want to be able to simulate some very simple electronics - transistor, led, power supply, resistor, capacitor, variable resistor.

Ie try making something virtually and testing it out. Don't suppose anyone knows where i can get one do they?

My son used to have a thing from Maplins that had all that stuff on it.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=27408&criteria=Electronic%20Lab%20Kits&doy=18m4

[Edited on 18/4/06 by stevec]

Theres a little program called Crocodile Clips. I have a copy somewhere. If i can find it, i will send you a copy. How desperate are you for it? If you arent in too much of a hurry I can definately get you a copy in the next fortnight from home.

David

Crock clips is the one but I also dont have it here

I was after a PC based thing. Crocodile clips sounds ideal. I'm technically in no hurry but its something thats been bugging me for a last year or so ..... so I want it yesterday.

I'll hunt google for it and u2u me when you get home in case i still need it.

The version you will get free from google is too basic for what you want. I will get a full version copy sent up to me as soon as my parents get back from their holiday at the end of the week.

[Edited on 18/4/06 by flak monkey]

cool, already downloaded the free version (did it at work,didn't quite have the guts to install it tho.)

and now just installed it ........ no transistors looks like i do need the more advanced version.

Try going to www.labcenter.co.uk and downloading the demo version of proteus 6. It will simulate any circuit and provide allsorts of analysis. From memory the demo version won't let you save.

Forgot to add you use the ISIS part of the software when its installed, if you get stuck give us a U2U.

downloading now ...........

eeek, complicated. done a simple version of my circuit (User Interface isn't obvious)...

now how do i put in different values for my variable resistor?

To enter component values you need to:

right click on component to highlight red
left click to enter component properties ( dont right click twice you'll delete the component)

For a simple simulations picking active components will make life easier, and make sure you ground the circuit ( under inter-sheet terminal button on left)

For taking voltage and current reading use the probes on left.

Its profesional ECAD software so its not going to be the easist to master but you can get some good results with a littlle trial and error

yeah, been in component properties but where / what do i type to enter a value?

what do you mean about active components?

found out hte hard way about right clicking twice - bl**dy annoying.

grounding - i just added a battery and made the circuit return to it.

For a free but excellent spice based simulator, download SwitcherCad from Linear Technology (http://www.linear.com).

SPICE is an industry standard simulation package, and most component manufacturers will supply SPICE models for their parts so you can simulate much more accurately than having to rely on generic components.

There is a Yahoo based group for Switchercad as well if you need any help.


[Edited on 19/4/06 by MikeRJ]

Is MatLab any good??

I am a numpty on this sort of thing but Chris has a copy somewhere in the house if it's any good to you Mike?

Typing generic in to key words in the conponenet library will give you an easier set of parts to work with, the generic resistor model will allow you to change the resitance.

Active components such as varible resistor will allow you to adjust while running a simulation, you use an active model of an LED which will give you some idea if it will light and how bright.

Try using the dc source under generators( sinewave symbol on left) the neg leg of you circuit will need to be grounded, this will make you circuit as close to the real thing, if you start to use the battery you need to add resistance in series to account for the battery internal resitance.

[Edited on 19/4/06 by pigeon_uk]

MATLAB ............ NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOO

Used that on my degree [cough] years ago and NEVER again!

will have another go soon with isis.

When is chris about, need to talk to him about PIC as well ........ tell him to dump that 18 year old woman and mope about the house more!

Yeah, wouldnt go for MatLab for what u want. Would say crocodile clips is a better option, im sure you will be able to find a full version out there in the web.