JST connectors in library [solved]

Software
1

Hi there.

I did a google on JST connector in KiCad and found the following page.

Now… I’m very new to KiCad (installed it yesterday) and am not sure as how to get these connectors to show up in my library. Is there a way to update my library to the latest version that has these connectors included or download a *.lib file that I might be able to import using these instructions?

Thanks in advance! :slight_smile:

2

Start Library Wizard to download and include this library to your global library table. http://docs.kicad.org/stable/en/cvpcb.html#_using_the_footprint_library_table_wizard

3

Thanks for the update! :slight_smile:

I performed the following steps…

  1. Go to: Footprint editor > Preferences > Footprint Libraries Wizard
  2. Select ‘Files on my computer’
  3. Click Next
  4. Select the desired library
  5. Click Next
  6. Confirm the library by clicking Next
  7. Select Global for having this library available for all projects
  8. Click Finish
  9. Selected Active library: Connectors_JST (read only)
  10. Opened Eeschema
  11. Add component and write JST in filter.

Unfortunately it does not show up…
If I in step 2 choose ‘Github repository’ I see a message in red saying:
It is not possible to write in the selected directory.
Please choose another one - and does not allow me to continue.

I probably did something wrong didn’t I?

4

Did you restart kicad after you did that. A lot of users have this problem lately.

5

Thanks for your reply.

I redid my steps restarted KiCad and noticed that the Footprint editor had no active library.
I selected the JST library as active again (not sure if this is required). Left the footprint editor open while going to Eeschema and clicked the place component button. In the filter I wrote JST but nothing showed up.

Any advise?

(KiCad 4.0.5 on Windows 10)

6

Ok there seems to be a missunderstanding.

In kicad there is no concept of a part.
(i assume you come from eagle.)
In eeschem you place symbols.
This symbols get a footprint assigned.
(Either via cvpcb or edit the footprint field of the component.)

So if you want to place a connector, place the symbol conn_01x[number of pins].
Assign your jst connector to it (either press e and edit the footprint field)
or with cvpcb (a button in the top toolbar.)

Here is what the edit footprint dialog looks like.

1250×933 161 KB

and here is the footprint browser that opens if you press browse footprints:

1667×666 75.9 KB

Here is what cvpcb looks like (with some additional information)

1748×1101 562 KB

There is also the option that you create your own “atomic componets”
This is done by creating a symbol with its footprint field pre filled.
(I would only do this for integrated circuits. It does not make a lot of sense for connectors or resistors. At least in my opinion it does not. There are others who only use atomic parts.)

1 Like
7

Thanks for taking the time to reply Rene.
Yes I’m indeed an Eagle user. :slight_smile:

I now managed to assign the JST footprint via right clicking on the connector 01x02 in my schematic.
In Eagle I can click a button to generate the PCB with the components in the schematic which then have to be placed on the desired coordinates.

I try to find the generated PCB with that single 01x02 connector and JST footprint.
I clicked some buttons (I still have newbie permissions and are unable to attach a picture) but I clicked the Pcbnew button in an attempt. When that didn’t do the trick I tried the button ‘Run CvPcb to associate components and footprints’ and also ‘Run Pcbnew to layout printed circuit board’.

I probable did something wrong didn’t I?

8

In kicad stable you need to generate a netlist first. (tools->generate netlist or top toolbar)
Then you open pcbnew and import the netlist. (tools->netlist)

Future versions will have a button in pcbnew called update pcb from schematic which does all of that quietly in the background. (nightly builds already have this feature.)

9

Thanks for your reply Rene!
I finally managed. Saving the project including netlist and opening the netlist in the pcb editor :slight_smile:

I still have a lot to learn but I feel excited to see the components.
Thanks again and enjoy your day!

10

Just a small question left…
How do I mark a topic as [Solved]? I did a search on the forum and on google but found no instructions. https://forum.kicad.info/search?q=mark%20topic%20as%20solved

11

You edit the original first post and then have the option to edit the title as well - just add [solved].

We’re currently doing this as it’s been pretty busy since that Autodesk announcement.
Normal was 1-3 new topics a day… last couple days we had like 3+ times that many.

12

Thanks Joan.
Yeah… I’m here for the same reason :smiley: