Win Plot Users Guide

7/29/2019 Win Plot Users Guide

1/41

WinPlotUser's Guide


2/41

Copyright 2001 by Gerber Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

This document may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the writtenpermission of the copyright owner.

This document is part of the proprietary articles furnished to document the Gerber Technology,Inc. plotter systems. In consideration of the furnishing of the information contained in this

document, the party to whom it is given assumes its control and custody and agrees to thefollowing:

1. The information contained herein is given in confidence and any part thereof shall notbe copied or reproduced without the written consent of Gerber Technology, Inc.

2. This document or the contents herein under no circumstances shall be used in themanufacture or reproduction of the articles shown and the delivery of this documentshall not constitute any right or license to do so.

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. GerberTechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates shall not be liable for errors in this document orfor incidental or consequential damages in connection with furnishing, or use of this materialincluding, for example, loss of profits, fabric and production time.

AccuPlot, AccuJet and AccuMark, Infinity, MicroMark, and WinPlot are trademarksof Gerber Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

Printed in USA 04/01Document No. 077467002


3/41

1

C o n t e n t sC o n t e n t sC o n t e n t sC o n t e n t sCONTENTS .................................................................................................................................. 1INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................. 2

System Requirements .......................................................................................................... 2Plot File Requirements ......................................................................................................... 2Program Installation.............................................................................................................. 3

PLOTTER CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................... 4Gerber Devices Configuration......................................................................................... 4WinPlot Configuration ..................................................................................................... 6WinPlot Network Plotting .............................................................................................. 15

PLOTTER PROGRAM .................................................................................................................. 19Restart Plotter Program...................................................................................................... 19Exit Plotter Program ........................................................................................................... 20

WINPLOT CONVERTER............................................................................................................... 21QUEUE MANAGER ..................................................................................................................... 23

Using Queue Manager Commands.................................................................................... 25Queue Manager Toolbar............................................................................................... 25Starting and Stopping the Queue.................................................................................. 25Selecting a Plot Queue ................................................................................................. 26Media ID........................................................................................................................ 26Removing Jobs from the Queue................................................................................... 27Miscellaneous Plot Queue Tasks.................................................................................. 28

VIEW PLOT................................................................................................................................ 29View Commands ................................................................................................................ 29

PLOTTER SETTINGS ................................................................................................................... 30Plotter Settings Window ..................................................................................................... 31To Open An Existing Media ID ........................................................................................... 31To Define A New Media ID................................................................................................. 31To Print Media ID Paremeter Values.................................................................................. 31To Delete A Media ID ......................................................................................................... 32To Complete The Plotter Settings Window ........................................................................ 32

APPENDIX A.............................................................................................................................. 36Winplot Scaling Considerations.......................................................................................... 36

Input Plot Units.............................................................................................................. 36Scale Factor.................................................................................................................. 38


4/41

2

Ins ta l la t ionIns ta l la t ionIns ta l la t ionIns ta l la t ionInstalling WinPlot also installs Plotter Configuration, Gerber DevicesConfiguration, Queue Manager, View Plot, and Plotter Settings utilities, andonline help. To access online help, open WinPlot and click Help.

Syste m Re q u ire m e n tsSyste m Re q u ire m e n tsSyste m Re q u ire m e n tsSyste m Re q u ire m e n tsTo install and operate WinPlot, your system must meet the followingminimum standards:

Industry standard personal computer with:

Windows 95 or NT 4.0 operating systems 20 MB hard disk space

16 MB RAM

CD-ROM Drive

Mouse pointing device

Plo t File Re q ui re m e n tsPlo t File Re q ui re m e n tsPlo t File Re q ui re m e n tsPlo t File Re q ui re m e n ts

HPGL Plot Files (.plt)

WinPlot supports HPGL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) plot files thatconform to HP 7475 plotter requirements. Generic HPGL format files can also beconverted. These include files exported as HPGL files (.plt) from packages suchas Micrografx Designer or CorelDraw. WinPlot does not support arc or circlecommands. Any unsupported command will be reported in the log file window.

Gerber Plot Files (.ggt)

WinPlot will process and submit (to the plot queue) Gerber plot files generatedfrom AccuMark or MicroMark. The plots are submitted to the plot queue, and noconversion is performed.


5/41

3

DWG Plot Files (.dwg)

WinPlot supports .dwg files generated primarily from Autocad. This format is abinary file that allows plots to be generated full size so that WinPlot can processthe plot without having to apply scaling. Most .dwg commands are supported.Unsupported commands in the file will be reported in the log file window.

DXF Plot Files (.dxf)

WinPlot supports dxf plot files generated from Autocad and other CAD softwareprograms. The format used by many CAD packages, dxf files are generally largerin size than the equivalent plot file in dwg format. Most dxf commands aresupported. Unsupported commands encountered in the file will be reported in thelog file window.

