Topband: "4nec2" Antenna Modeling

[Tom McDermott]

The help file that ships with 4NEC2 leaves a bit to be desired (4NEC2.rtf, 4NEC2.hlp).
The supplied help just tells you what the buttons do, it does not provide you with a "step-by-step guide for the first time user". I've seen a more friendly manual for it floating around that is written in a step-by-step fashion, but it got lost in a recent hard-drive crash, and I've not been able to find it using google. Maybe someone on this list has a link.
 
If you are familiar with NEC2 then the learning curve is not at all steep for 4NEC2 - took me about 4 or 5 hours to get quite proficient with it. If you are not knowledgeble about NEC2 antenna modeling, then it will take longer (as with any modeling package, not just 4NEC2). The key is that 4NEC2 just has a lot of buttons, until you know what the buttons do, it's hard to get started. Once you do, it's super quick and efficient to run.
 
4NEC2 is extremely strong in graphical model construction, automated generation of radials, grids, shapes, etc. Easy duplication, translation, and movement of wire segments, etc.
 
-- Tom, N5EG