开云体育

Document Not Found

The document you requested could not be found.

I would like you to consider putting it in a repository (github), or something similar if you intend to open the code so we can help you out :)

2012/4/17 al_thomason <al_thomason@...>

--

Sorry, prob me...

I know mycom3 as a module so I made that assumption.

The process is almost the same for eeschema components.
the library is only the .lib, the other files are auto generated so you
don't need to worry about them.


Before I go through the process, just check this out. I got caught with
this a couple of times.

When you try to place the component, the requester opens and you would
normally click on "List All"

This lists the libs, NOT the components so scan the list for your lib
first, click on that, then you should see the component.


OK Walkthrough for eeschema components...


open eeschema and click on the library editor 17th icon



Click on create a new component 4th icon


Give it a name, and any other attributes you want. I leave all but the
name at defaults for this example.
The name is testcomp
click OK

Draw a box
Add a couple of pins

pin name - pin1
pin number - 1
pin type - input

Same for pin 2, but use 2 rather than one.Move the text around, add
whatever else you want.

Now select


"save current component in a new library" 10th icon

Navigate to your own directory and give it a name, I used mylib.lib

You will get a warning message about loading the lib into eeschema.

Close the library editor and then in eeschema select
preferences > library add

If you get library already in use then it may have been auto added. Save
the project just to make sure. Then open up the library editor again.

select the working library to your new mylib if you don't see mylib in
the list, do a preferences > read preferences to refresh the lists.

In the title bar you should see the path to your own directory and mylib
displayed.

That's it, you should now be able to create as many components as you
want and save them into mylib (or as many libs as you want to create)

Andy











On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:08:01 -0000
"tmortus" <tom_mort@...> wrote:

I'm not sure if I'm using the right terminology, but, at this point I'm asking about drawing a device for a schematic. The part of the tutorial I included was about drawing a component for a schematic..

I did manage to draw something the other day, it was saved as four file extensions a: .bck, .dcm, .lib and a .bak.

I specified the path to the directory that I saved them to in preferences/library, but, when I now try to place this component I can't find it. The other day I could find it, but, when I tried to place it all that got put in the schematic drawing was the name of the component.


--- In kicad-users@..., Andy Eskelson <andyyahoo@...> wrote:

Here is a walkthrough as I do the same sort of thing.
Bear in mind that I use Linux, so di4ectory locations may be diffeent to
your system.



Open up pcbew.


Select "Open Module Editor" (5th icon)
Either select a module to modify, or create one from scratch.

/using existing module/

click load module from library (6th icon)
select a module of your choice I chose conn3

Click on module properties 14th icon
edit the Footprint Name in lib to something else.
I used "test-conn3"

***
You can edit lines, add pads or whatever at this point
***

Click on Create new library and save current module 3rd icon
Navigate to your own directory and then enter a name such as modtest.mod
(or whatever you want to call it) then click save, you will get an
exported module message. Now close the module editor. If you get a
requester stating the module is modified, click yes.


As this is a NEW module library you now have to tell pcbnew about it.
Select preferences >

library then click on add
Navigate to where you saved your module library and select it. (click
open)

Then OK the add library requester
pocbnew will then ask you to save the project. This adds the new lib into
the file list, so select save.

That's it. job done.


Now if you add a module, click on list all scroll down near to the bottom
of the list and you should see test-conn3 there.



Now clck on module editor again.
To add more modules, or to edit test-conn3 you need to select your
now select active library.

click on the first icon "select active library" the scroll down the list
and you should see your new lib at the bottom usually it has the full
path associated with it. Select it and click OK


Now when you click on load module from library, you will see your
module. You can then edit and re-save it as needed. OR you can define a
new module, when you save that, it will be added to your library.

Andy





























On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:59:36 -0000
"tmortus" <tom_mort@...> wrote:

I'm trying to follow the tutorial, but, am having problems. I can pick
components from libraries and manipulate and place them, but, I'm having
problems trying to create new components.
I get to:
49.This will open the "Libedit" window.50.Click on the
"Select working library" button.51.In the "select lib"
window click on "conn".52.Click on the "New part"
button.53.Name the new part "MYCONN3".54.Enter the prefix as
"J", and number of parts as "1". 55.If the warning
"has a convert drawing" appears c lick "yes".56.In the
middle of the screen the name of the comp onent should appear. 57.Click
on the magnifier twice to zoom in on it.58.Click on the "Add
Pins" button on the right tool bar
I notice that when I get to the libedit window it opens as read only. I
suppose this is to prevent me from changing an existing library without
change the name. I can select the library as "conn"and press the add
new part button and save is as MYCONN, but, I never am prompted for -
Enter the prefix as "J", and number of parts as "1".
When I was playing around the other day I was able to draw a part and it
is listed along with the new part MYCONN, but, I can't find how to open
it. If I use add part from libraries and have added the path to this
folder in library preferences I don't see it listed???

