OVERVIEW:
Kicadocaml is a PCB layout tool that reads and writes Kicad's pcbnew *.brd files. It is unique in that it reads in BOTH the schematic and board, so you can select and filter components & associated tracks based on schematic hierarchy. Furthermore, it allows you to array duplicated sub-sheets of the schematic, thereby saving time.
It was/is written by Tim Hanson, sideskate@gmail.com
NETLIST & STARTING A NEW BOARD:
Currently kicadocaml does not do netlist import, nor can it read kicad's footprint libraries; hence, to start a board, you must use pcbnew. Write me an email to complain and maybe I'll fix it ;-)
ISSUES:
Kicadocaml requires OpenGL - e.g. an Nvidia video card (they seem to work better than ATI products with Linux). It works on my laptop, which has an Intel 945GM graphics accelerator, but not nearly as awesomely as on my desktop (Nvidia 8800 GTX).
Note: pcbnew does not always save the net # in the tracks - therefore, when opening a board that was previously saved in pcbnew yuo may want to "Propagate netcodes to all tracks" (in the options menu) if kicadocaml does not automatically realize that it was prev. saved in pcbnew.
Kicadocaml features a novel triangle-based zone filling algorithm; if zone fill fails in pcbnew, you can fill it in kicadocaml.
Preference support is severly lacking; kicadocaml should remember the state of all options, as well as the grid resolution.
Most all dimensions and measurements are in inches, with some display/ entry support for milimeters.
BUILDING:
To build from source, install (with apt-get or another manager):
The liblablgl package in Debian Etch is broken, unfortunately, so you must rebuild it from source. To do this, run
in some directory, (and install any required dependencies) and then
Then you can run $ make opt (or just 'make kicadocaml' if you want the bytecode executable) and everything should work! Once you have started the program, be sure to look at 'about' hidden (for now) in the 'options' menu for the keyboard commands.