Re: Software for a beginner to design and learn about circuits with?

From: Mark Jones (abuse_at_127.0.0.1)
Date: 11/29/04 

Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 02:11:55 -0500

msv-groups wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm interested in learning about circuitry as a hobby and to eventually
> create a few small projects that I had in mind, such as guitar pedals
> and a few audio devices, but obviously I have to start small.
>
> I'm somewhat competent with programming/mathematics, have some text
> books, and I do know a -little- analogue+digital circuit theory, but
> I've never had a real hands-on attempt by myself before so I'll be
> pretty much attacking this as though I know nothing.
>
> Can anyone recommend some software (free or cheap) that would be good
> for a beginner to use to learn about circuit behaviour and design some
> circuits with? Are there programs out there that actually allow you to
> drop in popular microcontrollers and model their behaviour as well?
>
> Thanks,
> Matt.

  Hi Matt, there are tons of packages out there. One I remeber
starting with was called Circuit Shop. Their page is
http://www.cherrywoodsystems.com/cshop1.htm . It's cheap, has a demo,
and will definately keep you experimenting into the wee hours of the
morning. There are full-feature packages too which will simulate all
aspects of microcontrollers and tri-state electronics, but they are
not cheap of course. One you might want to look into Proteus VSM from
http://labcenter.co.uk . Any major package has it's own discrete
learning curve, I'd say it would be best to try out as many demos as
you can then stick with the one you like the best (and never look
back.) Switching between EE apps is very difficult.

  p.s. nice choice of email client! :)

-M

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