--- In kicad-users@..., Andy Eskelson <andyyahoo@> wrote:

First thing,

read the docs and run through the tutorial a couple of times. It's

rather

old and out of data in parts, but the basic method is OK.
Each kicad program has an extensive pdf file associated with it, look

in

the docs directory or access from the help menu item (it's the same

file)

You have to be a bit careful in what you ask, as there are several
distinct modules in Kicad, so it's not a totally integrated package.

There are two main modules, eeschema, and pcbnew EACH has it's own
library of components. (in fact it has many sets)

eeschema has the circuit symbols and pcbnew has the footprints (called
modules) There is not always a 1:1 relationship between the two. For
example and NPN transistor is the same symbol regardless of the case
type, but it could map to a TO91, TO220, one of several SMD
footprints and so on.

So you first design your eeschema symbol, defining pins and so on.
Pay VERY careful attention as to what you call the pins and what type
they are. The pin names and numbers are important.

Create your own library to stor4 things in use the create new libray
functions in the editor.

The you need to switch to pcbnew and use the MODULE editor to create
the physical footprint. This is where you can define the pad sizes
and so on. DO put the correct numbers against the pads, or things
will not get connected correctly.


The last step is all about how kicad uses libs and modules.

Both components and modules can be held in library files, you should
NOT modify the default libs or modules simply because they get
replaced during upgrades and any changes you make will be lost. So
always create your own libs and mode in your home directory (linux)
or wherever you put your files in windows)

You need to tell eeschema and pcbnew what extra libs to load.

In eeschema you do this via preferences>library then click add
find the library file that you created and select it.

The process is the same in pcbnew apart from selecting your module
(footprint) library rather than the component.

There is another module called cvpcb this assigns footprints to
components, Sometimes you also have to add the module libs to this
program as well. It's the same process; preferences > libraries then

add

The workflow is:

design your circuit with eeschema, the annotate it, run ERC as needed

and

correct errors. Create the netlist. Then run cvpcb and assign what
footprints you want to each component.

Note that there are default footprints that you can specify in the
component symbol if you want to automate things a bit more.

You then re-save the netlist with the component footprints now added.

You then run pcbnew and load the netlist, and then then you can fiddle
about placing your components, routing tracks and so on.

Kicad only adds libs to projects, not globally so if you find that you
always want to add one or two specific libs then you can do this by
modifying the default template called kicad.pro this is held in:

usr/local/kicad/share/template in linux and under

kicad&#92;share&#92;template

in wherever you install it in windows.

You can open this project, add the component and module libs, then
resave. After that any new project that you create will pick up the
additional libs.

People work in different ways, so you may prefer to add libs
individually to projects or not. That's entirely up to you. The only
point I will make is that adding every lib you can find, makes the
lists long and awkward to use.


Shout when you get stuck again :-))


Andy








On Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:37:51 -0000
"tmortus" tom_mort@ wrote:

I'm new to KiCAD can see how to add components that are in libraries

to a schematic, but, I'm having trouble creating one that isn't in the
supplied libraries.

The component I am drawing is a small DCDC converter with six pins.

I can draw and label the pins and save the file, but, I think

somehow I have to connect all of these pins to create the component and
I can't figure out how to do it.

I can add the directory where I saved the drawing to and then see

how to insert the component, but, all I get is the component name rather
than a drawing of the pins.

Also, I don't see how to specify the diameter of the pins. I'm

assuming that this gets down when the PCB itself is created.

------------------------------------

Please read the Kicad FAQ in the group files section before posting

your question.

Please post your bug reports here. They will be picked up by the

creator of Kicad.

Please visit for details of how to

contribute your symbols/modules to the kicad library.

