Summary

This second lesson in PCB design with KiCad covered:

1. Importing a schematic and footprints using ‘Tools > Update PCB From Schematic’
2. Drawing board outlines on the ‘Edge.Cuts’ layer using Pcbnew
3. Creating more complex board outlines using OpenSCAD and importing them as DXF
4. Arranging component footprints using ‘M’ to move and ‘R’ to rotate
5. Setting different grid sizes and understanding “pitch”
6. Using ‘X’ to lay traces and connect components
7. Adding a fill zone / copper pour for GND
8. Designing a silkscreen on the ‘F.SlikS’ layer
9. Using the Design Rules Check (DRC) to find potential errors
10. Exporting a PCB and drill files for manufacture
11. Ordering a PCB through JLCPCB

Getting Help

Even if you’ve missed the session, you’ll be able to ask questions about whatever, whenever on our Discord. Feel free to drop your question in the #bootcamp channel or just message an instructor directly.

Useful Links

• The Source Tutorial
• KiCad Keyboard Shortcuts
• More KiCad Keyboard Shortcuts!
• Datasheet For Our Processor Family
• OpenSCAD Cheatsheet
• JLCPCB Capabilities

Recording

I think that this recording is half decent, but you’ll have to be the judge of that! Roast me in the feedback form!

Feedback

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