Kicad: creating PCB traces (basic question)

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bigfoot2 - 26 Jan 2006 01:34 GMT

In the Kicad PCB layout package (pcbnew) how do I draw a track
between two component pins?
What I mean is: suppose I place two component footprints (say 2 x 16-pin
DIL's)
on the sheet, select the copper layer, and try to draw a trace between
one pin on one component and another pin on the second component.
When I then try to draw a trace between them, I can't, because clicking
on the start pin commences the trace OK, but clicking on an endpoint pin
doesn't seem to work.
I didn't draw a schematic - I just want to do a small layout.

This is kinda basic, and I'm wondering why it doesn't work.

Thanks,
J.

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Quitus - 26 Jan 2006 13:19 GMT

Hi, J.,

I think you problem is that you try to draw the circuit directly on PCB
layout, and not drawing it on a schematic, as it's more usual and KiCad
expects.

When you try to draw it, KiCad detects there's no net (you will see
"Err type 1" on the pad you are starting the trace, in the status bar)
and doesn't allow you to connect it anywhere, preventing you to do it
by error.

If you disable DRC (DRC OFF ... usualy, the first button on left button
bar) you may be able to draw this trace without need to draw the
schematic.

Regards,

Quitus

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bigfoot2 - 28 Jan 2006 10:22 GMT

Yes,Quitus, you are correct. Turning DRC off allows you to manually
draw traces without a having a schematic.
I need this to draw various shaped traces and thicknesses to
test out my PCB etching tank.

Thanks for your help.

John.

> Hi, J.,
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Quitus

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John

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Electronics Forum / CAD / January 2006

Kicad: creating PCB traces (basic question)