Installing HelixChute2

HelixChute2 is distributed as a single installer download – there is no CD/DVD, USB dongle, or separate network License Manager install to worry about; every edition of the program (Demo, Standard and Professional) is the same installed program, distinguished only by the licence activated on the device. See Licensing & Activation for how editions and activation work.

  1. Download the HelixChute2 installer from the link supplied by Helix Technologies, or from www.helixtech.com.au.
  2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. If Windows shows Windows protected your PC, see the note below.
  3. Once installed, start HelixChute2 from the Start Menu or the desktop shortcut.
  4. The program opens ready to use in Demo edition – no registration step is required to explore the program and its sample projects. See Licensing & Activation to activate a paid licence key when you're ready.
  5. If you will record videos of your calculations, also install FFmpeg, the free video encoder Record Video uses. It is not included in the HelixChute2 installer – see Installing FFmpeg.
"Windows protected your PC" when installing. The HelixChute2 installer is not yet digitally signed, so Windows doesn't know who published it and Microsoft Defender SmartScreen may show a blue Windows protected your PC window, with the publisher shown as Unknown publisher. This is expected, and doesn't mean anything is wrong with the installer. To continue:
  1. Click More info.
  2. Check the app shown is the HelixChute2 installer (HelixChute2Setup- followed by the version number, for example HelixChute2Setup-2.0.0.exe), then click Run anyway.
  3. If Windows then asks whether to allow the app to make changes to your device, click Yes.
Only do this for an installer downloaded from Helix Technologies or the link Helix Technologies sent you. On a company PC, your IT department's settings may block an unsigned installer completely; if there is no Run anyway button, ask them to allow the HelixChute2 installer, or to install it for you.
Getting Started. Before you begin your first design, we recommend reading the Getting Started topic, and opening one of the sample project files under the samples\Projects folder to see a complete, working chute model. Press F1 anywhere in the program to open this Help file.

If you need help, contact Helix Technologies at sales@helixtech.com.au.