that being said though... I have NOT been able to shrink it past 4mil?

I type in 6 mil.. and run CAM JOB..  (iTeadStudio CAM file, because thats who I normally use)..

I know its a bit different than the one you are used to..but it how they have their fab house set-up..so I just roll with it!..
(this is where/how the dimensions 9pcb outline/shape0 layer is included as well for them)..

anyways.. I go to 6mill shrink on CREAM layer.. export.. open and check it against the 4mil.. same thing!..

not sure if running another/different/alternate CAM file will allow this? and theirs blocks/stops/limits it?

I'll try to figure out to do a single pass..

and do another test before trying another export CAM job..


thanks!  couldnt have gotten this far without you the help of others here..  thanks!

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