Is there a downloadable free program that..........?

[Peter Jones]

.....will help make neat circuit diagrams ?

I want one that allows you to put the components in , and "pads" for coil take-off etc. then join the components directly (rats nest) the program will then convert the "explosion in a spaghetti factory" into a decent circuit diagram.

Does this exist?

Is it freeware/shareware?

Downloadable?

Where from?

If anyone can let me know of such a program it will be a godsend.

[Sam]

Re: Is there a downloadable free program that..........?

Yes, there are such programs. They are called routers. You feed them a schematic, and some basic rules, and the software creates PWB layout for you. Could be single layer or multi-layer depending on your specific needs. This software is used in a lot of large corporations today, where there is a need for fast PWB layout and design.

However, the only ones I know of are very expensive and require a lot of computer horsepower, thus they require some sophisticated hardware.

I'm not aware of any freeware/shareware products of this type, ---but that doesn't mean there might not be something out there.

Good luck...

[massimo]

Re: Is there a downloadable free program that..........?

Try This
http://www.epanorama.net/links/software.html#pcbcad

[Peter Jones]

Re: Is there a downloadable free program that..........?

Not really after one for pcb design , just to make neat schematics without re-drawing by hand several times.

I'll probably get it looking reasonable soon (time allowing) , when it's finished I may post the diagram on here.

Thanks Sam and also Massimo (I'll try that link later)

[Carl]

Re: Is there a downloadable free program that..........?

I've looked at a couple of shareware schematic programs and found them to be very lacking. The program I'm using now is Easy-PC, from the UK. Nice thing about this program is you can buy it in stages: $150 for a 500-pin schematic capture (about enough for moderate detector schematics), including PCB layout; you can upgrade to 1000, 2000, or unlimited pins, all of which include an auto-router; add Spice for about $450; plus some other more esoteric options.

I've also looked at other lower-to-midrange commercial programs like CircuitMaker 2000 and Electronics Workbench. They cost more money, and I did not like them as much as Easy-PC. At my regular job I use professional-strength schematic/layout software, namely Cadence which costs billions and runs on a Sun workstation.

In my opinion, you probably won't find a decent schematic program for less than $100. Easy-PC offers a heckuva lot for $150. Web site below...

- Carl



NumberOne Systems

[Reg]

Re: Is there a downloadable free program that..........?

Hi Peter,

If you are just looking for a simple schematic drawing program, you might want to look at the program by Capilano Computing.

The program cost about $40.

On the plus side, it is one of the easiest programs I have used to draw schematics.

On the down side, you can't save the files to any other format. As such, you have to do a select all, copy, and then paste into another program such as MS Photo Editor or some other similar type program to be able to share the schematic drawing easily.

Reg



Capilano Computing

[Peter Jones]

Thanks Reg N/T

N/T

[Sean Goddard]

Re: Is there a downloadable free program that..........?

Go to www.protel.com and download the 99SE demo install, then D/L service pack 6 and install that too.

NEXT.

Goto www.astalavista.com, and do a search using "CRACKAZOID" for PROTEL or variations (with SP6). Download the crack and VOILA. $7000 worth of program for NOTHING.

OF course you could actually BUY it, but if you're only going to use it once or twice, then no harm done.

I do ALL my circuit simulation for new detector designs on it.

DOWNSIDE:

It can be unstable in NON Windows 2000 / NT machines. So save REGULARLY.

FULL online manual & tutorial included in the 70Mb download of the demo version.

ENJOY ;¬P

[Sean Goddard]

4 CARL

CARL, I got the FULL working version of CM2000, would you like to have a look?

Sorry I haven'tt got back to you about my MF machine, but lack of enthusiasm has put a stop to everything in my life at the moment.

I'll burn PROTEL, and CM2000 onto CD and send it to U.

[Carl]

Re: 4 CARL

Sean,

I have a legal copy of CM2000. I bought it after evaluating a few different demos, but the more I used it the less I liked it. So I bought Easy-PC, which I still like.

I think some of the board layout guys where I work use Protel, but I never tried it.

- Carl

[Dave Johnson]

Eagle

Eagle has a schematic/layout system that you can buy in various versions from low end to high end, and I think they have a freebie version the purpose of which is to get you to like their system so you'll buy it.

Eagle software is supposed to be user-friendly, short learning curve stuff, suitable for people who do a layout once in a while, on up to folks who do layout for a living. I haven't used it myself.

Sorry, all my electronics mags went into the garbage yesterday so I don't have an ad in front of me. Maybe someone else can quote from an ad and direct you to a website.

--Dave J.