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  • Author Author: shabaz
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Rapidly learning KiCad PCB Software within 5 days: And where I got to, a year on!

shabaz

It’s been almost exactly one year since I decided to try using KiCad, to migrate off EAGLE CAD.

I was a newcomer to KiCad, but it was possible to feel comfortable enough with KiCad 6 within a week, to the point of producing my first PCB with it.

The five days of steps I took to learn KiCad are documented here:

 KiCAD for non-KiCAD (e.g. ex-EAGLE) enthusiasts - a discussion 

There is also video documentation of my findings, it is 50 minutes long, and in effect can be used as training for anyone (like me) who is entirely new to KiCad:


It’s been a surprisingly popular video, with 59k views. I guess a lot of people want to learn how to use it.

The typical configuration settings (Design Rules) that are needed for China PCB manufacturers are documented in screenshots here:

 KiCad 6 Unofficial Quick Start Training / Guide Video 


My very first KiCad PCB (which was designed within the 5-days of learning) worked well, it is documented here:

 PicoSynthRF - A Python-based RF Signal Generator 

image


There was just one bodge wire with that project, and I can live with that!

Fast-forward to almost a year later, and I’m comfortable using KiCad for 4-layer boards with a fair amount of control:

 100W USB Type-C Power Delivery Source: Getting Started 

image


Whenever I hit a KiCad issue that I couldn’t resolve, I raised it on either the element14 or the KiCad forums (depending on if I thought it was a bug to be raised or not) and I got same-day responses every time. Thank-you to everyone who helped me.

I also dabbled a bit with 3D (I am a complete newcomer to that too), and although I cannot create my own 3D parts, I'm now fairly OK with seeking 3D models online and using them where needed to complete renders of boards with components where needed. I was able to (just-about! please don't ask me any questions on this because I  was outside my comfort zone during this particular exercise) place a PCB inside an enclosure using KiCad and FreeCad.

image

If you’re interested in using a new CAD package, KiCad could be a reasonable option. There are quite a few users of it on the element14 site, and the help I received was invaluable always, but especially in those first few days when I needed it most.

Thanks for reading!

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  • I always enjoy seeing others go on the EAGLE-to-KiCad Journey.

    Mine was 7 (whoa) years ago. I went to a workshop at the first SuperCon. I tried one or two boards after that but still struggled. (This was in the KiCad 4 days.) Then I decided the next three boards I worked on, whatever they were, I would use KiCad instead of EAGLE.

    Now, 50+ PCBs later, I don't miss EAGLE in the slightest. (Note, many of those "50 PCBs" were very simple breakout boards.)

    KiCad continues to make massive steps forward in both usability and functionality. Plus, as you noted, the community around it is fantastic. While it may not always work the way you expect, you can generally find someone to at least explain why it does what it does.

    All that to say, I totally agree. If you're looking for an eCAD option, do not overlook KiCad.

    So... when is your first 6-layer board? Slight smile

Comment

  • I always enjoy seeing others go on the EAGLE-to-KiCad Journey.

    Mine was 7 (whoa) years ago. I went to a workshop at the first SuperCon. I tried one or two boards after that but still struggled. (This was in the KiCad 4 days.) Then I decided the next three boards I worked on, whatever they were, I would use KiCad instead of EAGLE.

    Now, 50+ PCBs later, I don't miss EAGLE in the slightest. (Note, many of those "50 PCBs" were very simple breakout boards.)

    KiCad continues to make massive steps forward in both usability and functionality. Plus, as you noted, the community around it is fantastic. While it may not always work the way you expect, you can generally find someone to at least explain why it does what it does.

    All that to say, I totally agree. If you're looking for an eCAD option, do not overlook KiCad.

    So... when is your first 6-layer board? Slight smile

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  • in reply to baldengineer

    I've found that too.. decent explanations when I've wanted to know more about any aspect of KiCad behavior.

    And another cool thing.. it always seems to be actively in new feature development! With good feedback. Unlike a product we don't need to mention (but it's by Altium, just so it's clear! : ).

    Version 7 will be available soon (end of January as I understand).