For building Kicad from source and other development questions visit

the kicad-devel group at !
Groups Links

------------------------------------

Please read the Kicad FAQ in the group files section before posting your question.
Please post your bug reports here. They will be picked up by the creator of Kicad.
Please visit for details of how to contribute your symbols/modules to the kicad library.
For building Kicad from source and other development questions visit the kicad-devel group at ! Groups Links

I'm not sure if I'm using the right terminology, but, at this point I'm asking about drawing a device for a schematic. The part of the tutorial I included was about drawing a component for a schematic..

I did manage to draw something the other day, it was saved as four file extensions a: .bck, .dcm, .lib and a .bak.

I specified the path to the directory that I saved them to in preferences/library, but, when I now try to place this component I can't find it. The other day I could find it, but, when I tried to place it all that got put in the schematic drawing was the name of the component.

Here is a walkthrough as I do the same sort of thing.
Bear in mind that I use Linux, so di4ectory locations may be diffeent to
your system.



Open up pcbew.


Select "Open Module Editor" (5th icon)
Either select a module to modify, or create one from scratch.

/using existing module/

click load module from library (6th icon)
select a module of your choice I chose conn3

Click on module properties 14th icon
edit the Footprint Name in lib to something else.
I used "test-conn3"

***
You can edit lines, add pads or whatever at this point
***

Click on Create new library and save current module 3rd icon
Navigate to your own directory and then enter a name such as modtest.mod
(or whatever you want to call it) then click save, you will get an
exported module message. Now close the module editor. If you get a
requester stating the module is modified, click yes.


As this is a NEW module library you now have to tell pcbnew about it.
Select preferences >

library then click on add
Navigate to where you saved your module library and select it. (click
open)

Then OK the add library requester
pocbnew will then ask you to save the project. This adds the new lib into
the file list, so select save.

That's it. job done.


Now if you add a module, click on list all scroll down near to the bottom
of the list and you should see test-conn3 there.



Now clck on module editor again.
To add more modules, or to edit test-conn3 you need to select your
now select active library.

click on the first icon "select active library" the scroll down the list
and you should see your new lib at the bottom usually it has the full
path associated with it. Select it and click OK


Now when you click on load module from library, you will see your
module. You can then edit and re-save it as needed. OR you can define a
new module, when you save that, it will be added to your library.

Andy





























On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:59:36 -0000
"tmortus" <tom_mort@...> wrote:

I'm trying to follow the tutorial, but, am having problems. I can pick
components from libraries and manipulate and place them, but, I'm having
problems trying to create new components.
I get to:
49.This will open the "Libedit" window.50.Click on the
"Select working library" button.51.In the "select lib"
window click on "conn".52.Click on the "New part"
button.53.Name the new part "MYCONN3".54.Enter the prefix as
"J", and number of parts as "1". 55.If the warning
"has a convert drawing" appears c lick "yes".56.In the
middle of the screen the name of the comp onent should appear. 57.Click
on the magnifier twice to zoom in on it.58.Click on the "Add
Pins" button on the right tool bar
I notice that when I get to the libedit window it opens as read only. I
suppose this is to prevent me from changing an existing library without
change the name. I can select the library as "conn"and press the add
new part button and save is as MYCONN, but, I never am prompted for -
Enter the prefix as "J", and number of parts as "1".
When I was playing around the other day I was able to draw a part and it
is listed along with the new part MYCONN, but, I can't find how to open
it. If I use add part from libraries and have added the path to this
folder in library preferences I don't see it listed???

--- In kicad-users@..., Andy Eskelson <andyyahoo@...> wrote:

First thing,

read the docs and run through the tutorial a couple of times. It's

rather

old and out of data in parts, but the basic method is OK.
Each kicad program has an extensive pdf file associated with it, look

in

the docs directory or access from the help menu item (it's the same

file)

You have to be a bit careful in what you ask, as there are several
distinct modules in Kicad, so it's not a totally integrated package.

There are two main modules, eeschema, and pcbnew EACH has it's own
library of components. (in fact it has many sets)

eeschema has the circuit symbols and pcbnew has the footprints (called
modules) There is not always a 1:1 relationship between the two. For
example and NPN transistor is the same symbol regardless of the case
type, but it could map to a TO91, TO220, one of several SMD
footprints and so on.

So you first design your eeschema symbol, defining pins and so on.
Pay VERY careful attention as to what you call the pins and what type
they are. The pin names and numbers are important.

