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-------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- -- ┌────────────────┐ │╒═══════════════╧╕ ││ Help File ├───────────────────────────────────── ││ └────────────────────────────────────── ││ ││ AstroShadowBox 3 PopUp Spreadsheet/Calculator ││ ││ Help File Version 3.12 03-01-1994 <ASP> ││ L 10 │ (c) Copyright 1981, 1994 PC SuperComputer Capital, Inc. All rights reserved. Read and understand WARRANTY INFORMATION . Type J twice to read. Instructions on using help file are at end of file. Type K to read. L 20 ╒══════════╕ │ CONTENTS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 0.00 Table of Contents * To quickly jump to Sections, position the Section line number * on the │JUMP│ line (line 12) and type J or type Lxxx (enter) * where xxx is line number. For example, to jump to line 139, * type L139 (ent). Type S or R to skip back/forth to Sections. L 30 SECTION TITLE PAGE│LINE 0.00 ... Table of Contents ................................... 1 25 1.01 ... Getting Started with ABOX3.EXE in Pop Up (TSR) ...... 3 93 Mode. 1.02 ... Caution: Properly Loading ABOX3 into Memory. ........ 5 206 1.11 ... Resident, TSR, Hot Key, Pop Up/Down Operation. ...... 5 222 1.13 ... Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. ............. 9 375 1.14 ... Worksheet/Scratch Pad Mode. ........................ 15 684 L 40 1.15 ... Entering the Keyboard Calculator Mode. ............. 16 724 1.21 ... Equations Display, What is it? ..................... 17 757 1.22 ... How to Use the Calculator in the Equation .......... 19 838 Display. 1.23 ... How to find Things With Auto-search Function ....... 20 886 1.24 ... Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations ....... 20 904 ------------------------------------------ 0.00 -- Table of Contents --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 2 -- Display 1.25 ... F1-F10 Keys, Commands assigned. .................... 32 1447 1.26 ... Command Sequences Used to Perform Special .......... 33 1475 Operations L 50 1.27 ... Editing Keys: Functions During Text Entry .......... 33 1496 2.01 ... Entering Equations Into the Program ................ 35 1595 2.03 ... Writing Equations: Definition of Terms ............. 36 1645 2.10 ... Rules for Writing Algebraic Expressions, ........... 38 1744 Formulas and Equations 2.15 ... Rules for Evaluation of Parentheses ................ 41 1844 2.20 ... Rules for Evaluation of Intrinsic Functions ........ 41 1866 2.25 ... Rules for Evaluation of Mathematical Operations .... 42 1889 2.30 ... Glossary of Intrinsic MATH FUNCTIONS and ........... 42 1928 Function Operators L 60 2.40 ... Numbers: Format-free, Examples of Formats .......... 47 2161 2.42 ... Controlling the Number of Decimal Digits ........... 48 2197 2.45 ... Maximum Number of Equations, Variables and ......... 49 2235 Constants 2.50 ... Errors During Equation Evaluation and Elsewhere .... 50 2267 3.01 ... Directory Screen: Commands During Display .......... 50 2287 3.05 ... Commands Used While Plot Screen is Displayed ....... 52 2385 4.01 ... Summary of Common WARNINGS During Calculations. .... 54 2480 5.01 ... Summary of ERRORS during evaluation of equations ... 56 2549 6.01 ... Setting Foreground/background Colors of Main ....... 58 2635 L 70 Equations Screen and Program 6.05 ... Clock Screen: Commands During Display .............. 58 2667 6.10 ... Apostrophe Commands: What They Do and How to Use ... 60 2730 Them 7.01 ... Information After Program Name on DOS Command ...... 63 2868 Line. How the Program Uses It and What It Does. 8.01 ... Product License and Warranty. ...................... 64 2936 8.03 ... User Support. ...................................... 66 3002 8.04 ... Ombudsman/Arbitration Policy. ...................... 66 3023 8.05 ... Product Information and How to Order Complete ...... 67 3045 L 80 Package. 8.06 ... Software Included in Astro 3 Registration .......... 67 3068 8.07 ... Order/Registration Form ............................ 70 3220 8.08 ... Instructions for Manually Installing Package. ...... 72 3285 8.09 ... Interested in Becoming the Author of Your Own ...... 73 3327 Interactive Application File? 9.01 ... Help File: Summary of File Viewing Commands ........ 73 3348 ------- 1.01 -- Getting Started with ABOX3.EXE in Pop Up (TSR) Mode. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 3 -- ╒════════════════════════╕ L 90 │ STARTING IN POP UP MODE└────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.01 Getting Started with ABOX3.EXE in Pop Up (TSR) Mode. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── To change the display colors to high-intensity white on blue type Q when the highlight bar is lighted on the EQU below. 'EQU 'COL HWHITE BLUE L 100 'HELP AstroShadowBox3 is the TSR or Pop-up member of the ASTRO3 team. It is intended to operate in the background and pop up over programs to provide many useful mathematical operations and screen capture functions. Its front end is similar to the other ASTRO 3 programs. To start ABOX3.EXE from the DOS command line and to become memory resident with the default "hot key" which is (alt) B, type: ABOX3 RESIDENT (enter) The Program will be loaded into memory in the memory-resident mode L 110 with the finance equations loaded into the spreadsheet portion of the display. To pop up in the interactive ShadowBox display, just type (alt) B. ABOX3 requires about 210K of memory. If possible, it should be loaded into extended memory. It can also operate in the memory-stingy file-swapping overlay mode (Mode 2). In this mode, only about 11K of memory is needed and approximately 400K of disk space (hard or ram). Swapping files are named as AB00 and AB01. To operate in the file-swapping mode, start the L 120 program with the DOS command ABOX3 RESIDENT B 2 C:\. Where C:\ is the drive/directory for file swapping. If the swapping drive is real, then delete old AB?? files prior to starting ABOX3. Read the Section below for instructions on how to locate ABOX3 with respect to system drivers such as MOUSE.COM. The entire page image documentation of this file can be generated with the ASTRO 3 Utility Program A3UTIL.EXE. To L 130 print any part of this file, position the text on the display and type the (print screen) key as needed. You may want to print these instructions on the line printer. To demonstrate how ABOX3.EXE works, type a calculation after the DOS command prompt: C:\ASTRO3 > 100,240+505,678-20,382.78= ------- 1.01 -- Getting Started with ABOX3.EXE in Pop Up (TSR) Mode. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 4 -- Do not type (enter) but type (alt) B to pop up ABOX3.EXE. The L 140 strategy is to use the edit keys and the letters "F" for free and "A" for anchor to surround or enclose the information that is intended to be a calculation with the ShadowBox (reverse video box). Use the (backspace) and (tab) keys to move the box quickly in the horizontal directions. Type "R" to reset the box to one square and move it over the "1" at the beginning of the calculation. Now, type "A" to anchor (hold) it. The edit keys now expand and shrink the box. Enclose just the calculation in the ShadowBox. Once this is accomplished, type (enter) to perform the calculation, pop down and pass the L 150 result to DOS. Alternatively, type "C" to view the calculation, type (enter) to perform it and then type "@(enter)" (which means type the character "@" first and then type (enter) next) to pass the result to DOS. Notice, that the result is passed to DOS at the location of the screen cursor at the time of pop up. Of course, the Program can pop up over most other DOS programs too, especially when in the file-swap mode (MODE=2) which requires only about 11K of main memory. The Program will also L 160 add a column of numbers. One way to generate a column of numbers is to do a DOS DIR (directory). For example, DIR (enter) should generate at least two columns of numbers one of disk spaces sizes and one of dates in a form that can be interpreted as expressions like 12-04-89 (=-81). Pop up over DOS, surround these numbers with the ShadowBox and type (enter) to add them, and so on. Remember, one or more consecutive spaces is interpreted as a "+" operation and there is an implied "+" operation between rows of a two-dimensional box. The result is always passed at the location of the cursor at L 170 pop-up. Also, typing "!(enter)" which means first type "!" then "(enter)" will perform a calculation without popping down. Type "@(enter)" to pop down and pass the result or simply type the hot key "(alt) B", "(esc)" or "(ctrl) Q" to pop down with no result. It may not be possible to surround the calculation with a rectangular box without picking up extra and irrelevant info. In such cases, type "C" to capture the info and edit out the irrelevant info. Type (enter) to perform the calc and finally L 180 "@ (enter)" to pop down and pass the result to the popped-over program. To perform any other calculation, which is called an immediate ------- 1.01 -- Getting Started with ABOX3.EXE in Pop Up (TSR) Mode. