KiCad 3.0 - Creating Different PCB Layers In KiCad Contextual Electronics 2026-09-26 | KiCad 3.0 - Creating Different PCB Layers In KiCad
CEP015 - Finishing Prototypes with Zack Freedman Contextual Electronics 2021-07-19 | Zack Freedman is a prototyping engineer turned YouTuber who makes bombastic videos about 3D printed creations and getting projects across the finish line. He joins Chris to talk about his past hardware designs and what he will be building next.More information and links from this episode: contextualelectronics.com/cep015-finishing-prototypes-with-zack-freedmanDiscuss on the CE forum: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep015-finishing-prototypes-with-zack-freedman/46930:00 Introduction2:05 What Zack is building (a computer)2:40 A water cooled oscilloscope3:40 How Zack got started4:40 Hackaday article hackaday.com/2007/10/07/25-head-mounted-display5:20 Bluetooth heads up display5:40 Hackerspace7:15 NYC electronics scene8:30 Working with artists10:00 Working on the set of Mr Robot11:05 Doing a first run prototype for a startup13:10 Building skills in high pressure environments and on consulting jobs17:45 Working on deadlines19:10 How many projects are in a single video?20:45 Building subassemblies21:30 Building projects "backwards" (outside in)23:00 Not thinking your idea is the last good idea you'll ever have24:15 The prototyping mindset27:00 Ranking risk in a project29:15 Usability in wearable projects31:30 "The role of most prototypes is to try to kill the idea"33:30 What makes people want to buy a prototype?35:45 Minimizing features in any one prototype / test36:30 Consumer products should be shown to thousands before going to market38:00 YouTubers' battle for attention41:00 YouTube theories44:45 Zack's persona47:00 Filming b-roll to keep things interesting51:00 YouTube comment positivity52:25 Maker Twitter54:00 Full time YouTube54:20 Changes in the hardware space since 201256:40 Prototyping tools58:30 "The Maker Movement"59:25 Working for industrial clients1:01:40 Focusing on the technology vs the purpose of the technology1:03:30 Building a project because you want the thing (output)1:05:30 Technology being used to move the world forward1:07:15 What will Zack build in the future?1:09:40 The Cyberdeck1:12:15 Cyberdeck cafe Discord1:13:10 Building on a stream vs on a video1:14:40 Previously wanting to go into game design1:16:30 Providing a representation of what people think the process is1:17:20 People think IronMan is reality1:18:20 Bringing people into the field1:20:25 "Finish more projects"1:23:30 Going beyond the getting started projects1:26:20 People genuinely interested in a topic will skip beginner classes1:27:35 Engineering is intrinsically solitary1:29:30 Trying to figure out gender discrepancies in making1:31:05 "What's it like to put yourself out there?"1:32:30 Putting yourself out there will help you find more positive feedback1:35:05 Building community1:37:00 Finding Zack's work and joining his community1:38:40 Conclusion
CEP014 - Moving to KiCad V6 with Jon Evans Contextual Electronics 2021-07-13 | 0:00 Introduction2:15 Making changes to the platform4:00 History of the codebase5:05 Jon's work background8:20 What is coming in KiCad v6?10:45 Working with legacy code in KiCad13:30 Looking at an example project14:50 Schematic editor18:50 Changes to the schematic UI21:00 Layout tool22:45 Changes to the layout UI24:10 The split of beginner vs advanced users25:55 The benefits of an open source tool26:25 Comparison to tools that are cloud based27:45 The KiCad ecosystem30:45 KiCad Professional Services32:00 KiCon 202133:10 What is DRC? How is it changing?37:40 The challenges of live DRC40:15 Example of DRC46:05 New python API48:30 Example project for using python scripting with KiCad50:00 How the KiCad project works with feature requests52:15 Working with the console inside KiCad53:55 What else is Jon excited about in V6?56:20 KiCad as a professional tool?1:00:05 Following Jon online1:02:10 Conclusion
CEP013 - Open Source Robotics with Kat Scott Contextual Electronics 2021-04-14 | Kat Scott of Open Robotics joins Chris to talk about how to create high complexity robotic creations and also how to create the lower level electronics that integrate into larger ROS systems. Kat is also a member of OSHWA, which defines and certifies Open Source Hardware.Links and more information: contextualelectronics.com/cep013-open-source-robotics-with-kat-scottDiscuss this episode on our forum: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep013-open-source-robotics-with-kat-scott
Drill Tables and Fab Notes on a PCB Fab Drawing Contextual Electronics 2021-03-24 | In this video, we’re adding more information to our fabrication drawing for our PCB, including a drill table and fab drawing notes. This allows us to get a board quoted or manufactured by a wider range of PCB houses than the online options. The online fab services capture all of this information in an online form dialog, like the one shown at the bottom of this post. Instead, we will add the required information to our fab drawing. With a fab drawing, we have a record of what we want the PCB to look like and what the critical specifications are.For links and more information about this topic: contextualelectronics.com/drill-tables-and-fab-notes-on-a-pcb-fab-drawingForum post associated with this video: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/drill-tables-and-fab-notes-on-a-pcb-fab-drawing/4407
Add mounting holes to a layout, but not the BOM (KiCad 5.1) Contextual Electronics 2021-03-17 | In this video, Chris shows how to add mounting holes that persist throughout your design, but don't show up in your manufacturing data (BOM).More info about this video: contextualelectronics.com/add-mounting-holes-to-a-layout-but-not-the-bom-kicad-5-1Forum post associated with this video/post: contextualelectronics.com/add-mounting-holes-to-a-layout-but-not-the-bom-kicad-5-1
Joulescope unboxing and teardown (2021) Contextual Electronics 2021-03-10 | In a first for this channel, Chris does an unboxing video (and brief teardown) of the Joulescope. Matt Liberty, creator of the Joulescope, sent a replacement unit to Chris after a unit issue. This unit will be used to measure current on the ABC Board in upcoming videos. Chris hopes to measure how long the ABC board will be able to survive in the field without charging via a solar panel.For more information about this video, check out the associated blog post: contextualelectronics.com/joulescope-unboxing-and-teardownAssociated CE Forum Post: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/joulescope-unboxing-and-teardown/4363
CEP012 - Mixed Media with Becky Stern Contextual Electronics 2021-03-03 | Becky Stern mixes electronics, crafts, and practical applications to create interesting products and projects. She talks with Chris about her library of work and how to get started pairing electronics with something other than plastic boxes.For more information about this episode: contextualelectronics.com/cep012-mixed-media-with-becky-sternForum Post: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep012-mixed-media-with-becky-stern/43440:00 Introduction1:47 Becky Stern bio3:34 Building out ideas4:57 Learning new things6:36 Collaborations8:46 LEDs and light in projects13:20 #SampleCode14:30 What is a neopixel (WS2812)16:15 Teaching students19:55 Getting started programming21:20 Higher level programming projects24:20 Troubleshooting remotely27:00 Best practices for documentation29:20 Camera tips33:10 Creating documentation from photos36:30 Getting started crafting40:05 "Getting to blinky" for crafts42:15 Finishing projects45:40 Setting a schedule for projects48:30 Making things easy for your future self49:30 Tools53:25 Small workspaces54:00 Future projects58:40 Where to find Becky's work59:20 Wrap up
CEP011 - Environmental Monitoring with Conservify Contextual Electronics 2021-02-19 | Conservify is creating the FieldKit, a new modular system for environmental monitoring for research scientists and citizen scientists. The engineering team joins Chris to talk about deploying measurement systems into harsh environments and how to make things that last.For more information about this episode: contextualelectronics.com/cep011-environmental-monitoring-with-conservifyForum Post: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep011-environmental-monitoring-with-conservify/42850:00 Introduction1:11 Conservify team introduction6:20 Deploying electronics into harsh environments10:35 Using off the shelf components12:29 Monitoring water levels in the Amazon river basin14:20 How did scientists measure things in the past?20:23 Correlating data in the past22:49 Open source in field science23:22 FieldKit Hardware28:11 Accomodating different hardware needs31:30 Hardware details34:20 Power requirements for the field36:48 Unexpected customer requests38:40 Community contributed hardware / firmware44:50 Data visualization48:10 FieldKit.org demo52:35 Publishing without hardware55:28 Who is using FieldKit?57:25 Pilot program with NYC58:30 Upcoming air quality kit1:03:10 Giveaway of FieldKit stations1:05:22 Focus on affordability1:06:14 Deploying more non-profit FieldKits1:07:32 Where to find more info1:08:30 Hackaday Prize1:09:32 Summary and wrap-up
How I Create Electronics For A Living (and you can too) Contextual Electronics 2021-02-10 | See the introductory content on the course page: contextualelectronics.com/courses/hang-your-technical-shingle-an-introduction-to-consultingThe associated blog post for this video: contextualelectronics.com/apply-to-be-part-of-the-beta-consulting-courseApply to be part of the Beta Consulting Course: https://forms.gle/exwyiLkZDfNcAN4w8
