Very simple, and free, CAD programme needed

Fascadale

Fascadale

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I'm trying to design a new electrical distribution panel for the boat. I used paper, ruler and a pencil for the last one years ago but thought I should try to be "a la mode" this time round.

It will be fairly simple, perhaps twelve rectangular cutouts for switches and maybe a few circular holes for warning lights along with the appropriate legends.

Any suggestions for some simple to use freeware? (for a Mac)

Thanks
 
Sketchup is for 3D models, isn't it? Although he said "CAD", what the OP actually seems to want is a 2D vector drawing package, preferably one that can deal in real-world dimensions (mm vs pixels).

I lay out my electrics panels (eg all the black and white ones below) using OmniGraffle, which is on the Mac as requested although not free.

The people who engrave my panels recommend Inkscape, so although I haven't used it personally it seems a good bet if free is important.

FA134E57-C458-43E0-B24F-8F321FBCA412_zpsa7n6w6ow.jpg


Pete
 
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CAD stands for Computer Aided Design, and yes, it is generally 2D, and yes Sketchup is technically 3d vis. None of this matters for the Op though, as if you just go into viewing from the 'top', you can effectively ignore the third dimension. The below was sketchup (pretty quick and dirty stuff) and is 2D:

PeEr5gbl.png


Good to hear AutoCAD now do a free version too, however, IMO Sketchup is the most forgiving and easiest to use even with that pesky third dimension. I can't remember anyone ever referring to AutoCAD as "Very simple" :). If you get stuck and use Sketchup, send me a message and I'll happily steer you right.
 
Inkscape is excellent, and offers a "professional" range of capabilities. I'm used to using CorelDRAW (which you may get free if you use it at work) and Inkscape offers pretty much the same capabilities. Further, it's file structure is a standard one (SVG), so Inkscape files can be used in other applications.

However, there's a bit of confusion between drawing packages and CAD. CAD usually offers extra analytical capabilities, such as parametric drawing and links to packages that will do engineering analyses (e.g. finite element analysis). Drawing packages do just what it says on the tin; they are for drawing! I think the OP simply needs a drawing package, and Inkscape or even the simple drawing tools in Powerpoint or its OpenOffice equivalent will do what the OP needs.
 
AntarcticPilot said:
However, there's a bit of confusion between drawing packages and CAD. CAD usually offers extra analytical capabilities, such as parametric drawing and links to packages that will do engineering analyses (e.g. finite element analysis).
Click to expand...

True - ten years ago my engineering student colleague was using a tool in which he could model three-dimensional parts and then see how they all interacted with each other when in motion - so for example a follower might roll up an odd-shaped cam, nudge a linkage sideways, and then jam against the tooth of a gearwheel that happened to be passing too close at just the wrong moment. That is actual Computer Aided Design, and it has very little in common with the simple drawing program that the OP wants.

Pete
 
Fascadale said:
I'm trying to design a new electrical distribution panel for the boat. I used paper, ruler and a pencil for the last one years ago but thought I should try to be "a la mode" this time round.

It will be fairly simple, perhaps twelve rectangular cutouts for switches and maybe a few circular holes for warning lights along with the appropriate legends.
Try touch draw costs a few quid

Any suggestions for some simple to use freeware? (for a Mac)

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I'm familiar with AutoCad 2d but most professional users are now on 3d.
MagicalArmchair said:
CAD stands for Computer Aided Design, and yes, it is generally 2D, and yes Sketchup is technically 3d vis. None of this matters for the Op though, as if you just go into viewing from the 'top', you can effectively ignore the third dimension. The below was sketchup (pretty quick and dirty stuff) and is 2D:

PeEr5gbl.png


Good to hear AutoCAD now do a free version too, however, IMO Sketchup is the most forgiving and easiest to use even with that pesky third dimension. I can't remember anyone ever referring to AutoCAD as "Very simple" :). If you get stuck and use Sketchup, send me a message and I'll happily steer you right.
Click to expand...
 
On the right is the 12V distro, 39 ancient push button circuit breakers each with indicator led. The home made PDF was printed on back side of acrylic panel. The white seal is Selkie, the boat logo and part of the artwork submitted to the printers.
 
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