Found: Schematic drawing software..

[Kegger]

[look horrible, (I probably should just delete them)
AK resizes and deresolutions them, didn't realize the new AK did this, look GREAT on pc.

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People have asked in the past what I use, and what's out there. (myself to, and want free)

Generally I would just use MsPaint and modify my or others schems to fit my/others needs.
BUT!

I recently came across a program called DipTrace, seems quite easy to use and works well.
(did not take me long at all to figure how to place and connect things in the software)

Attached are the same schem I made in Diptrace, just saved as various file types and ways of saving them.
(For me it seems easiest/best when I'm done just "print screen" and save as .PNG file with paint/editor)

The program can save them as well into a .JPG or .BMP file by using the print preview button and save files.
(you can manipulate the size an resolution as well as colors, white background except 2nd was the program)

Here is the download link,
http://diptrace.com/download-diptrace/

And you will need some tube/parts libraries, I'll try to attach them, but if not can be gotten from this page here.
http://www.diptrace.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=156
(have to register to see the files)

***OK. looks like I can't attach the 2 small library files,***
If you can't register there send me a pm with email address and I'll send um along. (but register was easy)

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There seems to be way more uses for this then I've even scratched the surface on as of yet, (very powerful)

You can copy and paste parts to make things quicker, right click and relabel, mark all the parts for reference.
I'd be very curious for others to use this, there thoughts and any info/tips they may find for more/better usage.

 

[gadget73]

I'll have to give this a go sometime. My manual drafting skills are a bit marginal, and I'm *awful* trying to draw things in Paint or the like. At least on paper I can use a ruler. It looks like a 5 year old returning from a tooth extraction if I draw it in Paint.

 

[whoaru99]

I've been using the Scheme-It web app that DigiKey provides for registered customers to use.

Diptrace looks interesting though.

 

[kward]

I'll have to give that a try. I've been using paint also, and I can make my schematics look pretty good now but it takes hours.

AK resizes and deresolutions them, didn't realize the new AK did this, look GREAT on pc.

I found that out too. Sure wish we could fix that. However if you convert your jpg's or png's to Adobe PDF format, they are taken at full resolution I found.

 

[thorpej]

I'm on a Mac and have been using OmniGraffle... it comes with a circuit engineering library, and there are other 3rd-party libraries for it as well. I had to do the tube symbols myself. It's not great, but it works alright. I may give diptrace a whirl, though; I can always run it in VMware...

 

[Kegger]

Just FYI, DipTrace is also for Mac and Linux users, there are downloads for Both..

 

[Kegger]

Kward thanks for the tip, I'll try the Adobe PDF format conversion and see how uploads look then.
Like I say there fine on the computer before upload, just Yah AK chews um up an spits out garbage.
(I'll ask in the Admins in the Mod Forum about any other possible fixes)

 

[Kegger]

I'll have to give this a go sometime. My manual drafting skills are a bit marginal, and I'm *awful* trying to draw things in Paint or the like. At least on paper I can use a ruler. It looks like a 5 year old returning from a tooth extraction if I draw it in Paint.

Yah It took me a bit to get proficient with just using MSpaint, toughest part is drawing the connecting lines/wires.
(I've gotten pretty good at it, but like Kward it can take some time)

This program the line drawing may be the best part, very intuitive and easy to move around, even after being placed to look good.
I've tried a lot of different programs others have suggested, this is the 1st one I feel truly is quite good and easy to use, an save files.

Otherwise I just kept going back to using MSpaint, or the Multisim spice software and create my schems from there, I like this better.

 

[Sam08861]

very cool! I was just doing a pinout/wiring diagram and this looks like it might adapt well!

 

[Kegger]

Nice..
I'll be interested how you get along, and how you find the software's ease of use, or any problems..

 

[Dandy]

This looks pretty amazing. It's designed for elec engineering professionals, but can be used by amateurs like me. I can imagine a different kind of software, or simplification of this one, to help people learn to understand circuits, create schematics and test them.

 

[peterh]

First it looked like it was ported to OSX, but it was a packaged windows + wine . Thus i erased it.

 

[dr*audio]

This looks interesting. I like that it has a Linux version. I'll try it out.

 

[Brice]

This looks interesting. I like that it has a Linux version. I'll try it out.

Agreed 100%

 

[jazbo8]

hmm... it really does not look much better or easier to use, than online apps, e.g., SchemeIt.

 

[opa1]

Thanks Keg! I'll give this a try.

 

[Kegger]

hmm... it really does not look much better or easier to use, than online apps, e.g., SchemeIt.

It's not 'necessarily" better/easier than online apps like the one you posted to.
(but this software is a bit more powerful, IE does more things than Schemelt)

I just, DON'T LIKE ONLINE APPS if there is one I can have on my PC to use..

I much much prefer software I have, can save and don't have to be online to use.
(the online things tend to change or go away, this I have and can keep a version)

Just a personal thing with me, I like to have a copy of the software I'm using to keep.
Keg..

 

[buglegirl]

Hiya Keg,

Finally found something to replace this old and balky copy of Visio.

I am with you about only using local apps and avoiding "Cloud" anything.

Thanks!!

Frannie

 

[njcanuck]

PM sent for the files. Diptrace is in no hurry to confirm my registration.

 

[jazbo8]

Just a personal thing with me, I like to have a copy of the software I'm using to keep.
Keg..

Yup, that's perfectly understandable. I also use mostly local apps, but do my backups to the cloud for truly offsite storage in case my flat catches on fire or sinks into the sea...