Importing EAGLE files into KiCad v5.99 (PreV6, nightly build) Contextual Electronics 2021-02-03 | Last week, we did an import of EAGLE files into KiCad 5.1.8. There was some feedback that we should try this on the nightly version of KiCad...so we did! The mapping features are a nice addition to pull in elements that might be on layers that don't naturally map between EAGLE and KiCad.Last week's post: contextualelectronics.com/importing-eagle-files-into-kicad-5-1
Importing Eagle files into KiCad 5.1 Contextual Electronics 2021-01-27 | Importing an OSHW file created in Eagle into KiCad 5.1 and talking through some of the potential pitfalls of using the import feature. Associated post: contextualelectronics.com/importing-eagle-files-into-kicad-5-1Forum Post: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/importing-eagle-files-into-kicad-5-1/3752Board we imported: github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-Feather-M4-Express-PCBDownload KiCad: kicad.org/downloadCheck out Contextual Electronics - the first week is free: contextualelectronics.com
How to use Zephyr drivers to easily interface to sensors to microcontrollers Contextual Electronics 2021-01-20 | We are using Zephyr (zephyrproject.org) -- a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) -- as the main software on the ABC Board (contextualelectronics.com/courses/advanced-ble-cell-abc-board/).In this video, Chris and Bilal discuss using some of the sensor drivers that are available in the Zephyr repo and how these can be pulled into a user application. In our case, this is the main application running on the ABC board, which wakes up every few minutes and takes a readings from the sensors on the ABCDCBA Daughtercard. The sensors on that daughtercard include the Si7006 (temp/humidity), LIS2DE (3 axis accelerometer), APDS9960 (light/proximity), and AT24 (eeprom)
CEP010 - Low Volume and Low Cost with Timon Contextual Electronics 2021-01-13 | For more information about this episode: contextualelectronics.com/cep010-low-volume-and-low-cost-with-timonForum post: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep010-low-volume-and-low-cost-with-timon/3670
Using git branching to create alternate views (layout, 3D model) Contextual Electronics 2020-12-02 | WARNING: HARDWARE DEVELOPER USING SOFTWARE TOOLSThis video is meant to show using git branching to show how you can create alternate 3D model view (or alternate BOMs, or alternate layouts!). Along the way, Chris realizes that a past merge removed a file that was needed, so the second half of the video shows him troubleshooting (and fixing) that snafu.How to set up git lol: gist.github.com/outro56/31e588e5622dcf7931de0aee49baa7b2
Adding multiple 3D models to board stackup in KiCad 5.0 Contextual Electronics 2020-11-25 | How do you pull in multiple 3D models to create a board stack in KiCad? This video shows you how to use schematic symbols, placeholder footprints and either generated or found 3D models in your final board rendering. This method will help you to create nicely rendered photos for promotion, or more importantly, to detect problems before you send a board out to be manufactured.Introduction to the ABC board: youtube.com/watch?v=JHWO7DRjVIs&t=6sYou can see how the entire ABC board was made with a free week on Contextual Electronics: contextualelectronics.com/one-week-freeKeystone 4881: digikey.com/en/products/detail/keystone-electronics/4881/62347100:00 Introduction1:27 Looking at the ABCDCBA2:37 How to generate step files of your KiCad project5:29 Inspecting spacing between the ABC and the ABCDCBA7:26 Creating a symbol/footprint/3D model for the RPi49:30 Assiging a 3D model to a logo11:20 Alternate method of moving modeling outside of KiCad12:40 Starting rotation of RPi4 3D model to match the ABC board15:07 Discovering a mistake in rotation18:48 Looking at the full board stackup19:53 Turning on the realistic / raytracing rendering20:40 Wrap up
CEP009 - Meta Learning Electronics with Mike Cheich and Phil FitzGerald Contextual Electronics 2020-11-18 | For more details check out the associated blog post: contextualelectronics.com/cep009-meta-learning-electronics-with-mike-cheich-and-phil-fitzgeraldDiscuss this episode on the forum: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep009-meta-learning-electronics-with-mike-cheich-and-phil-fitzgerald/3507
Introduction to the ABC Platform Contextual Electronics 2020-11-15 | Learn more about the course here: contextualelectronics.com/courses/advanced-ble-cellDiscuss on the Contextual Electronics forum: forum.contextualelectronics.com
