FunOS

KiCad is a powerful and open-source electronic design automation (EDA) suite that supports schematic capture, PCB layout, and more. It’s widely used by professionals and hobbyists alike to design electronic circuits and printed circuit boards (PCBs). If you’re using FunOS, installing KiCad is straightforward. This guide will walk you through the installation process, explain how to launch it, and provide steps to uninstall it if needed.

What is KiCad?

KiCad is a comprehensive software suite for EDA, offering tools for designing schematics and PCB layouts, as well as for managing libraries of components. It supports multi-layer PCBs, 3D modeling of PCBs, and offers features like interactive routing and design rule checks, making it an excellent choice for creating professional-grade electronic designs.

How to Install KiCad on FunOS

Step 1: Open a Terminal

To begin, open a terminal using one of the following methods:

• Click the Menu in the lower-left corner of the screen, then select Terminal.
• Click the Terminal icon in the Tray.
• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.

Step 2: Add the PPA for KiCad 8.0 Releases

To ensure you get the latest stable version of KiCad 8.0, add its PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases

Note: You can check this page for updated PPA information if a newer release is available.

Step 3: Update the Package List

After adding the PPA, update the package list to include the KiCad repository:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install KiCad

Now, install KiCad by running:

sudo apt install kicad

Step 5: Reload the Menu

To make KiCad appear in the Application Menu, reload the menu:

1. Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner of the screen.
2. Select Reload menu.

Launching KiCad

After installation, KiCad can be found in the Science category of the Application Menu. Click Menu > Science > KiCad to start the application.

How to Uninstall KiCad on FunOS

If you no longer need KiCad, follow these steps to uninstall it completely.

Step 1: Open a Terminal

Use the same methods as described in Step 1 of the installation guide to open a terminal.

Step 2: Remove KiCad

To uninstall KiCad, run the following command:

sudo apt remove --purge kicad

Step 3: Remove Any Unused Dependencies

Clean up unnecessary dependencies by running:

sudo apt autoremove --purge

Step 4: Remove the PPA for KiCad 8.0 Releases (Optional)

If you no longer need the PPA for KiCad, remove it with:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases

Step 5: Update the Package List

Refresh the package list after removing the PPA:

sudo apt update

Step 6: Remove User Data (Optional)

To completely remove any remaining configuration or cache files, run:

rm -rf $HOME/.cache/kicad
rm -rf $HOME/.config/kicad

Step 7: Reload the Menu

Finally, reload the menu to remove KiCad from the Application Menu:

1. Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner.
2. Select Reload menu.

Conclusion

KiCad is an essential tool for electronic design, and installing it on FunOS is a quick and simple process. By following the steps in this guide, you can install, launch, and uninstall KiCad with ease. Whether you’re designing simple circuits or complex PCBs, KiCad provides the tools you need for your projects.