schematic tool?
 

what tool do most of you use for drawing up new schematics? preferably something with some built in footprints, but also the capability of being able to draw new footprints. doesn't have to be able to simulate things, i just want something for drawing the schematic.

thanks!

I use Simplis/Simetrix
I believe it is free.
Simple paste and click interface.
Once you get used to it, it simulates very well except for pump-charge circuits.
It comes with some basic examples.
I reccommend "save as" from the samples until you learn how to set up a simulation.

I use LTSpice, which is SPICE simulation software that is free from the IC manufacturer Linear Technology. An example schematic that I did may be found at http://www.stonemarmot.com/images/AK9a.jpg. The full article is at stonemarmot.com/rants » AK-9 Low Power Guitar Amplifier. You should be able to search the net to find the software.

Thanks guys! I actually figured out how to edit the part footprints in orcad pspice. So now my fuses don't cover half a page. Il try out these other programs though too :)

...If you're REALLY inventive, you just use MS Excel's object templates.

haha...i've never used that before but it sounds like what i was imagining lmao. i'll check it out! :)

A lot of hobbiests use eagle by cadsoft. Limitations when mapping a schematic to a pcb on the free version, top and bottom layers only, 80 x 100mm max, not a problem for many projects. Not a limitation for schematics, only when doing a pcb layout.

http://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~astu...e_CadSoft.html