[kicad-users] Grid not displaying completely
I installed Kicad a few months ago, but never really had a chance to use it. I now have an excuse to use it, but I'm getting an odd display glitch. The grid is only displaying in vertical stripes an inch or two wide. I get the same glitch in both the schematic and board editors. Any clues? Thanks, Mike
Re: [kicad-users] Need a single pad on PCB
Or add a via and adjust the size to suit your needs. Andy On Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:33:36 +0200 "Anders Gustafsson" wrote: > There is a "test pin" you can use "testpoint" > > > > > - Anders Gustafsson > Engineer, CNE6, ASE > Pedago, The Aaland Islands (N60 E20) > www.pedago.fi > phone +358 18 12060 > mobile +358 40506 7099 > fax +358 18 14060 > > >>> "juliorz" 2009-12-02 22:13 >>> > I saw two references for a 1 pin connector but those pad were too big. > > > > > > 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 http://www.kicadlib.org 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 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kicad-develYahoo! Groups > Links > > >
Re: [kicad-users] Re: topological autorouter integration with KiCAD
Don't despair. (OK, you can despair, but don't give up - yet) Topological routing is a technology, not a product! The WAND link that you discovered, Andrew, is an independent implementation of that technology. It is worth checking where they are going; it won't cost you the $5900 (or whatever) of the TopoR product. Donald. - Original Message - From: "lynchaj" To: kicad-users@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 7:18:14 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [kicad-users] Re: topological autorouter integration with KiCAD Thanks Dan! Apparently the early versions were done free/open source but later versions have gone commercial. That's a shame. Thanks for the information! Have a nice day! Andrew Lynch --- In kicad-users@yahoogroups.com, Dan Andersson wrote: > > Andrew, > > This software deviated towards a fully commercial solution. Look at the dates > in the link you have. > > You can find the info at www.toporouter.com > > A full router fitting KiCad will probably go for around 5 - 6 k US $. > > Remember! Don't mix proprietary and Open Source as you can run foul of what > yu > can do with your design! > > > //Dan, M0DFI > > > On Wednesday 02 Dec 2009 03:08:25 lynchaj wrote: > > Hi! Thanks for making KiCAD. It is a great program and I use it often to > > make PCBs for the N8VEM homebrew computer project. > > > > I recently came across an interesting web page for an topological > > autorouter being developed and wondered if KiCAD developers were aware of > > it. > > > > http://www.wand.net.nz/~amb33/toporouter/ > > > > Is there any plan for integration of this topological autorouter with > > KiCAD? I think it would be dramatic improvement to the existing > > autorouter within KiCAD. > > > > Thanks for all your hard work on KiCAD. I very much appreciate it. > > > > Thanks and have a nice day! > > > > Andrew Lynch > > > 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 http://www.kicadlib.org 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 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kicad-develYahoo! Groups Links
[kicad-users] Re: topological autorouter integration with KiCAD
Thanks Dan! Apparently the early versions were done free/open source but later versions have gone commercial. That's a shame. Thanks for the information! Have a nice day! Andrew Lynch --- In kicad-users@yahoogroups.com, Dan Andersson wrote: > > Andrew, > > This software deviated towards a fully commercial solution. Look at the dates > in the link you have. > > You can find the info at www.toporouter.com > > A full router fitting KiCad will probably go for around 5 - 6 k US $. > > Remember! Don't mix proprietary and Open Source as you can run foul of what > yu > can do with your design! > > > //Dan, M0DFI > > > On Wednesday 02 Dec 2009 03:08:25 lynchaj wrote: > > Hi! Thanks for making KiCAD. It is a great program and I use it often to > > make PCBs for the N8VEM homebrew computer project. > > > > I recently came across an interesting web page for an topological > > autorouter being developed and wondered if KiCAD developers were aware of > > it. > > > > http://www.wand.net.nz/~amb33/toporouter/ > > > > Is there any plan for integration of this topological autorouter with > > KiCAD? I think it would be dramatic improvement to the existing > > autorouter within KiCAD. > > > > Thanks for all your hard work on KiCAD. I very much appreciate it. > > > > Thanks and have a nice day! > > > > Andrew Lynch > > >
[kicad-users] A zone generator bug?
