hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Move footprint  Exactly by its center - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maurosmartins
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2022, 05:48:42 pm
content: Hello all,I come from EAGLE cadsoft and starting to use Kicad. Version 6 is much better but there is still and issue I wasn't able to overcome.in PCB Editor I'm not able to move the component exactly by its center. As can be seen on the following picture I cannot exactly move by tis center, only the next grid point nearby available.in Eagle pressing the ctrl key would grab de component exactly from its center. I could than precisely place it anywhere I won't. In kicad I cannot reproduce this behavior.Is there a way to achieve this?looking forward your reply, Best regards, Mauro.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2022, 07:04:18 pm
content: In the Preferences -> Common -> Editing set a check box "Warp mouse to origin of moved object".The placement of this setting is a bit annoying, since often you want to quickly control that behaviour, so something like a toolbar button would be nice. But as it is, it works fine, sine most of the time I want it set anyway.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2022, 07:13:54 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on July 17, 2022, 07:04:18 pmThat option should also be set by default -- at least it is in my KiCad 6.0 installation, where I did not change much at all from the defaults.

author: maurosmartins
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2022, 08:34:03 pm
content: Thank you all for your quick reply,Quote from: ataradov on July 17, 2022, 07:04:18 pmthat solves it, thank you so much!Quote from: ebastler on July 17, 2022, 07:13:54 pmI've been testing options, maybe I had disabled it previously without knowing. Anyway it works perfectly.Best regards, Mauro.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2022, 11:01:41 pm
content: Quote from: evb149 on July 17, 2022, 07:06:53 pmIn KiCad component center is the (0, 0) coordinate in the footprint editor. All well designed footprints have that (0, 0) point placed in a meaningful place. For symmetrical components it is usually a center, for non-symmetrical something that makes logical sense. For example USB connector may have center at the expected edge of the board.In any case, you generally want that center to snap to a grid. There is a number of exceptions, so there is an option for that.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2022, 06:13:06 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on July 17, 2022, 11:01:41 pmExcept for reasons known only to them, the KiCad Library people decided that for through-hole parts,Pin 1 is the anchor point. This is why I haven't submitted any of my symbols to the library maintainers.
KiCAD v6.0.6 released - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 26, 2022, 02:22:25 am
content: Quotehttps://www.kicad.org/blog/2022/06/KiCad-6.0.6-Release/

author: TomS_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2022, 01:27:19 pm
content: Looks like it fixes the issue with the symbol editor that prevented you from adding multiple pins. Thats a plus!

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2022, 06:08:02 pm
content: That is indeed among the 60+ bug fixes.For KiCad, increments in the third number are mostly bug fixes, and upgrades should always be safe, but if your company depends on it then wait at least a week after a new version is released.These bug fix releases are made approximately once a month, so it's worth checking every now and then for updates.
Failing to import symbol and footprint to KiCad 6 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: perdrix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2022, 01:24:13 pm
content: I'm clearly not "getting this". I downloaded symbols and footprint for PIC32MK0512MCJ064-I/PT from Microchip.What I have is:Code:C:\Users\amonra\Downloads\Microchip\KiCAD\2022-05-29_12-56-55>dir /sVolume in drive C is ApolloVolume Serial Number is 172D-FED0Directory of C:\Users\amonra\Downloads\Microchip\KiCAD\2022-05-29_12-56-5529/05/2022 14:07 <DIR> .29/05/2022 14:07 <DIR> ..29/05/2022 12:56 3,026 2022-05-29_12-56-55.lib29/05/2022 14:07 <DIR> footprints.pretty1 File(s) 3,026 bytesDirectory of C:\Users\amonra\Downloads\Microchip\KiCAD\2022-05-29_12-56-55\footprints.pretty29/05/2022 14:07 <DIR> .29/05/2022 14:07 <DIR> ..29/05/2022 12:56 38,469 PIC32MK0512MCJ064-I&slash_PT.kicad_mod1 File(s) 38,469 bytesTotal Files Listed:2 File(s) 41,495 bytes5 Dir(s) 1,047,022,899,200 bytes freeC:\Users\amonra\Downloads\Microchip\KiCAD\2022-05-29_12-56-55>There were instructions in an html file but they don't appear to map to KiCad 6.Please could someone guide the through the necessary steps to import these to KiCad 6?ThanksDavid

