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Thanks, Andy.? This was helpful.

Since I worked with Eagle 7.7 in the past, how close is KiCad in operation?? It's been about 4-5 years since my last project.

I'm not sure it's the learning curve, or being out of circuit/PCB creation for several years, but there have been a few hangups where I've had to look up "what does this mean"?? The one thing that got me tonight was when hitting the docs, it was insistent on transitioning from v 5.1.9 to v 8.? Did that, and now I have no library.? So now I have to figure out how to fix this before moving on to the connector.? Newbee world.

FV

Hi Frederick,

all CAD systems take a little getting used to, and trying to jump in with
a design is sometimes a bit of a steep learning curve.

Firstly, mouser seems to have screwed up their libraries, and are using a
3rd party app they don't say it is works on linix and as it has .msi bits
in the download I suspect that it's windows only, so no use to me :-)

However go to digikey and look up the same part, no issues there you just
select the same part there and you can get the files from there. The
selector is just under the datasheet link in the box with the connector
image.

Just select the kicad6+ model from the dropdown.

Kicad uses two libraries one for the component symbol, and another for
the footprint.

Additionally there is a 3d cad library, but you don't need these models
unless you want to look at a pretty image of the pcb..

I always recommend that you set up your own libraries and only use parts
that you have verified as correct and moved into your own libraries.
That's something for you to do in the future.

From the symbols editor, open the  connector library and select connectors
that's at the top of the connector library list (there are a lot of
connectors so they are split up to make them more managable) list. At the
bottom of that list you will find screw terminals. Find the one that
matches your requirement say one row by six, and then use the add to
schematic icon on the top toolbar at the right hand end.

That will enable you to get on with drawing your circuit diagram.

At some point you will want to lay out the PCB tracks, and will need a
footprint. 

This is where one of the main differences with kicad comes into play. 
Kicad does not use a one symbol to one footprint system like many other
PCB programs. It uses a one symbol to many footprints.

eg you only have one NPN transistor symbol, when you are ready you then
assign the correct footprint to that symbol for your project.

So you will goto digikey and download the footprint for the connector
your require, and save that on disk somewhere.

Then open up the footprint editor and select the library you want to
shove the connector into (I think the later versions of kicad also give
you the option of where to save things as well)


The from the menu select file > import
Navigate to where you saved the file and import it. That's pretty much
all there is to it. Once it is in the library you will be able to select
it during the assign process. Make sure that you save the library 

Once that it done it will appear in the rats nest when you fire up the
PCB editor.

You will get stuck at times , so just ask for help...

However I will echo what others have said, work through a few simple
projects, and learn how to draw up your own symbols and custom
footprints. It does save a lot of time in the long run.


Andy 


  


On Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:13:08 -0500
"Frederick R. Vobbe" <fvobbe@...> wrote:

I'm still trying to get acclimated to KiCad.? Could someone refer me to 
the correct DOC or instructions how to do the following.

I'm using this connector for the I/O.? "Fixed Terminal Blocks 6P 2.54mm 
90DEG" (Mouser: 651-1725698)



This part does have an ECAD Model.

My project is on my PC at: E:\Fred's Documents\KiCad\AF-Interface

Is there a step by step FAQ or DOC which will take me from download of 
the Symbol/Footprint, and putting it to where it needs to be to be 
functional within KiCad on the project.

What I've read so far appears to be for more advanced users, assuming I 
know the structure.? I'm in the beginning stages of KiCad.

-- 
Frederick R. Vobbe
706 Mackenzie Dr
Lima, OH 45805-1835 U.S.A.