I've just encountered a very strange thing when generating a Zone in PCBnew. [version: "** PCBNEW (sept 1992 .. 2006) **Build Version:PCBNEW (2007-07-09) - Unicode version"] I have choosen the finest pitch (grid: 0.120 mm) and Zone clearance 0.444 mm. I had done first the GND zone, and next I was about to do the VCC zone. But it doesn't only generate the ordinary zone, but it also makes some very broad tracks that in some places override the zone clearance space, and in one spot actually shortcuts VCC to the GND zone. (I doscovered this after measuring zero ohms on the final product!) The faulty tracks belongs to the generated zone - they are not editable, but disappear if I choose to delete the zone. How can I avoid this to happen? I uploaded some screenshots where you can see the PCB with and without the VCC Zone so you can understand what I mean. (pics: zone1.jpg, zone2.jpg, zone3.jpg and zone4.jpg at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kicad-users/photos/album/1407660911/pic/list )
Re: [kicad-users] Need a single pad on PCB
You can always change the size of the pad. Right click on pad, select Pad/Edit Pad and change size Martin juliorz wrote: > > I saw two references for a 1 pin connector but those pad were too big. >
[kicad-users] Odd libraries? powerpins on non-existent unit?
I have seen this in linear-technology2 and 74xx-eu. Devices like SN7554N and LTC6101 are defined as having two units and the Vcc and GND pins are on the second unit. Both of those only have one per IC?? Why is this? - Anders Gustafsson Engineer, CNE6, ASE Pedago, The Aaland Islands (N60 E20) www.pedago.fi phone +358 18 12060 mobile +358 40506 7099 fax +358 18 14060
Sv: [kicad-users] Need a single pad on PCB
There is a "test pin" you can use "testpoint" - Anders Gustafsson Engineer, CNE6, ASE Pedago, The Aaland Islands (N60 E20) www.pedago.fi phone +358 18 12060 mobile +358 40506 7099 fax +358 18 14060 >>> "juliorz" 2009-12-02 22:13 >>> I saw two references for a 1 pin connector but those pad were too big.
[kicad-users] Need a single pad on PCB
I just need to add a single pad on the board so that I can later solder a wire to it. The same pad size used in a ½ resistor would be fine. I dont see a tool that would let me add a single pad by itself. I saw two references for a 1 pin connector but those pad were too big.
[kicad-users] Re: Freerouter assistance
Freerouter Round Tripping Guidelines: 1. in pcbnew: establish the number of layers, and save the *.brd file. 2. in a text editor: load the board (*.brd) file, and edit the layer names and types. These should look something like this: * Layer[0] Back signal * Layer[1] Power power * Layer[2] V2_Signal signal * Layer[3] H1_Signal signal * Layer[4] Ground power * Layer[15] Front signal Notice that after the layer name there is a layer type field, either 'signal' or 'power'. Any layer identified as 'power' will be removed from the layer menu in Freerouter, as this will be assumed to contain a power zone. * in pcbnew: re-load the board, and establish board perimeter. * in pcbnew: establish any zones, inclusive of net association. * in pcbnew: load in the netlist so you have all the components defined and instantiated. * in pcbnew: do the degree of component placements you are comfortable with. It is a little easier to accurately position components in pcbnew than in freerouter, but either will work. * in pcbnew: set up the netclasses. power traces might be a little thicker. So add a netclass called 'power'. Make its traces thicker than what you establish for netclass 'Default'. Set spacing and vias for each netclass. * in pcbnew: export to DSN. * load up freerouter (keep it running for any subsequent iterations of 6) through 14) here ). * in freerouter: load the project's *.dsn file. * useful, not mandatory: in freerouter: set your move snap modulus, which seems to default to 1 internal unit. 20 mils in x and in y is about reasonable. * in freerouter: finish placing any components, you can change sides of a part here also, rotate, whatever. * in freerouter: route the board, save frequently to a *.dsn file while routing, in case of power loss, not yet a session file but a full *.dsn file. The full freerouter *.dsn file is a superset format, one that fully defines the board and can be reloaded between power outages, whereas the *.ses file is not a complete design, but with the *.brd file constitutes a full design. * in freerouter: when done, or when you want to back import, then save as a session file, *.ses. * in pcbnew: backimport the session file * in pcbnew: at this point the zones have to be refilled. One way to do that is to simply run DRC.
[kicad-users] Re: Freerouter assistance
> I just gave up, as it wasn't routing anything on a pass, so I finished > routing by hand back in pcbNew. It seemed easier to do it there than in > Freeroute. > > Chris Chris, It takes about a day to learn how to use freerouter's manual routing capability but this is an investment that does pay off, particularly if you have a complex board. The "push and shove" manual routing capability is invaluable. Some high density boards simply cannot be done without it. Here is a 6 layer board that was done using the manual routing capability of freerouter: http://dl.softplc.com/ds_Smartboard.pdf The pathway to and from freerouter (Specctra DSN format) has gotten polished quite a bit in the most recent PCBNEW developments, and these should be released in 1st quarter 2010. The new netclass support is very useful to this end. Currently, one of the important steps do be done before exporting to freerouter is to manually edit your *.brd file with a text editor and establish your layer names so they are meaningful, and to establish the purpose of each layer especially power layers. Power layers are then removed from the layer selection menu in freerouter, simplifying things a bit. The layer naming and type identification are two of the remaining items that will be polished before the next Kicad release in 1st quarter, such that you will not have to use a text editor to establish these. In any case, freerouter is the horse that you want to bet on. Spending the time to learn it is worth it if you ever plan on doing something as complicated as a 4 layer board or greater, and maybe this threshold should be lower. This is not to say that other external routers cannot be used. In theory the Specctra DSN format is an industry standard, and toporouter and others claim to be compatible with it. So doing the round tripping to other routers should be possible now. But to be candid, I am finding freerouter to be more than up to the task. I recently did 4 layer board in freerouter with Kicad in 5 days, again manually routed in freerouter, not auto-routed. Dick
Re: [kicad-users] How to select manual route behavior?
>From my albeit limited experience, as I have only done 3 boards, it depends on which direction you go from the pad. If you go straight out from the pad, the trace will be straigh out until you change direction, if you leave the pad at an angle, the trace will be at an angle. Chris On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 6:22 AM, s_borshch wrote: > > > Hello everybody. > > When placing trace from pad sometimes trace goes straight and then turns at > 45 degrees and sometimes trace goes first at 45 degrees and then straight. I > have no ideas how pcbnew selects one or other behavior. But the question is: > is there any hotkey or other way to change behavior on-the-fly, during > placing trace. > > Regards, > Sergey > > > -- IBA #15631
[kicad-users] import DXF mechanics drawing
Hello there, Until now, I havnt found a way to import a mechanical drawing into Kicad. Im designing a new product for a specific housing and Id like to import the housing DXF to draw my PCB shape correctly in place the fixation points easily. Any trick to do that ? Best Stephane
[kicad-users] Submitting libraries and additions?
I use http://www.kicadlib.org/ and the search on the bottom a lot, but how do I contribute? Ie if I create or modify a module how do I push it back? - Anders Gustafsson Engineer, CNE6, ASE Pedago, The Aaland Islands (N60 E20) www.pedago.fi phone +358 18 12060 mobile +358 40506 7099 fax +358 18 14060
Re: [kicad-users] topological autorouter integration with KiCAD
The developments at WAND are fairly current - only a few months old - and are associated with the gEDA programs. The TopoR product is mature and commercial and seems to be related to DipTrace, not to the WAND work. Donald. - Original Message - From: "Dan Andersson" To: kicad-users@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 5:49:57 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [kicad-users] topological autorouter integration with KiCAD Andrew, This software deviated towards a fully commercial solution. Look at the dates in the link you have. You can find the info at www.toporouter.com A full router fitting KiCad will probably go for around 5 - 6 k US $. Remember! Don't mix proprietary and Open Source as you can run foul of what yu can do with your design! //Dan, M0DFI On Wednesday 02 Dec 2009 03:08:25 lynchaj wrote: > Hi! Thanks for making KiCAD. It is a great program and I use it often to > make PCBs for the N8VEM homebrew computer project. > > I recently came across an interesting web page for an topological > autorouter being developed and wondered if KiCAD developers were aware of > it. > > http://www.wand.net.nz/~amb33/toporouter/ > > Is there any plan for integration of this topological autorouter with > KiCAD? I think it would be dramatic improvement to the existing > autorouter within KiCAD. > > Thanks for all your hard work on KiCAD. I very much appreciate it. > > Thanks and have a nice day! > > Andrew Lynch > 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 http://www.kicadlib.org 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 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kicad-develYahoo! Groups Links
Re: [kicad-users] topological autorouter integration with KiCAD
Dan Andersson wrote: > This software deviated towards a fully commercial solution. Look at the dates > in the link you have. > > You can find the info at www.toporouter.com Uhm... I don't think they're related, apart being two topological routers... TopoR is at release 4.0 and seems it existed for some years, while "Topological Autorouter" seems quite a young proect... > A full router fitting KiCad will probably go for around 5 - 6 k US $. $5900, actually :) (according to TopoR price list). BYtE!
