Re-wiring - Engineering Drawing Package

Forbsie

Forbsie

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In another thread someone suggests getting a basic engineering drawing package and creating a wiring diagram before doing the refurb of the wiring.

Can anyone suggest such a basic package? Has anyone used Autosketch (particularly release 9)?
 
Serious suggestion - have you tried using MS Paint? Would be adequate to produce a reasonable diagram I should think.
 
In the past i've used Microsoft Visio, which is a general drawing package that supports diagrams for electronic and electrical installations, along with a load of other stuff. It's simple to use. Though if it's not on your computer you would probably have to pay for it.

I've also used Eagle, which is very good, but more aimed at electronic circuit design, rather than wiring. If you can find a design package aimed at wiring then it would also do some basic electrical checks for you, which would be an advantage if the system is quite complex. Such packages do take a little time to learn though.

It may be that the easiest thing to do is to sketch it out on a piece of paper. OK, it may take a couple of drafts before your happy. But its quick and easy. If you want a copy on your computer then run the sketch through a scanner. I do that a lot.
 
Am coming to the end of a complete refit, including wiring, instruments, plumbing, radar etc. Would advise against using a computer based package for the drawing unless such a system is second-nature to you. As a first stage, I started-off with an outline of the boat and then blocks of where things were or where they were going to go. Next stage was to put in where conduits, junction boxes etc were going to go. Next stage was to draw in the various DC/AC/instrument wiring looms. Next stage was to take each piece of equipment and produce a diagram of the actual connections, or take it off the packing box. When you have done this you can "Mind-Map" the what-if's about the order to do things. Finally you start on the wiring. It's easy to take short cuts once you have a plan and, also having a detailed plan will always help with fault finding and eventual resale.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Serious suggestion - have you tried using MS Paint

[/ QUOTE ] I think I'd go along with that.

For a one off it is simple to use compared with learning how to use a engineering drawing program. In fact i had one, "TurboCAD", on the old computer but never used it.

However, I'd probably use pencil and paper. ink it in then scan it!
 
I have used Autosketch for both electrical diagrams and other things. There's a bit of a learning curve involved, and at least to begin with it will take much longer than making a freehand sketch. The advantage is, of course, neatness. I would still recommend making a rough freehand sketch first before starting, and do make sure you properly understand grouping and ungrouping objects before you try to make major changes.
 
I'd second Eagle. It's primarily for electronic schematics and circuit boards but produces neat schematics. It has symbols for many electrical components built in, handles labelling, etc OK, and lets you slide things around without the wires becoming disconnected. The problem might be that it has symbols for literally thousands of components which might be a bit daunting, when you're looking for a switch. Not insurmountable, though. I wouldn't bother with AutoCad, or similar - It'll drive you nuts when all you want to do is draw some lines (and I use it for 3d modelling).

Eagle from CadSoft here - and it's free if you can get everything onto one sheet.

Andy
 
I've used Autosketch (not your version) it will take a few hours/days/weeks to work yourself right into it. For a wiring drawing I wouldn't think it's worth it unless you were going to use the drawings for something else in the future. Might be worth finding out if their is a CAD drawing of your boat with the designer, it would then be worth it.
 
I sketched it out by hand first, then used the Serif drawing package (free d/l). A big advantage over MS Paint is that you can move the lines around, and add labels. I haven't tried the other software that has been mentioned
 
In the drawing toolbar of word (View menu - Toolbars - drawing) and the autoshapes button thereon it is possible to create flowcharts with connectors which are attached to the boxes so you can shuffle them around. One of the few cases where the drawing canvas helps. Documented in help. May be another approach with lower learning overhead to drawing schematics. More controllable than paint.
 
Gentlemen, you have all be magnificent as ever.

Some great suggestions. I hadn't thought about Word and have just played around a bit with Word 2007. I had a look at the price of Visio this morning and at £220, I think it is a bit steep. I don't mind paying up to £100 if I can use it for other things, possibly other projects around the yard.

I've also downloaded Eagle and will play around with that tonight.

Many thanks for the suggestions so far.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Might be worth finding out if their is a CAD drawing of your boat with the designer, it would then be worth it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Unfortunately, I have been unable to trace the history of the boat. It was sold as a 1920's Naval Pinnace but a friend reckons it is closer to 1907 Admiral's Steam Launch.

If I can just find a build number as I'm demolishing the topsides, I can track down the builder/designer and see if they made any CAD drawings. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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