CEP008 - Building Rockets with Joe Barnard Contextual Electronics 2020-11-04 | For more details check out the associated blog post: contextualelectronics.com/cep008-building-rockets-with-joe-barnardDiscuss this episode on the forum: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep008-building-rockets-with-joe-barnard/3452
CEP007 - Combining Art and Technology with Sarah Petkus Contextual Electronics 2020-10-21 | For more details, check out the associated blog post: contextualelectronics.com/cep007-combining-art-and-technology-with-sarah-petkusDiscuss this episode on the forum: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep007-combining-art-and-technology-with-sarah-petkus/3407
CEP006 - Cellular Design Review with Roy Chen (Quectel) Contextual Electronics 2020-09-29 | For more details, check out the associated blog post: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep006-cellular-design-review-with-roy-chen/3334Discuss this episode on the forum: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep006-cellular-design-review-with-roy-chen/3334
CEP005 - Clojure Script on Hardware with Mike Fikes Contextual Electronics 2020-09-10 | For more details, check out the associated blog post: contextualelectronics.com/cep005-clojure-script-on-hardware-with-mike-fikesForum post:
CEP004 - High current open hardware with Elen from Fully Automated Technologies Contextual Electronics 2020-08-18 | For more info: contextualelectronics.com/cep004-high-current-open-hardware-with-elen-from-fully-automated-technologiesForum post: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep004-high-current-open-hardware-with-elen-from-fully-automated-technologies/3223
Creating a fab drawing and stack up using a custom footprint in KiCad Contextual Electronics 2020-08-10 | Previous video on fab drawings: youtube.com/watch?v=9p5sAwXWMnoFab Drawing Templates on GitHub: github.com/ChrisGammell/FabDrawingTemplatesAdvanced BLE-CELL (ABC) Course: contextualelectronics.com/courses/advanced-ble-cell
CEP003 - A Hardware Design Review with Erik Larson Contextual Electronics 2020-08-06 | More info here: contextualelectronics.com/cep003-a-hardware-design-review-with-erik-larsonForum discussion here: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep003-a-hardware-design-review-with-erik-larson/3169
CEP002 - Building a DIY Pick And Place with Stephen Hawes Contextual Electronics 2020-08-05 | More info here: contextualelectronics.com/cep002-building-a-diy-pick-and-place-with-stephen-hawesForum discussion here: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep002-building-a-diy-pick-and-place-with-stephen-hawes/3168
CEP001 - Design Methodologies with Sophy Wong Contextual Electronics 2020-08-04 | More info here: contextualelectronics.com/cep001-design-methodologies-with-sophy-wongForum discussion here: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/cep001-design-methodologies-with-sophy-wong/3167
Introducing The Contextual Electronics Podcast Contextual Electronics 2020-08-03 | More information here: contextualelectronics.com/introducing-the-contexual-electronics-podcastForum discussion here: forum.contextualelectronics.com/t/introducing-the-contexual-electronics-podcast/3166/3
Getting To Blinky 5.0 - Output Files For Manufacturing Contextual Electronics 2019-10-04 | In this final part of Getting to Blinky 5.0, we take the board we laid out in part 6 (youtube.com/watch?v=D_7Y33AoagY) and add silkscreen markings. After that we do Design Rules Checking (DRC) and output the files for manufacturing, both as native .kicad_pcb files (select vendors) and gerber files (all vendors) can use to manufacture your board. This is another incarnation of the Getting To Blinky Series, updated for KiCad 5.0. KiCad currently is on version 5.1.4 at the time these videos are being released, but the majority of UI is similar between 5.0 and 5.1. Download KiCad here: http://kicad.orgDiscuss KiCad here: forum.kicad.infoContextual Electronics is located here: contextualelectronics.comDiscuss Contextual Electronics here: forum.contextualelectronics.com
Getting To Blinky 5.0 - Finishing The Layout Contextual Electronics 2019-10-02 | In this part of Getting to Blinky 5.0, we finish up the layout using the library components associated in video 4 and the custom footprint we made in video 5 (youtube.com/watch?v=-7yFlz6wdUA). Once all the parts are on the board, it's the simple act of shuffling the parts around and connecting them together using traces.This is another incarnation of the Getting To Blinky Series, updated for KiCad 5.0. KiCad currently is on version 5.1.4 at the time these videos are being released, but the majority of UI is similar between 5.0 and 5.1. Download KiCad here: http://kicad.orgDiscuss KiCad here: forum.kicad.infoContextual Electronics is located here: contextualelectronics.comDiscuss Contextual Electronics here: forum.contextualelectronics.com
