I am searching for a cost effective software program that I can do block diagram's and signal flow.  This is so I can chart out equipment racks.  Anyone know of any good programs out there?  Does anyone else do this?

Kerry

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"I would rather be lost on the lake than found at home"

At work, I use Visio. But I wouldn't call that cost effective.

How about MS Paint? 

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Stefan

2008 275CCR 496MAG B3
"Arosa"

Kerry,

You are not alone, we do this on a daily basis. 

We utilize Visio for this. We have tried a few others, but this seems to be the best option so far.

Some manufacturer's offfer free stencils in both Visio and CAD, as well, if you want to get really carried away. 

I also use Visio for block diagrams, but if you're looking for a cheap alternative, do a diagram in Excel. You can use predefined shapes and actually do a decent diagram without buying a new program, assuming you're a Windows guy!

(I know you're a windows guy - I've caught you trying to look in mine before!!)

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Crownline Airlines 2001 202BR with WakeAir tower

Good idea Kyle, I will explore that.  As a matter of fact, when do you go away next?  I need to look into some windows.  LOL!!!!!!!

Kerry

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"I would rather be lost on the lake than found at home"

If you have the drawing toolbar (I think?) turned on, you should have the autoshapes tool at the bottom of the page. You can add in blocks for components, use arrows to show flow, etc. If it's just for basic flow, it's not a bad tool.

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Crownline Airlines 2001 202BR with WakeAir tower

Word has a drawing tool bar too... i usually create the shapes I want etc size and all and then just copy them over and over and over, and drag'em all over the document. Using a construction line to keep them all lined up.  I use order function to put the line in the background, behind the shapes by moving it to the Back. On the shapes, prior to copying them, i goto the Shape defaults, layout tab and hit the advanced button.  I uncheck the text anchor, so that way they can float around.  Then i put the lines in... and select them all and group them.  By grouping them, I can resize it as an object and fit it onto page or procedure etc.  just my geeky advise... that is embarrassing

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High Life
2004 "slightly modified" 270BR
5.7 GXi DP
Port of Highland, IL

"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but having the perspective to dance in the rain."