KiCad Position File
KiCAD
This blog was started in Nov 2017. At this time the KiCad is ver 4.0.6
You create a POS (Position) file in PCBnew by selecting:
FILE,
FABRICATION OUTPUTS
In the Generate Component Position Files window, select:
mm
One file per SIDE
Force Insert for all SMD footprints.
Note: This is a work in progress and you should check back periodically to see if there are updates. I'd also like to hear from folks using this info and what results you have.
X-Y translation
2019-3 Update
I am now using a KiCad "Nightly" which I will alledge is equal to release 5.1.
In PCBNew: File; Fabrication Outputs: Footprint Position File
This creates a .CSV file. Options: mm, CSV, 1 file per side
POS File Fixes
Previously, I suggested performing some edits using Notepad++ (Win). Now, I don't believe that step is required.
Open the CSV file using Excel or other spreadsheet program.
All of the information you need is available, it is just in the wrong columns.
The file format MUST be:
Save the file as .CSV
File Columns
The sample coordinate file from Neoden shows the following:
Observe that:
a. Each item is in a separate cell.
b. Columns 5-7 and 6-8 are duplicates of Col 3-4.
In Excel, rearrange the columns of YOUR CSV file to match the Neoden file. Copy data from Cols, 3-4 into Cols 5-6 and 7-8. Be sure to include the column headers in case they are necessary. Have a single line header with the Neoden column titles.
>>> IMPORTANT <<<
The first line MUST be the same component that was used in the PCB Info tab Alignment of the PCB and Panel. When the data file is read in to the PnP using the IMPORT button, the machine assumes that the prior machine alignment of component #1 and the file component #1 match. If you rearrange components in the PnP software, DO NOT change the first component. I generally prefer the 1st component to be near the center of the PCB. Move the desired component to the top of the CSV file in Excel before Importing it to the PnP.
Save the CSV file.
Copy the CSV to a USB stick and load it on the Neoden machine. There are 2 USB ports on the right side near the front.
Comment Column
While the Comments seem not too exciting, they are import as they appear as a suffix on the device size (such as 0805/0603). Do a couple of global edits to have footprint names like C0805 D0603, etc. The Neoden software appends the Comment (Value). If the value has multiple versions of the same intended value, these appear as unique component types. For example, a Green and a GReen LED are different component types in Neoden. Take the time to clean up these minor discrepancies before loading the CSV file on the Neoden 4.
To verify the orientation, take a piece of masking tape and roll it double with the sticky side out. Place it over the location of the diodes. You might only need 1 large piece rather than numerous small ones. Then start the PnP. MOUNT and move the selected line down to the LED or DIODEs section, then START. This will have the machine begin placing that component. You can let several diodes be placed in Continuous mode, or Step through the PnP. After placing the diodes and LEDs, stop the machine and check for diode orientation. This can save a lot of time in rework.
This blog was started in Nov 2017. At this time the KiCad is ver 4.0.6
You create a POS (Position) file in PCBnew by selecting:
FILE,
FABRICATION OUTPUTS
In the Generate Component Position Files window, select:
mm
One file per SIDE
Force Insert for all SMD footprints.
Note: This is a work in progress and you should check back periodically to see if there are updates. I'd also like to hear from folks using this info and what results you have.
X-Y translation
2019-3 Update
I am now using a KiCad "Nightly" which I will alledge is equal to release 5.1.
In PCBNew: File; Fabrication Outputs: Footprint Position File
This creates a .CSV file. Options: mm, CSV, 1 file per side
POS File Fixes
Previously, I suggested performing some edits using Notepad++ (Win). Now, I don't believe that step is required.
Open the CSV file using Excel or other spreadsheet program.
All of the information you need is available, it is just in the wrong columns.
The file format MUST be:
- The column labels must match the example below
- Neoden wants to read +/-180 for rotation. KiCad uses 0-359. Do a global search/replace of "270" with "-90".
- Not obvious, but the notation of "Top/Bottom" needs to be in UPPER CASE and the letter "T" is adequate for Top
Save the file as .CSV
File Columns
The sample coordinate file from Neoden shows the following:
| Designator | Footprint | Mid X | Mid Y | Ref X | Ref Y | Pad X | Pad Y | Layer | Rotation | Comment |
| C1 | CAP - (5x3) | 53.5 | 20.5 | 53.5 | 20.5 | 53.5 | 20.5 | Top | 90 | 1uF/100V |
| C2 | CAP - (5x3) | 38.5 | 20.5 | 38.5 | 20.5 | 38.5 | 20.5 | Top | 90 | 1uF/100V |
| C3 | CAP - (5x3) | 45.5 | 20.5 | 45.5 | 20.5 | 45.5 | 20.5 | Top | 270 | 1nF |
| C4 | CAP - (5x3) | 30.5 | 20.5 | 30.5 | 20.5 | 30.5 | 20.5 | Top | 270 | 1nF |
Observe that:
a. Each item is in a separate cell.
b. Columns 5-7 and 6-8 are duplicates of Col 3-4.
In Excel, rearrange the columns of YOUR CSV file to match the Neoden file. Copy data from Cols, 3-4 into Cols 5-6 and 7-8. Be sure to include the column headers in case they are necessary. Have a single line header with the Neoden column titles.
>>> IMPORTANT <<<
The first line MUST be the same component that was used in the PCB Info tab Alignment of the PCB and Panel. When the data file is read in to the PnP using the IMPORT button, the machine assumes that the prior machine alignment of component #1 and the file component #1 match. If you rearrange components in the PnP software, DO NOT change the first component. I generally prefer the 1st component to be near the center of the PCB. Move the desired component to the top of the CSV file in Excel before Importing it to the PnP.
Save the CSV file.
Copy the CSV to a USB stick and load it on the Neoden machine. There are 2 USB ports on the right side near the front.
Comment Column
While the Comments seem not too exciting, they are import as they appear as a suffix on the device size (such as 0805/0603). Do a couple of global edits to have footprint names like C0805 D0603, etc. The Neoden software appends the Comment (Value). If the value has multiple versions of the same intended value, these appear as unique component types. For example, a Green and a GReen LED are different component types in Neoden. Take the time to clean up these minor discrepancies before loading the CSV file on the Neoden 4.
Diode Orientation
I've had some problems with diode and LED orientation. I believe this is partly caused by the KiCad footprint library pin 1-2 being swapped on some parts. I've not entirely tracked this down.To verify the orientation, take a piece of masking tape and roll it double with the sticky side out. Place it over the location of the diodes. You might only need 1 large piece rather than numerous small ones. Then start the PnP. MOUNT and move the selected line down to the LED or DIODEs section, then START. This will have the machine begin placing that component. You can let several diodes be placed in Continuous mode, or Step through the PnP. After placing the diodes and LEDs, stop the machine and check for diode orientation. This can save a lot of time in rework.
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