Drawing Resistors/Springs circuits?

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A user is seeking a straightforward and free method to create diagrams of resistors, springs, and block diagrams for LaTeX documents. They have explored options like Excel for drawing and have encountered issues with Xfig and WinFig, particularly with installation problems and registration fees. TinyCAD was tested but lacks the ability to rotate resistance symbols at 45-degree angles, limiting its usability. The user expresses a need for flexibility in symbol orientation and mentions the desire for a simple damper symbol. They are considering Jfig, a Java-based version of Xfig, as a potential solution due to its compatibility with Windows. The discussion emphasizes the need for user-friendly tools that allow for labeling and customization of engineering diagrams.
Saladsamurai
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Drawing Resistors/Springs circuits??

I am looking for a simple (and free) way to draw resistors and springs and simple block diagrams with labels so that I can insert them into my LaTeX documents.

Anyone know of any solutions? I am currently looking at the Excel drawing menu to see of there is something usable there. Then I can just screenshot it.

It doesn't have to be elegant. But I would really like to have a way of labeling the diagrams parts (i.e. resistance, spring constent, etc.).

Thanks,
Casey
 
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Xfig.
 


I tried WinFig to no avail (had major install problems). I also tried TinyCAD which worked OK. But with TinyCAD you can't rotate a resistance to a 45 deg angle. Only increments of 90 degrees. I would like to be able to rotate the resistance freely or at least in 45 degree increments.

I am really trying to draw out Mass-spring-damper Free body diagrams, but resistances are generally the same symbol as a spring. However a simple damper symbol would be nice, but probably asking for too much.

any other ideas?

EDIT: This is actually exactly what I want to draw (and the likeness).

image001.gif
 


How about Jfig? It's Xfig but written in Java, so should work on Windows without any problems.
 


I'll check it out, but one if the things I noticed about winfig was that in order to register it they wanted $$. It was a little confusing.
 
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