Table of Contents
CAM350 Help Contents

Menu commands:

File

Edit

Add

View

Info

Utilities

Tables

Macro

Settings

Help


CAM350 Hotkeys
CAM350 Hotkey List

A	Aperture table

C	Zoom close

D	Set active Dcode

F	Toggle Fill mode ON/OUTLINE/OFF

G	Turn Graphics ON/OFF

H	Highlights currently active Dcode

K	Turn layer(s) OFF

L	Turn layer(s) ON/ACTIVE

M	Toggles command line (Memory used or Commands)

N	Toggles active layer NEGATIVE

O	Toggles Orthosnap (0, 45, 90 degrees)

P	Zoom previous

Q	Query data (Default is ALL data)

R	Redraw

S	Snap ON/OFF

T	Transparency ON/OFF

U	Undo

Ctrl-U	Redo

V	Grid Visibility ON/OFF

W	Zoom Window

X	Toggles cursor (Target or Cross-Hair)

Y	Layer table

Z	Object snap ON/OFF

Home	Zoom ALL

Ins	Pan to cursor location

+	Zoom IN

-	Zoom OUT

Pgup	Increase snap box size

Pgdn	Decrease snap box size

Keyboard/Mouse Equivalents

Spacebar	Left mouse button

,	Center mouse button

Esc	Right mouse button

Hotkeys that change during edits:

W	Enable group Window mode

C	Toggles Window mode (Crossing or Non-Crossing)

B	Toggles group display (Box mode or Ghost mode)

T	Turns a part during ADD:PART

M	Mirrors a part during ADD:PART


Edit Menu

The Edit commands are used to modify existing data in your design.

Several additional tools appear in the Tool Bar with many of the Edit commands:

Line Snap	Clicking this button controls the angle formed during all types of line draw commands. The L represents angle. The selections are LO(any angle), L45° or L90°.
Draw and Flash	If these checkboxes are checked, draws or flashes are included in the current edit command; if unchecked, they cannot be selected and will not be affected by the command.
Filter	Clicking this button invokes the Dcode Selection Filter dialog box. Entries here allow you to include or exclude specific Dcodes from being operated on by the command.
Prev	Clicking this button returns the most recent item(s) select for the current edit command. This is convenient if you want to move, then rotate a large selection of items.
All edits start out assuming that one item will be selected. If you want to operate on a group of items you use the W Hotkey (window) after you are in the command. The cursor changes to an open box and you are prompt for two points. While in this mode the C Hotkey (crossing) changes the cursor shape and alternates between crossing window detection and non crossing window detection. In addition, at any time you can hold the control key to alternately add or deselect an item from the selection set.

Menu Commands:

Undo

Redo

Move

Copy

Delete

Rotate

Mirror

Layers

Change

Move Vtx\Seg

Add Vertex

Delete Vertex

Delete Segment


Edit Undo
Edit: Undo

Selecting this command returns the design to its state just prior to the last edit without loss or alteration of data. It may be repeated for multiple iterations back to the beginning of your edit session. It is enabled in File|Setup|Preferences.

Not all functions can be undone. The undo philosophy is to provide undo for all edit and add functions, but not in all cases. For example you cannot undo a load or a save. In addition, since undo uses memory and consumes time, some utilities can not be undone if there is an alternative way to recover from the function. Vent, for example, creates quite a lot of data which would use a lot of undo memory. But to undo a vent, all you have to do is to remove the vent layers using Edit/Layer/Remove.

Command Sequence:

Select Edit|Undo or use the U Hotkey


Edit Redo
Edit: Redo

This command returns the design to its state just prior to the execution of the last Undo. It may be repeated for multiple iterations to go forward through your edit session.

Command Sequence:

Select Edit|Redo or use the CTRL + U Hotkey


Edit Move
Edit: Move

This command moves a selected item or group to a new location or layer. You can move flashes or draws or both by clicking the appropriate Tool Bar buttons. The default is both.

Follow the steps below to move item(s) to another location in the same layer.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Move. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Check the Draw and Flash boxes in the Tool Bar as required.

2	Select the item or group to be moved or use the W Hotkey to select a group. The selected item(s) are highlighted.

3	If the correct item is not selected, click the right button to release the selection. Click the left button again to select another item. You may continue to cycle pick through the items within the box until the desired item is highlighted. The selected item attaches to the cursor.

4	Drag the item to the desired destination.

5	Click the left button to release the highlighted item and complete the move.

6	If the location is incorrect, you can drag the item to another location and release with the left button again.

7	To confirm the placement, click the right button.

8	Select another item or group to move or click the right button again to end the command.

Use the steps below to move item(s) to other layer(s).

1	Select Edit|Move. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Select the Draw and/or Flash boxes from the Tool Bar as required.

2	Select the item to be moved or use the W Hotkey to select a group. The selected item(s) are highlighted.

3	Click the Move To Layer button in the Tool Bar. The Layer List dialog box appears.

4	Select the layer where you want the item(s) moved.

5	The selected item(s) is moved to the same coordinates on the selected layer.

6	To move the same selection to another layer, click the Prev button in the Tool Bar. The previously selected item(s) is again highlighted.

7	Repeat steps 3 through 5.

8	Select other item(s) to move or click the right button to end the command.


Edit Copy
Edit: Copy

This command can be used to copy a single item or selected group. You can copy flashes or draws or both by clicking the appropriate Tool Bar buttons. The default is both selected.

Follow the steps below to copy item(s) to another location in the same layer.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Copy. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Select Draw and/or Flash from the Tool Bar.

2	Position the cursor on the item(s) to be copied and click the left button to highlight the item.

3	If the correct item is not selected, click the right button to release the selection. Click the left button again to select another item. You may continue to cycle pick through the items within the box until the desired item is highlighted. The selected item attaches to the cursor.

4	Move the cursor to the desired destination. Click the left button to place the copy.

5	If additional copies are required, continue to move the cursor to locations where you want to copy the selected item(s) and click the left button at each selected location.

6	Click the right button. The item(s) no longer are highlighted.

7	Select another item to copy or click the right button again to end the Copy command.

Note:

Type the number of repeated copies in the Copies: text box in the Tool Bar. When you make multiple copies, the copies are made equidistant in the direction from the selected item(s) to the cursor location.

Use the steps below to copy item(s) to other layer(s).

1	Select Copy|Edit. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Select Draw and/or Flash from the Tool Bar.

2	Select the item to be moved or use the W Hotkey to select a group. The selected item(s) are highlighted.

3	Click the To Layers button in the Tool Bar. The Copy to Layers dialog box appears.

4	Check the Copy To box to the right of the desired layers.

5	Click OK. The selected item(s) are copied at the same coordinates on the selected layers.


Edit Copy
Edit: Copy

This command can be used to copy a single item or selected group. You can copy flashes or draws or both by clicking the appropriate Tool Bar buttons. The default is both selected.

Follow the steps below to copy item(s) to another location in the same layer.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Copy. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Select Draw and/or Flash from the Tool Bar.

2	Position the cursor on the item(s) to be copied and click the left button to highlight the item.

3	If the correct item is not selected, click the right button to release the selection. Click the left button again to select another item. You may continue to cycle pick through the items within the box until the desired item is highlighted. The selected item attaches to the cursor.

4	Move the cursor to the desired destination. Click the left button to place the copy.

5	If additional copies are required, continue to move the cursor to locations where you want to copy the selected item(s) and click the left button at each selected location.

6	Click the right button. The item(s) no longer are highlighted.

7	Select another item to copy or click the right button again to end the Copy command.

Note:

Type the number of repeated copies in the Copies: text box in the Tool Bar. When you make multiple copies, the copies are made equidistant in the direction from the selected item(s) to the cursor location.

Use the steps below to copy item(s) to other layer(s).

1	Select Copy|Edit. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Select Draw and/or Flash from the Tool Bar.

2	Select the item to be moved or use the W Hotkey to select a group. The selected item(s) are highlighted.

3	Click the To Layers button in the Tool Bar. The Copy to Layers dialog box appears.

4	Check the Copy To box to the right of the desired layers.

5	Click OK. The selected item(s) are copied at the same coordinates on the selected layers.


Edit Copy
Edit: Copy

This command can be used to copy a single item or selected group. You can copy flashes or draws or both by clicking the appropriate Tool Bar buttons. The default is both selected.

Follow the steps below to copy item(s) to another location in the same layer.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Copy. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Select Draw and/or Flash from the Tool Bar.

2	Position the cursor on the item(s) to be copied and click the left button to highlight the item.

3	If the correct item is not selected, click the right button to release the selection. Click the left button again to select another item. You may continue to cycle pick through the items within the box until the desired item is highlighted. The selected item attaches to the cursor.

4	Move the cursor to the desired destination. Click the left button to place the copy.

5	If additional copies are required, continue to move the cursor to locations where you want to copy the selected item(s) and click the left button at each selected location.

6	Click the right button. The item(s) no longer are highlighted.

7	Select another item to copy or click the right button again to end the Copy command.

Note:

Type the number of repeated copies in the Copies: text box in the Tool Bar. When you make multiple copies, the copies are made equidistant in the direction from the selected item(s) to the cursor location.

Use the steps below to copy item(s) to other layer(s).

1	Select Copy|Edit. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor. Select Draw and/or Flash from the Tool Bar.

2	Select the item to be moved or use the W Hotkey to select a group. The selected item(s) are highlighted.

3	Click the To Layers button in the Tool Bar. The Copy to Layers dialog box appears.

4	Check the Copy To box to the right of the desired layers.

5	Click OK. The selected item(s) are copied at the same coordinates on the selected layers.


Edit Delete
Edit: Delete

This command is used to delete a single item or selected group.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Delete. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Position the cursor on the item to be deleted and click the left button to immediately delete the item.

3	If the correct item is not selected, press the U Hotkey or select Undo from the Edit menu and select again. If a another item is contained in the cursor box, it is deleted at the next left button click.

4	You may select another item to delete with the left button. Click the right button to end the Delete command.

5	If you are deleting a group selection, you are prompted to confirm the deletion(s) after you click the right button.


Edit Rotate
Edit: Rotate

This command rotates an item or selected group about a selected point from 0 to 360° in a positive (counter-clockwise) or negative (clockwise) direction.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Rotate. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the Rotation Angle from the combo box in the Tool Bar, or type another angle in degrees.

3	Select the item or group to be rotated.

4	Move the cursor to the desired rotation point. Click the left button to rotate the item(s) into the desired position.

Note:

Once you have set the rotation point and clicked the left button, the cursor can be moved without altering the rotation point.

5	Click the left button to rotate again or the right button to end the Rotate command.


Edit Mirror
Edit: Mirror

This command is used to mirror a single item or selected group about a horizontal or vertical axis.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Mirror. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the item or group to be mirrored, then select the Mirror Axis from the Tool Bar button.

3	Click the left button to flip the selected item(s) to the new position. Clicking the left button again returns the item(s) to their original position.

Note:

If the cursor is moved, the mirror axis is changed and the items do not return to their original position.

4	You may select another item to mirror or click the right button to end the command.


Edit Mirror
Edit: Mirror

This command is used to mirror a single item or selected group about a horizontal or vertical axis.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Mirror. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the item or group to be mirrored, then select the Mirror Axis from the Tool Bar button.

3	Click the left button to flip the selected item(s) to the new position. Clicking the left button again returns the item(s) to their original position.

Note:

If the cursor is moved, the mirror axis is changed and the items do not return to their original position.

4	You may select another item to mirror or click theright button to end the command.


Edit Mirror
Edit: Mirror

This command is used to mirror a single item or selected group about a horizontal or vertical axis.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Mirror. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the item or group to be mirrored, then select the Mirror Axis from the Tool Bar button.

3	Click the left button to flip the selected item(s) to the new position. Clicking the left button again returns the item(s) to their original position.

Note:

If the cursor is moved, the mirror axis is changed and the items do not return to their original position.

4	You may select another item to mirror or click the right button to end the command.


Edit Layers

The Layers commands operate on entire layers and are used to align, scale or remove layers.

Menu Commands:

Align

Scale

Remove

Map Merge PCB


Align Layers
Edit Layers: Align

This command aligns all the layers in a design to an object in a specified base layer.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Layers|Align from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the object on which the alignment is to be based.

3	Click the right button to confirm this item and its layer as the base layer.

4	Select an object on another layer to be aligned with the base object and click the right button to commit this layer.

5	Continue selecting objects to be aligned for all layers.

6	Click the right button twice to align the layers and end the command.


Remove Layers
Edit Layers: Remove

You may remove the data in any layer(s). Removing the layer data deletes it from the active database.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Layers|Remove from the Edit menu. The Remove Layer Data dialog box appears.

2	Click the corresponding box(es) in the Remove column to select those layers you want to remove.

3	To remove all layers toggle the Set All button and all the Remove boxes are selected. If only a few layers are to be retained, select Set All, then uncheck the layers to be retained.

4	Click the OK button. All selected layers are removed.

Note:

This command will not remove data that is within a part or padstack. Also note that the Remove Layer Data dialog box does not report data on layers if the only data is within a part or padstack.


Scale Layers
Edit Layers: Scale

Layer size may need to be increased or decreased to allow for manufacturing processes. The Layer Scale command may be used to scale any or all layers to allow this adjustment.

CAM350 retains the original data and creates a new layer for the scaled data.

Command Sequence:

To create a scaled layer:

1	Select Layers|Scale from the Edit menu. The Scale dialog box appears.

2	Click the Template Layer button and select the layer that needs to be scaled.

3	Click the Target Layer button and select a target layer if desired. CAM350 selects the next available empty layer by default.

4	Enter the desired X Scale Factor and Y Scale Factor.

5	Click the OK button to execute the Scale command.


Map Merge PCB
Edit Layers: Map Merge PCB

This command is used to map layers from a merged PCB onto the layer structure of your existing design.

Command Sequence:


Edit Change

The Change commands operate on specific items within the database.

Menu Commands:

RefDes

Device Name

Netname

Padstack

Dcode

Text

Explode

Sectorize

Origin


Change Refdes
Edit Change: RefDes

This command is used for making changes to reference designators. It can only be used to change the reference designators of parts. If you have imported Gerber data, convert it to parts prior to using the command.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|RefDes from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the part whose reference designator you want to change. The part is highlighted and a Change RefDes dialog box appears.

3	Type the new reference designator in the New Ref. Des.: text box.

4	Click OK.

Note:

If the new reference designator is already in use, a warning dialog appears and the change is not allowed.

5	Repeat steps 2 through 4 for all reference designators you want to change.

6	Click the right button to end the command.


Change Device Name
Edit Change: Device Name

This command applies to parts and, as with the RefDes command, requires that any Gerber graphics have been converted to parts.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Device Name from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the device whose name you want to change. The part is highlighted and the Change Device Name dialog box appears.

3	Type the new device name in the New Device Name text box click OK.

4	Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all device names you want to change.

5	Click the right button to end the command.


Change Netname
Edit Change: Netname

This command is only used on designs with intelligent nets. If you have Gerber data, use the Utility|Netlist Extract command.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Net Name from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the net that you want to change. The selected net is highlighted and a Change Net Name dialog box appears.

3	Type the new net name in the text box and click OK.

Note:

A question dialog box appears if this name already exists. Select Yes or No; to merge or not to merge, that is the question.

4	Repeat steps 2 through 4 for all net names you want to change.

5	Click the right button to end the command.


Change Padstack
Edit Change: Padstack

This command is used to replace an assigned padstack with another padstack

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Padstack from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the padstack that you want to change. The selected pad is highlighted and a Change Padstack dialog box appears.

3	Select the desired new padstack from the select list, or type the padstack ID number you want in the text box.

4	Click OK to implement the command.

5	Select another padstack to change to click the right button to end the command.


Change Dcode
Edit Change: Dcode

This command is used to replace one Dcode with another.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Dcode from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select a trace or flash that you want to change. Your selection is highlighted and the Change Dcode dialog box appears.

3	Select the desired Dcode from the selection list to type in the Dcode and click OK.

4	Select another Dcode to change or click the right button to end the command.


Change Text
Edit Change: Text

Both text content and format may be changed with this command.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Text from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the text that you want to change. The selected text is highlighted and the Change Text dialog box appears.

3	Select any desired changes in height, angle, character, spaces, line spacing and justification.

4	Select Fit Text or Mirror if desired.

Note:

If your original text was fitted, you may change it to unfitted; however, you cannot change unfitted text to fitted.

5	Click OK.

6	Select other text to change or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

Gerber data does not contain text. What appears as text may be a collection of draws and cannot be affected by this command. Also text that is part of a component such as reference designators and device names cannot be changed by this command. See Change|RefDes and Change|Device Name commands.


