KiCad workaround for mounting hole too close to pad

KiCad-mounting-pin-violation-workaround-crop

Here’s a workaround I used in a KiCad layout that involved a DRC error with a module’s (non-conducting) mounting pin. The mounting pin is physically close enough to an electrical pin that it makes the DRC clearance test fail. The proximity isn’t actually a problem because the offending pin is just so much mounting foo for the part, but KiCad doesn’t know the difference.

The workaround is to edit the pad for the mounting pin and assign it the same pad number as the pad the DRC thinks it’s too close to. (See the two pads numbered 3 in the above image). Kludgey, but it silences the (not really an) error. I made this change in the PCB layout rather than in the library module as it won’t be a problem on boards with smaller copper clearance.

BTW, the module is for a Keystone 970 RCA jack and is available in my Bitbucket repo.

Net neutrality progress?

PresO seems to be asking the FCC to classify the Internet as a common carrier (ref. http://www.dailydot.com/politics/what-is-title-ii-net-neutrality-fcc/).

Yay!

Now, dear Pres, please back this up with muscle!

One potential loophole: He’s asking the FCC to, “Reclassify the Internet under Title II of … the Telecommunications Act.” He’s not asking them to reclassify them as a common carrier under under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. I don’t know if reclassification under Title II in itself means that it becomes a common carrier or if there is a specific reclassification under Title II that’s required.

Anyone know?

Engineer meets Bugera V22 reverb – Part 1

The Bugera V22 guitar amp is just too good to leave alone. Yes, it’s had its share of teething problems—the worst of which I believe have been sorted. Yes, it’s made in China. Yes the tube quality seems to be a crapshoot. But the build quality is better than what I’d expect at the price, and the sound is unique and just lovely. It’s a great buy.

One thing I’m not super jazzed about though is the amp’s reverb. I begin documenting my gripes below and start off in search of a solution.

Box jointing

box-joints-closeup

I spent the afternoon with the muy talented Jason Holtz learning the inner secrets of box joints. Jason is a master woodworker and furniture designer with clients all over the country. I seriously recommend you check him out if you’re looking for custom or prototype work.

I’ll be turning the above into something more interesting in the upcoming days (i.e., weeks). Stay tuned.