Electrical Control Circuit Schematics - Cad Package

[Sidewinder]

Looking for a cheap or preferably free software CAD package, I need to speed up my drawings.

Preferably it would have a library of IEC 60617 symbols within.

Need it to run under Win7 Pro 64 bit if possible.

I could look at other OS's, but, the whole point is I am trying to work faster, and using multiple machines may not be the answer.

Any recommendations please?

 

[Marvo]

What types of control circuits? Do you need spice of other macro integration? What file formats do you work with? We use AutoCAD MEP and Catia but unfortunately not free.

 

[OnOff]

Draftsight

- is FREE,

- it works on Win 7 Pro 64-bit without issue

- it also works fine on Zorin (Ubuntu) 64-bit as well

- it is, to all intents and purposes compatible with AutoCAD and very, very similar. Saves to most formats; .dwg, .dxf etc

- you can I've found even do some 3D modelling work in it............but if you then open it in genuine AutoCAD there are "issues" in editing the solids. 

- not sure on availability of libraries but shouldn't be hard to find some (I'll look)

I did a little starter guide on here a while back (includes the link):

http://talk.electricianforum.co.uk/topic/21918-quick-rough-draftsight-guide/

Try here for symbols:

http://symbols.radicasoftware.com/

 

[Sidewinder]

Thanks,

I'm looking for drag & drop with linking of symbols if possible.

A bit like Visio, but more CAD.

AutoCad is out of the question, as is Catia, too much money for the level of work I have.

However, standard 2d drawing without linking of symbols is getting tedious!!!

 

[OnOff]

Not quite what you want but the freebie from RS, Designspark is maybe worth a look?

http://www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/tutorial/designspark-mechanical-inserting-3d-models-into-a-panel-design

 

[Alex-400V]

Hi, maybe it will help you: 
 
There is MeteorSpec  (AutoCAD plugin) for calculating total lengths of cables. 
 
Program  has an editable Data Library, which means that you can always have a set of cables that you need for your work.  
 
MeteorSpec can generate reports as specifications (summarized lengths per cable type) or as explications (list of all cables  with detailed information). 
 
Look at Autodesk Exchange apps.