Gerber Cut Files (.cut)

WinPlot supports Gerber cut files generated from AccuMark or other CADsoftware. This allows a common cut file to be used to generate the plottedmarker and to cut the marker.

Pro g ra m Insta lla t io nPro g ra m Insta lla t io nPro g ra m Insta lla t io nPro g ra m Insta lla t io n

TO INSTALL WINPLOT

1. Insert WinPlot release CD into CD drive.

2. From the Start menu, select Run.

3. Type e:/setup, where e is the CD-ROM drive letter.

4. Select OK. This install will also put a shortcut to the WinPlot programinto the Windows Startup folder so the converter is available when youstart the computer. If you do not want WinPlot to run at startup, removethe WinPlot icon from the Startup folder following WinPlot installation.

5. You will be prompted by the following dialog box with the option toinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Reader is necessary if you wish to

read the WinPlot_Release_Notes in .pdf format on the WinPlot CD.:After this installation is finished, you may install Adobe Acrobat Reader4.0. Select by double-clicking E:\Adobe\ar40eng.exe, where e is theletter of your CD-ROM drive.


6/41

4

6. When the installation has completed, select YES to restart yourcomputer.

Note: WinPlot will not be available until you perform the steps in the nextsection under Plotter Configuration.

Note: If you must reinstall WinPlot, first make sure WinPlot is not running (Seethe Exit Plotter Program). Make sure AccuMark ACMKMGR program isnot running. If necessary, stop the ACMKMGR program with theWindows End Task feature (Ctrl-Alt-Del).

Plo tte r C o n f ig u ra tio nPlo tte r C o n f ig u ra tio nPlo tte r C o n f ig u ra tio nPlo tte r C o n f ig u ra tio nPlotter configuration is accomplished by making changes to settings in theGerber Devices Configuration screen, and in the WinPlot Configurationscreen.

G e rb e r D e v ic e s C o n fig u ra tio nG e rb e r D e v ic e s C o n fig u ra tio nG e rb e r D e v ic e s C o n fig u ra tio nG e rb e r D e v ic e s C o n fig u ra tio n

The Gerber Device Configuration screen is added to the Control Panel folderduring installation of the WinPlot software. This is used to select parametersfor Digitizer, Tablet, Plotter, Function Box, and Tracker.

The following Plotter settings can be modified under the Plotter tab: PortSettings, Plotter Type, and AccuRoller status. Refer to figure 1 and table 1 formore on Plotter tab configuration.

1. Click the Windows Start button, go to Settings.Click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Gerber Device Configuration icon.

3. Click the Plotter tab to open the Plotter Configuration window.

4. On the Plotter tab underPort Settings, select the communication port(COM1, COM2), and the Baud Rateused for the plotter.

5. On the Plotter tab underType, select the plotter on your system.6. Put a checkmark in the AccuRoller checkbox if AccuRoller is used.

7. Click OK.


7/41

5

PLOTTER TAB

Figure 1. Plotter Tab

TABLE 1 GERBER DEVICES CONFIGURATION PLOTTER TAB

Comm Port Select the Com Port your computer is connected to: COM1,COM2, COM3 or COM4. Select COM-NET is you have an Infinity II that willbe networked. Select None if submitting jobs to a remote queue (no plotter

physically connected).

Baud Rate Infinity Plotter is set from 9600 to 57600. All other plotters arenon-selectable.


8/41

6

Host orPort These text windows are active when Comm Port is set toCOM-NET.

Type Select your plotter from the list of plotters

AccuRoller Insert a check in checkbox if AccuRoller is being used.

WinPlo t C o n f ig u ra t io nWinPlo t Co n f ig u ra t io nWinPlo t C o n f ig u ra t io nWinPlo t Co n f ig u ra t io nThe WinPlot Configuration screen is added to the Control Panel folderduring installation of WinPlot software. This is used to select plotterparameters under the following tabs: General, HPGL Files, DWG/DXF Files,

Remote Plotters, Log File, and Spooler.

OPENING THE WINPLOT CONFIGURATION SCREEN

1. Click the Windows Start button, go to Settings, then click ControlPanel.

2. Double-click the WinPlot Config icon

3. With the WinPlot Configuration screen open, click on the tabs andselect parameters, as desired. Refer to the following figures and relatedtables for General, HPGL Files, DWG/DXF Files, Remote Plotters, LogFile, and Spooler tabs

4. Click OK when finished selecting parameters for all tabs


9/41

7

GENERAL TAB

Figure 2. General Tab

TABLE 2 GENERAL TAB

Scale Select X, Y and Text Values Percentage is applied during theconversion process. The default is 100% (converted file will be same size asoriginal). Low values result in a small converted file. Large values result in aconverted file that is larger than the original.Plotter Units 10000 units per inch (not adjustable).

Plot Stacking Plot pieces can be stacked (intermixed) to conserve paper.

