Mega FP?8000 XL Instruction Manual - page 23
5. Brief, step by step guide for photoplotter software:
5.1 Load Gerber file(s) into Gerb2bitmap program. If you load Gerber file in standard format (RS274‐D), it
may be necessary to set parameters (units, data format, colours, ….). To load Gerber data use Job‐
Import Master Gerber or an icon. Loaded Gerber data will appear as a red rectangle in right top corner
– move it to top left corner of the grey (plotting) area by mouse (left button). At the same moment the
name of loaded Gerber file will appear in the table field under GERBER for layer No.1 (plotting layer).
As an example, you can load Gerber file supplied with this software (directory SAMPLES). File Rs274x1.gbr
and Rs274x2.gbr are Gerber files in extended format (RS274‐X) and therefore there is no need to convert
their aperture files. File Rs274_1.gbr and Rs274_2.gbr are Gerber files in standard format (RS274‐D) and
therefore their corresponding aperture files (Rs274_1.whl and Rs274_2.whl) must be converted into
Lavenirs format (.env) before loading them into plotter program. Converted aperture files are also included
(rs274_1.env and rs274_2.env) for any case.
5.2 Load corresponding aperture file, but only if the loaded Gerber file was standard Gerber file (RS‐274‐D).
Use Job‐Import Apertures or an icon APT. Make sure that this is done for the same layer as loaded Gerber
data (select layer under Active Layer). Loaded aperture file and its D‐codes can be viewed and edited in
Preference – Aperture Table, or use an icon.
5.2b Load associated Gerber file(s) (if any) by Job‐Import Associated Gerber or use GBR icon on selected
layer (film) – set layer(s) in Active Layer. Corresponding images will be automatically placed in the same
location on the film as the Master Gerber image. When Master image is moved or panelised, all related
images are also moved or panelised. If Master image is deleted, all related images (files) are also deleted.
5.2c Load aperture file(s) for associated Gerber images. Make sure that aperture files are loaded on the
same layers (active layer)
5.2d If you need to panelise film (to place several copies of the same image on one film), use Tools –
Panelise Board, where you set number of copies and their mutual spacing. Then you need to panelise
corresponding drill file by Tools‐Panelise Drill.
5.2e If you need a robber strip around the image, use Preferences‐Tech.Area to create it
5.2e Preview results of placement of loaded Gerber file(s) for selected layer by Job‐Preview or use an icon.
Note: Command Delete deletes loaded image(s), Gerber files and associated aperture files). In case of
panelization the image is deleted one by one.
5.3 Export loaded Gerber file(s) to hi‐resolution bitmap file by Job‐Export Photoplotter Bitmap. Specify the
export file name (Export Name). Set the export file output resolution. The output resolution can be set
in several preset values – 1016, 1350 and 2032, or in any value (Other..). Unless you have a specific
reason, we recommend to use preset values. The exported file is displayed for checking purpose.
Selected output resolution has nothing to do with plotting resolution, as program Run_Photo_USB will
read in this export file resolution, but plot with output resolution, which will be set in Run_photo_USB
program. It may be an advantage to keep both resolutions the same, but in any case, the plotting
resolution will always be recalculated from this export file resolution.