Change Explode
Edit Change: Explode

This command is used to change custom apertures, parts and other data into their constituent pieces.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Explode.

2	Select the custom aperture or group to explode. It is immediately replaced with draws and/or flashes.

3	Select another custom aperture to explode or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

Negative data cannot be properly converted. It becomes positive data. A warning is displayed if the aperture selected contains negative data.


Change Sectorize
Edit Change: Sectorize

This command allows a circle or an arc to be drawn as a series of line segments by photoplotters that do not support circular interpolation (true arcs).

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Sectorize from the Edit menu. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the circle, arc or group to sectorize. The Sectorize box appears.

3	Type the desired angle in the text box. The default is 10. The smaller angle is the more segments is drawn and the smoother the curve will be.

4	Click OK. The circle(s) and/or arc(s) are redrawn using line segments.

5	Select other circles or arcs to sectorize or click the right button to end the command.


Change Origin
Edit Change: Origin

This command has two options:

Space Origin

Grid Origin


Change Space Origin
Edit Change Origin: Space Origin

This command allows you to change the (0,0) point of the design or layer.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Origin|Space Origin from the Edit menu.

2	Select any point. The point becomes the new origin.

3	Select another point or click the right button to end the command.


Change Grid Origin
Edit Change Origin: Grid Origin

This command allows you to radiate a grid about a point in the design. It does not change the (0,0) location.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Origin|Grid Origin from the Edit menu.

2	Select any point; the point becomes the new grid origin.

3	Select another origin point or click the right button to end the command.


Move Vertex
Edit: Move Vtx/Seg

This command allows you to move a vertex or segment, depending on what item is selected.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Move Vtx/Seg. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the vertex or segment that you want to move. The selected vertex or segment is highlighted.

Note:

If a vertex is in the snap area, it takes precedence over a segment.

3	Drag your selection to the desired location and click the left button to place it. To change the placement, drag and place it again.

4	Click the right button to confirm the moved vertex or  segment at the new location.

5	Repeat steps 2 through 4 for any other vertices or  segments you want to move.

6	Click the right button to end the command.


Add Vertex
Edit: Add Vertex

This command allows you to add a vertex to a segment.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Add Vertex. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the segment where you want to add a vertex. The segment is highlighted.

3	Drag the cursor to the desired location of the new vertex and click the left button to place it. To change the placement, drag and place it again.

4	Click the right button to confirm the new vertex at the new location.

5	Repeat steps 2 through 4 for any other vertices you want to add.

6	Click the right button to end the command.


Delete Vertex
Edit: Delete Vertex

This command allows you to delete a vertex.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Delete Vertex. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the vertex you want to delete. The vertex is eliminated immediately and the line redrawn between the remaining vertices or endpoints.

3	Select other vertices to delete or click the right button to end the command.


Delete Segment
Edit: Delete Segment

This command allows you to delete a segment

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit|Delete Segment. The cursor becomes an object snap cursor.

2	Select the segment you want to delete. It is deleted immediately.

3	Select other segments to delete or click the right button to end the command.


Edit Pin
Edit Change: Pin

The Change|Pin command allows you to resequence pin numbers of a part.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Pin from the Edit menu. CAM350 displays the current pin numbers of the part and attaches a 1 to the cursor.

2	Select the pin that should now be pin 1. CAM350 makes that pin number 1 and the old pin 1 now has the number of the pin just selected. A 2 is now attached to the cursor.

3	Select the pin that should now be pin 2. Continue until all the pins have their new numbers assigned.

4	Click the right button to end the command.


Edit Width
Edit Change: Width

The Change|Width command allows you to change the width .....

Command Sequence:


Edit Polarity
Edit Change: Polarity

The Change|Polarity command allows you to change the polarity, positive or negative, of existing items:

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Polarity from the Edit menu. CAM350 prompts you to select an item.

2	Set the Pos/Neg toggle to the desired state.

3	Select the item or items to have their polarity changed, they are changed to match the current state of the Pos/Neg setting.

4	Select another item or group, or click the right button to end the command.


Edit Polarity
Edit Change: Endcap

The Change|Endcap command allows you to change the endcap style, round ends or square ends, of lines.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Change|Endcap from the Edit menu. The Tool bar is modified to add the Rnd Cap/No Cap toggle button and CAM350 prompts you to select an item.

2	Set the Rnd Cap/No Cap toggle to the desired state.

3	 Select a line of group of lines. They are changed to match the current state of the Rnd Cap/No Cap setting.

4	 Select another line or group of lines, or click the right button to end the command.


File Menu commands
File Menu

The File menu includes basic Windows commands as well as initial setup parameters and other file manipulation commands.

Menu Commands:

New

Open

Save

Save As

Merge

Import

Export

Print

Setup

Exit


New File
File: New

The New command removes current files from memory and clears the workspace.

Command Sequence:

Select File|New. CAM350 warns you if this action would throw away data in the event your work has not been saved.


Open File
File: Open

Open is used to retrieve a CAM350 database ( .pcb file). This command is used only to recall data saved in the CAM350 intelligent database format. Use File|Import for loading data in other formats.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Open. The Open dialog box appears.

2	Type the name of the file you want to open in the File Name text box, or select the file you want to open from the drive, directory and file lists and click OK. You can also double-click on a filename in the file list to load that file without choosing OK.


Save File
File: Save

This command saves your CAM350 database in a proprietary intelligent format. It is always a good idea to save your work often.

Command Sequence:

Select File|Save. CAM350 immediately saves your work to the file name that you loaded from or last saved to. If you started with New or Import and have not saved before, CAM350 allows you to select a name and location for your file, see Save As below.


Save File As
File: Save As

Save As may be used to transfer data from CAM350s workspace to a different file or location than that from where it was loaded. CAM350 will also display the Save As dialog box if you ask to save and a name has not yet been provided for the file.

Command Sequence:

1.	Select File|Save As. The Save As dialog box appears.

2.	Select the drive and directory where you want the file to be placed, then type a filename in the File Name text box and click OK.

Note:

The dialog box provides a list of files in the selected directory so that you can choose a name that is not already used. Select a filename from this list ONLY if you wish to overwrite the existing file. The old contents of the file will be lost!


Merging Files
File: Merge

This command allows you to combine one or more .pcb files with an existing design database. Only .pcb files can be merged and become a single object in the database and cannot be edited unless it is exploded into raw data. This object can be exploded if edits are necessary.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Merge. Select the desired .pcb file from the Open dialog box that appears.

2	A box that encloses the extents of the .pcb design attaches to the cursor, the origin of the incoming design will align with the cursor.

3	Drag the cursor to the desired location.

4	Click the left button to place the data to be merged and end the command.

Note:

Only the tagged border layer is drawn in a merged file. This saves editing time during edits like Copy and Move as the entire merged database is not highlighted. The internal details of the merged database can be seen by changing the Settings|View Options.


Importing Files
File: Import

The Import command provides a number of options that allow you to import various types of data into CAM350.

Gerber Data

Drill Data

Mill Data

HPGL

IPC-D350

ECAM dsn

Netlist

Aperture Table

CAD data


Gerber Data Import
File Import: Gerber Data

Import|Gerber is used to load Gerber format data into CAM350. CAM350 can read data in RS-274 format as well as many of the more popular photoplotter specific formats. These include RS-274X, Fire 9XXX (Cymbolic Sciences) and others. Multiple files are read into multiple layers allowing simultaneous viewing and editing of this data while maintaining the data integrity of the individual files. CAM350 is fully compatible with step and repeat codes, polygon fills, full composite images, including mixed positive and negative (dark/clear) data in the above formats. This command also allows specification of an aperture file in many formats.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|Gerber Data from the File menu. The Import Gerber Data dialog box appears.

2	Select an aperture file format from the drop-down list on the right.

3	Click the Aperture File button to display the Open dialog box.

4	Select the desired aperture list file and click OK. It is then displayed in the text box to the right of the button.

5	Select the file to be loaded as the first layer by clicking on the 1 button and selecting a file from the Open dialog box. The filename is displayed in the text box to the right of the button.

6	Select the layer type from the drop-down select list. The system uses the layer type in processing the layer information for many functions such as netlist extract, clear silkscreen, drill and panelization. By knowing which layers to act upon, processing time can be reduced.

7	Select all other required layers in a similar manner toggling the Next/Prev button to access up to 99 layers.

If you want any changes from the Data Format that appears in the Import Gerber Data dialog box, follow the steps below.

1	Click the Data Format button.The Data Format dialog box appears.

2	Select the Format type to be imported.

3	Select the Type desired, or Incremental.

4	Select the Digits required from the drop-down selections, 1 to 4 for Integer and 3 to 6 for Decimal.

5	Select the Zero Suppression format desired, Leading, Trailing or None.

6	Select the Units, English or Metric.

7	Click OK to close the Data Format box.

8	Click OK to load the files.

When you have been given a large list of aperture with the Gerber files, you may elect to load the layers and have CAM350 notify you which are used but undefined. You then need only enter these instead of the longer list.

If you have not selected an aperture file or the original aperture data was not in a directly readable format, a warning box appears.

1	Click OK. The Aperture Table box appears with undefined Dcodes.

2	If there are any undefined Dcodes, click the Next Undefined button. The next undefined Dcode is highlighted.

3	Enter the desired Dcode definition. Continue to the next undefined Dcode and enter the desired Dcodes until none remain.

4	The Next Undefined button will be lowlighted when all apertures have been defined.


Drill Data Import
File Import: Drill Data

This command is used to import an NC drill file:

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|Drill Data. The Import Drill Data dialog box appears.

2	Select the layer where you want the Drill file imported by clicking the Layer # button.

3	Select the file from the Open dialog box that appears. It is automatically tagged as Drill type.

4	Select the Format type from the drop-down list to the right of the Filename text box.

5	When you have completed making the data format selections, click the OK button.

If the layer you are importing to contains data, a warning box appears. If you click Yes, the drill data is merged with the data already on that layer. If you click No, the data on the layer is replaced with the drill data. If you cancel, you must select a new command.


Mill Data Import
File Import: Mill Data

This command is used to import a mill file:

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|Mill Data from the File menu. The Import Mill Data dialog box appears.

2	Select the layer where you want the Mill file imported by clicking the Layer # button.

3	Select the file from the Open dialog box that appears. It is automatically tagged as Mill type.

4	Select the Format type from the drop-down list to the right of the Filename text box.

5	When you have completed making the data format selections, click the OK button.

If the layer where you are importing contains data, a warning box appears. If you click Yes, the drill data is merged with the data already on that layer. If you click No, the data on the layer is replaced with the drill data. If you cancel, you must select a new command.


HPGL Import
File Import: HPGL

An HPGL (Hewlett-Packard pen plotter) file can be imported to a layer position just as Gerber file normally would be. CAM350 assigns Dcodes in order beginning with pen #1 as Dcode 10.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|HPGL from the File menu. The Import HPGL dialog box appears.

2	Select the layer(s) where you want the HPGL file(s) imported by clicking the Layer # button.

3	Select the file from the Open dialog box that appears.

4	Select the Layer Type from the drop-down list to the right of the Filename text box.

5	When you have completed entering the data for all the layers you want to import, click the OK button.

If the layer(s) where you are importing contains data, a warning box appears. If you click the yes button, the HPGL data is merged with the data already on that layer. If you click No, the data on the layer is replaced with the HPGL data. If you cancel, you must select a new command.


IPC-D350 Import
File Import: IPC-D350

Import|IPC-D-350 is used to load IPC-D-350 format data into CAM350.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|IPC-D350 from the File menu. An Open dialog box appears.

2	Select an IPC data file from the Open dialog box.

3	Click OK


ECAM Design Import
File Import: ECAM Design

This command is used to import an ECAM design file. This file lists all the information in the design by reference to the aperture and Gerber files used in the design.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|ECAM dsn from the File menu. An Open dialog box appears.

2	Select an ECAM design file from the Open dialog box.

3	Click OK


Netlist Import
File Import: Netlist

Import Netlist is used to load netlist data in most CAD vendor formats. Netlists may be in x:y coordinate or reference designator/pin number format. If X:Y coordinates are used, the netlist can be imported at any time. More commonly with CAD systems, the reference designator/pin number format is used. When this is the case, you must first run Utility|Netlist Extract, Utility|Build Part and Add|Part to transform the data.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|Netlist from the File menu. The Netlist Types box appears.

Note:

A warning box appears if your current database does not contain a netlist. Click OK to extract a netlist from the current data before importing an external netlist.

2	If you are importing a CAM350 netlist, select Board Net (x, y) or RefDes/Pin# format.

3	If you are importing another CAD format, select the required format.

4	Click OK. An Open dialog box appears.

5	Select the netlist file you want to import.

Note:

If you have selected a netlist with an incompatible format or any net is shorted or open, an .err file is written to the Windows notepad and automatically appears.


Aperture Table Import
File Import: Aperture Table

This command is used to load an aperture file in various formats. The loaded table overwrites the current aperture data.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|Aperture Table from the File menu. The Aperture dialog box appears.

2	From the Format drop-down list select the required aperture format.

3	Click the Aperture File button and select the required aperture list file in the Open dialog box, then click OK in the Aperture dialog box.

4	The current files are redrawn with the selected apertures. If you are importing a list into an existing design file a warning box appears that allows you to cancel if you do not want to delete the current apertures.

Note:

Importing an aperture file deletes all current data and there is no Dcode translation.


CAD Data Import
File Import: CAD Data

Importing of other CAD databases is an extra option. See the separate documentation for any options you have purchased.


Exporting Files
File: Export

The Export command is used to generate data files in other formats. It can convert the output to other formats independent of the import format.

Gerber Data

Composites

Drill Data

Mill Data

IPC-D350

Netlist

Aperture Table

CAD data


Gerber Data Export
File Export: Gerber Data

The dialog box for this command contains an Aperture File button only if RS-274 is the selected data format since all others have embedded aperture information. The Name and Type text boxes are for reference only and text may not be entered.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Export|Gerber Data from the File menu. The Export Gerber dialog box appears.

2	If another format is desired or you want to change any of the format parameters click the Data Format button, make the changes and click OK. If a format other than RS-274 is selected, the dialog box no longer has an Aperture File button and the new data format is displayed.

3	If you are exporting RS-274, click the Aperture File button. A Save As dialog box appears. Select an aperture filename or type in a new aperture filename. If you select a filename that already exists, a warning box appears.

4	If the filenames for the layers need to be changed, type in the desired filename or click the layer # button. A Save As dialog box appears.

5	Select a filename, type a different filename or overwrite an existing filename.

6	When you change the filenames, the Export box is automatically selected. You may click these to toggle off unneeded layers.

7	To create an ECAM design file, check the Create box in the ECAM DSN area. In the text box, type the name of file you want to create. You may also select Save As which will display a dialog box from which you may select a filename.

8	Click OK to save the file(s).


Composite Data Export
File Export: Composites

Composite layers are not automatically exported in the Export|Gerber command. Each composite layer must be specifically selected for export for use by equipment with composite capabilities.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Export|Composite from the File menu.The Export Gerber composite dialog box appears.

2	Select the Aperture File and Data Format as in the previous Export|Gerber command.

3	Click the desired layer # button and select a composite layer from the dialog box that appears.

4	If you want to create a ECAM DSN file, proceed as in the Export|Gerber command above.

5	Click OK to save the file(s).

Note:

The standard Gerber 274 format does not support compositing in a single file. If you select 274, individual layer files are saved and the compositing has to occur at the photoplotter.


Drill Data Export
File Export: Drill Data

Exporting a drill layer creates an NC Drill file in the required format for the selected drilling machine.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Export|Drill Data from the File menu. The Export Drill Data dialog box appears.

2	Set format, filename and header file name as needed.

Note:

The ASCII header file containing machine specifications is added as a user option.

3	Click OK to save the file.


Mill Data Export
File Export: Mill Data

Exporting a mill layer creates the actual NC Mill file in the selected format.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Export|Mill Data from the File menu. The Export Drill Data dialog box appears

2	Set format, filename and header file name as needed.

3	Click OK to save the file.


IPC-D350 Export
File Export: IPC-D350

This command exports all current data including off layers to the target IPC file.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Export|IPC-D350 from the File menu.

2	Select an IPC data file from the Save As dialog box, or type in a new name.

3	Click OK. The file is saved in IPC-D-350 data format.


Netlist Export
File Export: Netlist

This command is used to export a netlist.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Export|Netlist from the File menu. The Netlist Types dialog box appears.

2	If you are exporting a CAM350 netlist you can select Board Net (x,y) or RefDes/Pin# format. If you select the Board Net (x,y) format you have the option of selecting Ends Only or All Points. Ends Only is used more often than All Points for bare board testing and outputs only the endpoints of the nets.

3	If a RefDes/Pin# format is required, the database must contain intelligent parts and a netlist. Refer to Utilities|Build Part, Utilities|Extract Netlist and Add|Part.

If you are exporting to another CAD format, select the required format.

4	Click OK. A Save As dialog box appears.

5	Select the netlist filename you want to export, or type in a new filename.

Note:

The ASCII header file containing machine specifications is added as a user option.

6	Click OK, and the netlist file is created and written to disk.


Aperture Table Export
File Export: Aperture Table

Export Aperture Table allows you to save aperture tables in ECAM format.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Export|Aperture Table from the File menu. The Save As dialog box appears.

2	Select the required aperture list file in the Save As dialog box or type in the name of a new aperture table.

3	Click OK to save the file.


CAD Data Export
File Export: CAD Data

Exporting of other CAD databases is an extra option. See the separate documentation for any options you have purchased.


File: Print

The Print options allow you to output data to a Windows Printer. The user can choose between Print Display and Print.

Setup

Print Display

Print


File Print: Setup

Print Setup lets you define the current settings of your Windows printing. You can also choose and alternate print device for output.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Print|Setup from the File menu. The Printer Setup dialog will appear.

2	Choose the printer you wish to default to from the drop-down list.

3	Select whether you wish to print in a portrait or landscape mode.

4	Check the Header box if you wish to place a date/time/filename stamp at the top of your plots.

5	Use the Plotter Setup button to modify the Windows printer settings. The Windows printer setup dialog will appear when this options is selected.

6	Click the OK button to confirm your changes.


Print
File Print: Print Display

Print Display is used to send the data currently displayed in the workspace to your Windows printer.

Command Sequence:

1	Turn on the layers to be printed and use the View commands Window, In, Out, and Pan to position the data as you want it to print on a single page.

2	Select File|Print|Print Display. The Print dialog box appears.


File Print: Print

The Print command is used to plot Gerber data to a Windows Printer. This commands differs from Print Display in that it allows the user to specify which layer(s) will be plotted. In addition, Print will let the user choose different scales for each layer, different pen colors, and rotations the vary from layer to layer.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Print|Print... from the File menu. The Plot Position dialog will appear.

2	Confirm the Printer settings in the upper right corner of the Plot Position dialog.

3	Choose the Tile option if you wish to plot all layers on a single page.

Note:

When you choose the Tile option, control over the layer scale and orientation will lost. The system calculates these fields automatically.

4	Check the scale and orientation of your layers. You may wish to apply the same scaling and orientation to all your layers -- which can be accomplished by checking the box that says All. Layer scaling and orientation defaults to working only on the layer that is currently selected from the Layer list box.

5	Check the Layer list to make sure you have the layers you wish plot checked. Layers can be selected or de-selected by double clicking on their names. When a layer is de-selected the check mark to the right of its names will disappear.

6	Select the Separate Sheets option if you wish to output your layers on a single sheet of their own.

7	You may choose to output your data in a solid or outline fill with the Fill Mode check box.


Setup command
File: Setup

Setup is used to prepare CAM350 for your individual requirements for organizing your data.

Preferences

Paths

File Extensions

Save Defaults

Access Code


Setup Preferences
File Setup: Preferences

This command defines the defaults that are automatically used when you load CAM350. You can change them anytime you are in CAM350 without reloading the CAM350 program.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Setup|Preferences from the File men. The Preferences dialog box appears.

2	Undo uses memory and can slow down your work. Electing to disable Undo turns off the undo buffer and can speed performance; however, you then cannot undo your edits.

3	The IPC-D-350 specification does not include a carriage return-line feed in exported files. Selecting C/R on Export IPC makes these files easier to read.

4	If Auto Backup is enabled for a non-zero time interval and the time interval is reached, the system will save a SAVE350.pcb in the working directory. If a SAVE350.pcb file already exists in the working directory, the older file is moved to a separate backup directory before the new SAVE350.pcb is saved. Each subsequent interval repeats this process discarding any previously saved file with a duplicate filename currently in the backup directory. This results in your always having two backup files, the most recent in the working directory and the previous one in the backup directory.

5	If you want to display a border that represents the film boundaries, you can set the size and the lower left corner by typing in the text boxes. The unit of measure is selected in the Settings|Unit command.

6	In the Output Device field, you can select your default Photoplotter, NC Drill Machine and Profiling Machine (NC Mill) from the drop-down select lists.

7	Click OK to accept all values and settings.


Setup Pats
File Setup: Paths

This command defines the default directories appearing in various CAM350 commands. They may be overridden within these commands for various types of CAM350 files.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Setup|Paths from the File menu. The Setup|Paths dialog box appears.

2	Type the complete paths you want for locating aperture lists, imported files, exported files, macro files, custom aperture libraries and footprint libraries

3	Click OK to accept these location choices.

Note:

The settings in the Path dialog box may be reset at any time.


Setup File Extensions
File Setup: File Extensions

This command defines the default file extensions used for the various CAM350 file types.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Setup|Files Extensions from the File menu. The Setup: Files Extensions dialog box appears.

2	The default extensions for the file types listed may be changed by typing new extensions. CAM350 uses these file extensions in various commands. They may be overwritten in this command.

3	 Click OK to save your selected file extensions.


Setup Defaults
File Setup: Save Defaults

This command saves your current settings as defaults and as the starting values and conditions for future editing sessions.

All parameters under Setup are saved as part of a file called CAM350.pcb. This file is a database that is loaded when you start CAM350.You can restore the system defaults at any time by loading CAM350.pcb. If no CAM350.pcb exists, the system defaults to hard-coded values and a CAM350.pcb is saved automatically. If multiple default configurations are desired, just setup the various parameters for each and save the configurations as separate .pcb files. If CAM350 is started with a database as part of the execution line as when you type, CAM350 START.pcb, the resulting defaults are those defined in START.pcb.

Command Sequence:

To save the current parameters as the CAM350.pcb, select Setup|Save Defaults from the File menu.


Setup Access Code
File Setup: Access Code

This command is used to enter the access code needed to run the program.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Setup|Access Code from the File menu. The Access Code dialog box appears.

2	Call the Advanced CAM Technologies Hotline if you do not have your access code or need assistance.


File Exit

This command is used to exit CAM350.

Command Sequence:

Select Exit from the File menu to close the CAM350 application. If there are any changes made since the last time the database was saved, you are prompted to save the database. If you choose not to save, the unsaved changes to the database are lost.


CAP & Part Editors New Item
CAP & Part Editors

File: New


CAP & Part Editors Lib Item Open
CAP & Part Editors

File: Open

CAP Editor

The Open command allows you to select a custom aperture to edit. It may be from the Project Library or from an External Library.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Open. The Get Library Item dialog box appears.

2	Select Project Library or External Library as desired.

3	Select the desired custom aperture from the select list or type its name in the text field.

4	Click OK. The dialog box is closed, and the selected item is loaded into the workspace.

Part Editor

The Open command allows you to select a part to edit. It may be from the Project Library or from an External Library.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Open. The Get Library Item dialog box appears.

2	Select Project Library or External Library as desired.

3	Select the desired part from the select list or type its name in the text field.

4	Click OK. The dialog box is closed and the selected item is loaded into the workspace.


CAP & Part Editors Lib Item Save
CAP & Part Editors

File: Save Cap (Part)

CAP Editor

The Save Cap command saves the current custom aperture into the Project Library, and if the aperture was opened from an External Library, its also saves it into that library.

Command Sequence:

Select File|Save Cap

Part Editor

The Save Part command saves the current part into the Project Library, and if the part was opened from an External Library, it also saves it into that library.

Command Sequence:

Select File|Save Part.


CAP & Part Editors Lib Item Save As
CAP & Part Editors

File: Save Cap As (Part As)

CAP Editor

This is like the Save Cap command above, but it allows you to copy the edited aperture to a new name.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Save Cap As. The Save Library Item dialog box appears.

2	Type in the desired custom aperture name.

Note:

Select a name from the list ONLY if you wish to overwrite that item with the new aperture.

3	Click OK to save the aperture and close the dialog box.

Part Editor

This is like the Save Part command above, but it allows you to copy the edited part to a new name.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Save Part As. The Save Library Item dialog

box appears.

2	Type in the desired part name.

Note:

Select a name from the list ONLY if you wish to overwrite that item with the new part.

3	Click OK to save the part and close the dialog box.


CAP & Part Editors Save Lib
CAP & Part Editors

File: Save Lib

CAP Editor

The Save Lib command allows you to save the current Project Library to disk.

Command Sequence:

Select File|Save Lib.

Note:

If you have not opened an aperture from an external library, you are asked for a file name.Refer to the Save Lib As command below. Otherwise the last referenced External Library automatically becomes the target of the Save Lib command.

Part Editor

The Save Lib command allows you to save the current Project Library to disk creating an External Library.

Command Sequence:

Select File|Save Lib.

Note:

If you have not opened an part from an external library, you are asked for a file name. See Save Lib As, below. Otherwise the last referenced External Library becomes the target of the Save Lib command.


CAP & Part Editors Save Lib As
CAP & Part Editors

File: Save Lib As

CAP Editor

The Save Lib As command allows you to save the current Project Library under a new name.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Save Library As. The standard Save As dialog box appears.

2	Select the drive and directory where you want the new file.

3	Type in the new file name.

4	Click OK to save the file and close the dialog box.

Part Editor

The Save Lib As command allows you to save the current Project Library under a new name.

Command Sequence:

1	Select File|Save Library As. The standard Save As dialog box appears.

2	Select the drive and directory where you want the new file.

3	Type in the new file name.

4	Click OK to save the file and close the dialog box.


Import ECAM Library
CAP Editor

File Import: ECAM Lib

Import has a single sub menu, ECAM Lib, for importing custom aperture libraries created in ECAM or PCGerber.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Import|ECAM Lib from the File menu. The standard File Open dialog box appears.

2	Select the desired ECAM Custom Aperture Library.

3	Click OK to load the library and close the dialog box.

4	You may now use File|Open to view and edit the apertures within the imported library.


View Menu commands
View Menu

The view commands provide control over how you view your design and what is displayed on your screen.

Note:

The Hotkeys for the View commands may be used while you are in any other command without interrupting the current command. You need not to go the menu - a real productivity enhancer.

Menu Commands:

Window

All

Redraw

In

Out

Pan

DRC

Film Box

Composite

Tool Bar

Status Bar

Layer Bar

Panoramic


View Window
View: Window

The View|Window command allows you to select a window, or rectangular area, to be fit to CAM350s workspace.

Command Sequence:

1	Select View|Window or use the W Hotkey.

2	Select the first corner of the rectangular area to be viewed.

3	Drag to the opposite corner to select the desired rectangle. The windowed area is fit to the screen.

4	Start another window or click the right button to end the command.


View: All

The View|All command allows you to zoom to the existents of your data.

Command Sequence:

1	Select View|All or use the Home Hotkey.


View Redraw
View: Redraw

At times, while you are editing your design, some of the data may become partially obscured. Redraw can refresh the display for you.

Command Sequence:

Select View|Redraw or use the R Hotkey. The workspace is redrawn and the command ends.


View Zoom In
View: In

View|In shows you less of your design, but more detail.

Command Sequence:

1	Select View|In. CAM350 prompts you for a new center of view.

2	Select a point to be the center of view, the zoom factor is reset and the workspace is redrawn.

3	Select another point or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

You can also use the + Hotkey; the zoom is immediate.


View Zoom Out
View: Out

View|Out shows you more of your design, but with less detail.

Command Sequence:

1	Select View|Out. CAM350 prompts you for a new center of view.

2	Select a point to be the center of view, the zoom factor is reset and the workspace is redrawn.

3	Select another point or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

You can also use the - Hotkey; the zoom is immediate.


View Pan
View: Pan

View|Pan shifts your center of view at the current zoom factor.

Command Sequence:

1	Select View|Pan. CAM350 prompts you for a new center of view.

2	Select a point to be the center of view, the workspace is redrawn.

3	Select another point or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

You can also use the Ins Hotkey; the pan is immediate.


View DRC
View: DRC

View|DRC is a menu toggle, it controls the visibility of DRC errors. If checked, and there are any DRC errors, they are visible. If unchecked, DRC error markers are hidden.

Command Sequence:

Select View|DRC, the workspace is immediately redrawn, with the DRC error marker visibility corresponding to the new state.


View Film Box
View: Film Box

View|Film Box is a menu toggle, it controls the visibility of the Film Box. Refer to File|Setup|Preferences. If checked, the film box is displayed. If unchecked, the film box is hidden.

Command Sequence:

Select View|Film Box, the workspace is immediately redrawn, with the film box visibility corresponding to its new status.


View Composite
View: Composite

The View|Composite is a menu toggle. If checked, CAM350 displays a single composite image in WYSIWYG mode. If unchecked, CAM350 displays in its normal mode, all data as positive. This menu is gray if there are no composite images defined.

Command Sequence:

1	Select View|Composite. The Composite Select tool replaces the Layer Select tool in the Tool Bar and the workspace is redrawn with a single composite image displayed. Layers that are not part of the composite image are automatically turned off.

2	Select any other composite image to be viewed with the Composite Select tool in the Tool Bar. Layer visibility is automatically controlled and the workspace redrawn.

3	Select View|Composite to return to normal view mode.


View Tool Bar
View: Tool Bar

The View|Toolbar is a menu toggle. If checked, the Tool Bar is displayed. If unchecked, the Tool Bar is hidden, enlarging the workspace.

Command Sequence:

Select View|Toolbar. The Tool Bar is displayed or hidden corresponding to its new status.


View Status Bar
View: Status Bar

The View|Status Bar is a menu toggle. If checked, the Status Bar is displayed. If unchecked, the Status Bar is hidden, enlarging the workspace.

Command Sequence:

Select View|Status Bar. The Status Bar is displayed or hidden corresponding to its new status.


View Layer Bar
View: Layer Bar

The View|Layer Bar is a menu toggle. If checked, the Layer Bar is displayed. If unchecked, the Layer Bar is hidden, enlarging the workspace.

Command Sequence:

Select View|Layer Bar. The Layer Bar is displayed or hidden corresponding to its new status.


View Panoramic
View: Panoramic

View|Panoramic is a menu toggle. It controls the visibility of the panoramic or birds eye window. If checked, the Panoramic window is displayed. If unchecked, it is hidden.

The Panoramic window shows you an overview of your design. Three features are visible: A white rectangle which represents the current workspace; a red rectangle which represents the extents of your design; and the board outline, if it exists, drawn in its own color.

The Panoramic window may be moved anywhere in the workspace. Simply drag it by its title bar. Selecting any point within the Panoramic window causes the workspace to be redrawn with the selected point as the new center of view.

Command Sequence:

Select View|Panoramic, the workspace is immediately redrawn with the Panoramic window displayed or hidden, corresponding to its new status


Add Menu commands
Add Menu

The Add menu commands are used to add various types of data to a design.

Menu Commands:

Flash

Line

Polygon

Text

Padstack

Rectangle

Circle

Arc

Wire

Via

Part


Add Flash
Add: Flash

This command is used to add a free-standing flash of any Dcode. This is useful for adding a target, datum, or fiducial to a single layer. Refer to Add|Padstack for adding features to multiple Layers at one time.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Flash. The shape of the current Dcode is attached to the cursor.

2	Drag the Dcode to the desired location and place it with a left button.

3	Select another location or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

The Tool Bar Dcode select and Layer select, as well as the Layer Control bar may be used anytime within the command to change the current Dcode or current layer.


Add Line
Add: Line

The line command is used to add non-net graphical lines to a design, such as the board outline or silk screen lines. Although lines added to a copper layer for use as net traces will photoplot correctly, you should use Add|Wire, so CAM350 can help you maintain electrical integrity. Refer to Add|Wire.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Line. The Line Snap tool is added to the Tool Bar and the shape of the current Dcode is added to the cursor.

2	Select the starting point for the line to be added. Click the left button. Move the cursor to the next point desired and click the left button again.

3	Continue until you have the desired line. Click the right button to end the line.

4	Click the left button click to begin another line or an  additional right button to end the command.

Adding Lines in the CAM Editor

This command is used to draw a line in a custom aperture. The line may be either positive (adding data) or negative (removing data). For most photoplotters, the lines within custom apertures are really solid rectangles, they have square ends. There may be times when you want your custom aperture to have lines that more resemble the lines normally drawn with a round aperture. CAM350 can do this and still be fully compatible with the photoplotter by automatically adding the round end with an additional command.

You can select a round endcap or no endcap (square).

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Line. The Tool Bar is modified to add the Rnd Cap/No Cap toggle button and CAM350 prompts you for the first point of the line.

2	Set the Tool Bar controls Pos/Neg, Rnd Cap/No Cap and Width as desired.

3	Select the first point of the desired line. CAM350 prompts you for the next point of the line.

4	Select the second point if the desired line. CAM350 prompts you for the next point of the line.

5	Select an additional point or click the right button to end the line. CAM350 prompts you for a new first point.

6	Start an another line or click the right button to end the command.


Add Polygon
Add: Polygon

The Add|Polygon command is used to produce areas of copper. It pours around existing traces, pads, or other data such as text on a copper layer. To avoid creating isolated areas of copper, small areas that would be disjoint from an outer polygon, are automatically eliminated. In the event that some of these areas need to be filled, the Area Fill option can be used to quickly add copper where needed.

See Also: Adding Polygons in the Part Editor

See Also: Adding Polygons in the CAM Editor

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Polygon. The Polygon Settings dialog box appears.

2	Select the combination of Border, then Draw Border, Select Border or Area Fill; Fill mode, then Outline Only, Raster Fill, or Vector Fill; or Fill type, then Solid, Hatched, or Dcode.  Not all combinations are possible; some selections lowlight (gray) some choices in other areas.

3	Enter the Polygon Clearance desired.

4	Enter the desired Starting Dcode or press the button for a select list of Dcodes.

5	Enter the desired Target Layer number or press the button for a select list of layers.

6	For Hatched or Dcode fill types, Open or Edit a pattern by pressing the desired button. Click OK to return the Pouring dialog box.

7	Click OK, the Pouring dialog box vanishes and you are prompted to define the desired polygon.

8	For Draw Border, select a series of vertices to define the polygon, right button to close and begin the polygon creation process.

For Select Border, select a series of items with the left button, each requires a right button confirmation. Two right button clicks in a row end the selection and begin the polygon creation process. A warning message is displayed if the selected items do not form a closed figure.

For Area Fill, select a single point. The area is filled. A warning message is displayed if the area is not bounded.

9	All border types allow for repeated polygons of the same definition without return to the definition dialog boxes or click the right button to end the command.

Adding Polygons in the Part Editor

This command is used to create a polygon within your part. There is only one type of polygon allowed in a part, solid with a drawn border, so there are no dialog boxes to control polygons here as there are in the CAM Editor.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Polygon. CAM350 prompts for the first point of the polygon.

2	Select the first point of the desired polygon. CAM350 prompts for the next point.

3	Select the next point of the desired polygon. CAM350 prompts for the next point.

4	Select the third point of the desired polygon. CAM350 prompts for the next point.

5	Select as many additional points as needed to define the desired polygon, then click the right button to close and draw the polygon. CAM350 prompts for a new first point.

6	Select a new first point to start another polygon or click the right button to end the command.

Adding Polygons in the CAM Editor

This command is used to create a polygon within your custom aperture. There is only one type of polygon allowed in a custom aperture  solid with a drawn border, so there are no dialog boxes to control polygons here as there are in the CAM Editor.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Polygon. CAM350 prompts for the first point of the polygon.

2	Set the Tool Bar control Pos/Neg as desired.

3	Select the first point of the desired polygon. CAM350 prompts for the next point.

4	Select the next point of the desired polygon. CAM350 prompts for the next point.

5	Select the next point of the desired polygon. CAM350 prompts for the next point.

6	Select as many additional points as needed to define the desired polygon, then click the right button to close and draw the polygon. CAM350 prompts for a new first point.

7	Select a new first point to start another polygon or click the right button to end the command.


Add Text
Add: Text

Freestanding text may be added to any graphic or copper layer. CAM350 supports multiline text and treats this as a single object. This makes the maintenance of drawing notes very easy. CAM350 also supports fitted text to allow variable length text items to always fit a specific area such as within the body of a part or cell of a title block.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Text. The cursor becomes an I-beam cursor with the shape of the current Dcode attached.

Note:

Since the Settings|Text command is a nested command the justification, spacing, height, angle, fit or mirror can be reset anytime using the Text Style box. You can set fitted text by clicking the Fit Text box in the Text Style box and selecting the end point locations before you begin typing the desired text.

2	Select the location where you want to add text and type the desired text. Multiple lines may be entered.

3	Click the left button to confirm the text entry, or the right button to cancel the entry.

4	Select another location for additional text or click the right button to end the command.


Add Padstack
Add: Padstack

The Add|Padstack command is used to add freestanding padstacks to your design. This is convenient for adding associated flashes on multiple layers simultaneously, such as tooling holes, datum points and targets.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Padstack. The padstack select tool replaces the Dcode and Layer select controls in the Tool Bar and the padstack is attached to the cursor.

2	Drag the padstack to the desired location. Click the left button to accept the location of the highlighted padstack.

3 	You may continue placing copies of the padstack, place another padstacks by selecting its name from the Tool Bar control, or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

Padstacks are multiple-layer items and the active layer selected in the Layer Bar has no control over the layers to which the padstack data is added.


Add Rectange
Add: Rectangle

The rectangle command is used to quickly draw rectangles, such as the body of a component.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Rectangle. The shape of the current Dcode is added to the cursor.

2	Select the location of one corner of the desired rectangle.

3	Drag to the other desired corner and click the left button to commit the rectangle.

4	Begin another rectangle or click the right button to end the command.

Adding Rectangles in the CAM Editor

This command is used to draw a solid rectangle in your custom aperture.

Note:

Rectangles are always solid filled in custom apertures. Use the Add|Line command to create a hollow rectangle.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Rectangle. CAM350 prompts you for the first corner of the rectangle.

2	Set the Tool Bar control Pos/Neg to the desired state.

3	Select the first corner of the desired rectangle. CAM350 prompts you for the second corner of the rectangle.

4	Select the second corner of the desired rectangle, CAM350 prompts you for a new first corner.

5	Select a new first corner for another rectangle or click the right button to end the command.


Add Circle
Add: Circle

Circles may be drawn as true arcs or as a series of straight line segments. True arcs are much smoother and require less data. However, not all photoplotters support true arcs. Choice according to your requirements, or capabilities of the photoplotter to be used. Refer to Settings|Arc/Circle. Circles may be defined by their center point and a radius, or three points on the circumference. This choice is yours and is governed by drafting conveniences.

Center-Radius

3-Points


Add Circle, center-radius
Add Circle: Center-Radius

This command

Command Sequence:

1	Select Circle|Center-Radius from the Add menu. The shape of the current Dcode is attached to the cursor.

2	Select the desired center point for the circle.

3	Establish the radius by dragging to a point on the circumference of the circle.

4	Begin another circle or click the right button to end the command.

Adding Center-Radius Circles in the CAM Editor

This command is used to add a solid circle to your custom aperture.

Note:

Circles are always solid filled in custom apertures, to create a hollow circle, add a negative circle of slightly smaller size on top of a positive circle.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Circle|Center-Radius from the Add menu. CAM350 prompts you for the first point of the circle.

2	Set the Tool Bar control Pos/Neg to the desired state.

3	Select the desired center point for the circle.

4	Establish the radius by dragging to a point on the circumference of the circle.

5	Begin another circle or click the right button to end the command.


Add Circle, 3 Points
Add Circle: 3-Points

This comand

Command Sequence:

1	Select Circle|3 Point from the Add menu. The shape of the current Dcode is attached to the cursor.

2	Select any point on the circumference of the desired circle.

3	Drag and select a second point on the circumference of the circle.

4	Drag and select the third point on the circumference of the circle.

Note:

The three points may be selected in any order.

5	Begin another circle or click the right button to end the command.

Adding 3-Point Circles in the CAM Editor

This command is used to add a solid circle to your custom aperture.

Note:

Circles are always solid filled in custom apertures, to create a hollow circle, add a negative circle of slightly smaller size on top of a positive circle.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Circle|3 Point from the Add menu. CAM350 prompts you for the first point of the circle.

2	Set the Tool Bar control Pos/Neg to the desired state.

3	Select any point on the circumference of the desired circle.

4	Drag and select a second point on the circumference of the circle.

5	Drag and select the third point on the circumference of the circle.

Note:

The three points may be selected in any order.

6	Begin another circle or click the right button to end the command.


Add Arc
Add: Arc

Arcs may be drawn as true arcs or as a series of straight line segments. Refer to Add|Circle above. As a drafting convenience, arcs may be defined by Center-Angle, 3-Point, or 2-Point. You may choose to sectorize arcs in the same way as described in the Circle command above.

Center-Angle

3-Points

2-Points


Add Arc, center-angle
Add Arc: Center-Angle

This command used to add an arc to your design.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Arc|Center-Angle form the Add menu. The shape of the current Dcode is added to the cursor.

2	Select the center point of the desired arc.

3	Drag and select the clockwise most end of the arc.

4	Drag and select a point to establish the counter-clockwise most end of the arc.

5	Start another arc or click the right button to end the command.

Adding Center-Angle Arcs in the CAM Editor

Command Sequence:

1	Select Arc|Center-Angle form the Add menu.

2	Set the Tool Bar controls Pos/Neg and Width as desired.

3	Select the center point of the desired arc.

4	Drag and select the clockwise most end of the arc.

5	Drag and select a point to establish the counter-clockwise most end of the arc.

6	Start another arc or click the right button to end the command.


Add Arc, 3 Points
Add Arc: 3-Points

This command used to add an arc to your design.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Arc|3-Point form the Add menu. The shape of the current Dcode is added to the cursor.

2	Select a point to establish one end of the desired arc.

3	Drag and select a point to establish the other end of the arc.

4	Drag and select any third point along the arc.

5	Begin another arc or click the right button to end the command.

Adding 3-Point Arcs in the CAM Editor

Command Sequence:

1	Select Arc|3-Point form the Add menu.

2	Set the Tool Bar controls Pos/Neg and Width as desired.

3	Select a point to establish one end of the desired arc.

4	Drag and select a point to establish the other end of the arc.

5	Drag and select any third point along the arc.

6	Begin another arc or click the right button to end the command.


Add Arc, 2 Points
Add Arc: 2-Points

This command used to add an arc to your design.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Arc|2-Point from the Add menu. The shape of the current Dcode is added to the cursor.

2	Select a point to establish one end of the desired arc, the arc is tangent to a horizontal or vertical line at this point depending upon the placement of the second point.

3	Drag and select the other end of the arc.

4	Begin another arc or click the right button to end the command.

Adding 2-Point Arcs in the CAM Editor

Command Sequence:

1	Select Arc|2-Point from the Add menu.

2	Set the Tool Bar controls Pos/Neg and Width as desired.

3	Select a point to establish one end of the desired arc, the arc is tangent to a horizontal or vertical line at this point depending upon the placement of the second point.

4	Drag and select the other end of the arc.

5	Begin another arc or click the right button to end the command.


Add Wire
Add: Wire

The Add|Wire command is used to add traces to your design without violating electrical integrity. If you short nets of different names, you will be warned. Shorting multiple nets is not allowed.

Note:

Lines added to a copper layer would photoplot and create an electrical connection; however, no on-line connectivity checking is provided with the Add|Line command. It would be easy to violate the electrical integrity of your design. Lines or data imported as graphics may be converted to wires with the Utilities|Netlist Extract command.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Wire. The Line Snap tool and Net Name text box are added to the Tool Bar and the shape of the current Dcode is added to the cursor.

Note:

Changes can be made to any of the Tool Bar or Layer Bar controls any time during the Add|Wire command to control the Layer, Dcode, Line Snap and Net Name.

2	Select the starting point for the wire to be added. Move the cursor to the next point and click the left button.

3	Click the right button to end the wire, or continue selecting points for additional wire segments.

4	Click the left button at the start location of the next wire or the right button to end the command.

5	If the wire you are adding intersects another net, the Add Wire dialog box appears. It displays the two net names and offers you a choice of merging, selecting which of the two names to use for the new combined net or canceling the last vertex placement if a merge is not desired.

6	If the wire you are adding intersects two or more nets, a warning dialog box appears.

7	Click OK and continue from the prior point, or click the right button to end the command.


Add Via
Add: Via

The Add|Via command is used to add freestanding vias to your design.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Via. The via select tool replaces the Dcode and Layer select controls in the Tool Bar and the via is attached to the cursor.

2	Drag the via to the desired location. Click the left button to accept the location of the highlighted via.

3 	You may continue placing copies of the via, place another via by selecting its name from the Tool Bar control, or click the right button to end the command.

Note:

Vias are all-layer items and the active layer selected in the Layer Bar has no control over the layers to which the via will be added.


Add Part
Add: Part

Each CAM350 database maintains its own, internal part library referred to as the Project Library. In addition, it is possible to keep one or more part libraries as stand-alone files referred to as External Libraries. The Add|Part command can use parts from any combination of the Project Library and External Libraries.

CAM350 has a built-in Part Editor that may be used on-the-fly to create additional parts as needed using the Utilities| Part Editor, plus a powerful Build Part command that allows you to convert Gerber or other graphical data into intelligent parts using the Utilities|Build Part command. When you need to convert many graphical groups to parts, Add|Part may be used to replace the graphical data with a part simply by superimposing the part over the graphics. CAM350 will make the replacement automatically.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Part. The Get Library Item dialog box appears.

2	Select Project Library or External Library. Whichever is selected is remembered and becomes the default for subsequent Add|Part commands.

If you select External Library, you may type in the library name or press the Library button. Select the desired library file from the Open dialog box that appears.

3	You may type the desired part name in the Item Name text box or select the part from the displayed list. The part highlighted in the selection list is displayed in the graphics preview box.

4	Click OK and the selected part attaches to the cursor.

5	Drag the item to the desired location. Click the left button to accept the location of the highlighted part. The Add/Replace Part dialog box appears.

6	Enter the Device Name and RefDes Name in the text boxes. Click OK to accept your selections.

7	To add another copy of the same part, repeat steps 5  and 6.

8	To add another part, repeat steps 1 through 6, or click the right button to end the command.


Add Pin
Add: Pin

This command allows you to enter a pin in the part.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Pin. CAM350 prompts for a pin location.

2	Select a pin location. CAM350 prompts for another pin location.

3	Select another pin location or click the right button to end the command


Add Pin
Add: Refdes

This command is used to insert a place holder for the Reference Designator in the part. To be fully compatible with parts created in the CAM Editors Utilities|Build Part command, the size and orientation of this place holder is entered by specifying three corners of a rectangle, just as Build Part does to convert Gerber graphics to text. As a reminder, the sequence is:

Pick a point that would be the lower left corner of the text, if the text were right side up

Pick a point that would be the upper left for the text as if it were right side up.

As you move the mouse, you will see a rectangle, it will rotate about the first point you selected and will have one side based on the distance between the first and second points. The other side of the rectangle, and its angle, you control with the mouse. Select a point that creates a rectangle that best represents the size you want for your Reference Designator text. CAM350 will fit the text within this box, regardless of the number of characters in the Reference Designator.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Refdes. CAM350 prompts for the lower left corner of the REFDES text box.

2	Select a point that world be the lower left corner of the text as if the text were right side up. CAM350 prompts for the upper left corner.

3	Select a point for the upper left corner of the text as if the text were right side up. CAM350 prompts for a point to create a rectangle to fit the desired REFDES text.

4	Align the rectangle for a best fit of the desired REFDES text and select that point. CAM350 displays the text REF to fit the box just created.

Note:

CAM350 can hold more than one reference designator place holder. If you need more than, another may be added.


Add Pin
Add: Device Name

This command is like Add|Refdes, but it sets a place holder for a device name.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Device Name. CAM350 prompts for the lower left corner of the DEVICE NAME text box.

2	Select a point that world be the lower left corner of the text as if the text were right side up. CAM350 prompts for the upper left corner.

3	Select a point for the upper left corner of the text as if the text were right side up. CAM350 prompts for a point to create a rectangle to fit the desired DEVICE NAME text.

4	Align the rectangle for a best fit of the desired DEVICE NAME text and select that point. CAM350 displays the text DEVNAME to fit the box just created.


Add Pin
Add: Anchor

The Add|Anchor command allows you to specify a location that attaches to the cursor when you use the Add|Part command in the CAM Editor.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Add|Anchor. CAM350 prompts for an anchor location.

2	Select the desired anchor point. CAM350 moves the anchor symbol to this point and prompts for an anchor location.

3	Click the right button to confirm the anchor position and end the command or select another location.


Info Menu commands
Info Menu

The Info commands provide you with information about your design. You can locate items in your design and produce printed reports.

Menu Commands:

Query

Find

Measure

Report

Status


Query commands
Info: Query

The Query menu displays a submenu of items that provide an on-screen response about items in your design.

All

Part

Net

Padstack

Dcode

DRC


Query All
Info Query: All

Query|All can report on any item in your design. Depending upon the item selected, the Query All dialog reports different types of information. The layer the item is on, the Dcode the item is drawn with, the name of the item, its x:y coordinate are some of the detailed information that this command can reveal.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Query|All from the Info menu or use the Q Hotkey. CAM350 prompts you to select an item.

2	Select an item. The Query All dialog box appears with information about the item selected.

3	Select another item or click the right button to end the command.


Query Part
Info Query: Part

The Query|Part command reports only on parts. If you know that you only want data about parts, this can be faster than Query|All because you are only be able to select parts.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Query|Part from the Info menu. CAM350 prompts you to select a component.

2	Select a part. The Query Component dialog box appears with information about the component.

3	Select another (part/component/footprint) or click the right button to end the command.


Query Net
Info Query: Net

The Query|Net command only reports on nets. If you know that you only want data about nets, this can be faster than Query|All because you are only able to select nets.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Query|Net from the Info menu. CAM350 prompts you to select a net.

2	Select a net. The Query Net dialog box appears with information about the net.

3	Select another net or click the right button to end the command.


Query Padstack
Info Query: Padstack

The Query|Padstack command reports only on padstacks. If you know that you only want data about padstacks, this can be faster than Query|All because you are only able to select padstacks.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Query|Padstack from the Info menu. CAM350 prompts you to select a padstack.

2	Select a padstack. The Query padstack dialog appears with information about the padstack

Note:

Query Padstack dialog box has a drop-down list that shows you a layer report of the Dcodes used in the in the selected padstack.

3	Select another padstack or click the right button to end the command.


Query Dcode
Info Query: Dcode

The Query|Dcode command reports only on Dcodes. If you know that you only want data about Dcodes, this can be faster than Query|All because you are only be able to select Dcodes.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Query|Dcode from the Info menu. CAM350 prompts you to select a Dcode.

2	Select a Dcode. The Query Dcode dialog appears with information about the Dcode.

3	Select another Dcode or click the right button to end the command.


Query DRC
Info Query: DRC

This command reports on DRC (design rule check) errors.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Query|DRC from the Info menu. CAM350 prompts you to select a DRC violation.

2	Select a DRC violation. The Query DRC dialog appears with information about the selected DRC.

3	Select another Dcode or click the right button to end the command.


Find commands
Info: Find

The Find menu displays a submenu of items that CAM350 can locate in your design. These commands have built in automatic pan and zoom to display the found item(s) centered on your workspace.

Part

Net

Padstack

Dcode

DRC


Find Part
Info Find: Part

The Find|Part command can locate parts by Reference Designator or Device Name. The part(s) are highlighted.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Find|Part from the Info menu. The Find Parts dialog box appears. If there are no parts in the design, a warning is displayed in place of the Find Parts dialog box.

Note:

This dialog box may be repositioned to any convenient place in the workspace. Simply drag it by its Title Bar.

2	Select the by Device Name or by Ref. Designator option button as desired.

3	Type in the Device Name or Reference Designator you want to find in the text box or select an item form the drop-down list.

4	For typed input, you need to click the OK button, if you selected from the list, the requested part is centered in the workspace and highlighted.

5	You may ask for another item or end the command by clicking the Close button or a right button.

Note:

Find|Part highlights all parts that have the same Device Name and the display zoom factor is modified, if necessary, to display all of them in the workspace.

WARNING:

The message No parts in this PCB! appears if parts have not been built. Click OK and select another command or proceed with building parts.


Find Net
Info Find: Net

The Find|Net command locates a net by its name. The net is highlighted.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Find|Net from the Info Menu. The Find Net dialog appears. If there are no nets in the design, a warning is displayed in place of the Find Net dialog box.

Note:

This dialog box may be repositioned to any convenient place in the workspace. Simply drag it by its Title Bar.

2	Type in the Net Name in the text box, or select the desired name from the drop-down select list.

3	For typed input, you need to click the OK button, if you selected from the list the requested net is centered in the workspace and highlighted.

4	You may ask for another item or end the command by clicking the Close button or a right button.


Find Padstack
Info Find: Padstack

The Find|Padstack command highlights all occurrences of padstacks of the type requested.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Find|Padstack from the Info menu. The Padstack List dialog box appears.

2	Select the desired padstack type from the list. All padstacks of this type are highlighted and the zoom factor changed if needed to display them all in the workspace.

3	You may select another padstack type or end the command by clicking the Close button or the right button.


Find Dcode
Info Find: Dcode

The Find|Dcode command highlights all occurrences of the current Dcode as displayed in the Tool Bar.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Find|Dcode from the Info menu. All occurrences of the current Dcode are highlighted and the zoom factor changed if needed to display them all in the workspace.

2	You may select another Dcode by changing the current Dcode with the Dcode Select tool in the Tool Bar or end the command by clicking the right button.


Find DRC
Info Find: DRC

This command is used after running the Design Rule Check utility. It steps through all or selected types of DRC errors highlighting one at a time and displaying detailed information about each error. The Find|DRC command uses several special tools on the Tool Bar:

DRC Error Type	This is a drop down select list of all DRC error types and a selection for all types.
First	This button highlights and displays details of the first DRC error of the type selected in CAM35s internal list of DRC errors.
Next	This button steps one error forward in the DRC error list.
Prev	This button steps one error backward in the DRC error list.
Delete	This button deletes the current DRC error and its marker from the list of errors and step forward to the next error.
Del.All	This button remove all DRC errors.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Find|DRC from the Info menu. The Tool Bar displays the special DRC error tools and the Find DRC dialog box appears.

2	Select the DRC Error Type you wish to find from the drop-down select list in the Tool Bar.

3	Click the First button in the Tool Bar for CAM350 to highlight and display detailed information about the first error of the type selected.

4	Click the Next button to view the next error in the list.

5	You can continue to click Next or Prev to step forward or backward through the list. You can click the Delete button at any time to remove an error from the list, or the Del.All button to clear all errors

6	Click the right button to end the command at any time.


Measure commands
Info: Measure

Info|Measure displays a submenu that allows you to select one of two ways to measure distances in your design.

Point to Point

Object to Object


Measure point to point
Info Measure: Point to Point

Measure|Point-Point provides a readout between two selected points within your design.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Measure|Point-Point from the Info menu. The Measure Distance dialog box appears and CAM350 prompts you for the first point.

2	Select a point to measure from. A real-time readout of the distance from the first point to the current cursor position is displayed. This display shows:

1	the X:Y coordinate of the first or from point (pt1)

2	the second or to point (pt2)

3	the horizontal or x-axis distance between the points (dx)

4	the vertical or y-axis distance between the points (dy)

5	the absolute distance between the points (dist). This distance is given in the current units as set in the Settings|Units command.

3	Select another point to measure to, or click the right button to select another first point. You may continue to select second points until you indicate you want another first point by clicking the right button.

4	Select a new first point or click the right button to end the command.


Measure object to object
Info Measure: Object to Object

Measure|Object-Object provides a readout of the actual air gap distance between two objects, taking into account their true width.

Command Sequence:

1	Select MeasureObject-Object from the Info menu. CAM350 prompts you for the first object.

2	Select the first object.

3	Select a second object. The Measure Object dialog box appears, showing:

1	the X:Y coordinate of the first or from point (pt1)

2	the second or to point (pt2)

3	the horizontal or x-axis distance between the points (dx)

4	the vertical or y-axis distance between the points (dy)

5	the absolute distance between the points (dist).

but remember this is an actual air gap distance.

4	Select another second object, or click the right button to allow for the selection of another first object. You may continue to select second objects until you indicate you want another first object by clicking the right button.

5	Select another first object, or click the right button to end the command.


Report commands
Info: Report

Info|Report displays a submenu that allows you to select several types of reports about your design. These reports are first displayed on-screen. You then have options to write the report in a file or print it.

Dcode

BOM

Netlist

Placement


Dcode Report
Info Report: Dcode

This report shows information about all Dcodes used in your design.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Report|Dcode from the Info menu. The Report Dcode dialog box appears with information about the Dcodes in your design.

Note:

In addition to the aperture number, Dcode, size and shape, this report also shows the number of times each Dcode is used as a flash and the number of times it is used as a draw.

2	Click on OK or Cancel to end the command or select one of the other controls as desired.


BOM Report
Info Report: BOM

The BOM report shows you a Bill of Materials for your design. You must have intelligent parts in your design to generate this report. If you have only imported graphical data, such as Gerber files, see Utilities|Build Part and Add|Part commands.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Report|BOM from the Info menu. The Report BOM dialog box appears with a Bill of Materials of your design. If no part data is present, an information dialog box is displayed in place of the Report BOM dialog box.

2	Click on OK or Cancel to end the command or one of the other controls as desired.


Netlist Report
Info Report: Netlist

The Netlist report displays a netlist showing the Reference Designator and Pin Number of all nodes on each net. You must have intelligent parts and netlist data in your design to generate this report. If you have only imported graphical data, such as Gerber files, see Utilities|Build Part and Add|Part commands as well as the File|Import|Netlist and Utilities|Netlist Extract commands.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Report|Netlist from the Info menu. The Report Netlist dialog box appears with you report. If no net data is present, an information dialog box is displayed in place of the Report Netlist dialog box.

2	Click on OK or Cancel to end the command or one of the other controls as desired.


Placement Report
Info Report: Placement

The Placement report displays part placement, by part origin location and part centroid location. This data could be used to program a pick and place machine.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Report|Placement from the Info menu. The Report Placement dialog box appears with the placement data for your design. If no part data is present, an information dialog box is displayed in place of the Report Placement dialog box.

2	Click on OK or Cancel to end the command or one of the other controls as desired.


Status information
Info: Status

This command displays status information about the CAM350 program and the currently loaded database.

Command Sequence:

Select Status from the Info menu. The Status dialog box appears with status information about the currently loaded database.


Query Pin
Info Query: Pin

The Query|Pin command reports only on Pins. If you know that you only want data about Pins, this can be faster than Query|All because you are only be able to select pins

Command Sequence:

1	Select Query|Pin from the Info menu. CAM350 prompts you to select a pin.

2	Select a pin. The Query Pin dialog appears with information about the pin.

3	Select another pin or click the right button to end the command.


Find Pin
Info Find: Pin

This command is used to find a pin of a specific ID number.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Find|Pin from the Info menu. A Pin Number select list is added to the Tool Bar.

2	Select the Pin Number you wish to find from the select list. CAM350 highlights the pin of the selected number.

3	Select another Pin Number or click the right button to end the command.


Utilities Menu commands
Utilities Menu

The commands in the Utility menu fall into three groups - gateways between the CAM, Part and CAP editors; conversion from graphics to intelligent data including netlist extraction, part building and padstacks building; and a collection of commands for preparing PCB data for manufacturing including teardroping, isolated pad removal, silkscreen clearing, panelization, venting, and design rule checking.

Menu Commands:

Cap Editor

Draws->Flash

Netlist Extract

Pads->Padstacks

Clear Silkscreen

Pad Removal

Teardrop

Over/Under Size

Drill

Mill

Net Check

DRC

DRC Histogram

Panelization

Venting

Copper Area

Build Part

Part Editor


Custom Aperture Table Editor
Utilities: Cap Editor

This command switches you to the CAP Editor, the commands of this editor are described in Chapter 15. Although you can only view one of the three CAM350 editors at one time, all of them be active with independent edits in each one.

Command Sequence:

Select Utilities|CAP Editor. The CAM Editor is hidden and the CAP Editor appears. To return to the CAM Editor, select Utilities|CAM Editor, your CAM edit session is just as it was before you entered the CAP Editor.


Draw to Flash utility
Utilities: Draws->Flash

The Draws-to-Flash command is used to convert drawn pads to flashes. Many CAD systems use drawn data to produce surface mount land areas rather than a single flash. Although the CAD system can choose to do this, the size of your Gerber files can get quite large if you have many surface mount components. Converting these draws not only reduces the size of your Gerber files, but makes editing in CAM350 much faster; single flashes redraw much faster than a collection of draws.

There are a number of systems available today that scans old artwork and create Gerber data. These are a great help in converting that deteriorating artwork into electronic form. Now when you want to edit them all the pads are drawn including clean, round through-holes. Also, the very nature of scanning guarantees that there are slight variations in the draw patterns of these pads. CAM350 has a tolerance setting that deals with this problem. The smaller the tolerance, the closer the pattern must match to be accepted as the same. If you are working with scanned data and find that Draws-to-Flash does not find all the pads you think should be assigned to the same Dcode, try increasing the tolerance.

Draws-to-Flash has two modes, Fast and Intelligent. The Fast mode assumes that the draws to be converted are in logical order or have a outline. This is what a CAD system is likely to produce. The Intelligent mode can deal with data that is less well organized, but can take much longer. Scanned artwork may require the Intelligent mode.

CAM350 measures the pattern and suggest the size and a round or square shape. If you accept CAM350s suggestions, the correct Dcode(s) are selected from the aperture list, or added if needed, for the conversion. If you do not like CAM350s suggestion, you can specify a specific Dcode, or size for CAM350 to use.

There is one other time-saver in this command. For components like quad-packs, there are really two different Dcodes required. A rectangle at 30 by 60 and another at 60 by 30, as an example. You can instruct CAM350 to convert both patterns in a single pass.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Draws->Flash. The Draws->Flash dialog box appears.

2	Select the desired Method, Fast or Intelligent.

3	Set the Tolerance as desired.

4	Check or uncheck the Rotated Patterns check box to have CAM350 replace only the pattern indicated, or its 90° counterpart as well.

5	Click OK. You are prompted to window around the pad to convert.

6	Identify the pattern to be converted by the two opposite corners of a rectangle around a single example of the pad to be converted. You are prompted to window around an area of the design to convert.

7	Select the area of the design to convert by two opposite corners of a rectangle. The Draw to Flash dialog box appears.

8	If the settings for size and shape of the flash to be used to replace the draws is correct, click the OK button. If not, make the desired changes, then click OK.

9	The draws are replaced and you are prompted to window another draw pattern to replace.

10	Select another drawn pad to replace, repeat steps 6 to 8, or click the right button to end the command.


Netlist extraction utility
Utilities: Netlist Extract

If you have imported graphical data (Gerber or HPGL), and need to derive a netlist, you use this command. Even if you do not need to print or export a netlist, many of CAM350s other command require that a netlist be present in the design data. Additionally, If there is a netlist, CAM350s on-line DRC can help you protect the electrical integrity of your design.

The netlist extract function has two modes, Center Line and True Shape. Center Line is faster, but assumes that all the data is your design is very regular, i.e. well-behaved with all traces ending in the exact center of a pad and all joined line segments meeting at their center points. This may seem overly restrictive, but the Gerber data created by most CAD systems is produced this way. True Shape takes longer but extracts a correct netlist from irregular data. If two items touch, True Shape considers them to be part of the same net. A PCB laid out in AutoCAD, Gerber data that has been edited in a non-intelligent CAM editor, or a design from a CAD system where the DRC reported connectivity errors are good candidates for the True Shape function.

Netlist Extract only processes layers with the Layer Types set to Top, Bottom, Internal, or Plane. If you wish to check the Layer Types, use the Tables|Layers command or the Y Hotkey to change the layer type.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Extract Netlist. The Netlist Extract dialog box appears.

2	Select Center Line or True Shape as desired. You can also set a Dcode filter.

3	Select OK to begin the netlist extract. This process can take some time. An on- screen percentage indicator shows you the progress on the command.


Pads to Padstacks utility
Utilities: Pads->Padstacks

The Pads->Padstacks command converts any freestanding flash, or superimposed flashes, on copper layers to Padstacks. Each different configuration of flashes are given a name and an ID number. The names are derived from the shape and size of the Dcode on the topmost layer. Several different padstack configurations can have the same name, but each has a unique ID number. CAM350 is smart enough not to assign a different ID number to identically configured padstacks. If you want freestanding Dcodes in any place where CAM350 has created a padstack, you can use the Edit|Change|Explode command to convert any padstack to an unassociated set of flashes.

Command Sequence:

Select Utilities|Pads->Padstacks. The command executes immediately.

Note:

Netlist Extract produces padstacks automatically. If you have run Netlist Extract, you do not need to run Pads->Padstacks.