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 5 -- (imm) calc, type "|" from the display screen. The Program will prompt with the last saved imm calc. Type (end esc) to erase, type in the desired calc and type (enter). While in the imm calc, as well as any edit mode, the imm calc text buffer can be toggled back and forth to show previous calcs by using the (alt) 4 and (alt) 5 keys. Also the last 23 calculations and L 190 calculated values are displayed. Prior calculations can be recalled using the &1, &2 and so on as references in a new calculation. Prior calculated values are similarly recalled using the #1, #2 and so on in a new calculation. The first part of this online helpfile discusses the general spreadsheet operation which can be jumped to by typing "E" from the popped-up shadow box display. Pop down can be from either the equations display, the clock or the shadow box display. More info on the many ABOX3.EXE functions can be found further L 200 down in the current text. ╒════════════════╕ │ PROPER LOADING └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.02 Caution: Properly Loading ABOX3 into Memory. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Because ABOX3 is a TSR, it is activated by an interrupt which is the typing of its "hot key". While active, it also L 210 suppresses other TSR interrupts from drivers loaded before it. Therefore, it is sensitive to its position relative to other TSR's such as MOUSE.COM, the mouse driver. ABOX3 should always be loaded into memory last. If loaded before other TSR's such as MOUSE.COM, undefined operations may happen if the driver generates interrupts (for example, by moving the mouse) while ABOX3.EXE is popped up. ╒════════════════════╕ │ RESIDENT OPERATION └────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 220 1.11 Resident, TSR, Hot Key, Pop Up/Down Operation. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Program ABOX3.EXE is capable of memory resident operation and normally should be resident because it is designed to pop over other Programs/DOS. When installed in this manner it can be popped up over the active DOS program and then popped back down by the use of a "hot key" such as (alt) B. Memory resident operation can be installed from the Program by typing (alt) B L 230 ------------- 1.11 -- Resident, TSR, Hot Key, Pop Up/Down Operation. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 6 -- or from options specified along with the Program's name in the DOS command line or in a batch file such as AUTOEXEC.BAT. Some Examples follow. A) Becoming resident while Program is running but not resident. Note: The resident status is shown in the scrolling menu at the bottom of the screen. Type (alt) B. Select a letter for the "hot key" from A to Z. L 240 Select a MODE by entering the number: 0 - not resident 1 - permanently resident in base memory with noswap 2 - resident with swap to disk file in specified subdirectory. If MODE=2 then specify a DOS path to the subdirectory where the swapped files of memory overlays are saved. 3 - resident with swap to EMS (LIMS memory). If available, it will be listed as an option; otherwise, MODE 3 = MODE 1. Example 1A. Become permanently resident with "hot key" (alt) P. L 250 Type (alt) B. Type P (enter) Type 1 (enter) or just (enter) as MODE=1 is default. Type (alt) P to become resident or anything else to exit without becoming resident (error # 100). Example 2A. Become resident with "hot key" (alt) D and swap to disk subdirectory A31SWAP which must already exist. Note, in the file-swap mode only about 15K of main memory is required. This L 260 is usually the most appropriate mode and allows essentially all the main memory to be used for other programs. Type (alt) B. Type D (enter) Type 2 (enter) Type \A31SWAP (enter) Type (alt) D to become resident or anything else to exit without becoming resident (error # 100). L 270 B) Becoming resident from DOS command line or from batch file. Note: Include RESIDENT and options at the very end of the DOS command line. All responses are to the DOS command prompt. Example 1B. Become permanently resident with "hot key" (alt) P. ------------- 1.11 -- Resident, TSR, Hot Key, Pop Up/Down Operation. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 7 -- ABOX3 RESIDENT P 1 (enter) or ABOX3 RESIDENT P (enter) Example 2B. Become resident with "hot key" (alt) D and swap to disk L 280 subdirectory ASTRO3 which must already exist. ABOX3 RESIDENT D 2 \ASTRO3 (enter) Example 2C. Become resident with defaults: Hot key (alt) B MODE 1. ABOX3 RESIDENT (enter) Example 2D. Become permanently resident with hot key (alt) Z after loading a storage file of constants CONSTANT.STO and a file of L 290 equations CONFIG.EQU (Note order: Storage then equations) or a calculation. ABOX3 CONSTANT.STO CONFIG.EQU RESIDENT Z (enter) If filenames contain math symbols, use quotes around all. ABOX3 "PHYS+EE.STO Y=X.EQU RESIDENT Z" (enter) Load equation(s) or calculation(s) before becoming resident. ABOX3 Y1=B*X+A Y2=C*X^2+D*X+E RESIDENT Z (enter) or L 300 ABOX3 1,234,456.78-987,654.32 RESIDENT Z For one-shot calculations, the results will be seen at the first pop up. Example 2E. Become permanently resident with hot key (alt) Z after starting with an application file like SCIFIN.HLP. ABOX3 SCIFIN.HLP RESIDENT Z (enter) L 310 The Program will start at the beginning of the "Science Manual" SCIFIN.HLP at first pop up with hot key (alt) Z. C) General discussion of operation. 1) Resident operation requires DOS 3.0 +. 2) Always load ABOX3 into memory first before other programs. Program requires about 180K of base memory to load. However, if MODE equals 2 or 3, then it will shrink down to 15K and L 320 release most of the memory for other applications. ------------- 1.11 -- Resident, TSR, Hot Key, Pop Up/Down Operation. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 8 -- 3) When MODE=2 or 3, the Program will swap the current contents of the Program overlay region to a disk file or EMS and recall the rest of Program. Disk swapping requires two files with names ABxx xx=00 to 99. One should always terminate the Program with subcommand "E" to release memory and delete these files. Otherwise files such as AB00, AB01, ... AB99 with start to accumulate. It is Ok to delete all these files if the Program is not running. The resident program cannot become L 330 nonresident unless it is terminated by an exit. 4) When in disk swap mode (=2) or EMS swap mode (=3), the Program may be unable to pop up because of insufficient memory or DOS is busy. 5) The DOS SHELL subcommands !E and @E are equivalent and require a DOS command string. Also, !E, @E require a shell to COMMAND.COM and they can only be used if Program is resident and popped up over the DOS prompt and not over another program. L 340 6) The Program will only pop up if it can save the the current screen. If unable to do so, it will stay down. It should, but may not always, pop up over all monochrome and CGA modes. 7) If the alarm is set when popped down, then the Program will pop up at the hour and minute of the alarm time. 8) More than one version of ABOX3.EXE can be resident with the use of different "hot keys". Use (alt) B last! In particular, L 350 one can have up to 26 versions if MODE=2 and if sufficient base memory (640K) is available. Thus, one can assign various calculations their own "hot keys"! The AUTOEXEC.BAT can be used to set things up at IPL ("initial power up"). See Above for details. D) Error codes 1 - DOS services are not available, try again. 2 - Not enough memory to become resident. About 200K when L 360 installed and when popped up. 3 - Unable to become resident. 6 - Unable to release memory at exit. Other programs may be running. Terminate all other programs to DOS prompt and try again. Otherwise, fatal error. Reboot system. 7 - Cannot release memory. DOS is busy. Not fatal. Try again. 9 - Not enough EMS memory available. 10 - Error initializing disk swapping. Path not specified ------------- 1.11 -- Resident, TSR, Hot Key, Pop Up/Down Operation. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 9 -- correctly. Path does not exist. Disk drive not ready, etc. 100 - Resident request terminated. Program not resident. L 370 ╒═════════════════════╕ │ ShadowBox COMMANDS └───────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.13 Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The following discussion assumes that the amortization equations (defaults) currently resident in the equation display and that the Program is in the ShadowBox display which is used L 380 to capture text and perform calculations mainly in the pop-up/pop-down mode. While in the ShadowBox display, the main equations are not calculated but the values of all variables are available by referenced to their appropriate names. Single key commands in the ShadowBox display are: -> Anchor the ShadowBox. It can now be expanded/shrunk: A Command A is used to anchor (fix) the ShadowBox. Use the edit L 390 keys to expand and shrink the ShadowBox so that it encloses or engulfs the text of the calculation. Use "F" to free the box and "R" to reset the box to one square and free it. Use "(space)" to toggle between free and anchor. -> Capture what is in the ShadowBox and display it for editing: C Command C is used to capture the text enclosed by the ShadowBox as a calculation and display it for editing. Type (enter) to