The answer depends on what you want to do with the schematics that you create. If you just want to have a computer-based drawing that you can archive and modify, a drawing program like Windows Paint (which isn't technically "free" but comes with Windows) works fine. In fact, as an EE it's what I use for recording new design concepts, from signal flow diagrams to detailed electronic circuits.
However, if you want to leverage having a computer-based schematic into the ability to create a printed circuit card, you will need a much more sophisticated program that can actually perform "schematic capture". These programs tend to have a steep learning curve (many tool rules/conventions to learn and use) but are necessary if you want to produce something other than a picture.
Try Googling "free schematic capture software". I did, and got several hits. However, the one that I clicked on was more of a "free trial" than actually "free", which is sort of problematic given the investment in learning that any powerful software tool requires.
Another Google search that may be useful is "spice circuit analysis". SPICE has been around for decades and may have evolved into something that has a useful schematic capture "front end"- I can't say, since the last time I needed to use SPICE was 1978.
However, it is "modern" software and you might have to create symbols for vacuum tubes. Other users have libraries of special symbols and most are willing to share.
Rich
::Could someone recommend a free program for drawing schematics for beginners please.
::
:= = = = = = = =
:
:The answer depends on what you want to do with the schematics that you create. If you just want to have a computer-based drawing that you can archive and modify, a drawing program like Windows Paint (which isn't technically "free" but comes with Windows) works fine. In fact, as an EE it's what I use for recording new design concepts, from signal flow diagrams to detailed electronic circuits.
:
:However, if you want to leverage having a computer-based schematic into the ability to create a printed circuit card, you will need a much more sophisticated program that can actually perform "schematic capture". These programs tend to have a steep learning curve (many tool rules/conventions to learn and use) but are necessary if you want to produce something other than a picture.
:
:Try Googling "free schematic capture software". I did, and got several hits. However, the one that I clicked on was more of a "free trial" than actually "free", which is sort of problematic given the investment in learning that any powerful software tool requires.
:
:Another Google search that may be useful is "spice circuit analysis". SPICE has been around for decades and may have evolved into something that has a useful schematic capture "front end"- I can't say, since the last time I needed to use SPICE was 1978.
:
:Rich
:
:::Could someone recommend a free program for drawing schematics for beginners please.
:::
::= = = = = = = =
::
::The answer depends on what you want to do with the schematics that you create. If you just want to have a computer-based drawing that you can archive and modify, a drawing program like Windows Paint (which isn't technically "free" but comes with Windows) works fine. In fact, as an EE it's what I use for recording new design concepts, from signal flow diagrams to detailed electronic circuits.
::
::However, if you want to leverage having a computer-based schematic into the ability to create a printed circuit card, you will need a much more sophisticated program that can actually perform "schematic capture". These programs tend to have a steep learning curve (many tool rules/conventions to learn and use) but are necessary if you want to produce something other than a picture.
::
::Try Googling "free schematic capture software". I did, and got several hits. However, the one that I clicked on was more of a "free trial" than actually "free", which is sort of problematic given the investment in learning that any powerful software tool requires.
::
::Another Google search that may be useful is "spice circuit analysis". SPICE has been around for decades and may have evolved into something that has a useful schematic capture "front end"- I can't say, since the last time I needed to use SPICE was 1978.
::
:
: