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Inexpensive CAD Software

 
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JLuckey(at)pacbell.net
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:14 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

Several months ago, I think I saw some traffic on this list about inexpensive CAD software.

All I really need is some simple line-drawing & dimensioning capabilities to layout a panel.

I used to use TurboCAD (~5-7 years ago). What’s the hot ticket today?


-Jeff

[quote][b]


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gerry.vandyk(at)shaw.ca
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 9:51 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

Perhaps overkill, but Draftsight might be the ticket for you.

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/

Gerry
---


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mrspudandcompany(at)veriz
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 10:09 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

Several months ago, I think I saw some traffic on this list about inexpensive CAD software.

All I really need is some simple line-drawing & dimensioning capabilities to layout a panel.

I used to use TurboCAD (~5-7 years ago). What’s the hot ticket today?


-Jeff
[quote] I have been using TurboCad with good results. It’s available for cheap on Ebay. DoubleCad is free on the internet, but I have no experience with it. Believe it is from the same company that does TurboCad. Roger[b]


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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 10:36 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

At 12:14 PM 6/13/2012, you wrote:
Quote:
Several months ago, I think I saw some traffic on this list about inexpensive CAD software.

All I really need is some simple line-drawing & dimensioning capabilities to layout a panel.

I used to use TurboCAD (~5-7 years ago). What’s the hot ticket today?

I think TurboCAD rev7 or later will also open, edit,
save and print AutoCAD drawings which are posted
on my website. No doubt there are others. You can
get a really good deal on TurboCAD 8 right now
on eBay

http://tinyurl.com/bqwgnx2


Bob . . . [quote][b]


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larkrv10(at)gmail.com
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:06 pm    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

Jeff, I bought Turbo Cad (version 15 I think) for less than $15.  Asked my buddy who's a Cad manager in a large engineering Co to teach me how to use it.  He didn't like Turbo Cad, way too complex for basic line drawings for aircraft schematics.  He suggested "Smart Draw".  Search the web  and give it a try.  It's a lot more user friendly.
 
Rick
RV10 #40956
Southampton, Ont
On Wed, Jun 13, 2012 at 1:14 PM, Jeff Luckey <JLuckey(at)pacbell.net (JLuckey(at)pacbell.net)> wrote:
[quote]
Several months ago, I think I saw some traffic on this list about inexpensive CAD software. 
 
All I really need is some simple line-drawing & dimensioning capabilities to layout a panel. 
 
I used to use TurboCAD (~5-7 years ago).  What’s the hot ticket today?
 
 
-Jeff
 
Quote:


ist" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List
tp://forums.matronics.com
_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution


[b]


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cdnch701builder



Joined: 21 Aug 2010
Posts: 21
Location: Canada

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 7:00 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

Try DeltaCad... it is simple and very easy to use!  I have been using it for years!  http://www.deltacad.com/  I have a number of CAD programs... including TurboCad, DesignCad, etc and DeltaCad I find is very easy and not complicated to use...  Try the 30 day free demo... that will give you a good idea at how simple to use!  Also keep in mind this is 2D... not 3D.

Ron
:--)> Several
:--)> months ago, I think I saw some traffic on this list about inexpensive CAD software. 
:--)>
:--)>
:--)> All I
:--)> really need is some simple line-drawing & dimensioning capabilities to layout a
:--)> panel. 
:--)>
:--)>
:--)> I
:--)> used to use TurboCAD (~5-7 years ago).  What’s the hot ticket today?
:--)>
:--)>
:--)> -Jeff
:--)>
:--)>
:--)>        - The
:--)> AeroElectric-List Email Forum -
:--)> such as List Chat,
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List">http://www.matr:--)>             -
:--)> MATRONICS WEB FORUMS -
-->
:--)> http://forums.matronics.com:--)>           -
:--)> List Contribution Web                     -->
:--)> http://www.matronics.com/contribution
:--)> [quote][b]


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sprocket(at)vx-aviation.c
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 7:59 pm    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

This is as close to a Calma editor that I’ve found. I like the precision and ability to enter coordinate information directly. A definite trip in the way-back machine! Once I got my mind back in the object select:action:execute model, it all came back to me.

For those who don’t know what a Calma is, it was one of the first CAD tools for designing integrated circuits. It ran on a Data General Nova computer and had custom color high resolution displays, keyboards and tablets. Because of the low contrast of the displays, it was customary to have no lights on and tents around the workstations to eliminate glare. After 8 to 12 hours a day x several months on one of these, one got a little pasty in complexion... kind of like working in the hangar all day.

Nice tip.

Thx,
Vern

From: cdnch701builder (cdnch701(at)mts.net)
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 7:55 AM
To: Jeff Luckey (aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Inexpensive CAD Software


Try DeltaCad... it is simple and very easy to use! I have been using it for years! http://www.deltacad.com/ I have a number of CAD programs... including TurboCad, DesignCad, etc and DeltaCad I find is very easy and not complicated to use... Try the 30 day free demo... that will give you a good idea at how simple to use! Also keep in mind this is 2D... not 3D.

Ron
:--)> Several
:--)> months ago, I think I saw some traffic on this list about inexpensive CAD software.
:--)>
:--)>
:--)> All I
:--)> really need is some simple line-drawing & dimensioning capabilities to layout a
:--)> panel.
:--)>
:--)>
:--)> I
:--)> used to use TurboCAD (~5-7 years ago). WhatÂ’s the hot ticket today?
:--)>
:--)>
:--)> -Jeff
:--)>
:--)>
:--)> - The
:--)> AeroElectric-List Email Forum -
:--)> such as List Chat,
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List">http://www.matr :--)>   -
:--)> MATRONICS WEB FORUMS -
-->
:--)> http://forums.matronics.com :--)>   -
:--)> List Contribution Web   -->
:--)> http://www.matronics.com/contribution
:--)>
Quote:


href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c

No virus found in this message.
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[quote][b]


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dlj04(at)josephson.com
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 9:41 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD software Reply with quote

We have used Autocad LT for years and it just works, but have been
looking for something more recent, just because some of our contractors
and customers send us files too new for our LT to read. I was very
pleasantly surprised with nanoCAD which seems to be a functional clone
of recent Autocad. It's from Russia and is free. Their business model
seems to be that the basic program is free but they have various other
add-on tools for sale. I haven't evaluated it closely yet but it looks
promising.

Another possibility is DraftSight from Dassault Systems (yes, the
Dassault that makes airplanes and owns SolidWorks). It's also free, for
Mac, Windows and soon Linux.


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jloram



Joined: 07 Nov 2009
Posts: 54
Location: United States

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 10:44 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD software Reply with quote

And then there's Siemens' Solid Edge Drafting, the 2D version of their super
expensive 3D Solid Edge PLM software.
It's free:

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/free
2d/

-john-


[quote] --


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henador_titzoff(at)yahoo.
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 1:34 pm    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD software Reply with quote

Are nanoCAD, DraughtSight and Solid Edge Drafting files compatible with latest and greatest AutoCAD files? How easy or hard is it to migrate between all of these CAD packages?

Henador Titzoff

--- On Fri, 6/15/12, John Loram <johnl(at)loram.org> wrote:
[quote]
From: John Loram <johnl(at)loram.org>
Subject: RE: Re: Inexpensive CAD software
To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com
Date: Friday, June 15, 2012, 11:26 AM

--> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "John Loram" <[url=/mc/compose?to=johnl(at)loram.org]johnl(at)loram.org[/url]>

And then there's Siemens' Solid Edge Drafting, the 2D version of their super
expensive 3D Solid Edge PLM software.
It's free:

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/free
2d/

-john-


[quote] --


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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 4:21 pm    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD software Reply with quote

At 04:21 PM 6/15/2012, you wrote:
Quote:
Are nanoCAD, DraughtSight and Solid Edge Drafting files compatible
with latest and greatest AutoCAD files? How easy or hard is it to
migrate between all of these CAD packages?

Henador Titzoff


I just downloaded and installed the nanoCAD program. Installation
was seamless. It has the look and feel of contemporary AutoCAD
programs. Opens, edits, prints and saves my .dwg AutoCAD files.

Fantastic value for the price . . . $0.

Bob . . .


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user9253



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 1907
Location: Riley TWP Michigan

PostPosted: Sat Jun 16, 2012 1:17 am    Post subject: Re: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

I made drawings using Solid Edge. Months later when I tried to open the drawings, Solid Edge said that my license had expired. It would not let me look at my drawings unless I renewed my license (free). This happened again the following year.
I got to thinking, what will happen if Solid Edge changes their licensing policy or if they go out of business? I will not be able to access my drawings. So I switched to TurboCad, although it is not very intuitive. I prefer programs that are easy to learn without having to read the help files.
Joe


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user9253



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 1907
Location: Riley TWP Michigan

PostPosted: Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:17 am    Post subject: Re: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

I downloaded nanoCAD. After my experience with Solid Edge, I decided to read the nanoCAD License Agreement instead of blindly accepting it.
Quote:
Periodic activation may be required by Licensee in order to continue use of the Licensed Program(s). Use of the Licensed Program(s) may be interrupted until necessary activation steps are taken by Licensee.

I do not want to be inconvenienced by periodic registrations.


