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Auto CAD on a budget

  • 16-06-2013 6:51pm
    #1
    Mr.Fred
    Registered Users Posts: 1,055 ✭✭✭


    Hi folks,

    Mods this might well be in the wrong forum if so feel free to move.

    I'm looking for an Auto cad package that I could use for drawing panel diagrams,line diagrams etc basically something with all the EU (Irish) symbols switch gear etc.

    It doesn't have to be a freebie as I have budgeted for it. I'm just looking for a decent set up and most user friendly interface for say under €800-€1000.

    Any tips on where to look would be great.

    Thanks,


Comments

  • #2
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,532 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    You will not get a legitimate version that cheaply.


  • #3
    Mr.Fred
    Registered Users Posts: 1,055 ✭✭✭Mr.Fred


    Ah right I was looking at the packages for €4000+. The price isn't the issue really it's just I don't need all the bells and whistles it would be a waste tbh.

    I'm only looking for something that'll do for simple line diagrams and a few panel layouts nothing to fancy but a bit better than ms paint :)

    I could get download a torrent I guess but I'd rather have a legit copy.


  • #4
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,532 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Mr.Fred wrote: »
    Ah right I was looking at the packages for €4000+. The price isn't the issue really it's just I don't need all the bells and whistles it would be a waste tbh.

    I'm only looking for something that'll do for simple line diagrams and a few panel layouts nothing to fancy but a bit better than ms paint :)

    I could get download a torrent I guess but I'd rather have a legit copy.

    I use a "lighter" fully licensed version of AutoCad (can't remember which one) for instrument loop drawings, MCC design, wiring schematics etc. Sounds like it would meet your requirements. I will post up the details when I get the exact name.


  • #5
    GradEngineer
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭GradEngineer


    Ive used a slimed down version years ago..... I think it was called AutoCAD LT but not sure if it is still available!

    Also this might not be suitable but if you have a valid student email address from a recognised university or IT it is possible to download a legitimate version with a 4 year license. Unfortunately its not for commercial use and prints a small boarder informing such around each plot


  • #6
    Mr.Fred
    Registered Users Posts: 1,055 ✭✭✭Mr.Fred


    GradEngineer wrote: »
    Ive used a slimed down version years ago..... I think it was called AutoCAD LT but not sure if it is still available!

    Also this might not be suitable but if you have a valid student email address from a recognised university or IT it is possible to download a legitimate version with a 4 year license. Unfortunately its not for commercial use and prints a small boarder informing such around each plot

    Thanks for that. I'll need it for commercial use so it will have to be a legal package. I'll check out a couple of the ones suggested. thanks :)


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  • #7
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,532 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    GradEngineer wrote: »
    Ive used a slimed down version years ago..... I think it was called AutoCAD LT but not sure if it is still available!

    +1

    I have just checked, AutoCAD LT 2010
    Perfect package, will do everything that you want + more


  • #8
    Mr.Fred
    Registered Users Posts: 1,055 ✭✭✭Mr.Fred


    Thanks lads I'll check that out now.


  • #9
    mawk
    Registered Users Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭mawk


    Google sketchup will do fine too. Its free and if you turn on parallel projection in the camera tab you can get it to do perfectly acceptable line drawings


  • #10
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,532 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    mawk wrote: »
    Google sketchup will do fine too.
    Sometimes it would, but it depends very much on the application.
    Its free and if you turn on parallel projection in the camera tab you can get it to do perfectly acceptable line drawings

    Apples and oragnes.
    Although Google sketchup is fantastic, it just does not compare to AutoCAD.


  • #11
    selephonic
    Registered Users Posts: 381 ✭✭selephonic


    BricsCAD is a pretty good option. Very like AutoCAD and much cheaper. I think there's a 30 day trial.

    I'm not in any way affiliated with them by the way, just used it before and liked it. Interface is quite similar to classic AutoCAD, i.e. pre-ribbon interface.

    Another option if you just need 2d is something like QCAD or:

    LibreCAD
    Drawsight
    FreeCAD

    A lot of these also work on Linux(unlike AutoCad) meaning you can possibly run with less operating system overhead.


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  • #12
    fear_gaoithe
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭fear_gaoithe


    DoubleCAD is fairly handy and free:

    http://www.doublecad.com/


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