Scem drawing program

[hawkeye2u]

Is there any small, or otherwise useful program that will let us post scematics, so we can all see what we are talking about??
Its hard to spell out what You mean sometimes, a scematic would be so useful

[Peter Snowberg]

One option is to install the ExpressPCB layout package from http://www.expresspcb.com/ and in the same folder it will install an application called "ExpressSCH". That's what I use.

Example: http://freewebs.com/qrp/4KCMOS.html

I hope that helps,
-Peter

[spongebob]

LTSpice is nice for drawing schematics and running simulations, and it's free

[Luke]

I really like MS Paint. Real easy to learn, and works fine

[gez]

Thanks for the link Peter, this program is really intuitive!  I've been evaluating a few PCB programs recently and have had a frustrating time.  The ones that I find easy are only demos and have to be bought and the freebie stuff is difficult to use...til now!

I downloaded this and within minutes had a test PCB drawn up! (didn't even need the help section!!!).

Thanks again!

[hawkeye2u]

Thanks guys
I'm d/l both of them, to evauate!!

[gez]

I think I've discovered the catch, you can't print off PCBs without getting all the grid/background colour, meaning you have to go with the firm to get your boards done (why am I so slow?!).

Oh well, no such thing as a free lunch! I came across a package used a lot in schools in the UK which is nice and intuitive/cheap, looks like I'll be going with that.

[Kilby]

Gez,

Is that PCB Wizard 3  you are mentioning ?

I actually bought it from Maplin for £29.99, though I don't like it's registration method as I had to reinstall my home machine and get another key issued (all in all a pain in the ass)

Rob...

[gez]

Gez,

Is that PCB Wizard 3  you are mentioning ?

Yeah, that's the one.  I downloaded a demo from here:

www.new-wave-concepts.com

I found it really easy to get to grips with, though you can't print off/save anything with the demo.  Anything I should know about (limitations?) before I order?  Thanks.

[Kilby]

No major problems with it.

It's very easy to use.
The schematic mode is the easiest to use that I have seen.

The gerber export dosn't exist in the 'learning edition' (well disabled anyway)

The view prototype mode is nice for building web pages

The auto routing is nowhere the level of eagle and sometimes needs a little manual help

You (well I seem to) lose the schematic layout when you save after laying out a PCB (remember to save the schematic under a different name)

Limited number of componants available in the librarys (define yourown is apparently in the way)

Chips (op-amps and Hex Inverters) don't show the power supply pins, and you have to use the hidden digital power supply option (not difficult just an unessicary extra stage in my opinion).

However it's intuitive to use and it works (havn't found any bugs worth mentioning), and it has more than enough options to do most Fx PCBs.

I have a few schems that I an send you when you buy it.

Rob...

[gez]

Thanks Rob that's really helpful, I'll PM you a little latter with some questions.