hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Building Kicad from source - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2014, 11:16:57 pm
content: I tried to build kicad from source but ran into a problem. I built wxWidgets statically and kicad build failed when it couldn't find wxwidgets3/lib/libwx_gtk2u_aui-3.0.a (maybe not exact but close enough) while trying to build cvpcb.I'm thinking that wx3 is too new, I may retry with wx28. I rebuilt wx3 many times trying to coerce it into making that missing library but had no success. The other .a libs are there.I'm not in a bind or anything, I just want to look at one of these pcb programs.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2014, 11:18:08 pm
content: Platform?

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 01:08:25 am
content: Quote from: apelly on March 10, 2014, 11:18:08 pmDoes it matter? If so, how so?

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 01:27:21 am
content: If you just want to try Kicad then you can download a binary.Which are admittedly hard to find.Hence the need to know what platform.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 02:13:53 am
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on March 11, 2014, 01:27:21 amYeah, I know there are binaries. My interest in looking at Kicad is mild and I'll revisit it again some other time.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2014, 03:14:07 am
content: Last try:https://bazaar.launchpad.net/~kicad-product-committers/kicad/product/view/head:/INSTALL.txt
Is Kicad down? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2014, 10:14:20 pm
content: The second day I am trying to access it and am getting an error.http://www.kicad-pcb.org/Is this the correct URL? I would like to try KiCad.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2014, 10:27:43 pm
content: Seems to be down.502 Bad gateway

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2014, 07:41:34 am
content: There is a discussion on their mailing list for the issue.Alexander.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2014, 04:27:23 pm
content: According to the mailing list, it's down more than a week. That's lame. These days you can get decent web hosting for almost nothing. It doesn't reflect well on this project.

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2014, 04:51:27 pm
content: I doubt it's the hosting company, it is much more likely a sysadmin with the project that's on vacation or something silly like that.I asked about it on twitter. I find it highly unlikely that they don't already know, but I'll see if I can post an update here when I have one.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2014, 01:32:32 pm
content: It's up now by I couldn't find a package for Mac OSX.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2014, 11:30:20 pm
content: The website is a recurring issue. There has been discussion about mitigation on the dev mailing list.zapta, this might help:https://bazaar.launchpad.net/~kicad-product-committers/kicad/product/view/head:/INSTALL.txtAlso,https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kicad-users/info
CvPCB - Filter by library is not working - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2014, 12:01:45 am
content: Hi,Filtering by library is not working, only if I deselect the all 3 filters the footprints appears but is if one filter is selected there is no footprint :sWhat should I do?

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2014, 08:05:25 am
content: Are you using the official stable version, or a bzr build?Switch to the official stable version.Search the bug list. If you can't locate this bug, fill a bug report. Wait for a fix.Get the code and create a patch that ?dresses the issue.Ignore it.Alexander.

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2014, 11:55:31 am
content: Where can I download a stable version for linux? I installed it from the available script.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2014, 12:00:02 pm
content: It depends from the distro you are using.Alexander.

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2014, 12:16:27 pm
content: Ubuntu

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2014, 01:58:27 pm
content: The people at the mailing list solved the problem, it looks like a DNS problem:https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/msg12600.html
Kicad library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: joven
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 05:09:53 pm
content: Hi,I like to know if someone have tried to import your custom footprint library (*.mod) to the system (fp-lib-table)?And have someone tried to convert to the new format (*.mod to *.pretty)?Thanks

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2014, 05:51:22 pm
content: I have manually added my old library files (.mod) to the new fp-lib-table under windows, no problems at all.A couple of tings to remember is to use plugin type as Legacy, and set the environment variables according to your system:Code:KISYS3DMOD=C:\DropBox\KiCadKISYSMOD=C:\DropBox\KiCad\modulesIf you find it difficult to add the libs from the library you can edit the file manually with a text editor, the file is located inC:\Users\Name\AppData\Roaming\kicad.Didn't try to convert anything.

