What is KiCAD?

KiCAD is a free and open-source software suite for electronic design. It is used to create circuit schematics, printed circuit board (PCB) designs, circuit simulation and analysis and more. KiCAD is great because it is cross-platform and has a large component library.


Install KiCAD

Download the right version of KiCAD for your computer from this link:

Download

Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts. All the defaults should be okay.


A refresh in electrical concepts

I highly recommend you read over this page to familiarise yourself with the introductory concepts of electricity.

Electrical Theory

Here is a brief overview of how to use a different electrical schematic editor called Falstad. This tool is browser based and easy to use. It is mainly used for quick simulations of circuits.

Electrical Design intro with Falstad


Intro tutorial videos

Start by following along with the first four videos. Feel free to go further, however this week we will only be using the skills taught in the first four videos. When building the circuits for now it’s okay to make it look like video three rather than what he does in video four as it may make it easier to understand for now.