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2022, 01:40:26 pm
content: There is nothing to "import".Copy those files somewhere where you want to store your own KiCAD libraries (Downloads folder is likely not the best idea).Then add the lib file (schematic symbol library) and .pretty (footprint libraries) into your project libraries - the same as any other library. Afterwards you should be able to add the symbol/footprint to your schematic/board, as normal.You can find some tutorials about this on Youtube for example, but how to add your own libraries is also explained in KiCAD's documentation.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2022, 03:50:42 pm
content: The main thing here probably is that KiCad does not detect libraries by itself.You have to tell KiCad which libraries to use (and whether it's global or project specific).Library management has not changed between V5 and V6, so this should still be valid:https://forum.kicad.info/t/library-management-in-kicad-version-5
Having Trouble With Imported PCB Shape//KICAD *SOLVED* - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: atomicdreamer
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 20, 2022, 10:32:39 pm
content: I have been struggling for a while trying to figure out how to import a file correctly into KiCad to use as a board outline. I am copying a rather complex design from another board -- essentially, I wanted to purchase a premade board from a manufacturer; they are out of business; I am recreating their board, having it produced, and then putting all the parts on it. I converted the PDF of the board shape into a vector image and exported as SVG via InkScape (dxf files don't work at all) and it works but I keep getting extra lines that aren't part of the image and it separates the board outline into separate parts, meaning I cant connect parts or wires from one part of the board to the other. It is quite frustrating and I have come here in hopes that someone has an answer for me. I will attach some pictures to give you more to go off of.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2022, 10:43:20 pm
content: I do not know KiCad, only Eagle. I always import complex outlines as DXF files. Is that a possibility with KiCad? Be sure your units are consistent. Then, it is only a matter of getting aligned to the grid.Welcome to EEVBlog.

author: atomicdreamer
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 20, 2022, 10:46:21 pm
content: I tried using eagle for this project and it got much too complex with the footprints etc that I had to find and download. For some reason when I export as dxf it imports nothing but a tiny little circle which is mindboggling to me because I searched for that error and I've not seen anyone who has had the same experience.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2022, 11:05:04 pm
content: I use a user language program (ulp): import-dxf-1_6.ulpNever had a problem (Eagle 7.x) even with boards to fit inside complex cases.Don't know how your version vorks, if at all. Besure to define the layer you want and that the units are the same. Do not use a signal layer.EDIT: Here's the ulpEDIT2: If you will post the dxf file, I will convert to Eagle 7.x for you. Alignment with the grid will be up to you as a learning exercise.

author: atomicdreamer
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 20, 2022, 11:07:26 pm
content: OH MY GOD I JUST FIGURED IT OUT. All I had to do was unfill the inside and keep the border outline in InkScape and I re-imported it and the lines were gone. THANK YOU FOR COMMENTING I APPRECIATE IT!
PCI-E X1 board library  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ranganatennakoon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2022, 11:34:44 am
content: Does any one have an idea to find or rebuild PCI-E X1 board library for kicad ?THANKS

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2022, 01:03:23 pm
content: Is this what you are looking for?https://github.com/lucanastasio/PCIexpress-KiCad(No personal experience with these templates; I just Googled "PCI-E X1 board kicad". Which you might have tried as well, by the way...)

author: ranganatennakoon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2022, 11:01:12 am
content: thank you !seriously very cool
KiCad 6 stackup for 0.062" thick 4 layer board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: perdrix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2022, 03:55:01 pm
content: I'm doing my 1st KiCad PCB and want a standard 1.57mm/0.062" thick board with 4 layers.How should I configure the stackup in KiCad to get this in the "standard" way the board makers do it?It's asking me for each dielectric layer whether it should be "core" or "prepreg" and how thick it should be. It also wants the thickness of each copper layer - is 1.38mils == 1 oz. copper?What are the "standard" answers for a standard thickness board?Thanks

author: Feynman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2022, 04:11:14 pm
content: The only answer to this is: Ask your fabricator.Random example:https://www.pcbway.com/multi-layer-laminated-structure.html

author: fourfathom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2022, 04:52:11 pm
content: I just used the KiCad defaults in the PBC editor (File / Board Setup, Board Stackup, Physical Stackup : Copper Layers = 4). I've done several 4-layer boards like this, sending the Gerbers to JLCPCB and they come back fine. When setting up the JLCPCB job you have to assign each layer to a particular Gerber file, but that's pretty obvious.I'm not doing anything fancy with controlled impedance or the like. I could give you the thickness numbers that KiCad uses, but they are just the defaults, I haven't changed a thing.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2022, 04:55:56 pm
content: The physical board setup in KiCAD is mostly irrelevant for your PCB. At best it will give you a more accurate 3D rendering. KiCad doesn't use the information elsewhere.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2022, 11:12:12 am
content: As thinkfat already mentioned, the exact thickness does not matter much, these thicknesses do not show up in Gerber files.KiCad does keep track of the length of via's and I think it also adjust for these during length matching, but when length matching is important (such as differential pairs) you you should use symmetry anyway.There is also a button forAdjust Dielectric Thicknessin the board setup dialog which lets you enter a total thickness for the PCB and adjusts the rest to match that.
can i import schematics in LTSpice into KiCad? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: polarKaung
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2022, 07:48:56 pm
content: quick question: can i import schematics in LTSpice into KiCad?

author: simon mugo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2022, 07:08:14 am
content: am using kicad 5.0.1 and I find it so difficult to import from ltspice to kicad due to differences in the footprints and other things. You might find that the symbols in ltspice are larger than those in kicad hence giving too many compatibility challenges.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2022, 04:17:46 pm
content: Quote from: polarKaung on February 06, 2022, 07:48:56 pmQuick answer: No.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 11:27:05 pm
content: The schematic editor in Kicad can import bitmap images, and scale them.So, any schematic that has been saved in a bitmap format can be used as a "background" to re-create the schematic in KiCad.It's not perfect, but it's bettter then nothing.
RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor module in KiCad 6? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 03:44:06 pm
content: I'm creating a schematic in KiCad 6. Is a component available for a RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor module? Or is there something else I can use instead? I don't need to model the circuit, I'm more interested in adding footprints for the PCB to learn how it can be laid out and hopefully to build it at some point. Thanks

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2022, 07:35:03 pm
content: Will this be of assistance to you?Chris Williams

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2022, 07:44:02 pm
content: Quote from: Chris56000 on April 26, 2022, 07:35:03 pmActually, yes it will be. Thanks!

author: woofy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2022, 08:19:36 am
content: For a hobby project you will likely get away with using these, but if its a commercial product then it will not comply with regulations in the UK, EU and probably the US.

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 02:34:53 am
content: Thanks. It's definitely not commercial!
TTF Support for Schematic and PCB Silkscreen in KiCAD 6.0.4? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 10:59:28 am
content: Can anyone who is using KiCAD 6.0.4. (the current release) conform that TTF is now supported on the Schematic, PCB and Drawing Layout Editors?I am given to understand a chap called Jeff Young added the necessary code extensions that another developer added for tentative system font support and certainly the changelog for the nightly build says "you can now use Comic Sans to your heart's content!"If this is the case can someone post KiCAD screenshots and examples please?If this is now the case I can migrate from Easy PC to KiCAD and give me the incentive to buy Peter Dalmaris's new KiCAD 6 course as soon as pocket–money permits!Chris Williams

author: delfinom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 12:24:48 pm
content: Kicad Nightly means kicad 6.99 (currently), it is a completely work in progress build for kicad 7. It is available for use at your own risk.6.0.x will never have the feature.
KiCad 6.0.5 Release - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2022, 10:12:30 pm
content: New version of KiCAD has been released, visit:https://www.kicad.org/blog/2022/05/KiCad-6.0.5-Release/

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2022, 05:27:59 am
content: Fingers crossed that the track routing issue is fixed.....Woohoo looks like it has been.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 05, 2022, 09:38:59 pm
content: Quote from: John B on May 05, 2022, 05:27:59 amWhich one?

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2022, 11:13:29 pm
content: For me at least, when you were routing a trace, the routing algorithm would struggle after a single bend in the track, especially when close to another track, ie within the clearance design rules. The program would lag to a near standstill. It wasn't like that in KiCad 5, so I guess they altered something and it's taken a few versions to iron that out. In 6.0.5, the trace routing can sometimes "snag" on corners of other nets, but it's greatly improved and no longer infuriating.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2022, 06:40:06 am
content: Oh yes. I noticed that, too. It looks like the router was just trying too hard to optimize a set of tracks and the complexity got out of bounds. If that's fixed, that'd be awesome.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2022, 04:26:02 pm
content: ... is the GUI still horrific?

author: TomS_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2022, 06:11:52 am
content: I'm a first time KiCad user (v6.0.5, macOS), migrating from Eagle, and I'm noticing a couple of annoying bugs/behaviour - does anyone else see this?I've been spending a lot of time familiarising myself with the symbol/footprint creation process as this has been a big part of my Eagle work, and I seem to frequently hit an issue where I create a new symbol, and then go to draw a box around which to put all of the pins, but I can't draw the box. Sometimes I can't even move the mouse cursor out of the "canvas" and into the toolbar on the right to get to the box drawing tool.This is happening very frequently, but I haven't yet figured out what triggers it.The only way I've found to fix the issue is to close the symbol editor and reopen it.

author: jaromir
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 18, 2022, 07:02:37 am
content: It could be this unfortunate bughttps://gitlab.com/kicad/code/kicad/-/issues/11607I suppose new release will fix that.

author: TomS_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2022, 11:58:13 am
content: Hmm, my cursor doesnt freeze, I can still move it around enough that I can select the tool to draw the box, but I just cant draw a box.Maybe I'll try the previous version and see if that is any more stable.

author: mf_ibfeew
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2022, 12:36:56 pm
content: It's most probably the mentioned issue 11607.workaround until next bugfix (estimated 4weeks): don't use the "add pin"-function, instead copy/paste existing pins. This will not trigger the bug.
KiCAD short cuts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: simon mugo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2022, 03:42:15 am
content: Hello!I have been doing quit some beautiful PCB design using KiCAD 5.0 and now i have chosen to move to KiCAD 6.0. I think there is much different on how we employ the use of KiCAD. Does anyone of you have a link to where i can get all kicad 6.0 guide to all the short cuts so that i can solve this issue.regards

author: eugene
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2022, 09:41:37 pm
content: Open the preferences dialog and choose 'hotkeys' from the left menu. All actions that can be assigned a hotkey are listed. Here you can see what hotkeys are currently programmed and make changes if you want.There is an option to import a hotkey list. Unfortunately, there is no option to export the current list. That would be handy for creating a list like (I think) you're talking about.
Drawing an arc in 6.0.1 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ivonenand
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2022, 08:22:00 am
content: Hi Guys,I need to draw an outline (edgecuts) for a circular PCB with a notch. It needs to look like this:I come form Altium world and defining an arc like this is simple; you just specify the center, radius and start/stop angles. In KiCad though, I don't know how to achieve this. The arc tool only seems to support drawing of arcs using the absolute value start/stop points and total arc angle, which is really unpractical from my point of view. Sure, I can calculate the points by hand (some sine/cosine), but this seems really unpractical as there will be lots of decimals to input. Also, not very practical if I want to change the radius by a couple of 0.1mm. Does anyone have a better way?Thanks for any input,Ivo

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 01:10:08 pm
content: Unfortunately, geometric drawing tools are very limited in KiCAD. The best option for creating a precise PCB outline is drawing it in a better tool and exporting it in DXF format, then importing it into KiCAD.Still, micrometer precision for a PCB outline is not that important. PCB fabrication has rather generous tolerances for routing paths.

author: Picuino
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 01:32:26 pm
content: You can do drawing first the straight line (with sine and cosine) and then the arc.Is little tedious, but it works.The precision needed is not very great. Can you go wrong with an error of 0.1 mm?Another method is drawing first a complete circle, draw the straight line, delete the circle and draw the arc.

author: simon mugo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2022, 07:11:51 am
content: kicad has shallow geometric shape drawing experience. Export the DMX file into another external software like the fusion 360, make the shape that you really want then import it back into kicad. That way you will achieve what you want in the easiest way possible.

author: simon mugo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 12:59:34 am
content: I have been using KiCAD for a long time and it is unfortunate to take note that drawing of geometric shapes is much limited and it is practically advisable you do the design in another software like the fusion 360 then import the DMX file into KiCAD to proceed with the design.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 01:06:51 am
content: Quote from: simon mugo on April 12, 2022, 12:59:34 amYou mean DXF? But yeah, when you need a tiny bit fancy stuff, you are better off using a third-party CAD tool and importing the shapes back in KiCad. A bit annoying, but KiCad is not a general-purpose 2D-CAD software, so that's understandable.As always with software, users may individually think that their own dearly missing feature would be no big deal to add, but just pile up demands from a few users and you already get close to a full-fledged 2D CAD thing. But sure, the heavyweight commercial software are much better equipped in that regard.
simulation in KiCAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: simon mugo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2022, 03:45:43 am
content: For a long, I have been transferring all my schematics to proteus to be capable to carry out the simulations. Now am shifting my focus on KiCAD EDA and I have tried to do some simulations but I can't get perfect simulations like the ones in Proteus. I really need to know if it is possible to do simulations in KiCAD like we do in proteus.I will appreciate any help offeredThanks
Error when running KiCad opamp spice simulation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GreyArea
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2020, 12:14:54 pm
content: Hello, I have a need to use an op-amp in a project which I've never used before so I'm trying to run some spice models to help me understand what's going on.I've based my attempt around the following linkshttp://ngspice.sourceforge.net/ngspice-eeschema.html#OpAmp"Non-Inverting op-amp gain" herehttps://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/analogue_circuits/operational-amplifier-op-amp/gain-equations.phpI've used the opamp model in the pspice library but when I run the simulation I get a coupld of errors:Code:warning, can't find model nc_01Circuit: KiCad schematicError on line 5 :u1 in net-_r1-pad1_ output nc_01 vm opampUnable to find definition of model nc_01 - default assumedunknown parameter (vm)Doing analysis at TEMP = 27.000000 and TNOM = 27.000000Reference value : 1.00000e+02No. of Data Rows : 41I'm not sure how to correct these errors - I tried removed the VH voltage source and copying it from the VM source, as it's doesn't seem to error on that one - but I can't see what the difference is.Thanks.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2020, 12:26:44 pm
content: if you look into the ngspice netlist, it needs to read X1 (because the opamp model is a subcircuit, likely). You may need to edit the simulation related properties of U1 to make sure the netlist is exported correctly to ngspice.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2020, 06:33:23 pm
content: Your power global label is VH while the opamp expects VP. The VM and VP labels on the op amp are also "inputs". In fact, all your global labels are "inputs".Use power nodes for power, not labels.The P key places a power node.Here's an example of a simulation in KiCad.Note the canonical split supply drawing with ground in the middle.The use of power nodes for power.The direction of the global labels.You also have some weird green circles near your ground power nodes. Not sure what that is... But the error at net-_r1_pad1_ might suggest it's not connected.And, as noted, call the opamps "X?" rather than "U?". You CAN make it work, but it's just very fiddly. (My schematic above is output by a filter synthesizer, which writes KiCad files directly, but it would be a bit fiddly and error prone to do manually through the UI.)

