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Old March 20th 08, 12:51 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.homebrew
john jardine[_2_] john jardine[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Nov 2007
Posts: 3
Default Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve


"Jim" wrote in message
...
Can anyone recommend a simple schematic drawing CAD program, not one
of the "do everything" programs that draws living rooms and
skyscrapers, looking for a schematic-only program that does not have
too steep a learning curve, and doesn't cost too much or is freeware
or shareware that won't cost an arm or a leg.

What programs do you use and what are your likes/dislikes/wish list?

I'm trying to settle on something that I will probably only use
occasionally to draw schematics of homebrew projects to file away or
possibly submit for publication. Any suggestions appreciated.

I'm running Windows XP Pro.

Jim, WA5DXP



Had a similar need for nice drawings to record the occasional personal
project that I'd somehow managed to complete. My PCBs are done by a PCB guy
so I just wanted a straightforward circuit drawing prog' and not some
bloated chimera of a full-blown PCB design package.
Prog' needed to understand what a wire/connection is and that connected up
components will get moved about on a drawing. Ended up with 'TinyCad'.

New libary components are easy to draw and a drawing is quick to connect up
and edit. Will save as a '.PNG' file so anyone can view it. Has one or two
oddities but costs nothing, is small sized and quick to learn.
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7...cemeteruv2.png
is an example drawing.
It's obvious I'm European as the transistors have those strange circles
round 'em and those resistors and capacitors look odd but you'll get the
drift as to the kind of graphic elements that can be easily added to a
drawing.
There's also a Tinycad group on Yahoo, where a number of extra symbol
libraries are available. (including one of mine