CAD program?

[brandonnash]

What are the popular (and easy easy to use) CAD programs everyone is using for designing their subs and other speakers? If there are any that are freeware that would be a plus too. When I said easy to use, I've never worked with CAD before. The only CAD I have worked with is what we have at work. Computer Aided Dispatch. 911 dispatch.

[JCD]

Depending on what you're trying to do, Google Sketchup is supposed to be relatively easy to learn and it's free.

I haven't used it, so I can't guarantee that, but it's something I've heard.

JCD

[aceinc]

I am interested in the answer to this as well.

I haven't heard CAD used in conjuntion with 911 since I left Metro Dade County PD in about 1977.

I couple of questions that may come up as you decide what software you will get are;

1) Do you want to design the cabinet to the point it can be shipped off to a CNC machine, or are you just trying to get a rough idea as to what it will look like?

3) Do you need 3D modeling?

4) Do you need an exploded parts list? or cut list?

5) What tradeoff's in flexibility are you willing to make for ease of use? Generally the easier software is to use, the less flexibility it will have.

Paul

[brandonnash]

Good questions.

1-Trying to get an idea of what it will look like and help keep it in my head the dimensions

2-You didn't have a #2 question

3-3d modeling...would prefer it. I like the way it looks.

4-both, but mainly cut list.

5-I'll just probably need the easiest there is at first to try and learn it. I would like to one day be able to make one of those mock ups of my future dedicated theater room.

Good to know there are other law enforcement people on this sight. We use a really good CAD system for our 911 center. Very efficient, but extremely high learning curve. Just started doing that in 2000 and we've been through 3 system upgrades and the newer one seems best.

Where is SW Ranches in Florida? Going down to Treasure Island, FL next weekend and if I drive by I'll give a good honk for you.

[aceinc]

As JCD pointed out Google Sketchup will allow you to easily model boxes. I have played with it for a couple of hours and it can easily allow you to draw 3D shapes. I am sure it has quite a few more capabilities than I have investigated. I suspect that it does not do cut lists, but I am not sure...

I am hoping to find something better, or how better to use what I have.

Sorry about the missing question.

Paul

[drf]

Unless you are interested in a steep learning curve for little gain then there is only one answer:

MSpaint.

I have 2 different versions of autoCad and the learning curve on those is fairly steep. MS paint on thte otherhand is free, easy and really it's not that much of a problem to draw exploded or per item plans for one-off projects.

And take it from someone who has trouble getting there head around new software, google scetch up is easy to use. heres my first attempt ever:

[brandonnash]

I think I'll try that google scketchup when I get a bit more time to sit down and play with it. It sounds like it may be a winner...initially.

[BoomieMCT]

For 2D drawings I often use Microsoft Powerpoint because it is easy to use and comes with Office. By having a scale you can set shapes for specific sizes and move them around easily so see how everything fits.

I am experienced in using Autocad and Truespace but for most things Powerpoint is faster and easier.

[htnut12]

I just downloaded Google sketchup and it seems pretty intuitive. Only played with it for five minutes and drew up a nice two speaker cabinet.

I usually just do the drawing in my head and cut the parts I need.

[JCD]

drf wrote:

Unless you are interested in a steep learning curve for little gain then there is only one answer:

MSpaint.

I have 2 different versions of autoCad and the learning curve on those is fairly steep. MS paint on thte otherhand is free, easy and really it's not that much of a problem to draw exploded or per item plans for one-off projects.

And take it from someone who has trouble getting there head around new software, google scetch up is easy to use. heres my first attempt ever:

Wow, that's way better than what I was able to do. How did you get the speaker like that? I probably should go through the tutorial...


JCD

[drf]

I just searched the google library for a model of the driver I wanted.

Heres a 12" driver, you can just resize it in sketchup to make it whatever you want:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehou...5b&prevstart=0