author: GreyArea
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2020, 08:31:51 pm
content: Ah thanks - I had given up and used LTSpice instead - I like using the KiCad interface though so I'll give it another go with your tips, thanks again.The weird green circles are zeroes, they are drawn by default when I choose a ground from the pspice library in KiCad 5.1.6. Looking at your screenshots you don't have them. Maybe a different version?

author: hvogt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2022, 09:19:20 pm
content: There is no ngspice OpAmp model attached to the OpAmp symbol. So the simulator does not know what to simulate. The tutorial athttp://ngspice.sourceforge.net/ngspice-eeschema.html#OpAmpwill tell you what to do.
(Kicad) pcb design for water level sensor xkc y25 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sefanoulis7
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 27, 2022, 02:24:14 pm
content: When the sensor is in water, the led is on and it works with 12 v dc. I will use 12 sensors in the design of the card, and when the sensor does not see water, the led I used on the card will turn on and the relay and buzzer will work even if any of them are lit. I don’t have much experience for design. Can you help me with this?

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2022, 05:09:38 pm
content: https://forum.kicad.info/t/pcb-design-for-water-level-sensor-xkc-y25/34908

author: simon mugo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 01:16:15 am
content: this requires you to design a schematic that describes your idea. We have so many commercially available water level detectors and I could advise you buy one of them and have a look at its features, manuals, and operation then try implementing one. Thanks
Schematic sheet not showing in project viewer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Hawaka
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 08:54:29 pm
content: Hello,I was following this tutorial, and I noticed that when I created a hierarchical sheet it does not appears in the project browser (like at 1:40 in the video), neither does the "multisheet-cache" file. Is this normal with KiCad version 6.0.1? Hierarchical sheet works fine in my project, and the files do exist in the project folder.It's kind of a bummer not to see which sheet you have in your design at first glance in the project viewer.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 11:15:24 pm
content: If your design is hierarchical with a top level that instantiates the lower levels, the only sheet that appears in the project manager window is that top level.

author: retiredfeline
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 11:22:23 pm
content: Even in 5.1 only the top sheet appears in the project browser. In general take old videos with a large grain of salt as things have changed.
Moving footprints and snapping to graphics. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2022, 02:28:23 pm
content: Shouldn't a footprint snap to graphics (e.g. end of line, corner of a rectangle) when moved or dragged? Because I doesn't for me, although "Snap to graphics" is set on "Always".

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2022, 12:03:24 am
content: In general, graphics snap to graphics.If you turn that off, then not even graphic lines snap to other graphic lines.Also, if you have KiCad's PCB Editor in "High contrast mode" ("Show inactive Layers as Dimmed"), then the snap is also limited to the layer you are currently working on.A workaround is to use a two step approach.1. Snap the grid origin to some object.2. Do your thing on the Grid.It is a workaround (so not ideal) but it is usable. Setting the grid orign can be done with theSshortcut key. or,PCB Editor / Place / Grid Origin Sfrom the Menu.

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2022, 10:48:46 am
content: I discovered that snapping graphics only works on the same layer. So indeed I have to find workarounds (such as drawing graphics on the same layer of the existing graphic, then changing the properties of the new graphic to set it on the wanted layer).

