How to determine how many layers I need?

[paulvdh]

In addition:
I find KiCads default clearance for zones quite big and the round pads of 2.54mm pitch footprints quite big too.

On every design I use such connectors, I always end up making the pads oval and narrower, and making the clearance of zones smaller, until the the zone connects in between the pads of 2.54m
pitch headers. In the footprint below I also shifted the pads a bit outward to have more room for routing tracks in between the pads. With these settings (and 0.3mm zone clearance) there is plenty of room to have all 4 thermal spokes.

Mumar_Rack_IDC2x20_P2.54mm_Horizontal.kicad_mod (19.4 KB)

[pmi]

I realize a lot of my questions are more related to PCB design than just how to use KiCad, Is there another forum somewhere where I can ask “PCB howto” questions? Thanks!

[MRB]

@ML9104

The 3D thing is useful for creating assembly or service manuals, not much else.

We also export it as a step file to pass to our mechanical engineers to check for fit.

[ML9104]

@MRB

We also export it as a step file to pass to our mechanical engineers to check for fit.

Good point.
Trololol20chars.

[pmi]

I need to add a custom footprint for a TO-220 heat sink. I drew the outline in the footprint editor, but how do I add the height in the z-axis so it has some height in the 3D view?

[paulvdh]

KiCad itself does not have a capability to generate 3D models. That must be done with other software. Anything that can generate step and/or WRL files should work. There is also the KiCad StepUp workbench for FreeCAD, which is a quite nice integration between FreeCAD and KiCad.

Although, I quite like the idea of drawing some outline and extruding it directly in KiCad to generate simple 3D models.

[eelik]

@pmi

I drew the outline in the footprint editor, but how do I add the height in the z-axis so it has some height in the 3D view?

This is actually a wishlist item, Generate simple 3D models inside KiCad / support extruded outlines and footprint height property (#3453) · Issues · KiCad / KiCad Source Code / kicad · GitLab. You can upvote it by giving a thumb up.

[pmi]

Great. I added an thumbs up! Only 9 so far…doesn’t seem likely soon.

[pmi]

Is there a way to shift a net list to a different layer and retain all the tracks? Or, do I have to delete all the tracks and add them again on a different layer?

When I move a component on the board is there a way to make the tracks “rubber-band” to the new position, or do I have to delete the tracks and reconnect them?

[Piotr]

@pmi

is there a way to make the tracks “rubber-band”

Instead of M-ove try to D-rag the footprint.

[ML9104]

@Piotr

Instead of M-ove try to D-rag the footprint.

Interesting.
Why is is it called D-rag in PCB and dra-G in Eeschema? Communication problem somewhere in the team?

[pmi]

Very cool! I also found an answer to my other question regarding moving tracks into different layers.

[Piotr]

@ML9104

Communication problem somewhere in the team?

Install KiCad 4.0.7 and use it for some time. Define some new symbols, and footprints, make schematic and PCB. Then ask such questions.

I don’t have here V7 (write from Win7) to check so you check if dra-G also works in PCB.

[ML9104]

@Piotr

Install KiCad 4.0.7 and use it for some time. Define some new symbols, and footprints, make schematic and PCB. Then ask such questions.

I don’t have here V7 (write from Win7) to check so you check if dra-G also works in PCB.

Why on earth would I install 4.0.7?

[jmk]

@ML9104

Why is is it called D-rag in PCB and dra-G in Eeschema? Communication problem somewhere in the team?

I suppose because something else was given a G or D hotkey

Hotkeys are not carved in stone; change one if you wish.

[Piotr]

@ML9104

Why on earth would I install 4.0.7?

To see how far was the schematic and PCB from each other and be able to appreciate amount of work done to standardize them.

[jmk]

Hi @pmi Your question about vias is a totally different subject. It was moved to a new thread to give it more exposure. A new thread may also help answer this question, via the search function, to others, in the future.

[pmi]

@jmk thank you for changing the question to a new topic.