VISO Alternative

[Structo]

Not sure if you guys know about this program.

It's a open source (FREE) Viso type prog called DIA.

I was looking for something that would read VISO layouts or schematics and I came across this.
Not so sure about using it for a layout tool but it works pretty good for schematics.

http://live.gnome.org/Dia


Here are some additional shapes to load.
You will need the electronics one, and CMOS (mainly for the ground symbol)
http://dia-installer.de/shapes.html

I know there is the the ExpressPCB and ExpressSCH but this program seems pretty well suited for schematics.
It even has tube symbols although not that many.
I haven't figured out if you can customize symbols and save them yet.

Like anything it takes a little learning. Be sure to read the help file and there are tutorials on the site.

[funkmeblue]

is this for slow people? I'm a little slow. I still use a ruler and a pencil....a quarter for tubes.....is it frustrating? I'm afraid to try it to be honest with you....how many times did you cursed at it?

[Structo]

Like I said there is a bit of a learning curve on this.

But if you have ever used any type of CAD software this would be easy to use.

It all depends what you want.

If you want a nice professional schematic that you would be proud to post anywhere or a hand drawn schematic that looks like chicken scratches, unless you have great drafting skills. Simple choice really.

[Jana]

...a hand drawn schematic that looks like chicken scratches...

lol, you been looking at my postings?

[Structo]

...a hand drawn schematic that looks like chicken scratches...

lol, you been looking at my postings?

Heheheh, no that wasn't directed at you.

I just remember back to drafting class trying to make a presentable schematic as a class project.
Back in the day of drafting machines, pencils and paper.

[schorsch]

for drawing schematics i personally use the free program EAGLE from cadsoft http://www.cadsoftusa.com/freeware.htm.en
it's pretty easy to use and there are libraries for nearly all kind of electronic parts - tubes too.

for layout drawings i use openoffice which has a nice drawing tool which works perfect for my needs!

George

[Structo]

That looks pretty good George.

Do you know the name of the library files for the tube electronics?

I looked in the library section and it's a bit overwhelming at how many files there are there.

Thanks

[Structo]

ARRGGGggg, I think their server crashed or something, I tried to download some library files and the links are all dead.

[schorsch]

That looks pretty good George.

Do you know the name of the library files for the tube electronics?

I looked in the library section and it's a bit overwhelming at how many files there are there.

Thanks

hi structo!

if you can't connect to the english site, try the german one: http://www.cadsoft.de and search at "downloads" / "Bibliotheken" for "tubes.lbr". After downloading, copy the file to the subdirectory "lbr" in the eagle program-directory. After doing that, you can use it.

Because EAGLE is not only a drawing programm, but a board-layout and routing program, i often use it for making little pcb's for stompboxes, guitar-preamps etc. etc. The free version works perfect for small pcb's!!

If you're interested in, http://gaussmarkov.net has a really good collection of stompbox-layouts including ready made eagle files!

Greetings
George[/url]