Hep me Inkscape for my decals

[Ben Lyman]

One drawback - you can't select items in a cloned object -

Actually, I have been doing that. First I make the design with all the layers.
Next I "SHIFT+CLICK" to select all the components of the design one at a time so they are all highlighted.
From the menu "Object" I select group.

Now the whole thing can be duplicated with one "select" click and "CONTROL+D"

As for changing things in the duplicate, just select the whole thing and from menu "object" choose "un-group" and now the parts all all separate again.

[GGBB]

That stuff I know about. But I am talking about clones not duplicates. What I meant was this - if you clone a group of objects, there is no way to select individual objects in the clone. You can't even un-group the clone. Normally you can ctrl-click an object that is part of a group to select that object alone, even without un-grouping. But not so with the cloned group. Maybe that works with duplicate groups (haven't tried), but in my case I like the idea of the clone because the clone will be changed when you edit the original, but a duplicate won't.

I have a program that splits up a DIYLC file into separate DIYLC files for traces, pads and components, and also creates additional DIYLC files for pad and trace keep-out masks. I then export these to PDF and import them into Inkscape, so that I have separate groups for these things. I group PCB groups together for my 'PCB' layer along with a ground fill layer and a ground fill keep-out layer - all six layers stacked appropriately of course. For presentation purposes, I have a second copy of the PCB. When I used to makes changes, I would have to make a new copy to replace the first copy. Also, if I needed to add pads or traces I would copy and paste, then have to ungroup everything and regroup to keep pads on top of traces on top of pad keep-puts, etc. Major pain. Now I know better. My copy is a clone so whatever changes I make to the original will show up in the clones. Plus, I now 'duplicate' pads and traces instead of copy/paste so they not only show up in the clone automatically, but they also stay within the group they were duplicated from so everything stays stacked in the right order. Here's an example of the files I create:

[Ben Lyman]

That's really cool Gord. So I guess you put it into inkscape so you can print it and make your own PCB, huh?
I'm not at that level yet, I still just do pad per hole perf. I have been thinking about getting someone to make PCB's of a couple of my layouts but I don't really know yet where to start that.

[GGBB]

That's really cool Gord. So I guess you put it into inkscape so you can print it and make your own PCB, huh?
I'm not at that level yet, I still just do pad per hole perf. I have been thinking about getting someone to make PCB's of a couple of my layouts but I don't really know yet where to start that.

Exactly. I initially started using Inkscape just to add ground fills to the DIYLC layouts, but I ended up making them instructional as well. I did pad-per-hole for my first couple of pedals but I was horrible at it so I moved on to etching. It has it's own set of challenges, but I can get a much better result. I find the etching to be the easiest part actually. It's the toner transfer that's tricky - and drilling is tedious. Lately I've been using Eagle and fabbing out my boards. If I were to start over, I'd do it that way from the start. Hi quality double-sided through-hole plated boards can be had cheap if you don't mind the wait. Although, a hand-made board has far more mojo.

[davent]

That's really great looking art work Gord!

dave

[GGBB]

Thanks Dave!

[Ben Lyman]

has anyone invented a programmable laser drill? Wouldn't it be cool to clamp your PCB into a tray, hit a button and watch it move around zapping holes in the board

[davent]

I use a cheap endoscope and my laptop with a cross hairs program to manually line up the drill bit holes.





dave

[Ben Lyman]

Dave, you are Batman

[thermionix]

Dave, you are Batman

But Superman could have saved the man from the avalanche.

[anotherjim]

Wow, that MOAB was way off target!

[Ben Lyman]

second attempt: The Crush-Inator compressor

[EBK]

I love that fact that you made that "black and blue". 

[Ben Lyman]

I love that fact that you made that "black and blue".

Oh ya! I didn't even think of that til you mentioned it, like a bruise, right?
I mostly just wanted to see how well my decal would show up on the darkest box I had besides black.
I think the colors look pretty cool together and show up well enough

[slashandburn]

Nice one Ben! Most of the discussion in this thread went over my head but the results look great.  For what it's worth I just got done experimenting with a black decal design on a dark red powder coated box. Didn't have much hope (not exactly high contrast colours) but it came out looking pretty good for my third attempt with decals.

Glad I took the plunge, it's a worthy alternative to etching, opens up a few more possibilities. Less mess and less hassle.

[Ben Lyman]

Thanks Iain, I've never tried etching, I have an aversion to using any kind of liquid, especially chemical liquids!   

Here's the latest, I'm having difficulty figuring out how to line up my text boxes exactly where I want them but it'll have to fly. The Ben D'Echo delay, some of our Spanish speaking friends might get it. As Cheech once told Chong, it means "my very good friend"   

[Plexi]

I'm learning the basics with a few YT tutorials.
It's a great, and simple program to work to.
Much more with the Vectors Pack for download (thanks deadastronaut!!)

I'm looking for some cool fonts around the web.. any website to suggest?
fontpalace.com

Which could be the "Sonic Titan" font?

[Ben Lyman]

I'm looking for some cool fonts around the web.. any website to suggest?
fontpalace.com

Ya, I know what you mean. Inkscape has about 10 million fonts to choose from and it takes a long time to scroll down the list... AND THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME!!!! (more or less)   

[davent]

I don't know that Inkscape comes with any fonts or whether it just taps the fonts that are already present on your computer.

I can't remember all the font sites i used but i would just google free font downloads. If i had something particular i was looking for i might throw in a descriptor or two to narrow down the search.

dave

[Plexi]

That's true..! My Inkscape only use the fonts that I have on Windows 

Years ago, I had an acount in a website where you can post a pic, and some people suggest the font that is used.
That way I got the EQD font (Acadian, if anyone is interested).
I don't remember where it was...