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 03:47:58 pm
content: Quote from: Doctorandus_P on January 27, 2022, 12:03:24 amJust a note for the folks playing along at home:In Kicad 6.0.1, this mode is set by:View -> Contrast Mode -> Inactive Layer View Modeand a check box will appear on the menu item when that mode is enabled.Alternatively, in the left-hand icon toolbar, it's about half-way down, looks like three traces with a via in the middle of the middle trace.I accidentally enabled that mode and spent a few moments trying to undo it!
No "back-delete" in Kicad? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Calvin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2022, 05:45:24 am
content: Hi,I´m using Kicad 6 and came accorss an prob I have´t found a solution for - heck I even don´t know the right phrase for it.Placing components in the schematic and updating the board, the components are added to the board ready to be positioned ... so far so convenient.But deleting a component in the shematic doesn´t alter the board.I now had it a couple of times where those components remained ´forgotten´ on the board.My Q is: What would be the phrase/name of a automatic delete function? Since it hasn´t to do with annotation, I assume its not forward/back-annotation!?Is there any such function as an automated delete of ´orphaned´ board components?And how to set Kicad to perform the automated delete?Thank You so muchCalvin

author: retiredfeline
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2022, 06:07:28 am
content: In the popup window that appears when you update the board, did you tick the checkbox Delete extra footprints?

author: Calvin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 03:05:32 am
content: Hi,thank You soo much. Must have 'overseen' it a couple of hundred times by nowjauuCalvin
KiCad install doesn't include libraries - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ionforbes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2022, 12:50:39 am
content: Hi all,I unsinstalled and Kicad 5 and installed Kicad 6. I checked the box to include all the default symbol and footprint libraries. When opening the symbol editor I got a popup to configure the global library tables. I think I pressed the wrong option and it kept the legacy libraries from Kicad 5. I deleted the tables in the library manager hoping it would give me the prompt again but instead just showed absoloutely nothing in the symbol editor.The problem is, a full uninstall-reinstall doesn't fix anything! It's as if Kicad somehow 'remembers' where my old (empty) footprint table, and even though I checked the box to include all the default symbol and footprint libraries, the symbol/footprint editor is completely empty. I just don't understand why a clean install doesn't change anything; I could swear I purged my PC of anything Kicad related, including the file in Documents folder, but it stil somehow keeps the old empty library table!Does anybody know how to fix this?Many thanks,Ion

author: retiredfeline
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2022, 01:06:18 am
content: A number of people have encountered similar issues, see if this thread helps:https://forum.kicad.info/t/just-installed-v6-and-no-sysmbols-in-editor/32673in particular this post:https://forum.kicad.info/t/just-installed-v6-and-no-sysmbols-in-editor/32673/9

author: Ionforbes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2022, 01:26:27 am
content: Thanks, that did it!Credit to the guy on the kicad forum:"I got around the issue by copying “sym-lib-table” and “fp-lib-table” from “C:\Program Files\KiCad\6.0\share\kicad\template” to “C:\Users{{USERNAME}}\AppData\Roaming\kicad\6.0”

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2022, 01:47:04 am
content: Yes, that happens if you select the wrong option in the first dialog that pops up - after that, it's game over.But you can do as said above, or you can alternatively delete the whole content of the KiCad user directory (path shown above for Windows, "~/.config/kicad/6.0/" on Linux) - next time you fire up KiCad, it will start afresh.
[eeschema] Update all symbols in library at once _updated_ - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2021, 11:43:55 am
content: See update at the endHey eevFolks,The problem:I have a schematics with lots of densely placed LED.I used the LED_Small symbol from the default Device library.It's fine, except that the value "LED_Small" of each symbol is not needed and is detrimental to the readability.I created a new symbol in my library with the value text hidden (and a few esthetics adjustments).What I can do (unsatisfactory method):I then usedTools > Edit Symbol Library References...to pick my new Symbol.Symbol graphics were updated, but the "value" field still appears. When I check one of the symbol's properties, I see that this field's "show" option is still checked. That means I'd have to go into each LED symbol properties and manual uncheck this option.Another way is, in the symbol's properties, click the "Update Fields from Library", then select "Value" in "Fields to Update", unable the "Reset field's visibilities", then "OK" on both windows.That can be problematic when one has to update dozens of symbols.The question:Is there a way to use the "Edit Symbol Library Reference" in a way that also updates the visibility settings from the new symbol? Or any way to edit this property for several placed symbols at once?Update:I found that I could have used Edit > Updates Fields from Libraries..." to update all the symbols' fields.The weird thing is it didin't work at first.I tried several times, making sure to check "Value" in the "Fields to Update" list and to unable "Reset Field visibilities"; and it finally worked. I think it's the same way sometimes closing Eeschema and reopening it solves issues (symbol not found, displayed as question marks in a square).So it's another quirk from KiCad that makes its charm, I guess...

