hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Drag a group of components + wires - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2015, 04:07:59 am
content: Can you DRAG a group of components and wires, and have it still be connected to whatever net it's supposed to be connected?It doesn't seem to work, and instead KiCad just moves the whole group, breaking the connection.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2015, 05:34:05 am
content: Late to reply here, you might have already discovered this:1) using the left mouse, draw a box around the group and let go of the mouse key2) it will start moving the components DISCONNECTED3a) hit the TAB key on your keyboard, it will keep the wire CONNECTED nowor3b) right click and get the context menu, choose Drag BlockTAB is the hotkey for Drag Block when in Block Select mode.It also doesn't make any attempt to keep your dragged wires looking nice

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2015, 03:52:28 pm
content: Quote from: codeboy2k on September 18, 2015, 05:34:05 amTHANK YOU SO MUCH!!! it works.It also doesn't make any attempt to keep your dragged wires looking niceI know, same with Eagle. But it's important it keeps the net connection.
Copying/duplicating Layout Portions in pcbnew/Kicad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2015, 06:58:54 am
content: I just came up against a problem and I am curious as to how other people tackle this in their Kicad workflow. I have a few circuit "blocks" that I want to reuse across multiple pcbs (e.g. switching supply layouts) and sometimes multiple times on the same layouts (e.g. multiple amplifiers all with the same parts and layouts for consistency). What is the easiest way to reuse and duplicate layouts? And how are people doing this in a way to keep things in line with schematic layouts? Cheers.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2015, 09:13:39 am
content: Try saving each block into a seperate project (also save the schematic and board in their own files as well). In the latest builds of Kicad I think you can append a schematic as well as a PCB. However I think you have to open EESchema and PCBnew indepedently of the Kicad project manager in order to append schematics and Pcb's.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 03:16:28 am
content: Quote from: djsb on September 05, 2015, 09:13:39 amWhy is needed to do that? Black magic? I don't get it, it's disturbing.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 07:32:15 pm
content: It is a safety measure so you don't accidentally screw up your project. It was in regular kicad operation mode on purpose until a better solution can be implemented.
kicad 3d VRML with textures support - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: easyw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 08:49:52 pm
content: Hi,at the moment kicad doesn't support vrml texture, but I found a tricky way to add VRML texture support for a board generated in kicad and exported to VRMLif you just export your 3d board and VRML models with kicad copying the models to 3D path, and then change your VRML model without texture with a model with texture in that folder, you can have a VRML representation of board and modules with the desired texturethat would be nice/useful e.g. for povray generation of 3d realistic rendering or blender picture rendering or animation3d screenshot in kicadand the3d screenshot in FreeCAD with texture (VRML file exported from kicad)Maurice

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 06:12:50 pm
content: Did you use StepUP? That's what appears in your screenshots

author: easyw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2015, 08:30:12 pm
content: Hi,all the modules comes from kicad StepUp tool conversionhttp://sourceforge.net/projects/kicadstepup/that helps in converting 3D STEP models to VRML models, with the right alignment, and convert the board to MCAD. (almost everything I do with 3D is developed in kicad StepUp)Then the VRML models are rendered in kicad 3d-viewer and exported by kicad itself to VRML pcb assemblies.To add the texture I just added a thin plate over the central VRML QFP chip, and I changed that plate in the 'shapes3D' folder with a plate with texture inside.This trick will let you display your texture image for example forhttp://www.povray.org/PovRay orhttp://www.blender.org/Blender artistic rendering or animation.The devs are thinking to integrate texture natively in kicad, but this task has a low priority.This dirty trick is a small hackMaurice

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 02:41:13 am
content: Quote from: easyw on November 06, 2015, 08:30:12 pmSorry, I didn't know you are the StepUP developer!Thanks for your efforts. Some people see 3D as a gimmick, but it could be useful for many stuff and MCAD is the most interesting one. I just hope KiCad gets native STEP support eventually and they switch their 3D models to STEP, that would make things even more interesting

author: easyw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 09:25:36 am
content: Hi @timofonic,it would be just a great 'STEP' ahead to switch from Wings3D to FreeCAD to model all the parts...FreeCAD can export 3D model to STEP and to VRML, so the two formats can co-exist ...that will make much easier to manage MCAD conversion and will keep models with dimensions as per the real worldHyOzd and me have tried to suggest to start a parallel repository, but at the moment the community is still on Wings3D side ...https://github.com/KiCad/kicad-library/issues/186FreeCAD is a solid mechanical sw and is fully scriptable (kicad python API are really poor at the actual state)Thank you for your interest in this subjectM
Madparts-footprint: Another footprint editor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Godzil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 10:34:18 am
content: Hi, I found a while ago another footprint editor, which is based on a programmation language (Coffee if I'm not mistaken):http://madparts.org/footprint.htmlIt take a bit to understand how it works, as the documentation is really light, but I generated all my latest footprint with it and it worked really well, and allow to build a lots of different parts.The "best" part is that when you edit your definition script, the live view update accordingly to your changes, and when you have finished, you can export to KiCad, but not only, it support different format like Eagle, gEDA and potentially much more, this app also store it's own database of footprint, and come with a quite handy default library.I think it's at least worth a try, as it is much better than the KiCad footprint editorEdit: I was wrong gEDA is not currently supported, but I don't think it's a big loss :p
Schematic Converter Project - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2012, 01:37:51 pm
content: Just ran across an interesting Schematic File Converter project.Upverterhttp://upverter.comis an online schematic editor program using the openjson format for the files. Free for unlimited open source projects. There are fees for private projects. It has an open source collaboration for part libraries, and the BOM and the pcb editor will be coming soon. The BOM will allow you to automatically compare prices for the BOM from different suppliers. So Upverter is an interesting project in its own right.As part of the Upverter project, they are GM on an open source schematic converter that is bidirectional to a number of other schematic formats.https://github.com/upverter/schematic-file-converter/This is a python based script to convert between different formats of Schematics. Currently they have support for the following formats:KiCadgEDAEagle (in testing)°CEagle XML (in testing)Fritzing (in testing)The following are on their wish list, and they are keen to find programmers who want to get involved in any of these formats.Altium (in development)Gerber (in development)ViewDraw (in development)DXDesignerPADsAlegroOrCadDSNRichard.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2015, 01:20:21 am
content: Sorry, necroposting again.The project is inactive since a great ago. Are there some alternative?I found other projects:https://github.com/thesourcerer8/altium2kicadhttps://github.com/DanChianucci/Eagle2Kicadhttps://github.com/Valber/qucs2kicad
KiCad: Tried to print, it deleted my labels! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2015, 09:07:46 pm
content: I tried to print a schematic and it failed (just a blank page, might be printer) but I noticed after that a lot of my labels got deleted! Well not really deleted, just part of them completely cut off. For example I had a bunch of terminals labelled as so: "T1: description"Everything after the colon vanished. Is there a way to get that back by chance? That pretty much ruined my schematic, as these notes were basically documentation, now I have to re-research everything. Version is Build: 2013-jul-07-stable.Thanks in advance.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2015, 09:47:39 pm
content: The old "stable" release is anything but.That said, I've never seen something like that happen before. Can you check inside the file (just open it up with a text editor) and see if the labels have changed in there as well?I'm assuming something was expecting them not to have spaces and cut them off at the space.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 02:27:15 am
content: Wow had no idea it used a basic text file, that is good to know, opens up lot of options if ever I want to look into ways to automate stuff.So is it still known to be buggy then? It's getting pretty heavy development these days through right?And yeah the info is gone from the text file too. I wonder if it's some kind of parsing bug because of the :. I will have to experiment further when I get the chance.I was in a hurry to get this project done today because it's for a small solar project I want to bring camping with me but I realized I simply have no time, so I just wired up everything directly and will save this project for later, still want to do it, but at least I wont feel rushed.
KiCad Workshop in Melbourne - 18 October 2015 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: twl
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 09:12:02 am
content: Dear all,We would like to invite you to a workshop dedicated to Free/Open Source EDA Tools (KiCad in particular), which will take take place in Melbourne on 18th October 2015.For more details, please visit the website:http://www.ohwr.org/projects/ohr-meta/wiki/ICALEPCS2015Regards,Tom
KiCad Librarian: Anyone tried it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2015, 06:34:54 pm
content: Hello.While looking for KiCad tutorials, I found a video about a tool named KiCad Librarian.http://www.compuphase.com/electronics/kicadlibrarian_en.htmAnyone tried it? It seems an interesting alternative to the official library manager.Kind regards.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2015, 02:19:30 pm
content: Bump!Anyone tried it?

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 06, 2015, 02:59:08 pm
content: Wasn't there another post about this recently? Like three weeks ago?

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2015, 06:19:21 pm
content: Quote from: con-f-use on August 06, 2015, 02:59:08 pmWhere? I'm unable to locate it...
RPM and DEB nightly repositories - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: calin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2015, 10:42:08 pm
content: For hose that like to be on the edge (more or less). Here are some pre-built nightly repos for Ubuntu or Fedora .. or other ... I use.I used to build myself but I just got too lazy to keep re-building it so I use the already cooked onesUbuntu:https://code.launchpad.net/~js-reynaud/+archive/ubuntu/ppa-kicadFedora:https://copr.fedoraproject.org/coprs/mangelajo/kicad/Enjoy, don't shoot me if they don't work ...
Transmission Line layout in KICAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: thewyliestcoyote
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2015, 06:31:26 am
content: Is there a way to do transmission line layout in KICAD? Is there a way I can have transmission line elements in the schematic?I am a ADS user in my day job. Maybe there is a way like in ADS where I can specify the width, length, and layer.Thanks,Wylie

author: nickoe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2015, 11:36:13 am
content: There is the microwave toolbar, which is enabled from the preferences -> show microwave toolbar in pcbnew.I have notused it myself, but I think it might be a bit buggy, but if you know how it is supposed to work and can report bugs, we can probably have that fixed.There is one of the tools which read a "Shape Description File", I have no idea of what file format that actually is.

author: thewyliestcoyote
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 05:40:58 am
content: QuoteYeah I have had a play with that before. Not exactly what I had in mind.One thing I don't really understand is why microwave components are added in the layout phase not the schematic phase. This seem to defeat the purpose of the schematic being the control document.QuoteI have been unable to get it to work. I am sure I could if I spend more time on it.What I had in mind was something in the schematic editor was a way all calling out the layer and the impedance or the width and length.Do you know where I can easily make feature requests?

author: nickoe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2015, 07:57:47 am
content: You can make feature requests and bug reporst on the launchpad bugtracker for kicad.I don't know why the microwave toolbox is how it is. I just know it is there. Also bear in mind there is the pcb calculator. I don't remember if that has microwave tools also.
USB Mobile CAD? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2015, 03:11:44 pm
content: I was wondering if there was a good USB run CAD program for windows machines. I am usually traveling away from home and can not use a single PC for everything.thanks in advance,zerorisersedit: accidently posted in wrong section, if an admin or mod can move the post it would be well appreciated!

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2015, 05:06:15 pm
content: I would try putting either:KiCAD, DipTrace, or Eagle onto a stick and seeing if it runs from there.

author: radix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2015, 07:52:11 pm
content: KiCAD runs from a stick with no problems. It includes tools for drawing schematics and PCBs, a gerber viewer and some other random bits. You can also get any of the programs separately.

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 11:53:43 am
content: That all sounds good To me. Where is a download link as the only Windows downloads for lived I have seen are installers

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 12:40:25 pm
content: Install the software on a desktop PC then copy the folder(s) to a pen drive.I'll use KiCAD as an example.Copy the contents of "c:\program files (x86)\kicad" to a pen drive and run the KiCAD app from within the \bin folder.I am sure the same goes for Eagle and DT, paths might need to be created when the program first runs, you may be able to change paths, I think you can in Eagle.Alternatively you may be able to download one of those portable app creators, which takes an installed app and creates a "portable" version of it, I have seen a portable Altium, never tried it, not sure if it would even work that great, it was like a 4GB file.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 02:04:38 pm
content: If you copy KiCad files to an USB stick, you will lose you lib table, it's stored in the OS data folders not in the KiCad tree. So you will ne to create it again if you need your own libraries.

author: zerorisers
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 02:06:00 pm
content: Quote from: Wilksey on March 27, 2015, 12:40:25 pmyes, But the only problem I have is that I do not have a windows PC that I can install KiCAD onto. I have a linux machine hiding somewhere, but that is about it.

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2015, 10:11:59 pm
content: You can probably do the same with Linux.If you don't have any machines why do you want to put it on a USB stick?Put the installer on a USB stick, when you get to a windows pc, install it and do as I mentioned.
Video on history of Kicad development - Fosdem2015 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2015, 10:08:57 pm
content: /.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 12:15:12 pm
content: Here is the video for the interactive routerhttp://mirror.as35701.net/video.fosdem.org//2015/devroom-electronic_design_automation/pcb_routing.mp4HTH.
Rounded Rectangles in KiCad? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 10:35:30 pm
content: I like to round off the corners of board outlines, to help fit into enclosures which often don't have sharp corners. My workflow so far has been to draw a rectangle on the outline layer as a guide, then draw curves in the corners, then delete the line segments that make up the guide rectangle and make new segments to connect the curves. Switching to the OpenGL renderer seems to help with selecting segments, I have no idea why this would make a difference though.This is a little time-consuming and it's especially painful if I have to adjust the size of a board. Is there a better way to do this? Ideally I would like a rectangle tool that allows resize through dragging or typing lengths and has a corner radius option. I've thought of scripting this externally and editing the pcb file as the text defining the outline is quite simple but an in-program solution would be even better. Any ideas?

