[CQ-Contest] Antenna modeling software

[teijo.murtovaara at netikka.fi]

Hello,

Contest season is starting and I need to do some antenna modeling.

I have  a couple of modeling programs by K6STI but I have not used them so much
anymore because they are DOS-based. I have had problems with the changing
colors so that it is nearly impossible to use the programs. I'm running a
Windows XP. I've tried even to run the programs in a virtual DOS in Vmware, but
it didn't help. I would not want to dedicate a computer just for DOS programs. I
don't like the idea of booting up my computer to DOS residing on the same
computer with my Windows XP neither.

Now I am planning to purchase a Windows based antenna modeling program. I would
like to hear some comments from the users (pros and cons). The progrmas that I
have considered are both NEC- and Mininec-based (EZNEC, NecWin, Antenna model
etc.). I should be able to model accurately yagi type of antennas and closely
spaced open sleeve configurations (tapered elements) on higher HF-frequencies
as well as wire antennas and vertically polarized antennas for the low bands
and antennas below the height of 0.2 wavelength. I might need to buy both
NEC-based and Mininec-based program to fullfill my goals.

Teijo OH6NIO