Matthew wrote:

> Hi Lawrence,
>
> I was scanning some old notes and found this one.  I'm curious about
> how you use AutoCADD.  I imagine you've created (or purchased) the
> electronic symbols and place them as objects on your drawing.

Correct.  I have drawn a library of symbols in AutoCad, with separate
layers for part outlines, silkscreen text, pads, and holes.  I insert
these as "blocks" and move them around the drawing until things fit.

You can get this library from my web page at

http://home1.gte.net/llile/index.htm


> Then
> I suppose, you simply draw lines to connect the pins of the symbols.

The lines are a special type of line in Acad called a "Polyline".
Polylines contain width information, and print out like circuit board
traces.

>  If I'm correct so far, if you then move a symbol, will the attached
> line also move (known as rubberbanding)?

Unfortunately, no.  This is the real downfall of AutoCad for PCboard
drafting - you don't get true schematic capture, and the program does
not maintain connections between all the parts for you.  I have to
manually check to be sure that "A" is still connected to "B" when I'm
done routing.

On the other hand, I always have my technician perform this step.  He
does a double check on many aspects of the design, like spacing, part
outlines, pinouts, fit, other things that are not checked by any
software.  It is a real quality control plus, so I don't mind
sacrificing schematic capture for it.

>  And then, as with any
> other CADD program, you can do block moves, copies, and deletes.  Is
> it really this easy or am I missing something?
>

It is pretty easy, if you already know AutoCad.  If you don't then
AutoCad is as hard to learn as any other CAD package.  If you don't
know AutoCad, I would recommend you stick with the CAD packages that
are already streamlined for layout and schematic capture.

> My real question is about PCB design.  Do you do printed circuit
> designs and what CADD tool do you use?
>

Yes.  AutoCad is my only tool for PCB design.  I create production
drawings, have them converted to Gerber files, the whole ball of wax.

> The reason I am asking;  I am currently using Pads Software for both
> schematic capture and PCB design.  I'm using it because it is what
> my employer uses.  I have found it very frustrating to use and
> quirky to learn so I am interested in finding another solution.  My
> designs are generally simple, but every now and then get more
> complicated.

Pads is, IMHO, a klunky piece of software at best.  My version (an
old DOS version) crashes all the time, so I can't use it.  Newer
versions are ported into windows with the DOS interface, making them
even klunkier.  I would at least use a piece of software that was
written for windows to begin with.
>
> If you could send me the archive also, that would be great.  I'd
> also be interested in your thoughts?

Archive is attached as a ZIP file.  I asssume you have PKUNZIP.
-- Lawrence Lile

Download AutoCad blocks for electrical drafting at:
http://members.sockets.net/~llile/index.htm