Review of DesignCAD (Version 3.0), The Easy to Use CAD System
                       Copyright 1988 David W. Batterson


     Only a few years ago, CAD software cost thousands of dollars, and was used
only by very large companies, such as auto makers and the aerospace industry. 
Now there are dozens of such programs around, some of them selling for less
than $100.  DesignCAD lists for $299 but is heavily discounted by mailorder
companies.
     Although DesignCAD will run on a 2-floppy system with a minimum of 512K,
it is certainly NOT recommended.  And even on an XT clone with hard drive, it
is going to be a bit slow.  Therefore an AT or 386 clone, or IBM PS/2, with
640K is the best configuration.  The manual advises that a math co-processor
(not required) "will result in a 20-40% increase in drawing speed."
     The package comes with two program disks, one regular and one for use
with math co-processor only.  There's a total of nine disks, so we're not
talking a low-end product here; three of them are just for the symbols used by
engineers, architects and designers.
     DesignCAD is compatible with other CAD and desktop publishing software, by
means of the multiple file transfer utilities.
     Files can be imported in the IGES format (the national CAD standard), in
DXF (AutoCAD's format), HPGL (HP Plotter Language), X-Y-Z coordinate files, and
of course ASCII text files.  Files can be transferred to both GEM format
(Ventura Publisher) and PostScript.
     Using the configuration program, you can output to virtually ANY dot
matrix printer or plotter, and naturally to all laser printers.  You can use
either mouse or digitizing tablet for input device.  Keyboard input is
supported but is a bit clumsy, so forget it.
     CAD programs are nothing like PC Paintbrush and similar graphics software;
they can do a lot more.  For purposes of the review, I played around with it
for many hours and days, doing many experimental drawings.
     Even with an ordinary dot matrix printer, the results are amazing and
result in very high resolution drawings.  According to your particular printer,
the print-quality options are normal, high, and very high resolution.  Since
the last setting takes a L--O--N--G time, use normal or high for test
printings, saving very high for the final product.
     One of my test drawings looked pretty snazzy using a 24-pin printer.  Then
I tried it using the NEC LC860+ laser class printer I had on loan to review. 
My eyes about popped out when I saw the results.  One test drawing provided on
disk--the F18 Hornet--took about an hour to print on the NEC.  Why?--because
the program outputs a huge amount of data, and literally millions of "dots" are
sent to the printer for the complex drawings.
     Printing can be done in different scales, and the drawing can be printed
out in normal mode (sideways on the page) or rotated 90 degrees.
     I particularly enjoyed how you can import ASCII text and manipulate it on
screen.  You can stretch it out, increase/decrease its size, make it at any
angle including 90 degrees, and use a choice of three fonts.  When you print
out the result, you don't get any jaggies either.
     You can likewise type text directly, and change it in the same manner as
importing text.  Drawing capability is so versatile that with talent and
patience, you can make superb drawings.  Don't plan on knocking out the design
for the next space station in 20 minutes, however.
     Because it is indeed a sophisticated and full-featured program, there are
so many commands to learn, such as "plot, dimension angle, intersect, block
mirror, arc-3, ortho line, vector ellipse," and so on.  So I'm not sure if I
would want to label DesignCAD as "easy."  I spent quite a bit of time in
intense trial-and-error sessions, and I didn't BEGIN to master it.
     On-screen help is available, and the manual isn't bad (although more
illustrations would help one to learn all the commands and techniques).
Luckily there is a Quick Reference card to keep handy.
     There are over 500 symbols, including electronic and electric symbols,
lamps, cabinets, trusses and joists, concrete piers, columns, windows, bath
fixtures, plants, tables, chairs, appliances, and much more.  These can be
resized easily with no loss of display or print quality.  You also get 39
commonly-used hatching patterns.
     One use for DesignCAD that one might want to explore would be for
designing office and workspace layouts.  This is just what the doc ordered for
truly professional results.
     Architects, landscape designers, interior decorators, space planners,
graphic artists and anyone else who requires outstanding drawings can put it to
great use.
                                      ###
David W. Batterson is a writer, editor and desktop publisher.  He dabbles in
art, and would rather doodle on a screen than watch tall guys play basketball. 
Send e-mail via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.