Keycad

Summary

Keycad is a PCB design software referenced by Sean Hodgins in "I Built A Tiny Model Train and it Nearly Broke My Brain" during his development of the Shaunville Model Train Set. While the exact software is likely KiCad (a popular open-source electronics design tool), Sean uses Keycad as his primary platform for creating an innovative modular PCB track system. The software enables him to design reusable track components with pre-defined curves and straight sections that can be copied, placed, and rotated to build custom track layouts, with the unique feature of integrating track visualization directly into the silk screen layer while managing electrical connections on the bottom copper layer.

What Was Said

Sean presents Keycad as an essential but occasionally challenging tool for his unconventional approach to PCB design. He explains his modular track design workflow, noting: "So, I've made these track pieces, if you can call them that, in Keycad." His track components include 45mm and 30mm diameter turns plus straight pieces that serve as building blocks for custom layouts.

The software requires specific workarounds for Sean's non-traditional PCB approach. He details the technical requirements: "You just turn on allow free angle in highlight collisions. You also have to turn that allow DRC violations." This is necessary because Sean works directly in the PCB layout without traditional schematic connections, requiring him to disable design rule checking (DRC) and manually ensure proper trace connections. As he explains: "You have to join on the bottom, the blue copper layer, which is the bottom layer. You have to join these traces together between the tracks."

Despite these technical hurdles, Sean appreciates Keycad's integration with PCBWay's manufacturing process, praising their seamless workflow: "They've got a workflow that's basically a click of a button straight out of Keycad, which is incredibly convenient." This integration streamlines the transition from digital design to physical manufacturing.

History

I Built A Tiny Model Train and it Nearly Broke My Brain

Keycad serves as Sean's primary design tool for creating the PCB-based track system for his miniature train Christmas ornament project. He uses the software to develop a modular approach where individual track pieces with standardized radiuses can be arranged into custom configurations. The software's silk screen layer displays the visual track design while the bottom copper layer handles the electrical connections that power the train.

Sean works around Keycad's intended PCB design workflow by disabling certain safety features like design rule checking and enabling free-angle placement and collision highlighting. This allows him to manually connect traces between track segments without going through traditional schematic-based design, though it requires careful attention to ensure all electrical connections are properly made on the bottom layer.

The project highlights both Keycad's flexibility in accommodating unconventional PCB applications and its smooth integration with PCBWay's manufacturing services, making the jump from digital design to physical production straightforward for Sean's complex modular track system.