AutoEZ (Automated use of EZNEC) is a separate application that can enhance the power of EZNEC by allowing variables to be used in place of or in addition to any numeric value found in any part of an EZNEC model, such as wire End 1/End 2 XYZ coordinates, the number of segments in a wire, the magnitude and/or phase of a voltage or current source, the R+jX or RLC values in a load or L network, or any other place where a number might be used. Such variables can then be automatically set to a range of values by doing a "variable" sweep in place of or in addition to a traditional "frequency" sweep. Among the many AutoEZ features are:
For existing EZNEC models, semi-automatic replacement of wire XYZ coordinate numeric values with variable names if desired.
An optimizer with the ability to optimize on any combination of SWR, feedpoint R/X, 2D pattern gain, pattern front/back, or pattern front/rear, all at one frequency or over a range of frequencies.
A Resonate button to automatically find the resonant frequency or adjust the dimensions of a model (such as dipole length or loop circumference) to achieve feedpoint resonance.
File translation: In addition to reading AutoEZ (.weq) and EZNEC (.ez) format model files, AutoEZ can read NEC (.nec or .inp), K6STI AO and NEC/Wires (.ant), MMANA-GAL (.maa), DXE Yagi Mechanical (.stm), K7NV Yagi Stress (.ys2), K6STI YO (.yag), and N6BV Yagi for Windows (.yw) format models. Some restrictions apply for other than AutoEZ and EZNEC formats. Any of these formats can be saved in either AutoEZ or EZNEC format, hence AutoEZ can be used to do "format translations" for many models.
Functions to create stepped diameter Yagi elements, loops (such as for quad antennas), radials, and wire grids. Variables may be used if desired.
Functions to Move, Copy, Rotate, or Scale wires with the ability to use a variable to control the operation.
Automatic temporary removal of all loss from the model (ground loss, wire loss, transmission line loss, etc.) followed by automatic calculation of 3D average gain as one way to judge the accuracy of the calculated results.
Automatic way to vary the segmentation of the model and then plot the change in feedpoint impedance and 2D pattern metrics as a way to judge if the calculated results have converged.
Dozens of illustrated examples from simple (show how a dipole feedpoint impedance varies as height above ground changes) to extremely complex (model a 4-square with hybrid coupler feed system as part of the model; model a SteppIR® Yagi with the wire ends "going around the trombone loops" as the frequency is changed). Model files are available for all examples to allow expanding on the scope of the example topic.
One-screen at-a-glance collection of the most frequently used charts (feedpoint R and X; feedpoint SWR; 2D pattern gain, front/back, front/rear) where the X axis of the charts can be frequency or a sweep of a variable value.
Automatic creation of High Pass Tee, Low Pass Pi, High Pass L, or Low Pass L impedance matching networks to be included with the model. Matching can be done for a single frequency or at multiple frequencies across a band or bands to see the range of component values required or to simulate an auto-tuner.
Automatic creation of series section (Regier) or shunt (parallel) stub transmission line matching solutions.
Built-in list of 100 different transmission lines to allow easy setting of frequency-agile Zo, VF, and loss field values for transmission lines.
2D radiation pattern chart in either polar or rectangular format. 2D plots can be for Total/Vert/Horz dBi or Far Field electric field strength or Near Field electric field strength.
Near Field electric or magnetic field strength 3D chart.
Custom chart to plot just about anything on the X axis vs just about anything on the Y axis. An Excel trendline can be added to do regression analysis on the charted data.
Free Demo version available with all the features of the standard program except limited to calculating models with no more than 30 segments.
The AutoEZ user interface is very similar to that of EZNEC and the communication and data sharing between the AutoEZ and EZNEC programs is automatic and completely transparent to the user. For more information see the Quick Start Guide, various Detailed Information sections, and the Collected Short Examples all starting at the AutoEZ home page.
I highly recommend purchasing AutoEZ and using it with EZNEC Pro+. It expands EZNEC Pro+'s capabilities immensely and it has excellent support.