Control Panel Template - SmartDraw

[purpletele]

Control Panels have been a very difficult procedure for me in the past.  I would hand draw things and have friends draft it in CAD or similar. 

I have been looking into a drafting program for light commercial construction as well as Amplifier design drawings.  Visio is the obvious choice but the reviews of the latest edition were slightly negative due to bug, glitches, cost and edition interface issues.

I have been down the road with paid versions of programs not interfacing with newer additions and also having to pay full retail price for a new addition is uncomfortable at best, but I do appreciate Bill Gates and his capitalistic view on copyright.

I read reviews of SmartDraw and called the office to speak with someone about its capabilities.  I was impressed with the knowledge and subtle confidence about their program and company.

I invested in one license and I have another license pending.  I had asked for some specific help on Faceplates via an online submittal, within an hour I had a response and that turned into a phone call.  Jeff at SD developed a quick video for me that was quite informative.

I spent probably four hours getting the hang of the program while I worked on this the attached Control Panel.

I am now pretty impressed with its capabilities and I did utilize Sluckey's Shapes, the raw hole templates.  It worked well and I can how easy it will be to add more shapes.

The program has a Visio Export button so they are serious about general interface with other programs.

Here is the link to the video sent to me as well as a pdf of my afternoon's work.

Hello Brian,

I have created a short video (no sound) on utilizing SmartDraw to create something like that. This should help you get started:
https://www.screencast.com/t/cN6vXgnh

[ https://www.screencast.com/t/cN6vXgnh  ]



If you have any other questions about this or need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to email or call.

Thank you,

Jeffrey O.
Customer Support
SmartDraw Software, LLC
(858) 225-3300 (phone)
(858) 225-3385 (fax)
email: support@smartdraw.com

I was impressed with the support and the results are exactly what I was looking for.  I give it a thumbs up after 4-5 hours or learning and producing.

[Ed_Chambley]

Took a demo ride. Like other programs for development that is vector based. It does import export. Vsd and exports svg which in some instances will create a CNC compatable. Metafiles are typically requested for CNC which I was not able to export from using the online demo. Maybe with the desktop version?


Subscription base. Seems to be nice. I would speculate in the Visio app, most users are not updated to the latest version. I have the latst verion installed on one computer and seems to be issue free. I still use Visio 2007 simply becuse I have a corporate version with unlimited use. I got it for 35 dollars and can use it on as many computers as I wish. It will do much more than I need for electonics.


I always consider when the top selling point is compatbility with another software that it is that software that sets the standard. I don't see Microsoft promoting Visio to be better by saying you can import Smart Draw and if Smart Draw does begin to capture a high percentage of Visio sales Microsoft has ways of getting it back like buying their competition. You do not have to make the best software, just make sure you have no competition,  Netscape, Word Perfect....... Etc.


Adobe is good at this business model as well.


Still, most folks can use freeware. Inkscape and Express. There are a ton of fine schematics and layouts that are Express and you cannot even copy to a clipboad. There are many ways to skin a cat, but I have noticed the chepest way is preferred.

[purpletele]

Took a demo ride. Like other programs for development that is vector based. It does import export. Vsd and exports svg which in some instances will create a CNC compatable. Metafiles are typically requested for CNC which I was not able to export from using the online demo. Maybe with the desktop version?


Subscription base. Seems to be nice. I would speculate in the Visio app, most users are not updated to the latest version. I have the latst verion installed on one computer and seems to be issue free. I still use Visio 2007 simply becuse I have a corporate version with unlimited use. I got it for 35 dollars and can use it on as many computers as I wish. It will do much more than I need for electonics.


I always consider when the top selling point is compatbility with another software that it is that software that sets the standard. I don't see Microsoft promoting Visio to be better by saying you can import Smart Draw and if Smart Draw does begin to capture a high percentage of Visio sales Microsoft has ways of getting it back like buying their competition. You do not have to make the best software, just make sure you have no competition,  Netscape, Word Perfect....... Etc.


Adobe is good at this business model as well.


Still, most folks can use freeware. Inkscape and Express. There are a ton of fine schematics and layouts that are Express and you cannot even copy to a clipboad. There are many ways to skin a cat, but I have noticed the chepest way is preferred.

Ed,

Thanks for the reply, I am glad that you are taking a look at the program at least for advice.  I still have buyers remorse, but then I just looked at the MS Store and the price which was reasonable, but the posts reviewing the product were not encouraging, still.

I am also glad to hear that you do not have any issues with your version.

So I checked a few things. 

1. It does export two different metafiles, so that sounds positive.

2. It does import Visio Shapes, which is nice but then all of the resistors from Sluckey's file has blown up on me and that is frustrating.  The same with the Tube sockets, those shapes were obviously important for me and I didn't want to try to rebuild shapes.  So that is a phone call and a few hours of work that I was hoping would not be required.