Getting To Blinky 5.0 - Creating A Custom Footprint Contextual Electronics 2019-10-01 | In this part of Getting to Blinky 5.0, we create a custom footprint to add into the list of parts associated in the prior video (youtube.com/watch?v=IIPKGoW0VBY). Knowing how to create custom footprints means we can pull in any type of component, without it being in the default KiCad libraries.This is another incarnation of the Getting To Blinky Series, updated for KiCad 5.0. KiCad currently is on version 5.1.4 at the time these videos are being released, but the majority of UI is similar between 5.0 and 5.1. Download KiCad here: http://kicad.orgDiscuss KiCad here: forum.kicad.infoContextual Electronics is located here: contextualelectronics.comDiscuss Contextual Electronics here: forum.contextualelectronics.com
Getting To Blinky 5.0 - Associating Symbol and Footprint Contextual Electronics 2019-09-30 | In this part of Getting to Blinky 5.0, we update the schematic created in the last video video (youtube.com/watch?v=01OYONrYtNQ) by associating each symbol with a footprint. Footprints are the physical form of how a component will attache to the board. After this video, we'll not only know "what's hooked to what" (from the schematic), we'll also know how each component will look in the copper. Later, we'll hook all of these components together in the layout. This is another incarnation of the Getting To Blinky Series, updated for KiCad 5.0. KiCad currently is on version 5.1.4 at the time these videos are being released, but the majority of UI is similar between 5.0 and 5.1. Download KiCad here: http://kicad.orgDiscuss KiCad here: forum.kicad.infoContextual Electronics is located here: contextualelectronics.comDiscuss Contextual Electronics here: forum.contextualelectronics.com
Getting To Blinky 5.0 - Making The Schematic Contextual Electronics 2019-09-27 | In this part of Getting to Blinky 5.0, we use the custom schematic symbol we created in the last video (youtube.com/watch?v=LaUd8WfFooU) and use it to finish up our schematic, adding in passives like capacitors and resistors. Schematics show "what is hooked up to what", and we draw the lines that represent these connections in today's video. This is another incarnation of the Getting To Blinky Series, updated for KiCad 5.0. KiCad currently is on version 5.1.4 at the time these videos are being released, but the majority of UI is similar between 5.0 and 5.1. Download KiCad here: http://kicad.orgDiscuss KiCad here: forum.kicad.infoContextual Electronics is located here: contextualelectronics.comDiscuss Contextual Electronics here: forum.contextualelectronics.com
Getting To Blinky 5.0 - Introduction Contextual Electronics 2019-09-26 | (re-released with fixed audio)In this introduction to Getting to Blinky 5.0, we go over where to download the software, some of he learning objectives of this video course and how to load up the program once installed. This is another incarnation of the Getting To Blinky Series, updated for KiCad 5.0. KiCad currently is on version 5.1.4 at the time these videos are being released, but the majority of UI is similar between 5.0 and 5.1. Download KiCad here: http://kicad.orgDiscuss KiCad here: forum.kicad.infoContextual Electronics is located here: contextualelectronics.comDiscuss Contextual Electronics here: forum.contextualelectronics.com
Getting To Blinky 5.0 - Schematic Symbol Creation Contextual Electronics 2019-09-26 | (This is a re-upload with amplified audio)In this video, we go over how to create a custom schematic symbol. This is important so we can pull in components that do not exist in the KiCad symbol library (which should have been installed when you installed the program). This video is necessary so for the subsequent video, when we'll make the actual schematic (showing which components should hook to which other components).This video series is another incarnation of the Getting To Blinky Series, updated for KiCad 5.0. KiCad currently is on version 5.1.4 at the time these videos are being released, but the majority of UI is similar between 5.0 and 5.1. Download KiCad here: http://kicad-pcb.orgDiscuss KiCad here: forum.kicad.infoContextual Electronics is located here: contextualelectronics.com
KiCad 5.1 - Repurposing 3D Models For Quicker Designs Contextual Electronics 2019-07-25 | This video shows how to re-use library components when you don't have time or skills to make your own 3D models.Background: The 3D model viewer for KiCad is a powerful feature introduced in KiCad 4.0. The STEP file import introduced in KiCad 5.0 enhanced this capability.Main site: contextualelectronics.comForum: forum.contextualelectronics.com
