KiCad 3PDT Oval pad size?

Started by carboncomp, June 09, 2023, 04:28:04 PM

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carboncomp

Hi, trying to make a 3PDT footswitch breakout board, and was wondering if anyone could tell me the size I need to set the oval holes? 

ElectricDruid

I can tell you how you determine this:

1) Get the datasheet for the footswitch, or get an example and a vernier caliper, and get the dimensions of the pins.
2) Decide how much copper you think is necessary around the pins and how much space you need remaining between the copper of one pin and the next-nearest.
3) Size the pads appropriately to meet the criteria you just specified. If you're lucky enough to finish up with a range of possible values, pick one in the middle.

That's it. It ain't rocket science, just tiresome dog-work. If I had a simple number I could look up for you, I'd give it to you, but I don't.

One further thing - since footswitches have pins that are essentially rectangular in cross-section, if your CAD package has an option for rounded rectangle pad shapes, that's a better bet than a pure oval.

m_charles

Quote from: carboncomp on June 09, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Hi, trying to make a 3PDT footswitch breakout board, and was wondering if anyone could tell me the size I need to set the oval holes?

Shape = rounded rectangle
Pad size = 3mm x 4mm
Hole size 1.6mm x 3mm

works for the generic type with solder lugs.

carboncomp

#3
Quote from: m_charles on June 09, 2023, 06:54:00 PM
Quote from: carboncomp on June 09, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Hi, trying to make a 3PDT footswitch breakout board, and was wondering if anyone could tell me the size I need to set the oval holes?

Shape = rounded rectangle
Pad size = 3mm x 4mm
Hole size 1.6mm x 3mm

works for the generic type with solder lugs.

Thanks, like this?





m_charles

sorry took me a bit to reply. that outta work!
I think I got 9.5mm going down, and 10.5mm across after some tweaking. Was a while ago but I remember having to tweak the measurements from the data sheet slightly to get it to sit in perfect, but either one should work. 0.1mm is a pretty tiny amount and could be slightly one way or the other depending on where you buy them.
good luck