Circuit diagram software?

[MYStargazer]

Does anyone know of any simple circuit diagram-drawing programs out there? I only seem to be able to find (very expensive!) professional programs. But I'm new to all this, and I just want to be able to make some diagrams of my boat's exiting circuits to better understand how she's been wired up up to now.

I thought about just using MS Word, and the AutoShapes, boxes, connectors, etc, function. Has anyone tried this? I think it might be a bit hectic...

Thanks.

 

[WindermereColvic]

Not sure you really need anything like a pcb designer. I have used MS Visio, which is quite good, if you can get the MS 2007 pack. i'll stick a screen shot up later. Matt

 

[WindermereColvic]

 

[MYStargazer]

Not sure you really need anything like a pcb designer. I have used MS Visio, which is quite good, if you can get the MS 2007 pack. i'll stick a screen shot up later. Matt

Thanks. Good suggestion, but I only have an older MS Office (?) version.

Yes, they mostly seem to be for PCBs. I'm thinking more Class 3b school physics lesson...

 

[cozzykim]

How about XCircuit it's open source (free) and runs under Win or Linux.

 

[MYStargazer]

How about XCircuit it's open source (free) and runs under Win or Linux.

Thanks. I think most of the Linux, etc, stuff is way, way over my head!

 

[cozzykim]

Thanks. I think most of the Linux, etc, stuff is way, way over my head!

As I said there's a version for windows, here

I think you might be right that some linux software sometimes seems a bit arcane. ;(

I mean, how can linux (like sailing) be a little elitist if it doesn't appear to be complicated

This one seems to be relatively simple, I just installed it under XP to try it

Kim

 

[srp]

Does anyone know of any simple circuit diagram-drawing programs out there?

You could have a look at CrocodileClips (they seem to have changed the name to Yenka in the last couple of years). A very easy to use program designed for school use primarily. I think you can download a free version - http://www.yenka.com/en/Licences/ - not sure whether you have to have a small person in the household to do this legitimately but the web site will tell you.
The good thing about it, compared to an ordinary drawing program, is that it is interactive - click on a switch and it will turn the light on etc, so you can check your wiring. And if you get it wrong, you can watch your components explode.

 

[VicS]

Yep just been looking at Crocdile clips. I remember having a demo version some years ago. Good fun to be had with it. Not sure that it is intended as a circuit diagram drawing program though.

 

[cozzykim]

"And if you get it wrong, you can watch your components explode."

Part of my job description

 

[philip_stevens]

Does anyone know of any simple circuit diagram-drawing programs out there? I only seem to be able to find (very expensive!) professional programs. But I'm new to all this, and I just want to be able to make some diagrams of my boat's exiting circuits to better understand how she's been wired up up to now.

I thought about just using MS Word, and the AutoShapes, boxes, connectors, etc, function. Has anyone tried this? I think it might be a bit hectic...

Thanks.

You can get TurboCad LE as freeware from http://selectfreeware.com/node/269

I have used the full edition of TurboCad a few years ago, to make electrical drawings on board ship - ex MN.

 

[srp]

Not sure that it is intended as a circuit diagram drawing program though.

They make a number of different modules within the Yenka 'umbrella' - Yenka Electronics is fine for drawing circuits, but is really aimed at electronic rather than electrical circuits. However, it has got all the standard components such as switches, lamps, relays etc that you'd need to do most of the electrical system on a boat. I think it's even got a generator that you could stick in the circuit to simulate an alternator.

 

[oldsaltoz]

I use MS paint.

 

[scottegg]

i agree with philip_stevens

Turbocad is what i always use, very easy to learn yourself as it more of a common sense type program, not like Autocad where you really need to do a course to learn all the commands.

Turbocad comes with lots of circuit components already drawn so you can copy & paste then join the wires.

takes a bit of practice but you will find as you learn more you will be re-doing the drawings that you did first as you now no how to make them look better.

i can send you Turbocad V7 proffesional to try if you pm your address

 

[MYStargazer]

Thanks, guys! I'll give these a go.

 

[lenseman]

Does anyone know of any simple circuit diagram-drawing programs out there? . . . I thought about just using MS Word, and the AutoShapes, boxes, connectors, etc, function. Has anyone tried this? I think it might be a bit hectic...

I use MS Word 2003 and use the draw facility. Once I have created the basic components by drawing them out and then using "Group/Ungroup", I then copy and paste into my new circuit diagram.

I keep the basic shapes on a master Word document and import into a 'new Word document so that I do not have to re-invent the wheel every time I need to draw out a new circuit diagram.

My transistors and resistors are the 'old style' and not just oblong boxes. 8 DIL and 16 DIL Chips are created the same way and saved to the master document. Once they have been created, you can 'rotate' them from horizontal to vertical to suit your requirements.

Email me if you need further help?

 

[davidpbo]

I use Turbocad but I also use it for work. Pencil, ruler and rubber is probably quickest.

 

[smeaks]

you really need to get out more.