Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Install KiCad 5.1 on xubuntu (no-brainer since the packages are somehow broken)

Big mess. The easiest is to get rid of everything and not rely entirely on the Debian packages. I had to gather some info around and I ended up with the following.

Beware, all existing kicad executable and configuration will be wiped out, as I think that 5.1 does not play well with former versions. Especially, libraries and footprints do not show up after installation. This also makes it annoying to import a former KiCad project in 5.1. I had none so I "simply" started from blank projects, as KiCad is much easier to design new packages and footprint than Eagle CAD I was using so far.


Microreview: dual outlet aquarium air pump


It took me a while to notice the little magic button on the back! Switching it got me twice the throughput ... and twice the noise, but it is still OK. I checked it by myself and emptied a 1.5L bottle in about 50 seconds with one outlet.

This is the pump I used to cool the deposited materiels in my old, other blog post http://www.tridimake.com/2016/05/3d-printing-cooling-with-air-pump-aquarium.html

Soldering consumables

Soldering consumables

This cheap "No Clean Flux Dispensing Pen" pen is a bargain. I used one I chose randomly for years, and largely beyond its recommended date. So I was glad to see it still on the market: "951" DJP CW8100 (about ~5€ delivered from banggood).



I also bought this tip "rejuvenator" (about ~7€ delivered from banggood). It works surprisingly well to remove oxidization that could not be "wiped out" with metal sponges. No fumes, no odor, it kinds of "boils dry" instantly when the tip is dipped in it.
The container states it is some common soldering paste but I am glad it is not, as I already have all kinds of solder paste.