Pen Width This parameter is used to determine how many strokes of thepen are required to generate a thick line. The value is expressed in plotterunits, which is mils x 10. On a Gerber pen plotter, the width of the pen isapproximately 20 mils. This value should be set to 200. On an Infinity, thewidth is about 6.6 mils. A value of 66 is appropriate.

Copies Select quantity of copies when printing plots using right-click/Windows Explorer method, or the drag plot file into spooler method.


10/41

8

Plot Folder Choose a location for plot files before they are converted.Output to file

Default Folder Choose a location for plot files that are converted andoutput to file.

File Extension The file extension name for converted plots output to file is.ggt (not adjustable).


11/41

9

HPGL TAB

Figure 3. HPGL Tab

TABLE 3 HPGL TAB CONVERSION CONFIGURATION

Input Units Use setting that matches the resolution of your plotter type.WinPlot defaults to plotter units for the HP 7475. Suggested Input Unitssettings for CAD software, HP plotter plot data, and sent to a Gerber Plotter:

Scaled plot data without IP and SC commands: Input Units 1016

Plot data with IP and SC commands: Input Units 1016

Plot data without scaling or IP and SC commands: Input Units1000Refer to Appendix A for more information on scaling.

File Extension File extension (name) for HPGL plot file is .plt before it isconverted to .ggt


12/41

10

DWG/DXF TAB

Figure 4. DWG/DXF Tab

TABLE 4 DWG/DXF TAB CONVERSION CONFIGURATION

Chord Height Tolerance Increasing this value will result in more error, butwill improve processing time and reduce converted file size

DXF File Extension The file extension (name) for .dxf CAD file before it isconverted to a .ggt file

DWG File Extension The file extension (name) for .dwg CAD file before itis converted to a .ggt file


13/41

11

REMOTE PLOTTERS TAB

Figure 5. Remote Plotters Tab

(applies only to WinPlot Network Peer to PeerScenario)

TABLE 5 REMOTE PLOTTERS TAB

Plotters by name List of pre-defined plotters

Plotter Properties

Name: Unique name used to reference a remote plotter used forreference only can be any name you choose

Location: Drive letter mapped to a remote system containing a\userroot\devq\plotter directory all drive letters are scanned todetermine eligibility

Type: Select appropriate plotter type

Note: All fields must be filled in before pressing the new button.


14/41

12

LOG FILE TAB

Figure 6. Log File Tab

TABLE 6 LOG FILE TAB

Location Storage area for error messages that may have resulted when aplot was converted

Clear Click here to delete error messages stored in the Log File

View Click hereto see error messages stored in the Log File - Theseerrors will open in Wordpad


15/41

13

SPOOLER TAB

Figure 7. Spooler Tab

TABLE 7 SPOOLER TAB

Spooler Enabled With Spooler Enabled selected (checked), files can bedropped in a folder and WinPlot will automatically process themIn this example, files to be spooled are dropped in C:/winplot/spooler

Defaults

Location Where files to be spooled are dropped

Plotter Destination plotter when files are submitted via the spooler


16/41

14

CUT FILES TAB

TABLE

8 CUT FILES

TAB

Conversion Configuration

Input Units This is the default input scale of x, y coordinates in the cut fileif no G codes are specified. If a G70, G71, or G91 command is encounteredin the file, this value is overridden.

File Extension The file extension (file name) for cut files is .cut before it isconverted to a .ggt file.


17/41

15

WinPlot Ne two rk Plot t ing

SAMPLE (CLIENT/SERVER) SCENARIO

WinPlot uses an environment variable when queuing plot files via a Client Server network to another WinPlot or AccuMark plot queue

Using this diagram as an example, perform the following steps for eachworkstation PC01-PC03. Note that each workstation must have a unique 4character queue name. It is suggested that the PC name specified in NetworkNeighborhood Properties be used as the queue name provided the first 4characters are unique from all other systems that will be submitting plots tothe queue server.


18/41

16

PC01

1. Add the environment variable, QUEUE=SERV,: to each PC. The is the driveletter on this PC that is mapped to the server. In a Windows 95 systemthis is done by adding the line, SET QUEUE=SERV,X:PC01 to theconfig.sys file. In a Windows NT system, this is done through thecontrol panel under system/environment. This modification must bemade to all PCs on the network regardless of where the plotters areconnected. Once queues are established, each PC will be identified onthe server under \dev.q.

2. Reboot system.

PC02

1. Add the environment variable, QUEUE=SERV,X:PC02 to your system.

2. Reboot system.

PC03

1. Add the environment variable, QUEUE=SERV,X:PC03 to your system.

2. Reboot system.

PC01-PC03

From within the Winplot application, available queues should be listed inthe plotter destination drop down list.