author: joven
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 27, 2014, 10:44:29 am
content: In witch file where i can find "KISYS3DMOD" and "KISYSMOD"?In each project, i copy the folder with library/modules. In the older versions worked fine.I'm using linux.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 27, 2014, 02:35:08 pm
content: Those are are environment variables, set them in your.profile.Code:SET KISYS3DMOD=C:\DropBox\KiCadSET KISYSMOD=C:\DropBox\KiCad\modulesI don't know the exact path to these folders on linux, but it should be something like/usr/kicad/share.
Rectangular pad drill - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 10:30:51 pm
content: Hi,I'm designing a PCB that will got a RCA connector. How should I design it?http://anacapa.kycon.com/Pub_Eng_Draw/KLPX-0848A-2-x.pdfWill I have problems manufacturing it? like at seeedstudio?Thank you

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 11:16:18 pm
content: It is OK, they have a four dimensional drill, which is rotating in a way that it leaves a square hole in our reality. How do you imagine it?Make a round hole bigger than your pin. It is that easy.

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 11:19:12 pm
content: But how can I make it rectangular on kicad?

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 11:31:40 pm
content: Do you mean a square hole? In Altium you can make a slotted hole and set the width and length separately.

author: jolshefsky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2014, 12:58:42 am
content: You'd supply a milling layer to the PCB manufacturer along with the other Gerber files.In KiCAD's module editor, you can make a silkscreen line for your slot then edit the file in a text editor and change the layer number of the line to your milling layer—you'll need to override the function of one of the layers and fiddle with the Gerber files manually. (Seehttps://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Kicad/file_formats#Layer_numberingfor layer numbering details ...)Milling is usually wicked expensive and not worth it for the hobbyist. Better to just make a round hole that's big enough to clear corner-to-corner on the recommended pin. On your example, I'd make both holes around 2.2mm and be done with it.
KiCad Release cycle. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 05:02:04 pm
content: Is KiCad under a release schedule? I couldn;t find something to the launchpad page.Alexander.

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 09:12:08 pm
content: Don't think so. New stuff is just pushed to launchpad.Some sites do builds based on that.
Kicad-Winbuilder version 3.0 with scripting support available - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2013, 06:51:51 am
content: This version builds Kicad that has support for running scripting (python and maybe more).This is available from the launchpad site herehttps://launchpad.net/kicad-winbuilderPlease read the readme file in the base directory for basic instructions on how to use this version.Just extract the zip file onto your hard drive and then right click on make.bat and select open. A command window will then open and start to do it's work.I'm going to try it myself today and post some feedback.David

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2014, 10:13:22 am
content: Now updated to version 3.3https://launchpad.net/kicad-winbuilder/+downloadWorks OK on latest build.David.
x - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: StevenWhitney
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 01:31:09 pm
content: x

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 03:21:02 pm
content: Check that your libraries is installed (preferences->libraies).Use add-part (Shift-A), click the sheet, en type a "R" in the dialog.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 01:45:51 am
content: Why do people go and delete there post once its solved, that's half the point of posting on a forum, so future people can solve there issues

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 02:41:53 am
content: Quote from: Rerouter on February 01, 2014, 01:45:51 ammaybe he is like me try to save the world by not littering useless, soon-to-be-OT or the risk of trolling and offense thread created by my own.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 02:51:27 am
content: OP was banned some time ago so can't ask him
SOIC-24-WIDE not actually wide - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: scientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2014, 10:51:03 pm
content: I have a board I'm building based on the TLC5926 shift register, and the obnoxious bit about KiCAD is that the footprint labels are lying. They say SOIC-24, as the TLC5926s do, but when I get boards manufactured, the chips are too wide and the pins extend several millimeters past the pads. As a solution, I have in the past edited each module in the board with ModEdit to lengthen the pads to 2 mm long, but now when I try to replace the footprint in the board with it, two of the pins just fly off to the side, never to return. It's absolutely maddening.Actually, the KiCAD SOIC-24-W file is what I was using (incorrectly). The actual SOIC-24-WIDE file fits fine but doesn't have any extra pad to make soldering easier.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2014, 11:47:39 pm
content: This is not a Kicad problem, it's an "I forgot to check" problem.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2014, 11:50:13 pm
content: The flying pins is a bug that's been around for some time. Occasionally it does that when you save the footprint. Restart Kicad, open it, move them back and resave.

author: scientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2014, 12:14:34 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 30, 2014, 11:47:39 pmI didn't "have them manufactured" per se... I made them myself, then slapped myself for doing it wrong. Total loss about $2 of FR4, no big deal.

author: scientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2014, 06:00:55 pm
content: Actually, I stand corrected... the SOIC-24-WIDE file is the correct size, while the SOIC-24-W is just the normal soic24 with slightly wider plastic packaging.

