41 lines
2.3 KiB
Markdown
41 lines
2.3 KiB
Markdown
## Basic
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- Start with the schematic editor then move to the PCB
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## Adding Symbols, Footprints and 3D Models
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Find the symbol and footprint on UltraLibrarian or another site.
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- Symbol needs a file with a `.kicad_sym` extension
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- Footprint needs a folder with a`.pretty` extension and with one or more files with `.kicad_mod` extensions in it
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- The 3D model needs a STEP AP214 file with a `.stp` extension
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Copy all the files into a folder in the project, e.g. `Symbols/PART_NAME` after you unzip them into the **Downloads** folder.
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### Symbol
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Go to **Schematics Editor** and open **Preferences > Manage Symbol Libraries**. Click on **Project Specific Libraries**. Click on the ➕ button. Click on the 📁 icon in the new row, select the `.kicad_sym` file. Give it the row a **Nickname** based on the name/number.
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When inserting the part, the name will be the `symbol` name in the `.kicad_sym` text file.
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### Footprint
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Go to the **PCB Editor**. Go to **Preferences > Manage Footprint Libraries**. Click on **Project Specific Libraries**. Click on **➕** button. Click on the 📁 icon in the new row, select the `.pretty` folder. Give the row a **Nickname** based on the part name/number.
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When setting the footprint on a symbol properties, the name will be the value of `footprint` in the `.kicad_mod` file. You have to give it *twice*, separated by a colon (`:`) to avoid errors when synching the schematic to the PCB.
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### 3D Model
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In the **PCB Editor** double click the footprint. Click the **3D Models** tab. Click the ➕ and cilck the 📁 icon then select the 3D model `.stp` file. You can scale, rotate and offset the model as needed to match the footprint.
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## Drawing Wires and Nets
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- **Start the wire:** Click on a component pin or an existing wire.
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- **Bend the wire:** Click once to set a 90-degree angle or change direction.
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- **Complete the wire:** Click on another pin, another wire, or double-click to end the line in empty space.
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- **Add a net label:** Press **L** or click the **Add Net Label** icon, type your net name (like `GND` or `3.3V`), and place it on the wire to assign that electrical net. [1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TNNM1XhX_4)
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## Elements
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- A pin header is a set of pins that connects to PCB's together
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## References
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- [Documentation](https://kicad.github.io/](https://kicad.github.io/)
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