hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Free tool for KiCad library generation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Shamil
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 10, 2016, 09:38:24 pm
content: Let me present the result of almost one year work: project QEDA.http://qeda.org/Briefly this is the a tool for easy creating libraries of electronic components for KiCad EDA.Documentation section is under construction yet, but the utility itself is quite ready for using.Any feedback would be much appreciated.

author: filssavi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 09:56:08 am
content: As soon as i get home i'm going to give it a try since sane library management is the only thing that keeps me from using kicad as my main pcb suite

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 10:15:32 pm
content: Quote from: Shamil on September 10, 2016, 09:38:24 pmThis looks great, have you posted info at the Kicad forum too ?Can you give an example of how to define a part with (eg) user-defined courtyard, and with user-defined differing PAD Stacks on F.Paste and F.Mask ?The convention to user-define is usually if nothing is specified, then use the copper as master, but if the user defines something on F.Mask, that replaces the F.Cu information etc

author: Shamil
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 08:23:04 am
content: Thank you for your feedback.Quote from: PCB.Wiz on September 18, 2016, 10:15:32 pmDone it just now but there is premoderation filter there.Quote from: PCB.Wiz on September 18, 2016, 10:15:32 pmCourtyard outline can not be customized at the moment but there is possibility to use subset of SVG-path, which is implemented for silkscreen layer.For example, seehttps://github.com/qeda/library/blob/master/amass/xt60pb.yaml(housing.silkscreenfield). It will produce pattern provided in attachment.Regarding user-defined pad stacks, now only standard pad stacks are supported (SMD top&bottom and through-hole), mask is controlled globally for overall library withpattern.clearance.padToMaskconfiguation parameter.But I am collecting various use cases in order to add them to my tool in future. So if we will find appropriate way to define these parameters, they are to be added in further releases.

author: filssavi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 02:22:35 pm
content: More than a features request mine is a documentation request, I think that it would be nice to havea list of all the various comando line options that can be understood by the cli interfacce, since i'm thinking about putting together a simple autocompletion script (for Ubuntu and other debian derivates, not shure if it'll work on Fedora) that i can contributo back

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 11:15:16 am
content: Nice! thanks for sharing Free tool for KiCad library generation.
Exported SVG in Illustrator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2016, 06:46:28 pm
content: Ohai,I have an issue with SVG files exported by KiCAD. I edit them in Adobe Illustrator (to add text, for exemple).The problem is that every stroke are ridiculously thicker than they should be. For exemple theu weight 33.33 mm instead of 0.24mm.Has anyone seen the same issue? Any one knows a solution?Illustrator is the CC version, up to date.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2016, 10:58:57 pm
content: This is SCH ?I see SVG and DXF export as simply polylines, so you could also try PDF into Illustrator.PDF seems to export with Text and a polyline combination (text invisible, but searchable)

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2016, 08:15:38 pm
content: No, I want to export from PCBNew, to print on transparent for photo+chemical PCB making.Printing to PDF is not great, since I paths are not connected, and selecting each one of the same kind is too arduous.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2016, 11:14:05 pm
content: Quote from: Watth on August 13, 2016, 08:15:38 pmPcbNew -> SVG looks perfectly fine to me, viewing in a Chrome Browser ?Text plots as vectors, in the expected line-width, and pads render with holes == Drill Size.( For larger pads, a drill dot could be nice to have...)

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2016, 12:49:26 pm
content: Yes, it appears OK in InkScape... It's weird that Illustrator makes such a mess...

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2016, 02:55:45 am
content: Quote from: Watth on August 15, 2016, 12:49:26 pmA cynic might say that is a deliberate Turf Protection Ploy by Adobe, for any file format that isnottheir own, to be crippled in some way ...Do you have to use Illustrator ?

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2016, 04:16:07 am
content: Did you tried Library editor? Even in PCbNew, you can export the complete board as SVG or from the file menu.

author: Watth
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2016, 12:27:37 pm
content: Quote from: PCB.Wiz on August 17, 2016, 02:55:45 amAppart from the SVGs from pcbnew, I usually don't have problems to open this format.I'm more used to Illustrator, now. And there are some features that InkScape doesn't have. (And I pay for Adobe CC, FFS! I might as well use it!)Quote from: technotronix on August 17, 2016, 04:16:07 amThat's what I do :Quote from: Watth on August 10, 2016, 06:46:28 pm
Error loading netlist - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 07:52:21 pm
content: So I've got my schematic and now when I want to read the netlist to start routing I get this:No soultion on google, no idea what to do..EDIT: Fixed it!

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2017, 09:42:22 am
content: Are you using 4.0.1 version of Kicad, to get rid of the other library problem (missing footprints)?

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2017, 11:37:25 am
content: Quote from: technotronix on February 21, 2017, 09:42:22 amNope, I'm using 4.0.5.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 06:42:22 am
content: Can you share your netlist file?
Marking KiCad project - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Scigatt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 17, 2016, 03:20:35 am
content: What should I do to mark a KiCad project and the associated files with, say, a CC license?

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2016, 05:20:04 am
content: How are you distributing them?I'd just put a README.txt or LICENCE.txt file in the same folder as the project. As a second step you can also add text to the schematic (and PCB if not an issue).

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2016, 07:02:39 pm
content: Are there a pretty logo to put in the PCB too?

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2016, 07:14:01 pm
content: You can use the comment layer.Alexander.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2016, 11:13:02 am
content: Quote from: firewalker on June 18, 2016, 07:14:01 pmI wonder if there's preloaded symbols in the KiCad library too.I know the standard way is to show the license on README.md and COPYRIGHT.md, putting the complete license on LICENSE.md or (NAME Of LICENSE).md for complex projects with GPL/LGPL/BSD for software and other like CERN Open Hardware License for the hardware schematics & PCB design.It would be to have in kicad-library pretty symbols about "Made with KiCad" "X license" and such in different styles and sizes. Just to show the proud of using KiCad and being an Open Hardware project to the rest.Please: No references to OSHWA and their OSHW tax :/

author: stryker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2016, 11:44:34 am
content: If you're after the CC-BY-SA logo, I use the one from theDangerous PrototypesEagleCAD library (from their github,here)It is really easy to create logos for KiCad, but I've never bothered with that one as the work's already done.Cheers! Geoff

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2016, 11:19:29 pm
content: Quote from: stryker on June 19, 2016, 11:44:34 amThat's nice. Thanks! But I did mean about the KiCad logo both for silkscreen and copper. It would be very cool to have a "Made with KiCad" symbol to include in the PCB itself

author: ian.rees
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 09:43:00 pm
content: If you make one, the KiCad Symbols library -https://github.com/KiCad/Symbols.pretty- has some OSH logos and might be an appropriate place to put in a pull request. -Ian-

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2016, 01:04:27 pm
content: I made one!You can see it here:https://github.com/AlexanderBrevig/Symbol_KiCAD-LogoPull request here:https://github.com/KiCad/Symbols.pretty/pull/3EDIT: It got pulled

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2016, 12:26:45 pm
content: I think putting LICENCE.txt file in the same folder as the project is the best way to do this.
KiCad 4.0.3 Stable Released - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: s8548a
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2016, 04:21:53 pm
content: KiCad V4.0.3 Stable has been released with many bug fixes this month.Here is the official announcement about the release :http://kicad-pcb.org/post/release-4.0.3/Please upgrade and check it out.Download:http://kicad-pcb.org/download/windows/
Is there a way in Pcbnew to move footprints without breaking connections? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 07:38:12 pm
content: I find lots of info on how to do this in Eschema, but not how to do it in Pcbnew with footprints. Say I just want to scoot a footprint over? do I really need to manually reconnect everything?

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 09:44:56 am
content: In the Default canvas, there is a "Drag" option which rubber bands the tracks when you move a footprint, but beware it doesn't do a very good job. It's ok for small moves, but even then I usually end up redrawing the tracks.
KiCad and interoperability: File formats of other EDA, use in teams: Any plans? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 04:28:13 am
content: HellolachlanA is the creator of the Eagle to KiCad ULP script for Eagle. He made me think about this personal OCD topic I have in my mind again:Quote from: lachlanA on June 15, 2016, 03:42:08 am

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 02:24:31 am
content: Some nice links there, the Upverter one says this, but from 3 years ago"WARNING: Upverter is in the process of overhauling our UPV format to a new version. We don't expect to maintain the current version, however we look forward to sharing our new version with you when it's ready to go!"- seems to have gone well off the boil, if nothing has appeared in 3 years ?Meanwhile, a new trend appears - I see many Component Distributors are now moving into CAD, with some interesting moves around Libraries.eg RS have ECAD Part Wizard which can browse by part code, and extract and export SCH and PCB symbols, in a few CAD formats.Presently, their ASCII format export choice isPADS ASCII, which should not be too difficult to translate to KiCad.(maybe someone with inside influence can get them to add kiCad directly..?)This would open up a pretty broad WEB resource, to KiCad users, and save a lot of library time, plus they can port theirownlibraries.I like the idea of first doing a Library-based converter, as that keeps things simple, but saves significant time, and it is usually the Libraries Inertia effects that hold CAD users captive.Full design convert can come off the back of the Library Converter code.There is apparently some changes/improvements coming in eeschema SCH side,http://ci.kicad-pcb.org/job/kicad-doxygen/ws/Documentation/doxygen/html/v5_road_map.html
How to design a "Dual edge pcb connector" footprint? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2016, 01:47:42 pm
content: Hi All!Anyone has a clue how to design a "dual edgepcbconnector" footprint ?I know it needs to be a footprint. I went through the footprint library but didn't find anything like that.Thanks!