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2014, 06:15:52 pm
content: Check the datasheet of the part and try to find a footprint somewhere in some library. If successful, verify it is correct and add it to your own library. If you can't find a footprint, make one yourself.There is simply no other way.
Arranging components along x-axis by number - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: scientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2014, 06:04:48 pm
content: I've been using KiCAD for a while and the most annoying thing to do is arrange components on the board according to number, especially with boards that have a ton of the same component that need to be in specific places. With the "Glob move all components" function it does simplify the process a bit, but it seems to organize the components only by type -- it doesn't order them according to annotation number (C1, C2, C3, etc.). If the developers could add in this function it would be great.I'm currently using:Application: PcbnewVersion: (2013-07-07 BZR 4022)-stableBuild: wxWidgets 2.9.4 (wchar_t,compiler with C++ ABI 1002,GCC 4.7.2,wx containers,compatible with 2.Platform: Windows 7 (build 7601, Service Pack 1), 32 bit, Little endian, wxMSWBoost version: 1.53.0Options: USE_PCBNEW_NANOMETRES=ONKICAD_GOST=OFFUSE_WX_GRAPHICS_CONTEXT=OFFUSE_WX_OVERLAY=OFFKICAD_SCRIPTING=OFFKICAD_SCRIPTING_MODULES=OFFKICAD_SCRIPTING_WXPYTHON=OFF
Kicad librareis websites - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 10:41:37 pm
content: Which sites do you know that have kicad libraries?

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2014, 02:07:35 am
content: http://www.kicadlib.org/http://library.oshec.org/http://blog.spitzenpfeil.org/wordpress/tech/kicad/Just use google, quite a few resources out there.Make sure you check that the footprints match up with the schematic symbols before getting anything fabricated, I have seen a few mistakes done in that aspect.And you can always make your own symbols and footprint just use the 3D models from the web, it's quite easy once you get used to it.

author: Phroon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2014, 08:49:26 am
content: I've been impressed withKiCadCloudfor KiCad libraries. For some reason I can never find it via google searches, but it is an awesome resource when I remember the URL.

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2014, 03:24:38 pm
content: Quote from: Phroon on March 20, 2014, 08:49:26 amThat it isI found it some weeks ago but then never remember the name of it and can't found it again too! Thank you
KiCad error dialog rant - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: michael.hill
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 02:49:05 pm
content: All I'm saying is that this page would be very beneficial for the developers to read and implement:http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa511277.aspxMuch of the time, an error box is thrown when it should just be a notification or just a caution.Just a small rant.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 03:30:42 pm
content: While there is a lot wrong with KiCAD's user interface I find it a bit ironic to cite Microsoft as an authority in user interfaces. The company that gave us the General Protection Fault and more user interface rubbish per pixel^2 than any other OS vendor.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 03:45:32 pm
content: Quote from: Bored@Work on January 26, 2014, 03:30:42 pmcare to provide link on other UI standard guide? because the Windows is all we muggles know. any other softwares that is not following by the rule is quite difficult to grasp, at least in Windows realm i believe. developping a linux originated softwares and expect Windows users to understand the standard is a bit ironic? imho. esp when displaying a friendly reminder with a big red exclamation mark right next.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 04:06:25 pm
content: The Microsoft document is a good start ... but you shouldn't do absolutely as it's said there. Microsoft for a long time went against their own guidelines whenever it suited them ... see MSN Messenger's interface or Microsoft Office's change of menus and the ribbon.If you're interested about this subject, search for "Human Interface Guidelines". Actually,the Wikipedia article for thisphrase has a lot of links to documents for various platforms, and some of these documents also include studies and explanations regarding why they chose to do it in a particular way and why they recommend it that way.PS. And if you're really interested about signs, icons, usability.. there's an excellent series of articles at Slate that I really recommend to anyone:Part 1 :The secret language of signsThey're the most useful thing you pay no attention to. Start paying attention.http://www.slate.com/articles/life/signs/2010/03/the_secret_language_of_signs.htmlandPart 5 :The Big Red Word vs. the Little Green ManThe international war over exit signs.http://www.slate.com/articles/life/signs/2010/03/the_big_red_word_vs_the_little_green_man.htmlare 2 of the best in the series, in my opinion.

