kicad_vacuum_tube_library

A complete vacuum tube amplifier and radio library for KiCAD, finally.

** This is a work in progress and being completed in my spare time, so bare with it...... **

KiCAD Vacuum Tube Amplifier Library

This library provides a comprehensive collection of symbols, footprints, and 3D models for designing vacuum tube amplifiers in KiCAD.

Installation

There are two main ways to install this library: globally or for a specific project.

Global Installation

1. Download the Repository: Clone this repository to your local machine.
2. Open KiCAD: Launch the KiCAD application.
3. Open the Symbol Library Manager: Go to Preferences -> Configure Paths... and add a new path pointing to the symbols directory in your cloned repository (e.g., KISYS3DMOD). Then, go to Tools -> Symbol Library Editor -> Preferences -> Manage Symbol Libraries... and click "Add existing library". Browse to the kicad-tube-amp-library.kicad_sym file (if provided) or add the symbols directory as a new library path.
4. Open the Footprint Library Manager: Go to Tools -> Footprint Editor -> Preferences -> Manage Footprint Libraries... and click "Add existing library". Browse to the kicad-tube-amp-library.pretty directory (if footprints are in a .pretty repository) or add the footprints directory as a new library path.

Project-Specific Installation

1. Copy Library Files: Copy the symbols, footprints (and 3dmodels if desired) directories into your KiCAD project folder.
2. Open Project in KiCAD: Open your KiCAD project.
3. Add Symbol Library: In the Schematic Editor, go to Preferences -> Manage Project Libraries... under the "Symbol Libraries" tab, click "Add existing library", and browse to the symbols directory within your project.
4. Add Footprint Library: In the PCB Editor, go to Preferences -> Manage Project Libraries... under the "Footprint Libraries" tab, click "Add existing library", and browse to the footprints directory within your project.

Directory Structure

• symbols/: Contains KiCAD symbol library files (.kicad_sym). Organized by component type (e.g., tubes/triodes/, transformers/power/, capacitors/electrolytic/).
• footprints/: Contains KiCAD footprint library files (.pretty directories or individual .kicad_mod files). Organized by component type (e.g., tube_sockets/noval/, transformer_mounts/).
• 3dmodels/: Contains 3D models (.step, .wrl) for the components. The directory structure mirrors the symbols and footprints directories for easy linking.
• documentation/: Contains additional documentation about the library.
• LICENSE: Contains the license under which the library is distributed.

Contributing

Please read the entire contribution_guidelines.md document to contribute.

License

BSD