Error: No footprint defined for component

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1

So I’m trying to get KiCad working. I setup a resistor and hooked one side to ground the other to VCC.
Then I assigned it a footprint of some random resistor in the netlist screen and saved it.

Next I opened Pcbnew and clocked to open the Netlist I just saved and I get these errors:

Info: Reading netlist file "C:\Projects\Electronics\CNC\KiCad\test\test.net". Info: Using references to match components and footprints. Error: No footprint defined for component 'R1'. Info: Checking netlist component footprint "R1:/57F09B92:". Error: Cannot add new component "R1:/57F09B92" due to missing footprint "".

How do I get past this issue? I got my brother to try KiCad on linux (I’m using windows) to see if its just me, and he gets the same issue.

2

Pleas try generating the netlist after the footprint association, and then import it into pcbnew.

btw how did you associated the footprint? from cvpcb or inside eeschema itself?

1 Like
3

That works! Thanks!
I was just following the order of the icons on the toolbar in eeschema.

4

I used a component IC 7805 (+5V regulator) from default library, and in the cvpcb list, I assigned the TO-220 footprint to this component from the default footprint library. But this error below was shown in reading the net-list in Pcbnew :-

Error: Component ‘U2’ pad ‘GND’ not found in footprint ‘TO_SOT_Packages_THT:TO-220_Vertical’
Error: Component ‘U2’ pad ‘VO’ not found in footprint ‘TO_SOT_Packages_THT:TO-220_Vertical’
Error: Component ‘U2’ pad ‘VI’ not found in footprint ‘TO_SOT_Packages_THT:TO-220_Vertical’

All other components were wired successfully with traces in the Pcbnew window after cvpcb was run, except for this 7805 regulator. It stood there alone, with no connections from its 3-pins to the other components connected in the schematic. Also, no ERC error was also shown in the schematic with the pins of this Ic 7805 component. Pl. help.

5

The pin numbers in your symbol do not match the pin numbers of the footprint. Pin 1 on the symbol actually has the number “VI” instead of “1”.

6

Yes Thanks, I just noticed by checking it, as per your reply, that the “footprint” has pin numbers like: 1, 2, & 3
But the “symbol” has V1, VO & GND
Should I edit the component in “editor” & change it’s pin numbers also to 1, 2, 3
OR, should I edit the “footprint” in footprint editor to match the pins of symbol?
I can easily edit the “footprint” & put it in my own library. I know how to do that.
Any other way?

7

This is the right approach. Footprints are more universal than symbols and could be used for many different symbols. For example, in the future you will need a TO-220 triac or transistor where pins are numbered: 1, 2, 3 - or worse: G, MT1, MT2; B, C, E. Making separate footprints for each variant? Ridiculous.

So. Keep as many symbols and aliases with pre-filled footprint link as you need and minimize the footprints database. You’ll have an easier time later.

8

Great advise.
(I did this experiment: I change the “footprint” just now, & saved it in my local library, to match the “symbol” pins, then I re-associated that with the component. & then, I did get TWO pins right this time, and they were also connected OK. & now, the error was reduced to only one pin - VO)

So I think, I can see that you are right. I should edit the “symbol” rather than the “footprint”
I will also try this method, tomorrow or so,…
But thanks to all of you for your help , as now i know, what the problem basically is.

9

Today, I did as advised above: I edited the symbol to match pins of the footprint, and so now, all the pins got connected nicely in the Pcbnew. Thanks a lot.