Electrical software

[nathanb]

Does anyone have a copy of the ECIR but for a domestic installation like the old PIRs? What is your views on software companies

Amtech?
Easy cert?
Castline?
Megger?
Click (NICEIC)

thanks​

 

[Short Circuit]

If you are only doing domestic, i would be going for Castline - it does what you need and more importantly is free! I use Amtech as i do a fair bit commercial, and once you get into how to use it, its actually worth the money! Cant believe i just said that as it is expensive - but in fairness it is! Luckily i paid the extra for the updates which means when the forms change i'll get them to replace the others! Have heard mixed reviews re Megger and NICEIC stuff, and from memory i think most of it was bad! Not sure about Easy Cert. When you ask for a copy of the old PIR's - what format do you mean?

 

[Short Circuit]

this guy seems to think Easy Cert is better, might be worth finding out a little more before you buy it http://www.electriciansforums.net/i...-installations/42531-easy-cert-fast-test.html

 

[Octopus]

I use Castline and got it when it was free. I think its been taken off their site pending an upgrade.

If you can't find it, PM with your details and I'll post you a DVD with it on as I kept the download file!

 

[Deleted member 19807]

I use Castline and got it when it was free. I think its been taken off their site pending an upgrade.

If you can't find it, PM with your details and I'll post you a DVD with it on as I kept the download file!

formfill is still available free from their web site.

I am currently using easycert but am a bit annoyed that when my pda broke i had to pay easycert £60 for a support contract before i could load it on my new pda even though i had already paid for the program and did not need any updates.

 

[Octopus]

formfill is still available free from their web site.

I am currently using easycert but am a bit annoyed that when my pda broke i had to pay easycert £60 for a support contract before i could load it on my new pda even though i had already paid for the program and did not need any updates.

Yes I agree and its the new version - however the "old version" which was free included the PIR forms - the new version, as far as I can see doesn't, and you have to go for the £199.00 version to get that!

 

[nathanb]

Thanks we currently have 15 licences of Amtech v2008 and have been using this well without having to buy updates or support for the last 4 years. Amtech has had its issues in the past but as were moving to all electronic certs its good and works well and it was one of the first to let you do so. We carry out approx 1200 domestic and 100 commercial tests and I'm looking to increasing this so its vital i get the best. Restore - export is vital as the QS has to input all the zips. After 2008 Amtech changed their data base configuration, so you cant reatore an old reoprt into a new verion of Amtech ( amtech say you can but have yet to show me how and are avoiding the question) As you know buildings need retesting so say large schools save lots of time if you can restore that data in....not results though !!

Currently there is a standard 6 page periodic but there also a domestic periodic 3 page, for the new ECIR I've only seen the 9 page version to replace the 6 page PIR no domestic yet.

I dont like the NICEIC Clik as you still pay for serial numbers ...why? plus we spend far too much with them and now moving to MCS we will be spending even more!!!

 

[patchman21]

Thanks we currently have 15 licences of Amtech v2008 and have been using this well without having to buy updates or support for the last 4 years. Amtech has had its issues in the past but as were moving to all electronic certs its good and works well and it was one of the first to let you do so. We carry out approx 1200 domestic and 100 commercial tests and I'm looking to increasing this so its vital i get the best. Restore - export is vital as the QS has to input all the zips. After 2008 Amtech changed their data base configuration, so you cant reatore an old reoprt into a new verion of Amtech ( amtech say you can but have yet to show me how and are avoiding the question) As you know buildings need retesting so say large schools save lots of time if you can restore that data in....not results though !!

Currently there is a standard 6 page periodic but there also a domestic periodic 3 page, for the new ECIR I've only seen the 9 page version to replace the 6 page PIR no domestic yet.

I dont like the NICEIC Clik as you still pay for serial numbers ...why? plus we spend far too much with them and now moving to MCS we will be spending even more!!!

The 2012 FastTest will contain the new Electrical installation Condition Report (EICR) this will be a default 6 page certificate. Pages 1&2 are detail pages, pages 3&4 will contain the schedule as stated in BS7671 Amnd 1 and 5&6 will be the board circuit details and test results. Each board (including the first) will have a schedule attached to allow the relevant codes/comments etc. You can choose whether to print this section of the report (with 1 board not generating its own continuation sheets this will add up to 9 pages) or not (6 pages)
This report can be used for domestic or commercial reporting as stated in the regs.

The original PIR will remain in its current form in the software.

P.S. If you still have access to your FastTest pro 2008 you can export a Client/installation. This will generate a zip file. Extract the .mdb file it contains and then in FastTest plus/pro 2009/10/11 use the option File > Migration browse to the .mdb file and start the migration. This will merge that data with your current data. As always it would be wise to backup your data first.

Hope this helps.

 

[martybissonette]

This new version will make lots of change in the method of working and make lots of things easy. This is quite user friendly as compare to the old versions.

 

[victoria stiles]

The software allows electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently on a design and share design changes. Electrical CAD software is used to integrate electrical systems and designing complex interconnect wiring and harnesses in high technology products such as cars, planes, and trains.

 

[DBL_Electrical]

I wonder if you’ll be interested that we are currently trialling a free software called Trades-Buddy which is soon being released, it has so many great features like texting automatic text messages to my customers and engineers. The job can be updated via ANY mobile phone and it creates invoices. The best thing about it is that it’s FREE. You just pay for the texts. It’s not available yet, but will be ready for general release in about two months.

We have looked at lots of software - this is so simple to use yet so effective. It’s saving me a fortune!

 

[Darkwood]

To Note this thread is a few yrs old and secondly if you wish to use the forum as a platform to promote your wears can you engage with the admin' and like everyone else has to - become a site sponsor!

This is true of most forums ... you don't get owt for nowt in this world.... not sure what world you live in to assume this... check the forum rules again!!