Yenka - freebie software for electronics design

[ge_rik]

Yenka is an educational simulation which enables you to design and experiment with electrical and electronics circuits on screen. Circuits can be represented as diagrams and/or with components. These can then be translated into PCB circuit boards. It can also simulate simple ICs (eg 555) and logic circuits and there is a simulation of PIC and Picaxe programming.

Here's an example of my first experiments with an LED circuit, following from some previous posts on the forum.

All this comes as a free download provided it's not used in school or for commercial purposes

http://www.yenka.com/en/Free_home_licences/

I've not had chance to play with it fully and I'm using it to further my knowledge and understanding of electronics - so I can't assess its accuracy or full potential. Maybe some of our more electronics minded colleagues can give it a better test-run.

I have no association with the company but have used its previous incarnation (croc-clips) in a former life for teaching young kids about basic electrical circuits. I'd be interested in others' reactions to it. Hopefully it will help me gain a better understanding of this dark art??

Rik

 

[Tony]

Thats brillent !!!!!! To start with then does anyone know how i would start to design a simple electronic speed controler to power a brushless motor

Tony

 

[nicebutdim]

Thanks for that, I've been trying to find circuit software for a while

 

[ge_rik]

BTW - there's a series of short videos helping you get started with Yenka technology. Also helps give a flavour of the software and how it works:

Wiring components together - http://www.yenka.com/content/item.a...m/content/search.action?pageSize=10&pageNum=1 < Link To http://www.yenka.com/cont...eSize=10&pageNum=1

Rik

 

[UKSGR]

I've just started using this for programming picaxe chips. My cleaning loco DCC board blew up and I'm replacing it with a Massoth board and a picaxe chip to run the cleaning motor and lights. I'll be able to switch on the flashing lights without the cleaning for other MOW duties. I found it easey to use but I do have an electronics background.

 

[ge_rik]

I've just started using this for programming picaxe chips. My cleaning loco DCC board blew up and I'm replacing it with a Massoth board and a picaxe chip to run the cleaning motor and lights. I'll be able to switch on the flashing lights without the cleaning for other MOW duties. I found it easey to use but I do have an electronics background.

Thanks Paul

It's reassuring to hear that the software is useful for more than just very basic stuff. Thanks for the feedback

Rik

 

[Madman]

About the Yenka program; I downloaded it as per instructions. However, it says that it it not to be used between the hours of 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM. So it will not allow me to get the licience. Any thoughts????

 

[ntpntpntp]

Maybe it thinks that's school time? Looking at the version licences, there are some restrictions on not using the free version for commercial schooling. You should be at school, laddie!

<edit>
Free home licences


Even if you're not a student or a teacher, we're currently happy for you to use all of our Yenka software free of charge at home, outside of school hours.
However, please note that this licence is only for private, personal use - you can't use it for any commercial purposes, including private tutoring.
</edit>

 

[ge_rik]

So far, I've only used it during the evenings so not had a problem - maybe it checks the computer's clock on startup and restricts access if during school hours - a bit of a nuisance - but then it is free

Be interesting to see if it knows when schools are on vacation

Rik

 

[UKSGR]

I don't think I've been restricted by time for using it. It does ask where I am whenever I run it.

 

[tramcar trev]

Thats brillent !!!!!! To start with then does anyone know how i would start to design a simple electronic speed controler to power a brushless motor

Tony

Your wish is my command: http://www.dprg.org/tutorials/2005-11a/index.html

 

[tramcar trev]

Will be interesting to see if it works in the Antipodes....

 

[gregh]

Thats brillent !!!!!! To start with then does anyone know how i would start to design a simple electronic speed controler to power a brushless motor

Tony

Your wish is my command: http://www.dprg.org/tutorials/2005-11a/index.html

Sorry Trev, but that PWM only works on brushED motors, doesn't it? Tony asked for a brushLESS.
And sorry Tony too. I think 'simple' and 'brushless controller' is an oxymoron. You need very complicated electronics to turn dc into 3 phase ac. I'd suggest you just buy one. Maybe this one.....
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9107 < Link To http://www.hobbyking.com/...tem.asp?idProduct=9107

 

[tramcar trev]

The wireless one we have discussed at length works on brushless fans. I tried on an 80mm brushless fan motor..... I'm an amateur at this but I thought that it would not matter much as the speed is controlled by the width of the "ON" pulse.... So brushed, brushless a LED or whatever its the speed at which it is turned on and off.....

Heaps of cheap PWM controllers on eBay too; http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_...w=pwm+motor+control&_sacat=See-All-Categories


Ok the penny has dropped Tony is talking about a mains powered electric motor not a 12VDC brushless motor... Delete all reference.....