19/41

17

WinPlo t Ne two rk Plot t ing

SAMPLE (PEER/PEER) SCENARIO

WinPlot uses an environment variable when queuing plot files via a Peer-to-Peer network to another WinPlot or AccuMark plot queue

Using the above diagram as an example, follow the steps below for eachworkstation PC01-PC03. Note that each workstation must have a unique 4character queue name. It is suggested that the PC name specified in NetworkNeighborhood Properties be used as the queue name provided the first 4characters are unique from all other systems that will be submitting plots to

the queue server.


20/41

18

PC01

1. Add the environment variable, QUEUE=PEER,PC01 to your system. Ina Windows 95 system this is done by adding the line, SETQUEUE=PEER,PC01 to the config.sys file. In a Windows NT system,this is done through the control panel under system/environment.

2. Share out the c: drive so that PC02 and PC03 can submit jobs to thismachine.

3. Reboot the system.

PC02

1. Add the environment variable, QUEUE=PEER,PC02 to your system.

2. Share out the c: drive so that PC01 and PC03 can submit jobs to thismachine.


PC03

1. Add the environment variable, QUEUE=PEER,PC03 to your system.


PC01-PC031. Refer to Remote Plotters Tab on page 9.


21/41

19

Plo t te r Pro g ra mPlo t te r Pro g ra mPlo t te r Pro g ra mPlo t te r Pro g ra m

The WinPlot Plotter program provides easy access to plotter utilities availableto your system. Once installed, the plotter program automatically starts withyour computer. Right-click the plotter icon in the lower right corner of thetaskbar to enable the plotter manager menu.

From the plotter manager menu you can:

Plot Files

Open Queue Manager

Open Plotter Settings

Restart Plotter

Exit plotter manager program

Re sta rt Plo t te r Pro g ra mRe sta r t Plot te r Pro g ra mRe sta r t Plo t te r Pro g ra mRe sta r t Plot te r Pro g ra mThis command resets the plotter program on your PC. It does not put a plotteronline, which can only be done at the plotter.

TO RESTART PLOTTER

1. Right-click the Plotter icon in the lowerright corner of the taskbar.

2. From the Plotter manager menu, chooseRestart Plotter.

3. From the Restart Plotter Program dialogue box, choose Restartactive jobs, Delete active jobs, orFinish active jobs. See Table 8.

4. Use the Advance paper when done check box to enable or disablepaper advance.

5. Click OK.


22/41

20

Exit Plo tte r Pro g ra mExit Plo tte r Pro g ra mExit Plo tte r Pro g ra mExit Plo tte r Pro g ra m

TO EXIT THE PLOTTER PROGRAM

1. Right-click the plotter icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar.

2. From the plotter menu, choose Exit.

3. From the Exit Plotter Program dialog box, choose Restart activejobs, Delete active jobs, orFinish active jobs. See Table 8.

4. Use the Advance paper when done check box to enable ordisable paper advance.

5. Click OK.

TABLE 8 ACTIVE JOB OPTIONS

Restart active jobs Active jobs are reset and start over

Delete Active jobs All active jobs are deleted from the queue

Finish Active jobs Active jobs begin where they were stopped


23/41

21

WinPlo t C o nve rte rW inPlo t C o nve rte rW inPlo t C o nve rte rW inPlo t C o nve rte r

WinPlot allows you to convert and format HPGL, .DWG, and .DXF plot filesgenerated from non-AccuMark applications. WinPlot also allows plotting of

AccuMark/MicroMark generic files to satisfy your remote plotting applications.Once converted for proper page limits, these files can be submitted to a plotqueue and plotted on any of the AccuPlot family of plotters.

Although developed for non-AccuMark applications, WinPlot can convertHPGL data to AccuMark generic data for importation into an AccuMarkSystem. WinPlot can also plot AccuMark generic data, allowing for theeffective exchange of information between systems.

In addition to formatting standard files into AccuPlot-compatible files, WinPlotincludes utilities to manage the plotter queue, view plot files, and set plottermedia characteristics.

Once installed, open the WinPlot dialog box from the taskbar plotter icon orfrom within Windows Explorer under\USERROOT\PROG\WINPLOT.EXE.

WinPlot processes a copy of the original file. The converted file is stored inthe \USERROOT\DEVQ\PLOTTER folder with a randomly assigned name and theextension .ggt. The source plot file remains in its original location.

TO OPEN THE WINPLOT DIALOG BOX

From the taskbar:

Right-click the plotter icon in the lowerright corner of the taskbar to open theplotter manager menu, then click PlotFiles.

From Windows Explorer:

Double-click on the plot file filename to open the WinPlot dialogbox with that file selected.

You can also start the program by selecting the plot file, then choosing OpenorPlot File from the ExplorerFilemenu or from the context menu.


24/41

22

TO CONVERT A PLOT FILE

1. Open the WinPlot dialog box.

Figure 8. Plot Queue

2. Click on Add to select file(s) to convert.

Note: You can edit any file after it has been added. Double click on

the file name to open the properties dialog box, then edit.3. Click Plot to start the conversion.