author: doobedoobedo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2016, 09:49:42 pm
content: I assume you want the pads on both sides of the board. When you edit a pad you can choose which layer it's on, so just put one row of pads on f.cu and the other in line on b.cu
Possible to read allegro board file into kicad? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 08:26:01 pm
content: I have allegro board file that I'd like to read into kicad. Is it possible? Anyone done it or know how?Should I abandon hope?The essence of a board, here's my guess.part namespart positionspart dimensionsboard dimensionslayer detailsFrom my naive point of view it seems that a board file for one package will contain the same data as a board file from another with only the organization of the data differing. Sounds like a converter would be doable.So how naive am I?

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 02:01:58 am
content: I found this program but I don't see any mention of allegro.https://github.com/upverter/schematic-file-converter/Is there another name allegro goes by? I found out allegro is by company called cadence.I did try to read the board file into kicad but got an error.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 03:19:12 am
content: Quote from: GiskardReventlov on April 19, 2014, 02:01:58 amCadence bought OrCad so they have bidirectional integration with this:http://www.cadence.com/products/orcad/orcad_capture/pages/default.aspxAlso Allegro can export to:–– Capture–– EDA XML–– CSV–– Mentor DxDesigner–– Design Architectand import from:–– EDA XML–– Si2 PinPak XML–– VHDL–– Verilog–– Synopsys PTM models–– CSV and text files–– Die text–– Pin grids–– Pin tables–– Cadence OrCAD Capture–– Mentor Graphics DxDesigner–– Mentor Graphics Design Architect–– Allegro Package Designer–– FPGA (Xilinx, Actel, Altera)–– IBIS–– DMLhttp://www.cadence.com/rl/Resources/datasheets/allegro_pcb_lib_xl_ds.pdfSo I guess you will need someone with Allegro to export to DxDesigner, or OrCad when they start that work.In the meantime there is a free viewer but that probably won't help you much.Edit: but in case the viewer helps, here is the official link:http://www.cadence.com/products/pcb/Pages/downloads.aspxName is: Allegro/SIP/MCM FREE Physical Viewers 16.6You might find it on other places but I wouldn't trust not known downloads for executables.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 04:47:20 pm
content: Quote from: miguelvp on April 19, 2014, 03:19:12 amI guess that it's called a viewer it probably does not have any export or save features.I guess the thing to do is to try to get the author to save in a more portable format.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2014, 08:09:32 pm
content: If you have allegro and know how to save to a file that kicad can use it would be great!I tried to attach just the board file but there's a single-file size limit of 1000K here so here's the link.This files contains yet two more zip files.https://github.com/CircuitCo/BeagleBone-Black-A6/blob/master/BBB_PCB.zip

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2016, 02:15:23 am
content: Any news about this?
Projects done in KiCad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 02:55:07 pm
content: Hello.This is going to be done kind of list of projects done or being made in KiCad. Of course, these could be added eventually to KiCad-pcb.Org-Transistor/Component tester: The famous one with zillions of Chinese clones. The next design is going to be done in KiCad by madires, he might provide some useful feedback (check the forum thread waiting for reply).
Multiple schematics for a project - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sentry7
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 03:15:33 pm
content: Hey guys,Suppose I have a project that I want to revise. Can I make a copy of the original .sch file, name it accordingly, and then put it in the same folder? Will this cause issues?

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 05:02:24 pm
content: no you can do it like that.

author: valere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 02:00:40 pm
content: If you are careful about the libraries, it's doable.Create a new project, add the required library, then the correctly named sch file and hope the version change didn't break everything (resistor and cap size change last year or something like that when progress on general coherency has been added)...

author: sentry7
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 02:09:49 pm
content: I asked the folks at the KiCad forums and one suggestion was to have the main project in one folder, and then a subfolder for each revision. A lot neater, and no risk of the program (or me) getting confused.

author: valere
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2017, 11:26:23 pm
content: Quote from: sentry7 on March 11, 2017, 02:09:49 pmRight, I actually misunderstood your question, I was thinking that you wanted to get the schematic from another of your project for a new one.The other good way for revision would be to use GIT, it works quite neat with Kicad files I think, especially by adding the right file extension to the ".gitignore". Granted, the learning curve of GIT is far from being the simplest one.

