KiCad Workshop Plan v0.0alpha

gistfile1.txt

KiCad Workshop (subject to change, and bound by time constraints)
	Features and functionality
		Large-scale examples, including HackRF and Daisho projects
	Background
		Cross platform
		Open source -- contribute! Bugs, documentation, code.
		CERN involvement -- donate!
	Goals for today:
		Know what KiCad can and can't do
		Have some idea how to do basic things
		Where to look for more help

Workflow
	Multiple task-specific "apps" under a shell program
	Project creation
	Schematic capture
		Symbol creation
	Design rules checking
	Netlist generation
	Symbol:Footprint mapping (CVPCB)
		Footprint creation
	PCB design
		Footprint creation

Example project
	Designing a simple PCB from scratch

Library organization
	Symbols and footprints
	Existing libraries
	Library search paths
	Old-style libraries
	"pretty" folders
	Importing from other CAD software
	Creating a symbol + common practices
		Pin numbers and names
		Pin directions
		Multiple parts in a symbol
	Creating a footprint/module + common practices
		Grid tricks
		Package outline
		Keepout area
		Silkscreen thickness

Schematic capture
	Adding symbols
	Drawing nets
	Naming nets
	Multiple sheets
		Heirarchy, top-level page, navigating
		Connections between sheets
		Global names
	Buses?
	Documentation fields
	Mapping footprints to symbol instances
		Weird stuff KiCad will do / not do
	Text files everywhere!

PCB design
	Importing data
	Creating a layer stack-up
	Establishing design rules
		Trace-space separation
		Drill size
		Via size
		Annular rings
		Tenting vias
	Configuring rendering
		Layer visibility
		Fill/outline
		Different rendering modes
	Tools and tricks
		Drawing and ripping up traces
		Moving things
		Copper flood/pour
		Reference designators
		Board outline
	Fancy tools (quick demo of push-and-shove, )
	Design rules checking

Ordering PCBs!
	Final inspection/checklist
	Checking design rules
	Exporting Gerbers
	gerbview vs. gerbv to review
	Archive
	Upload to OSHPark
	Review and order
	Wait and worry

More help
	Links to KiCad commnuity
		kicad-pcb.org
		Tutorials and examples
		Gammell's site, kicad.info
		Nightly builds, esp. for Mac users
		CERN's sexy-sexy new features videos on YouTube