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2021, 08:11:56 pm
content: Remove the old ones. Place your new schematic symbol once. Edit it until it has the right visibilities, footprint, custom props, doc, simulation, or other properties you want. Then duplicate as needed (right-click on it, select Duplicate and remember the keyboard shortcut shown) to populate all the other positions.
Errors with KiCAD and Ground Planes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LoveLaika
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 08:09:46 pm
content: This has been bugging me for hours, but I can't seem to solve it. I laid out a PCB. It's a 4-layer PCB using OSHpark's template. Everything checks out, except I get the following errors shown in the image.The thing is that I don't understand how these errors occur. From what it seems like, some vias and pads are not connected to ground. However, that doesn't make sense. I have zones on all four layers which are tied to ground (GND), and the zones are filled before running DRC checks. The pads are clearly connected to the ground plane, yet DRC labels them as not. The same goes with the vias. The error shows that the zone outline on the back isn't tied to a via, but the via is clearly labeled as for ground. A via should stitch the four ground planes together, as they are all the same net, but this error still occurs.This has been bothering me to no end. Can someone help me understand why these errors occur?

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 09:57:34 pm
content: There are 3 T shaped zone sections on the "Back" layer that are connected to a few footprints, but not to each other or to "everything".KiCad does not know how or where you want to make the connections, but it does detect that a group of pads is isolated from the rest of the PCB. Therefore it just pics some random item from each of the groups that should be connected but are not and makes an error message out of it.

author: LoveLaika
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 10:48:49 pm
content: That solved it. Thanks a lot! Isolated copper islands are quite troublesome to identify.
Trying v6... (nightly)... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 04:23:33 pm
content: I thought it was about time I looked at v6... downloaded nightly...When adding a global label I now get "?" symbols?What does that signify?

author: woofy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 04:36:57 pm
content: I'm running Kicad 6 and I'm not seeing that.It's the release version not the nightly though. It may be something new they are testing.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 04:51:41 pm
content: Ah OK... maybe I should go to v6 stableThx for the response

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 05:22:12 pm
content: v6 stable for sure. Nightly is in a heavy development cycle. Things change every day. Nightly builds become more or less stable once they become release candidates.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 05:30:00 pm
content: Quote from: NivagSwerdna on March 04, 2022, 04:23:33 pmIn other CAD packages you can have sheet references (to see where the signal goes / is coming from) at that place so I guess that is a Kicad feature that is being worked on.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 08:02:12 pm
content: Quote from: NivagSwerdna on March 04, 2022, 04:23:33 pmThat means that some symbols from your schematic haven't been found. Usually this happens when you are importing an older project and some libraries aren't available (e.g. because paths are not set up correctly).If this happened when you were adding a label, which should be a built-in symbol, then that looks like a bug. Which is nothing surprising - nightly is not meant for general use. It is the bleeding edge code that is likely unstable and full of bugs and meant only for testing.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2022, 01:00:39 am
content: I gave up on the nightly... that was a poor plan. Now have a 6.0.2 stable installation and sent my first attempt off for manufacture... we'll see.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 05, 2022, 04:32:27 pm
content: The nightly builds were a good choice when KiCad was nearing the v6 release. Now they are only for the daring (or the desperate).
Help picking capacitor and resistor footprints? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2021, 03:46:52 pm
content: I'm an absolute beginner with KiCad, and I'm trying to create simple project for an op amp circuit that I have working. I'd like to build it up in KiCad so I always have an up to date diagram.For snits and giggles, I thought I'd add footprints and view the 3d PCB. However, I'm overwhelmed and confused by the number of capacitors to choose from. I want to pick THT capacitors, but there are axial, radial, disc etc. Which should I use?The same goes for resistors. Thanks!

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2021, 04:35:25 pm
content: The question for PCB footprints is self-answering: "It depends".For leaded resistors, you could use the pattern appropriate for 1/2 W film resistors, or for the military RN60 size, since smaller bodies can easily fit into the axial pattern.Similarly, for leaded capacitors you could settle on an axial package that is large enough for various parts, although modern leaded capacitors trend towards radial, where the lead spacing is more important to avoid ugliness.Discrete resistors and capacitors for schematic capture are easy: the only question is polarized or not.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2021, 12:55:30 pm
content: Start with buying a few assortment boxes for resistors / ceramic capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, transistors.Then just use the sizes in KiCad that you have available.I like working with THT parts on breadboards, but if you design a PCB, working with SMT is just a lot easier.* You don't have to bend pins.* You don't have to cut the pins to size.* You don't have to turn the pcb around for soldering.* Parts don't fall off.* No confusion of working with mirror images.* You don't have to drill holes in the PCB (for home etching).* You can put parts on two sides of the PCB.For starters I recommend to use 0805 (imperial) seize for SMT resistors / capacitors.Do make sure you've got a decent set of tweezers.Most people can still easily solder 0805 without more equipment. If you want to go smaller later, then a decent stereo microscope would be one of the first upgrades.And in these days of IC shortages.Order your IC's and make sure you get them before you design the PCB.Stock can easily dry up in the time that you're designing the PCB or ordering it.

