MECAWind Software

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Pricing

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Engineers who are looking for an affordable software package to perform professional looking wind calculations are turning to MECAWind.  You don't have to decide on different modules and options, we sell one program at an affordable price of $170.  Every copy comes with a floating network option, which is suitable to share for up to 2 users.  If you require more users, we have 5 license package which is suitable to share for up to 10 users.  MECAWind is the best valued product available for wind load calculations.  

Software allows user to Specify ASCE 7-02, ASCE 7-05, or ASCE 7-10 (all three included).  

Additional Software Capabilities:

• Low Rise Provisions (< 60 ft)

• Considers Topographic Factors

• Simplified Procedure (Method 1) 

• Detailed Procedure (Method 2)

• Alternative C&C Method for Buildings 60 to 90 ft

• Automatically considers both orthogonal wind directions

• Toggle between US and Metric Units

 

There are many new features with ASCE 7-10
*	Wind Maps
*	Estimate Natural Frequency
*	Directional Method
*	Envelope Method
*	Diaphragm and Non-Diaphragm

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Pricing:

1)  During the maintenance period, the user receives free technical support and software updates.  Maintenance also includes support on the floating network option. 

2)  Once the maintenance has expired, the software will still be active; however, the user will not have technical support nor will free software updates be available.  Also, the floating network option will not be supported after maintenance has expired.  

Floating Network Option:
Each license entitles the customer to a floating network license.  This option allows multiple users to share a license.  Some conditions must be met:

1)  User must be connected to internet, while license transfer is occurring.
2)  MECAWind must not be blocked by a firewall.
3)  If one (1) license is purchased, then only one (1) user at a time can access the software.  Other users will not be able to access the software until the current user releases the license.
4)  Each user must set up the floating network option correctly. 

We want to provide you with realistic expectations for the floating network option, so here are the pro's and con's of the floating network option.  This option is powerful, but it is not maintenance free.  Here are some known problems and issues that can arise:

a)  All users must be set up correctly for the floating network option.  If they are not, then the other users cannot access the software.
b)  Although all users do not have to be at the same site, it does create a bit of a logistics problem if a user at one site does not close down the software correctly.  
c)  If the license is checked out and you cannot determine who has the license, then you have to contact Meca at support@mecaenterprises.com , and we can try to locate the user that has the license checked out.  
d)  There are instances where for some unknown reason (program crashes, network connection lost, etc..) that the license is not returned correctly.  In these cases Meca must be contacted and we will investigate and correct the problem.  

For these reasons, we would like to make certain recommendations to minimize the inconvenience to our clients (Customer can choose to follow or not):  

• We recommend that one (1) license be shared for no more than 3 users.

• If you have individuals at multiple sites, we recommend that each site have at least one (1) license.

• If maximum reliability is required (never a possibility of software not being available) then one (1) license should be purchased per user.

If you have a need for more users than 2, then we recommend the 5 license package.  Even if you don't have 5 users, you can benefit by installing the software on multiple computers (i.e. desktop and laptop) without having to log in and out of the security.  

Technical Support:
We do offer free technical support during the maintenance period.  We are a lean and mean company, so we don't have a large staff to field questions over the phone.  This is why we request that all software support be handled by email:  support@mecaenterprises.com.  Send the input file (there is an option under the Help menu to do this automatically) and a description of the question or problem, and we will respond.  We pride ourselves on being very responsive to email.  Unfortunately, we cannot be responsive to telephone calls, so please email.  We always respond to email within 24 hrs, and usually much faster.   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Does it meet State Codes?
Any state using ASCE 7-02, 7-05, or 7-10.  It's difficult to keep up with all state requirements, but as far as we know all states are now following ASCE 7.  Specific states that we know reference ASCE 7 include:  Florida, California, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Hawaii.  (If you know other states that should be added, let us know and we will add it).   Please note that we do not include any "special provisions" that might exist in local codes, we only follow ASCE 7 in the software.  

What is the latest version of the code?
The latest version is ASCE 7-10. 

Can I share the Software with Coworkers?
Yes, the software can be shared.  See "Floating Network Option" above for more explanation.  

Do I have to be connected to the internet to use the software?

It is possible to run the software without an internet connection; however there are specific instances where a connection is required:

1) Initial Activation of Software
2) Transfer Use of software to another computer
3) Check for updates automatically.

Once a computer is activated, then the software does not require an internet connection to run. A common situation is a person that may have a desktop and laptop computer, and they want to use the software on both computers. If you were going on a trip, then you would want to transfer the license to the laptop while you have an internet connection. In this case you would "Log Out" on the desktop and "Log In" on the laptop. Now you would be able to use the software on the laptop without an internet connection. This is a very simple process, but does require some planning. There are a couple of other alternatives:

Option # 1) Buy an additional license and keep both the laptop and desktop activated all of the time.

Option # 2) Enable the "Floating Network" option so that you are automatically "Logged In" and "Logged Out" when you launch and close the software respectively. This still requires that you have an internet connection to "Log In" on the laptop, but it handles the situation where you forgot to "Log Out" of the software on the desktop prior to leaving on the trip. Once you "Log In" on the laptop, then you no longer need an internet connection.

How do I set up software on a laptop when traveling?
See "Do I have to be connected to the internet to use the software" for detailed answer.  

I'm not an Engineer, is the software going to be difficult to learn? 
The software itself is fairly simple to use; however, the program follows the ASCE 7 standard, and honestly it is not always a simple standard to follow.  You probably already know this, and that's why you are looking to purchase software.  The ASCE 7 standard uses a lot of terminology and has a lot of notes and special exceptions.  The software helps navigate through those issues, but it still requires some familiarity with the ASCE 7 standard.  

Do I need a copy of the ASCE 7-05 or ASCE 7-10 standard?
We recommend that the user has a copy of the standard.  We do sell the standard, here is a link to the Book.  Please note that we are not recommending to purchase because we sell the book.  We started selling the book as a matter of convenience for our customers. 

Does the program have a help manual?
A help manual is provided within the program in the form of a pdf file.  You may print the file or view it electronically.  

Does the program come with a tutorial?
No, there is not a tutorial.  We do sell a book that is published by ASCE and it provides a few examples and step by step instructions on how the code is applied to these examples.  As a tutorial, the user could work those examples using the software, and verify that the same answers can be obtained.  Please note that although the guide is written for ASCE 7-02, most of it is applicable to ASCE 7-05 as well.

You may also purchase our EBook which is a great tool to explain wind load calculations and how to use the software to calculate wind loads.

Is technical support available for the software?
Yes, technical support is available.  We offer a very affordable program, and we are a lean and mean company.  This means that we must handle technical support by email (support@mecaenterprises.com).  We request that questions be limited to the use of the software, we can not provide interpretations as to how to apply the code to various situations.   There is an option under the "Help" menu which automatically emails the input file to Meca, and you simply provide an explanation to the problem which you are experiencing. 

Does the software handle oddly shaped buildings (T, L, U, etc..)?
There is not an option in the software for these buildings; however, these shapes can be handled by making multiple analysis runs of the software.  There is a good example of this in the EBook that we offer (Link to EBook). 

Can I get a fully functioning demo to try out the software?
We offer a limited demo, but we do not offer a fully functioning demo. 

What happens when the maintenance expires?
Once maintenance has expired, the software will still be active; however, the user will not have technical support nor will free software updates be available.  Also, floating network option will not be supported after maintenance has expired.

Do I receive a CD with my purchase?
No, not unless the "CD" option is purchased in the store.  Shipping charges apply. 

How quickly can I begin using the software?
Our order process is completely automated.  If you purchase online, you will automatically receive an email with instructions on downloading and activating the software.  This information also appears on the last page of the order process.  You will be using the software in minutes after purchase. 

How do I extend the maintenance on the software?
Go to the "Security" "Extend Maintenance on Software" and click "Continue".  The program will automatically launch the internet browser and take you to our store.   Please note that if you do this before the current maintenance has expired, you will receive more favorable pricing.  The maintenance date will be extended for 1 year from the end of the current expiration.  If the maintenance is expired, then the maintenance is extended for 1 year from the purchase date (of the extension). 

How do I determine the expiration on the maintenance for the software?
Go to the "Security" and the expiration date is shown near the bottom. 

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