Start with the step that is blocked
Keep Dry run enabled while checking the software workflow. You do not need a CAN adapter for the first dry run. Save your current scenario before importing an example or changing its setup.
- Download or Windows launch: extract the ZIP with Extract All, then open simCAN.exe from the extracted folder. See the first-run guide. If Windows reports an unknown publisher, follow your organization's software policy; the current v0.5.0 executable is unsigned.
- Free trial or purchased key: use the separate activation routes below. Copy the exact error if the app stays on the splash screen.
- Import, validation, or playback: try the built-in example in Dry run and note whether the issue also occurs without your own files. Keep your original workbook and DBC unchanged.
- Adapter or live output: first distinguish a software dry-run result from an adapter or receiver result. See CAN output verification before running a hardware check.
License activation
For a trial, choose Start 7-Day Trial on the splash screen, enter your email, then choose Start Trial. An internet connection is required. A successful request opens the workbench automatically. Activate Online is for a purchased key, not the free trial. The trial is full-featured, does not require a credit card, and is bound to one Windows machine; changing email does not reset an expired or previously used machine trial.
After purchase, check your email for a message titled Your simCAN activation key. It includes the Windows ZIP download link, your activation key, and the activation steps for the perpetual machine-bound app license. If activation fails, email your receipt details and Machine ID to support@simulatedsignals.com.
Setup support
Support can help with driver setup guidance, interface selection, DBC import questions, and scenario import/export workflow questions. Hardware compatibility depends on the adapter, driver, firmware, and Windows configuration.
Contact support
Email support@simulatedsignals.com with the stage that is blocked, the exact error, what you expected, and the smallest steps that reproduce it. Include your simCAN and Windows versions, whether Dry run was enabled, and the adapter model and driver/backend if hardware is involved.
The setup-note builder runs on the website, not in the current public app. Review its text before copying it into your email; it does not send anything. Its checked steps are your own report, not an independently verified test result.
For a purchase or activation issue, include the order email or receipt reference and Machine ID only in your private support email. Do not post these publicly. Do not send passwords, activation keys, full logs, or proprietary DBC/workbook files; use a minimal non-confidential example and redact screenshots.
CAN output verification
Hardware checks are active tests. With Dry run off, Check CAN sends a real test frame, and the Built-in CAN Benchmark transmits real CAN traffic. Use only an authorized, isolated bench with the correct bitrate and termination. Do not run these checks on an operating vehicle or system.
simCAN reports schedule health: accepted sends versus the adapter request, skipped stale periods, adapter drops, and timing lateness. Actual wire rate still depends on the Windows host, driver/backend, USB adapter, bus load, and receiver.
Run the Built-in CAN Benchmark to qualify adapter acceptance, then use an external bus analyzer for wire-rate evidence. If the analyzer shows a repeatable offset, choose CAN > Calibrate Adapter Rate, enter target and measured Hz, and verify the wire again after simCAN saves the adapter-specific trim.
Rate trim is limited to 50-200%. It cannot create CAN bus capacity or guarantee receiver delivery.
Response target
Launch support is email-based. Typical response target is two business days, excluding weekends, holidays, travel, and unusual outages.