Gerber GBX File

[AlliedAuto]

Hi all,

I'm looking for software (preferably freeware) to open files with a .GBX file extension.

We received files from customers that are of this format and unfortunately we can't open them. I did a search on google for the file extension .GBX and it came back to me recommending Pentalogix Viewmate/Viewmaster or GraphiCode GC Prevue.

Any help appreciated.

God bless,

Phil.

 

[geekEE]

Pentalogix Viewmate is a free download from their site:

http://www.pentalogix.com/Download/download.html

Glenn

 

[Comcokid]

Different PCB packages output Gerber data with different file extension names. But, the Gerber data in the file is still Gerber.

If you have a Gerber viewer, or a CAD/PCB program that will import Gerbers (eg, Camtastic viewer that comes with Altium/Protel PCB package), you can rename the file extension and import it to view it, even it was not produced with that particular CAD package.

 

[Noway2]

When I read the original post, I recalled a conversation I had with a board vendor asking if I could give them plots in a newer form than regular gebers. I am pretty certain that they refered to this as GBX format, though my PCB package did not support it.

geekEE's suggestion of using Viewmate is an excellent one. I have used viewmate for many years and always import my PCB designs into it before sending them for production.

 

[geekEE]

Hey Noway, it sounds like you might be talking about the difference between the old RS274-D Gerber format and the newer RS274-X format. RS274-D required a separate aperture file whereas RS274-X has the apertures integrated into the same file. I think that's a different issue than the GBX extension. There seems to be little to no standardization in Gerber file names (which drives me crazy!)

I agree with Comcokid that other gerber viewers would work fine as well. However, I've been using Viewmate the last couple years and find it works fairly well.

 

[AlliedAuto]

Hi all,

I've downloaded GC-Prevue but it doesn't open .GBX files.

Comcokid - you mentioned something about renaming the extension. I've tried this (renamed the extension as a .GBK etc but to no avail.

I've just downloaded Gerbv - 2.0.1 but that doesn't seem to open the files either.

Viewmate only shows a layout alright but it's all dots and a rectangular frame around them.

I've tried the free gerber viewer online and that seems to do the job.

Can you tell me are these files 2D drawings or 3D drawings as I don't know much about this software. I use Solidworks myself.

God bless,

Phil.

 

[AlliedAuto]

Hi all,

These are the 4 programs I've tried unsuccessfully:

gerbv -2.0.1
GC-Prevue
Viewmate
P-CAD 2006 Viewer

I tried renaming the .gbx file extension to a .pcb file but it didn't recognise it.

http://www.gerber-viewer.com/

seems to be the clearest but I'd like to be able to view these drawings with software installed on the desktop instead of having to go online.

God bless,

Phil.

 

[Noway2]

I did a little digging as my memory on the subject was foggy. I think the format I was thinking of was ODB++. When I saw the comment about RS274-D and RS-274X, I remembered that these were the formats I used and that it wasn't what I was thinking of.

I also uncovered in the digging that .GBX is a standard gerber extension.

Question to the original poster, are you sure that the file is not corrupt? I have used both Viemate and GC-preview will work for gerber files and either should work fine.

 

[GonzaloEE]

Got Protel DXP here. Your file is likely another extension for the same standard Gerber file format.

You may upload your file here if possible, so I can check it and post it back as PDF or some known format.

Cheers!

 

[AlliedAuto]

Hi Gonzalo,

I don't think our customer would appreciate me uploading their files to the net so I'd better not.

Can I download a trial version of that program? Tried there website but there doesn't seem to be anything available.

God bless,

Phil.

 

[Electech79]

Dear AlliedAuto,

I know you have requested information on free Gerber viewers but I found the best solution was GerbTool from Wise software. They have a demo version you could download for a single use but the full version is around 500USD it is a very user friendly software tool and it will convert your file automatically. Also you can import ODB++ and various other forms of data. As far as your question of 2D or 3D the answer is 2D. These are the files the PCB manufacturer uses to create their photo plots. they are not typical CAD drawings. Best of luck

 

[GonzaloEE]

Phil, you may contact Altium Sales Dept. to ask for a trial version of Altium Designer or Protel DXP:

http://www.altium.com/contacts/altiumsalessupportusacanada/?

The s/w includes an app. called CAMtastic that renders/edits Gerber files in a (IMO) much better way than many freeware viewers I've used so far.

Try opening your .GBX file with Notepad. If you find something like this:

%FSLAX24Y24*%
%MOIN*%
G70*
G01*
G75*
%ADD10C,0.0100*%
%ADD11C,0.0315*%
.......

You can backup/rename your file to any other Gerber file extension your viewer accepts. For instance, in Altium environments any file with .GBL extension will be shown as bottom copper layer.

Good Luck!