perform the calc or (end esc) (enter) to leave. The Program L 400 stays active and does not pop down. Use "C" to see how the program interprets the info enclosed in the ShadowBox with respect to its being a calculation. Edit, as necessary, to remove unwanted characters and type (enter) to perform the calculation but remain Use "!C" to add the text enclosed by the ShadowBox after the last immediate calculation. Use "@C" to display the text but pop down with result following the typing of "(enter)". -> Capture and edit the full screen: D L 410 Command D captures the full screen and allows it to be edited Command !D captures the contents of the ShadowBox only for editing. This is full screen edit mode and the (enter) key is -------------------- 1.13 -- Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 10 -- used to exit. The usual edit key have their common purposes. After typing (enter) to exit, use V to save the screen as a text file. If a calculation is desired, surround in the ShadowBox and type C to perform the calculation without popping down or @C to pass the result down. To return the result of the calculation to the screen, type D to edit and then type L 420 (alt 9) to insert result of calc on screen. Type (enter) to exit. -> Display prior calculations and calculated values: @D Command @D lists the prior calculations and calculated values to the screen and enters the edit mode. Edit, if necessary, and type (enter) to return to ShadowBox display. Note: the actual calculations and calculated values are not affected by the screen edit. After returning to ShadowBox display, use the L 430 ShadowBox and command C to capture any changes. In the event that the screen gets messy, type command O to redraw original screen and type @D (enter) to restore the prior calculations and calculated values. -> Exit from ShadowBox display to equations display: E Command E exits from the ShadowBox display and returns to the main equation display. To quit the Program, type "E" in the main equation display. A resident Program cannot be removed L 440 from memory unless it is able to release its reserved memory back to DOS. -> Free the ShadowBox to move around the screen: F Command F is used to free the ShadowBox. Use the edit keys to move the box around the display screen in order to enclose or engulf the text of the calculation. Use "A" to anchor the box and "R" to reset the box to one square. Use "(space)" to toggle between free and anchor. L 450 -> Read the help file ABOX3HLP.HLP: H Command H is used to read the help file ABOX3HLP.HLP. Type "E" to exit back to the shadow display. Set DOS environment variable ASTRO3 to the path to the directory where the helpfile can be found. Use command @H to read any application/help file. -> Toggle the previous scrolled display line at screen bottom: J L 460 -------------------- 1.13 -- Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 11 -- Command J is used to toggle to the previous command menu line displayed at bottom of screen. Command !J turns on auto-scrolling about every 10 seconds. Command @J turns off auto-scrolling. -> Toggle the next scrolled display line at screen bottom: K Command K is used to toggle to next subcommand menu display at bottom of screen. Command !K turns on auto-scrolling about L 470 every 10 seconds. Command @K turns off auto-scrolling. -> Positioning the result and the "> result <" box: L, !L Command L is used to transfer the "result" inside of the "result box" to the screen. It is left-justified with respect to the ShadowBox and located 2 rows below the bottom of the ShadowBox. A string of "----" separates the result from the calculation. Command !L collapses the ShadowBox to a single space at the center of the original ShadowBox and positions the L 480 "> result <" box two spaces to its right. Type R to reset the Shadow box to a single space. Move the collapsed ShadowBox to where the "> result <" box is to be positioned and type "!L". Use "!S" to restore the previous box coordinates prior to the "!L" command. -> Capture contents of ShadowBox and append to Comment of equation display: M Command M parses and appends the contents of the ShadowBox to L 490 the existing comment of the equation display and enters the edit mode. Following the typing of "(enter)", the program will be in the equations display. Type "D" to return to the ShadowBox display. Command !M replaces the equations-display comment with the contents of the shadow box. -> Restore the previous pop up screen: !O Command !O (Type ! then O) redraws the previous popup screen. After popping up, use !O to restore the last worksheet screen. L 