diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 6899c1c..3a3ac06 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -120,31 +120,33 @@ These ensure that the vendor can make the board and the Design Rule Checker will 2. Click "Run Design Rule Check" which is on the bottom left! OK will just close the dialog. ## Output the job to send to the PCB manufacturer - Create an Outjob to produce the files the PCB manufacturer wants (Gerber and NC drill usually) - Right click on the project > Add New to Project > Output Job File - Click on [Add New Fabrication Output] > Gerber Files > pick the PCB file - Right click on Gerber Files and choose "Configure" - Change the Units to Inches - Click on "Plot Layers" and choose "Select Used" - Click on [Add New Fabrication Output] > NC Drill Files > pick the PCB file - Click on "Folder Structure" in the output containers on the right size - Click on both of these Fabrication outputs on the right where there is a circle - Click on the "Generate Content" - This will put files into the folder on that container. This is usually something like "Documents\Altium\\|Project Outputs for \" - Take all the files in the Gerber and "NC Drill" folder and put them in a zip file - Submit the Gerber file and the NC Drill files to the PCB manufacturer and pay them the money. Some vendors have the option to have them send you the files to review before production: I choose that even if it costs more to avoid having an issue such as no holes getting drilled. Usually it takes 1 week to get your board back due to Icelandic shipping and customs. - If you asked for a check before production, they will often send you a zip file with their CAM output. To check it (AllPCB example): - Decompress the file somewhere easily accessible such as "AllPCB-cam". It will have two subdirectories: - yg: the original Gerber files you sent in - ok: the company's CAM output for you to look at - Create a CAM document in your project such as "-AllPCB.cam" - File > Import > Quick Load - Change the filter to "all files" because the files do not have extensions (.gbl) instead the filename is just gbl - Navigate to the AllPCB-cam/ok and click OK - Examine the file to make sure that it looks like what you expect: no missing traces or holes - When the board arrives: inspect it for missing traces, shorts, etc. (In one case, the board was missing an entire layer!) - Solder one the components to the board (or send it to a fabricator for larger orders with a pick and place) - Test, Share, and Enjoy! +Create an Outjob to produce the files the PCB manufacturer wants (Gerber and NC drill usually) +1. Right click on the project > Add New to Project > Output Job File +1. Click on [Add New Fabrication Output] > Gerber Files > pick the PCB file +1. Right click on Gerber Files and choose "Configure" + 1. Change the Units to Inches + 2. Click on "Plot Layers" and choose "Select Used" + 2. Click on [Add New Fabrication Output] > NC Drill Files > pick the PCB file + 2. Click on "Folder Structure" in the output containers on the right size + 2. Click on both of these Fabrication outputs on the right where there is a circle + 2. Click on the "Generate Content" +1. This will put files into the folder on that container. This is usually something like "Documents\Altium\\|Project Outputs for \" +1. Take all the files in the Gerber and "NC Drill" folder and put them in a zip file +1. Submit the Gerber file and the NC Drill files to the PCB manufacturer and pay them the money. Some vendors have the option to have them send you the files to review before production: I choose that even if it costs more to avoid having an issue such as no holes getting drilled. Usually it takes 1 week to get your board back due to Icelandic shipping and customs. +## Check the board before it goes to production +1. If you asked for a check before production, they will often send you a zip file with their CAM output. To check it (AllPCB example): + 1. Decompress the file somewhere easily accessible such as "AllPCB-cam". It will have two subdirectories: + * yg: the original Gerber files you sent in + * ok: the company's CAM output for you to look at + 2. Create a CAM document in your project such as "-AllPCB.cam" + 2. File > Import > Quick Load + 2. Change the filter to "all files" because the files do not have extensions (.gbl) instead the filename is just gbl + 2. Navigate to the AllPCB-cam/ok and click OK + 2. Examine the file to make sure that it looks like what you expect: no missing traces or holes +# Check the board once it arrives +1. Inspect it for missing traces, shorts, etc. (In one case, the board was missing an entire layer!) +1. Solder one the components to the board (or send it to a fabricator for larger orders with a pick and place) +1. Test, Share, and Enjoy! # FAQ ## How do I keep the part Comment from getting changed when the part in the library is updated?