author: stryker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2015, 11:50:53 pm
content: Hi krivxI found this step-by-step guideat stackexchange. The process is actually quite straightforward and quick.Cheers ! Geoff

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2015, 10:49:06 am
content: Thanks, but the method in the first answer is exactly how I've been doing it. I'm finding it's a little annoying if I want to resize the board outline. The Ruby script further down is interesting, I will probably attempt something like that in Python.
Kicad load library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: raphaeldavidf
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2015, 09:24:24 pm
content: Hey guys, first post in the forumI'm using kicad for quite some time now and I don't know if this is the default behavior, or I messed something up, but every new project I've to manually reload all my custom libraries and footprints (I keep them with the default ones in /usr/share/kicad/library and /modules) and I find this quite annoying. I searched everywhere in kicad but couldn't find a setting for auto load all the libraries on startup. I'm using kicad Version: (2013-jul-07)-stable.any help will be very appreciated

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 20, 2015, 09:55:52 pm
content: Locate the kicad.pro file, this is used for the defaults for new projects.Normaly located in the kicad/share directory.Open this file and and add all the libraries there.

author: raphaeldavidf
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2015, 11:20:37 pm
content: Quote from: Thor-Arne on February 20, 2015, 09:55:52 pmThanks a LOT, that solved the problem!
Kicad Package - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: broier
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 08:00:15 pm
content: HelloI would like to ask where you take package for board. I am really new in Kicad and have small project with basic parts (package like TO-39, MSOP, SSOP, or some basic trafos) and i am not able to find them...If you coud help i would be really greatfull that i do not need do themthanks everyone(If you have some tutorials for Kicad which you can recommend i would be happy)

author: JohnnyBerg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 08:10:09 pm
content: Have a look atkcs walters kicadpage. He has a nice collection ..

author: broier
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 09:28:28 pm
content: thanks i found this one before, but footprints like to52 or PDIP are still misingDoes anyone know?

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 09:30:52 pm
content: Just draw them yourself. Really, you're going to have to do it eventually anyway, start now.

author: JohnnyBerg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 09:31:20 pm
content: If you have a recent version of KiCad you could trygithub

author: broier
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 14, 2015, 10:10:47 pm
content: Monkeh: Well i know but i am probably too lazyi spend more time looking for them than drawing them would takeJohnyBerg: Well i have to go on Win becouse my fedora 21 have a big problem with latest kicad so i have old version.Thanks anyway

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 07:35:24 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on February 14, 2015, 09:30:52 pmThis is true.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 07:37:57 pm
content: I'll shamelessly plugtheseagain - not the whole set (though you can use them if you like), but the IPC autogen for the SMD footprints. There are just too many variants of MSOP/SSOP/etc not to use such a large library.
How do i change track width on KiCad ??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2014, 02:36:28 pm
content: I've tried looking on the web but there's no such way to set a "custom" track width, just some NetClass and auto widthcrap.Am i missing something here?Ps: i'm new to KiCad.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 27, 2014, 04:50:05 pm
content: Set the track widths in Design Rules -> Global Design Rules, use "W" to change between them.

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2014, 05:18:52 pm
content: Quote from: Thor-Arne on December 27, 2014, 04:50:05 pmOnly if i knew it was that easy. I feel so stupid now.Anyways, thanks for the help.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2014, 05:26:55 pm
content: If you switch to the OpenGL rendering engine, you can press W and type a new width without having listed them first in the design rules.