500 -> Erase the current screen: @O Command @O (Type @ then O) erases the current screen. Useful in the worksheet mode. -------------------- 1.13 -- Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 12 -- -> Reset the ShadowBox to one square: R Command R Resets the ShadowBox to one square at its center and frees it to move around the screen. Always saves current box L 510 coordinates. Use "!S" to restore the previous ShadowBox coordinates after the "R" subcommand. -> Save the current ShadowBox coordinates: S Command S saves the current ShadowBox coordinates. Command !S restores previously saved ShadowBox coordinates. Useful after "R" or "L" subcommands. -> Dump the screen or contents of ShadowBox as a text file: V L 520 Command V dumps the screen (24 lines) to an ASCII text file. Command !V dumps only the part enclosed by ShadowBox -> Save the screen or contents of ShadowBox as a parsed 123 .WK1 file: W Command W saves the screen (first 20 lines) as a 123 .WK1 worksheet file. Information is assigned to cells in a column-oriented way so that the worksheet resembles the display L 530 screen. Command !W -Saves only the part enclosed in the ShadowBox. All 24 lines can be saved by using the ShadowBox. See below for a discussion of how .WK1 is generated. -> Assign a screen calculation to a storage variable: Z Command Z assigns the next storage variable to the front of a captured calculation and enters the edit mode. Otherwise, similar to "C". Used to save the value of a current calculation for future use. Storage variable names are L 540 STORxxx, x=1, 2, etc. Program will automatically assign next storage name and insert it before the current calc: STOR1=1+2-3+4. Edit calc and type (enter). If calc is not finished or erased, then storage name remains and its value is undefined. See subcommands "Z" and "Y" of the equations display for the procedure to remove an unwanted storage variable. "!Z" is similar to "!C" but if an equal sign is already present in the calc then a storage variable will not be assigned. L 550 -> Toggle between free and anchored Shadow Box: (space) -------------------- 1.13 -- Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 13 -- Command (space) toggles between free "F" and anchor "A". -> Display the full 16 digit precision of the calculation in the ShadowBox: \ Command \ displays the full 16 digit precision of the last (and all future) calculations. Command !\ displays only 7 digit single precision (default). L 560 -> Recalling last executed calculation as immediate calculation: | | - Display the last immediate calculation. Note: The last calculation, if any, usually becomes the immediate calculation. Prior calculations are saved in the imm calc text buffer. Use edit keys to change a calculation and use (enter) to execute. Use (alt) 9 to insert the current immediate calc before the cursor when in the edit mode. Use (alt) 4 and (alt) 5 to toggle to previous calcs saved in the imm calc text buffer. L 570 See "Editing keys", above, for more details. Command !| is similar to "|" except it replaces immediate calculation with the value of the current "result" displayed in "result box". Command @| is also similar to "|" except that the program will pop down with result following the typing of "(enter)". -> Perform a calculation right away: Math symbols like - . ( + 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : @ & L 580 Typing the minus sign (-), decimal point (.), left parenthesis, plus sign (+), or digits 0 to 9 will cause a jump to the calculator mode with cursor positioned after first character. Similar to "|" above. Use the colon (:) to represent the last calculated value. For example: 25+75 (enter) then :-60 (enter) equals 40. "&" and "#" immediately followed by a number are used to reference previous calculations and calculated values. See below. -> Recalling and using prior calculations and calculated values: L 590 While in the "calc" mode (command | and math symbols), the last 23 previous calculations and calculated values are displayed in a boxes directly above the calculation line. The most recent calculation and calculated value is designated &1 and #1, respectively, the next most recent as &2 and #2 and so on. See below for more details. -------------------- 1.13 -- Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 14 -- -> Capture the contents of the ShadowBox as an equation: / L 600 Command / captures the contents of the ShadowBox as an equation and appends it to the existing equations of the equations display. Program enters the edit mode. Following the typing of "(enter)", the Program will be in the equation display. Type "D" to return to the ShadowBox display. More than one equation may be entered and there is an implied space between consecutive lines in in the ShadowBox. Depending on how the equations are arranged in the Box, it may be necessary to edit out some spaces. Command !