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 07:50:38 am
content: Yes definitely use some proper version control like Git or SVN rather than play around with multiple files.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 10:05:04 am
content: Yes, You can do multiple schamatic for a project. Check it out. It may help you.http://re-innovation.co.uk/web12/index.php/en/blog-75/315-multiple-sheet-schematics-in-kicad

author: DougM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 08:21:01 pm
content: Not sure if this exactly addresses the OP question or not, but KiCad does indeed allow for multiple schematics within a project. Not only that, they are hierarchical, meaning you can have a schematic, within a schematic, within a schematic etc.I particularly like this for repeated blocks of stuff. A change in the schematic describing a single block shows up in the other "instances" of the same block.
Creating a component with multiple, non-identical Units - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jimh12
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 12:38:37 am
content: Can someone who is familiar with Kicad Library editor instruct me on how to create a component (a ARM processor in this case) with three individual , unique sections? I have a Unit A, Unit B and Unit C. If I edit Unit B it impacts what I have already done on Unit A. I want the Units to just be sections of the same ARM processor. I am doing this to be able to put the sections on different pages of the schematic. Thanks, jimh12

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 11:22:31 am
content: Aye,When creating a new component, in the component properties window, check the "Units are not interchangeable" option.Say on unit A you draw a rectangle, and add a few pins, then go to unit B, the rectangle remains but the pins are no longer there, allowing you add different pins.Now, say you wanted to make a new rectangle, and not have the one from unit A on unit B or C.Go back to unit A, right click on the rectangle and select "Edit Rectangle Options", this will bring up a properties window, there will be a section called "Sharing" and there will be an option "Common to all units in component", this will be checked, if you un-check this it should allow you to create different graphics for units B and C.HTH!

author: jimh12
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 10:35:08 pm
content: :-+Fantastic.... thanks for the reply, your instructions worked and I should have posted my inquiry three days ago. Thanks again.

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 02:34:00 pm
content: Not a problem.Welcome to the forum!
Kicad for noobs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electrogeek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2016, 10:50:09 am
content: HiIs there is a good brief guide to kicad out there? I'v been using altium at work for years but would like to get into some home projects however to say how kicad works is a bit opaque to me is something of an understatementCheers

author: stryker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2016, 11:30:17 am
content: HiI've found the videos by Chris at theContextual Electronics siteamong the best, but with the caveat that I don't know how many (if any) have been updated to the current stable release 4.0. There was a long time and significant change between versions. Having said that, the concepts haven't changed significantly.Good luck

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2016, 10:27:56 pm
content: Take a look here:http://kicad-pcb.org/help/tutorials/

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2016, 09:05:34 am
content: Can you read Spanish? There is a first class KiCad guide in Spanish, much better of anything I have seen in English. It's is PDF format (it's not written by me).

author: NilByMouth
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2016, 09:55:37 am
content: Try:

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 21, 2016, 02:20:39 pm
content: Quote from: EdoNork on March 06, 2016, 09:05:34 amCould you post direct link to the PDF?

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 22, 2016, 08:04:38 am
content: Here is a link to the post of a forum thread where the direct link is:Tutorial KiCad en españolThe post is written by the tutorial author (not me).

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2016, 06:37:36 pm
content: Muchas gracias.Tony (Valenciano en el exilio)

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 27, 2016, 09:32:56 am
content: ¡De nada!*Please, take a look at the forum too.*You're welcome!
KIcad leaving lot of graphical "garbage" behind - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 09:19:36 pm
content: I did not know the best way to explain this so here is a screenshot of what I mean:When manipulating/moving stuff it seems to make a mess. Zooming in and out clears it. Is this a known issue and is there a fix for it? Using build 2013-jul-07.... actually that seems old, I installed from the PPA. Or is that the latest stable release?OS is Linux Mint 17.1.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 09:30:00 pm
content: The version you are using is ancient.Go tokicad-pcb.org(the official Kicad website), and get the latest version, currently 4.0.2.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 09:36:56 pm
content: That's where I got it, it just pointed me to a PPA which I setup with the provided command. Though I think what may be happening is when I do apt-get install it's just getting it from the main repo instead of the PPA. Is there a way to verify this or tell it to use the PPA?

