Ultiboard v12 DXF Problem- bottom side graphics only

[smh55]

I'm running the new version 12 Ultiboard. I noticed that when running a dxf export on bottom side graphics, the dxf file created cannot be opened. The following error message is generated by AutoCAD:

The following error was encountered while reading
in TEXT starting at line 10166:
Unexpected DXF group code: 71
Invalid or incomplete DXF input -- drawing discarded.

The top side dxf file's open without a problem. I tried this on several different boards, and have encountered the same problem. Ultiboard does not generate an error message when exporting the data. I did notice that it takes longer does to generate the bottom side file though. The boards have about equal amounts of graphical data on both sides. 

[Tayyab_R]

Hi,

Is it possible for you to open a Service Request and send us a sample file which shows the issue. To open an SR, you can go to www.ni.com/ask

[hast05]

Was there a solution to this? I am getting an error my self. Ultiboard exports without any flags but the file is simply a blank page no matter what layers I select for exportation? I had no issues while performing this same process via v11.

[Tayyab_R]

Hi Guys,

This issue is specific to AutoCAD 2012 only. The reason is that AutoCAD is expecting a specific sequence of commands. We have identified the issue and will notify you when it gets implemented in the software. It is still possible to open these files in softwares like GstarCAD.

For now, I have written a LabVIEW program which can manipulate the DXF bottom layer file and make it readable by AutoCAD 2012.  I have attached the VI to this forum post. This was written in LabVIEW 2011.

Just open the VI, choose the bottom layer DXF file as the input file. It will prompt you with a popup window. Just enter the name for the new modified file and be sure to type the extension as .DXF. so you will enter a filename like "newfile.dxf". Then you can try to open the newly created DXF with AutoCAD 2012 and it should work.

If someone does not have LabVIEW, you can get in contact with support by going to ni.com/ask and create a Service Request and send us the file and we will do it for you.

If you would like to try out LabVIEW, you can download a trial version from www.ni.com/trylabview/

As this is a test program, please let me know if any of the converted files are having an issue and I will take a look at it.

Hope this helps.

[hast05]

Thanks for taking a look at this Tayyab. I am actually using DraftSight 2011 and do not have AutoCAD installed. I'm afraid running the LabView rouitne you posted gave me the same results as well, just a blank file.

[Tayyab_R]

Hi,

Is it possible for you to send us the file with the issue.

You can open a service request at ni.com/ask. If you are okay with posting the file, you can post it and I will try to take a look at it.

[smh55]

If this is just a problem with AutoCad 2012, then it is specific to Ultiboard v12. I did not encounter this problem in Ultiboard Ver 11.

[Tayyab_R]

Hi smh55,

The reason this problem is occuring with version 12 is because in version 12, there have been some new parameters added to the DXF Export. These parameters can be in several orders and most CAD softwares can pick them up without an issue. AutoCAD 2012 expects a specific sequence so that is why there is an issue. The LabVIEW program I wrote is a temporary workaround to fix that sequence in the DXF file and thus AutoCAD seems to be able to pick it up.

Hope this helps.

[hast05]

I found a solution to not being able to export my layout to DXF. On both sides of my board design I had a label marked "set\CRpt". The extra line was causing the export issue for both the copper bottom layer and the top silk screen layer where I placed my text. Not sure if your issue is the same but it might be woth a look as it worked for me. Either way NI will have to address this issue.