author: michael.hill
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 04:28:54 pm
content: Just because Messenger is bad doesn't mean that the bar should be lowered to that level because it's "acceptable". When KiCad reports all alerts as errors, it creates a really confusing experience for the user.
Design component footprint with kicad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 02:46:25 pm
content: Hi,I'm designing the following component on kicadhttp://cds.linear.com/docs/en/datasheet/3469f.pdfI want to set a pad clearance of 0.2mm but the only way I found to do it was to add a clearance of 0.1mm to each pad but that makes the most left and right pads to has only 0.1mm of pad clearance like the top clearance.How would you do that?thanks

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 04:01:14 pm
content: Many of the footprints I've seen have overlapping pad clearance, just set it to 0,2mm ?

author: metRo_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 04:45:51 pm
content: That way you have DRC errors :s

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 06:16:46 pm
content: Doh, didn't think of that at the time i replied.Guess that's another issue with the standard kicad libs.I can't see any options for offsetting the pad clearance, perhaps hacking the .mod file directly....

author: elgonzo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 10:24:41 am
content: Quote from: metRo_ on October 06, 2013, 04:45:51 pmNope, overlapping pad clearances don't cause DRC errors in KiCAD (wouldn't makes sense, anyway).Perhaps ancient KiCAD versions had this issue, i don't know.However, if your reply was to Arne's second picture, it indeed looks like adjacent pads poke into the clearance area of each other. Which would cause DRCs of course...

author: elgonzo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 10:25:27 am
content: Quote from: Thor-Arne on October 06, 2013, 06:16:46 pmThe Pad properties dialog has two tabs. The second tab contains what you are looking for

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 08:58:14 am
content: Quote from: elgonzo on October 12, 2013, 10:25:27 amWhere? I cant see any offset for the pad clearance in that tab.You can easily offset the pad, but not the clearance.The problem is solved by using 0,2mm clearance and have the clearance overlap without overlaping the pads themselves.I don't use smd much so I haven't noticed this problems in the libraries.It seems that the issue lies with the values set to 0 (zero) so that they use the global defaults, which perhaps have changed from release to release.
KiCad bug check? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2013, 06:48:38 pm
content: For me, all document format exports besides SVG and Gerber are completely broken on KiCad, both in schematic and PCB. I compile my own, and they use external libraries, so I just wanted to check before I file a bug report and send the dev team on a wild goose chase - mine have been completely f-cked for months, and they don't seem to have a bug report on this, so I'm kind of wondering whether it's just me. Do anyone else's plots look like this?Yep, there should be a full page of stuff there.Edit: SHIT! I just figured it out - I opened the PDF I attached in Chrome and it's just fine! Whoops. I never realized that. Guess it's a PDF viewer problem instead...Sorry...
Kicad - local net clearance, or better way to do transmission line? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2013, 07:59:27 pm
content: Simple question that may or may not have a simple answer:I'm trying to do a 120 ohm PCB transmission line in KiCad. (Specifics: grounded coplanar waveguide, 0.2094mm trace, 0.6mm to surrounding ground plane, 1.6mm FR4) I've done this by defining a net class with the trace width and spacing. The problem is that after the termination at the end, it needs to go into a pin on a SOT-23-5, which doesn't have enough space to the next pin. I can change the clearance for that pad, but it of course doesn't change the clearance of the trace itself, which DRC will still not allow to come near the neighboring pads.Is there some hidden way that I'm not aware of to locally switch net classes? (I doubt it - KiCad is sorely lacking in "professional" features like that....) Or, is there a better way to do this? Obviously, short of just setting the clearances to zero and drawing the zone manually to the right spacing...

author: andy1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 09:48:49 pm
content: Not entirely sure if this if what you want but one way to do this would be to have the trace width at the spesified 0.2094mm but don't set the clearance to the high value of 0.6mm, keep it at 8-10 mils or some other suitable value for routing.Then change the copper zone clearance to the required 0.6mm, you can also do multiple zones if you want the copper closer to some other parts. I agree that it is kind of roundabout way to do this but I guess doable.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 10:43:05 pm
content: That's pretty much what I ended up doing.God, I love KiCad, but whoever wrote the zone tool code needs to be flogged.

