Edited by Leslie Gordon
The
drawings were then sent to an in-house architect
for transfer to CAD software. This process took a
long time, and often left out many important details.
But it was not feasible for me to learn CAD.
For one thing, most of the software is expensive.
And it requires a lot of training to use properly. Instead,
we needed reliable, easy-to-use software for
creating professional looking diagrams.
An Internet search turned up SmartDraw. It
seemed easier to use than other drawing programs.
Perhaps most important, the program provides
thousands of symbols and templates for creating
diagrams, including useful templates for electrical
engineering. The software has a user-friendly
interface, drag-and-drop drawing symbols, and lots of helpful tips and tutorials that quickly teach
novice users the basics.
SmartDraw also includes libraries that include
almost all symbols or graphics one would ever need
to make electrical-engineering drawings. The program
also includes what are called SmartPanels.
The panel for electrical engineering walks users
step-by-step through the task of creating an electrical-
engineering diagram.
What’s more, the program includes features that
simplify creating and presenting complex diagrams.
For example, a “line-hops” feature can be used to
show when wires or lines cross, but do not connect.
Also appreciated is the capability to print interlinking
pages so drawings correctly connect together.
The software’s ease of use and powerful features
let even a novice such as myself create high-quality
diagrams. In a short time, I was building basic schematics.
Soon after, drawings got quite detailed and
descriptive.
And here’s another advantage of not making
hand drawings. When designers previously made
a mistake, the drawings were useless and had to be
thrown away. SmartDraw lets me pump-out out detailed
and accurate diagrams in just 2 hours. In fact,
I can complete all the schematics before finishing installing the electronics. That is the way it should
be. The software makes it easier to keep up with
vessels as they are being built, instead of delivering
drawings to owners after boats are shipped.
The program has improved the quality of our
work. For instance, it’s helpful to print out drawings
that help other electricians perform installations
independently. Previously, a supervisor was always
required to oversee projects.
After seeing SmartDraw in action, coworkers
asked me to draw different diagrams, such as for
fuel and piping. So I started everyone on it, with
almost no instruction. The software has become the
tool of choice, and saves hours of work. And here’s
another benefit -- the boat owners love the visually
attractive drawings. Download a free, 30-day trial
version from the developer’s Web site at smartdraw.com.
The software comes from SmartDraw, 9909 Mira
Mesa Blvd., Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92131
— Billy Gill
Gill is a marine electrician at American Custom
Yachts in Stuart, Fla.