Create your own library to stor4 things in use the create new libray
functions in the editor.

The you need to switch to pcbnew and use the MODULE editor to create
the physical footprint. This is where you can define the pad sizes
and so on. DO put the correct numbers against the pads, or things
will not get connected correctly.


The last step is all about how kicad uses libs and modules.

Both components and modules can be held in library files, you should
NOT modify the default libs or modules simply because they get
replaced during upgrades and any changes you make will be lost. So
always create your own libs and mode in your home directory (linux)
or wherever you put your files in windows)

You need to tell eeschema and pcbnew what extra libs to load.

In eeschema you do this via preferences>library then click add
find the library file that you created and select it.

The process is the same in pcbnew apart from selecting your module
(footprint) library rather than the component.

There is another module called cvpcb this assigns footprints to
components, Sometimes you also have to add the module libs to this
program as well. It's the same process; preferences > libraries then

add

The workflow is:

design your circuit with eeschema, the annotate it, run ERC as needed

and

correct errors. Create the netlist. Then run cvpcb and assign what
footprints you want to each component.

Note that there are default footprints that you can specify in the
component symbol if you want to automate things a bit more.

You then re-save the netlist with the component footprints now added.

You then run pcbnew and load the netlist, and then then you can fiddle
about placing your components, routing tracks and so on.

Kicad only adds libs to projects, not globally so if you find that you
always want to add one or two specific libs then you can do this by
modifying the default template called kicad.pro this is held in:

usr/local/kicad/share/template in linux and under

kicad&#92;share&#92;template

in wherever you install it in windows.

You can open this project, add the component and module libs, then
resave. After that any new project that you create will pick up the
additional libs.

People work in different ways, so you may prefer to add libs
individually to projects or not. That's entirely up to you. The only
point I will make is that adding every lib you can find, makes the
lists long and awkward to use.


Shout when you get stuck again :-))


Andy








On Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:37:51 -0000
"tmortus" tom_mort@... wrote:

I'm new to KiCAD can see how to add components that are in libraries

to a schematic, but, I'm having trouble creating one that isn't in the
supplied libraries.

The component I am drawing is a small DCDC converter with six pins.

I can draw and label the pins and save the file, but, I think

somehow I have to connect all of these pins to create the component and
I can't figure out how to do it.

I can add the directory where I saved the drawing to and then see

how to insert the component, but, all I get is the component name rather
than a drawing of the pins.

Also, I don't see how to specify the diameter of the pins. I'm

assuming that this gets down when the PCB itself is created.

------------------------------------

Please read the Kicad FAQ in the group files section before posting

your question.

Please post your bug reports here. They will be picked up by the

creator of Kicad.

Please visit for details of how to

contribute your symbols/modules to the kicad library.

For building Kicad from source and other development questions visit

the kicad-devel group at !
Groups Links

开云体育

I'm trying to follow the tutorial, but, am having problems. ?I can pick components from libraries and manipulate and place them, but, I'm having problems trying to create new components.

Hate to be one of 'Those' guys . . . But any chance of a WinXp version in the future?

-al-

I'm trying to follow the tutorial, but, am having problems. ?I can pick components from libraries and manipulate and place them, but, I'm having problems trying to create new components.

From Help -> About:

Build: (2012-01-19 BZR 3256)-stable
wxWidgets 2.9.3 Unicode and boost C++ libraries on 32 Bits Windows

Hello everybody,

First, thank you for this software which is very useful.
Secondly, I think that two 'ou' are wrotten instead of 'or' line 42 and 68 in the english version of INSTALL.txt in kicad-2012-01-19-BZR3256-stable-UBUNTU_10.10_full_with_components_doc.tgz... ok, that is not very important...
Finally, I use a frameless window manager (Xmonad) and I can't close some windows as the calculator or the "show fingerprints window". I tried with the escape key, Ctrl+Q and Alt+F4 but there is nothing to do. Am I wrong ? If I am right, could someone help me to modify source files (or do it :)) to add a quit shorcut because I am not familiar with wxwidget and I did not found where it is done in pcb_new for instance.
Thanks.

Regards,

Mickael Bosch

Modified INSTALL.txt :

/****/
/ English version **/
/****/

Kicad binaries exists for Linux and Windows (XP, 2000)
Files (schematic, boards, libraries) created on both systems are totally compatibles.

Used language:
Doc files are in french, but kicad user interface is internationalized:
User interface is in English for most countries.
User interface is in French **only** if you run kicad from a french version of Linux or Windows.
It is easy to add a new translation with poedit.
Kicad can use this translation without any change.
(poedit is used to create the french translation).
See .
Contact me for more details.

Installation form archives:
(both have binary file for Linux and Windows XP and 2000 (not Window 98) )
kicad.zip
or
kicad.tgz

Untar or unzip kicad
this create the kicad tree in the current directory.

**Under Windows:
Goto C:&#92; or D:&#92; (or other prefered directory).
Examples are for an install on C:&#92;.
Unzip kicad.zip
You must have created c:&#92;kicad.
Windows executables are in c:&#92;kicad&#92;winexe.
The main program is kicad.exe and from it you can run other programs
(schematic, pcb, utilities: cvpcb, gerbview and other) )
I suggest you create a shortcut to c:&#92;kicad&#92;winexe&#92;kicad.exe


** Under Linux:
You do must have libc.so.6 (do not work with libc.so.5)
You must be "root".
goto /usr/local
Untar kicad.tgz : tar zxvf kicad.tgz (or unzip kicad.zip)
(It is possible to unzip kicad.zip: unzip kicad.zip,
and goto /usr/local/kicad/linux and run chmod 755 *)
The main program is /usr/local/kicad/linux/kicad
If you use KDE, users can copy the shortcut /usr/local/kicad/linux/kicad.desktop
in <user home directory>/Desktop and use it to run kicad.

3D modeler wings3D:
(Usefull only if you plan to create 3D shapes for Printed board modules)
Archive and doc files (Linux and windows ) are in ../kicad/wing3d
goto www.wings3d.org to have more details.
Pcbnew use the exported files in wrml (.wrl) format from wings3d (not the native .wings format).

Documentation:
Currenty only in french.
"On line" in html format.
source files (200 sheets) are in OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org) format.
Can be read, printed and/or modified with OpenOffice.
See files in kicad/help/doc_src/*

Kicad tree:
kicad/winexe: windows (XP et 2000 compatible) binaries.
kicad/linux: linux binaries (Mandrake 9.2 and 10.0 tested,
probably work fine for distributions who have an recent libc)
kicad/library: libraries for schematic
kicad/library/doc: documentation files for schematic components (.pdf)
(readable from schematic if you have acrobat or Xpdf)
kicad/modules: module libraries for printed boards.
files *.mod are the libraries,
and files *.brd are printed board you can see with pcbnew
files *.brd show the existing modules (and 3D shapes) in libraries.
kicad/modules/packages3d: many 3D shapes (.wrl et .wings format) for existing modules

kicad/demos: Usefull...
kicad/internat: dictionnaires des langues (actuellement anglais->francais) pour les menus
kicad/help: On line help (in french)
kicad/help/doc_src: Documentation (in french) (source doc, 200 sheets) under OpenOffice.

Warning:
Do not change the kicad tree, or the location of binary files,
or kicad will **not** be able to found other kicad files (configuration, libraries...)


/*/
/ version Francaise **/
/*/

Les executable kicad existent pour Linux et Windows (XP, 2000)
Les fichiers crees (Schematique, circuits imprimes, librairies) sous ces 2 systemes sont
totalement compatibles.

Installation a partir des archives
kicad.zip (Windows)
ou
kicad.tgz (Linux)

Le decompactage cree le repertoire kicad (et ses sous repertoires) a partir
du repertoire courant.

**Sous Windows:
se placer dans C:&#92; (ou D:&#92; ou tout disque et repertoire de son choix)
On supposera ici que l'on s'est plac dans c:&#92;
Decompacter kicad.zip
Crer un raccourci vers c:&#92;kicad&#92;winexe&#92;kicad.exe
On pourra alors lancer le gestionnaire de projets kicad.exe

Sous Linux
On se placera de prfrence en /usr/local
Il faudra sans doute aussi etre "root"
Decompacter kicad.tgz ou kicad.zip
- kicad.tgz: faire tar zxvf <chemin de kicad.tgz>/kicad.tgz
- kicad.zip (unzip <chemin de kicad.tgz>/kicad.zip). Il faudra alors dans ce
cas rendre executable kicad, cvpcb, eeschema, gerbview et pcbnew:
se placer dans /usr/local/kicad/linux et faire la commande chmod 755 nom_fichier
pour ces 5 fichiers.
On lancera kicad par /usr/local/kicad/linux/kicad
Sous KDE on pourra copier /usr/local/kicad/linux/kicad.desktop sur le bureau
de KDE comme raccourci.

