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SOFTWARE TOOLS |
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CAD (computer aided drafting)
Many years ago, I purchased Generic CAD at Chico State. This was an early program that came in very handy.
But I now have AutoCad 14.
The general type of work for AutoCad is drafting. All drafting work was done at home on the weekends on my own time for my company and others.
One layer is wireing.
One layer is walls.
One layer is underground.
One layer is towers.
etc.
Layers can be viewed seperatly, or overlaid.
But there is a more valuble type of work...
CAD CIRCUIT BOARD FABRICATION
Another area for CAD is the production of Cards. I have produced several types of cards;
all having to do with my remote control systems. One must know, ahead of time, the exact components that will be
used on the card.
Then, one drafts out the front and back sides for holes and circuit traces.
One also needs to draft out label layers for silk-screening.
After the CAD work, the entire process is
automated, including cutting the fiberglass and drilling the holes.
Circuit board fabrication, although dedious, is ultimately
very gratifying; first conceiving of something in your mind, then fabricating,
and then have it materialize in a form that you can touch and see in
operation.
It is like an extension of yourself contained in this little plastic box; busy turning things on and off.
It is part you, but it has an animated life of it's own. And you breathed life into it!
Another tool is RF field study.
In late 2002, I purchased ComStudy from Radio Soft for about $5000:
a great purchase, giving my company the capability of seeing RF patterns very quickly.
Years ago, I had to calculate these same
values by hand - which was a very laborious task.
This software tool was worth every penny.
Of all the software tools at work, I choose this tool as one of my favorites.
ASSEMBLY AND PROGRAMMING
This work was done at home...
Microchip supplied this program - a most wonderfull program.
I have had absolutley no problems with Microchips languages or programers.
If you are interested in controlling machinery and devices,
then this company is the biggest, the best, and the easiest.
I love this company; but, I guess, I already said that.
You need additional hardware specks and code.
HIGH LEVEL PROGRAMMING
You must be able to interface low-level assembly, hardware, and firmware to people.
This means high-level languages.
For Servers...
For the Net...
Long ago...
I took Fortran in school; Science kids took Fortran, and business kids took Cobol.
Then came the high-level, general-language series of Basic...
In the 1980s this was the highest language possible; and my favorite: PDS-7.
And a low-level language: MASM 6.11
MANUFACTORS PROGRAMS
Many manufactors give - for free - programs to help you calculate
what equipment can serve you best, including performance calculations.
These can be great, thrifty aids.
My programs
My Mathematical SWR equation
"...by knowing the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge."
Ephesians 3:19