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2013, 04:17:02 am
content: the only problem with multiple zones is kicad has issues with zones inside zones on the same net.i've tried to do a donut type zone few weeks back, I managed to do a 2-D mobius strip type zone that got almost what i needed, then put a trace across the X shaped section that didn't have any copper fill.I'm running the daily testing build, and for about a year i never ran into any serious bugs that weren't fixed within a week, but Adam Wolf dropped support for ubuntu 10.04, so its not been updated since march 2013. i haven't noticed any bugs in the version i have, but they have probably added a lot of stuff since then
Freerouter not doing dual layer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 09:24:33 am
content: I layered a board out in kicad and then went to free router to run the routing. it won't put any vias in and do two layer routing although the bottom of the board is all clear. Is it a kicad or free router thing ? i have dual layer in both from what i can tell.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 10:05:51 am
content: Are you using the latest stable version of Kicad? Freerouter normally does double sided boards by default. As I usually make single sided I have to go to the parameters and autorouter dialogs to turn OFF one of the layers. Are you using any copper flood fills or keepout areas on your board. That may make it more difficult to route.David.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 10:07:26 am
content: Well i had problems with "the" latest so went back to my usual version that had worked no problem where like you i had to disable the top layer for single sided. So is it a compatibility problem ?I'll give it a go.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 10:11:28 am
content: nope, still no joy, it is faffing around instead of doing it in a split second as it is just a basic PWM generator using an atmega328 so not even much to route and bags of room.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 01:30:14 pm
content: Have you tried different (smaller?) track widths. Or reduce the clearance in your custom design rules if your using them. I think there an option for prefered routing direction as well somewhere. I usually go back into Kicad and re-position the components near the place where the routing fails and then reimport back into freerouter.Keep doing that and EVENTUALLY it will do all the tracks.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 06:16:17 pm
content: I'm on all small things and have been doing as you do, n o luck. I think I'll do it the good old fashioned way.
Component silkscreen text? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 11:00:01 am
content: It's probably in one of the FAQ's, but does anyone know if there's an easy way to get the silkscreen text for components (U1, R23, C4, etc), or do you have to manually add them by hand?Thanks

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 03:15:52 pm
content: Assuming you've created a schematic in EESCHEMA and generated a net list and read that into PCBNEW (in other words, you're not making a board w/o a schematic), the parts will have a proper reference and a value. Both types can be made visible and invisible. Hover over the reference (U1, etc.), press E, if a choice menu appears, select the desired reference text, a form should appear (footprint text properties). There you should see that one can choose invisible or visible. Note: A part put on the board using the O command in PCBNEW will still have the reference, but it not read as U1, R1, etcetera; it will say whatever was entered when the part was made (e.g., SOIC-8***).If invisible was selected by default, one can edit the part globally to set the reference to always visible. There may be a way to force all references as visible, but I'm not sure of that...

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 09:42:07 pm
content: Thanks, I have them all visible, I'm just not sure if they'll appear on the finished board or not.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 29, 2012, 10:18:39 pm
content: Quote from: justanothercanuck on December 29, 2012, 09:42:07 pmPlot the gerbers and use the gerber viewer to check the output.
KiCAD project with multiple boards - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2012, 05:29:57 pm
content: I'm currently designing a device that has to be split into logic and power boards to fit the case (and to make sense). My CAD of choice was always KiCAD (just got used to it) and I'd rather not switch to Eagle or other package if I don't really have to. So far I see two approaches, one is doing everything on a single schematic and then somehow keep track of what components go to which board or to do two separate projects. Both options sound like a pain in the ass.Can someone share his method of managing multiple boards for a single device? Any tips and trick welcome.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 01:02:35 am
content: I think forget about the idea of a single schematic with two boards where each board has only half the components placed. Every time you run a rule check, you will be flooded with irrelevant errors, and it will also see the connectivity that belongs on the second board.All of these are issues that can be worked around, but it seems like a messy approach.Two projects is probably the simplest solution.Otherwise you can also lay out the two break-apart boards side-by-side, and you could actually get them manufactured like that. It could save board manufacturing costs.Richard.

