The latest stable release KiCad 8.0.8 is out, just bug fixes.
V8 is very stable at this late stage of its life cycle.
https://www.kicad.org/blog/2025/01/KiCad-8.0.8-Release/
V8 is very stable at this late stage of its life cycle.
https://www.kicad.org/blog/2025/01/KiCad-8.0.8-Release/
Hi KiCad users,
I installed 8.0.7 as a first time user, a few weeks ago, recall seeing the installer barked about not having permissions to load the docs in my documents folder.
I hacked away at learning to draw up a simple pcb, so got that far without needing any docs. It's intuitive enough for me, helps if you have used other ecad S/W before. It does send me to the web for docs, which is cool but I want to load the local ones if I can.
I tried and loaded 8.0.8, no difference. uninstalling them both 8.07, 8.08, re-install 8.08 again, it's stuck and so am I at figuring this one out, so any help would be appreciated. MS Registry, lobotomy BS?
Other than that, it's not too bad, lots to figure out 🙂 As with any new tool, lots of library work to have to re-do, for me at least to get to where I am at with old orcad 16.
Kinda weird how long it takes to load the libraries, I figure I can trim down the selection, but as a first go, with everything selected, I say wow, new one to me.
Thought I was seeing things when I was editing the padstack, setting SM 5 mil over pad, one minutes it's there, and the other it's gone, orcad does weird stuff like that too.
Another weird thing is there is no visible drill layer?, I recall someone saying KiCad does not support B/B vias, I can see why without having a separate drill layer(s). If I have a footprint or just want to place a hole, that is only a non-plated drill, no solder mask or anything else, will it display?
I'll upload this zip file, i assume it's a back up of my design.
Thanks RS
I installed 8.0.7 as a first time user, a few weeks ago, recall seeing the installer barked about not having permissions to load the docs in my documents folder.
I hacked away at learning to draw up a simple pcb, so got that far without needing any docs. It's intuitive enough for me, helps if you have used other ecad S/W before. It does send me to the web for docs, which is cool but I want to load the local ones if I can.
I tried and loaded 8.0.8, no difference. uninstalling them both 8.07, 8.08, re-install 8.08 again, it's stuck and so am I at figuring this one out, so any help would be appreciated. MS Registry, lobotomy BS?
Other than that, it's not too bad, lots to figure out 🙂 As with any new tool, lots of library work to have to re-do, for me at least to get to where I am at with old orcad 16.
Kinda weird how long it takes to load the libraries, I figure I can trim down the selection, but as a first go, with everything selected, I say wow, new one to me.
Thought I was seeing things when I was editing the padstack, setting SM 5 mil over pad, one minutes it's there, and the other it's gone, orcad does weird stuff like that too.
Another weird thing is there is no visible drill layer?, I recall someone saying KiCad does not support B/B vias, I can see why without having a separate drill layer(s). If I have a footprint or just want to place a hole, that is only a non-plated drill, no solder mask or anything else, will it display?
I'll upload this zip file, i assume it's a back up of my design.
Thanks RS
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Blind vias are possible: https://forum.kicad.info/t/blind-vias-in-kicad/1952
Generation of drill files is described in various places. For example: https://www.pcbway.com/helpcenter/generate_gerber/Generate_Gerber_file_from_Kicad.html
Also there is info/discussion on generating pad stacks (again, for example): https://forum.kicad.info/t/what-is-the-state-of-complex-pad-stacks-in-8-0/47534
Generation of drill files is described in various places. For example: https://www.pcbway.com/helpcenter/generate_gerber/Generate_Gerber_file_from_Kicad.html
Also there is info/discussion on generating pad stacks (again, for example): https://forum.kicad.info/t/what-is-the-state-of-complex-pad-stacks-in-8-0/47534
It's has nothing to do with generating a excellon drill file, or how to build a padstack, I can't see the damn hole(s) in the layout software, there is no layer defined for them, can you see them? I hope you do not ask why do I want to see the drill holes? 🙂
My gerber viewer, Gerbtool (once I load in the drill file), Orcad or any other s/w I have used, Cadnetix, Mentor BoardStation, Allegro etc have a layer defined for the drills that you can toggle on-off to display and print them out.
My gerber viewer, Gerbtool (once I load in the drill file), Orcad or any other s/w I have used, Cadnetix, Mentor BoardStation, Allegro etc have a layer defined for the drills that you can toggle on-off to display and print them out.
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You don't see holes in the pads? Here's what I see:
I mean... You're right. There isn't a separate drill layer, but do you honestly need one? The only thing I miss from ancient OrCad is the drill table. I like to make sure I don't use too many drills. Though, that's probably not a relevant concern nowadays either. It used to be that you had to pay more if you used many different drill sizes.
Tom
I mean... You're right. There isn't a separate drill layer, but do you honestly need one? The only thing I miss from ancient OrCad is the drill table. I like to make sure I don't use too many drills. Though, that's probably not a relevant concern nowadays either. It used to be that you had to pay more if you used many different drill sizes.
Tom
Turn the solder mask layers off, what do you see?
Every other ecad tool that I have used has a drill layer but kicad seems to think one is not needed. okay so how do you specify a plated and a non-plated slot? Or I just want a pcb that is a bunch of non-plated holes, no copper or solder mask, I’ll be starring at a blank screen with a board outline? Sweet
Every other ecad tool that I have used has a drill layer but kicad seems to think one is not needed. okay so how do you specify a plated and a non-plated slot? Or I just want a pcb that is a bunch of non-plated holes, no copper or solder mask, I’ll be starring at a blank screen with a board outline? Sweet
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