4. When the conversion is complete, the Files Selected For Plottingdisappears from the dialog box window. Open the Queue Manager towork with the converted files.


25/41

23

5. Queue ManagerConverted plot files are placed directly into the plot queue. The QueueManager utility allows you to:

Choose from available plotter queues

Display the contents of a plot file

Delete jobs in the queue

Stop and restart the plot queue

The Plotter Settings and View Plot programs are also available from withinthe Queue Manager. Using Plotter Settings, you can create a new Media ID,or revise an existing one. View Plot allows you to display the contents of theconverted file. See page 29 for more information about View Plot, or page 30

for more information about Plotter Settings.

Q u e ue M a n a g e rQ u e ue M a n a g e rQ u e ue M a n a g e rQ u e ue M a n a g e rThe Plot Queue Manager window displays information about the plotter andabout each job in the queue.

Figure 9 Queue Manager Window

Job list

Toolbar

Plotter

status

Queue statu s


26/41

24

TABLE 9 QUEUE MANAGER FIELDS

CURRENT STATUS TOOLBARStatus Status blocks for plotter (left block) and queue (right block):

Plotter Describes operating condition of plotter associated withselected plot queue. Common conditions are:

Online Operating or able to accept and execute commands sent fromcontrolling system.

Offline When offline, plotter is prevented from accepting commandsfrom controlling system. Servos are not disabled.

Error Stopped due to error detected by plotter or by application.Queue Describes the operating condition of the open queue. Common

conditions are:

Active Normal operating status.

Waiting Queue ready but plotter not online or error condition exists.

StoppedQueue interrupted by error condition or by Stop Immediate orDelete Active Delete All command.

Owner On networks, this field identifies the system node that currently hasownership of the plot queue and the plotter. Field is blank if no system haslocked the queue.

Media Displays the name of the media ID currently active for the plotter(See Media IDs defined using Plotter Settings on page 30).

JOB INFORMATION HEADINGS

Job Job numbers are assigned sequentially as jobs are added to the list.

Group If a job is one of several to be processed as a group, its groupidentifier (a letter) appears in the list entry.

Status Displays the current condition of the plot job.

Plot Name Displays the name of the plot file.

Node On networked systems, name of the node that processed the job.

Storage Displays name of device that contains the source HPGL plot file.

Media Displays the Media ID assigned to the plot job


27/41

25

Usin g Q u e u e M a n a g e r C o m m a n d sUsin g Q u e u e M a n a g e r C o m m a n d sUsin g Q u e u e M a n a g e r C o m m a n d sUsin g Q u e u e M a n a g e r C o m m a n d s

Q u e u e M a n a g e r To o l b a rQ u e u e M a n a g e r To o l b a rQ u e u e M a n a g e r To o l b a rQ u e u e M a n a g e r To o l b a rA toolbar provides quick access to the most commonly used commands.From left to right are: Open, Print, DeleteJob, Stop Immediate, and Restart Queue.

Sta rtin g a n d Sto p p in g th e Q u e u eSta rtin g a n d Sto p p in g th e Q u e u eSta rtin g a n d Sto p p in g th e Q u e u eSta rtin g a n d Sto p p in g th e Q u e u e

TO PLOT SPECIFIC JOBS IMMEDIATELY

1. Select the job from the job list. To select multiple jobs, hold down the

Ctrl key while clicking the job entries.

2. From the Actions menu, choose Plot Now.

The selected jobs move to the top of the job list (job number does notchange) and will plot immediately after active jobs are completed.

TO STOP PLOTTING IMMEDIATELY

1. Click the Stop Immediate tool or, choose StopImmediate fromthe Actions menu.

All active jobs stop plotting and the plotter goes offline. The plotterstatus changes to Stopped.

Note: You must use Restart ActiveAND Restart Queuecommands from theActions menu to resume plotting.

TO STOP PLOTTING AFTER THE ACTIVE JOBS PLOT

1. From the Actions menu, choose Stop After.

2. The jobstatus changes to Ready To Stop. Once the job finishesplotting, the plotter stops and the Plotter/Queue status changes toOffline/Stopped.


28/41

26

TO RESTART ACTIVE PLOT JOBS

1. From the Plot Queue screen, choose Restart Active from the Actionsmenu.

2. At the prompt, click OK to confirm the action.

All active jobs that were stopped are returned to active status, but they do notbegin plotting automatically. You must use the Restart Queuecommand tobegin plotting again.

TO RESTART THE PLOT QUEUE

1. Click the Restart Queue tool or, choose Restart Queue from

the Actions menu.

The Queue status field changes to Active and any jobs in the queue will beginplotting (if the plotter is online).

Se le c tin g a Plo t Q u e u eSe le c tin g a Plo t Q u e u eSe le c tin g a Plo t Q u e u eSe le c tin g a Plo t Q u e u e

TO OPEN A PLOT QUEUE

1. Click the Open tool or, choose Open from the File menu.

2. From the list, select the queue you want, then click OK.

M e d ia IDM e d ia IDM e d ia IDM e d ia IDTO SELECT A DIFFERENT MEDIA ID

1. From the Actions menu, choose Change Media.

2. Select a Media ID from the list, then click OK.

If you see the message Bad Media in the Queue ManagerMediafield, makesure the media displayed in the job list is a valid one.


29/41

27

Re m o v in g Jo b s fro m th e Q u e u eRe m o v in g Jo b s fro m th e Q u e u eRe m o v in g Jo b s fro m th e Q u e u eRe m o v in g Jo b s fro m th e Q u e u e

TO DELETE INDIVIDUAL JOBS FROM THE PLOT QUEUE

1. Select the job from the job list. To select multiple jobs, hold down theCtrl key while clicking the job entries.

2. Click the Delete tool or choose Delete from the Actions menu.

3. Click OK to confirm the action.

The Delete command does not delete active jobs from the plot queue. Usethe Delete Active or the Delete All command from the Actions menu to dothis.

TO DELETE ALL JOBS FROM THE PLOT QUEUE

1. From the Actions menu, choose Delete All.

2. Click OK to confirm the action.

The Delete Allcommand removes everything from the queue, including theactive jobs. The plotter stops because there is nothing in the queue to plot,but does not go offline.

TO DELETE A PLOT JOB THAT IS ALREADY PLOTTING

1. From the Actions menu, choose Delete Active.

2. At the prompt, choose OK to confirm you want to delete that job.

Or

1. Right click on the job in plot queue.

2. Click Delete Active.

3. At the prompt, choose OK to confirm you want to delete that job.


30/41

28

M isc e lla ne o us Plo t Qu e ue Ta sksM isc e lla ne o us Plo t Qu e ue Ta sksM isc e lla ne o us Plo t Qu e ue Ta sksM isc e lla ne o us Plo t Qu e ue Ta sks

TO ADVANCE THE PLOTTER PAPER

1. From the Action menu, choose New Page.

The plotter paper advances one page or one bite as soon as anactive job finishes plotting.

TO PRINT INFORMATION IN THE PLOT QUEUE

1. Click the Print tool or, choose Print from the File menu.

2. Check that the printer settings are correct, then click OK.

TO DISPLAY THE CONTENTS OF A PLOT FILE

1. Select the job from the job list.

2. From the Actions menu, choose View.

RIGHT CLICK COMMANDS IN PLOT QUEUE

The following pull down functions available under the Plot Queue Action menuare also available by right clicking in the plot queue:

View

Delete

Delete Active Stop After

Stop Immediately

Restart Queue

Restart Active

Plot Now


31/41

29

View PlotVie w Plo tView PlotVie w Plo t

The View Plot program allows you to display a plot job from within the QueueManager. You can print a job from the View Plot window or use the Zoomfunction to examine details.

TO OPEN VIEW PLOT

1. Open the Queue Manager.

2. From the job list, select the job you want to display.

3. From the Actions menu, choose View.

Vie w C o m m a n d sVie w C o m m a n d sVie w C o m m a n d sVie w C o m m a n d sView Plot can display jobs in colors by entity or by tool. The Zoom featureallows you to enlarge an area of the plot job (zoom in) on the screen. You canalso print the displayed job.

TO DISPLAY BY DRAWING ENTITY OR BY TOOL

1. From the View menu check By Entity to display the job in colorsassigned to the components in the drawing. Check By Tool to displaythe job in colors corresponding to the tools assigned to the componentsin the job.

TO USE THE VIEW PLOT ZOOM FUNCTION

1. Place the pointer at the top left corner of the section of the display youwant to examine.

2. Hold down the left mouse button and drag a box around the section youwant to examine, then release the button.

3. To zoom out, right-click the mouse.

TO PRINT THE CURRENTLY DISPLAYED FILE

1. Click or choose Print from the File menu.

2. Verify the printer information is correct.

3. Click OK.


32/41

30

Plotter SetPlotter SetPlotter SetPlo t te r Se tt in g st i n g st i n g st i n g s

The Plotter Settings program allows you to specify plotter, cutter, and mediacharacteristics, and then save those settings as a group, under a uniqueidentifier called a Media ID.

Once defined, a Media IDcan be applied to a plot queue or to individual jobsto set values such as bite length, tool force and velocity, paper width, and soon.