What is the Contextual Electronics YouTube channel? Contextual Electronics 2019-07-16 | A short intro to the content on the CE YouTube and discussions of our sister sites:contextualelectronics.comforum.contextualelectronics.comforum.kicad.infokicad-kicon.com
Simulating Your KiCad Circuits With Various SPICEs - Stephan Kulov (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-31 | SPICE (Simulation Program w/ Integrated Circuit Emphasis) has been helping designers predict circuit performance for decades. KiCad offers built-in simulation via its internal engine provided by “ngspice”, a modern extension of the original open-source SPICE program. Additional steps need to be taken to properly set up a KiCad project for simulation. KiCad also has the ability to export its “netlist” for simulation in an external simulator, such as LTspice, if additional features are desired.Slides available here: http://kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ste-Kulov-KiCon2019_SPICE_skulov.pdfAbout the speaker:Stephan Kulov, typically known as Ste ("STEE"), is an electrical engineer and business owner. In 2014 he co-founded HD Retrovision, a company which designs and manufactures audio/video equipment for retro video games and other retro technologies. His main area of expertise is in analog circuits as well as all kinds of video signals, including both analog and digital (via FPGA). He is well-versed in SPICE circuit simulations, and will be presenting a talk regarding its use within KiCad.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Designing a Smartphone Dev Kit - Eric Kuzmenko (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-30 | An in-depth look at how an abstract idea of a smartphone dev kit was actualized. Purism's Librem 5 Dev Kit was conceived with the goal of fulfilling a certain set of requires and the intent of being used by software developers to write apps & software for a final GNU/Linux smartphone product. The end result was a very modular design, including the use of an i.MX 8M System-On-Module (SOM), while also being capable of satisfying the basic requirements of a smartphone; designed in KiCad of course.Slides available here: http://kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Eric-Kuzmenko-eric_kuzmenko_talk_slides.pdfAbout the speaker:Eric is a hardware engineer who has been working in the electronics industry just over four years, where at two separate companies he used KiCad on a professional basis. Currently, he is working for Purism, helping them develop a smartphone that will run a complete GNU/Linux OS. Previously, he worked for several different startups, that designed and manufactured consumer and industrial grade 3D printers, probably some you've heard of or used.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Programmatic Generation Of Symbols And Footprints - Blake Ramsdell (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-30 | Generating symbols and footprints manually from component datasheets can be tedious and error-prone. I will demonstrate using dimensional data combined with a parametric approach and object oriented programming to generate KiCad-compatible component files. New components can easily be created by adding the basic metric information, and then using a programmatic approach to layout.About the speaker:Blake has been working with electronics since 2010, including five years at Microsoft Surface Products as a Firmware Engineer and Software Development Engineer in Test. His technology background started in software, and he's been improving his hardware skills, most recently through courses in Electronics Technology at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Making PCB Protos In Kenya - Tishampati Dhar (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-29 | At the end of a 3-month stint in Kenya and I decided to run an experiment in the feasibility of designing and assembling prototype batches of PCB's for an energy monitor ASIC I have been meaning to try out - the CS5490. This is a super low bar for a test run. The IC has very few dependent components and large pin pitch making it ideal of teaching manual SMD soldering. This talk covers the challenges (mostly logistics) of small scale PCB design and assembly in Kenya (the third world in general)About the speaker:Tisham is a non-practicing Electronics Engineer and almost PhD. He formerly worked in Remote Sensing as a GIS developer but has been an embedded systems enthusiast for a long time. He is currently building the logistics platform of the future in Africa.