Who uses CAD?

[Michael Allen]

Who uses CAD software here? I'm trying to get the hang of TurboCAD but I'm sailing on a sinking ship!

I know Paul M. uses AutoCAD and the stuff on his site looks rad. Does anyone have any links to guides or tutorials for these programs?

[1wahfreak]

I use CAD 2004 everyday but not sure what you want to do with it. Tutorials can be a little overwhelming if you don't know the jargon. What do want to know??

[Hal]

autocad (at least R.14) has a built in tutorial.  Its fairly comprehensive...the program isn't as hard to use as people make it out to be.  I just started using it, and drew a 9v. battery.  It only took me about an hour! :-D

You can get good books about them from your public library.  A lot of stuff is out there.  I don't have any experiance with turbocad myself, though.

[Paul Marossy]

There used to be a book called "Inside AutoCAD" that was pretty good. I imagine it's still around for the latest versions of the program. As noted, there are built-in tutorials in some versions of AutoCAD, too. It helps a lot if you know how to board draft, then terms like "fillet" and stuff doesn't seem as cryptic.  I only use the same few basic commands for drawing stuff most of the time.

[Michael Allen]

Paul, do you do 3D layouts for your pedals? Your diagrams available on your site are only 2d....

[gtech]

Don't worry, you're not alone.

I have TurboCad version 9.2 and as for any program, you have to put some time to learn it. Every time I have a drawing to do, I always found it faster to use the same old Paint for drawings, or Eagle for schematics.

It's funny that you ask about it today, because last Friday, I decided that it was time that I start using it.

I have a design to make for a box I am finishing, and I tried to find how to start a new template that I would use for the next boxes, etc...

A co-worker told me to use the Trace function, starting fron a scan of the front of my box. Well, that function is not available anymore. That guy is using version 4.5 and it has it. Not version 9.5 :-(

Anyway, I can't help you, but I can justify your post.  :wink: Help is also needed here.  

Btw, here are some CAD files I would like to use.

http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/1590BB.PDF

http://www.hammondmfg.com/zip/1455K1201.zip

Gilles

[Paul Marossy]

Michael-

Sorry, but I do not have anything drawn in 3D. You have to have the full blown version of AutoCAD to use 3D - the AutoCAD Lite versions do not have 3D capability. I use the Lite version at home, which is where I do most of my personal CAD layouts. I'm just not willing to spend $3K on the full blown version, or whatever it costs now...

[LinuxMan]

Btw, here are some CAD files I would like to use.

http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/1590BB.PDF

http://www.hammondmfg.com/zip/1455K1201.zip

Gilles

The first (PDF) file is the same as the second one. There's no 3d in the
second one. Or why have you post them?

Cheers
LM

[erix]

I started using AutoCAD r10 way back in 1988. I was an avid user until r13 when they tried to force a Windows GUI on top of it's DOS-based architecture.
Now I use Microstation which is a very powerful CAD program like Autocad (more powerful I believe) and much easier to use and less prone to crashing.

I use CAD to do circuit board layouts, drilling templates, and literally 'build' the device before ever turning on the soldering iron. I've done a few 3D things but I rarely need the information that 3D provides. We have Solidworks in my office but it's a big learning curve to go through for little gain.

Latley I've grown quite fond of ExpressPCB's software. You can make your own models and they don't have to be electronic components. I've made 1590B and BB boxes, various pots, jacks, and what not to help me figure out where to put things inside the box. You can't beat the price - Free!

As for 3D, there is a GREAT program out there called "SketchUp" that is super easy to use. I sue it for non-stompbox related things. It is WAY easier to draw 3D with it than Microstation, AutoCAD, and anything else I've tried. Download an 8 hour trial at www.sketchup.com

ok,
erix

[Paul Marossy]

I use CAD to do circuit board layouts, drilling templates, and literally 'build' the device before ever turning on the soldering iron. I've done a few 3D things but I rarely need the information that 3D provides.

Same here. Another reason I never draw anything in 3D with AutoCAD is that is kind of a PITA...

[Doug_H]

a;lkjd

[gtech]

I was talking about the files for these 2 kinds of boxes. Both styles I use.

http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/1590BB.PDF
http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/1455K1201.pdf

The second file (ZIP) I originally posted had the CAD formats for AutoCAD and other CADs programs.

I can open these files into TurboCad, but was wondering about the best way to re-use them to make my own drawings.

Oh, and and I want to make 3d from these 2d drawings.  :roll:

That's what I'm trying to do, or learn how to do...  :?

Gilles