Homebrew PCBs

time to learn about gerber format.

I create gerbers for the top and bottom layers, appropriately
mirrored.  Then, using Pentalogix Viewmate (free download), open the
top gerber and move it (via displacement method - dx only), then
import the bottom gerber.  Print it and you've got what you want.

However, I've found that folding is harder than just aligning the two
copies and using double sided tape to stick them together.  Slide the
PCB blank in, align it.  Trim the paper to about 1" on each side and
slide the assembly into the modified GBC H200 (for about 5000 passes
to get the temperature up to the fusing point).

I don't bother making single sided boards anymore. Its so easy and the
bottom makes a great ground plane for the simpler boards.

Phil

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan"
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> On Thu, 26 May 2005 23:43:03 +0200, Robert Hedan  
> <robert.hedan@v...> wrote:
> 
> >
> > The problem for me with printing on a single sheet and then
folding is  
> > that
> > my software (QCAD) is not that flexible.  I can print one pattern,
or a
> > mosaic of the same pattern, but I can't print one pattern and then  
> > another a
> > short distance after it.
> > That's why I'm looking for a way of aligning 2 individual pieces of  
> > paper.
> > Robert
> 
> 
> My software is the same (not qcad, but lack of function).
> The stupid thing has "panelizing" feature, meaning it can multiply a
PCB  
> so you can make several on one board, but it can't like print top and  
> bottom side by side.
> 
> Solution: export to bitmap at printer resolution and fit together
with a  
> image editing software.
> 
> It is not necessarily easier to have it on one sheet, at all, i have  
> found, i usually cut them apart anyway for alignment
> 
> ST