Recommended Software

Useful software for electronic design and simulation, and for everyday use--and it's all free.

	LTspice IV Circuit Design and Simulation Software - Free Although there's no substitute for actually building circuits, simulation software can help you to lay out schematic diagrams, and design, and test with speed and ease. Included in this download are over 200 op-amp models, as well as resistors, transistors, and other components, and it's all free. Highly recommended.
	EZNEC Antenna Design and Simulation Software -- Free Version This is the full EZNEC antenna design and simulation program with all of the features and a complete on-line manual. The only difference between this free version and the standard programs is that this version allows only 20 antenna segments, which limits the complexity of antenna you can analyze. Even with the 20 segment limit, however, the demo program does a very respectable job of analyzing a two-element quad, two- and four-element phased vertical arrays, a simple Yagi, a W8JK, and many other antennas -- including ones you create from scratch. You'll find this program interesting and educational, and you'll get many useful tips about antennas and modeling from the extensive on-line manual. Give it a try. It has no time limit or other restrictions, and it's free! You can read about antenna modeling software's capabilities and limitations in MININEC: The Other Edge of the Sword, a great article written by the designer.
	FreeMind Mind Mapping Software -- Free FreeMind mind mapping software is as fun and interesting to use as it is useful. Much better than doodling ideas on the back of an envelope. Highly recommended.