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2021, 12:57:09 pm
content: Thanks. I only just started trying to solder THT so SMD is a bit of a stretch for me.
Using KiCAD's tools to generate files for board assembly - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LoveLaika
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2022, 03:17:33 pm
content: I'm trying to use some features in KiCAD to generate the necessary files for PCB assembly. Previously, I only done boards, so I generated GERBER files and drill files for DFM checks. However, as I'm now getting into contracting out assembly, I'm at a loss on how to proceed. I was wondering if you guys ever used KiCAD to generate necessary files for assembly? If so, how can I do the same?For starters with regards to companies, I'm looking at JLCPCB and Advanced Circuits. JLCPCB seems to be pretty popular here, and Advanced Circuits seems pretty reliable. I previously had boards done by the latter but not the former.With regards to my board, it's a 4-layer board with components on two sides. I heard that JLCPCB only does single-sided designs, but is it possible to assemble just one side of my board only? I would hate to have to make modifications.For Advanced Circuits,here'stheir checklist of what they need. The GERBER files seems simple, but how do you use KiCAD to generate the rest of the files? There's so many options for BOM, and the other files seem foreign to me.EDIT: After playing around, I found some notable issues with some of the tools.Basically, from what I gathered so far, the best way to generate a BOM is through EEschema's tools. Generating a BOM in PCBnew results in a messy CSV with columns separated by a mixture of tabs, semi-colons, and quotes. It's quite a mess. Then again, EEschema's BOM is rather large. The options fail to add an extension to the resulting file, and you can't rename the files beforehand making it difficult to track.Looking at PCBnew's Footprint Position file generator, it doesn't appear to include all the footprints. I had some footprints with the prefix "J" for input/output/power connectors and whatnot, but they didn't show up at all in the generated file. Plus, the coordinate system in the Y-direction appears to be the opposite of how PCBnew works. If my component has a Y-coordinate that's positive, the generated file will show that as a negative value instead.These little things are making me very confused as to how to prepare files for PCB assembly.
Xyce - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ScribblesOnNapkins
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2014, 02:42:10 am
content: I did not see a post about this so I figured I should throw up something. It is too interesting to ignore. The following quoted text is from their website."What is Xyce?The Xyce Parallel Electronic Simulator is a SPICE-compatible circuit simulator, developed internally at Sandia National Laboratories and funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration's Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) Campaign. In continuous development since 1999, Xyce is designed to run on large-scale parallel computing platforms, though it also executes efficiently on a variety of architectures, including single processor workstations. As a mature platform for large-scale parallel circuit simulation, Xyce supports standard capabilities available from commercial simulators, in addition to a variety of devices and models specific to Sandia's needs."https://xyce.sandia.gov/documentation/index.htmlUsing it in gEDA.https://xyce.sandia.gov/downloads/_assets/documents/AppNote-GedaAndXyce.pdf

author: ch_scr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2021, 10:47:19 am
content: Not sure this section of the forum is the most appropriate? But now there is Spice in Kicad, so close enough I guess.Having used XYCE a few times now (by means of Geda for schematic capture), I can report the following:Compiling from source is a chore, getting the package needs registering on the website.There are decent published guides on how to compile it, but it's not a short read and not all in one place.The packages do come with some "proprietary device models" - maybe someone who has used them can shed some light?I would hazard a guess they are good, coming from the XYCE people.Using it is far from as-easy-as e.g. LTSpice. And byeasyI mostly mean the round-trip of interactions to get:schematic to netlist, netlist simulated, results plotted; adjust schematic or simulation command and go again.The less clicks or console commands for that round trip, the more usable IMHO.The only GUI supporting it is QUCS-S, and that project is slowly killed by being stuck in QT4-land.Spicegui seems like an easy target to get at least some GUI action for XYCE, but I'm just a bloke running my mouth.Also I'm not really happy with Spicegui on the whole roundtrip intraction-needed thing, TBH.Mostly on the results plotting side of things; Gnuplot as in the xyce-Geda-howto works well enough...What works really well, and is at least workable on the interaction side, is to make an XYCE simulation that spits out an s-parameter file, then use DeEmbed to plot the results. And that is something very usefull not many other (free) tools can do, akiller applicationif you must. Now if someone could make the "uncalibrated" data that shows up in DeEmbed every time you open a file disappear, that would brighten my day significantly. And maybe add a "refresh data" from changed file button (that keeps the other settings / views intact).Ok, rant offTL;DR:XYCE is nice, using it: not so much.