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 09:58:02 pm
content: Oh just realized I forgot to do apt-get update. I installed and now I'm at 4.0.2-4 and the issue I was having is gone now.

author: rolycat
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 10:05:37 pm
content: Excellent!If you ever need to check in future, try this:Code:apt-cache policy kicadThe "Candidate" line will show the version which will be installed.
Earth changed to +5V - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gilbenl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 07:16:33 pm
content: Due to a glut of components, I implemented hierarchical sheets in my CAD. I used global labels for all power rails. Now, the netlist is trying to change all "Earth" pins to "+5V." Any ideas assuming I don't have something crossed?

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 07:55:12 pm
content: Sounds like you have a crossed wire.I have multi sheet schematics in KiCAD without any issues, I'd suggest double checking all of your rails.Did you do ERC checking with power flags etc? That normally picks up quite a lot of issues.

author: gilbenl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 08:37:57 pm
content: I do use power flags w/ERC and it only returned a single warning, which was on purpose. Went to the IC causing the issue and resaved it in the footprint editor wo changing anything. Everything's fixed. Odd...

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2016, 09:47:39 pm
content: It is odd, are you using the latest version? 4.0.2?You could try asking on the KiCAD forum, and checking the bug tracker to see if anyone else has had a similar issue, it's not one I've experienced though.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 17, 2016, 05:34:28 am
content: Can you share the Eeschema file?
Non round hole - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: old gregg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2016, 02:43:17 pm
content: I have a project which needs to fix the potentiometer trough the board. I use GerbLook to visual the board with gerber files. But the needed holes aren't represented correctly (cf. picture). OshPark webesite gave me the same output.Is it a Kicad problem or a Gerblook ? How can I manage this ?

author: doobedoobedo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2016, 03:29:03 pm
content: I found this a few days agoQuote from: OSHParkWhat I actually did was add a line drawn for the slot on the edge cuts layer the same thickness as the diameter of the slot.Quote from: OSHParkI get an error when opening the 3D view, although it still seems to render it fine so:Quote from: OSHPark

author: old gregg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 05:10:26 pm
content: thank you.It appears to be a known issue. I'll investigate that, I was about to order PCB. Good things I verified it.A substitute could be to make them plain hole I guess, but I've doubs about the proper holding of the potentiometers.

author: doobedoobedo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 05:17:16 pm
content: Mine was a vertical USB port. I wasn't keen on making big holes either.

author: old gregg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2016, 08:31:21 pm
content: I created new footprint with round hole. Might be easier to make manufactered, although I try the slot method. The potentiometer and jacks will be tied to the front panel with nuts so I guess it won't be problematic.For a USB connector, the story is different I guess.

author: doobedoobedo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2016, 06:16:43 pm
content: The boards came back with nice plated slots

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 01:29:57 am
content: I've made boards with oblong holes straight up from KiCAD to dirtypcbs, and they came back perfect. Not sure if they had to manually intervene though and translate the drillout to a millout, but regardless they're as expected even though their online preview just shows a simple drill hole. This is for a TE USB micro board connector, two layer board.

author: old gregg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2016, 12:06:39 pm
content: I've made round holes and send the pcb to the chinese fab, it isn't really an issue to have round holes in this case. I really needed to get something going. But as I'm not really satisfied, I'll probably change the layout (again).By the way, it has nothing to do with the subject but it's commun pratice to use the back layer as a ground plane along with the top one ? both being connected with vias ? I've seen some PCBs using that method.

author: old gregg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2016, 03:38:54 pm
content: I finally built the boards. And everything worked out good. It is either a miracle or the result of a detailed care. For a first pcb I'm quite happy with the result. Although the acrylic panel isn't the cutest one...
New KiCad Spanish forum: shameless promotion - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2016, 10:13:00 am
content: Hi,I have been translating KiCad to Spanish.This has led to quite a few people contact me, which eventually led to the creation of a forum in Spanish about KiCad.Those interested can find itHERE.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2016, 10:29:39 am
content: The Spanish translation of KiCad has been featured atHackaday.First time they published a full blog entry in Spanish.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 09:41:48 pm
content: Thanks a lot for your support!
Design board with footprints only? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MSO
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2016, 08:09:11 am
content: I'm trying to make an adapter that will combine an SMD oscillator footprint with the footprint of an 8 pin DIP device. I suppose that I could make two dummy devices, but that seems like a lot of extra trouble.I'd like to just place an 8 pin DIP footprint on my board, then overlay that with the oscillator footprint and then draw the wires as needed. I've not found any way to place an unassociated footprint onto the board.Am I overlooking something?