Installation du modeleur 3D wings3D pour crer les formes 3D des modules du PCB:
Il est fourni dans ..kicad/wings3d pour Windows et Linux.
Se reporter au site du crateur pour tous dtails (www.wings3d.org)
Se reporter aussi a la doc de pcbnew pour la gnration des fichiers 3d

Documentation:
L'impression de la documentation (environ 200 pages) peut se faire
sous OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org) (magnifique logiciel libre de traitement de texte).

Principaux repertoires de Kicad:
kicad/winexe: executables sous windows (teste sous XP et 2000)
kicad/linux: executables sous linux (testes sous Mandrake 9.2 et 10.0)
kicad/library: fichiers libraires de composants schematiques
kicad/library/doc: fichiers documentation des composants schematiques (.pdf)
(accessibles directement de la schematique si l'on a install acrobat ou Xpdf)
kicad/modules: fichiers de composants (modules) pour le circuit imprim
kicad/modules/packages3d: fichiers de formes 3D des modules

kicad/demos: C'est toujours utile...
kicad/internat: dictionnaires des langues (actuellement anglais->francais) pour les menus
kicad/help: fichiers d'aides en ligne
kicad/help/doc_src: fichiers d'aides (doc source, 200 pages) sous OpenOffice,
a lire avant de se plaindre.


Complements:
-En cas de difficult:
Un problme peut surgir pour kicad lors de la recherche des fichiers utiles
comme fichiers de config, librairies, dictionnaire anglais->franais, docs...
Sous Windows:
La recherche se fait l ou sont lus les executables.
Il ne faut donc pas recopier les executables ailleurs que l ou ils sont.
Toutefois, si cela ne marche pas, kicad cherche le repertoire c:&#92;kicad
Sous linux:
La recherche se fait sur /usr/local/kicad (installation conseille),
ou dans le chemin des executables si /usr/local/kicad n'est pas trouv.

Uniquement en cas d'installation non standard (et en cas de difficult),
definir la variable d'environnement KICAD = <chemin de kicad>
ex: KICAD=/usr/local/cao/kicad

Version of KiCad?

//Dan, M0DFI


On Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:51:12 -0000
"amitalfe" <amitalfe@...> wrote:

I've just installed KiCad on my computer (Win XP).
When I start the Easchema, I can see the GUI frame with its toolbars and icons but the sheet area is frozen or stuck (for example, sometimes I see a portion of my desktop picture stuck in the sheet).
What can cause this problem and what is the solution?
Maybe it's an issue of environment variables?

I've just installed KiCad on my computer (Win XP).
When I start the Easchema, I can see the GUI frame with its toolbars and icons but the sheet area is frozen or stuck (for example, sometimes I see a portion of my desktop picture stuck in the sheet).
What can cause this problem and what is the solution?
Maybe it's an issue of environment variables?

Ciao Michele,
sorry for my late reply. Pls could you send me your .brd file causing the failure?
Thanks
Bye
Giovanni

First thing,

read the docs and run through the tutorial a couple of times. It's rather
old and out of data in parts, but the basic method is OK.
Each kicad program has an extensive pdf file associated with it, look in
the docs directory or access from the help menu item (it's the same file)

You have to be a bit careful in what you ask, as there are several
distinct modules in Kicad, so it's not a totally integrated package.

There are two main modules, eeschema, and pcbnew EACH has it's own
library of components. (in fact it has many sets)

eeschema has the circuit symbols and pcbnew has the footprints (called
modules) There is not always a 1:1 relationship between the two. For
example and NPN transistor is the same symbol regardless of the case
type, but it could map to a TO91, TO220, one of several SMD
footprints and so on.

So you first design your eeschema symbol, defining pins and so on.
Pay VERY careful attention as to what you call the pins and what type
they are. The pin names and numbers are important.

Create your own library to stor4 things in use the create new libray
functions in the editor.