3. I may run a trial version of Visio and see how it interfaces. I'll wait to see how SmartDraw handles the importing issues before I make a move.  Also my desktop machine crashes when I import Viso files which has Malwarebytes and my laptop does not.  My laptop imported shapes seamlessly, except for exploding resistors.

4. Unfortunately I think I needed to buy a program and learn a bit about it before I could understand what works and doesn't work.

One way or another it's import for me to keep learning how to draw details well.

Thanks Ed,

BV

[Ed_Chambley]

I don't see any need or buyers remorse. One thing you are getting support that you will not get from MS. I am not a fan of Microsoft products, but being a graphic designer from the time we used crayons to the release of Mac through the mac clone days when apple was going out of business up until curreent day I have seen lots of superior software be replaced by products that were not as good.


The big advantage of your purchase is mobile access and I did read on the site you could export metafiles. Often since vectors basically points, you a copy from one page to another program page and then save the shape after grouping. Postscript intepretion is standard, so if you install Visio 7 you probably can copy to Smart Draw.


You should be able to get shapes copied. I know from Visio I can copy to Illustrator with only color shifts, but they maintain editable points.


I am not sure, but Autocad by autodesk is the program in conjunction with a the electrical package would be the engineers tool. I have used autocad, but it is way overkill for simple circuits.

[purpletele]

I don't see any need or buyers remorse. One thing you are getting support that you will not get from MS. I am not a fan of Microsoft products, but being a graphic designer from the time we used crayons to the release of Mac through the mac clone days when apple was going out of business up until curreent day I have seen lots of superior software be replaced by products that were not as good.


The big advantage of your purchase is mobile access and I did read on the site you could export metafiles. Often since vectors basically points, you a copy from one page to another program page and then save the shape after grouping. Postscript intepretion is standard, so if you install Visio 7 you probably can copy to Smart Draw.


You should be able to get shapes copied. I know from Visio I can copy to Illustrator with only color shifts, but they maintain editable points.


I am not sure, but Autocad by autodesk is the program in conjunction with a the electrical package would be the engineers tool. I have used autocad, but it is way overkill for simple circuits.

Ed,

I downloaded the trial version of Visio again and the copied in Sluckey's shapes as well as someone else's info that was posted publicly.

Wow, I feel like I have been wrestling the importing and errors on the shapes all weekend.  I loaded the Visio trial and bingo I can grab shapes easily from everywhere.

I didn't want to go through all of the import formatting, etc..  I think I may see about a Mulligan from sales.

This will be an interesting transaction

[Ed_Chambley]

I don't see any need or buyers remorse. One thing you are getting support that you will not get from MS. I am not a fan of Microsoft products, but being a graphic designer from the time we used crayons to the release of Mac through the mac clone days when apple was going out of business up until curreent day I have seen lots of superior software be replaced by products that were not as good.


The big advantage of your purchase is mobile access and I did read on the site you could export metafiles. Often since vectors basically points, you a copy from one page to another program page and then save the shape after grouping. Postscript intepretion is standard, so if you install Visio 7 you probably can copy to Smart Draw.


You should be able to get shapes copied. I know from Visio I can copy to Illustrator with only color shifts, but they maintain editable points.


I am not sure, but Autocad by autodesk is the program in conjunction with a the electrical package would be the engineers tool. I have used autocad, but it is way overkill for simple circuits.

Ed,

I downloaded the trial version of Visio again and the copied in Sluckey's shapes as well as someone else's info that was posted publicly.

Wow, I feel like I have been wrestling the importing and errors on the shapes all weekend.  I loaded the Visio trial and bingo I can grab shapes easily from everywhere.

I didn't want to go through all of the import formatting, etc..  I think I may see about a Mulligan from sales.

This will be an interesting transaction

They plainly claim the import of shapes and stencils.  To me this means it imports into a workable format.  You have a real complaint so you should get refunded if it does not work as they say.  However, software is the only business I know of where the user finds the problems with the products and provides feedback so the bugs can be fixed.

[purpletele]

I don't see any need or buyers remorse. One thing you are getting support that you will not get from MS. I am not a fan of Microsoft products, but being a graphic designer from the time we used crayons to the release of Mac through the mac clone days when apple was going out of business up until curreent day I have seen lots of superior software be replaced by products that were not as good.


The big advantage of your purchase is mobile access and I did read on the site you could export metafiles. Often since vectors basically points, you a copy from one page to another program page and then save the shape after grouping. Postscript intepretion is standard, so if you install Visio 7 you probably can copy to Smart Draw.


You should be able to get shapes copied. I know from Visio I can copy to Illustrator with only color shifts, but they maintain editable points.


I am not sure, but Autocad by autodesk is the program in conjunction with a the electrical package would be the engineers tool. I have used autocad, but it is way overkill for simple circuits.

Ed,

I downloaded the trial version of Visio again and the copied in Sluckey's shapes as well as someone else's info that was posted publicly.

Wow, I feel like I have been wrestling the importing and errors on the shapes all weekend.  I loaded the Visio trial and bingo I can grab shapes easily from everywhere.

