KFChickenShim/PCB Files/SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries/Documentation/InstallationNotes.md

Installation Notes

• The KiCad site

KiCad installation

• Uninstall previous versions of KiCad
• Download KiCad stable version 4.0.5 from http://kicad-pcb.org/download/ and install
• After install, you'll be prompted to install "Wings 3D", check this box to be redirected to http://www.wings3d.com/
• Download and install the stable release 2.1.5

Using the libraries

• Create a local project (this is necessary because projects hold library path information)
• Open the "Schematic Library Editor"
• Prefrences -> Component Libraries
  • Remove all libraries from list
  • Add -> navigate to SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries -> select all .lib files -> open, then hit OK
  • Test by selecting an active library. All sparkfun libraries should be displayed. Close the library editor
• Open the "PCB Footprint Editor"
• Preferences -> Footprint Library Manager
  • Remove all (if any) libraries, hit OK
• Preferences -> Footprint Libraries Wizard
  • Next (files on my computer)
  • Navigate to SparkFun-KiCad-Libraries -> select all .mod files and hit ok
  • Next
  • Select for this project only
  • Next
  • Close the editor
• Save the project (Green arrow into extern HDD icon, no menu exists)

Now, this project is linked to the libraries. Open a schematic and place components. See KiCad enginursday post for converting from schematic into board (Note: You need to have nets for this to work... not just unconnected components)

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