- #1
SlayerMonkey
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As it states in the title, I am looking for a program that I could create circuit schematics with.
Does anyone know a program for creating schematics?
- Thread starter SlayerMonkey
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around recommendations for software programs that can be used to create circuit schematics. Participants share various options, including both free and paid software, and discuss their features and usability for different skill levels.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests DCCAD for DOS machines, noting its simplicity and capability for printed circuit board layouts, but mentions it is specific to HP Laserjet printers.
- Another mentions ExpressPCB and PCB Express as options for drawing software that allows sending files for professionally made boards, although the boards can be pricey.
- VISIO is mentioned as a good but expensive option for creating schematics.
- DipTrace is recommended as a low-cost alternative.
- There is a question about whether "creating schematics" refers to "drawing schematics," with a request for suggestions for interactive online tools.
- A basic tool, flastad.com/circuit, is mentioned as a good starting point, although access issues are noted later.
- PSPICE is suggested as a more advanced option, with a recommendation to find tutorials for it.
- LTSpice is highlighted for its simple schematic drawing function and good component library.
- ISIS Proteus and Eagle CAD are mentioned as options that also allow circuit simulation.
- OrCAD Capture is recommended for those seeking a free program, with some limitations on simulation but no limits on drawing.
- Eagle PCB and KiCAD are both noted as excellent free options for schematic capture and PCB layout, with a comparison of their features and usability.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants present a variety of software options, indicating a lack of consensus on a single best program. Multiple competing views on the best tools for creating schematics remain, with differing opinions on cost, functionality, and user experience.
Contextual Notes
Some participants experience access issues with certain recommended websites, indicating potential limitations in availability. Additionally, there are varying levels of complexity and user-friendliness among the suggested programs, which may affect their suitability for different users.
- #2
jim hardy
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If you've got a DOS machine around, check out DCCAD. It'll run under Windows up to '95 and will let you make printed circuit board layouts too. I liked its simplicity. It's specific to HP Laserjet printers, though.
There are hobby houses that let you download drawing software for schematics and circuit boards , you can send them your file and they'll send back a nicely made board.
ExpressPCB comes to mind. PCB Express, too.
The software is free but the boards are a bit pricey .
That "Discover Circuits" forum would be a good place to ask same question.
Others here will know too, so check back.
There are hobby houses that let you download drawing software for schematics and circuit boards , you can send them your file and they'll send back a nicely made board.
ExpressPCB comes to mind. PCB Express, too.
The software is free but the boards are a bit pricey .
That "Discover Circuits" forum would be a good place to ask same question.
Others here will know too, so check back.
- #3
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VISIO is quite good, but expensive
- #4
Carl Pugh
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DipTrace is good and low cost.
- #5
NascentOxygen
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By "for creating schematics" do you mean "for drawing schematics"? There must be plenty online and catering for beginner to accomplished user, but I admit I haven't found any to recommend. Do others have suggestions for interactive online schematics drawing?
- #6
JJ91
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Very basic one which I used long time ago (but it's good to start with) is:
flastad.com/circuit (free)
More advanced toy is:
pspice (9.1) - http://www.engr.uky.edu/~cathey/pspice061301.html which is also free.
I would recommend to start with pspice, find a few tutorials and you will be fine.
flastad.com/circuit (free)
More advanced toy is:
pspice (9.1) - http://www.engr.uky.edu/~cathey/pspice061301.html which is also free.
I would recommend to start with pspice, find a few tutorials and you will be fine.
- #7
SlayerMonkey
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Thank you everyone for the help
- #8
NascentOxygen
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Firefox can't find the server at www.flastad.comJJ91 said:
- #9
JJ91
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- #10
tackyattack
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- #11
vk6kro
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The free simulator program LTSpice has a very simple schematic drawing function in it, and a good library of components.
- #12
hisham.i
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You can use ISIS Proteus, or eagle cad.
ISIS let's you to make circuit simulation also.
ISIS let's you to make circuit simulation also.
- #13
d.arbitman
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If you're dead set on using a free program, use OrCAD Capture. It is a GUI front end with PSPICE at its backend. The free one has limits on the number of components that can be simulated but no limit on simply drawing them.
http://www.cadence.com/products/orcad/pages/downloads.aspx
http://www.cadence.com/products/orcad/pages/downloads.aspx
- #14
MATLABdude
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Eagle PCB and KiCAD are both excellent schematic capture and PCB layout programs. Both are also free (at least, the lite version of Eagle--can't do PCBs of more than 2 layers, or greater than 4" x 3", but since you're not designing a PCB, that's irrelevant).
http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/
http://www.kicad-pcb.org/display/KICAD/KiCad+EDA+Software+Suite
Of the two, Eagle is probably better for your purposes as the tutorial is more refined, and the built-in component library is much larger (although someone went to the trouble of exporting all these to KiCad component library format, but then you'd have to find the library and use it).
http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/
http://www.kicad-pcb.org/display/KICAD/KiCad+EDA+Software+Suite
Of the two, Eagle is probably better for your purposes as the tutorial is more refined, and the built-in component library is much larger (although someone went to the trouble of exporting all these to KiCad component library format, but then you'd have to find the library and use it).
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