/ replaces the equations of the equation display with the contents of the ShadowBox. L 610 -> Enter an apostrophe command: ' (apostrophe) The apostrophe is used to enter a command which starts with an apostrophe like 'clo (enter) to display the clock or 'equ y=a*x+b (enter) to enter an equation into the main equation display. The apostrophe is inserted at the beginning of the line. With certain apostrophe commands, control may be returned to the equations display or elsewhere. See below for a discussion of apostrophe commands. L 620 -> Capture ShadowBox as a calculation and pop down with result: Command (enter) captures the contents of the ShadowBox as a calculation, calculates the result and pop down. The first 15 characters of the "result" are passed down to the popped-over Program via the keyboard buffer. The main equations are not calculated. Command !(enter) is similar, but the program does not pop down. Command @(enter) pops down with the current "result". A calculation is not made prior to pop down but the L 630 "result" is passed down to the popped-over Program. -> Pop down immediately: (esc) (ctrl Q) or hot key Use (esc), (ctrl Q) or the assigned hot key to pop down immediately without performing any calculation or passing down any result. -> Free ShadowBox and move it 10 spaces to left/right: (backspace) or (tab left) and (tab right) L 640 Command (backspace) or (tab left) frees the box and moves it 10 spaces to Command (tab right) frees the box and move it 10 spaces to the right. Use (backspace) and (tab) to move the box -------------------- 1.13 -- Commands Used in the ShadowBox display. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 15 -- quickly in the horizontal direction. If 10 spaces are not available, then the box will not move. -> Shrinking/expanding an anchored ShadowBox: Use edit keys to move the box when free or to expand/shrink the L 650 box when anchored. Arrow keys, (up arrow), (down arrow), (left arrow) and (right arrow) move the free box by one square or expand/shrink the anchored box by one square. (backspace)/(tab) keys free the box and move it 10 spaces to the left/right, respectively, if possible. If 10 spaces are not available, box does not move. --- free box --- (home) - move box to extreme left of display (end) - move box to extreme right of display L 660 (PgUp) - move box to top of display (PgDn) - move box to bottom of display (ctrl) (home) - move to top left corner of display (ctrl) (end) - move to bottom right corner of display --- anchored box --- (home) - expand box to extreme left side of display (end) - expand box to extreme right side of display (PgUp) - expand box to top of display (PgDn) - expand box to bottom of display L 670 (ctrl) (home) - expand to top left corner of display (ctrl) (end) - expand to bottom right corner of display -> Referencing the current value ("result") of a calculation: Use ":" to represent the current or last calculated value. For example: if the first calc is: 1+2+6 (enter) then 2*: (enter) equals 18 and a repeated 2*: (enter) equals 36 and so on. L 680 ╒═════════════════╕ │ WORKSHEET MODE └───────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.14 Worksheet/Scratch Pad Mode. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AstroShadowBox can be used as a popup worksheet/scratch pad. In this mode, numbers and other calculations are typed on the screen, the ShadowBox is positioned over the calculation and the calculation is performed with the result being printed on L 690 -------------------------------- 1.14 -- Worksheet/Scratch Pad Mode. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 16 -- the screen. To use the screen as a scratch pad, type command D. The program enters the full screen-edit mode. Type the calculation and type (enter) to return to the ShadowBox display. Surround the calculation with the ShadowBox and type !(enter) to capture the calculation, perform it and return its value to the screen. To continue, type D again. In the full-screen edit mode, it may be advantageous to toggle the editor to the overtype mode by typing the (insert) key. For example, to add 123.45, 234.56 and 345.67, type D and enter L 700 these numbers: 123.45 234.56 345.67 Next surround this calc with the ShadowBox and type !