On Fri, 6 Aug 2010, Alex G wrote:
I've been struck by Kicad's lack of all but the most basic footprints. As such, I have started drawing some footprints, and would like to get them into the official Kicad release ASAP.
I might put some prerelease directory for unchecked libraries, but I fear no symbol-footprint associations will get there. Maybe I'll spend my sunday pondering the library structure. Any ideas from everybody are appreciated. In short form, please.
Here's a short list of the footprints I'm currently working on TDFN-EP 6, 8, 10, and 14 pin This is a 3x3mm package, and I also have a basic 3D model for it More info on this package at: http://pdfserv.maxim-ic.com/package_dwgs/21-0137.PDF
This is definitely something to be added to the generating script for: http://www.uni-c.dtu.dk/~univind/kicad/oaa_smd_qfn.brd
Sharp S202S02 - Solid-State relay I have a beta 3D-model and footprint for this. More at: http://www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/compshop/400-00053Datasheet.pdf Molex Micro-fit connectors Nothing yet here, but am plannig to get footprints and 3D models for the entire line (SMD and throughhole; single-row and double-row). (Luckily, Molex provides 3D models for these). http://www.molex.com/molex/common/staticLoader.jsp?fileName=/cmc_upload/0/000/0-8/368/w-b-matrix/wtb-matrix.html&pageTitle=Introduction&chanName=family&channel=products&key=microfit_30
With these I'm happy with hand drawn stuff, but for the connectors I'd suggest working with Oyvind. Just in case a scripted way can be developed easily enough. I've used those SSRs with just very rudimentary fooprint, so I thank you in advance :)
As you may tell by now, I am the definition of noob. I draw the footprints with Inventor, export them as IGES, import the IGES in FreeCAD, export it as .obj, and finally import that into Wings 3D. I'm not very good with applying colors, so help from someone with more experience is greatly appreciated. I've been hearing some fuss about a scripted approach to generating footprints. Does anyone have examples on that?
Please take a look at http://www.uni-c.dtu.dk/~univind/kicad/
Then, how do I get the files to the right place? Can I just attach them to the emails, or should I rather upload them to a public place and only send the link?
Kicad-newlib on Launchpad for bigger work, but ocassional stuff is fine on the list or even directly to me. Ping on the list first is a good practice.
There's also a question on 3D-modles for packages that don't have protruding pins, such as TDFN. Should I draw the pins on the model, or will a rectangular box do? This is more a matter of aestethics. I'm not lazy, just trying to avoid extra work if it has no meaning.
Again I'd like to point you to Oydvind's work.
I've been hearing discussions about a format change for library files. I think that getting the footprints in properly with the current format, and then converting them if/when that happens is the best choice. Having to import several libraries in each project is time consuming, and it would be nice to have them in the default install.
I'm leaning towards incomplete newlib as a branch in release library. Just a bunch of symbols with coherent style, footprints and 3D without association data. When file format features get ready, we'll start actual component specific data gathering for pin/part swap etc. When the branch is strong enough we may chop the old trunk away. Any objections to that?
-Vesa _______________________________________________ Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers Post to : [email protected] Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp
