Mega FP?8000 XL Instruction Manual - page 9
This method is used when there is a problem with aperture file conversion, or user does not have any
aperture file generated by PCB design software, etc.
Please note, that loaded aperture file is always tied to loaded and active associated Gerber file. If Gerber
file is deleted (Edit – Delete Board or icon), the aperture file is also deleted.
A click on red rectangle in working area with right mouse button brings a small menu :
Set Active allows to set this image (board) active – only active board can be moved, deleted, ….. Move to
allows to move this image to desired location by typing in a new absolute coordinates Lock allows to glue this
image to its current location – it can be manipulated any more Unlock unglues this image – it is free to be
manipulated with Add Gerber on active layer allows to load Gerber file associated with this one on different
layer Add Aperture on active layer allows to load aperture file for Gerber file associated with this one on
selected layer
Use Job‐Preview or an icon to preview result of Gerber to bitmap conversion for selected layer. It is
possible to make holes (openings) in otherwise filled pads to make manual drilling easy – specify Hole Size
in Pads . As some pads, for example SMD do not have any holes, specify D‐codes without holes for these
pads. Similarly, to view created technological area defined under Preference‐Tech.Area , click on Tech.Area.
Use Job‐Export Photoplotter Bitmap to export converted Gerber image to hi‐res bitmap file in photoplotter
proprietary format (FPF). As in Preview, it is possible to make holes (openings) in otherwise filled pads to
make manual drilling easy – specify Hole Size in Pads . As some pads, for example SMD do not have any
holes, specify D‐codes without holes for these pads. Similarly, to export created technological area (robber
bend) defined under Preference‐Tech.Area , click on Tech.Area.
It is possible to enter user notes that will be attached to the file (for example project identification,…) – this
info text will be also displayed in Run_plotter program when searching for particular image file.