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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.

Hi,

This is a common hurdle many new users encounter. I'd emphasize that
you'll save yourself a LOT of pain and hassle my taking time to read up
on, understand and master the process of schematic part creation and
footprint creation from scratch. It's not hard, and it will save you a
lot of time, even though at first it seems easier to 'download something
from the supplier' and use that.

It's hard to give step-by-step advice without knowing your level of
experience in detail. I do suggest you review the KiCad documentation
and then come back with specific issues or questions based on what you
find there.

开云体育

There's a lot there to digest, (page of KiCad documentation). Where would you suggest I start, with "Schematic Editor"?

I have made parts from scratch, in Eagle 7. I'm not opposed to doing that.

However, a previous post seemed to indicate that it's better to download the part's profile from Mouser, (hence the question)

FV

Hi,

This is a common hurdle many new users encounter. I'd emphasize that 
you'll save yourself a LOT of pain and hassle my taking time to read up 
on, understand and master the process of schematic part creation and 
footprint creation from scratch. It's not hard, and it will save you a 
lot of time, even though at first it seems easier to 'download something 
from the supplier' and use that.

It's hard to give step-by-step advice without knowing your level of 
experience in detail. I do suggest you review the KiCad documentation 
and then come back with specific issues or questions based on what you 
find there.



On 1/13/2025 3:13 PM, Frederick R. Vobbe 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)

? 
qs=Ul7CXFMnlWUIR3VpVwwC4A%3D%3D

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.

On 1/13/2025 3:36 PM, Frederick R. Vobbe wrote:

There's a lot there to digest, (page of KiCad documentation). Where
would you suggest I start, with "Schematic Editor"?

Yes, if you are a previous CAD user.



Maybe the section 'Symbols and Symbol Libraries'.

I have made parts from scratch, in Eagle 7. I'm not opposed to doing that.

However, a previous post seemed to indicate that it's better to download
the part's profile from Mouser, (hence the question)

Well that is a matter of preference. I think it is better to not skip
learning the fundamentals of the software tool you are wanting to use.

FV

On 1/13/2025 18:26, CW via groups.io wrote:

Hi,

This is a common hurdle many new users encounter. I'd emphasize that
you'll save yourself a LOT of pain and hassle my taking time to read up
on, understand and master the process of schematic part creation and
footprint creation from scratch. It's not hard, and it will save you a
lot of time, even though at first it seems easier to 'download something
from the supplier' and use that.

It's hard to give step-by-step advice without knowing your level of
experience in detail. I do suggest you review the KiCad documentation
and then come back with specific issues or questions based on what you
find there.



On 1/13/2025 3:13 PM, Frederick R. Vobbe 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)


qs=Ul7CXFMnlWUIR3VpVwwC4A%3D%3D

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.

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

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.

开云体育

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.

I've never used Eagle, I was lucky at work in that we have dedicated
techs. who did the pcb layouts for us, When I started using Kicad for home
projects more often, was about this time that Eagle started imposing
rather poor limits in the free version so I just never bothered with it.

The Libs,

on the main launcher screen : preferences > configure paths

will tell you where kicad is looking for things.

You can add your own symbol and footprint libs with the
preferences > manage footprint | symbol libaries

Generally kicad stores things under the main kicad directory Unless you
are using linux and flatpak where it shoves things whete flatpak wants
them. Usually in home/user/.var.... somewhere.

A copy of the libs is on the main kicad site if you need them:





Andy





On Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:04:28 -0500
"Frederick R. Vobbe" <fvobbe@...> wrote:

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

On 1/13/2025 19:33, Andy wrote:

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.

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

And when you look there, you'll notice that many of them have a name
that starts with KICAD8 (eg KICAD8_3DMODEL_DIR). And therein lies a
problem, because if you change those paths, you'll have to change them
all again when you install Kicad 9. It's the reason why you appeared
to lose all your libraries when you upgraded. I got fed up with that
battle, and created my own names, leaving the standard ones alone.
Mine are:

KICAD_USER_3DMODEL_DIR
KICAD_USER_DATASHEET_DIR
KICAD_USER_FOOTPRINT_DIR
KICAD_USER_SYMBOL_DIR
KICAD_USER_TEMPLATE_DIR

This survived the switch from Kicad 7 to Kicad 8, but only time will
tell if it survives future upgrades. Of course you will then have to
update the old names to your custom names everywhere they lurk.
Fortunately Kicad files are text-based, and Linux has tools for mass
editing of text files (eg sed).

Of course you may prefer to have a KICADx library and leave it untouched
when you upgrade, copying and upgrading it to a KICAD(x+1) library and
keeping old versions of Kicad installed. However, I find it's rare I
need to truly go back to an ancient design, but when I do, I prefer to
just slog through upgrading the entire design to the latest Kicad
version and library parts before starting work on modifying it. Apart
from anything else, I've learnt how to do things better in the
intervening years, so I don't really want to go back to flawed library
parts. In case I need to go back just for a quick look-see, I export a
PDF of my schematic, and retain the gerbers.

Regards,

Robert.

* Plain text email - safe, readable, inclusive. *

On 14/01/2025 03:31, Andy via groups.io wrote:

on the main launcher screen : preferences > configure paths

will tell you where kicad is looking for things.

--
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