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0 pointscontingencies4y ago0 comments

1. Learn to carefully structure schematics as hierarchical sheets. 2. Use the replicate-layout plugin to duplicate schematic sheet layout across multiple instances. 3. Get a graphics tablet.

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rowanG0774y ago· 2 in thread

I don't think he was talking about schematic view. He is talking about component placement on the PCB.

contingenciesOP4y ago

The two are linked. If you structure schematics suitably, you can deduplicate layout (component placement). Another tip is to have two large screens so you can simultaneously navigate both layout and schematic. When you click a component in either, the other is highlighted. This can be a big help during layout. Finally, be aware of right click | Select | Items in same hierarchical sheet.

amelius4y ago

Thanks for the tip. I was avoiding hierarchical schematics because my version of KiCAD doesn't seem to implement the concept very well. I often ended up with strange inconsistencies, so I gave up. I suppose this is better in newer KiCAD versions (?)

How I do placement now: deleting part of my schematics, then copying the remaining components to the PCB layout, then undoing to get my schematics back, delete another part of the schematics, etc.

Regarding a graphics tablet: I've thought about it, but then I miss the scroll-wheel which is absolutely necessary for zooming in/out. Are there tablets with scroll wheels?

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