For the purposes of this example we will be looking at a fictional PCB that has layers split over two aperture files.

1. Open the aperture file #1 for the MACPC layout in Notepad, you should see a text file containing one or more copies similar to the following:-

<<<<<<<< APERTURE TABLE For PCB 1000 G-comps : Tool# 5   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<<<<< Created: 11/13/1995 @ 12:5:6 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<<<<< Unlisted Apertures have OV and OH dimensions, and are not used >>>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<<<<< APERTURES 1000 = 1.0 inches >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2. Copy all the Tool # “set” entries into Excel and verify that they contain identical information. Assuming that the information matches delete all but one “set”, this will be used for all the layers associated with the aperture file.

3. In Excel delete everything except the “D” code information to leave the following:-

4. It is now necessary to modify the contents of the Excel file to suit Designer as per the following:-

1. Remove the column containing the “flash” & “draw” entries.
2. Sort the remaining data so that the entries are listed by pad shape i.e. Oval, Rect etc.
3. From the sorted data delete either the “H” or “V” (NOT both) column from the Round and Square D codes ONLY (Designer expects a single dimension for round & square pads).
4. Edit the “D??” entries to remove the “D” and leave just two digits.
5. Edit the “??H” entries to remove the “H” and leave just digits.
6. Edit the “??V” entries to remove the “H” and leave just digits.
7. Move the pad shape column from the Round and Square D codes so that the first three columns are populated in the spreadsheet.
8. You should now have the following:-

5. Using the Aper.lst file as a template make a copy called Aper 1.lst.

6. Open Aper 1.lst with Notepad and copy the entries from the Excel file into it and the result should be as follows:-

CAMtasticDXP Aperture List

Serial Number:  0000-00-00000

Format:  3.4

Zero Suppression:  Leading

Type:  Absolute

UNITS: English (In.)

DCODE:                         TYPE:                                   DIMENSIONS                                         ROTATE:

7. Repeat steps 1-6 for the second aperture file.

8. You are now ready to import the layout into Designer but as two aperture files are in use it will be necessary to use two Camtastic files and then combine them.

Open a new Camtastic file and select File – Import – Gerber then select all the individual layers associated with the first aperture file. At this stage don’t specify the aperture file, the import process will display a “Found Unidentified Apertures” window, select Cancel and then Cancel again on the Edit Apertures window.

9. To apply the apertures select File – Import – Aperture File (Using Wizard Formats).

10. The Open Aperture File window, select MACPC from the Existing Wizards Format drop down box and browse to the first aperture file (“Aper 1.LST”) and then select OK. Then select Yes when asked to empty existing apertures.

11. If the conversion has worked correctly you will now have a number of layers with correct pad shapes shown. Usually the importation results in the PCB being shown upside down.

12. Repeat steps 8 – 11 for the second set of layers & aperture file and save the Camtastic file when complete.

13. In each of the Camtastic files select File – Export – Gerber and ensure that the format is specified as RS-274-X. Once complete you will have converted all the files to the latest Gerber format with the aperture details embedded in the files as opposed to having a separate aperture file.

14. Open a new Camtastic file and select File – Import – Gerber, from the new widow select all the Gerber files that were produced from the export process of both Camtastic files. If the PCB is upside down use the following steps to rotate the image :-

1. Select Edit – Rotate.
2. Left click at the bottom left of the image, drag the window and then left click at the top right.
3. Right click to finalise the selection.
4. Left click the middle of the image (location not critical) to provide a reference point for the rotation.
5. Enter the angle of rotation required (180 degrees).