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Stacking Up With (Free|Ki)Cad - Morgan Allen (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-29 | Cacoffiny: 8 PCBs joined together to celebrate the death of our batteries. (Free|Ki)CAD (not an endorsement of pronunciation) is the combination of FreeCAD and KiCAD to design 3 dimensional interlocking PCBs. This will lay out my journey from OpenSCAD to Inkscape to FreeCAD in search of a solution. Cacoffiny will be my submission to Hackster.io #BadgeLove, will it succeed? I don't know but it will make for a grand tale and I will talk about tiny desk lamps for Guinea Pigs.About the speaker:Morgan is on a constant quest to redefine "Full Stack Developer". Presently working for the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, California, where a "full stack" is usually plywood but the job isn't done until there's some circuity or code running within.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Rendering to Reality: PCB rendering with KiCad, Fusion 360 and Blender - Greg Davill (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-28 | In this live demo on stage at KiCon 2019, Greg Davill shows how to utilize Fusion 360 and Blender in combination with KiCad 5.1 to create realistic renderings.About the speaker: Greg began tinkering with electronics once he could crawl. He designed his own circuits and firmware for PICAXE controllers in BASIC through primary school and continued to prototype a portable media player for a High School Project. He is passionate about embedded design and microcontroller firmware.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Improving Design Outcomes With Diversity And Inclusion Principles - Seth Hillbrand (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-24 | What can diversity and inclusion mean in a critical design environment and how can implementing these principles help us create better circuits? This talk focuses on the beliefs, values and expectations we have and express to others in our processes. I provide specific case examples from my work with military and industry systems of my own mistakes and lessons learned. I focus on how I use KiCad and interact with our community to create norms that mitigate similar mistakes in the future.Slides available here: http://kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Seth-Hillbrand-Hillbrand-DI_Kicad.pdfAbout the speaker: Seth Hillbrand is the Design Engineer for the physics department of the University of California, Davis. He designs circuits to support research projects that look for Dark Matter, try to measure "hidden" photons and records physical processes in extreme environments. Previously, he worked in high altitude ballooning, space science and electromagnetic warfare. He is currently one of the developers of the KiCad project.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Using KiCad With A Neoden4 Pick-n-Place - Barry Buelow (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-24 | KiCad produces ouptut files which can be manipulated to be compatible with the Neoden 4. This is mostly a manual process or arranging columns in a .CSV file. There are however, a few things that need to be done right when creating new footprints in order to ensure successful placement.Slides available here: http://kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Barry-Buelow-BB-KiCon-002.pdfAbout the speaker:The machine takes some attention and it isn't for everyone. You can't just load it up and walk away. The most common issues will be presented and there will be a period to answer your questions.Barry is a retired avionics engineer from Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During his career, Barry has worked on every Boeing airplane in production, including being part of the team designing the large format LCD display for the 787, and autopilot systems on all models.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Let Your KiCad Project Become Reality - Patrick Franken (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-23 | Now that the heavy work in KiCad is done you'll probably want to hold the project in your hands as soon as possible. Unfortunately a lot of things have to be organized. This talk will give a deep insight into the different aspects of sourcing your prototypes and small series. From PCB and stencil over parts to the actual assembly. After this talk you’ll have a fundamental knowledge on how to get your prototype build in the first run.About the speaker:Patrick is a lead software engineer with a 12 year track record, best selling book author and managing director of AISLER B.V. As CTO at AISLER, he leads the software engineering team that ships electronic prototypes into more than a 100 countries. He co-authored ""Das Calliope-Buch" which is available to young talents in Germany that want to learn programming even at an early age.