Clear Silkscreen utility
Utilities: Clear Silkscreen

The Clear Silkscreen command is used to remove silkscreen data from solderable land areas.

Silkscreen Layer	This is the layer with the silkscreen data to be removed.
Solder Mask Layer	This is the layer containing the land areas that need to be cleared. One of the best candidate for this layer would be your Solder Mask, but any layer can be used.
Clearance	This is the distance between the features on the Solder Mask layer and the silkscreen data that is to remain. If you use an actual solder mask, this can be 0.0, but if you use the land pattern itself, then you can need 5 mils or so. (Clear Silkscreen only clears flashed pads. If you have any drawn pads, run Draws->Flash first.)
Min Stub Length	As the silkscreen data is cut by several close pads, small pieces can be left between pads. You can specify the minium size to be left behind. Any short segment under this length is removed.
By Dcode	If you are tenting your vias, there is no need to clear them of silkscreen data. You can use a Dcode filter to tell the command to ignore the Dcode used for the vias.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Clear Silkscreen. The Clear Silkscreen dialog box appears.

2	Insure that the Silkscreen and Solder Mask Layers are correct.

3	Enter the required Clearance and Min Stub Length.

4	Set a Dcode filter if desired.

5	Click OK. The dialog box is hidden and CAM350 prompts you for the first corner of a rectangle to define the area to be cleared.

6	Select the first corner. CAM350 prompts you for the second corner.

7	Select the second corner. The command is executed.


Pad Removal utility
Utilities: Pad Removal

This command is used to remove isolated pads, e.g., pads that do not have a trace connected to them. This is almost exclusively used on internal layers where unconnected pads can be a fabrication problem, but can also be used to gain a little more real estate in internal layers. Pad Removal operates on all On layers, so remember to turn off layers that are to retain all their pads.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Pad Removal. The Tool Bar presents the Filter tool and CAM350 prompts you for the first corner of a rectangle to define the area to have pads removed.

2	Set a Dcode filter if required and select the first corner. CAM350 prompts you for the second corner.

3	Select the second corner. CAM350 prompts you for another first corner. Select another area or click the right button to execute the command.

4	Select another first corner to add an additional area to be processed, or click the right button to execute the command.

5	While the command is running, a process indicator shows the percentage of completion.


Teardrop utility
Utilities: Teardrop

Teardrop smooths the transition from trace to pad. This can strengthen the trace-pad junction and prevent drill breakout at the junction. This command can also remove teardrops that have been created by CAM350.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Teardrop. The Tool Bar presents the Filter tool and CAM350 prompts you for the first corner of a rectangle to define the area to have teardrops added.

2	Set a Dcode filter if required and select the first corner. CAM350 prompts you for the second corner.

3	 Select the second corner. CAM350 prompts you for another first corner or right button to run the command.

4	Select another first corner to add an additional area to be processed. When all areas to be processed have been selected, click the right button to execute the command. The Teardrop dialog box appears.

5	Select the desired Teardrop style, or Remove old Teardrops and click OK.

6	While the command is running, a process indicator shows the percentage of completion.


Over/Under Size utility
Utilities: Over/Under Size

The Over/Under Size command creates a new layer from data on a template layer by a specified amount larger or smaller than the template layer data. This command can be used to create a Solder Mask layer, Past Mask layer, or clearances in a plane or large copper area.

Template Layer	This is the existing layer that is used as a template to create the over/under size data.
Target Layer	This is the layer where the newly created data is located. It is a good idea to use a layer that does not have other data on it.
Enlarge by/ Reduce by	These option buttons allow you to choose whether the new data is larger or smaller than the template. The text box to the right of these radio buttons is to enter the size delta form the template.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Over Under Size. The Over/Under Size dialog box appears.

2	Set the desired Template and Target layers.

3	Select Enlarge by or Reduce by and enter the amount.

4 	Click OK. The Over/Under Size dialog box is then hidden, the Tool bar is modified to present a Draw check box, a Flash check box and a Filter button. CAM350 prompts you for the first corner of a rectangular area of the template.

5	Check or uncheck the Draw and Flash controls as desired, and set any desired Dcode filter.

6	Select the first corner of the area of the template. CAM350 prompts you for the second corner.

7	Select the second corner and the command executes.


Drill utility
Utilites: Drill

The Drill commands are used to create NC Drill data based on the padstack information in your CAM350 design. Drill|Create generates padstacks if they are needed. If you have an NC Drill file from some other system that you wish to import, see the File|Import|Drill Data command.

After the drill data is created, use the File|Export|Drill Data command to write the NC Drill file.

Setup

Create

Sort

Add Drill


Drill utility, Setup
Utilities Drill: Setup

Drill|Setup is used to assign hole size and legend Dcode to a tool number. The legend Dcode is used to mark each drill location. By assigning a different Dcode to each hole size, you can create a drill reference drawing. Custom apertures can be used to provide a variety of easily distinguished shapes for this reference drawing.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Drill|Setup from the Utilities menu. The Drill Setup dialog box appears.

2	For each tool to be used, enter a hole size in the indicated column and the number of the Dcode for the legend.

Note:

You can click the button labeled ... to get a select list of Dcodes for the legend.

3	Click the OK button when all required tools have been defined. CAM350 supports up to 99 tool definitions.

The Load and Save buttons can be used to read and write drill setup files, so that once you create a drill setup it can be used in other designs.


Drill utility, Create
Utilities Drill: Create

Drill|Create generates drill data that can be exported from CAM350 in several NC formats. See File|Export| Drill for more information on how to export the drill data. Each time Drill|Create is run, CAM350 defines a new layer named drill_n.gbr, where n is the layer number. This allows CAM350 to generate drill data for blind and buried vias, in addition to through-holes, in separate files. Generally it is more efficient to run Drill|Create on a single PCB image, then let the Panelization command copy this data for multiple images.

Active Tool	Use this area to select the tool to be assigned to a padstack. The current tool is displayed with a select list of all available tools.
Drill Layer	Each time Drill|Create is run, it assigns a new layer for drill data. The area displays the layer name assigned by Drill|Create prior to execution. You can select a layer from an earlier Drill|Create execution from the drop-down select list. If you select a layer with existing drill data, that data is deleted and replaced with the new drill data.
Padstack-Tool  Assignment	Use this area to assign specific drill tools to padstacks. CAM350 allows for one or two tools to be assigned to each padstack. The Tool 1 assignment is used in the first drill pass, and the Tool 2, if assigned, is used in a second tool pass. This allows for a pilot hole or clean-up pass if needed. The Pstk ID and Padstack columns display all defined padstacks and cannot be modified here. To assign a tool, select the tool description from the Active Tool list, then click the button to the left of the Tool 1 or Tool 2 text box for each padstack that requires a drill hole.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Drill|Create from the Utilities menu. The Drill Create dialog box appears. If tools have not been defined with the Drill|Setup command, a warning message appears in place of the Drill Create dialog box.

2	Assign tools to padstacks as required for your design. Check or uncheck the Pick First And Last Drill as desired. Click OK to execute the command. An information dialog box appears to inform you that the drill report file has been written.

3	Click OK to end the command.


Drill utility, Sort
Utilities Drill: Sort

Drill|Sort is used to optimize the drill tool path. Generally, you would run Sort after Panelization the drill data is optimized for the entire panel. As you might expect, Drill|Create must be run before Drill|Sort.

Drill Layer	This is the layer that is sorted, if more than one layer has drill data, you can select the layer to be sorted from the drop down select list.
Sorting Scheme	CAM350 offers three sorting methods. The method used depends on the layout of your design. If most of the ICs have a horizontal orientation, ScanX may provide the best optimization. Other layouts yield better results with different methods. A visual inspection of the result quickly educates you as to which scheme yields the best results for various layout patterns.
Scan	This is the distance that the scan sorts deviates from a straight horizontal or vertical path.The higher this number the fewer passes across the board or panel the drill has to make, but the wider its deviation within the pass. Again experimentation quickly shows you the best scan width to use.
Dcode for Drill Path	This allows you to select which Dcode is used to display the drill path. To see the path, verify that you have checked the View Drill Path under Settings|View Options.
Pick First And  Last Drill	This check box allows you to select the first and last drill point to be used for the Drill|Sort command
Command Sequence:

1	Select Drill|Sort from the Utilities menu. The Drill Sort dialog box appears.

2	Verify and change, if needed, the Drill Sort options.

3	Click OK to execute the command.

Each time that Drill|Create is run, it assigns a new layer for drill data. The area displays the layer name that Drill|Create uses. You can select a layer from an earlier Drill|Create execution from the drop-down select list. If you select a layer with existing drill data, that data is deleted and replaced with the new drill data.


Utilities Drill: Add Drill

The Utilities|Drill|Add Drill command is used to created a standard-alone drill hit which is not attached to a padstack. This function is necessary to add drill holes which are not entended to be plated.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Drill|Add Drill from the Utilities menu.

2	Make a drill tool selection from the toolbar.

3	Using the cursor, or absolute coordinates, place your drill at the desired location.

4	Click the Right mouse button to end the command.


Mill utility
Utilites: Mill

Mill is used to create the NC Mill data necessary to cut a printed circuit board from a panel. When Mill is run it creates a new layer named mill.gbr. The drill path is displayed as a line drawn with a width equal to the tool diameter to give a true indication of the milling result. If you have an NC Mill file from some other system that you wish to import see the File|Import|Mill Data command. After the mill data is created, use the File|Export|Mill Data command to write the NC Mill file.

Setup

Create

Tabs

Sort


Mill utility, Setup
Utilities Mill: Setup

Setup is used to define the mill tool parameters. CAM350 supports up to 10 tool definitions.

Tool	Enter the tool number in this column. You can define up to 10 tools, and the numbers can be from 1 to 99. The sort commands sorts by tool number, so for correct results, use lower tool numbers for cutouts, and higher numbers for board outlines.
Size	Enter the diameter of the cutter in this column. The Tab Size is set to this same size by default.
Feed Rate	This column allows you to specify the feed rate on the tool as a percentage of the machines maximum feed rate. The default of 5 = 50%.
Tab Size	This is set automatically to be the same as the tool diameter. It is common for the tab size to be equal to the tool size, but any size can be entered.
The Load and Save buttons can be used to read and write mill setup files so that once you create a mill setup it can be used in other designs.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Mill|Setup from the Utilities menu. The Mill etup dialog box appears.

2	Define the mill tools as necessary for this design.

3	Click OK to accept the setup values.


Mill utility, Create
Utilities Mill: Create

Mill|Create has two modes, Automatic and Interactive. Automatic can be used to quickly create a mill tool path around a board outline or inside a cutout. The Interactive mode can be used to create a mill tool path in free space, just like Add|Line, but it also follows a section of closed outline. Use Interactive to make a cut out with a small tool that cannot be made by the larger tool used to do the board boundary.

Note:

The boundary or board outline must be a closed figure, all on one layer. It can be of any shape and include arcs.

Automatic/Interactive	A pair of option buttons to select Automatic or interactive mode.
Offset path	This check box is used to direct CAM350 to create a mill path offset from the selected border or outline (checked) or exactly matching the border or outline. If you have a milling machine that provides its own offset, this box should not be checked.
Tool select list	This drop-down select list shows all defined tools, by number and size and is used to select the mill tool to be used.
Command Sequence:

To create an Automatic mill tool path:

1	Select Mill|Create from the Utilities menu. The Mill dialog box appears. If there are no mill tools defined under Mill|Setup a warning box is displayed in place of the Mill dialog box.

2	Select Automatic, check or uncheck Offset path as required and select the required mill tool.

3	Click OK. The Mill dialog box is hidden and CAM350 prompts you to pick a point on the boundary.

4	Pick any point on the boundary. The boundary is highlighted and CAM350 prompts you to pick a point to indicate inside or outside the boundary. This is to establish which side of the boundary the tool path is to be offset.

Note:

If the boundary is not a closed figure, nothing is selected.

5	Pick any point inside or outside the boundary as required. CAM350 prompts you for a plunge point. This is the location where the mill machine inserts the tool and begins milling.

6	Pick the plunge point. CAM350 prompts you for a point to establish direction. Tool rotation dictates whether you want a clockwise or counterclockwise tool path. The point selected is relative to the plunge point.

7	Pick the direction point. CAM350 created the tool path and prompts you to pick a point on another boundary.

8	Pick another boundary to mill with the same tool, or click the right button to end the command.

To create an Interactive mill tool path:

1	Select Mill|Create from the Utilities menu. The Mill dialog box appears. If there are no mill tools defined under Mill|Setup, a warning box is displayed in place of the Mill dialog box.

2	Select Interactive, check or uncheck Offset path as required, and select the required mill tool.

3	Click OK. The Mill dialog box is hidden and CAM350 prompts you to pick a point. This is the plunge point.

4	Pick a point. CAM350 prompts you to pick a point again.

5	You can pick as many freehand points as desired until you pick a point on a closed boundary. The boundary is highlighted and CAM350 prompts you for a point to indicate inside or outside the boundary to establish which side of the boundary the tool path is to be offset.

6	Pick any point inside or outside the boundary as required. CAM350 prompts you for a second point on the border.

7	Pick a second point on the border along the desired tool path. CAM350 prompts you for a point to establish direction. On any closed figure there are two paths possible between any two points, CAM350 wants to know whether you want the clockwise path or counterclockwise path between your two points.

8	Pick a point to establish the required direction CAM350 generates the mill tool path and displays the toolpath to the second border point. CAM350 prompts you for the next point.

9	Pick the next point along the desired mill tool path. If this point is on the highlighted border, CAM350 follows the border, if the point is not on the border, CAM350 generates a straight line path to the point. CAM350 prompts you for the next point.

10	Continue selecting all required points, then click the right button to end the command.


Mill utility, Tabs
Utilities Mill: Tabs

This command is used to insert a retention tab in a mill cut.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Mill|Tabs from the Utilities menu. CAM350 prompts for a mill tab location. You receive a warning if no mill data is present.

2	Select a tab location anywhere along any mill path CAM350 breaks the mill path at that point, inserting a tab width as specified in the Mill Setup dialog box. CAM350 continues to prompt to a mill tab location.

3	Select as many additional tab locations as desired, click the right button to end the command.


Mill utility, Sort
Utilities Mill: Sort

The Mill|Sort command is usually used after panelization to group all cuts with each tool together.

Dcode for  Insert Marker	Click this button for a Dcode select list or enter the Dcode number in the text field for the Dcode to be used to mark each mill plunge point.
Dcode for  Extract Marker	Click this button for a Dcode select list or enter the Dcode number in the text field for the Dcode to be used to mark each mill extract point.
Dcode for  Tool Path	Click this button for a Dcode select list or enter the Dcode number in the text filed for the Dcode to be used to show the mill tool path between each extract point and the next plunge point.
Mill Layer	Click this button for a layer select list or enter the layer number where the mill data is located. CAM350 defaults to the first layer that is type Mill.
Layer for  Sort Feedback	Click this button for a layer select list or enter the layer number for CAM350 to place graphical tool path data. CAM350 defaults to the first unused layer.
Note:

The three Dcode controls have no effect on the actual NC-Mill data, they only control the graphical data to show the mill path, plunge and extract points.

Command Sequence:

1	Select the Mill|Sort command from the Utilities menu. The Mill Sort dialog box appears. If there is no mill data, a warning message appears in place of the Mill Sort dialog box.

2	Select or enter the desired Dcodes for the mill path data.

3	Select or enter the layer that the mill data is on if needed.

4	Select or enter the layer for the graphical path is needed.

5	Click the OK button to activate the sort.


Net Check utility
Utilities: Net Check

Once you have derived a netlist, see Netlist Extract , or Import|Netlist under the File menu. The Net Check command can be used to verify the electrical integrity of your design. This is useful following edits where you have needed to delete and reconnect traces. This might be the case if you had to remove and reroute several traces because of the need to add an additional part to the design.

As with Netlist Extract, Net Check can use Center Line or True Shape to establish electrical connectivity. The Dcode filter is also available. Net Check always checks for opens and you have the option to have it also check for shorts. You can elect to check the entire design or a single net at a time. Problem nets are marked in the following manner:

 A net with two or more disjoint sections have a ratsnest or air line from the closest pads in the each of the disjoint sections.

A net with a dangling trace, i.e., one not ending in at a flash, the unterminated trace has a small x.

A short between two nets are marked with a small circle. These marks are placed on an unused layer, and the layer type is set to Temporary.

Note:

The size of the X and circle marks are twice the size of the current Dcode. Select a Dcode to give you a meaningful-size mark prior to invoking the Net Check command.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Net Check. The Net Check dialog box appears.