TO OPEN PLOTTER SETTINGS FROM QUEUE MANAGER

1. Open the Queue Manager.

2. From the View menu, click Plotter Settings.

TO OPEN PLOTTER SETTINGS FROM THE TASKBAR

1. Right-click the plotter icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar.

2. Click Plotter Settings.

TO SPECIFY UNITS OF MEASURE

1. From the Plotter Settings View menu,choose Options.

2. In the Optionsdialog box, click theradio button that corresponds to theunits you want.

3. Click OK.


33/41

31

Plo t te r Se t ting s Wind o wPlo t te r Se t ting s Wind o wPlo t te r Se t ting s Wind o wPlo t te r Se t ting s Wind o wThese settings let you control how a plotter or Samplemaker works based onthe media being used.

Click the tabs near the top of the windowGeneral, Tool Settings, ItemMapping, and Internal Mapping. Each Media ID window contains tabs forGeneral, Tool Settings, Item Mapping, and Internal Mapping. The tool andmedia options available depend on the type of plotter configured for yoursystem.

TO OPEN AN EXISTING MEDIA ID

1. Open Plotter Settings.

2. Click or choose Open from the File menu.

3. Select the Media ID to open, then click Open.

TO DEFINE A NEW MEDIA ID


2. Click or choose New from the File menu.

3. Complete the tabPlotter Settings to match the media you are using.Refer to page 2 5 for explanations of the tabs under To Complete The

Plotter Settings Window.

4. Choose Save As from the File menu.

5. In the Save Asdialog box, type a unique name for the Media ID,choose a storage location, then click OK.

TO PRINT MEDIA ID PARAMETER VALUES


2. Open the Media ID you want to print.

3. Click the print tool or choose Print from the File menu.

4. Verify the printer information is correct.5. Click OK.


34/41

32

TO DELETE A MEDIA ID


2. Verify the Media ID you want to delete is NOT open.

3. From the File menu, choose Delete.

4. From the list, select the Media ID name.

5. Click the Delete button.

TO COMPLETE THE PLOTTER SETTINGS WINDOW

1. Right-click the plotter icon in the right corner of the taskbar to open the

plotter menu, then click Queue Manager.

2. From the Configuration Menu, choose Plotter Settings. The PlotterSettings window will display.

Note: If you chose Custom under the General tab, select the Item Mappingtab and complete the fields to assign (map) a specific tool or line type toa specific plot item.

Note: If you chose Custom under the General tab, select the InternalMapping tab and complete the fields to assign a specific tool or linetype to a specific internal item.

3. Complete settings under the Plotter Settings tabs. Refer to the followingparagraphs (General, Tool Settings, Item Mapping, and InternalMapping) and related screens for additional information.

4. From the File menu, choose Save As and type a name in the Mediafield to assign the settings a meaningful name (such as one thatrepresents that actual media you will be using when plotting, likecardboard, oaktag, paper, etc.)


35/41

33

GENERAL

Figure 10. General Tab

TABLE 10 GENERAL TAB

General Parameters

Character Set: Select the style of lettering you want the system touse when plotting annotation:

Standard: Stick font for improved speed on pen plotters

Enhanced: Elaborate font plots slower with pen plotters


36/41

34

TABLE 10 GENERAL TAB (CONTINUED)

Wait Time: For stacking or scissoring, type the number ofseconds (0-180) for desired pause after last job in queue is sent toplotter. The plotter uses wait time value to see if more jobs arebeing sent before advancing paper to finish plotting.

Note: For SP-100 and -200 plotters, Wait Time is only used when scissoring. Itdoes not affect plotting when stacking is turned on. This does not applyto scissoring on an AP-300 or -700 series plotter.

Media Parameters

Media Type: Select Roll or Sheet to indicate paper or media typeused.

Media Bite Length: If media type is Sheet, type total length ofmedia. If media type is Roll, type bite size you want to use.

Media Width: Type total width of plotting media. Amount shouldmatch the media width setting on the plotter. This field defaults tomaximum media width allowed for plotter. All active jobs aredeleted from the queue

Scissor/Border Parameters

Scissor:Allows plots, which are too large to fit on the plotter, tobe plotted in multiple sections then reassembled after plotting.

Select one of the following:None: Turns the scissoring feature off.

Even:Automatically divides the plot in half.

Max: The plotter first plots the maximum amount of the plotthat will fit across the width, then plots the rest of the plot.

Width: Lets you adjust the scissor amount.

Scissoring Width: Type a scissor amount in this field.

Edge Spacing: Type the amount of space you want between theedge of the plotting media and the actual plotted/cut items.


37/41

35

TABLE 10 GENERAL TAB (CONTINUED)

Tool Mappings

Select Standard to use tools specified in Standard Tools settingbox. The tools are activated by AccuMark parameter tables. ItemMapping and Internal Mapping tabs are deactivated whenStandard mapping is selected. If more than one pen or knife tool isneeded, or mapping differently from the parameter tables, selectCustom mapping.

Select Custom if you want to deactivate the Standard Tool

settings box and instead use the Item Mapping and InternalMapping tab settings. Custom settings allows multiple tools to beselected. Specific tool and line types may also be assigned tointernal labels and items.

