Author Topic: I did it - switched to KiCad  (Read 39740 times)

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Offline VEGETA

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Re: I did it - switched to KiCad
« Reply #100 on: June 05, 2018, 06:54:57 am »
I finished making a schematic for my 30V\2A dummy load project. Now I want to create the PCB, I have these questions:

1- How can I define board shape? especially odd shaped boards like importing autocad drawing or some free software output like autocad.

2- Is there any comprehensive library which contains footprints?

3- I want to increase copper under some power mosfets or resistors? is that possible and how?

4- How about adding thermal vias to it?

5- If I wanna penalize, is there an automated thing to do it? I would need routing and v-groove at the same time.

6- How about 3d view? do I need extra stuff? how to access it?

7- I also want to drill some holes... how is it done?

thanks

Offline Rerouter

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Re: I did it - switched to KiCad
« Reply #101 on: June 05, 2018, 07:45:48 am »
1- How can I define board shape? especially odd shaped boards like importing autocad drawing or some free software output like autocad.
Export as a DXF file in the R12 format, then import to the edge cuts layer
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2- Is there any comprehensive library which contains footprints?
The built in library will cover about 85% of things, specific sized transformers, and a few brand specific footprints may not be there
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3- I want to increase copper under some power mosfets or resistors? is that possible and how?
Draw a "filled zone" in the shape you desire, set it to the net name of the pad you want it to add to, then select solid or thermal connection depending on how you want it (thermal is for easier soldering)
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4- How about adding thermal vias to it?
draw trace from the center of the pad, turn off the snapping, and place vias where you want them. You may also want to turn off auto delete tracks if it fights you.

5-Have yet to do it, so not to sure
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6- How about 3d view? do I need extra stuff? how to access it?
Top of the screen, veiw / 3D veiwer, for the built in libraries the models should be there, anything you make would either need one assigned or added
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7- I also want to drill some holes... how is it done?
If you want holes or shapes in your PCB, draw graphical objects on the "edge cuts" layer, e.g. a circle would be a mounting hole.

If you want single or an array of plated holes, they are available in the footprints library. this can be accessed by the 4th icon on the right hand toolbar, looks like a 6 pin IC.
 

Offline Gibson486

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Re: I did it - switched to KiCad
« Reply #102 on: June 07, 2018, 01:29:51 pm »
Does anyone know if 5 adds support for grouping components with layouts on the PCB?

You mean like Altium's "rooms," for channelized designs where you lay out one room at a time, and that layout is replicated as often as needed?

If so, then no.

It's been an outstanding feature request forever, and it's more difficult to implement well than I think most people realize.

I outsourced a pcb design that had multiple same sub circuits. The guy just made a python script to do what rooms does. I am not sure why it is hard for KiCad to do it. The guy said it just took him one day to make the script. 

But yeah, rooms is a great feature.
 

Online MitjaN

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Re: I did it - switched to KiCad
« Reply #103 on: June 08, 2018, 02:03:54 pm »
There are a couple of scripts supporting this functionality.

And I will shamelessly plug my own: https://github.com/MitjaNemec/Kicad_action_plugins#replicate-layout
 
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