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2014, 06:06:42 pm
content: Yes, i could finaly finish my amp!;How's it look?http://gyazo.com/3b1e67e4d78fbb74ea76190cb9a919b5http://gyazo.com/b3b3d5117e1d43a32ab040b06b2cc1d4Schematic, in case anyone's interested.http://gyazo.com/858dad8f2cecfb6044d19f0a55ac8f4bI hope it's understandable.
Quick share: a few KiCad PCB libs including IPC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 12:32:43 pm
content: I was working on my KiCad schematic library, and was going to adapt it to work with another forumite's PCB library, but I figured I'd work on cleaning up both of mine instead. Now, this is hugely incomplete now, but I figured I'd share it early because there's one rather valuable thing in here: IPC footprints!I've got a script which reads theFreePCB IPC-7351 libraryand converts it to KiCad format. (There is another such script floating around, written in C IIRC, but it's very old and no longer compatible with either the FreePCB format or the KiCad format now.)There's not much value in the rest of the things in here, as I'm currently working on compiling it from a few less polished libs of mine, but the IPC libraries coulddefinitelybe useful. Anyone who wants them can just clone the git repo and run 'make' - you need a modern Python 2 or 3 as well as the 'sexpdata' library (which can be installed via pip).https://github.com/cpavlin1/kicad-pcblibI'll update as more parts of my library, both PCB and schematic, become useful and available.

author: doctormord
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2014, 08:22:28 am
content: Nice, thanks.
kicad via stitching being wierd - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hazuki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2014, 08:35:16 pm
content: Hi all. I am trying to stitch two planes together in Kicad. It seems rather intuitive and works properly. However, after working on another part of my PCB, I come back to the area that I've just stitched and all of a sudden the pour around the vias are removed, effectively isolating them. This problem keeps happening to me, and I don't know why. Anyone have the same issue? Both planes are on the exact same net. Here's an image of my recurring problem:Thanks!

author: kingofkya
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2014, 09:01:07 pm
content: When you start make sure the first node is connected to a real pin for example the D pad on the transistor/fet.When the ground plan is regenerated or DRC is checked, it destroy the original copper flood and the track/vias are disconnected form any net. Then it is regenerated resulting in what you have here.I know really annoying.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2014, 09:38:16 pm
content: Are you on one of the old versions, or a recent testing build? If the latter, shut off DRC, manually reconnect the via, and then re-import the netlist.As king says, tracks don't always keep their net associations; they have to be anchored to something with a netlist-defined net.

author: hazuki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2014, 09:47:49 pm
content: King,Thanks, you've solved my problem. Kind of annoying, but I can deal with it.
KiCAD DRC Issues - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2014, 02:20:29 pm
content: In completing a recent job for a customer, I had a few DRC issues with KiCAD<See the summary here:http://ludzinc.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/kicad-tidbits.htmlBiggest tip I have is how to resolve not-connected nets, when the copper is there!

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2014, 09:06:50 pm
content: Are you letting the developers to know your remarks (bug report)? Thanks for another great article on KiCAD.Alexander.

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2014, 09:18:37 pm
content: That's the plan. Today's job is to work out how!

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2014, 09:45:12 pm
content: The "tracks aren't connected unless the ends meet" bit is exceedingly annoying, but it's small enough that rather than immediately pissing me off and sending me scurrying for the bug report form, it's been slowly driving me insane instead!That oneneedsa bug report filed. On a complex board, it can be really hard to track down the bad connection when it decides that a connection hasn't been made. It doesn't help that it makes no attempt to hint at where it might be - instead of finding the two nearest points and showing them as disconnected, it just findsanytwo points...
New Kicad user: Linux Mint 17.2  post install questions. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2015, 05:22:39 am
content: /.

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2015, 07:30:00 pm
content: Last time I tried this I made these notes (not sure if this has been fixed or not, if your KIGITHUB variable is empty you probably need this):"add this line to ~/.profileexport KIGITHUB="https://github.com/KiCad"For this to take effect you need to log out and then log in again. You should now see KIGITHUB defined in the under Preferences/Library Tables in Pcbnew."this will allow you to use the default libraries that are hosted on github. when you first use them it will take some time to download them so a fast internet connection is good to have.
KiCad 3D Library Archive - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RobertoLG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 11:27:32 pm
content: This can be useful to somebodyhttp://320volt.com/en/kicad-3d-kutuphane-arsivi/

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 06:09:41 am
content: Looks nice.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 08:21:11 am
content: The links are down. Did anyone download the archive?Alexander.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 06:02:05 pm
content: This is the same page.http://www.reniemarquet.com/bibliotecas_en.htmlAlexander.
question on 7 seg displays and pcb layout/footprint - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: fleuroman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 01:55:26 am
content: for a pcb, with 7 seg displays going on the back of the board, do you reverse the footprint, or can you flip the board to place them in Kicad?

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 06:27:22 am
content: Change footprints layer and it will flip automagically.

author: fleuroman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 09:51:04 pm
content: Quote from: EdoNork on November 25, 2015, 06:27:22 amahh ok, thanks...
KiCAD: Replace a component with a compatible in library, schema, netlist, PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jancumps
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2014, 08:40:33 pm
content: I created a schema using an IDT IDTQS3VH16245 ic.In the final design, I want to use the pin-compatible TI SN74CBT16245DGGR, because the IDT chip doesn't work in my context.What is the right way in KiCAD to replace the IDT chip with the TI one, so that schema, netlist and PCB are correct?I created the IC and footprint in a KiCad custom library.I tried to copy the library element and replace the ones in schema, netlist and PCB without loosing connections and traces, but seem to be taking the wrong approach.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2014, 08:39:35 pm
content: Quote from: jancumps on August 11, 2014, 08:40:33 pmWhat is it about the IDT part that "doesn't work in your context?" They seem to be the same device, in the same package.So to that end, the simplest way to make things sync up is the change, in the schematic, the name of the part in the symbol's value field. There's no need to touch the PCB or regenerate a netlist. Then you can regenerate your BOM from the schematic and it will have the new part number for these parts.

author: jancumps
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 12, 2014, 08:47:53 pm
content: I'll try your suggestion.QuoteWeird, isn't it? GadgetFactory had to spin a new version of their buffer because of this (documented on their site, and also experienced in real life by myself:These ICs are bus switches, they can switch 8 signals at the same time, very fast. As a side effect, you can use them as voltage droppers to turn 5V signals into 3.3V signals, just by applying a particular power supply value to the IC.But that works for the TI, not for the IDT version.Documentedon Gadget Factory forum, and confirmed by my experience.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2014, 08:57:52 pm
content: Quote from: jancumps on August 12, 2014, 08:47:53 pmHuh, interesting. I haven't used a FET bus switch in awhile.So what I'd do is to create a new schematic symbol for the part you need to use, then replace all instances of the old symbol with the new one. Make sure the reference designators aren't changed.There's still no reason to regenerate the netlist or modify the artwork (assuming that nothing actually changes). Then spit out the new BOM from the schematic.
Placing Via - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: luky315
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2014, 03:47:33 pm
content: How can I place a via in Kicad (newest "production" Version)?I want to stitch the GND-Planes but haven't found how to simply place a via and assign it to a net.

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 24, 2014, 08:20:37 pm
content: Quote from: luky315 onTodayat 01:47:33 AMI am no expert ! but a google search did get this.https://bugs.launchpad.net/kicad/+bug/999057They don't seems it important ! But it is on the wishlist....

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 24, 2014, 08:25:25 pm
content: Within the ground flood, start a wire, press v. done.Via stitching is more troublesome though.

author: chicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 02:05:00 am
content: I created a footprint that's just a through hole pad with no thermal relief. Place it on the PCB and manually set the pad's net to GND. (haven't figured out how to hard code the net in the footprint)

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 02:46:23 am
content: I just set up the two layers for the vias. Then place a track press 'v' lay more track 'v' again etc.There is an option somewhere that then deletes superfluous tracks.Or you can leave the superfluous tracks, if your plane is solid copper.

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 07:46:26 am
content: This is an annoying missing feature in kicad.Please go to the launchpad bug report (https://bugs.launchpad.net/kicad/+bug/999057) and log in and press the green "This bug also affects me" text at the top. Maybe the devs will fix/add it faster.

author: luky315
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 03:24:10 pm
content: Thanks. I "supported" the bug report. The other thing I miss in KiCAD is the support for rounded rectangles.
Is there an AutoTRAX DEX to KiCAD converter? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LarryR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2014, 12:24:47 am
content: I've really had it with trying to use my licensed and (supposedly) supported copy of AutoTRAX DEX.The author doesn't provide any sort of email support (even though I paid a 'support' fee) and refuses to answer questions or acknowledge bugs that users find.Since the author advertises that DEX designs are stored as XML files, I was wondering if any brave developer has been able to create a conversion app/script to convert from DEX to KiCad (or anything else)?Thanks

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2014, 03:53:15 am
content: is it worth it? i mean.... how many serious people have made serious circuit using dex?

author: LarryR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2014, 03:02:56 pm
content: SIGH.....You're probably right.Waaay back in the early 80's, I used Orcad and Protel PCB - both $500 DOS apps and made way more complex designs than using DEX.I was just looking at one of my boards last week(always keep physical examples of your work to show prospective employers)

author: Iliya
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 06:32:38 pm
content: Send email -http://kov.com/Support/Send-Us-An-EmailFile formathttp://kov.com/DexXmlSchemaManual/Iliya
eeschema: How do I rearrange pins on an IC? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jimjam
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 05:51:22 am
content: I have this diagram. How can I swap pin #2 and #5 on the 555? Also pin #3 and #7?Also another question, when I moved a component, the wiring doesn't follow. I'd have to redraw it and delete any excess wires left over. Is this by design or am I not doing it right?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 08:01:08 am
content: Quote from: jimjam on June 09, 2014, 05:51:22 amthis is the one thing among other things that i dont understand in eda, even altium do this. diptrace dont do this archaic behaviour.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 09:42:10 am
content: you can try and get the cursor just right to move/edit only the pin which sometimes works, i generally just open in the editor and flip them there,this may not be the only solution as i have only used it on a few projects so far but it has worked for me so faras for having to redraw the wiring, yes that does seem to be the default function when you flip pins,

author: jimjam
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 03:44:41 pm
content: ok about moving components and having the wires follow, apparently you press "g" for drag - and then move the component. Someone else pointed it out in the easyeda thread
KiCAD changes from Modules to Footprints! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2014, 05:14:27 pm
content: As I can see in some commits made "Modules" is giving it;s place to "Footprints". I wonder why.Alexander.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2014, 05:25:44 pm
content: About time!The reason why I never got past a couple of tutorials was their weird terminology.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2014, 09:57:17 pm
content: Quote from: firewalker on November 02, 2014, 05:14:27 pmBecause a lot of people got fed up with that choice of nomenclature. There was quite the discussion about this on the developers' mailing list.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2014, 02:35:01 am
content: Quote from: firewalker on November 02, 2014, 05:14:27 pmBecause they are footprints.I am still waiting for a stable binary for the Mac osx to give it a try.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2014, 03:48:00 am
content: Quote from: zapta on November 03, 2014, 02:35:01 amCheck it out of the bzr repository and build it.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2014, 06:19:07 am
content: Quote from: Bassman59 on November 04, 2014, 03:48:00 amI am waiting for a binary, not source code.
Power Ports - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slowaudio
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 02:16:23 am
content: So, how exactly do you make custom power ports? The few examples I've seen are a little vague. I've loaded some of the stock ones and there appears to be some fiddling with the designation to make it work, but I can't find any documentation about it.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 02:40:50 am
content: Your question i so vague, we have no clue what you are talking about.Can you provide a better description, or come context, or some examples?

author: slowaudio
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2014, 01:28:13 pm
content: Sorry, it was a little late...I want to make custom power ports. The default power library doesn't have a +15V and -15V rail, so I want to make those power ports respectively. I've made custom parts before in KiCAD but have never made a custom power port and I'm looking to make some.When you create a new part, there is an option to create a power part. Do you just create one pin and that pin is net connected to all other pins of that type? When I load a default power port the reference field is #PWR and the value is +3.3V (for example). So if I create power port part with 1 pin (electrical type: power input), and then give the part reference field "#PWR" and whatever value I decide, will all those power ports be connected then?

author: ve7xen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2014, 07:32:16 am
content: Never thought about it, I just re purpose the ones that are included for my own use hah. Sometimes confusing remembering the names. Probably a bad idea if you like the magic smoke staying inside your parts. Hmm.
KiCAD layer viewing, via stitching, and thermal relief.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slowaudio
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 01:44:27 pm
content: I know when using Altium, when you change your active layer, that layer appears above the other one in the graphical interface, and that layer is more prominent. Is there a way to have KiCad do the same thing? It's not helpful to have to hide the layer you don't want to see and the combination of regions that have copper on them is the awful puke green.Via stitching. If I create some stitches (go to a pour region, start a track, press V, press End, which is what has been the most recommended method I've seen) everything appears to be fine. I then run a DRC and then the editor disconnects all my vias from the pour and pulls the copper back to meet the clearance requirements. Any suggestions?Also, is there anyway you can change the thermal angle for circular pads? Thisisn't really the best way to connect this to the net.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 02:15:57 pm
content: You could try the "high contrast display mode" (on the left toolbar), that greys out inactive layers. I usually unfill zones and hide layers, though.Quote from: slowaudio on April 14, 2014, 01:44:27 pmAdjust your monitor, it's yellow here. Or adjust your diet.QuoteIn older versions, yeah - you need to leave it connected to something, or it becomes disconnected. Newer (read: unstable) versions have "fixed" this - it stillcanbecome disconnected, but it can be reconnected instead of redrawn. (Yeah, it's f@$#ing annoying. They need tofixthat, not "fix" it...)QuoteI really wish there were. You can set the width and spacing of the spokes, but not the angle (edit pad -> Local Clearance and Settings).

author: scientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2014, 10:36:22 pm
content: You could try rotating the pad 45° inside the module editor. That might do the trick.

author: ConnorGames
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2014, 02:47:12 am
content: QuoteLooks kind of puke-green to me on my factory-calibrated U2713HM. Maybe my eyeballs need calibration. Do they still use trimpots, or is it all done in software nowdays

author: chicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2014, 06:52:12 am
content: I created a footprint for stitching-vias made up of a single through-hole pad without thermal relief. These can be easily sprinkled around the PCB without the need for a connecting track.The only annoyance is, that I have to manually assign the pad to the GND net after pacing the footprint. Is there a way to hardcode that in the module editor?
How to find devices, and device representation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FunnyBunny
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 07:11:34 pm
content: About 20 years ago I had some basic circuit classes, University physics and a single EE class on integrated circuits.Never used any of it, but now, there is something I want to design and build and being an FOSS zealot, I found KiCad. Just started using it today.The first circuit I am attempting to design in it - a simple rail splitter. The circuit I drew on paper uses a TLE2426 and a BUF634 - both from Texas Instruments, but I can't find them in the existing device library.Where does one go to find ICs that are not already available in KiCad? Is there a database or does it literally require looking through all the various different websites that I have found while looking?Is it complicated to add a device on my own if I can't find it?Secondly, some of the symbold used in Eeschema are not what I am familiar with, for example a polarized capacitor - It has been awhile since I've drawn circuits and never with CAD software but I recall it being a flat line and an arc. Eeschema draws it as a filled in box inside another box. Is there a way to modify that to the standard pictograph I recall - and still see used quite heavily?Thanks for suggestions.Fedora 20 x86_64 if it matters.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 09:14:02 am
content: You will probably have to learn to make (or edit) the schematic symbols yourself as many isn't included in the default libraries. This is done in the library editor found on the Tools menu.There is quite a few resources for kicad libraries, but you can't find everything.Also, you should make sure that the pin numbering of your symbol matches with the footprint.Check put the tutorials onkicad-pcb.org.
flex pad auto fillet/taper? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: scientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2014, 01:13:36 am
content: Hey guys, I was wondering if there's a way to get this kind of pad reinforcement (the triangle taper to the wire) to be made when I connect a wire to a pad in pcbnew. I'm having problems with the joints fracturing on my flex circuits because the join is so weak. I know this can be done in Altium, is there any way to do it in KiCad automatically?[edit:clarity]

author: scientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2014, 01:22:31 am
content: Dupont recommends it...
No atmega32 in kicad library, or I am doing something wrong? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2014, 11:08:41 pm
content: I'm new to using kicad and I am wondering if I'm just doing something wrong. I see a lot of atmel parts but not an atmega32. But maybe it's not considered a standard part, or maybe it's old and it was never added.I doubt I could create a correct part. I will do some searching, maybe atmel makes the part for the library?Do chip makers also make the parts available for softwares?

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2014, 12:33:49 am
content: I can't answer your question directly, but:-I guess you are talking about the schematic part (.lib). For the pcb part (.mod) just use the generic foot print.It actually doesn't take long to make a part.Open up the schematic library editor.Select a working library, make a new part then just keep adding pins.On each pin you just specify Name, Orientation, and how it is used: GPIO use bidirectional ;Vcc, Gnd use Power in;I use a split screen on my monitor half with Kicad, half with the datasheet.If you want you can adjust the symbols, maybe use different ones for power.Organise them neatly either sequentially or by function.Then draw a rectangle around them.If you want you can add some metadata by clicking properties. If in doubt look at another part with the library editor.Done.ps. I thing I find very useful is to put all my .lib and .mod files, as well as design files, into source control. I use TortoiseSVN. It just covers you if you make a mistake.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2014, 02:23:34 am
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on March 29, 2014, 12:33:49 amNot sure what's missing, just know that the part's not in the library when I browse. I may give it a try.Good tip on putting under version control. I'll store it on github or the like.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2014, 09:04:54 am
content: What version of kicad?The official stable one:Alexander.

author: GiskardReventlov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2014, 04:30:16 pm
content: Quote from: firewalker on March 30, 2014, 09:04:54 amI was expecting the footprint to look different and the part should be atmega32 with no other designations. I will probably make my own. It will be a chance to learn something.