[HBR] Program to draw circuit diagrams?

[Michael A. Bittner]

I started out using "Tubepad", but eventually settled on a method that works better for me.  I scan a schematic diagram of some radio or other equipment from a magazine, SAMS Folder, manual or other source that has the symbols and lettering that I need for whatever new schematic I am composing.  I then store it as a JPEG and edit it in uSoft Paint.  Under "Attributes" in "Paint" I expand the width of the drawing to include the JPEG plus blank space for my new drawing.  Then I copy and paste from the JPEG to the blank space to build up my new schematic using the JPEG as a palate for all the symbols and lettering I need.  I use "line draw" for the wiring and the "circle draw", "rectangle draw", "erase", "move" and other faculties of "Edit" to complete the new schematic. I use Photoshop to "move" whole sections of the schematic that are too big to fit within my screen, and when the new schematic is complete, I "crop" it to delete the scanned schematic that I have been using as a palate.  This method results in drawings that have the quality and resolution (resolution much better than Tubepad) of the original scanned schematic.  I have used this method for schematics that accompany articles of mine that have appeared in "Electric Radio" magazine and have received compliments on them from readers who also question "what program did I use to make them".  Try my method and see if it works for you.  Mike, W6MAB
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Brian Ford 
  To: HBR Receiver List 
  Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 9:11 PM
  Subject: Re: [HBR] Program to draw circuit diagrams?


  tubepad?

  On Monday, January 6, 2014 9:48 PM, Walt Hutchens <waltah at earthlink.net> wrote:
   
  Years and years I've been trying to settle on a program for drawing
  circuit diagrams. There's lots of drawing programs out there but most
  cost real money, most of the ones that claim to do circuits have --
  ick! -- ICs and stuff that's suitable only for SUPPORT of real
  electronics (like: has vacuum tubes in it), and the ones that ARE low
  cost and seem generally capable would require building a library from
  the beginning.

  Any recommendations? If I can't find a suitable wheel that has already
  been invented I'll probably see if I can come up with a library for
  the drawing program that's part of Open Office.

  Yeah, my freehand sketches are nearly unreadable. Even by me.

  Walt Hutchens
  KJ4KV