2	Select Center Line or True Shape as desired. Check or uncheck the Check Net Shorts check box as desired. Also set any desired Dcode filter.

3	If you select All nets and then click the OK button, the command executes immediately. Any net problems are marked.

Note:

If you have run a net check or any other command that uses a temporary layer and there is an error condition, CAM350 displays a dialog box asking you if it is OK to clear the layer. If you have no need of the temporary data, click OK to continue.

4	If you select Selected nets and click OK, the dialog box is hidden and you are prompted to select a net to check.

5	If there is no problem with the net, a dialog box with the message Net is OK appears. Click the OK button.

Note:

If there is temporary data you get the same dialog notice as in step 3 above.

6	Select another net to check, or click the right button to end the command.


DRC utility
Utilities: DRC

The DRC (Design Rule Check) command allows you to find possible design rule violations in your design. CAM350 can test for the normal spacing violations like track to track and track to pad. This can be set up with multiple passes with different layers and/or rules for each pass, thus allowing for different spacing rules on inner layers than outer layers. In addition, it can check for minium annular ring, comparing drill data mask data and pad data in several combinations. CAM350 can also check for such things as drill points with out pads, pads without drills, and traces that do not end in pads.

The DRC dialog box contains several areas with related controls in each area.

Clearance area	The title of this area also shows the units that the values are in and the name of the Pass that the displayed rules are applied to. All entered values are the minimum acceptable and any spacing found below these amounts are flagged as errors.  With the exception of Outline, all clearance items are only checked against items on the same layer. Outline checks all items against the layer tagged as Border. This area contains a list of all the item to item spacings and some minimum values of some items. Each has a check box to enable or disable that test and a text box to enter the desired value. Although most of the clearance items are self evident, all are listed here for sake of completeness. Track-Track: the minimum distance required between adjacent traces. Track-Pad: the minimum distance required between a trace and pad. Pad-Pad: the minimum distance required between adjacent pads. Outline: the minimum distance between anything and the board outline. Min trk width: the minimum width allowed for a trace. Min pad: the minimum size allowed for a pad. Redundant pads: checks for superimposed pads. The Load and Save buttons allow DRC rule sets to be written to and recalled from files on disk.
Layers to Test area	This area lists all the layers to be processed for the pass selected in the Passes area. The Add and Delete buttons allow layers to be selected for addition to or removal from this pass.
Passes area	This area lists the names of all the DRC passes that are executed when the Run button is clicked. The Add button allows you to enter a new pass name. Once you have created a pass name, you must then assign layers to that pass and set values for the desired clearance checks for this new pass. The Delete button allows you to select the name of the pass to be deleted. The DEFAULT pass cannot be deleted and starts out with the layers tagged as Top and Bottom.
Annular Ring  area	This area allows you to setup annular ring checks by comparing data on different layers. This test checks both the size and offset between the two layers. The three available tests are: Pad-Mask Tests to insure that the mask provides an annular ring around the pad of the amount specified. Drill-Mask Tests to insure that the mask provides an annular ring around the drill home size of the amount specified. Drill-Pad Tests to insure that the pad provides an annular ring around the drill hole size of the amount specified. You need to identify which layers CAM350 uses for the test. This area provides three select lists for pad, mask and drill selection. Each select list only show those layers with the appropriate tags. Each of these layers can also have a Dcode filter.
Special Checks area	Use this area to setup tests for drills without pads, pads without drills, or traces that do not end in a pad. As with annular ring, you must identify the layers to be tested and a Dcode filter is also available.
Remove All Violations	If this box is checked, all DRC violations from previous runs are cleared. Use this if you are running repeated tests on the same area of the board. If unchecked, the old violations are maintained. You would want to do this if two areas of the board had different spacing rules and you wanted a single report of all violations.
Refer to the Info commands Query|DRC, and Find|DRC for instructions on how to view and report DRC violations.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|DRC. The DRC dialog box appears.

2	Click all desired tests in the Clearance area and set the required minimum values.

3	Use the Add and Delete buttons under the Layer to Test list to setup the layers for the DEFAULT pass.

4	Add and setup any additional passes as required.

5	If you are using this same combination of Passes and clearances in the future, use the Save button to write this rule set to disk.

6	Setup any Annular Ring or Special Checks required.

7	Check or uncheck Remove All Violations as required.

8	Click OK. The DRC dialog box is then hidden and CAM350 prompts you for the first corner of a rectangular region to test.

9	Select the first corner. CAM350 prompts you for the second corner.

10	Select the second corner. The command executes, displaying a number of percentage complete indicators depending on the number of tests you have asked DRC to run. The command ends automatically.

Note:

To see your DRC errors highlighted, make sure that the View|DRC menu item is checked.


DRC Histogram utility
Utilities: DRC Histogram

As powerful as CAM350s DRC command is, it still only tells you those items that violate the minimum spacing requirement. If you would like to get a graphical presentation of spacing density on your board you can use the DRC Histogram. DRC Histogram allows you to specify ranges of spacing values and assign a color to be used to mark each spacing range. You can specify up to four spacing ranges.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|DRC Histogram. The DRC Histogram dialog box appears.

2	Check the number of ranges you wish use and enter the minimum and maximum value for each.

3	Select a color for each range.

4	Click OK. The DRC Histogram dialog box is hidden and CAM350 prompts you for the first corner of a rectangular region to test.

5	Select the first corner. CAM350 prompts you for the second corner.

6	Select the second corner. The command executes, displaying a percentage complete indicator. The command ends automatically.


Panelization utility
Utilities: Panelization

The Panelization command is normally used to create a multiple-board array for manufacturing. It also has a special AutoFilm mode to make a film panel. That is, each design layer is copied to a single layer and spaced out for photoplotting on a single piece of film. Both modes only process visible layers.

Panelization

AutoFilm


Panelization utility, Panelize
Utilities Panelization: Panelize

All the information needed to create multiple copies for a panel can be entered in the dialog box for this command. If you generally create panels of a fixed size or a set of fixed sizes, you may find it more convenient to create a panel template design to be merged during the panelization process. This design may also contain fixed features of your standard panels such as post-etch punch locations and nomenclature blocks.

CAM350 can use your board outline to establish the copy to copy spacing of your panel and a vent border. If a board outline is not available, CAM350 looks at the extents of your design data and create a rectangle for spacing and a vent border for you.

The panel size is entered in the dialog box or read in from your panel template. You also specify the Border Spacing and Image Spacing. CAM350 centers the image array in your panel using the Border Spacing as a minimum requirement. The Image Spacing is specified as a Space between, or an Offset. If you select Space between CAM350 maintains that spacing between the board outlines of the copies, or generated board/vent outline. If you select Offset, CAM350 creates the copies by stepping them by the offset distance.

As you change any of the spacing numbers, CAM350 displays the number of copies that fit the current settings. Although CAM350 displays fractional portions, it does not really produce partial copies. The fractional part of the number lets you know how close you are getting to another copy in your panel.

Command Sequence:

To create a manufacturing panel:

1	Select Panelization|Panelize from the Utilities menu. The Panelization dialog box appears.

2	Check the Merge Panel check box if you wish to use a panel template design. The Panel PCB button is enabled.

3	Click the Panel PCB button and select the desired file, or type in the file name.

4	Check the Generate Board/Vent Outline check box if you do not have a board outline or wish to have a rectangular border for the vent pattern. The Dcode and Layer buttons are enabled.

5	Click the Dcode button and select a Dcode to be used to draw the border or enter the Dcode number in the text box. Click the Layer button and select a layer for the border or enter the layer number in the text box.

6	Insure that all the spacing parameters are correct, making any necessary changes.

7	Click the OK button. A preview image of your panel appears along with a warning message reminding you that the panelization process cannot be undone.

8	Click the OK button in the warning box to execute the command or the Cancel button to return to the previous dialog box.


Panelization utility, AutoFilm
Utilities Panelization: AutoFilm

AutoFilm is used to create a film panel. Film panels can optimize your photoplotting time by allowing you to plot all layers using a single sheet of film. Like Panelize, AutoFilm only works on the layers you currently have turned on.

Command Sequence:

To create a film panel:

1	Select Panelization|AutoFilm from the Utilities menu. The AutoFilm dialog box appears.

2	Click the Target Layer button, and select a layer for the film panel, or enter the layer number in the text box. The first empty layer is used by default.

Note:

Since this is the layer you use to create the single Gerber file for photoplotting, it is a good idea to select a layer that currently has no other data on it.

4	Insure that all the spacing parameters are correct, making any necessary changes.The Number of Copies field is grayed because this mode always produces one copy of each design layer.

5	Click the OK button. A preview image of your film panel appears along with a warning message reminding you that the panelization process cannot be undone.

6	Click the OK button in the warning box to execute the command, or the Cancel button to return to the previous dialog box.


Venting utility
Utilities: Venting

Venting is used to fill in the areas around the design images in a panel. You must have first created a panel, and all images must have a vent border on the same layer. Venting uses the same Raster and Vector fill modes and Solid, Hatched and Dcode fill patterns as Add|Polygon. Refer to the Add|Polygon command for a full description of these options.

Venting creates two separate venting images of the same pattern, however you can specify an offset between the two layers.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Venting. The Venting dialog box appears.

2	Select the fill mode and pattern for the venting. See Add|Polygon for instructions on editing the fill patterns.

3	Click the Border Layer button and select the border layer or enter the border layer number in the text box.

4	Click the Vent Layer 1 button and select a layer for one of the vent patterns or enter the layer number in the text box.

5	Click the Vent Layer 2 button and select a layer for the other vent pattern or enter the layer number in the text box.

6	Enter the desired X:Y offset between the two layer patterns.

7	Click the OK button to execute the command.


Copper Area utility
Utilities: Copper Area

The Copper Area command calculates the copper area of your design. It can report on a single layer, multiple layers or multiple layers with the surface area of all holes. This information can be used to determine the current settings for electroplate operations in board fabrication.

Resolution	This parameter sets the smallest size that CAM350 looks at. The smaller this parameter, the more accurate the result; also, the more memory required and the longer the process takes. Reasonable results should be obtained by setting this value to 1/4th the size of your smallest feature. If your smallest trace is 12 mils, make this setting 3 mils; if the smallest trace is 4 mils, then use 1 mil here.
Scan Box Size	This setting tells CAM350 how much area to review one time. There are three values from which to choose, .25, 1.0, and 4.0 sq. in. (161, 645, and 2581 sq. mm). The larger this setting, the faster the process, but the more memory required. This setting has no affect on the accuracy of the result. If you need to set a small resolution, you may also need to set a small Scan Box Size if your computer does not have sufficient memory to allow a larger Scan Box Size.
Compute With  Drill Information	If this control is checked, the surface area of all drill holes is calculated. This control is gray if there is no drill data in the design.
Board Thickness	CAM350 needs this to calculate the area of plated through holes.
Note:

For more accurate results, extract drill data for plated through-holes just prior to running Copper Area. Extract the drill data for non-plated holes after you have the copper area calculated.

Command Sequence:

1	Turn ON all layers required for copper area calculation; turn all others OFF.

2	Select Utilities|Copper Area. The Copper Area dialog box appears.

3	Set the Resolution and Scan Box Size.

4	Check or uncheck the Compute With Drill Information as required. If checked, enter the proper board thickness.

5	Click OK. A number of percentage indicators are displayed depending upon the number of layers being processed. When complete, the Report Copper Area dialog box appears.

6	Click the Print or Save buttons if you need a printout or file of the results.

7	Click OK or Cancel the end the command.


Build Part utility
Utilities: Build Part

The Build Part is one of CAM350s most powerful commands, it allows you to create an intelligent part form graphical data such as Gerber or HPGL. This command requires that Netlist Extract be run first, this allows CAM350 to know what information in you Gerber file is pad and trace data before it tries to convert the rest of the graphics. CAM350 does more than just collect the graphical data into a bundle, it converts the strokes that make up text into real text that can be easily edited, or used to produce a netlist in RefDes/Pin Number format or Bill of Materials with reference designator and device names. Build Part creates the new part in your Project Library.

For Build Part to do its job, it is going to ask you for a little help along the way. Something that people do very well but that computers have a very hard time with, is to recognize a collection of squiggles as a meaningful letter of the alphabet. What to you and me is very clearly U7, a reference designator for one of the parts on the board, is just a random set of move and draw commands in a Gerber file. To convert this random set of data to something the computer can use, CAM350 is going to ask us to draw a box around what we know to be the reference designator.

To accommodate scanned data, or text at odd angle, CAM350 is going to be very specific in how it asks you to make this box. First it asks you for the lower left corner, you want to pick a point that would be the lower left corner of the text, if the text were right side up. Next CAM350 asks for the upper left corner, again select upper left for the text if it were right side up. Finally CAM350 asks for a third point to fit the text.

As you move the mouse, you see a rectangle with the word text to help you visualize the alignment to you reference designator. It rotates about the first point you selected and has one side based on the distance between the first and second points. You control the other side of the rectangle and its angle with the mouse. Select a point that creates a rectangle that best fits the text. Any graphical data within this rectangle is marked as text. This same sequence is used to identify both reference designators and device names, if they exist.

Build Part can be used in two different ways. CAM350 prompts you through a logical sequence of the minium steps required to build a part form graphics, or you can direct the sequence yourself.

Command Sequence:

To build a part with a prompted sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Build Parts. CAM350 prompts you for the first lower left corner of the REFDES text.

2	Select a point that world be the lower left corner of the text as if the text were right side up. CAM350 prompts for the upper left corner of the REFDES text.

3	 Select a point for the upper left corner of the text as if the test were right side up. CAM350 prompts for a third point to fit the text.

4	Align the rectangle for a best fit of the REFDES text and select that point. Care should be taken not to include graphics other than the reference designator in this rectangle. You do not have to worry about pads and traces, CAM350 knows that this data cannot be part of a reference designator and ignores it.

Note:

If there is device name text in your data, see the instructions for self-guided sequence below.

5	CAM 350 prompts you for the two corners of a box to identify the PART OUTLINE. Select two points to create a box around the part outline or silkscreen data. Pads, traces and text already highlighted as RefDes is ignored.

6	CAM350 now prompts for a pin sequence and the Tool Bar is modified to include a Pin # Tool and a toggle to Recognize in-line pins. Select Pin 1, then select the pin that is farthest away that would have all intervening pins in consecutive order (this would be Pin 7 on a 14 pin dip). Again select the pin that is farthest away that would have all intervening pins in order (Pin 8 of a 14 pin dip). Continue until all the pins are identified (one more selection at Pin 14 for the 14 pin dip). Click the right button to end this sequence.

Note:

The starting number for any sequence may be changed at anytime by entering a new number in the Pin # tool in the Tool Bar. You may also toggle the Recognize in-line pins button off to identify pins individually.

7	The Build Part dialog box appears. If needed, you can select any one of the five buttons to correct any of the steps of Build Part. Select the Create button when you are satisfied with the part.

8	The Create Part dialog box appears. Enter the desired Part Name and click the OK button to add the part to the Project Library and end the command.

To build a part in a self-directed sequence:

1	Select Utilities|Build Parts. CAM350 prompts you for the lower left corner of the REFDES text.

2	Despite the prompt, click the right mouse button. The Build Part dialog box appears

3	You can select the various sub-commands of Build Part in any order. Select the Create button when you are satisfied with the part. The Create Part dialog box appears.

4	Enter the desired Part Name and click the OK button to add the part to the Project Library and end the command.


Part Editor
Utilities: Part Editor

This command switches you to the Part Editor, the commands of this editor are described in Chapter 14. Although you can only view one of the three CAM350 editors at one time, all can be active with independent edits in each one.

Command Sequence:

Select Utilities|Part Editor. The CAM Editor is hidden and the Part Editor appears. To return to the CAM Editor, select Utilities|CAM Editor. Your CAM edit session is just as it was before you entered the Part Editor.


Tables Menu commands
Tables Menu

The Tables menu provides you convenient access to the most important tables that you use with CAM350. They are intended to be used for making changes and entering data as well using as a reference for editing and utility operations.

These tables provide you access to important data sets arranged in table format and include aperture definitions, padstack definitions, layer type and color assignment.

Menu Commands:

Apertures

Padstacks

Layers

Composites

Layers Mapping


Tables, Aperture
Tables: Apertures

The Aperture Table allows you to verify and edit the Dcode definitions used in your design.