Standard Tools Select the tool you want used for the Pen and the Knife.The tools specified here for Pen and Knife will be referenced by the

AccuMark parameter tables used during plot processing.


38/41

36

Ap p e n d ix AAp p e n d ix AAp p e n d ix AAp p e n d ix A

Winp lo t Sca l i ngWinp lo t Sca l i ngWinp lo t Sca l i ngW in p lo t Sc a lin g C o n sid e ra tio n sC o n s i d e r a t i o n sC o n s i d e r a t i o n sC o n s i d e r a t i o n sThere are two considerations that affect the final plot size:

Input Plot Units

Scale Factor

Results will vary depending on the CAD software that is generating the plotdata and the type of plotter being used.

In p ut Plo t Un itsIn p ut Plo t Un itsIn p ut Plo t Un itsIn p ut Plo t Un itsFor Gerber plotters, one plotter unit = 0.001 inches. For HP and otherplotters, one plotter unit = 0.025 mm. Some CAD software packagescompensate when plotting to a HP plotter by scaling the data to make theconversion from English to metric units. This conversion is represented by thefollowing formula

Scale = 1016/1000

= 1.016

Example: 0.025 mm = .00098425 inches

1/.00098425 = 1016

In this example, the HP plotter moves 1 inch when a command of 1016 issent to the plotter.

As an alternative, some CAD software packages use the HPGL commandsIP and SC, and let the plotter perform the scaling. This method sends thedata to the plotter in English units. Typical commands used areIP0,0,1016,1016 and SC0,1000,0,1000. All commanded positions are thenmultiplied by the plotter in the ratio of IP/SC.


39/41

37

Winplot compensates for data generated for a HP plotter by various CADsoftware packages. The following formula provides the relationship to thedata output from Winplot to the data input.

Winplot Output = HPGL input value * (SCALE FACTOR/100) *

(1000/INPUT PLOT UNITS) * (HPGL IP/HPGL SC)

Where:

HPGL input value = commanded position in input plot file.

SCALE FACTOR = Value entered through the Winplot config dialogbox.

INPUT PLOT UNITS = Value entered through the Winplot config dialogbox.

HPGL IP = HPGL IP command that may or may not be presentin the plot file.

HPGL SC = HGPL SC command that may or may not bepresent in the plot file.

Note: If the IP and SC commands are not used, then the ratio IP/SC = 1.

The following guidelines provide the suggested setting for the INPUT UNITSparameter. Sample HPGL plot files are shown for each case for a 10 by 10inch box.

1. CAD software that generates scaled plot data for a HP plotter withoutusing the IP and SC commands (Final destination is a Gerber plotter):Set INPUT UNITS to 1016 (default).

PU0,0;

PD10160,0;

PD10160,10160;

PD0,10160;

PD0,0;

2. CAD software that generates plot data for a HP plotter using the IP andSC commands (Final destination is a Gerber plotter): Set INPUT UNITSto 1016 (default).

IP0,0,1016,1016;


40/41

38

SC0,1000,0,1000;PU0,0;

PD10000,0;

PD10000,10000;

PD0,10000;

PD0,0;

3. CAD software that generates plot data for a HP plotter without scalingand without using the IP and SC commands (Final destination is aGerber plotter): Set INPUT UNITS to 1000.

PU0,0;

PD10000,0;

PD10000,10000;

PD0,10000;

PD0,0;

Sc a le Fa c to rSc a le Fa c to rSc a le Fa c to rSc a le Fa c to rWhen working with large drawings in your CAD software, it will be necessary

to scale the plot down to fit the plotter. It is recommended that you choose areduction factor rather than letting the CAD package scale the drawingautomatically to fit the plotter. By doing this, the scale factor parameter withinWinplot can be set to an equal amount to bring the drawing back to theoriginal size.

The best way to determine the appropriate settings for the input plot units andscale factor is to create a 10 inch square box from within your CAD software,plot it, then measure the plotted box to verify that it measures 10 inches.


41/41

USA/CANADA

Gerber Technology, Inc.

WORLD HEADQUARTERSP.O. Box 76924 Industrial Park Road WestTolland, Connecticut 06084 USATEL: (860) 871-8082FAX: (860) 871-6007

INTERNATIONAL

Gerber Technology, Inc.INTERNATIONAL DIVISIONP.O. Box 769

24 Industrial Park Road WestTolland, Connecticut 06084 USATEL: (860) 871-8082WEB: http://www.gerbertechnology.comFAX: (860) 871-6007

EUROPE

GGT Europe N.V/S.A.Excelsiorlaan 55B-1930 Zaventem, BELGIUMTEL: (32) (2) 716 03 11FAX: (32) (2) 716 03 22

Document Number: 077467002

Documents

Win Plot Users Guide