On 13 Feb, 22:20, "Black Sheep"
wrote:
I am looking to purchase some antenna modeling software.
Can anyone make a suggestion as to which one they think is the best,
easiest to use and best value for the money.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account fromhttp://www.teranews.com

I would buy only programs that allow for variables in dimensions such
that the program can migrate towards more advantageous models. I
really see no advantage purchasing a program that solely determines
the merits of a model
that you alone have put together. The variable dimension forms tho
more expensive than the standard forms are now comming down in price
tho one in South Africa is still in the four figure range for
unlimited pulses and variable dimensions but there are some that are a
lot less expensive as more algorithms come to the fore.
Art

On Feb 14, 8:18 am, "art" wrote:
On 13 Feb, 22:20, "Black Sheep"
wrote:

I am looking to purchase some antenna modeling software.
Can anyone make a suggestion as to which one they think is the best,
easiest to use and best value for the money.
Have you tried the free/demo version of EZNEC? "How To Use" that
antenna modeling program is well described in in HAM publications by guys
like Cebik http://www.cebik.com/amod/amod103.html. It is easy to
use even without outside assistance. I'd like to know why every ham with
antenna interest doesnt have a copy of EZNEC. Try the moseling
software at http://www.eznec.com/ then, if you have time, tell me
why it isnt of interest to you.


I would buy only programs that allow for variables in dimensions such
that the program can migrate towards more advantageous models.


I'm partial to 4nec2 (which is free) which uses the standard NEC2
engine underneath. It has variables and optimizers as well. It can
also fire up the NEC4 engine, if you have a copy of it.

While I wouldn't insist that hams use EZNEC, I do think that if you're
interested in antenna design, SOME modeling program is worth fooling
with. Original vanilla NEC is a bit archaic in it's interface
(punched cards and line printer output) but there's lots of front and
back ends (e.g. EZNEC, 4nec2, MultiNEC (from AC6LA), SuperNEC, etc.)
Some are free, some cost a little, some cost a lot. If you wind up
having to model BIG things (thousands of segments, dielectric media,
etc), then the pricier products are easier and faster. Most hams are
modeling things that are well represented by wires, so all the Method
of Moment (MoM) codes, of which NEC is an example, work pretty well.

On Wed, 14 Feb 2007 09:23:04 -0800, jimlux wrote:

On Feb 14, 8:18 am, "art" wrote:
On 13 Feb, 22:20, "Black Sheep"
wrote:

I am looking to purchase some antenna modeling software.
Can anyone make a suggestion as to which one they think is the best,
easiest to use and best value for the money.
Have you tried the free/demo version of EZNEC? "How To Use" that
antenna modeling program is well described in in HAM publications by guys
like Cebik http://www.cebik.com/amod/amod103.html. It is easy to
use even without outside assistance. I'd like to know why every ham with
antenna interest doesnt have a copy of EZNEC. Try the moseling
software at http://www.eznec.com/ then, if you have time, tell me
why it isnt of interest to you.


I would buy only programs that allow for variables in dimensions such
that the program can migrate towards more advantageous models.


I'm partial to 4nec2 (which is free) which uses the standard NEC2
engine underneath. It has variables and optimizers as well. It can
also fire up the NEC4 engine, if you have a copy of it.

While I wouldn't insist that hams use EZNEC, I do think that if you're
interested in antenna design, SOME modeling program is worth fooling
with. Original vanilla NEC is a bit archaic in it's interface
(punched cards and line printer output) but there's lots of front and
back ends (e.g. EZNEC, 4nec2, MultiNEC (from AC6LA), SuperNEC, etc.)
Some are free, some cost a little, some cost a lot. If you wind up
having to model BIG things (thousands of segments, dielectric media,
etc), then the pricier products are easier and faster. Most hams are
modeling things that are well represented by wires, so all the Method
of Moment (MoM) codes, of which NEC is an example, work pretty well.


I suppose any good modeling program would work for amateur antennas.
What I would appreciate is a good as to which one you like and why.
Recommend the one you like best to me. I am willing to spend up to $150
for good modeling software. Easy to understand and use would be important.

Its my understanding that the author of EZNEC hangs out in this group, I
wish he would put his 2 cents in also.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

I suppose any good modeling program would work for amateur antennas.
What I would appreciate is a good as to which one you like and why.
Recommend the one you like best to me. I am willing to spend up to $150
for good modeling software. Easy to understand and use would be important.

Its my understanding that the author of EZNEC hangs out in this group, I
wish he would put his 2 cents in also.

Try NEC-Win Plus at $150. www.nittany-scientific.com

Frank

Frank's wrote:
. . .
Its my understanding that the author of EZNEC hangs out in this group, I
wish he would put his 2 cents in also.

Sorry, I've been otherwise occupied lately.

Also, I don't generally comment in threads asking for software
recommendations except occasionally to answer a factual question or
correct the rare factually false statement, because the poster wants and
should get unbiased opinions from users rather than the invariably
biased opinions from developers and sellers.

As you can see from the responses, there are many choices, each with
advantages and disadvantages, and the same choice isn't best for
everyone. The only comment I'll make about EZNEC here is that anyone who
does purchase it and isn't completely satisfied will get a prompt and
full refund.

I do, however, believe very strongly in the power of computer modeling
in general, and will readily recommend that anyone interested in
learning more about antennas get some sort of modeling program.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

On 14 Feb, 08:18, "art" wrote:
On 13 Feb, 22:20, "Black Sheep"
wrote:

I am looking to purchase some antenna modeling software.
Can anyone make a suggestion as to which one they think is the best,
easiest to use and best value for the money.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account fromhttp://www.teranews.com

I would buy only programs that allow for variables in dimensions such
that the program can migrate towards more advantageous models. I
really see no advantage purchasing a program that solely determines
the merits of a model
that you alone have put together. The variable dimension forms tho
more expensive than the standard forms are now comming down in price
tho one in South Africa is still in the four figure range for
unlimited pulses and variable dimensions but there are some that are a
lot less expensive as more algorithms come to the fore.
Art

I just remembered that with respect to that expensive South African
program that if you were a student you would be eligable to purchase
it for a period of one year for about $80 which may well allow you the
time to choose a more applicible purchase for your needs
Art