I have the following problem: one of my schematic had a 6pins PCB edge connector. In some variant that can be replaced with 2 connectors with 2 pins like blow.
If I mark “do not populate“ and not in BOM, the true holes overlapping between the 6 pins connector and the 2 with 2 pins overlap the holes and that creates an issue on hole overlapping. On the other hand if I don’t put the 2 connectors on the schematic, the 3D board model is not accurate because will not have the 2 connectors, What is the best thing to do?
What you have encountered is the unavailability of one of the most wanted features which is native support for assembly Variants in all current KiCad releases. I’ve read some rumors that there’s major sponsor funding launched on this exact issue.
Meanwhile there are plugin workarounds. Right now I’m learning myself KiVar and recommend you will take a look at it, too.
@ozzysv: or a part with all combinations of all possibilities of 3D associated models and possible position then select one suitable; - works but not very effective.
@fred4u: KiVar looks very complicated, but I’ll take a look. Thanks.
@halachal yes indeed, that connector it’s a connector at the edge and not an edge connector, however, the topic title and my actual question is clear enough, I supposed, and the community understand of what I’m asking for, However as engineering supposed rigorosity, thank you for pointing out even if you did not come with a viable resolution.
to leave all footprints and to select just the 3D models, for populated parts it is a very good idea. It is a problem for true hole parts with holes overlaps. This can be solve as follows:
remove the DRC error when the part is marked as option (within an option gtroup).
remove the hole of secondary part if overlap with the hole of main part is identical with the one of secondary part and is within a certain overlapping tolerance. In some cases holes overlap is necessary to accommodate multiple options.
