Hi Ian,
Here are the steps I have been using.
Maybe it will help.
to create a new 'module':
1. from PcbNew click on 'Open Module Editor'
2. change to the Module Editor window. It may be behind the PcbNew window.
3. click 'Load Module from Libary' to begin from an existing part.
or
click 'New Module' to start from scratch.
4. Add Pads, drawing, and text as required (see right toolbar)
5. Note here, the 'module name' is the 'reference designator'
This might seem confusing, but if you got here from clicking on
'Edit Module' while editing a component, the module is essentially
identified by the Ref Des.
If building a new module, change the ref des to a module name,
then click 'Create New Library and save current module'.
This will make a file named 'RefDes.mod'.
6. Now to get your new module onto the board.
a) change the ref des to the desired ref des on the board and
click 'Insert module into current board'.
b) From the schematic editor, run/click on 'Run Cvpcb'
This allows each ref des to have a 'Module' assigned to it.
This assignment will happen in the net file. So...
In Cvpcb, you must get your new component into the selection list.
Do this by 'Preferences', 'Configuration', and 'Add' over the Library
window.
Now in the Cvpcb left pane, select the ref des.
In the right pane, double click on the module (assigning it that ref
des)
Close Cvpcb. Back in schematic, generate a new net list.
Then in PcbNew, reload the netlist. Your new module should show up
in the staging area.
7. To make iterations/edits, "edit a component" brings up the 'Module
properties' window.
Click on the 'Edit Module' button, make changes, and click on 'Update module
in the current board'.
...Jim H.
----- Original Message -----
From: Ian Garrison
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 8:17 PM
Subject: [kicad-users] KiCAD for Modular Synth PCB designs
So far, KiCAD has been a life (and money) saver. Thank you to the designers
and many individual who create libraries of components and modules because
without you, a lot of us would have no way of designing our own PCBs.
That being said, a friend of mine and I are designing many different kinds of
synthesizers, circuit bent toys/instruments and most importantly, modules that
we are initially going to target for the 3U eurorack format. I've been
attempting to layout the modules in KiCAD for some time now and am struggling
with it comes to the input/output. My main issue is the lack of audio jacks. I
can't find a library containing anything close to what is VERY common in the
audio/video world input/output component. In this case, namely a 1/8" mono
jack. I've been able to create a rudimentary component that works OK in the EE
design portion, but as far as designing the module counterpart for the PCBNEW
phase, well... I've fallen short.
Does anyone know if there is a library out there available containing a wide
array of the most common audio jacks? I've looked and looked to no avail.
What would be great is if there is someone out there who has already designed
a module or synthesizer using jacks exactly like or similar to the 1/8" mono
jacks in question. I'm sorry I don't have part #'s, but with our work space
being at my friend's house and he's on vacation all week, the closest I can
provide are picture from a post on our blog (10th and 11th down):
http://www.analoguebus.com/blog/2009/06/25/it-has-been-a-while-since-we-have-posted-sorry-warning-lots-of-pictures/
Any advice on building up a library of various audio jacks, finding and
existing one or even finding someone who could provide a simple
synthesizer/audio project utilizing the jacks or similar jacks in question
would be fantastic.
I'm not looking for a free ride or shortcut here, I really have been
struggling with this for a while and felt like it was time to move on and ask
the experts.
Thanks for any piece of advice in advance,
Ian