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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 16, 2012 12:06 pm    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

At 04:17 AM 6/16/2012, you wrote:
Quote:


I made drawings using Solid Edge. Months later when I tried to open
the drawings, Solid Edge said that my license had expired. It would
not let me look at my drawings unless I renewed my license
(free). This happened again the following year.
I got to thinking, what will happen if Solid Edge changes their
licensing policy or if they go out of business? I will not be able
to access my drawings. So I switched to TurboCad, although it is
not very intuitive. I prefer programs that are easy to learn
without having to read the help files.
Joe

Then microCAD (or any of the AutoCADS) are
two excellent solutions. They understand English.
If you want to draw a line say "line<cr>" and
then enter a from (intersection, nearest, tangent
midpoint, etc) then a to (same constellation of
options) while guiding to those terminations with
the mouse.

Further, AutoCAD and nanoCAD have .pgp 'overlay' files
that you can edit with an ordinary text editor like
notepad.

A, *ARC
AA, *AREA
AL, *ALIGN
AR, *ARRAY
BL, *BLOCK
BR, *BREAK
CI, *CIRCLE
C, *CHANGE
CH, *CHAMFER
CO, *COPY
D, *DIMSTYLE
DDI, *DIMDIAMETER
DED, *DIMEDIT
DI, *DIST
DT, *DTEXT
E, *ERASE
ED, *DDEDIT
EL, *ELLIPSE
EXIT, *QUIT
F, *FILLET
H, *HATCH
I, *INSERT
L, *LINE
LA, *LAYER
LE, *QLEADER
LI, *LIST
LT, *LINETYPE
LTS, *LTSCALE
M, *MOVE
MI, *MIRROR
O, *OSNAP
P, *PAN
PE, *PEDIT
PL, *PLINE
PG, *POLYGON
PU, *PURGE
R, *REDRAW
RE, *REGEN
RA, *RECTANGLE
RO, *ROTATE
S, *STRETCH
SO, *SOLID
T, *TRIM
V, *VIEW
WB, *WBLOCK
XP, *EXPLODE
XT, *EXTEND
Z, *ZOOM

When you enter the short command, the cad program
interprets it for the full command. I found
that I could draw left-handed with the mouse
while one-hand typing with the right and
go through the 'dance moves' with greater
rapidity than by accessing all those little
tool-bar boxes (most of which I didn't need/
use). In fact, I can turn all the tool-bars off
and have the full, un-clutered screen to work
on.

Aside from the isometric drawings I made for
illustrating the 'Connection, I've not found a
strong need for 3d drawings. If you need that
capability, I'm not a good source for advise.

Your personal .pgp file becomes a good teaching
tool too. Out of hundreds of commands that the
CAD program understands, editing your overlay file
down to those you use 99% of the time make the .pgp
file a sort of syllabus for a short course in
AutoCAD. Search the 1-inch thick book of 1000
commands for how these few work . . . you'll have
99% of your dance moves learned in a very
short time.

In fact, I would recommend that anyone wanting to
get their feet wet in either AutoCAD or microCAD
cut-n-paste the list above into a new version of
a .pgp file and print a paper copy too. Hang it
on the wall behind your monitor as a reference
list. This will steepen your learning curve
greatly. You can always add/delete commands to
customize the list to your own needs but I'm
betting that becoming proficient in those
listed will get you up to speed very quickly.

Turning off all the tool bars and talking to
the program in 'English' is about as intuitive
as you can get. Over the years I've spent thousands
of dollars of my boss's money on AutoCAD and sundry
upgrades. nanoCAD now does everything that cost
us the price of a good used car . . . for free.
Interestingly enough, NONE of those upgrades added
features that I needed for my work. Everything
I do today can be done in say AutoCAD R10 for
DOS!

There may be other applications that are as
intuitive and/or attractively priced . . . don't
know. But I can tell you that nanoCAD is an
exceedingly good value and easy to learn if you
start with the few dozen commands I listed
above.
Bob . . .


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jloram



Joined: 07 Nov 2009
Posts: 54
Location: United States

PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 11:24 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD software Reply with quote

Solid Edge has extensive import/export capabilities, (largely untested by me).

-john-

[quote] From: owner-aeroelectric-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-aeroelectric-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Henador Titzoff
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 2:22 PM
To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: Re: Inexpensive CAD software

Are nanoCAD, DraughtSight and Solid Edge Drafting files compatible with latest and greatest AutoCAD files? How easy or hard is it to migrate between all of these CAD packages?

Henador Titzoff

Quote:


[b]


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jloram



Joined: 07 Nov 2009
Posts: 54
Location: United States

PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 11:24 am    Post subject: Inexpensive CAD Software Reply with quote

Annoying, isn't? I been renewing for years now 'cause I like the features.
Fortunately their file format can be imported by other CAD programs.

-john-

[quote] --


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