SkyCAD control box software

[Richards]

Threedj Smith from the TAIG group posted some info about SkyCAD. It's a free software package that simplifies designing the wiring for a control box. I downloaded it this morning. It seems to do everything that I will need. There are three versions available. The free version lets you make a wiring design, including terminal blocks. The extra cost versions allow you to physically create a parts placement drawing and cable looms.

I'm attaching three sheets of the drawings I did this morning. (After watching their tutorial, each drawing took about 5 minutes.)

[frijoli]

interesting
EDIT: No dxf export kills it for me....

Can you tell me if it will print layouts and wiring schema?

[Richards]

frijoli,

The free edition has limitations, as should be expected. I use AutoCAD LT to draw the mechanicals. What this software does for me is to let me easily draw what I've tried on the test bench. I can quickly draw a ladder logic diagram to show the functionality of each sub-circuit. When the ladder logic matches the test bench, I can draw a wiring diagram, including terminal blocks.

There is a point when all the major points are verified. Building a single system doesn't warrant excess expense or excessive time, but using easy-to-use software makes cross-checking things easier.

[martyscncgarage]

Interesting, I think we would like to see a video demo of its basics. Screen Cast-O-Matic works well... (hint, hint

[Richards]

Marty,
SkyCAD has a whole series of tutorial videos that show how easy it is to use the software. I watched just a few of them before trying things out. It works as advertised. The software allows for new components. I decided to add a DM542 stepper driver and a generic DB25 connector to let me plan that part of a control box I'm in the middle of building for my TAIG mill.

[martyscncgarage]

Awesome, I had been using NANOCAD to edit the original Centroid Schematics for my builds. Its not really my strong point...so always looking for simpler ways of doing things. And I don't mind paying for software packages that I find are useful and help me do things pretty easily but CAD file import and export is important to me. As soon as I get time, I'll take a look at SkyCad. Thanks for posting your experience with it!

Marty

[frijoli]

frijoli,

The free edition has limitations, as should be expected. I use AutoCAD LT to draw the mechanicals.

I understand limitation, but not being able to out put any kind of drawings makes it useless for me.

[martyscncgarage]

Skycad fees put it out of the reach of hobbyists. The free version may get you by though
https://my.skycad.ca/pricing

[ShawnM]

AutoCAD is the same way, its prices put it out of reach of hobbyists but there are no limitations. I have AutoCAD 2015, it's 5 years old but does work perfectly for editing the Centroid schematics for any custom build I may do. Very easy to add, remove or change components or wiring. Also very easy to draw in custom components if needed. I went to school to be an architect and trained with AutoCAD products so it's very easy and very quick for me to make the necessary changes to the Centroid DWG files.

Free software like SkyCAD will always have limitations but if one can make it work for their needs this is great.

[Richards]

I'm still using AutoCAD 2006! It works. The licenses for the non-free versions of SkyCAD are too expensive for my use, but the free version has enough functionality for the one-off work that I mostly do.