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2016, 09:19:00 am
content: You can add modules in pcbnew that are not in the netlist (Place->Footprints, then left click). To lay traces you need to turn off various DRC checking.Personally I find it quite easy to draw the schematic, you don't need to use correct symbols, just a connector with the right number of pins. Then wiring is quite easy using the "repeat last" function ("Insert" key).

author: MSO
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2016, 02:30:11 am
content: Thanks Bob,I finally acquiesced and built a new component for my footprint, added a DIL8 component to which I associated a DIP-8_W7 footprint and finally created the net list. I must have ended up with my footprint stored in a half-dozen libraries; still can't figure out if there is an application wide scheme to library management. I'm sure there is, but I've yet to discover the key.Ending up spending a load of time marrying a component designed in inches with another designed in metric; those traces just would not 'snap' into place. That was compounded by my use of varying grid sizes. Whoooeee, that was fun to figure out.Still, the board is off to OSH Park; I'll be getting 6 adapters for $2.50 delivered. Are those guys going to remain viable giving things away like that?All in all, when some guy who doesn't know anything about a PCB except that it has a top, a bottom and whole bunch of stuff soldered on it, the experience wasn't bad at all.
Export Dimension SVG for case design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: adammhaile
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2015, 01:15:52 am
content: I'm trying to figure out a way to import dimension and layout data from a KiCad PCB into 123D design. Kicad will export to SVG which 123D can import but the units are all wrong. It seems that Kicad makes the values in the SVG mils, which 123D design interprets as mm... so a 21.5mm board side becomes 8.4 metersIs there any way to specify how it formats the SVG, or maybe other tools that could convert from a gerber file such that all the SVG units are mm? For whatever stupid reason, 123Donlyhandles mm.

author: old gregg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2016, 04:41:48 pm
content: anyone has experience on the matter ?I'm trying to make a front panel but the SVG output is rather odd.( Although I may have missed something)
Kicad compare  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 05:01:51 am
content: I like using diptrace and how does KiCad compare to diptrace ?

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 07:55:15 am
content: In the future, I suggest you to use better subjects. This one isn't so descriptive.I had a brief try with DipTrace. It has many good ideas. I didn't try it further, sorry for being unable to help you better.
Omitting pads from solder mask - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2015, 03:12:07 am
content: I just used oshstencils.com to create a stencil and wasn't giving it much thought, but on inspection realize the stensil includes my test pads. For me these are little 1mm round pads inline on a trace, just someplace to stick a probe on a prototype. My google-fu might be weak, but I can't find anything on how to modify a pad on a footprint to exclude it from the solder mask. I'd prefer to keep the nice shiny ENIG surface on the pads, but of course tinning them isn't the end of the world - so it's a pretty vain concern admittedly. But how do I do it right and tell KiCAD that a pad shouldn't be omitted from the solder mask?

author: aon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2015, 12:22:24 pm
content: If you edit a pad in pcbnew (by pressing E on it or from the right mouse button menu), you can exclude it from showing up on paste and/or mask layers in the "Technical Layers" section of the dialog. Or you could do the same thing in the footprint editor to avoid doing it for every TP individually.
Copyleft STEP repository: Is it possible?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2015, 07:02:58 pm
content: Hello.Are there a possibility to organize and manage a copyleft electronics STEP repository in GitHub?I know this is quite time consuming and crazy to do, but...It can be populated by already available ones from other projects and new contributions.This way, they could be properly linked to the apropiate electronics parts in the repository itself. Maybe not just KiCad, but a somewhat standardized way per app to associate each STEP to the corresponding part.I know full STEP and MCAD integration into KiCad is a very big challenge effort, but I hope it can happen eventually after other priority tasks get done (code cleaning, improving UX, RTCE, part manager maybe by using a database...). Maybe this effort could meanwhile be used by StepUP and others until this happensMy idea about this is for the future: I would use it for 3D rendering only right now.- I imagine in some distant future to use it for making PCB fit in cases correctly and simulate thermal behavior to check if can dissipate heat correctly on normal or somewhat extreme conditions.A copyleft repository would make things easier to recycle work and even submit improvements.Kind regards.

author: easyw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 08:49:22 pm
content: Hi @timofonicthat was exactly what I was thinking about...https://forum.kicad.info/t/3d-new-library-for-mechanical-cad-exporting-and-enclosure-design/1763that is the consequence ofhttps://forum.kicad.info/t/how-to-interactive-align-3d-model-to-pcbnew-footprint-new-tool-for-kicad-in-altium-style/1711/47and it will integrate all parametric models that me and hyOzd have donehttps://github.com/easyw/kicad-3d-models-in-freecad/tree/master/cadquery/FCAD_script_generatorIf you are interested in building some 3D FreeCAD model, your help will be very welcome!Maurice

