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Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
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 |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learningcurve
Jim wrote:
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 I use 'xcircuit' (URL (may have changed): http://bach.ece.jhu.edu/~tim/programs/xcircuit/) It needs X11 but you can install 'cygwin' on XP Pro and X11 and it should run fine. To see an example drawing please see my linear page: http://www.cybertheque.org/homebrew/837_linear Michael |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Jim wrote:
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 There is a schematic draw program that works under WINXP. It is called TINYCAD. http://tinycad.sourceforge.net/index.html ---------------------------------------------------------------- One nice detail is, it can generate a netlist that you could use with a board layout program like FREEPCB. http://www.freepcb.com/ ========================================== ========================================== A different program with a fairly steep learning curve has both a schematic diagram and a powerful board layout program is KICAD. http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/ Tinycad is probably a nice answer for an easy to learn schematic program, I included the other two programs as general information in case somebody wants to also do board layouts.... Jim Pennell N6BIU -- 22:40 Pacific Time Zone Mar 18 2008 International Time 05:40 UTC 19.03.2008 |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Hi,
On Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:10:19 -0500, Jim wrote: 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. Try using there with M$ Paint: http://geek.scorpiorising.ca/symbols.html Cheers! |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Jim wrote in news:1vh0u39ntvch3vi3981oqdmehf9jfmfsfg@
4ax.com: 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 TINA_TI (http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/fold...t/tina-ti.html) gives you simulation in the same package, and easy to learn. Sam |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steeplearning curve
On Mar 18, 11:10*pm, Jim wrote:
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. LTspice does schematics as a side effect of simulation. Free. http://www.linear.com/designtools/so...witchercad.jsp ...Keith |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
That is a beautiful schematic diagram. Jim
On Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:21:55 -0600, msg wrote: Jim wrote: 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 I use 'xcircuit' (URL (may have changed): http://bach.ece.jhu.edu/~tim/programs/xcircuit/) It needs X11 but you can install 'cygwin' on XP Pro and X11 and it should run fine. To see an example drawing please see my linear page: http://www.cybertheque.org/homebrew/837_linear Michael |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Dear Fellows;
Thanks for the good leads, I'll be busy next few days trying out these programs. Thanks again for your help. On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:18:49 -0700 (PDT), Keith Dysart wrote: On Mar 18, 11:10*pm, Jim wrote: 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. LTspice does schematics as a side effect of simulation. Free. http://www.linear.com/designtools/so...witchercad.jsp ...Keith |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
In article ,
Jim wrote: 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 One that no-one else seems to have suggested is the PCB/Schematic package from ExpressPCB.com. This is a freeware package for Windows that is very easy to use (no Cygwin baggage). It can export to bitmaps in various resolutions or to Windows metafile. Obviously it can also export to the PCB program, which is also very nice, but you don't need to use that part of you don't need. Brian. Disclaimer: I have no connection with ExpressPCB other than being a very satisfied customer for about 5 years. |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Brian;
I came across that one last night and have it installed and testing it. The only thing is I could not find a symbol for a terminal strip. Also, can you tell me how to place a heavy DOT where two lines intersect on the schematic where they are supposed to join? Is there a place where you can find more symbols for it? I think in a few hours time one could become proficient in it. I still need to learn how to adjust sizes and get the text to align inside the symbols correctly, it's not automatic centering. I'm probably doing something wrong... maybe I should read the instructions as a last resort.. he he.. I also have TINYCAD installed and have not tried it yet. The good part you just do the PCB part and send it off and receive your PCB in a few days.... he he... So far it's easy to use. I also have the others mentioned except the first one, could not understand what CYGWIN is, but the schematic sure was a beauty. There is a WINDOWS .EXE version, but the say it's not debugged and I think you need to install other programs which I have no clue about, so was afraid to install it. Thanks to all. On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:18:00 -0400, Brian Collett wrote: In article , Jim wrote: 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 One that no-one else seems to have suggested is the PCB/Schematic package from ExpressPCB.com. This is a freeware package for Windows that is very easy to use (no Cygwin baggage). It can export to bitmaps in various resolutions or to Windows metafile. Obviously it can also export to the PCB program, which is also very nice, but you don't need to use that part of you don't need. Brian. Disclaimer: I have no connection with ExpressPCB other than being a very satisfied customer for about 5 years. |
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 :) |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Jim wrote:
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 Hi Jim, Along with the others mentioned, Eagle (http://www.cadsoftusa.com/) is a schematic capture and PCB layout package that's free for personal use (with some limitations). The learning curve might be a bit steep but the price is right, and it'll produce photoplot files for your favorite PCB house. For occaisional & simple drawing, you can also use Visio (comes with some electronic symbols). For example, I drew this in Visio and "printed" it to PDF: http://www.geocities.com/bswadener/t...soft-start.pdf. Bryan WA7PRC |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
I have it installed and will search out the Yahoo group for the
extra libraries. Looking for a terminal strip now... he he.. Jim On Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:51:44 -0000, "john jardine" wrote: "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 :) |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Bryan;
You are the second person to recommend Visio, one by a local ham friend who is a network professional and ardent homebrewer. I went to Visio site, and ended up looking at what I think is a plugin called Electra 2005, which I think is some kind of enhancement or such. It's a real bargain at $799.00.... he he... I will install Visio tonight and give it a try too, can you point me to additional symbol libraries for it or can you create your own? Someone above (geek) sent me a .zip file with thousands of symbols that could possibly be imported. So far I have: Smart Draw Tiny Cad Express SCH and Express PCB Geek symbols for use with paint program installed thanks to all your kind help. Let the trials begin... Jim On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:38:44 -0800, "Bryan" wrote: Jim wrote: 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 Hi Jim, Along with the others mentioned, Eagle (http://www.cadsoftusa.com/) is a schematic capture and PCB layout package that's free for personal use (with some limitations). The learning curve might be a bit steep but the price is right, and it'll produce photoplot files for your favorite PCB house. For occaisional & simple drawing, you can also use Visio (comes with some electronic symbols). For example, I drew this in Visio and "printed" it to PDF: http://www.geocities.com/bswadener/t...soft-start.pdf. Bryan WA7PRC |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learning curve
Referring to ExpressPCB
In article , Jim wrote: Brian; I came across that one last night and have it installed and testing it. The only thing is I could not find a symbol for a terminal strip. Also, can you tell me how to place a heavy DOT where two lines intersect on the schematic where they are supposed to join? Is there a place where you can find more symbols for it? I think in a few hours time one could become proficient in it. I still need to learn how to adjust sizes and get the text to align inside the symbols correctly, it's not automatic centering. I'm probably doing something wrong... maybe I should read the instructions as a last resort.. he he.. I don't have a solution for the dot problem because I prefer the convention that says that four-way crosses are noni-ntersecting and use staggered T-junctions for places where 4 wires meet--less chance to confuse my students. For a terminal strip you can us pretty much any connector type, since the connectors are basically just named points on the sheet, or just build your own to make it look the way you want. It is really easy to create new components and put them in the library. And, yes, you probably should look at the instructions. They tend to be concise and complete. Brian. |
Schematic Drawing Software - Something simple with no steep learningcurve
Jim wrote:
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 Try DIYLayout: http://www.storm-software.co.yu/diy/index.php It was originally designed for DIY guitar effects, but as it's maturing you can do a lot more than that with it. It's completely free and extremely easy to use. I think it's only for Windowz, so you Mac guys are on your own. ;D Cheers, - JJG |
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