Who here uses AutoCAD for electronics?

[Milkmansound]

just wondering.

I just got it for my work laptop, and got to thinking... its a pretty powerful tool for DIY. Definitely gonna try and make some front panels with it, but has anyone laid out a PCB with it or drawn schematics?

 

[Ptownkid]

I have, but there's much better ways than autocad for schematics and layouts, IE, eagle.

The problem with autocad is that you have to create all the parts yourself and such.

There's something called "wblock" where you can save each part for easy insertion, I can send you a document with the majority of he common ones if you like.

As for front panels, it's great, and I use it for a ton of stuff now. Home renovations, interior positioning of parts inside a pedal, carpentry, etc...

 

[12afael]

I use rhino 3d, is a great tool for make a part layout on a chassis and front panel too.

 

[JohnRoberts]

[quote author="Milkmansound"]just wondering.

I just got it for my work laptop, and got to thinking... its a pretty powerful tool for DIY. Definitely gonna try and make some front panels with it, but has anyone laid out a PCB with it or drawn schematics?[/quote]

I don't use auto-cad specifically but I do use a 2D cad program for design of aluminum extrusions and mechanical stuff. I also import cad representations (or model my own) of sundry components to test for fit and interference. Since I'm working in 2D I have to do it twice, but the time is well spent.

I've been designing products for decades and only recently can I get first cut PCB, faceplates, and mechanical packaging, from multiple different vendors, to fit together "like they were made for each other".

Computers really are useful for something. :grin:

JR