Schematic software

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Sparky OR

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Joined 2003
#1
So what software is available for schematic and parts layout, that is used by you folks. I used to use Claris Draw, but it's not on my Windows XP laptop. (IBM T40). I'd like freeware of course. I have Open Office Draw, but would like to find something that has libraries for electronics. Suggestions??

BTW I do some tube layout, SE amps mostly, as well as OPAMP preamp and headphone amp stuff.
I have TubePad, but it's just .bmp cut and paste.

Thanks
 
#2
Sparky OR said:
So what software is available for schematic and parts layout, that is used by you folks. I used to use Claris Draw, but it's not on my Windows XP laptop. (IBM T40). I'd like freeware of course. I have Open Office Draw, but would like to find something that has libraries for electronics. Suggestions??

BTW I do some tube layout, SE amps mostly, as well as OPAMP preamp and headphone amp stuff.
I have TubePad, but it's just .bmp cut and paste.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hi Sparky,

Here is a link to a list of links to lots of design-automation software. Some is free. Most have free functional demos.

http://www.fi.uib.no/~bruce/eda.htm

For PCB layout, I use (and love) Easy-PC, from Number One Systems ( http://www.numberone.com ). It also does schematics. But I almost always use LTspice (free from http://www.linear.com ) for schematics and simulations.

Also, I _highly_ recommend sending every new pcb's Gerber files through the FreeDFM utility, at http://www.4pcb.com (the Advanced Circuits website). It's a really-great tool. Besides the manufacturability checks, etc, that it reports about, you also get high-resolution PDFs of each layer. (I actually use those to create the user documentation for kit construction, etc.) Also, make sure that in the price-quote section of what you get back, you try increasing the quantity desired, and see how (little) it changes the total cost. The price per pcb can be _extremely_ low, for larger quantities. Their pcbs are absolutely fantastic, too. And it's definitely the most-painless way I've found, to get pcbs made commercially.

I just noticed that Advanced Circuits now also has free PCB-layout software, but haven't tried it, yet.
 
#7
TinyCAD question

On the downloads page, it says Win 95 and 98, I have Win XP,
that you need the "Jet Service Pack" if you don't have Microsoft Excel or Access installed. Will I need this service pack? (I don't have Excel, etc). It looks like it would do what I need otherwise.
Thanks
 
#9
Hi,

I would recommend DesignWorks Lite from Capilano http://www.capilano.com/

Although not free (a licence costs $40) one of the easiest to use and learn schematic drawing packages with very neat graphics. Available for the Mac as well as for Winiies.

I still run the pro version as a front-end for my Protel package.

Cheers 😉
 
#10
Re: Re: Schematic software

gootee said:
For PCB layout, I use (and love) Easy-PC, from Number One Systems ( http://www.numberone.com ). It also does schematics ... Also, I _highly_ recommend sending every new pcb's Gerber files through the FreeDFM utility, at http://www.4pcb.com
Click to expand...

I've also been happy using Easy-PC for schematic/layout and Advanced Circuits for PCB production. I haven't tried AC's FreeDFM or PCB layout package. Instead, I've used Easy-PC's Gerber import feature to verify output. This costs extra, so FreeDFM might be the better way for a new user to go.
 
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