I've traced knit sewing patterns onto the Brother Knit Leader (minus the sewing seam allowance) and have found it works pretty good.

PDF sewing patterns printed with the home computer/printer can be useful in the KR7. Just print out the sewing pattern at 50%, tape it together as for the normal size and trace that form unto a KR7 sheet. This works quite well. I purchased an original used set of KR7 sheets on Ebay and traced right over the preprinted green ink with black marker.

I have used both. DAK is much more expensive but does so much more and is definitely my preferred option.

I have the brother knit leader (actually a couple of them) one for my standard and one on my chunky machine. I've been working with them since the early 90's and love it. Haven't tried DAK, but I have read about it and need to do a bit more research

I have a KR6 (as of three weeks ago) which I use with a Knitmaster E-302, and I love it.I don't have the mounting bracket, so I simply have it on the table behind the main needle bed, and after each row I turn the advance knob on a click. This slows me down a little (which is good, I reckon) and allows me to back track easily. I have knitted without the Knitradar, but find this way of knitting far more relaxing. It has upped my skills and my productivity at a stroke

I love my punchcard machine with the knitradar for simplicity. Alternatively I got more used to my DAK with interactive knitting for the silver reed sk 840. I nearly never knit without one of these charting devices.

I would not be without my DAK 9 charting device. It changed my entire approach to knitting. I rarely use written patterns anymore. I'm forever designing and changing patterns. Chopping up, and turning patterns is a simple process now.

I use an excel file. I have to type the row number I see on the mechanical row counter, then all cells representing the stitches on that row number and below change color, so I can easily see what I have to do on the next row - similar to the image aboc showing designakit.

preparation is to draw the pattern or put the symbols in the cells for the needle positions. (my knitting machine is 100% manual - no electricity needed)

Years ago I used Toyota KNIT TRACER. These devices are great, but for me 2 negatives: 1) copying the pattern (full size) was a little tiring to the back. 2) you have to remember to record row count on the pattern or somewhere, so that increases & decreases, armholes, sleeves, etc are the same. The advancing of the pattern is such that it can be interpreted differently. I imagine this is true for the other brand devices, whether full scale, 1/2 or quarter scale. I currently have DAK & love it, precise & accurate.