I use a 2D graphing program called Grapher by Golden Software. I used
it professionally on a number of occassions for creating flow charts,
diagrams, etc. I bought my own copy and use it part to maintain my EV
wiring schematic and controller board layout. This is commercial
software package but it has some advantages:
1) I can group wires and components into functions such as head lights,
electronic motor (ICE) control wiring, horn, smart stick functions,
brakes, etc.
2) I can instantly turn off and on those various functions to see if any
of the wires should belong (not be cut or pulled) with respect to other
functions.
3) From the black and white shop manual, I have color coded wires based
on the shop manual labels so I don't go batty trying to trace out black
lines. For instance, I have yellow wires with a white stripe and white
wires with a yellow stripe. Not easy to see on white paper or a white
monitor back ground. In order to see them, I lay down a wide black
base. Then a white or yellow main color followed by a narrower black
base followed by a yellow or white stripe.
4) The program allows me to add mid points, move points, delete points,
change wire widths so that green with a yellow stripe doesn't blur into
blue, etc.
5) I can block select areas, then pick and choose an item to edit.
6) I had a 2' x 3' diagram printed at a nearby office supply store that
turned out well.
7) I created a separate to scale layout of my controller board and all
the major pieces such as contactors, controller, pot box, Anderson
connectors, relays, wires, terminals, DC/DC converter, etc. I assembled
the pieces as separate lines and curves and then combined them with
labels. I cut the pieces out and moved them around by hand. It helped
to create what I consider to be a well laid out controller board.
To me, the downside is that it is commercial $$oftware and I would love
to convert it to Open Source. I have not found a format converter yet
nor a 2D program to take its place but have not looked lately. I plan
on following up on suggestions here.
I have not posted either diagram publicly. If interested in a PDF,
please email me off line. Suggestions for posting would be appreciated.
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