Can anyone recommend a good alternative to ORCAD – something cheaper or even free? I’m mostly just interested in doing circuit and wiring diagrams, and less interested in creating PCB layouts (though that would be nice, too).
I know of something that might work, I paid less than $20 for it on eBay, IIRC. It’s called “Engineering 2000” and has oodles of programs on it related to engineering, including programs for circuits and wiring diagrams. I’ve not played with any of them, so I don’t know how easy they are to use. (I’ve used some of the others, though, and they work okay. Haven’t tried the Timex/Sinclair 1000 emulator or the TRS-80 emulators, yet.)
I haven’t personally used it, but Express PCB includes a schematic drawing package that might fit your needs, and the cost is pretty good (it’s free).
I don’t know how good it is, but a lot of people recommend it. I personally use Protel, which is in about the same price range as Orcad.