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 10:45:40 pm
content: @easywI'm having a really hard time with studies right now, but I'll think about it! It seems quite interesting

author: easyw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 09:40:06 pm
content: @timofonicdon't worry...there is plenty of time...just focus on your studies for the momentkeep in touchMaurice
Running KiCad 4.0.0 on Ubuntu 12.04 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: anachrocomputer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 01:57:21 pm
content: I'm currently running an older version of KiCad on my Linux machine, which runs 12.04. It's a long-term support version of Ubuntu, but not the very latest one (that's 14.04 LTS). I have read about the PPA for installing KiCad on Ubuntu, but as far as I can see, that only supports 14.04 and newer versions. I'd like to upgrade to the latest version 4 KiCad.Is there any way to get a pre-compiled package for Kicad 4 on Ubuntu 12.04? Or do I need to compile from source code? And if I try the latter, will it work? has anyone done this?

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 05:38:11 pm
content: Launchpad lists aversion from this month for 12.04.ou should be able to install the.debvia SoftwareCenter. If that doesn't work try:Code:sudo add-apt-repository ppa:js-reynaud/kicad-package-daily-stablesudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install kicadAfter you enablebackportsin general and add those listed on the site liked above under "Dependencies".

author: anachrocomputer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 08:41:47 pm
content: Thanks for a detailed answer! I set up the PPA and sure enough, I was able to apt-get a newer version. But it was dated July 2014, not December 2015. That .deb file looks like it's for AMD64, is that right? I'm running a 32-bit Linux installation here. I wonder if the newest KiCad for 32-bit is in fact the one I got, and the version for 12.04 from recently is 64-bit-only?

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 07:25:31 am
content: .deb files for 32bit systemsOn processors that are not more than 5-10 years, you should use 64bits.
pinching track widths? how to do this? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 3roomlab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 03:18:55 pm
content: hello folksin eagle, you could freely select a track and pinch the size freely (ie to avoid "obstacles")how do you do it in kicad? i have a net, it cant be that i have to define all the sizes i need to pinch? ie : 16mil, 17mil .... all the way to 200mil?ie: pic below, net 00002-000002, the intermediate diagonal going thru 2 pads (avoiding 00003), it doesnt allow to connect, and there is no choice to resize for that segment, so i could not connect it in 1 connection?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 03:35:29 pm
content: No need to define the sizes. Just switch to the new OpenGL layout engine (should be default in the newest version that just came out, you might have to update), and then you can just punch Q and put in whatever size you want.
KiCad thieving patterns? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 01, 2015, 10:04:16 pm
content: I've noticed there's no option in KiCad (bzr 6202) for a fill zone to have a thieving pattern. What's a good way to do this? I mainly want it reduce board warpage and perhaps strain. (Or more specifically, let the pattern help absorb up the strain from a large solid ground pour.) Setting a suitable grid size and manually clicking pads onto the F.Cu layer only (no mask)? If I do this, is there a way to easily hide them? Is there some clever way of managing them, for example by creating a component with 100 pads, no connected or visible pins, and a footprint that ONLY consists of a checkerboard of unlocked and unmasked pads? Then groups of pads could be moved around as needed.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 07, 2015, 07:10:23 am
content: Just in case anyone is curious, I think I figured out a way to do this.1. Create a footprint. Set the grid to 0.5mm.2. Add a single rectangular pad. Set its size to 1.5x1.5mm.3. Set its solder mask clearance to -1.5mm. This will make the solder mask cover it. (-0.75 probably works too, or maybe a little more to allow for rounding error.)To add a thieving pattern (in the OGL renderer, didn't try the software renderer):1. Switch to a 0.5mm grid.2. Place the covered pad footprint created above.3. Place a few more one grid spacing apart (0.5mm)4. In the OGL renderer, select a group of pads5. Duplicate (cmd-d on OS X) and place the copy 0.5mm apart from the others6. Duplicate and place moreMaybe create a few more handy pattern, but I found the manual fill pretty quick and easy when standardizing on a base grid size. 0.5mm grid with 1.5mm pads works nicely.Still need to confirm this works reliably with a gerber viewer. Will be using it on my next board to have significant bare space on the top layer.
kicad new tool: interactive align 3d model to pcbnew footprint in Altium style - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: easyw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 11:09:46 am
content: Hi,I've madea tool to align the 3d model directly moving it over the pcbnew footprint.here there is a small video tutorial:https://youtu.be/O6vr8QFnYGwWith 'kicad-StepUp-tools' is possible todownload a STEP part from on-line libraries(e.g. 3dcontentcentral, grabcad, etc),align the model to kicad footprintandexport the model to wrl.That will produce a 3d VRML model exactly aligned to footprint as in mechanical CAD.That will align EDA to MCAD 3d viewers. No need to reiterate the aligning process or empiric calculate offset and rotation to apply to VRML model.You can also click on 'Create axis' button to have an other help in orienting the part.TIP:footprint aligner workflow:- load the Macro- open the 3d STEP model in FreeCAD- click on 'load the footprint' button- align the part to footprint- click on 'scale to kicad VRML' buttonThis 3d tool is a part of the kicad StepUp MCAD exporter, a plugin for pcbnew to make ECAD MCAD collaboration available also in kicad.and here the place to download the script:http://sourceforge.net/projects/kicadstepup/Maurice

