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DXF import in Allegro (argh!)

N i z e

I'm desparately trying to import a vector based logo into a Orcad PCB 16.2. However, this for some reason suddenly seem impossible:

If I try to import DXF I never seem to be able to "view selected layers" (and thus never import anything). The dialogue does however show me DXF layer names (for instance the Cadence sample dxf has names similart to Allegro layers). Tried over 10 different versions exported to different AutoCad versions - but the format did not seem to matter. From what I read in this forrum and elsewhere Autocad version 2004 or 14 seem to be the better bets (can't find anything useful in the Cadence documentation). Out of desperation I've also tried with an ouline that I've positively imported and used for another board. Same results all over the line:

From an open .dra file I get:
Opening existing drawing...
   E- *Error* fprintf/sprintf: format spec. incompatible with data - "Format is 'dxf2a -$ %s -u %s -v %s -a %d %s %s %%s %s', argument #1 is nil"

From an open .brd the dxf2a.log reads:
  ERROR: Invalid program arguments.
  Terminating program.

Any hints on what I'm (or Allegro is) messing up here? I'm on the virge of trying a reinstall - but that'll probably just be complete waste of time...(!?)

Thanks and best regards,

 Anders

 PS: Seemingly it's impossible to scale anything in Allegro 16.2.?

  • N i z e

    I've just tried opening the old board - here the outline opens fine. A downloaded dxf likewise. One of my own dxf files show nothing but does not fail the view layers command - the rest fails. But at least there's "life"!

    A new, clean board (created with the wizard) does not import any dxfs... So I guess I'm looking for a setting somewhere to change from default?

  • steve

    For a logo you might be better using the Logomaker skill program that was written by Dave Elder (and if you search this forum you will find a post about it all). As regards the scaling of a logo the answer is Yes. There's an App (another skill file) that will do this. It's free you just need to go and get it. http://www.orcadmarketplace.com/undefined/ProductDetails/tabid/93/ProductID/48/Default.aspx 

  • N i z e

     Steve,

    Thanks for the link! But as I've read it, it takes bitmap files? I'm not sure I'm happy relying on such a conversion for critical stuff like outlines, holes etc... So I'm still hoping someone out there has a clue for the DXF import. With the very limited CAD capabilities of Allegro it's a pretty crucial feature IMHO...

    I also seems a rather strange 'long way around' for the vector based logos - but right now I'll try anything. Hope there's a version for my old 16.2 as well - the linked ones states "16.5 & above".

  • fxffxf

    since it is 16.2,you can try...

        - make sure the symbol type of the dra is a package, mech or format (avoid shape and format symbol types)

        - or import the dxf into a brd and then use import/export sub-design to get the data into a dra.

        - or use 16.5 or 16.6

     

  • mcatramb91

    Do you happen to have spaces in the folder path where the DXF file is located or spaces in the actually DXF File name?  If so, change them to underscores or remove them and see if the problem goes away.

    I can't say that I have seen this before but maybe this will help.

    Regards,
    Mike Catrambone

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