#kicad — Public Fediverse posts

I'm working on converting my books, "Reference Circuits" from Easy EDA to KiCAD. These are books made from circuit boards, with real circuits on each page. I want to have each volume of my books under one roof, so that replenishing my stock is easier in the future. I absolutely regret not going with KiCAD from the start. Importing from EasyEDA into KiCAD works pretty well, but the font, formatting, text size, and a whole bunch of other details get lost along the way. This stuff usually doesn't matter in a circuit board, but in a circuit board book it matters a lot. If you're just getting started in circuit board design, I highly recommend #Kicad over #EasyEDA

I'm working on converting my books, "Reference Circuits" from Easy EDA to KiCAD. These are books made from circuit boards, with real circuits on each page. I want to have each volume of my books under one roof, so that replenishing my stock is easier in the future. I absolutely regret not going with KiCAD from the start. Importing from EasyEDA into KiCAD works pretty well, but the font, formatting, text size, and a whole bunch of other details get lost along the way. This stuff usually doesn't matter in a circuit board, but in a circuit board book it matters a lot. If you're just getting started in circuit board design, I highly recommend #Kicad over #EasyEDA

I think it is done! Just need to tidy up the confusion on one of the carrier board footprints and I can run the connectivity rules checker. #KiCAD

I think it is done! Just need to tidy up the confusion on one of the carrier board footprints and I can run the connectivity rules checker. #KiCAD

Behold the insane genius of my SMD layout on strip board to test my design with the SMD components I bought, before I get a custom PCB made. #KiCAD #PCB #electronics

Behold the insane genius of my SMD layout on strip board to test my design with the SMD components I bought, before I get a custom PCB made. #KiCAD #PCB #electronics

3rd attempt at #ESP32 .
Lessons:
- Pay attention to values
- Don't cross wires
- Use flexible cables or you'll tear off pads
- Verify design rules or you'll forget stuff
- Break out #UART even if you think you won't need it (you will)
- #UVTools has #Gerber rendering issues
- Don't cross wires!
- Oscilloscopes are gold
- 120°C solder paste on a hot plate works great

#USB is simple, yet I had to fix 3 mistakes before it worked.

#electronics #kicad #DIY #microcontrollers #octopus

3rd attempt at #ESP32 .
Lessons:
- Pay attention to values
- Don't cross wires
- Use flexible cables or you'll tear off pads
- Verify design rules or you'll forget stuff
- Break out #UART even if you think you won't need it (you will)
- #UVTools has #Gerber rendering issues
- Don't cross wires!
- Oscilloscopes are gold
- 120°C solder paste on a hot plate works great

#USB is simple, yet I had to fix 3 mistakes before it worked.

#electronics #kicad #DIY #microcontrollers #octopus

Hmm, #KiCad Altium import still not quite ready for prime time. Is this bug really 6 years old now or am I doing something wrong? https://gitlab.com/kicad/code/kicad/-/work_items/19630

Hmm, #KiCad Altium import still not quite ready for prime time. Is this bug really 6 years old now or am I doing something wrong? https://gitlab.com/kicad/code/kicad/-/work_items/19630

This could also ensure you don't rotate them the wrong way (ask me how I know!) and drop the connector in in reverse. #KiCad

This could also ensure you don't rotate them the wrong way (ask me how I know!) and drop the connector in in reverse. #KiCad

#KiCad feature idea... and maybe this is possible with the addition of constraints.

I'd love to be able to attach a set of PCB constraints to a footprint. For example, PMOD headers are supposed to be 0.45" back from the edge of the board. It would be great to be able to add that to the footprint, and then have it always maintain that.

I may dig into the new constraint system.

#KiCad feature idea... and maybe this is possible with the addition of constraints.

I'd love to be able to attach a set of PCB constraints to a footprint. For example, PMOD headers are supposed to be 0.45" back from the edge of the board. It would be great to be able to add that to the footprint, and then have it always maintain that.

I may dig into the new constraint system.

Some new PCBs arrived today, once I put one or two together I might make a bigger post about them.

#electronics #kicad #pcbdesign #pcb

Some new PCBs arrived today, once I put one or two together I might make a bigger post about them.

#electronics #kicad #pcbdesign #pcb

I just realized that Kicad has an option in the View menu called "Flip Board View" that allows me to look at the bottom of the board. That's awesome.

#kicad #fosh #flosh #osh #oshw

I just realized that Kicad has an option in the View menu called "Flip Board View" that allows me to look at the bottom of the board. That's awesome.

#kicad #fosh #flosh #osh #oshw

New blog post! In this episode, I get to develop a composite mod for the BBC Bridge Companion. Come watch me fumble around with some nasty waveforms.

#retrocomputing #bbcbc #retrogaming #kicad

https://www.leadedsolder.com/2026/08/11/bbc-bridge-companion-composite-mod.html

New blog post! In this episode, I get to develop a composite mod for the BBC Bridge Companion. Come watch me fumble around with some nasty waveforms.

#retrocomputing #bbcbc #retrogaming #kicad

https://www.leadedsolder.com/2026/08/11/bbc-bridge-companion-composite-mod.html

OK. I present V1.0.8 of "Mellon”

I cannot believe I nearly hit "Build" last night on this.

I had to rejig the coil antenna placement to keep its net as short as possible (ensuring we don't have any interference).

I had to tweak my crystal and pair of smoothing caps, something @anachrocomputer warned me about.

L3 is at 90º to the antenna, so that *should* minimize interference. I have the keep out zones. I have kept Vias to a minimum. And while some of my keep out zones do have # traces, I think 'm good. #KiCAD #maker #Circuits

OK. I present V1.0.8 of "Mellon”

I cannot believe I nearly hit "Build" last night on this.

I had to rejig the coil antenna placement to keep its net as short as possible (ensuring we don't have any interference).

I had to tweak my crystal and pair of smoothing caps, something @anachrocomputer warned me about.

L3 is at 90º to the antenna, so that *should* minimize interference. I have the keep out zones. I have kept Vias to a minimum. And while some of my keep out zones do have # traces, I think 'm good. #KiCAD #maker #Circuits

My #KiCad has gone rogue and escaped from its sandbox. It has just designing its own PCB for the #RC2014Assembly badge.

Oh wait. No, sorry, that was me. #RC2014

My #KiCad has gone rogue and escaped from its sandbox. It has just designing its own PCB for the #RC2014Assembly badge.

Oh wait. No, sorry, that was me. #RC2014

Comu is a $6 tiny CH32V203 RISC-V development board that fits inside a USB port

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://www.cnx-software.com/2026/08/10/comu-6-tiny-ch32v203-risc-v-development-board-that-fits-inside-a-usb-port/

Comu is a $6 tiny CH32V203 RISC-V development board that fits inside a USB port

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://www.cnx-software.com/2026/08/10/comu-6-tiny-ch32v203-risc-v-development-board-that-fits-inside-a-usb-port/

New project initiated! Just placed a components order with digi-key for my own Geiger Counter PCB design, which I started designing in #KiCAD while on holiday.

New project initiated! Just placed a components order with digi-key for my own Geiger Counter PCB design, which I started designing in #KiCAD while on holiday.

Seems finally #KiCAD @kicad allows for a footprint to have pins with same number to be considered jumpered - very cool.

Updating all sorts of designs now. Even a simple zero ohm resistor was a challenge previously, but simple now.

But lots of things have a challenge with this. So much easier now.

Seems finally #KiCAD @kicad allows for a footprint to have pins with same number to be considered jumpered - very cool.

Updating all sorts of designs now. Even a simple zero ohm resistor was a challenge previously, but simple now.

But lots of things have a challenge with this. So much easier now.

> Wir freuen uns Dir mitzuteilen, dass wir Deine Einreichung „FreeCAD Workshop“ für die MRMCD 2026 akzeptiert haben.

Dieses Jahr also ein #FreeCAD Workshop anstatt dem sonst üblichen #KiCad Workshop.

Zielgruppe sind beinhaltet Menschen die noch nie 3D CAD gemacht haben, als auch Leute die auf open-source umsteigen wollen.
#MRMCD2026

> Wir freuen uns Dir mitzuteilen, dass wir Deine Einreichung „FreeCAD Workshop“ für die MRMCD 2026 akzeptiert haben.

Dieses Jahr also ein #FreeCAD Workshop anstatt dem sonst üblichen #KiCad Workshop.

Zielgruppe sind beinhaltet Menschen die noch nie 3D CAD gemacht haben, als auch Leute die auf open-source umsteigen wollen.
#MRMCD2026

Ok. It's time to roast this circuit.

My tonneau cover has buttons on the rear of the truck that only operate IF it detects a remote OR a smartphone is actively connected to it via BLE. The BLE app requires you to have the app front and centre to work.

