Joe,
Any type (make) of CAD application will work great for what you plan to do - except the CAD program its self will only be used to create the reference materials themselves (drawings, schematics, pictorials), then exported to another application (like Powerpoint, Word, Photoshop, etc.).
Visio (and applications similar to it) might be able to function directly as the platform for a presentation (not requiring an image to be translated to raster, then exported), or thru VBA + Active X, can work in a multitask linked fashion, with a more commonly used presentation program (like Powerpoint).
Which ever method you choose for all this stuff should be both the most effective way possible (per your own needs), and be the most efficient for your time involved, doing all that is needed to go from A to Z (from drawing the first line on a schematic, to the final item compiled in the finished presentation).
AutoCAD is kind of a "Generic" CAD application, as far as the world of CAD stuff goes. There are "LT" versions of the AutoCAD programs, which cost a lot less than their full-blown counterparts. If you want to create only graphical resource material, then look into the LT versions. If you want to do power work, maybe consider the full versions.
There are several CAD applications which are widely used in the design and engineering fields. AutoCAD is one such name. Microstation, CADkey, IntelliCAD, PRO-E, and IRON CAD are others (Microstation is very popular with Architects, and can export files as .DWG - the standard AutoCAD drawing file format).
The version I use is Release 14. It works well for me, but I have heard good things about the 2000 release. This, plus the fact that more Architects using AutoCAD have the 2000 release, is making me take that plunge into purchasing the 2000 release. Just need the $2000 to buy it!
Items known as "Blocks", "Scripts" & "Shape Fonts", can be written by you or picked up anywhere on the net.
"Blocks" are what a symbol is prior to it being inserted into a drawing. You can write your own blocks or use someone elses blocks.
For technical drawings, I feel that a CAD type application is what you should use - as opposed to a graphical type program. The ease of drawing lines and plucking down blocks makes it the best choice overall.
I have some idea of the materials you will be presenting, which makes me think a CAD based application would be best suited for you.
Electric-Ed uses a CAD based application named "AutoSketch" (made by the Autodesk people - same people that make AutoCAD) for the drawings he posts here and at MHE. He draws them in Autosketch, then exports them to some graphic editing application (Paint Shop Pro, I believe).
As anyone has seen, He has compiled some rather clean looking images using the Autosketch program.
From what I hear about Autosketch, it's much cheaper than an AutoCAD version, plus it's easier to jump in and start drawing.
Since you have drafting experience, you understand the basic consepts, only there is a whole different way of drawing in a CAD enviroment as opposed to the paper world.
Both methods have equal accuracy - CAD is no more accurate than a hand drawn layout - and in the case of printed CAD work vs hand drawn stuff, the hand drawn plans may be more accurate! All depends on the accuracy of the person doing the drawing.
CAD applications have taken away the tedious, repetitive and logistics problems associated with hard copy work. Stuff like physically setting up a templated page (a default blank page with borders and note box taped to your drawing table), dealing with transparancies for page layers, keeping track of a multi page job worked on by 2 or more people, symbols libraries and drawing archives aren't such a big problem with CAD (if the job captain is sharp and the users are too!).
One of the most helpful changes will be no more backaches from working over a drafting table all day!!!
Trade the backaches with "Monitor Eye-Tis" (eye strain from excessive eye refocus).
If you like, contact me directly, so we can discuss this further.
P.S. If any of the schematics at the Tech area are useful to you, feel free to include them with your presentations!
One of these days I will be able to compile the many, many, many-many-many different "Packages" of references and lessons, designed towards electrical system installations and designs. Within these packages, any given scenario will be covered from start to finish. From how the permit is obtained, to walking through the job with the inspector for a final inspection - as many areas covered as possible!
Some packs will be specific to a certain tasks (like for instance, how to install a transformer or generator), others will be more indepth - like how to completely design and install a generator system (many detailed items), while others cover a complete project.
Want to produce these items for use as instructional stuff, and will have them posted here or through here (ECN) for use by ECN members as well.
Good luck
Scott35 s.e.t.
