Re: gEDA-user: pcb SMT footprints

[phil@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Larry Doolittle <ldoolitt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> ..... disturbingly inconsistent state of affairs .... 

Agreed, these parts aren't so useful until you make your own directory of
'vetted' part footprints.  Allowing only certain parts, etc.

Since the soldering tools determine the size people make their pads, outlines,
and keepouts ...

I propose the criteria that footprints entering into the footprint database
meet the _tightest_ pad tolerances -- the smallest available size for the
highest tech equipment (hot plates, if you will).

Then, to allow for versatility PCB incorporate :

1) grow option on pad/bounding-box sizes (as for pads in PCB)--making pads
'longer' heading away from the part center -- this would allow anyone to hand
solder and/or allow for varying amounts of rework.  A prototype could be
instantly made more hackable.  PCB could default to a hand-solder setting if
consensus agrees.
2) global "soldering technique modifier" that automates the grow option.   A
prototype could be instantly made more hackable across the entire board.  PCB
could default to a hand-solder setting if consensus agrees.

Maybe PCB could have an "add solder tails to SMT parts" feature--which could
work on the whole board at once by adding a variable length to every SMT pad
on the board, or by mouse click.

Phil