Import scanned PCB artwork to create Eagle PCBs?

Mylist Address wrote:

I've successfully imported scanned PCB artwork from magazines into Eagle

and would like to use that to create a circuit board.

Having imported the BMP into an empty board layout in Eagle I was hoping

I could use that layer as a guide for placing the components as well as

connecting them together but being a novice I'm not able to figure out

how or if it's even possible.

It seems Eagle's way of doing things is to first create a schematic,

then make a board out of that -not the other way round.

 

Is there a way I can use the scanned images in Eagle (I don't

have/intend to buy any etching gear for the "photoresist" method or know

anyone who can help me with that, so it seems easier to find a company

which makes PCBs from Eagle generated files).

have you thought about recreating the schematic in eagle too.

The would get you 1) ERC and DRC capabilities and 2) the nets would be

represented as air wires in the board editor automatically.

You still can use your imported artwork as aid for placement and

routing.

On the other hand: you can do the layout without a schematic.

You would add packages matching the required footprints, and using the

signal command establish the connections (as air wires), then do the

routing.

But: you can't create a schematic from that layout.

--

Lorenz

So you're saying that I can easily place the airwires in the exact same way as the scanned PCB artwork?

How would I go about doing that?

I've mainly used the autorouting feature.

Yes, I agree that creating a schematic would be the best way if it's not too much additional work to place the wires/traces where they should be.

These you will not see him never in the eagle

This you can make him easily with Sprint-Layout

Sprint-Layout is Windows only and I'm on a Mac.

silica10 wrote:

So you're saying that I can easily place the airwires in the exact same

way as the scanned PCB artwork?

How would I go about doing that?

I've mainly used the autorouting feature.

 

Yes, I agree that creating a schematic would be the best way if it's not

too much additional work to place the wires/traces where they should be.

1) you can place the footprints the draw the traces using the wire

command (the traces won't be connected to the pads, that is: they

won't stay attached if you move the footprint)

2) you can place the footprints, use the signal command to establish

the nets (they will show up as air wires), then route them using the

route command

3) recreate the circuit in the schematic editor, then arrange the

parts in the board editor and route the generated air wires

--

Lorenz

silica10 sorry

Test this cad http://www.kicad-pcb.org/display/KICAD/Mac+OS+X

it can make what you ask it is complete parcel, and is completely free of charge