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Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:26:35 -0800
From: Colin D Bennett <colin AT gibibit DOT com>
To: geda-user AT delorie DOT com
Subject: Re: [geda-user] Mentor PowerPCB/PADS import to PCB
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On Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:51:53 +0000
Chris Smith <cjs94 AT zepler DOT net> wrote:

> What I'm hoping to achieve is either to import the reference
> design into PCB, or at least overlay each layer so I can trace
> over it with PCB.  I haven't used PowerPCB/PADS before, but I do
> have limited access to it so I can export the reference in
> whatever format may help.

The simplest way, although not ideal, would be to export the
reference design layout to a bitmap image (PNG) and use it as the
pcb background image for your layout session.

I have used the background image feature to create boards where I
precisely match pin header locations and board outline to an
existing board.

It is a hack, but a very useful one.

DJ has an example at <http://www.delorie.com/pcb/bg-image.html>.

Just make sure you get the scale right by setting you PCB layout
“board size” to exactly the size that your background image extents
would indicate -- pcb will stretch the background image to fit any
board size.  You probably won't know the actual size of the
background image in mm or mil exactly, though, since there is
probably going to be some padding or margin around the board
itself.  You can measure the actual mm/pixel in the GIMP if you
have two precise reference points in the reference design file, and
from that calculate the PCB board size setting.

Regards,
Colin