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 06:09:20 pm
content: Thanks a lot for making EDA-MCAD integration easier on Linux!

author: easyw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 07:10:12 pm
content: thanks for giving me this nice feedback!PS it works also in Windows and OSX

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 07:28:05 pm
content: Quote from: easyw on November 28, 2015, 07:10:12 pmWell yes. I did mean FOSS electronics, but my main goal is the Free Open Source ecosystem and Linux is my main platform.
Importing Altium PCB into KiCAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 11:04:43 pm
content: http://ludzinc.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/whats-all-this-kicad-stuff-anyhow.html?m=1My adventures in porting Dave's uCurrent to KiCAD

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 02:25:18 am
content: And I finally finished the import!You can check it out here:http://ludzinc.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/closing-kicad-gaps.htmlKiCAD files for the uCurrent are there for grabs if interested.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2014, 06:35:16 am
content: Well done!Alexander.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 03:23:13 am
content: What about repeating a similar process by using latestAltium2KiCad?

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 05:26:37 pm
content: No volunteers? I'll try when having enough free time...
Highlight Net in Eeschema - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TwinScroll
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 12:45:19 pm
content: Hi Guys,I have tried searching for this, but I am getting nowhereI have been using Net Names on my Schematic so that it is much cleaner to follow, However during my checking process I wondered Is there a way to highlight a complete Net?I am aware that there is a Highlight Net tool in the 'pcbnew' side of Kicad - but does the Eeschema have a similar feature somewhere?Any advice would be great!Thanks guys.TS
Micro sd card library for KICAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RonSV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 05:16:14 pm
content: Hi,Could someone please share a microsdcard footprint for KICAD?

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 07:15:19 pm
content: The footprint depends on the particular card slot.
KiCad "don't care" or "alternative" connections - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ynfo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2015, 01:07:52 pm
content: Hi,Not sure of the correct terminology here but is there a way of specifying "don't care" or "alternative" connections to a footprint in KiCad?e.g. when placing a connector where I don't care which pins are used but some alternatives would make for a much easier routing. Similarly where I have a DAC with 8 analog outputs but I'm only using 3 and don't care which ones are used.

author: andersm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 11:45:52 am
content: Can't you put the "not connected" symbol (blue cross) on the unused pins in the schematic?

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 05:28:03 pm
content: You don't specify on the footprint you specify on the schematic symbol.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 08:22:09 pm
content: In the schematic, connect the wire to all possible pins. Then after the board is done, rip up the unused ones?
Missing TO_SOT_Packages_SMD.pretty  & TO_SOT_Packages_THT.pretty - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2015, 01:42:19 am
content: I downloaded the kicad extras file, unzipped it and copied all the files in it to the /Library/Application Support in my OSX.But when I run pcbnew, I get this error message.I checked the directory and of course, the files werent there. That's the problem.But kicad has an entry for these 2 files in it's fp-lib-table. So it's definitely expecting it to be there.(lib (name TO_SOT_Packages_SMD)(type KiCad)(uri ${KISYSMOD}/TO_SOT_Packages_SMD.pretty)(options "")(descr "The way you like them."))(lib (name TO_SOT_Packages_THT)(type KiCad)(uri ${KISYSMOD}/TO_SOT_Packages_THT.pretty)(options "")(descr "The way you like them."))Are these 2 library files a separate download from the official kicad package?By googling around, I found these files athttps://github.com/KiCad/TO_SOT_Packages_SMD.prettyhttps://github.com/KiCad/TO_SOT_Packages_THT.prettySo what's the deal here? Why are these (2) .pretty files referenced in the official kicad fp-lib-table, but not included in the official distribution?Should I:a) delete these entries in the fp-lib-tableorb) download these 2 files from github.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2015, 02:41:44 am
content: Quote from: fivefish on September 14, 2015, 01:42:19 amI suppose that if you actually need those footprints, you should pull them from the git library.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 09:57:37 pm
content: I recommend you ask in KiCad-users ML and KiCad.info.Please paste your reply here too!