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 01:42:26 am
content: Thanks for answering. It's going to be just a single prototype to check if it'll work, so I'll do separate projects for now.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 12:23:14 pm
content: A little late, but....You could use hierarchical sheets and generate net-lists for each board separately and then load each of those into pcbnew.Move the footprints before loading the second net-list so they doesn't get stacked on top of each other.I haven't tested this thoroughly, but it should work just fine.
auto-assign footprints in Kicad? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2013, 06:18:55 pm
content: Hi all,I'm coming from a PADS background and want to learn Kicad...One of the biggest issues I guess people have with Kicad is the separate footprint assignment step between the schematic editor and the pcb editor.In PADS a schematic symbol is usually associated with one, sometimes two or three variants, of a PCB footprint. Before exporting the schematic to the pcb-editor it's possible to select which footprint each schematic symbol should have (if there are many).Is there a way of building kicad libraries so that the footprint assignment could be automated?Is there already work in this direction?AW

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2013, 07:45:50 pm
content: I am subscribed to the Kicad developers mailing list and there are a lot of new changes coming in the form of libraries (Git based) and python scripting (presently in unstable development branches). I don't recall anyone mentioning changes to CVPCB specifically though as most of the new developments (including those contributed by CERN) are centred around PCBNew.I might be a good idea to join the user group on Yahoo or explore the launchpad developer site as well as the Wiki.All links to the above can be found via Google.David.

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2013, 10:32:38 am
content: Work package 8 over here seems very close to what I am used to from PADS:http://www.ohwr.org/projects/cern-kicad/wiki/WorkPackages
Thank you Dave! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: obiwanjacobi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2012, 09:51:22 am
content: Thanks to your "review" videos on KiCad I found a nice replacement for my frustrations with EagleI had some experience with Orcad & Ultiboard in the late 80's so I am not biased very much and KiCad looks really nice.So thank you for bringing that to my attention (I'm doing catch-up with your EEV Blog I just recently discovered).Oh and I totally dig the Components to Modules (Footprints) functionality. It allows you (me) to easily upgrade from DIP prototypes to SMD production boards. Brilliant!Thanx,Marc
New In KiCad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: makoulis
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 10:15:53 am
content: I start toy route my first pcb in KiCad. But I forget to include a component in my design. How I can include it to my design with out reroute all the pcb. And also how I can make wire jumpers to my design. For example I want to add the R4 in series with pin 3 of 555 at pin 14 of 4017.Uploaded withImageShack.us

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2012, 11:00:25 am
content: First you add the resistor to the schematic, recreate the netlist, read it into pcbnew. Then just add the tracks.2 ways to use wire jumpers:a) increase the via drill size to your wire diameter and use the bottom layer for jumpers onlyb) use 0-Ohm resistorshttp://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/kicad-users/message/2018

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2012, 01:21:24 am
content: I am only new at Kicad too.It scares me when I change the schematic as I am afraid of losing work.But I think you have to annotate the schematic as well, to get your netlist.schematic, annotate, recreate the netlist, read it into pcbnew. Then just add the tracks.There are annotate options here that can muck the netlist up, so be careful.ps. Being a programmer I also use source control (subversion) on my Kicad files. .sch, .lib, .mod, .net , .pcb.I find it is especially useful as most Kicad files are text files. So you can see more easily what the differences are.I would recommend using source control with Kicad to everyone.Does anyone else do this?

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2012, 07:26:34 am
content: Yes, revision control is very important!Personally I use GIT, which is of course vastly superior. It's even better than tiramisu!