I also have no way WITHIN the truck to open or close the rear - unlike my previous unit, which used Homelink.

I have Phone as a key (PAAK) and keyless entry in to the vehicle, so I want a solution that doesn't rely on the phone or physical keys.

The idea: I'm going to use an ESP32 and CAN Transceiver to monitor my vehicle for CAN status messages indicating the vehicle is unlocked. Then, I can use the ESP32 to mimic a smartphone connection to a tonneau cover I have that ONLY works with a remote and/or smart phone app.

When the CAN bus sees the vehicle is unlocked, the ESP32 will connect to the BLE connection on the tonneau as if it's a mobile phone, using BLE pairing (key/pass handshakes).

Then it will allow the rear physically wired buttons to operate the tonneau cover, because the tonneau cover will go "There's an active phone connected”.

(I have already done a proof of concept with this and an ESP32 sat inside my truck, but without CAN authorization it won't be secure).

This circuit is specifically that. It's a “Disconnect from the cover as soon as the doors are locked" and “ONLY connect when the doors are unlocked”

But wait, there's more. Using the HomeLink buttons on my sun visor, I want to enable IN-VEHICLE control of the cover. That's what the 433 MHz circuit is for. Again, it will ONLY work WHEN the vehicle is unlocked and will ignore presses when the truck is locked.

For the future, I'll also implement the work done here: https://github.com/jantman/ford-f150-gen14-can-bus-interface/tree/main to have the rear tonneau cover light illuminate when the rear bed lights are activated.

Tell me I'm crazy. ;)

AND Yes, I know, PAAK is only as safe as the next update, or the next vulnerability. And I know that's an attack vector. But the beauty of this is that it will *also* work if I have to turn off PAAK, and use the old-school remote, without carrying around an extra remote.

AND yes, there are risks there too. I'm thinking of setting a Lock Out mode. I discovered the other day that if the ESP32 is connected, it AUTOMATICALLY rejects other pairings. Which could be a bonus for a ‘lock it down' mode.

#KiCad #Circuits #Electronics #DIY #Maker #HackTheWorld

Ok. It's time to roast this circuit.

My tonneau cover has buttons on the rear of the truck that only operate IF it detects a remote OR a smartphone is actively connected to it via BLE. The BLE app requires you to have the app front and centre to work.

I also have no way WITHIN the truck to open or close the rear - unlike my previous unit, which used Homelink.

I have Phone as a key (PAAK) and keyless entry in to the vehicle, so I want a solution that doesn't rely on the phone or physical keys.

The idea: I'm going to use an ESP32 and CAN Transceiver to monitor my vehicle for CAN status messages indicating the vehicle is unlocked. Then, I can use the ESP32 to mimic a smartphone connection to a tonneau cover I have that ONLY works with a remote and/or smart phone app.

When the CAN bus sees the vehicle is unlocked, the ESP32 will connect to the BLE connection on the tonneau as if it's a mobile phone, using BLE pairing (key/pass handshakes).

Then it will allow the rear physically wired buttons to operate the tonneau cover, because the tonneau cover will go "There's an active phone connected”.

(I have already done a proof of concept with this and an ESP32 sat inside my truck, but without CAN authorization it won't be secure).

This circuit is specifically that. It's a “Disconnect from the cover as soon as the doors are locked" and “ONLY connect when the doors are unlocked”

But wait, there's more. Using the HomeLink buttons on my sun visor, I want to enable IN-VEHICLE control of the cover. That's what the 433 MHz circuit is for. Again, it will ONLY work WHEN the vehicle is unlocked and will ignore presses when the truck is locked.

For the future, I'll also implement the work done here: https://github.com/jantman/ford-f150-gen14-can-bus-interface/tree/main to have the rear tonneau cover light illuminate when the rear bed lights are activated.

Tell me I'm crazy. ;)

AND Yes, I know, PAAK is only as safe as the next update, or the next vulnerability. And I know that's an attack vector. But the beauty of this is that it will *also* work if I have to turn off PAAK, and use the old-school remote, without carrying around an extra remote.

AND yes, there are risks there too. I'm thinking of setting a Lock Out mode. I discovered the other day that if the ESP32 is connected, it AUTOMATICALLY rejects other pairings. Which could be a bonus for a ‘lock it down' mode.

#KiCad #Circuits #Electronics #DIY #Maker #HackTheWorld

Ever wondered how an electronics project goes from a schematic to a professionally manufactured circuit board?

Join us at TOG Hackerspace on Friday 14 August, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, for PCB Design from Scratch.

Roman will give a live demonstration using KiCad, covering:

• Creating a schematic
• Turning it into a PCB layout
• Preparing the manufacturing files
• Ordering the finished board

This is a demonstration rather than a hands-on workshop, with time for questions.

#KiCad #Dublin

Ever wondered how an electronics project goes from a schematic to a professionally manufactured circuit board?

Join us at TOG Hackerspace on Friday 14 August, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, for PCB Design from Scratch.

Roman will give a live demonstration using KiCad, covering:

• Creating a schematic
• Turning it into a PCB layout
• Preparing the manufacturing files
• Ordering the finished board

This is a demonstration rather than a hands-on workshop, with time for questions.

#KiCad #Dublin

@green_bens I waited as long as I could in the hope that the AI bubble would burst and prices drop but it wasn't going to happen any time soon.

Only reason I'm going for the memory is the combination of Kicad 10 and Firefox plus the usual assortment of other programs keeps pushing me into swap on my Linux laptop whereupon treacle mode is enabled.

#firefox #kicad #memory

@green_bens I waited as long as I could in the hope that the AI bubble would burst and prices drop but it wasn't going to happen any time soon.

Only reason I'm going for the memory is the combination of Kicad 10 and Firefox plus the usual assortment of other programs keeps pushing me into swap on my Linux laptop whereupon treacle mode is enabled.

#firefox #kicad #memory

Babe, wake up! New #kicad KLC logo just dropped!

Babe, wake up! New #kicad KLC logo just dropped!

#KiCad + Dorota = plugin.

https://opencommit.eu/dcz/kyperspace

It helps you route tracks using 0Ω resistors. Because doing that manually is way too much clicking and accidentally lost work.

I've been told what I'm doing is fighting KiCad, but if the plugin gets me through this project, then I don't have to find another tool for a while.

#electronics #routing

#KiCad + Dorota = plugin.

https://opencommit.eu/dcz/kyperspace

It helps you route tracks using 0Ω resistors. Because doing that manually is way too much clicking and accidentally lost work.

I've been told what I'm doing is fighting KiCad, but if the plugin gets me through this project, then I don't have to find another tool for a while.

#electronics #routing

I have a dilemma with the `*_Small` symbols in the #kicad library: Their default text size (50mil) is not ideal.

So recently I decreased the size of the value field of R_Small to 40mil, allowing to put it into the rectangle body like shown in the image.

Now people that use 'autoplace fields' (default setting) complain about uneven text size.

I am just not sure what to do. There is also C_Small which does not work well with 50mil text. And most likely more... What would you do?

-> Poll below

I have a dilemma with the `*_Small` symbols in the #kicad library: Their default text size (50mil) is not ideal.

So recently I decreased the size of the value field of R_Small to 40mil, allowing to put it into the rectangle body like shown in the image.

Now people that use 'autoplace fields' (default setting) complain about uneven text size.

I am just not sure what to do. There is also C_Small which does not work well with 50mil text. And most likely more... What would you do?

-> Poll below

We just fixed the _worst_ bug to ever exist in the #kicad symbol libraries.
Clearly a 5/7 CVSS:

One line in `C_Small` was 13mil instead of 12mil

We just fixed the _worst_ bug to ever exist in the #kicad symbol libraries.
Clearly a 5/7 CVSS:

One line in `C_Small` was 13mil instead of 12mil

Il faut encore réparer cette réparation ? Patchons le clavier du #Minitel 1 !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2BQo8pH8XI

https://www.twitch.tv/mmu_man

#RetroComputing #Repair #KiCad #PCB

Il faut encore réparer cette réparation ? Patchons le clavier du #Minitel 1 !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2BQo8pH8XI

https://www.twitch.tv/mmu_man

#RetroComputing #Repair #KiCad #PCB

@fullywoolly Redone. Oh my hat. It’s like navigating a maze. Go so far, then back, go so far, then back. Must admit, I have a better strategy now. 4 layer must be so much easier to route. #retrocomputering #macintosh #kicad

@fullywoolly Redone. Oh my hat. It’s like navigating a maze. Go so far, then back, go so far, then back. Must admit, I have a better strategy now. 4 layer must be so much easier to route. #retrocomputering #macintosh #kicad

Petit live Twitch improvisé histoire de discuter et de concevoir un petit circuit imprimé pour un projet à venir 😁

Ça commence dans quelques minutes sur https://twitch.tv/virtualabs

#electronics #kicad