Need help finding wiring diagram software

[noer396]

Hi my name is Anders and i am building trucks with different kinds of electronic control system and I want to be able to make a very simple and crude overview of the systems i am building something like the pictures I linked
best regards Anders

[MarkF]

I would (and have) use Photoshop or some other drawing program.  After all, what you're doing is illustrating your control system.  Think of it as writing a document.  Maybe you're already creating an Owners Manual?  It's just an extension to the manual.

I attached a few illustrations I did for another forum member.

[CatalinaWOW]

I would suggest posting this question in some automotive forums also.  There may be software customized for, or written from scratch for that application.  The schematics drawn for the automotive industry are formatted so differently from electronics schematics that I have trouble reading them.  They tend to have a much more 1:1 relationship to the physical wires than is typical in the electronics trade where the logical relationship is more dominant in the drawings.

[DenzilPenberthy]

I have to draw some diagrams like this this week for a tractor I rewired. I want to get it all down on paper before I forget it. I don't want to be having to fix it in a year or so and not be able to remember what colour wires are what.

 I've been dreading having to fire up Autocad Electrical for it bit I will probably end up doing that.

[free_electron]

Inkscape. Vector drawing program and free

[tec5c]

Inkscape. Vector drawing program and free

+1

I often use Inkscape to draw up random bits and pieces that I need for reports, documents etc.

[MikeW]

We use draftsight for production wiring diagrams for the factory floor.

It is freemium though.

[CatalinaWOW]

Inkscape is a fine program, but provides no automation for the schematic process.  I would actually use Powerpoint or the free version OpenOffice Presentation.  Powerpoint includes features like automatic connectors that keep lines intact as you move boxes around.  Not very good, but better than nothing.

For the OP, if you are doing this only for yourself the electronic schematic programs referenced above do provide automation.  You don't have to be constrained to typical automotive format.  You will find yourself creating symbols for all of the unique components you are using.

Since you mention wanting to get something done this week, I actually would recommend Powerpoint or its like.  You already know how to use it.  The learning curve for any of the automation tools will set you back at least a week.  If you already are conversant in AutoCAD that might also be a good option.

[noer396]

Thanks for all of the replies I will try some of your ideas
best regrads Anders