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2012, 08:23:05 am
content: I have been using svn with all its warts for 10 years, so I am used to it and importantly I have never lost any work because of it.I am not sure of gits advantages, in my experience it isGit 2 vs Me 0Once with Restore Snapshot which didn't restore anything, and once with some other sort of recover command that wasn't called anything like recover and didn't perform any recovery. ( Sorry can't remember the names but they are on the standard apple menu in XCode.)ie Lost my work, couldn't be bothered trying to dig it out of the file system, it's probably still on the machine somewhere. Admittedly It was a version integrated with Xcode.I since installed SVNX onto the Mac and it uses my windows SVN repository, which is nice and it is now centrally backed up.I am not even sure of the Advantages of a Git Style 2 stage repository for small projects, seems like a waste of time.I tend to steer away from things if I feel the level of hype doesn't match my experience, things in this category for me areApplePythonGitEach to their own, I guess.
Flickr photo group started for KiCad projects - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 04:58:06 pm
content: Have something to show off that was designed with KiCad?http://www.flickr.com/groups/kicad/Please feel free to join and share your goodies. You don't need a pro-account, the free flickr account will work nicely.The group is hungry and needs feeding!
Using Kicad PCB editor without a netlist.(solved) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2012, 12:08:03 pm
content: HiI think this may be an easy one for experienced Kicad users.I have a very large but simple circuit with stacks jof repetition, It's a MCPCB panel for leds, nothing else.I want to add tracks to the pads of my led models but can't seem to do it because there is no netlist.Is there a way around this? (Without a netlist.)Also can I just lay pads down in Kicad? I can't see a way of doing this.I am using the stable build of 19th Jan 2012

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2012, 12:39:32 pm
content: Did you turn DRC off on the Preferences->General first? By default, KiCad does a live DRC check, so it will not let you do anything that is not specified in a netlist.Turn DRC off, and you can add parts and tracks without any complaints.Richard.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2012, 12:53:33 pm
content: ThanksThat's fixed it.
KiCAD issue - Cannot make changes to a single gate in a multi-gate component. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2011, 06:11:25 pm
content: Hi all, I am making a library in KiCad. The component needs to have two gates.I create a new component and assign two parts to it in the preferences. Part A and part B selection becomes available.I draw up part A but when I select and make changes to Part B these changes are also applied to part A. I have made other libraries in the past, anyone heard of this issue?

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2011, 10:54:40 pm
content: Are you using the latest stable version or a testing version off the launchpad site (see my other post about compiling KiCAD for Windows)? If there is an issue you can check on Launchpad (https://bugs.launchpad.net/kicad) or have a look at the Yahoo kicad-users group (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/kicad-users/). I havent tried what your doing, so I can't confirm this issue myself.David.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2011, 11:45:29 pm
content: Thanks for the reply David. I was not able to find any reported bugs on that link. I downloaded it from here:http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/I am really not the type of user that will compile his CAD package in order to use it and eliminate bugs.Are you aware of a place that hosts the latest compiled version?I will also post on the kicad yahoo group I am part of.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2011, 02:02:47 am
content: Quote from: Alex on December 08, 2011, 11:45:29 pmThere is always this forum.I have been posting recent builds occasionally. I will compile the latest. I haven't done a new version recently, but I will put build38253285 up later today, if it looks OK. (Some of the testing build have had new bugs, so I haven't been posting all of the newly compiled versions I have built).Richard

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 09, 2011, 12:54:38 pm
content: Do you mean build 3285 amspire?Thanks, at least I can rule out that there isn't a problem with the installed version.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2011, 01:01:06 pm
content: Quote from: Alex on December 09, 2011, 12:54:38 pmCorrected now. Thanks for pointing it out.

author: gxti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 04:57:40 am
content: Double-click on the objects you don't want to share and make sure that "Add to all parts in package" (if it's a pin) and "Apply changes to all parts in component" (if it's a drawing) are unchecked. I'm on revision 3047 so this may or may not still apply to you.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2011, 05:59:44 am
content: Quote from: gxti on December 22, 2011, 04:57:40 amThat sounds straightforward. Thanks.The last official build was 3044. Does 3047 fix some bugs? Looks like it added eeschema sheet resizing at least.Richard.
Footprint builder for kicad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: calin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2012, 11:29:37 pm
content: Here is a nice tool to have around when you need to create a custom component ...http://cyclerecorder.org/footprintbuilder/Let's you create footprints that can be imported in a kicad library. It saved me a lot of time

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 12:14:01 am
content: Some time ago I foundthis online footprint generatorand I can recommend it, saves a lot of time too.

author: calin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 05:20:16 am
content: I use that one .. is good. Only a "small" difference between that one and the one i found.The one I gave creates PCBnew footprints, the one in your link creates EEschema symbols. Basically these two together can be used as a quick way to get custom "components" into projects.

author: McMonster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 06:21:27 am
content: Yes, my mistake, I meant schematic symbols, not footprints.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 09:31:17 am
content: Does it support standard IPC land patterns like the Altium and PADS wizards?