Aper/Pen #	This is a reference column. Many CAD systems refer to photoplotter apertures by sequential numbers starting at one. When you import HPGL data, the pen data is translated to the corresponding Dcodes. An asterisk (*) to the right of this number indicates that this Dcode is used in the current design.
Dcode	Each of these buttons is labeled with the Dcode number of that row. Pressing one of these buttons presents a select list of all the intrinsic shapes supported by CAM350 as well as Custom to allow the selection of custom apertures. Selecting Custom displays the Get Library Item dialog box, allowing you to select a custom aperture.
Shape	This column displays the shape of each Dcode. When a custom aperture is selected, its name appears in this field.
Size	This column shows the size of each Dcode as an X:Y pair. For Round, Square, Octagon and Target, the X and Y values are always equal and you need only enter a single number. For Rectangle and Oblong, X is the length and Y is the height. For the Donut and Thermal, X is the outer diameter and Y is the inner diameter. When a Custom is selected, the system reports the size.
Swap	This column lists the 90 degree companion Dcode. It only affects Rectangle and Oblong Dcodes. If you rotate a Rectangle or Oblong Dcode or a part containing either, CAM350 automatically swaps the Dcode with the one listed in this column. You do not have to be concerned about setting this up. If the correct Dcode does not exist, CAM350 adds it to the table and makes the proper Swap assignment.
Type	When CAM350 converts Pads to Padstacks, it looks for flashes that are exactly aligned on multiple layers. Most of the time this is adequate. However, occasionally you may find that two surface mounted devices, one on each side of the board, have their pads aligned. To instruct CAM350 not to convert these to padstacks, you can specify the Dcode used for these pads as Type SMT. This column is usually hidden, to display these controls, click the Show Type button. The available types are Thru and SMT .
Next Undefined	Press this button to jump the next undefined Dcode in the table. If there are no undefined Dcodes, this button is grayed.
Goto Dcode	Enter a Dcode number in the field to the right, then press this button to jump to any desired Dcode.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Tables|Apertures or use the A Hotkey. The Aperture Table dialog box appears.

2	Use the scroll bar or Goto Dcode control to display the section of the table with the desired Dcode.

3	Press the Dcode button and select the desired shape or type the desired shape in the Shape text field. Press Enter or Tab to advance to the Size field.

4	Enter the desired size.

5	Define another Dcode, or press OK to close the dialog box.


Tables, padstacks
Tables: Padstacks

The Padstack table allows you to verify, modify or create new padstacks for your design.

Pstk id	This drop-down select list allows you to select a padstack ID from 1 to 1000
Name	Displays the name of the selected padstack. CAM350 creates this name based on the size and shape of the first Dcode in the stack.
Delete	Deletes (clears) the selected padstack definition.
Layer Name	This is a display only column, it displays the names of the layers in the current design.
#	This column of buttons is each labeled with the number of the layer for that row. Press this button to select an aperture to assign to the current padstack on this layer.
Aperture	This column displays the assigned apertures in the current padstack.
Next/Prv	This toggle button switched the table between layers 1 to 16 and 17 to 32.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Tables|Padstacks. The Padstack Table dialog box appears.

2	Use the Pstk id drop-down select list to select the desired padstack id. The selected padstack definitions appear.

3	Click the button of a layer to change or assign a Dcode for this padstack. The Aperture List dialog box appears.

4	Select the desired Dcode for this layer and click OK.

5	Click another layer number button, or click OK to accept the definition and close the dialog box.


Tables, layers
Tables: Layers

The Layers table allows you to name a layer, set its type, set the draw and flash colors, select which layer is active and select which layer draws on top of all other layers.

#	Reference column of layer numbers
Name	This column displays and allows you to change the name of any layer.
Draw	This column shows a rectangle displaying the color in which each layers data is drawn. Click on this button to select the desired color.
Flash	This column shows a rectangle in the color that each layers flash data is rendered in.
Status	This is a column of three-way toggle buttons that control each layers visibility. On - Data is displayed and can be selected for edits. Off - Data is not displayed and cannot be selected. Ref - Data is visible but cannot be selected for edit.
Act	This column is one group of radio buttons, the depressed button is the active layer which has data added to it. The active layer must be on, so making a layer active forces its status to On. Only one layer can be the active layer.
Top	This column is one group of option buttons. The depressed button is the top layer and is drawn last, on top of all others.
Next/Prv	This toggle button switches the table between layers 1 through 16 and 17 through 32.
All on/ All off	This toggle button turns all layers on or all layers off. Since the active layer must be on, the All off toggle turns off all layers except the active layer.
Note:

The On/Off status, Draw and Flash colors, active and top layer can all be controlled with the Layer Bar at the left side of the workspace without the need to bring up this dialog box.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Tables|Layers or use the Y Hotkey. The Layer Table dialog box appears.

2	Add or change a layer name.

3	Select the desired Draw and Flash colors.

4	Select the desired Active and Top layers.

5	Click OK to accept the changes and close the dialog box.


View Zoom Out
Tables: Composites

The Composites dialog box allows you to setup up to 32 composite images. These composite images can be made up of any combination of others and any mix of dark (positive) and clear (negative) data. Refer to the View|Composite command for viewing the resulting composite image.

Cn	This push-button displays the number (n=1 to 32) of the selected composite image and when pressed displays a select list of composite images. The name of the layer appears in the text box to the right of the button and can be edited.
Bkg Dark/Clear	This toggle button sets the background to Dark or Clear. This is usually the opposite of the first layer in the composite set. If you were creating an internal ground plane with embedded traces, the background would be Dark and the first image, the clearance holes and thermal reliefs would be Clear. For a large ground area in the surface of the board, you might start with the background as Clear, then the Dark ground area.
n	This column of buttons are the layers in your composite and need not follow the layer numbering of the design layers. Any layer in your design can be assigned to any layer position within the composite. A design layer can be used in more than one composite. Click on one of these buttons to select the design layer to assign to the selected composite layer.
Layer List	Displays the name of the design layer assigned to the composite layer position.
Dark/Clear	These buttons are used to set the Dark/Clear (positive/negative) state of each composite layer.
Next/Prv	This toggle button switched the table between layers 1 through 16 and 17through 32.
Command Sequence:

1	Load or create the individual images to be composited.

2	Select Tables|Composites. The Composite dialog box appears.

3	Click the Cn button to select the desired composite image.

4	Click the Bkg Dark/Clear to set the background if needed.

5	Click one of the layer number buttons to select a design layer for that position in the composite.

6	Click the Dark/Clear button for that layer to set its state if necessary.

7	Repeat steps 5 and 6 for all required layers of the composite.

8	Click OK to accept the composite setup and close the dialog box.


Tables, layer mapping
Tables: Layers Mapping

The Layer Map Table is used to set up how data will be repositioned when a component is flipped (mirrored) from one side of the board to the other.

#	A reference column of layer numbers.
Name	A reference column that displays the name of each layer.
Type	A reference column that displays the type of each layer.
Map	A column of drop-down select lists to assign the swap layer, that layer to which data on this layer is moved if a component is mirrored.
Next/Prv	This toggle button switches the table between layers 1 through 16 and 17through 32.
Default	The most logical mapping is the layer tagged as Top to the layer tagged as Bottom and Silk top to Silk bot. Clicking this button produces that mapping if you have the tagged layers.
Command Sequence:

1	Use the Tables|Layers command or the Y Hotkey to insure that you have the correct layer types assigned.

2	Select Tables|Layers Mapping. The Layer Map Table dialog box appears.

3	If you need Top mapped to Bottom and Silk top mapped to Silk bot, click the Default button.

4	Select any other layer(s) you want to map from the Map drop-down list.

5.	Click OK to accept the mapping and close the dialog box.


Macro Menu commands
Macro Menu

The macro commands allow you to record and play script macros, assign macros to the menu or function keys, and indicate if the current settings should be recorded as part of a macro.

Menu Commands:

Record

Stop

Play

Assign

Edit

Absolute

Relative

Record Settings


Record Macro
Macro: Record

The Record command allows you to record any sequence of CAM350 commands for later playback. Record may also be used capture the commands to be used in a Basic macro.

Command Sequence:

1	Verify that the Record Settings is checked or unchecked as required in the Macro menu.

2	Verify that the Absolute or Relative mode in the Macro menu is set as required.

3	Select Macro|Record. A Save As dialog box appears to assign a file name to the macro.

4	Provide a name for the macro and click OK. The Open dialog box is hidden.

5	Perform the CAM350 commands as you want them recorded. Select Macro|Stop to end the recording.


Stop Macro Recording
Macro: Stop

The Macro|Stop command is used to end the recording of a macro. The Stop command is not included in the recorded macro.


Play Macro
Macro: Play

The Play command is used to execute a recorded macro in Absolute or Relative mode or a Basic program macro.

Command Sequence:

To Play an Absolute script macro or Basic macro:

1	Verify that the Absolute mode is checked in the Macro menu, change is needed.

2	Select Macro|Play. The Open dialog box appears, select the macro to play and click OK.

3	The macro will play and the command then ends.

To Play a Relative script macro:

1	Verify that the Relative mode is checked in the Macro menu, change if needed.

2	Select Macro|Play. The Open dialog box appears, select the macro to play and click OK.

3	The Open dialog box is hidden and CAM350 prompts you for a starting location for the macro.

4	Select the starting location. The macro plays and the command then ends.


Assign command
Macro: Assign

Assign presents a sub-menu and allows you to have your macros available in the Macro menu or activated by a function key. You first need to record a script macro or write a Basic macro.

Menu Items

Function Keys


Assign Menu Items
Macro Assign: Menu Items

This command To make your macro available in the Macro menu:

Command Sequence:

1	Select Assign|Menu Items from the Macro menu. The Menu Items dialog box appears.

2	Click the Add button. The Menu Item Assignment dialog box appears.

3	Enter the text to be displayed in the Macro menu in  the Menu Item Text box.

4	Click the Macro File button to select the desired macro file, or type the file name in the text box.

5	Click OK in the Add Menu Item dialog box. You are returned to the Menu Item Assignment dialog box.

Note:

You can use the Delete button to remove a menu assignment or the Edit button to change a menu assignment.

6	Click the OK button in the Menu Item Assignment. Your macro now appears in the Macro Menu.


Assign Function Keys
Macro Assign: Function Keys

This command To make your macro available from a function key, a shift + a function key or a control + a function key:

Command Sequence:

1	Select Assign|Function Keys from the Macro Menu. The Function Keys Assignment dialog box appears.

2	Use the drop-down select list to select the function key alone, or use the Shift or Ctrl key.

3	Click the Function key button that you want to assign or type the macro filename in the associated text box.

4	Continue to assign macros to function keys or click OK to end the command. Your macro(s) are now available by pressing the assigned function key(s).


Macro: Edit

This function calls the Windows Notepad and allows you to create or edit your Macro scripts.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Edit from the Macro menu. The File Open dialog appears.

2	Using the controls in the File Open dialog, select the macro script you wish to edit. Click the OK button to confirm your selection. The Windows Notepad will appear containing your macro script.

3	Use the Notepad to edit your script. Once editing is complete you may choose File Save from the Notepad menu. Minimize or Exit the Notepad after you have saved your script.


Absolute
Macro: Absolute

This command is used to indicate that the macro should be replayed in absolute mode where the coordinates are used exactly as recorded.

Command Sequence:

Select Absolute from the Macro menu. The menu item is checked. When a macro is played, it starts at the coordinates recorded in the file.


Relative
Macro: Relative

This command is used to indicate that the macro should be replayed in relative mode where the coordinates are offset from a selected starting point.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Relative from the Macro menu. The menu item is checked.

2	When a macro is played, you are prompted for a starting point.

3	Select the coordinate location at which to start the macro replay.


Record Settings
Macro: Record Settings

Record Settings is a menu check item. If checked, CAM350 inserts the settings for the current layer, Dcode, text parameters and other values at the beginning of a recorded macro. This is useful if you want your macro to play back the same settings that were used when it was recorded. If you want user control over these values, leave this unchecked.

Command Sequence:

Select Macro|Record Settings to toggle from its current state to the alternate state. If Record Settings is checked, the following lines, with the current values, are added in any newly-recorded macro:

setdcode@ 11

setlayer@ 1

setsectorize@ 0,1000

texttheight@ 50.0000

textangle@ 0

textmirror@ 0

textjust@ 17

textfitting@ 0

textcspace@ 0.0000

textlspace@ 50.0000


Settings Menu commands
Settings Menu

The Settings commands allow you to personalize CAM350. This commands control the units of measure, text size and justification, the visibility of some types of data, and how circles and arcs are drawn.

Menu Commands:

Units

Text

View Options

Arc/Circle


Units settings
Settings: Units

The Units command is used to set the units of measure (mils or millimeters) and the resolution of those units (0 to 3 decimal places) that CAM350 displays. Regardless of the type of unit and resolution set, all data is stored in CAM350s own internal format. You can freely change between units and resolution at any time and as often as desired without any loss of data precision or accuracy.

The Unit command is nestable - that is, it may be used when another command is active without interrupting it.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Settings|Unit. The Unit dialog box appears.

2	Select the Unit of measure and Resolution desired.

3	Click OK. CAM350 now reports all size data in your new units.


Text settings
Settings: Text

The Text command is used to control all text attributes.

Height	Sets the height of upper case characters.
Angle	Sets the baseline angle for text.
Fit Text	If checked, CAM350 prompts you for two points, then fits the text between those two points. This is useful to insure that entries fit in a fixed area such as in title blocks
Mirror	If checked, CAM350 mirrors the text. Use this for back-side nomenclature.
Character  Spacing	This control allows the normal space between characters to be increased.
Line Spacing	This controls the spacing from the bottom on one line to the top of the next line in multi-line text entry.
Justification	This control consists of two sets of option buttons. One set controls the Top-Center-Bottom justification, the other set controls the Left-Center-Right justification. They may be used in any combination.
The Text command is nestable, that is, it can be used when another command is active and does not interrupt the other command.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Settings|Text. The Text Style dialog box appears.

2	Enter and select the desired text parameters.

3	Click OK, any new text assumes the new style.


View option settings
Settings: View Options

The View Options allow you to instruct CAM350 not to draw several types of data. There are many times that the delay while this data is redrawn in unnecessary.

View Panel Image  With Step and Repeat	When checked, all images after panelization are displayed. If unchecked only the original image is displayed and all others show the board outline only.
View Drill Path	When checked, the drill path is displayed.
View Merged Databases	When checked, only the board outline, or a bounding box, of any merged database is displayed.
View Part Centroid	When checked, all part centroid markers are displayed.
Minimize Repaint	When checked, CAM350 suppresses many of the automatic redraws it would normally perform. Use the R Hotkey to force a redraw when you need to see all the details again.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Settings|View Options. The View Option dialog box appears.

2	Check or uncheck the control as desired.

3	Click OK and your new options are in effect.


Arc/Circle settings
Settings: Arc/Circle

The Arc/Circle command controls how arcs and circles are generated. Most modern laser photoplotters support true circles, usually referred to as circular interpolation. Some of the older vector photoplotters must draw circles as a series of short straight lines.

Sectorize	If checked, circles and arcs entered in CAM350 are created using line segments, if unchecked, circular interpolation is used.
Angle (deg)	If Sectorize is checked, this is the number of degrees per segment that CAM350 uses to generate circles and arcs. The smaller the number, the better the circle looks, the larger your Gerber file becomes. This is not significant unless you have a lot of circles. The text field is disabled if Sectorize is not checked.
Command Sequence:

1	Select Settings|Arc/Circle. The Sectorize Style dialog appears.

2	Check or uncheck Sectorize as required.

3	Enter the degrees per segment in the Angle field if you have checked Sectorize.

4	Click OK. All new arcs and circles are drawn according to this setting.


CAP Editor Line Settings
Settings: Line

The Settings|Line command provides the same control over line draws as the Tool Bar.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Settings|Line or use the L Hotkey. The Line Style dialog box appears.

2	Check or uncheck Positive and Round as desired, set the desired width.

3	Click OK to accept the settings and close the dialog box.


Snap Settings
Settings: Snap

The Settings|Snap command provides control over the snap box size and whether or not the object Z snap is on. These are also controlled by the Page Up, Page Down and Z hotkeys.

Command Sequence:

1	Select Settings|Snap. The Snap Style dialog box appears.

2	Enter the Snap size and check or uncheck Snap object.

3	Click OK to accept the settings and close the dialog box.


Help Menu commands
Help Menu

The Help menu commands are used to ....

Menu Commands:

Hot Keys

Contents

Topic Search

About


Help Contents
Help: Contents

This command opens the CAM 350 online help and positions you in the main contents topic.


Help topic search
Help: Topic Search

This command opens the CAM 350 online help and displays the Topic Search dialog box.


About box
Help: About

This command displays the CAM 350 About box.