Kicad, electrical CAD, will not run

[bobestes]

I just discovered that a program called Kicad is installed on my computer, but I can't get it to run.  It is located in the Application Launcher/More Applications/Development folder.  When I click on the name, an icon appears on the bar and pulsates for a few seconds, then the screen flickers, the icon disappears, and the program does not open.  I have reinstalled the program using Synaptic, but that hasn't helped.  I installed PCLOS 2010 when it became available a few months ago, and I have updated it about once a week since.  The last time I updated was about 15 minutes ago.

Does anyone have any idea why this program will not run?  Thanks in advance for your help.

Bob

[wedgetail]

No, I have not got the answer, have not got a clue what it does.

For the benefit of others as well as myself tell us what it is supposed to do, that might entice us to go looking and experiment. 

[bobestes]

No, I have not got the answer, have not got a clue what it does.

For the benefit of others as well as myself tell us what it is supposed to do, that might entice us to go looking and experiment. 

Here's the package description from Synaptic:

KiCad software for the creation of electronic schematic
Kicad is an open source (GPL) software for the creation of electronic schematic
diagrams and printed circuit board artwork.

[wedgetail]

Well, if you had written that in your first post, I would have dropped what I was doing because that interests me very much. CAD and big CAD in general for that matter.  It was accidental that I looked in your topic to see what it was about. If I was you I would even change the subject line to include something like  "Kicad, electrical CAD, not running".  I have used a layout program that simply outgrew me, became a full time job just running the program, hey I was only using it for hobby. Boy it was good though.

Open a konsole and try to start from here, you may get error message to tell us more  
You could mention the desktop interface, KDE, GNOME etc?

[bobestes]

Well, if you had written that in your first post, I would have dropped what I was doing because that interests me very much. CAD and big CAD in general for that matter.  It was accidental that I looked in your topic to see what it was about. If I was you I would even change the subject line to include something like  "Kicad, electrical CAD, not running".  I have used a layout program that simply outgrew me, became a full time job just running the program, hey I was only using it for hobby. Boy it was good though.

Open a konsole and try to start from here, you may get error message to tell us more  
You could mention the desktop interface, KDE, GNOME etc?

I'm using KDE 4.4.5.

I got the following error message from the terminal (konsole).  kicad: error while loading shared libraries: libwx_gtk2u_gl-2.8.so.0: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory

I searched the repository for that library, but it wasn't available.

[Texstar]

Install libwxgtkglu2.8-2.8.10-3pclos2010 package.

[bobestes]

Install libwxgtkglu2.8-2.8.10-3pclos2010 package.

Where do I find it?  I did a search of the repository and it didn't show up.

Bob

[ka9yhd]

I just did a search for "libwxgtkglu" and it is in the repos.

[bobestes]

I just did a search for "libwxgtkglu" and it is in the repos.

OK, I finally found it. I was searching with all of the numbers in the name.

Thanks for your help.  The program is working.  Now I just need to learn how to use it.

Bob

[wedgetail]

bobestes
I have installed the program too, can confirm what you have experienced and also followed Texstars hint.  I works, I don't have time to look at it seriously right now but I would be interested in hearing from you here what you find and your impression.

So don't close it down just yet.   

Texstar
Thank you, much appreciated.

If you happen to come past, also thanks for the PASS re-issue, I am up and running again. Not usre if it was you or Cindy I eneded up sending the details to both of you.

[wedgetail]

bobestes
Are you totally new to this sort or do you have experience with Autotrax or one of the other available programs for Windows. I mention Autorax as it is free and I think it can still be found around the net.

I just had a scratch and managed to lay down a zif socket on a bare pcb layout, but I have to retrain my brain as many items are in unfamiliar places.    

[bobestes]

bobestes
I have installed the program too, can confirm what you have experienced and also followed Texstars hint.  I works, I don't have time to look at it seriously right now but I would be interested in hearing from you here what you find and your impression.

So don't close it down just yet.   

After I removed the numbers from my search criteria, I found the file and installed it.  The program now works, but it looks like it has a steep learning curve.  There is a manual under Help that looks fairly complete, but I'm going to have to play around with it for awhile.

Texstar
Thank you, much appreciated.

Textar, I add my thanks too.

If you happen to come past, also thanks for the PASS re-issue, I am up and running again. Not usre if it was you or Cindy I eneded up sending the details to both of you.

I'm not sure what you're talking about here.

My thanks to everyone.

Bob

[bobestes]

bobestes
Are you totally new to this sort or do you have experience with Autotrax or one of the other available programs for Windows. I mention Autorax as it is free and I think it can still be found around the net.

I have never heard of Autotrax, nor have I used a pcb layout program.  I have used CAD programs (i.e. Gerber IDS, Cad Key, & QCad), but now that I'm retired, commercial programs are not practical for casual use.  That is also one reason why I am migrating away from Windows and Windows programs.

I just had a scratch and managed to lay down a zif socket on a bare pcb layout, but I have to retrain my brain as many items are in unfamiliar places.    

I know the feeling.  Every new program has a different layout and uses different commands.

I would like to find a free Linux program that is good for laying out automotive wiring schematics.  A generic CAD program would work, but one would need to model all of the different symbols.  Pcb & architectural electrical programs use unique symbols, so a program that has been tweaked for automotive schematics would be ideal.

Thanks for your input.

Bob

[The Chief]

I would like to find a free Linux program that is good for laying out automotive wiring schematics.  

Don't know it it is free (kinda doubt it) but Lectra CAD has this to say: "Lectra CAD software is also offered to other markets like the aeronautical, furniture and automotive ones. "

Check it out here: http://www.linuxcadsoftwares.com/lectracadsoftware.html

[ziggy]

Might also take a look at PCB123.  --ziggy