author: calin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 09:10:30 pm
content: For sure is not as professional as the one in Altium but you can basically use the measurements from the data sheet and just put them in and it will create a good footprint. I think it does not know SOT packages and may have some other shortcoming but hey .. better than nothing
V-Scoring - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Grayfox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 02:25:18 pm
content: How do I add V-Score grooves to my design?I cant find anything on youtube or google.Except one by the looks outdated yahoo guide which I cant download.

author: miceuz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 10:34:40 pm
content: In Kicad you add lines to "edge cuts" layer. Then export them to a separate mechanical gerber file.

author: Grayfox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 10:59:31 pm
content: Thanks.I have been using edge cuts for the PCB shape.I take it that is wrong.

author: Grayfox
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 08:19:24 am
content: Is this OK?There end part that is showing yellow is due to the fill zone.

author: miceuz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 10:37:02 am
content: It's a matter of how you export your gerbers. I'd say, show gerbers to your manufacturer before going forward with production.

author: Kohanbash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 03:40:51 pm
content: When you do your edge layer how do you differentiate between mill cuts and v-grooves?

author: miceuz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 05:21:31 pm
content: I've just drawn lines of 0.1mm width, exported them to a separate edge_cuts layer and sent gerbers to seed, got boards back with v-scoring. Here are my files:https://github.com/Miceuz/LEDCard
The freerouter that interfaces with kiCAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2011, 07:21:09 pm
content: Well i have gotten into the habit of using the freerouter thingy that interfaces with KiCAD to route boards, it helps me optimize layouts as I'm happy to not take the first option and go back and move stuff around. It is good that it tries so hard and will run even thousands of runs but at what point does it stop ? I've done more than 3100 passes on a board and at the moment it is just "oscillating" between 2 options as it can't route all of the connections, will it ever give up ? when do i stop it ?

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2011, 08:47:50 pm
content: Just stop it and route the remaining connections yourself. Simples.David.

author: cyberfish
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2011, 06:01:10 am
content: The autorouter sometimes gets stuck.Usually you can see where is the culprit (it will be a very crammed place near the trace it's trying to route). Can usually be fixed by making more space there, and just restarting.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2011, 07:12:19 am
content: Yea that's what I've started doing
Open Source Fritzing PCB Software - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 02:53:07 am
content: I just tried out the Open Source PCb package Fritzing. (http://fritzing.org/welcome/).It is for basic 2 layer PCB's, but for what it is, it looks pretty good.It has 3 view - the Schematic, the PCB and the Prototyping board layout. All three live update if you edit any of the other views. The breadboard allows for different types of breadboard such as perfboard, stripboard or the various types of plastic pluggable breadboards.So it means you can document the prototyping, and once the prototype works, the schematic will be correct and so will the PCB. Ignore the extra blue wire on the prototyping view - I forgot to delete it after adding and removing some extra components.Fritzing also gives the option of ordering reasonably priced prototyping directly from the package, or you can export Gerbers, PNGs, etc.For something that takes you from prototyping to a basic 2 layer board, it is a nice package. It would take no time to learn.Richard.

author: Jimmy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 06:34:45 am
content: Yeah I have used fritzing it is awesom for beginners and a first step into making pcb's. With no grid or snapto grid you will soon move on

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2011, 07:00:59 am
content: Quote from: Jimmy on December 31, 2011, 06:34:45 am5 minutes of using the schematic editor and it was obvious that it was not good for a big project. For one thing, it does not allow for an unterminated end of a track to exist in the schematic editor. So if you delete a component at the end of a schematic track, any attached tracks are deleted as well, even if the tracks go to other components. It does show the ratsnest lines for the missing connections, as the connections will be preserved in the PCB and prototyping views, but you have to put the track back in.But for the quick board with 20 or 30 components, I think it would be pretty good. They have kept it extremely simple.
Altium Designer is dead - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jc101
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2025, 06:22:17 pm
content: Well, it's rebranded as Agile.No more standalone installers. No more standalone licences. If you have a current maintenance agreement for updates, as I do until Dec 2026, software and updates are only available through your cloud workspace. Which is interesting, as I don't use the cloud interface.Looking at the latest release noteshttps://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/public-release-notesit looks like if you have active maintenance - you will get no updates or features unless you move to the SaaS versions.{edit to fix the images}