18Watt.com

I started using Kicad recently for generating schematics... great software that is simple to use.

It has almost all of the symbols I need including tubes. However, the format for input jacks and some of the transformer options are a bit lacking. Is there a source for symbols commonly used by the tube amp community that can be imported into KiCad?

Also any ideas on software for generating turret board type layouts? I get the impression that Kicad is more set-up for PCBs.

Perhaps Josh can weigh in on how those amazing "JMPGuitars" 18 watt layout images are generated.

The fancier designs that I share here are made with Visio, and the shapes used are almost all drawn from scratch. There are some generic shapes available publicly for Visio.

You are correct; KiCad is better for PCBs by default. You don't need any special symbols for jacks as there are plenty to choose from for schematics. I use KiCad for designing all my PCB stuff. For tube sockets on PCBs, be careful, I had some that were incorrectly spaced. Verify on paper before you order anything.

Schematic drawing is better in KiCad, as you can do everything down to electrical inspection if you design it properly.

If you spent the time to make shapes, you can certainly make layout designs in KiCad also. Either way, you would need to design shapes and familiarize yourself with the software, so I don't think there's a benefit to designing the layouts with Visio for you.

The Tremolo TMB PCB was designed in KiCad, and then I did the layout in Visio using the KiCad PCB image: files/JMPGuitars_18_Watt_Tremolo_TMB_Re ... Layout.pdf

However, I could have done the full layout in KiCad if I hadn't already done all my shapes in Visio. If you want to do a full turret board (not PCB), you can still design it in KiCad. Leave the sockets off the board, use Turrets like I did in that PCB (and skip the regular holes), etc.

Thanks,
Josh

P.S. Note: One aspect of familiarizing yourself with KiCad includes learning about things that are excluded from layouts or schematics in specific component properties. This may or may not come into play depending on what level you take your documents to.

Josh,

Many thanks for the detailed response.

I will take your advice and focus on getting my turret layouts generated using Kicad. I don't have a need to go the PCB route just yet.

Nice job on your attached PCB layout ... very impressive. Regarding tube sockets, I would do the same thing ... leave them off the board!

Cheers

Dave

For my tube tester I designed a separate tube socket board. There's nothing wrong with using a PCB for tube sockets, but you must make sure it's separate of the main circuit, and strong enough with sufficient mounting supports to remove flex from the PCB.