cad

[alasdair]

Does anyone know a well known site where I can buy a decent cad system?

[Flippt]

I'm assuming you mean 3D CAD?

Here is a list of (some) free programs you can use.
http://www.freebyte.com/cad/cad.htm#2D3DCADSystems

As for starter, I would recommend Sketchup.

But if you got loads of cash lying around, you can buy Solidworks or Pro-egineer.

[slurp]

Here's two options from the professional market, one 2D the other 3D.


http://www.solidedge.com/free2d/


http://www.cocreate.com/free

I hope this helps.

best regards,
Colin

[BeligerAnt]

I use the free version of Alibre

http://www.alibre.com

It comes with some very easy to follow tutorials (worth working through!), works as a full version for 30 days, then is limited to assemblies of 10 unique parts.

The parts limit is not as bad as it seems, I modelled RONNY using the following parts:
Chassis
Wheel (x2)
Motor (x2)
Speed Controller (x2)
Receiver
Battery
Switch
Flipper Arm
Flipper Link
Flipper Servo

If you run out of parts, you can merge parts to make one new part, e.g. Chassis + Motors + Wheels + Switch
You can then add 9 more parts to the assembly.

There are a few features you don't get in the limited version, such as sheet metal parts and shelling of solids, but you do get them in the 30-day trial.

I have found it much easier to use than Sketchup, and even though I don't use it very often, it was very quick to model the new Antlifter to ensure it would fit in the cube. 8)

[malivoirec]

I guess you cannot go wrong with eithe Pro desktop or pro engineer

[alasdair]

If the alibre that beliger ant showed works on xp I will probably go with that.

[James]

I use the free version of Alibre on Xp and it works fine.