I am trying to download some old designs from around 09/2020 and I get the attached error when attempting to open the schematic. My present version of KiCAD is 7.09 so I am guessing that KiCAD cannot bridge the time gap from 4 years ago.
Can someone tell me what version might open this. I saw a list of downloads here that looked to be about ver 4.0
If I try to install 4.0 in its own folder will it interfere with my present version (I am worried about it finding my footprint libs etc and attempting to change them!)
I just verified that it works for me. I made a copy of a KiCad V5 schematic (and it’s -cache) file, right clicked on it and opened it with the schematic editor for KiCad V8.0.5. It creates the -rescue.kicad_sym and even a sym-lib-table pointing to the rescue library.
But this behavior may be different when attempting to open it in KiCad V7.
I copied the schematic and the -cache files to my desktop (file dates from 2020-11-27), then opened them with the schematic editor, which created the three other files. Note it did not create a whole project!.
OK–I installed 8.0.5.
By “project manager” I assume you all mean the main panel that opens when you click the KiCAD 8.0 icon.
I opened my pro file from there, then tried to open the schematic but KiCAD is complaining that this is a foreign file. Per ML9104s suggestion I am attaching my file. I note that when I opened it the dates were from 2018–so maybe I am too far backlevel.
And one other thought–is there some metadata in the files that might five the version of KiCAD that was used? I see, in the schematic file: update=22/05/2015 07:44:53 version=1
I would be surprised if the files are that old however.
OK and thanks–dsa-t. You beat me to it but I downloaded ExpressPCB and rendered the files as you have shown.
I guess what was confusing me, was that in the process of opening up the files with KiCAD it generated and labeled a “pro” file as such–so when I started investigating I just assumed it was KiCAD. not!.
Jeezz–been a long time since I used Express (KiCAD is superior!) but thinking back there was a team that asked me to give them some files in Express mode and I must have used it.
So-I will now look for my slightly later files in KiCAD for this project and see if they convert.
BobZ had a good approach though–I do this with some of my FreeCAD files and I have PDFs for Soldiworks (which I no longer have access too)
Sorry for all the bother–I know it takes you guys time and I always appreciate your help.
Maybe I am just getting too old for this—Naahhhh!
Good that you got it fixed.
Let me take the opportunity to praise the KiCAD data files:
they’re all text/ASCII, which is a fantastic value in itself. They’ll all be readable in a hundred years, whereas the proprietary stuff will all be dead and gone.
I love Open Source, and I especially love Open Data!
If you can’t find an ai to to the boring stuff, then maybe the following link works:
Although, I’m guessing that is one of those “free” programs that keeps your data hostage instead. Sometimes you can pay for the Gerbers, or you only get them when ordering PCB’s from the same company. But the PCB is easy enough, just using PCB Editor / Place / Add Reference Image is a good enough help to reproduce a simple PCB like this.