[kicad-users] Manual route: Automatic working layer change possible after "end track" action?
Example: I have ground plane on bottom layer and want to connect some smd component pin to ground plane. I place track from pin, than press "V" hotkey to place via and "End" hotkey to end trace. After that I have to press "PgDn" hotkey to select working layer back to component layer. Is there any possibility to ask pcbnew after ending trace automatically change working layer to one was selected before (at start of) placing track? Regards, Sergey.
[kicad-users] How to select manual route behavior?
Hello everybody. When placing trace from pad sometimes trace goes straight and then turns at 45 degrees and sometimes trace goes first at 45 degrees and then straight. I have no ideas how pcbnew selects one or other behavior. But the question is: is there any hotkey or other way to change behavior on-the-fly, during placing trace. Regards, Sergey
Re: [kicad-users] topological autorouter integration with KiCAD
Andrew, This software deviated towards a fully commercial solution. Look at the dates in the link you have. You can find the info at www.toporouter.com A full router fitting KiCad will probably go for around 5 - 6 k US $. Remember! Don't mix proprietary and Open Source as you can run foul of what yu can do with your design! //Dan, M0DFI On Wednesday 02 Dec 2009 03:08:25 lynchaj wrote: > Hi! Thanks for making KiCAD. It is a great program and I use it often to > make PCBs for the N8VEM homebrew computer project. > > I recently came across an interesting web page for an topological > autorouter being developed and wondered if KiCAD developers were aware of > it. > > http://www.wand.net.nz/~amb33/toporouter/ > > Is there any plan for integration of this topological autorouter with > KiCAD? I think it would be dramatic improvement to the existing > autorouter within KiCAD. > > Thanks for all your hard work on KiCAD. I very much appreciate it. > > Thanks and have a nice day! > > Andrew Lynch >
Re: [kicad-users] Scanning PCB's into Kicad possible ?
Have you tried raoulduke's script (http://www.mail-archive.com/kicad-users@yahoogroups.com/msg05013.html)? If you work your way through the thread he tells you how to get an image file (in the form of a PBM) into any layer. It'll take a lot of messing about and you may not get you usable Gerbers, but I guess it's worth a try. Regards, Robert. Dan Roganti wrote: > hello, > > Is it possible to scan an existing PCB from an old design and have Kicad > read this file (jpeg?) in order to create a gerber file output to make > new ones ? > I have some old designs from 30+yrs ago which I like to bring back to life. > > thanks > =Dan > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.88/2538 - Release Date: 12/01/09 > 07:59:00 > No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.90/2540 - Release Date: 12/02/09 07:33:00
[kicad-users] topological autorouter integration with KiCAD
Hi! Thanks for making KiCAD. It is a great program and I use it often to make PCBs for the N8VEM homebrew computer project. I recently came across an interesting web page for an topological autorouter being developed and wondered if KiCAD developers were aware of it. http://www.wand.net.nz/~amb33/toporouter/ Is there any plan for integration of this topological autorouter with KiCAD? I think it would be dramatic improvement to the existing autorouter within KiCAD. Thanks for all your hard work on KiCAD. I very much appreciate it. Thanks and have a nice day! Andrew Lynch
[kicad-users] Re: Library Import
Hi, It seems that PCAD, EAgle and Older Orcad can be converted to KiCad. However it's a little complicated have tested personally eagle script and some orcad converter - they produce an usable result. I know that it's a stream that wants to update library on developer forum. Anyway it seems to me that you are the first girl that it's posting to this group. Wellcome ! REgards, Daniel
