Author Topic: Introduction - PLEASE READ  (Read 142 times)

MC12

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Introduction - PLEASE READ
« on: February 05, 2021, 08:30:16 pm »
Greetings.

The purpose of this forum is to build a self-help group of Micro-Cap 12 users.  I was looking for help myself and couldn't find a discussion group, so decided the best way forward was to set one up.  Forums are a great way for exchanging tips and pooling knowledge.

I know there's only me here at the moment, which might make people less interested in registering, but even Facebook had to start somewhere!  If you have any interest in Micro-Cap at all, please don't hesitate to sign up.  I will make sure there are no bad manners (unlike Facebook!), and whether you are an absolute beginner needing help and encouragement, or have more experience able to offer help and encouragement, being part of a community with a common interest is always beneficial.

As I don't know how successful this is likely to be, I have used a free forum host - which means adverts, and the possibility of the forum disappearing with no notice.  I'm sorry about that, let's hope it doesn't happen.  Storage for images and file attachments is also limited.  Once we have a few members established, perhaps we can decide between us what the best way is to future-proof.

What Is Micro-Cap 12?

It's unlikely you've stumbled here by accident, but just in case:

Micro-Cap is an electronics schematic capture and simulation application for Windows.  That means you can use it to draw a circuit diagram, and test your design by simulating its operation.  Apart from the circuit diagram and the simulation results, the outputs are a "net list" (which can be input into a PCB design package) and a "bill of materials" (BOM) for ordering parts.

Written by Spectrum Software, Micro-Cap originated way back in 1980 and is now at version 12.  It is a fully professional EDA (Engineering Design Automation) package which cost thousands of pounds to licence, but has now been made available for free because the people behind it have decided to retire.

That's not so good for professional users, because there is no longer support available - but it's great for amateurs and retired professionals (I'm in both camps!) because we get access to software we wouldn't otherwise be able to justify the cost for. 

Software like MC12 is not easy to just pick up and use, newcomers will need a bit of support and guidance, which is the reason for this forum.  I'm a newbie to MC12 but at least I've made a start and can help other newcomers.  Meanwhile, I hope some more experienced users might join in.

For more information see the Spectrum Software website: http://www.spectrum-soft.com/index.shtm (broken link).  Micro-Cap 12 is a free download, instructions here: https://mc12.createaforum.com/micro-cap-12-tutorials/installing-mc12/.

Forum Rules

I'm sorry, but we have to have rules so that it is clear what will happen if somebody breaks them.  By using this forum you agree to abide by these rules (or suffer the consequences).
  • This is not a place for general chat.  Keep it on the subject of Micro-Cap, and within the declared subject of the particular thread.  If you wish to discuss a different aspect of Micro-Cap use than is covered by the title, start a new thread.  Moderators will ensure chat remains on-topic (or at least within reasonable bounds - I don't want to be a kill-joy), and users must not take offence if threads are "curated" - ie split off and/or retitled, with the motive of making information easier to find.
  • There will be no flaming, foul language, spamming, or any other conduct contrary to promoting technical discussion between Micro-Cap users in a cordial manner.  Enforcement shall include, but not be limited to: editing posts to correct or remove offensive content; deletion of posts and/or threads; temporary or permanent suspension of user accounts.
  • Moderators may be appointed by the Administrator to assist with curation and enforcement.
  • The decision of the Administrator shall be final under all circumstances.
  • No material posted on a public forum (including this one), whether in the form of text, images, or attached files, can be considered in any way copyright, as it would be impractical to enforce.  If you wish to retain copyright: don't post it.  If the material is subject to copyright for which you are not the responsible party: don't post it.  The Administrator accepts no liability for breach of copyright by third parties, but will remove material on request by the rightful copyright holder provided it was not posted by them in the first place.
  • Material posted may be re-used within the forum (eg for the compilation of summary information), but will be credited to the original author wherever practicable.
I should also point out that if conduct becomes unruly, there is every chance the forum will be summarily terminated by the host - so it is in our best interests to ensure it doesn't, and I encourage users to report offensive content so that it comes to the moderators' attention quickly.

With all that understood, welcome aboard and I hope we can all gain some benefit from discussion here.

MC12

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Re: Introduction - PLEASE READ
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2021, 08:35:51 pm »
Kindly introduce yourself by posting a new thread in this section of the forum.