Software

[Alistair D]

I'm looking for links to programs that members find useful while repairing or building projects. So far I have a couple of meter scaling programs, some CAD and Vero CAD. My list will include what platform it runs on so is not restricted to Windows.

TIA

Al

[Mike Watterson]

Inkscape (Vector)
The Gimp
(both Windows & Linux, not sure about Mac). I've created missing parts of veneer by photo with ruler scale, clone edit in Gimp and laser print. I've created meter scales in Inkscape and The Gimp (rescaled scans of AVO VCM163 for replacement meters).

I don't think much of Vero CAD. You can simulate stripboard easily in any decent schematic + PCB package.

Schematic Capture and less often PCB
I use Eagle for historical reasons. Though there is a Linux version, I run it under WINE to use my old Windows licence key. I have valve libraries I can share.
Also LibreCAD and KiCad

I use LTspice (works fine under WINE).
Scilab (Linux and I think Windows). Free version of Matlab
Various utilities from Duncan Amps allow quick adaptation of Valve PSUs to replace valves and/or chokes.

Various audio I/O programs that replace signal generators, scopes, spectrum analysers, distortion meters. Obviously only up to less than 1/2 the sound card sample rate. I use a decent external audio USB adaptor rather than sound card / Mobo chip. Some suitable free audio apps on Android too.

[Alistair D]

Thanks for that Mike. The main reason I included VeroCAD s that it is very easy to use. One of my thoughts for this list is to include programs that beginners can their teeth into.

Al

[Amie]

Inductance calculator, useful small program, 25k, note: link will upload zip.

http://zpostbox.ru/INDUCTOR.zip

I run it on XP.

Site has other features, and collections of mostly radio oriented information.

Have others I use on an old computer at home, but miles away at the moment.

Regards,
Amie.

[Old Sparky]

When I clicked on the link, Annie, all I got was an 'error loading' message.

[Amie]

When I clicked on the link, Annie, all I got was an  'error loading'  message.

Try directly from the site, I think the security certificate has expired, that may be why it didn't work

http://zpostbox.ru/index_e.html

Thanks,
Amie.

[BusyBee]

I use Gimp too although it is a bit involved.  I have used LTspice too. Although I don't use a lot, Microsoft Visual Studio Community Edition is useful for programming. It is freely available (or was last I checked). I have one project in C++ with it. A point to note though is that it has the full environment and options so it can get a bit involved for novice programmers.

There are a number of other applications that I have but, thinking more in terms of what I use regularly,  Coil 32 (now Coil64 is the latest with no future update of Coil32) for tuned circuit calculation and Notepad++ for basic code editing are very good. I use Windows and never really looked for other platforms.

https://coil32.net/download-coil64-for-windows.html

https://notepad-plus-plus.org/

Tracy

[BusyBee]

I am not familar with the zpostbox site Amie, but have bookmarked it as it does look interesting. Thank you

Tracy

[Old Sparky]

Your second link works OK,. Annie, Thanks. Like Tracy (BusyBee) I've Bookmarked it. I may also Bookmark your two links, Tracy.

[BusyBee]

Just for reference, if anyone is interested, I downloaded and installed the latest Visual Studio which was only released a short while ago (Visual Studio 2019). The community edition is still free for individual use. It does require a Microsoft account but this is covered by having Windows software registration / Hotmail account.

https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/

Tracy