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

From: Kevin Aylward (salesEXTRACT_at_anasoft.co.uk)
Date: 11/29/04 

Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 17:31:48 GMT

David L. Jones wrote:
> 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.
>
> Someones gotta say it... :->
>
> Forget simulation software. The best way to learn is to get yourself
> the following:
> - A multimeter
> - An oscilloscope
> - A function generator
> - A breadboard
> - A bunch of components.
>
> Then build stuff, you'll learn a lot more - really.
> You said it yourself, you don't have enough "hands-on" experience.
> Software ain't hands-on.

>
> If you *really* want sofwtare, try something purpose designed here:
> http://www.emona.com.au/catalogue/Section_23/index.html
> I think I have seen them on ebay too.

EWB is crap and essentially useless. Its that sort of software that
literally forced me to write my own as I wasn't about to pay several
$1000 for PSpice.

>
> Forget the "spice" type packages, they are not suitable for beginners.
> Regards
> Dave :)

I disagree completly. Of course I strongly agree that there is no
substitute for hands on experience. I myself stated with electronic kits
at the age of 11. The real world gets you a feel that is most certainly
missing in simulation software. However...my opinion is that spice is
still a wonderful complement for beginners. It allows essentially, 95%
of the real world to be fully accounted for. There is so much you can
effectively do in spice and not keep blowing up components. The proof of
this is that in pro i.c design some can regularly ship 1st time product
on first past, and these can be very large circuits. *Today*, one
doesn't have to practise in the real world to learn how to do things in
the real world, flight simulators are proof of this.

Most arguments on not using spice are from, the well I didn't start that
way, so it aint goanna be useful. The world has moved on. One needs to
change ones mind set. For me, it would have been great to have had spice
all those years ago.

Kevin Aylward
salesEXTRACT@anasoft.co.uk
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

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