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Preserving History With KiCad - James Lewis (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-23 | While documentation exists for 1970's and 1980's calculators and computers, unfortunately they exist in bitmap formats. As I started converting parts of the Apple IIgs schematic to KiCad, I realized something. There are benefits to "preserving" historical schematics in a living, active, and open format. In this talk, I talk about my experiences in converting scanned PDFs into KiCad, the project behind that motivation, and to encourage help from others to preserve history with KiCad.Slides available here: http://kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/James-Lewis-Preserving-History-with-KiCad-KiCon-2019-v4.pdfAbout the speaker:James, AKA the Bald Engineer, has a background in electrical engineering and is a teacher at heart. You might have read a tutorial on his blog or watched a video on his "AddOhms" YouTube channel. He is also a frequent contributor to Element14 and Hackster.io. As a fan of making things blink, beep, and fly, KiCad is a staple in his electronics toolkit.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Your Manufacturer Is Stupid - Help Them - Chris Denney (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-22 | Manufacturers are really smart actually, but treating them like they're stupid will make your life a lot easier. The more information your manufacturer has up front, the less phone calls you'll get, and the faster you'll get your assemblies back. Learn how you can use KiCAD's built in features to get the job done right the first time and every time.Slides available here: http://kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Chris-Denney-Your-MFG-is-Stupid.pdfAbout the speaker: Chris Denney is the CTO for Worthington Assembly. He has worked in the electronics industry for 18 years and has been a part of all aspects of the design and manufacturing process. He was recently interviewed on the Amp Hour and talked about the future of electronics assembly.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBgAbout the speaker:
MCAD + ECAD For DIN Rail Energy - Tishampati Dhar (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-22 | I set-out to build an open-source modular DIN rail energy monitor and launched a project on crowd supply with some renders from MCAD + approximate protoboard builds. Then we spent the next 6-months making it real in KiCAD and following the design set-up in MCAD to squeeze everything into the off-the-shelf casing. We got mostly there and shipped out with only a 3-month delay. This talk will describe adventures in electronics as a cottage industry in Australia.About the speaker:Tisham is a non-practicing Electronics Engineer and almost PhD. He formerly worked in Remote Sensing as a GIS developer but has been an embedded systems enthusiast for a long time. He is currently building the logistics platform of the future in Africa.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Manufacturing The Open Source Desktop Computer - Louisa Bisio (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-21 | A beautiful and powerful Linux computer manufactured in Denver, CO: Thelio. This desktop features an open-sourced daughterboard that was designed on KiCad. We share why open source hardware is important for an innovative future. We talk about the details around manufacturing a powerful desktop computer from the initial design, to fabrication to the final build, and the lessons we've learned along the way. In the end, we prove that you don’t have to compromise aesthetics, quality, and performance for open source freedom.About the speaker:Louisa works at System76, a Linux computer manufacturer in Colorado and is a big proponent of open source hardware and software. System76 manufactures an open source desktop-computer from raw materials, and she's going to talk about how they build their machines, and why open source is important.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Fast 3D Model Creation Using FreeCAD - Anool Mahidharia (KiCon 2019) Contextual Electronics 2019-05-21 | Mech CAD integration is becoming increasingly important. Not all components have 3D models available. This talk quickly walks you through creating your own 3D model, aligning it with the KiCAD footprint and exporting STEP/WRL models. Finally, if time permits, a quick introduction to building an enclosure around a KiCAD PCB.Slides available here: http://kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Anool-Mahidharia-KiCon_2019_FreeCAD.pdfAbout the speaker: Anool works at Lumetronics designing custom safety test equipment. He's also a co-founder of Wyolum and co-founder of "Maker's Asylum", India's first open community makerspace. He also takes time to write blog posts for Hackaday.KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.comProduced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
