8Pack - an Attempt to Convert Myself from EAGLE to KiCAD

[The Gambler]

So yeah, I hit the limits of Eagle's free version , which is 10 cm x 8 cm and only two copper layers. While good for smaller keypads, it is nigh impossible to create anything larger. Largest I could do is a 4x5 keypad.

I couldn't trust people's libraries since I am new to KiCAD at this time, so I ended up re-creating almost all footprints and symbols. At some point I will post my currently used library onto the page. Hopefully the loop doesn't repeat itself with other beginners.

I've tested the prototype batch of PCBs (Rev 1.1) on my github page but this render has all the artwork and stuff. I nearly missed the autorouter from EAGLE until I realized there's FreeRoute.
Github page: https://github.com/cgarcia2097/8-Pack

[blawb]

Cool little board. I've only used eagle for all my design work. How easy was kicad to learn? Do you prefer it over eagle now?

[The Gambler]

Cool little board. I've only used eagle for all my design work. How easy was kicad to learn? Do you prefer it over eagle now?

Definitely a different workflow, but easy enough for me to pick up. I suggest you play around with the software for a bit. Expect multiple revisions of the same design while you are still trying to figure stuff out.

[The Gambler]

Updates April 6, 2019:

Definitely getting the workflow down, from footprint creation to the overall board layout. Also 3D viewer is quite nice.

I wanted to try out creating PCB plates as a means to avoid laser-cutting metal plates at lasergist. So here it is.

Uses a 19 mm unit size, and has pads at the bottom to support underglow LEDs in the form of an addressable LED strip (WS2811, WS2812, SK6812).

Turns out JLCPCB allows me to make inside cuts in the PCB, as long as I don't mind the rounded corners. Not much of an issue with the big 14mm x 14mm cutouts, but may be an issue when I start doing Neopixel backlighting footprints.

Any hints on how big I should make my 5050 LED cutout be?

[tedfs3]

Which version of KiCad are you using ? I'm using the current stable release, 5.1 , and was under the impression that FreeRoute no longer worked with the new version.
If it does, I'll need to check that out. Still moving footprints around and learning the software. I probably should have started with something like you have done instead
of a whole keyboard.

[The Gambler]

Which version of KiCad are you using ? I'm using the current stable release, 5.1 , and was under the impression that FreeRoute no longer worked with the new version.
If it does, I'll need to check that out. Still moving footprints around and learning the software. I probably should have started with something like you have done instead
of a whole keyboard.

I believe I am using 5.0.2 stable. As for FreeRoute, it is now a standalone program that imports DSN files from KiCAD and exports the autorouted nets in the SES format.

[SectorOMEGA]

Brilliant one Do you mind ordering a few using your file?

[The Gambler]

Sure. Just don't order Ver 1.0 of the PCB as it is faulty.

[Zustiur]

So you have any tips for learning kicad in general? I'll have to learn if I ever get back to my projects.

[The Gambler]

Can't say much actually. I am still quite new to PCB design. I only used EAGLE once if anything.