The you need to switch to pcbnew and use the MODULE editor to create
the physical footprint. This is where you can define the pad sizes
and so on. DO put the correct numbers against the pads, or things
will not get connected correctly.


The last step is all about how kicad uses libs and modules.

Both components and modules can be held in library files, you should
NOT modify the default libs or modules simply because they get
replaced during upgrades and any changes you make will be lost. So
always create your own libs and mode in your home directory (linux)
or wherever you put your files in windows)

You need to tell eeschema and pcbnew what extra libs to load.

In eeschema you do this via preferences>library then click add
find the library file that you created and select it.

The process is the same in pcbnew apart from selecting your module
(footprint) library rather than the component.

There is another module called cvpcb this assigns footprints to
components, Sometimes you also have to add the module libs to this
program as well. It's the same process; preferences > libraries then add


The workflow is:

design your circuit with eeschema, the annotate it, run ERC as needed and
correct errors. Create the netlist. Then run cvpcb and assign what
footprints you want to each component.

Note that there are default footprints that you can specify in the
component symbol if you want to automate things a bit more.

You then re-save the netlist with the component footprints now added.

You then run pcbnew and load the netlist, and then then you can fiddle
about placing your components, routing tracks and so on.

Kicad only adds libs to projects, not globally so if you find that you
always want to add one or two specific libs then you can do this by
modifying the default template called kicad.pro this is held in:

usr/local/kicad/share/template in linux and under kicad&#92;share&#92;template
in wherever you install it in windows.

You can open this project, add the component and module libs, then
resave. After that any new project that you create will pick up the
additional libs.

People work in different ways, so you may prefer to add libs
individually to projects or not. That's entirely up to you. The only
point I will make is that adding every lib you can find, makes the
lists long and awkward to use.


Shout when you get stuck again :-))


Andy








On Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:37:51 -0000
"tmortus" <tom_mort@...> wrote:

I'm new to KiCAD can see how to add components that are in libraries to a schematic, but, I'm having trouble creating one that isn't in the supplied libraries.

The component I am drawing is a small DCDC converter with six pins.

I can draw and label the pins and save the file, but, I think somehow I have to connect all of these pins to create the component and I can't figure out how to do it.

I can add the directory where I saved the drawing to and then see how to insert the component, but, all I get is the component name rather than a drawing of the pins.

Also, I don't see how to specify the diameter of the pins. I'm assuming that this gets down when the PCB itself is created.



------------------------------------

Please read the Kicad FAQ in the group files section before posting your question.
Please post your bug reports here. They will be picked up by the creator of Kicad.
Please visit for details of how to contribute your symbols/modules to the kicad library.
For building Kicad from source and other development questions visit the kicad-devel group at ! Groups Links

I'm new to KiCAD can see how to add components that are in libraries to a schematic, but, I'm having trouble creating one that isn't in the supplied libraries.

The component I am drawing is a small DCDC converter with six pins.

I can draw and label the pins and save the file, but, I think somehow I have to connect all of these pins to create the component and I can't figure out how to do it.

I can add the directory where I saved the drawing to and then see how to insert the component, but, all I get is the component name rather than a drawing of the pins.

Also, I don't see how to specify the diameter of the pins. I'm assuming that this gets down when the PCB itself is created.

Hi,

I ran into the following issue:
I have several minor zones on top layer connected to individual nets. Finally i tried to pour a power plane over the unused areas of the layer, it nicely avoids contact with tracks, but does not avoid the already existing zones, producing a continuous fill with them.

Any way to correct this?

thx,
peter

Thanks for the helpful suggestions. I have gotten some work done by clicking the "parts are locked" box in properties. This causes each part to be locked as its own entity. But this worked only for pins, not the other shapes I needed to draw. Then I needed to fiddle with the Edit line options > Shared by all parts in component box. Flipping back and forth between parts, I clicked this box on/off a few times with some parts until the setting appeared to take. And the whole process involved more re-drawing than I wanted. But it worked and will do for now.

I will also definitely check out the "Edit pins per part or body style" button.

Hi Fabio, the module I did is this one:


What I mean when I said that I did it not in a normal way, is that Module Editor gives me errors about non-connected pins, when in fact all of them are connected, so I imagined that there is another way to do this.

However, the module is ok and no problem with boards did with it. The module is optimized for hand-soldering.

Nice guide, I'll read it asop.