Hello to all!.......New to forum - Electronic Circuits Projects Diagrams Free

Stovebolter · 3rd February 2008, 04:13 PM

I'm new to this forum and overall, new to the more recent technology. I took a 2 year Electromechanical Technology course at our local junior college. That was nearly 15 years ago. Wow. Things have definitely changed. I've been working in the telco field for a long time now (in outside plant as a lineman). For an lineman, a telephone circuit is simply put....the most basic of all circuits. Just extremely long. LOL's. Now I'm finding it necessary to relearn much of what I learned years ago so I can move forward. I've made a change in job title (transport/specials technician) and find that I'm in need of a refresher on a lot of subjects. And have also found that a lot has changed. Duh! I have some questions. I hope this is the correct place to ask?

What is a PIC? I assume it is software for designing circuits and debugging them before building one physically?

Are there any software programs that are real basic? I am trying to apply much of what I know and intend to learn toward my hobby.....hot rods. Right now I'm trying to design a single momentary switched circuit (start/stop) to latch a relay, or two. It will have to be done in three phases. Pressing button once will latch the ignition relay and fuel pump relay and keep it on until the third phase. Pressing the button twice and holding it will engage the start solonoid relay until released. Pressing the button the third time will release the latched relay in the first phase via a normally closed switch in the latching portion of the first relay and then reset. I am thinking I will have to learn again about timers and or a counter. I've been up all night trying to figure this out. Can someone help? I'd appreciate it.

It stinks learning something....not using it for years....and forgetting most of it....only finding later that soo much has been added. LOL's! But that would be my fault.

Dave

Pommie · 3rd February 2008, 04:23 PM

Hi Dave,

Welcome, it's 1AM here and so I'm going to bed but I'm sure there will be lot's of posters that will answer your questions.

Again, Welcome.

Mike.

Stovebolter · 3rd February 2008, 04:23 PM

Am I suppose to have this in a different section?

**Nigel Goodwin** · 3rd February 2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stovebolter

What is a PIC? I assume it is software for designing circuits and debugging them before building one physically?

No, it's a complete programmable 'computer' in a single cheap chip, you can program it to do huge amounts of things, and replace boards full of normal circuitry.

Pommie · 3rd February 2008, 04:28 PM

No, I think introductions like yours are acceptable in any forum area.

You should take into account that at quiet times there may be only 1 post per hour.

Mike.

Stovebolter · 3rd February 2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

No, it's a complete programmable 'computer' in a single cheap chip, you can program it to do huge amounts of things, and replace boards full of normal circuitry.

Do you have any suggestions for a simple software program for building basic circuits? I've been looking on CNET's site for a simple easy to use free program to get me started. Then later as I grow....upgrade. There are soo many. Not sure what to use.

I'll be working mostly in relays, timers, and counters. I just found a couple of my old basic electronics books. Got to remember. We just got a start in Windows when I graduated. I have no trouble getting around on the keyboard and internet but havent applied it to electronic circuits.

Any ideas? I'm all ears.

Dave

Stovebolter · 3rd February 2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pommie

No, I think introductions like yours are acceptable in any forum area.

You should take into account that at quiet times there may be only 1 post per hour.

Mike.

Thanks Mike. I will keep that in mind. I'm on several hot rod related forums so I know to be patient.

Dave

**Nigel Goodwin** · 3rd February 2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stovebolter

Do you have any suggestions for a simple software program for building basic circuits? I've been looking on CNET's site for a simple easy to use free program to get me started. Then later as I grow....upgrade. There are soo many. Not sure what to use.

Never use them, electronics is about wires and components, not about playing computer 'games'.

Hero999 · 3rd February 2008, 05:00 PM

SIMs can be handy for comlecated filters, switch mode power supplies, amplifiers and oscillators but that's about it. They also neglect many things such as parasitic inductance, capacitance, resistance and component tollerences.

Most circuits don't need simulating, you design by calculating the correct component values and programming IC and they work.

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3rd February 2008, 04:13 PM	#1
Stovebolter	Hello to all!.......New to forum I'm new to this forum and overall, new to the more recent technology. I took a 2 year Electromechanical Technology course at our local junior college. That was nearly 15 years ago. Wow. Things have definitely changed. I've been working in the telco field for a long time now (in outside plant as a lineman). For an lineman, a telephone circuit is simply put....the most basic of all circuits. Just extremely long. LOL's. Now I'm finding it necessary to relearn much of what I learned years ago so I can move forward. I've made a change in job title (transport/specials technician) and find that I'm in need of a refresher on a lot of subjects. And have also found that a lot has changed. Duh! I have some questions. I hope this is the correct place to ask? What is a PIC? I assume it is software for designing circuits and debugging them before building one physically? Are there any software programs that are real basic? I am trying to apply much of what I know and intend to learn toward my hobby.....hot rods. Right now I'm trying to design a single momentary switched circuit (start/stop) to latch a relay, or two. It will have to be done in three phases. Pressing button once will latch the ignition relay and fuel pump relay and keep it on until the third phase. Pressing the button twice and holding it will engage the start solonoid relay until released. Pressing the button the third time will release the latched relay in the first phase via a normally closed switch in the latching portion of the first relay and then reset. I am thinking I will have to learn again about timers and or a counter. I've been up all night trying to figure this out. Can someone help? I'd appreciate it. It stinks learning something....not using it for years....and forgetting most of it....only finding later that soo much has been added. LOL's! But that would be my fault. Dave

3rd February 2008, 04:23 PM	#2
Pommie	Hi Dave, Welcome, it's 1AM here and so I'm going to bed but I'm sure there will be lot's of posters that will answer your questions. Again, Welcome. Mike.

3rd February 2008, 04:28 PM	#5
Pommie	No, I think introductions like yours are acceptable in any forum area. You should take into account that at quiet times there may be only 1 post per hour. Mike.

3rd February 2008, 05:00 PM	#9
Hero999	SIMs can be handy for comlecated filters, switch mode power supplies, amplifiers and oscillators but that's about it. They also neglect many things such as parasitic inductance, capacitance, resistance and component tollerences. Most circuits don't need simulating, you design by calculating the correct component values and programming IC and they work. __________________ I do not answer private messages asking for help because no one else can: benefit from advice I may give or correct me if I'm wrong. Please ask on the open forum if you have a question and I'll be happy to help, if I know the answer.