Circuit board Viewer/Editor 2

[AJustice]

Hello, does anyone know of a (Free) program that can view gerber files or .gdo files? I am looking at project example files from Texas Instruments and they have the extensions .gdo in a folder named gerber. I would really like to modify their board to fit my needs exactly rather than starting from scratch on a board design!

 

[mcgyvr]

I love diptrace

http://www.diptrace.com/download.php

try the freeware assuming your design fits into the 300 pin limit..

 

[MacGyverS2000]

One of the best freebies out there:

http://www.graphicode.com/GC-Prevue_Gerber_Viewer

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[AJustice]

Thanks for the response, I cannot dl the diptrace due to a firewall filter (I will dl it when I get home), the PREVUE is dling now! Thanks guys. Funny how both names are Mc/Macgyver....lol. I need to send some cash eng-tips way, this site has been useful so many times~~!

 

[AJustice]

The PREVUE won't open the .gdo files. I have uploaded the files in question.

 

[mcgyvr]

I just downloaded your file and Diptrace imports them just fine.

 

[AJustice]

Well, I can't wait to get home and download Diptrace! thanks!

 

[geekEE]

AJustice, I use Viewmate

http://www.pentalogix.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=55

I found that it will open the .gdo files that you posted.

Glenn

 

[AJustice]

Do any of those programs allow an edit on the files?

 

[geekEE]

Viewmate is just a viewer. Sorry, I didn't notice that you mentioned modifying the files in your original post. I don't know of any free Gerber editors.

Glenn

 

[zappedagain]

Gerber files are text based. So if your changes are minor you can use a text editor. I often do that along with Viewmate; just not often enough to justify buying a tool that can do it better.

- Select an element in Viewmate
- get the properties (mainly to locate the coordinates)
- Search for the coordinates in the Gerber file
- change as necessary
- Repeat

You can find good links on the web that define the basic constructs of Gerber files.

If the changes are larger and the design isn't too sophisticated, it doesn't take long to recreate a layout in one of the free layout programs, such as ExpressPCB (or others).


John D