Looking to hire temp help in Dallas Fort Worth area

Schematic Library Symbols
23

All the *.lib files are libraries for schematic symbols. Footprints are inside the PCB file. I have confirmed this by opening it in a text editor. For example this snippet:

  (module SOT223 (layer F.Cu) (tedit 546544B3) (tstamp 546544BC)
    (at 240.3348 137.1219 180)
    (descr "module CMS SOT223 4 pins")
    (tags "CMS SOT")
    (path /543B5D75)
    (attr smd)
    (fp_text reference U4 (at 3.9243 0.0762 270) (layer F.SilkS)
      (effects (font (size 0.8 0.8) (thickness 0.14)))
    )
    (fp_text value LT3082 (at 0 0.762 180) (layer F.SilkS)
      (effects (font (size 0.0001 0.0001) (thickness 0.000025)))
    )
    (fp_line (start -3.556 1.524) (end -3.556 4.572) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (fp_line (start -3.556 4.572) (end 3.556 4.572) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (fp_line (start 3.556 4.572) (end 3.556 1.524) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (fp_line (start -3.556 -1.524) (end -3.556 -2.286) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (fp_line (start -3.556 -2.286) (end -2.032 -4.572) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (fp_line (start -2.032 -4.572) (end 2.032 -4.572) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (fp_line (start 2.032 -4.572) (end 3.556 -2.286) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (fp_line (start 3.556 -2.286) (end 3.556 -1.524) (layer F.SilkS) (width 0.2032))
    (pad 4 smd rect (at 0.0508 -0.5334 180) (size 10 10)
      (layers B.Cu B.Mask)
      (net 61 VCC)
    )
    (pad 4 smd rect (at 0 -3.302 180) (size 3.6576 2.032)
      (layers F.Cu F.Paste F.Mask)
      (net 61 VCC)
    )
    (pad 2 smd rect (at 0 3.302 180) (size 1.016 2.032)
      (layers F.Cu F.Paste F.Mask)
      (net 61 VCC)
    )
    (pad 3 smd rect (at 2.286 3.302 180) (size 1.016 2.032)
      (layers F.Cu F.Paste F.Mask)
      (net 1 +BATT)
    )
    (pad 1 smd rect (at -2.286 3.302 180) (size 1.016 2.032)
      (layers F.Cu F.Paste F.Mask)
      (net 14 N-0000022)
    )
    (pad 4 thru_hole rect (at 0.0254 -2.7178 180) (size 7 6) (drill 1.07 (offset 0 0.8))
      (layers *.Cu *.Mask)
      (net 61 VCC)
    )
    (model smd/SOT223.wrl
      (at (xyz 0 0 0))
      (scale (xyz 0.4 0.4 0.4))
      (rotate (xyz 0 0 0))
    )
  )

But as mentioned before, I can not open it with the PCB editor from KiCad V8.0.4, and I have now created a bug report for that:

Another option is to install that old KiCad version (2013-05-31 BZR 4019)-stable") and then extract the footprints with that version. I do have vague memories that those very old KiCad versions have some serious library management issues though.

24

Out of curiosity I found some older KiCad projects, and I could open them with KiCad V8.0.4 without problems. So it is possible that this particular project is damaged somehow. Do you have another version of this project, or another project I can try?

Also curious, What is is worth to you to extract symbols & footprints from your 15 projects?

25

I gave it also a try as I happen to have 3 version of KiCad installed (6, 7 and 8), with 7 and 8 the pcb editor could not open the file, however v6 open it without problems, once opened in v6 and saved, open it with v7 and v8 was no problem.

Application: KiCad PCB Editor (64-bit)

Version: (6.0.10), release build

Libraries:
	wxWidgets 3.2.1
	libcurl/7.86.0-DEV Schannel zlib/1.2.13

Platform: Windows 10 (build 19045), 64-bit edition, 64 bit, Little endian, wxMSW

Build Info:
	Date: Dec 19 2022 21:23:04
	wxWidgets: 3.2.1 (wchar_t,wx containers)
	Boost: 1.80.0
	OCC: 7.6.2
	Curl: 7.86.0-DEV
	ngspice: 38
	Compiler: Visual C++ 1929 without C++ ABI

Build settings:
	KICAD_USE_OCC=ON
	KICAD_SPICE=ON
26

I will try this today, thanks! Thanks to all. ;~)

27

Can someone please say, what’s the difference between these downloads:
kicad-6.0.10-x86_64-vcpkg-pdbs.zip
kicad-6.0.10-x86_64-pdbs.zip
kicad-6.0.10-x86_64.exe

Also, is the following problem fixed - years ago when I installed Kicad for Windows in default program files location then later changes to libraries went away because they were actually saved in a temporary virtual environment by Windows for security.

Where exactly on my Windows computer do you all recommend I install 6.0.10?

28

I have not used windoze for about 10 years and don’t know much about it.

vcpkg

PDBS

Most developers know that Program Database (PDB) files are something related to debugging.

If you want those old libraries for some reason (project conversion may be a valid reason), then what lets you from installing that version again and then copying the libraries to somewhere else? But overall, KiCad’s default libraries also gets updates every years, and old footprints are also updated with improvements and new insights / recommendations. (rounded pad corners are an obvios thing here) When a project gets a mayor overhaul, I would probably rather update all the footprints then keep with old footprints.

29

What I need to know is, what folder should a global library be located for custom part symbols I make? In the past, when I put them where Kicad provided library files were installed, then the next time I logged out and back it, all my custom changes were gone. After investigating I found out I was never working with the actual system folder location but with virtual folders in a virtual environment. After that re-installed Kicad in my own user location and it fixed that problem. Where do most people keep a global library of custom symbols when Kicad is installed in the default Program Files folder?

30

This is a windows feature, if you as a user do something to a folder you dont own thi happens. Put it anywhere you want and adjust the preferences->Manage symbol libraries in the project loader window

31

Maybe you simply missed my remark above, but because of your lack of any answer has greatly reduced my motivation to put any more time into this.

32

Sorry for no response. I am on a fixed income, not much money to fork out for that.

33

After I installed Kicad 6.0.10, then when I open the schematic I still get a popup about needing to remap all the symbols. Did you get that same popup and you just went ahead and remapped?

34

That is OK on itself, there are plenty of hobbyists and students with a chronical budget problem, but when you start a thread with Looking to hire … you generate expectations.

I do not think well of people who use such phrases to get peoples interest and then cop out whenever given the possibility. I’ve given many hours of free support to many KiCad users over the last 10 or so years and that should be enough proof I’m not in it for the money (actually never received a cent for KiCad support). Nearly every time I’ve seen a thread started in this way it turns out to be a falsehood.

For that reason I am simply out, and won’t contribute further to this thread.

35

When I started this thread I was thinking it was going to be easy so cheap to pay for but now it seems more difficult. But also now, I feel like I can slow down the progression of dementia in my brain if I exercise it trying to get it all working.

36

How much should I pay you for your support so far? I really appreciate your support. But also, it was really der.ule who gave me the way forward so I should pay him more. It looks like his advice is working. $50 each? Gotta email address to send money?

37

It was you who headed down the path of advising me how to fix it myself instead of offering to do it. Then when I followed you down that path of doing it myself, suddenly you get upset that I am following advice on this thread and trying to do it. ??? In any case, I really do appreciate the help and I can pay both of you some.

38

It is a bit old, but the basics still apply on how to manage your personal library, to avoid it being replaced when installing a new version of KiCad

39

Yeah I did click through that dialog, I also found an old explanation about it:

40

I can’t answer for paul or der…ule but as have been said, we aren’t here to get money. We would be happy if you donate to the KiCad project instead. I guess that could appease paul a bit, too.

1 Like
41

OK
image

3 Likes
42

After my last post I muted this thread and did not see any further responses. Today I accidentally bumped into it again due to an unrelated search.

@gbugh if that donation is legit, I am willing to spend a full day on any sort of conversion you want done or need help with.

Does anyone have an idea of how to verify that donation? Maybe I’m a bit paranoid, but some people suddenly start acting strangely as soon as money is involved. I don’t want to make any accusation here, just being a bit cautious.

1 Like