Computer alternative to Smith Chart?
I think that is the engineer in you speaking!
I find the Smith Chart interesting as a tool. I am more interested in
how it works while you are interested in what it is good for!
My desk drawers still contain a couple of slide rules, a polar
planimeter, a drafting set and a Kurta Calculator. In spite of being
surrounded by an assortment of computers, I keep a good battery in my
HP Calculator and I remain fond of nomograms.
The Smith Chart is a tool. I cannot possibly have too many tools...
Of course I have archived the programs at g4fgq as well...
We could quit teaching Calculus as well, Computers make quick work of
graphic solutions!
On Tue, 11 Jul 2006 17:28:24 +0100, "Reg Edwards"
wrote:
The Smith Chart was only of any use at HF and above. That's what it
was invented for. Fine for radio amateurs who only use the HF bands
and above. It followed on from previous, more complicated Victorian
Age charts to ease calculations involving complex Hyperbolic
functions. Very good while it lasted.
Small, dedicated computer programs these days are more accurate and
time saving than charts and their 'what-if' operating procedures are
much more educational.
But I appreciate the sentimental attachment, indeed affection, many
old timers have for the good old Smith Chart. By all means carry on
using them.
----
Reg.
John Ferrell W8CCW
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