ECE Electronics Service Shop

Layout Programs

Eagle

We accept Gerber files generated with Cadsoft's Eagle Layout Editor. A freeware version of Eagle is available which allows the creation of two-layer boards up to 4 x 3.2 inches in size. Almost everyone uses Eagle for these PCBs.

Please include the following files:

  1. Top layer (component side) ("*.CMP")
  2. Bottom Layer (solder side) ("*.SOL")
  3. Board outline ("*.BOL")
  4. Drill file ("*.DRD")

Instructions for producing the above files:

  1. Download this Eagle CAM Job File.
  2. Unzip the file into the directory "Eagle/cam".
  3. From the Eagle board editor (NOT the schematic editor), do "CAM Processor, File, Open, Job, and select "gerb274xECEShop.cam" (the file you just downloaded).
  4. Hit the "Process Job" button.
  5. The files listed above should now be in the same directory with your board files. Email them to me using the link below.

A good tutorial for Eagle can be found here. I created a backup copy of this tutorial here.



OrCAD

Please include the following files:

  1. Top layer ("*.TOP"), format = Gerber RS274X
  2. Bottom layer ("*.BOT"), format = Gerber RS274X
  3. Board outline ("*.AST"), format = Gerber RS274X
  4. Drill file ("thruhole.tap"), format = Excellon


EasyTrax

Easytrax freeware is provided for you to layout simple prototype printed circuit boards. This is an old program, but it's free, easier to learn than more sophisticated programs, and has no limit on board size.

Procedure:

  1. Download EASYTRAX.zip
  2. Read Special Requirements for our PCB process.
  3. Layout your PCB artwork using EasyEdit.
  4. Generate NC Drill and Gerber files using EasyPlot.
  5. Submit the following files to Mark Smart using the link at the bottom of the page:
    • EasyTrax board file ("*.PCB")
    • NC Drill file ("*.TXT")
    • Top layer Gerber file ("*.GTL")
    • Mid Layer 2 Gerber file to define board outline ("*.GM2")
    • Bottom layer Gerber file ("*.GBL")


Other

We can most likely process Gerber files from other PCB design programs, as long as they are in Gerber RS274X format, though this will delay the fabrication of your board(s). As with the other programs, please include files for the following:

  1. Top layer (format = Gerber RS274X)
  2. Bottom layer (format = Gerber RS274X)
  3. Board outline (format = Gerber RS274X)
  4. Drill file (format = Excellon)

In your request email please indicate which file is which.





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