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Exactly so. I include mechanical things like fixing holes, RF screens, and the PCB itself in the schematic as parts.

A hole is just a single pad of the correct dimensions. It can have
copper layers, or none (in which case it becomes a non-plated through
hole). If it has copper layers, they can optionally be connected to
any net (usually the ground plane, and typically with no thermal
spokes). In the past I just defined the hole on the schematic with a
single pin connector, but these days I have my own symbol. Often the
associated footprint that I create will define a board outline and all
the holes (as pads), and typically much more (such as silk screen
elements). I routinely import that from mechanical CAD as a DXF.

So there are no hard and fast rules - you just do whatever cranks your
tractor on the day.

Regards,

Robert.

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As I understand it, I have to make a copy of the schematic and add voltage sources (power and signal) and a load. Then add to that the simulation command. But how do I introduce the models and subcircuits for the active components?

What would be much easier for me is to be able to copy the schematic into LTspice (as that is what I use) and do the simulation in that environment. But is is possible to do that, i.e. can KiCad export a schematic (or even a netlist) that SPICE understands?

This is important because it can be a costly mistake not to realise that the KiCad opamp symbol has the + input uppermost, whereas it is most common, I think, to see the - input uppermost. The EDR can't detect that error, of course.

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I have an old advice sheet about how to add fixing holes to a board, but both methods are really work-arounds and have disadvantages. I am a bit surprised that this issue is not documented (as far as I can find). Advice would be welcome.

Hi Tom,

In the meantime, I created a ticket for the issue, and prepared a patch. It has been accepted, and a pull request is created to fix the issue.

For your information, the project is a memory el-keyer.

73s de HA5OGL
Lev

Hi all,



I am currently designing a new project using the relatively new MCU, the AVR64DD32. I found that the DB version has the same pinout, and we have symbol for it.

The REST/PF6 pin marked bidirectional, however the datasheet (and the real device) states as input only. Is it wise and mark that pin input only, so ERC can detect if that net is not driven?


Thanks,
Lev

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Hi,

Is my understanding of the reach of net labels correct?

A "net label" is only recognized on the same hierachical sheet, but not in sub-sheets.
Different hierachical sheets can use the same net label without creating a sheet to sheet connection.

A "global label" is recognized throughout the entire schematic on all hierachical sheets.
Good for sheet to sheet connection.

Here is my question:

Is there a means to define a net that is valid in a hierarchical sheet and all its sub-sheets, but not in other hierarchical sheets?
This would be useful if several identical complex blocks need to be designed.

Thanks, Tom

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I have converted the user.hotkeys file to a fairly readable Excel book with seven sheets, but I don't see any Upload button on the Files page. Please advise.

In KiCad 7 and 8, they are at C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Roaming\kicad\X.0\user.hotkeys, but the texts are barely readable by humans.

On 2024-05-23 14:08, Tony Casey wrote:

For the hotkeys, find where the KiCad configuration files are stored. I guess on Windows, it would be somewhere close to:

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Yes, I do too. I use Subversion, but version control systems usually require manual updates and commits. But I also have automated backup that runs every evening at about 21:00. Windows users also have the option of easy use of backing up on OneDrive. Most MS Office subscriptions give you 2TB of OneDrive storage. Other cloud options are available...

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Most printer drivers will let you grow or shrink to fit the paper available. Obviously, it wouldn't be much use shrinking an A0 drawing onto an A4 sheet, but A3 -> A4 is usually fine.

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Don't forget that KiCad can sort the numbering of the RefDes in vertical or horizontal sequence. If you require a particular numbering pattern, best do it manually from the start.

Many of my schematics are multi-page, and I've always prefixed the RefDes with the sheet number, so I can immediately check the correct schematic page when tracing a component from the PCB. Thus all resistors on sheet1 start from R100, for example. KiCad can do that automatically too.

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On 23/05/2024 17:16, John Hudak wrote:

Sorry to hear about the problem.? Does ctrl-Z work to undo things? (been a while since I actively used kicad.

With all due respect, shame on Kicad for the lame behavior and poor excuse.? IMHO, backup provided by the tool should be solid - there are no excuses.? No guarantee that doing your own backup would prevent the problem...If they are blaming the behavior on 'things going on in the background' then you could save an already corrupted file.? This shows a lack of discipline on the backup mechanism.

I think it's maybe premature to blame KiCad for this. I've never noticed corrupted backup files. But then I don't routinely use Windows, which has a habit of doing updates and reboots in the middle of the night when it thinks no one is watching. To be fair, John says he forgot to save the file before retiring for the night.

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Thanks. I will look at that, but I do need to print out on A4.

If you can use any size sheet, you can change it… File>Page Settings

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I have a switch that fits the footprint. I now have? a schematic symbol that will do, although it's not quite correct.

Thanks to all for help.

I think you need start with finding a real switch. Then compare datasheet with footprint.
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Kind regards,
Victor

I think you need start with finding a real switch. Then compare datasheet with footprint.
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Victor

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Thanks, Andy. That's what I did, eventually.

Place all units does work, but you have to be a little careful to avoid
"clickitis" :-)

in the circuit editor
add symbol

select switch / SW_DP3T

(here you can select either the entire unit, or each part, select the
entire unit SW_DP3T)

At the bottom of the selection window ensure that the place all units is
selected.

The next bit is where I think you might be going wrong

Select OK

the system is now ready to place the units. It will ONLY place one unit
at a time, not all in one go.

So move to where you want to place the first unit and click ONCE 

Move to where you want the second unit and click ONCE

For a two unit symbol such as this that's it all done, but if it was a
4,6,8 or whatever part unit you would need to repeat the placements
until all done.

Andy


On Thu, 23 May 2024 14:12:07 +0100
"John Woodgate" <jmw@...> wrote:

Yes, it does work, but 'Place all units' doesn't work. I had to find a 
work-around to get both poles into the schematic.

On 2024-05-23 10:24, Andy wrote:

SW_DP3T looks something like what you are asking form it's in the switch
lib.

Get used to making your own footprints and symbols it's one of the most
useful things you can do as it's a great time saver.

The way to go is find a symbol (or footprint) that's close, copy it,
rename and save in your own libs which you should be doing anyway, and
it's not a good idea to use the provided libs directly as you have no way
of knowing if an update has changed something. It's should not, bit it
can happen.

Andy



On Thu, 23 May 2024 09:53:09 +0100
"John Woodgate"<jmw@...>  wrote:
 

I want to use a double-pole switch with centre-off position, and the
footprint:
Button_Switch_THT:SW_Push_2P2T_Vertical_E-Switch_800UDP8P1A1M6 is good.
But I can't find? a schematic symbol for it, only SPDT_MSM for a
single-pole version. Do I have to make a new symbol for it? That means
delving into the 'user libraries' process, which I find very confusing.

Actually, I am using only one pole, but that switch fits mechanically
very well and I have a supply.

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