drawing electrical prints

[MMAL]

I have just started taking autocad at the local college. I know my work uses autocad, but I have no clue how to use it, played with it and decided way more of a learning curve than just playing with it. It actually may work out good, just was notified our inhouse autocad person is quitting, I am going to talk to my company of moving me into management, so I can basically do autocad drawings for them, and continue PLC programming. With hopes of getting me out of the field, since there is no sight in the future of this MS thing where I can drive let alone working in high voltage panels.

Good luck with getting the job

 

[stasis]

well...I do all drawings for the company I work for, so I use smartdraw. The learning curve is relatively small compared to other drawing programs. Plus, since I created my own libraries (like for three phase, plc in/outs, plus generic devices), drag-drop is easier. For the $$$, it really is a great program.

 

[trojan_goat]

I use MicroStation 2000. Have tried AutoCAD 2000 and AutoCAD LT 2004, I'm more efficient in MiroStation because that is what I had to start out with. Made my own symbols and cells and an able to convert my drawings over to AutoCAD if needed or visa-versa. I have gone to school for RSWire which is used ontop of AutoCAD but have not used it. Very expensive Rockwell software!

 

[Krakker]

Eplan

You may want to consider using a program called E-plan. It started out big in Europe, but is catching on in the U.S. It's not suited for small quick designs since it requires alot of setup (databases, design rules, templates). However, once you have it setup it works very well for keeping large CAD groups standardized and organized. It also reduces errors since the program generates it's own BOM, XREF's, and manages it as changes are made.

Kinda pricey but ROI is good when used correctly.

 

[olias]

OK, just got the Constructor 7.0 Demo Cd. Looked at it last night and so far I'm very impressed.
Drop and drag and it even does circuit simulation.
Nice tutorials. Stay tuned.

 

[ford]

It depends alot on how much time you have to spend learning software, also cost. Autocad could be very costly for casual use, unless your company already has the software .
I have been using -see technical- the electronic software specialist They have a free trial version you can down load off the net I learned the basics in an hour and was drawing.
It is a drag and drop they also have upgrade packages with more symboles.The project
can be saved as a bmp., or pdf it if you need to view on a computer that does not have the software installed . I find Autocad is the most versatile program to use ,however there will be a greater learning curve

 

[lc03]

AutoCad LT2006 or AutoCad Electrical

I produce 80 % electrical schematics and 20% floorplan layout drawings.

I am about to upgrade from AutoCad LT 2002, but if I go to AutoCad Electrical, will I still be able to produce my floorplans, or is it an exclusivly electrical schematic program

TIA

 

[rsdoran]

The Autodesk website, http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=5148977, offers an FAQ on these type question. Some examples are:

1. What is AutoCAD Electrical?
AutoCAD® Electrical is a 2D design application created for electrical control designers by electrical control designers. This AutoCAD®-based application automates the tedious task of creating ladder drawings and point to point style electrical drawings. It tracks all wire numbers and component tags, and cross references coil and contact information for increased drafting productivity. It generates automated reports, ranging from bills of materials to from-to wire lists, to minimize the errors that can occur with manual reports. And it saves time by linking cable and harness information to Autodesk Inventor® Professional. AutoCAD Electrical is the only logical choice for an electrical control design application.


2. Can I upgrade from AutoCAD to AutoCAD Electrical?
Yes, AutoCAD users can upgrade their existing software to AutoCAD Electrical.


3. How does AutoCAD Electrical compare with AutoCAD?
AutoCAD Electrical includes all functionality of the AutoCAD general design tool, plus additional functionality for designing electrical control systems. In addition to its extended features and capabilities, the interface is tailored to fit the electrical design process. Because full AutoCAD functionality is native to AutoCAD Electrical, all AutoCAD commands are still available in AutoCAD Electrical.

These 3 may be just as important:

7. Can my customers and vendors view and modify my AutoCAD Electrical drawings using standard AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT software?
Yes, AutoCAD Electrical creates native AutoCAD DWG files that can be viewed and modified using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.


8. What happens to all my AutoCAD drawings and LISP routines?
Because AutoCAD Electrical is completely integrated into the AutoCAD environment, most custom LISP routines work with AutoCAD Electrical just as they did with standard AutoCAD software. AutoCAD Electrical includes tools to convert standard AutoCAD drawings into intelligent AutoCAD Electrical drawings.


9. I already have my own electrical symbols. Does AutoCAD Electrical include tools to convert standard AutoCAD blocks to intelligent AutoCAD Electrical symbols?
Yes, AutoCAD Electrical has a built-in utility called the Black Box Builder that automates the process of converting your existing blocks. The Black Box Builder walks you through placing certain attributes on your blocks to make them intelligent symbols.

 

[Barsik]

I never saw more compex tool as ELCAD from Aucotec. Itis not cheap, but you can do everything, including automatic cabinet wiring, multylanguage projects, and all other things.