I didn't want to go through all of the import formatting, etc..  I think I may see about a Mulligan from sales.

This will be an interesting transaction

They plainly claim the import of shapes and stencils.  To me this means it imports into a workable format.  You have a real complaint so you should get refunded if it does not work as they say.  However, software is the only business I know of where the user finds the problems with the products and provides feedback so the bugs can be fixed.

Support is on it, so I have to say that is cool.

However the look and feel of Visio is probably more of my style.  We'll se tomorrow.

Thanks for your wisdom

[purpletele]

Okay,

Now I remember exactly why I chose to not go with Visio, it doesn't jive with Office 2013. 

What a strange dilemma

See comments and response below.



NOT COMPATIBLE WITH OFFICE 2013
This product is not compatible with office 2013. I wish I knew this before I bought it.


✘ No, I do not recommend this product.
7 people found this review helpful.
1 person did not find this review helpful.
Helpful?
Yes · 7
7 people found this review helpful. Click to agree.
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Response from Microsoft:
TanyaS  · Microsoft Store · 3 months ago  

Hello,
Yes - unfortunately at this time Visio 2016 is not compatible with previous versions of Office, which is actually stated on the product page. Below the 'Buy and download now' button, it states 'If you install on the same device as an Office 2013 suite or Visio 2013, the product will be uninstalled. Visit: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Error-Stop-you-should-wait-to-install-Office-2016-We-ll-have-to-remove-the-following-if-you-continue-a225347f-e102-4ea6-9796-5d1ac5220c3b for more info.

 
★★★★★
★★★★★
1 out of 5 stars.
Trav E · 3 months ago  

[purpletele]

I don't see any need or buyers remorse. One thing you are getting support that you will not get from MS. I am not a fan of Microsoft products, but being a graphic designer from the time we used crayons to the release of Mac through the mac clone days when apple was going out of business up until curreent day I have seen lots of superior software be replaced by products that were not as good.


The big advantage of your purchase is mobile access and I did read on the site you could export metafiles. Often since vectors basically points, you a copy from one page to another program page and then save the shape after grouping. Postscript intepretion is standard, so if you install Visio 7 you probably can copy to Smart Draw.


You should be able to get shapes copied. I know from Visio I can copy to Illustrator with only color shifts, but they maintain editable points.


I am not sure, but Autocad by autodesk is the program in conjunction with a the electrical package would be the engineers tool. I have used autocad, but it is way overkill for simple circuits.

Ed,

I downloaded the trial version of Visio again and the copied in Sluckey's shapes as well as someone else's info that was posted publicly.

Wow, I feel like I have been wrestling the importing and errors on the shapes all weekend.  I loaded the Visio trial and bingo I can grab shapes easily from everywhere.

I didn't want to go through all of the import formatting, etc..  I think I may see about a Mulligan from sales.

This will be an interesting transaction

They plainly claim the import of shapes and stencils.  To me this means it imports into a workable format.  You have a real complaint so you should get refunded if it does not work as they say.  However, software is the only business I know of where the user finds the problems with the products and provides feedback so the bugs can be fixed.

Follow Up:

8:00 AM

1. Canceled SmartDraw.  I think it is a good company and the program worked seamlessly except for importing Shapes.  I think it could be resolved, but you cannot develop new shapes. 

2. Bought Visio 2013.  $168, smooth process.  Wouldn't load.  Cancelled got a refund.

3. Ordered another version out of haste.  Zing!! No phone number, bogus BS.  Got burned.  Stop payment, etc.

4. Tried another MS registered affiliate company.  The Tech told me that Microsoft has resolved the conflict issues with Visio 2016 and Office 2013. 

5. We loaded the software with a remote session.  Everything indicated a conflict.  We went around it by running as an administrator and then some other magic.

6. 2:45 PM  I finally have a freaking program that I can manipulate the library of Amp parts.  Wow,  some carnage to clean up.

I hope it prints!

[sluckey]

All my shapes were created with version 2003, 2007, and 2010. Maybe I should take them offline if there are issues with later versions of Visio. I really don't think my shapes are the problem though.

[purpletele]

All my shapes were created with version 2003, 2007, and 2010. Maybe I should take them offline if there are issues with later versions of Visio. I really don't think my shapes are the problem though.

Steve,

There are no problems with your shapes at all. 

I took a strange journey to get what I needed, which was the latest version of Visio, which I now have and seem to be functioning.

Everything has to be a process with Microsoft products, it seems that once you work out the issues then things run well for quite a while.

Hopefully I am there now.

BV

[DummyLoad]

zero issues here. running 2010 pro.  addendum: win7 64bit.


--pete

[timbertoes]

try Draftsight.  Autocad clone. free and a paid version is cheap. 

[purpletele]

try Draftsight.  Autocad clone. free and a paid version is cheap.

Thanks TT,

I am settled on Visio 2016.  It is working well.  I have it loaded on two computers without issues.