I've been doing my first PCB layout using KiCad and generally have been doing OK. But I've hit a problem I don't know the right way to solve. My PCB has component references and values in the F.Fab layer and references in the F.Silkscreen layer. I didn't ask, that's what KiCad did...
I'd like component values there too so that when I pack this up into a Gerber and JLCPCB it, I'll have the component values on the PCB. As I understand it, the F.Fab layer doesn't go into the Gerber.
Obviously I don't want to put new text in and have it be wrong if the component value changes. I was thinking of moving the values into the silk screen layer. Is that the standard way of doing it?
I'd like component values there too so that when I pack this up into a Gerber and JLCPCB it, I'll have the component values on the PCB. As I understand it, the F.Fab layer doesn't go into the Gerber.
Obviously I don't want to put new text in and have it be wrong if the component value changes. I was thinking of moving the values into the silk screen layer. Is that the standard way of doing it?
It is possible to change layers from F.Fab to F.Silkscreen for component value in PCBnew. (I tested this on a recent PCB layout I did)
Given the likely problems with updating netlists I would probably try this after you are sure of final component values.
This isn't generally done in commercial PCB layouts and I never thought about doing it in my own projects. The boards are so tight we're lucky to fit the ref des. 😀
Given the likely problems with updating netlists I would probably try this after you are sure of final component values.
This isn't generally done in commercial PCB layouts and I never thought about doing it in my own projects. The boards are so tight we're lucky to fit the ref des. 😀
Right, this is a bad idea for several reasons. Just make a BOM instead.
As a stuffing guide, you can print out the silkscreen layer and write the values on it.
As a stuffing guide, you can print out the silkscreen layer and write the values on it.
In Pcbnew, right click on the component and select Preferences.
In the Value line, just change Layer (to F.SilkS) from F.Fab (and select Show too).
Maybe you'll have to select Values in Items (Layers Manager) too.
And those reasons are? Go-on, take pity on a confused newbie, you know you want to...
I admit that I had the same idea some time ago, but-
The reason is that with a smd packed board there is no space between components for extended component values.
Furthermore you like component value inside the body outlines but after placement of comps these would disappear.
So for practical reason I move comp values inside their components, and they will not appear in the silk screen.
Then I display the fab.layer or wherever values reside and do a (magnified!) screenshot, print the hole stuff and refer to the printout. This is convenient for me😉
As a side effect without values the manufacturer of the pcb is not tempted to "borrow" my designs.
The reason is that with a smd packed board there is no space between components for extended component values.
Furthermore you like component value inside the body outlines but after placement of comps these would disappear.
So for practical reason I move comp values inside their components, and they will not appear in the silk screen.
Then I display the fab.layer or wherever values reside and do a (magnified!) screenshot, print the hole stuff and refer to the printout. This is convenient for me😉
As a side effect without values the manufacturer of the pcb is not tempted to "borrow" my designs.
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