Electrical diagramming "tools"

[java]

OK. I've done some reading, got the Aero-electric book, have shamelessly poached some Excel based load spreadsheets, and have looked at numerous diagrams. I still find it a bit daunting to sit down and start doodling my own, however.

I notice some builders have very clean looking diagrams, and I assume they must have used some specialized software to draw them. Does something exist (free or cheap) that would help me? (Google wasn't much help). Of course, I could do it with pencil and paper, but I'm likely to have to redo it (several times?) and changes are generally easier on screen than on paper.

Failing that, is there a good legend of symbols and standards for an aircraft electrical system diagram somewhere? Again, I can interpolate from various sample diagrams, but it would be easier if there is a standard to refer to.

I don't need this to be perfect, but want something that I (and perhaps others) will be able to understand a few years down the road when making modifications.

[davcor]

Google Express PCB and Express Schematic

[mburch]

Ditto the suggestion to use ExpressSCH (the schematic-capture portion of the ExpressPCB package). I used it to create my electrical system diagrams and I'm satisfied with the results.

Hmm, I should make my custom-made symbols available for others to use. I wonder if Doug has a section on the site where people could contribute theirs...?

mcb

[DeltaRomeo]

Matt, that is awesome. Tell me what you need to store diagrams and I'll make it. Assuming a page with all the symbols and descriptions? Maybe a downloadable zip file? You send me the images and I'll start a section with descriptions (where's that old diagraming manual?). I forgot half of it...

Awesome.

b,
d

[Mike S]

Doug, this would tie in well with the ideas expressed it the thread titled "wire book".

Just in case you might have missed it------------

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...light=wirebook

[vlittle]

Try this:

http://vx-aviation.com/page_3.html

Vern

[tomcostanza]

Does something exist (free or cheap) that would help me?

If you check the Aero Electric web site's download section
http://www.aeroelectric.com/Downloads.html
you'll find a free downloadable image of a CD ROM that Bob sells. On it is a public domain copy of TurboCad. It's a pretty old version (6.5 I think), but more than capable for the kinds of things we are doing. Also in the CD image is a library of Bob's symbols. If I remember correctly, this version lets you read AutoCAD files, which is what Bob uses on AeroElectric.com. There are also free tutorials on the web for TurboCad.

ExpressPCB/Express Schematic are much easier to use, but I think TurboCad has more options (in fact, it might be overkill). You pay your money and take your choice. Wait...you don't even pay your money, just make your choice.

Hope this helps

[java]

Thanks Guys,

Vern... your link looks to be very handy with symbols, sample diagram and link to the software all in one place. Just what I needed.

[Kahuna]

Jase,
Do you have Visio?
I would not go out and buy it, but often folks get it at work and so it might just be available to you. I did 2 planes worth and found it to be easy to use.
It has built in electrical stuff, symbols, objects and so forth. Here is an example of what it can do easily. If you can operate a MS office product like Word, you can do this.

And This

And This

And This

[uk_figs]

I also used express PCB and Matt sent me his custom symbols that I added to Verns, I have also built some of my own for my particular schematic (modified Z-11). I am working on version 3 of mine as I am making some changes as I wire everything together and think about stuff some more (as well as learn along the way) and this will be posted. My schematic is linked via my blog and I think a central repository of symbols and web links to schematics would be useful.
Links could include a brief description of the equipment fit and design rational of the builder to assist the new builder in which links to visit.