(enter): 123.45 234.56 L 710 345.67 ------ 703.68 The result will be printed below the numbers. Note: to pass this result down to the popped-over program, just type (enter) instead of !(enter) or, after the calculation, type @(enter). To clear the screen, type @O. L 720 ╒═══════════════════╕ │ KEYBOARD CALC MODE└─────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.15 Entering the Keyboard Calculator Mode. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Following popup, the program automatically enters the keyboard calculator mode if a number or math symbol is typed. The program shows the last 23 calculations and calculated values. Simply type a calculation followed by (enter). To repeat a L 730 calculation, type another number or math symbol. The most recent calculation and calculated value is designated &1 and #1, respectively, the next most recent as &2 and #2 and so on. These calculations and numbers can be referenced by using the &1, #1, &2, #2 and so on in a calculation. For --------------------- 1.15 -- Entering the Keyboard Calculator Mode. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 17 -- example, #1=150 #2=-50 calc -> #1+#2 = 150+-50 = 100 After execution, #1 is now 100, #2 is now 150 and #3 is now -50. Remember, when the colon ":" appears in a calculation it L 740 is substituted as the most recently calculated value of "result" which is also value #1. Another example: &1=100+50 &2=200-50 calc -> &1+&2 = 100+50+200-50 = 300 #1 is now 300 and &1 is now 100+50+200-50 and so on. Another example might be #1-&2 = 300-100+50 = 250, but #1-(&2) = 300-(100+50) = 150. To perform a calculation without the L 750 boxes, use command C. To pass a calculated result down, type @ (enter). ╒═══════════════╕ │ EQUATIONS ??? └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.21 Equations Display, What is it? ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The ShadowBox appears in the display screen portion. The L 760 equations display is the spreadsheet portion of AstroShadowBox 3. It contains the equations, variable names, variable values and a comment. Most operations are performed while in the equations display through the use of characters, letters, combinations of characters with letters and the "F" keys. The blinking cursor prompt ">" is always positioned between a variable name like TIME and its current value which might be 2.3. For example: TIME => 2.3. Numbers and math operations are passed to the variable on which the blinking cursor resides. Other characters and combinations serve as commands L 770 to activate certain functions such as integration or derivitization. Certain commands require that two characters be typed consecutively. Commands such as "!C" or "@C" mean that the "!" or "@" is typed first and the "C" next. Representations such as "(esc)", "(enter)" and "(space)" represent single keystrokes. An illustration of the equations display for the equation of a straight line: Y=M*X+B with the blinking cursor on variable X is shown below. A comment which describes the equation is L 780 listed first. The equation and the value of its dependent variable Y (=4) is listed next. The current time and date are ----------------------------- 1.21 -- Equations Display, What is it? --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 18 -- listed in the middle of the screen. The three independent variables B, M and X are listed in alphabetical order. Finally, a summary of keys and functions is displayed at the bottom of the screen. The last line scrolls through additional commands and is not shown. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Comment --> Equation of a straight line. L 790 Y=M*X+B Y = 4 12:23:04 03-07-1981 B = 4 M = -2 X => 0 L 800 F1 hlp, F2 appl hlp, F3 exit, F4 shl, F5 com, F6 equ, F7 dir, F8 get, F9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Definitions of terms used to define an equation. ■ EQUATION. A formula, expression or recipe directing the program on how to execute mathematical operations such as Y=M*X+B which is the mathematical representation of a straight line (Y. vs. X) with slope M and y-intercept B. Equations are written in a symbolic language which is identical to how L 810 they would be expressed if written in the popular computer language BASIC. In this equation Y is assigned the value of M multiplied by X and then added to the value of B. ■ DEPENDENT VARIABLE. Unique name associated with every equation and its value is usually the object of a calculation such as Y in Y=M*X+B. ■ INDEPENDENT VARIABLE(S). Name(s) always to the right of the equal sign such as M, X and B in Y=M*X+B. Independent L 820 variables are always used to calculate the values of the dependent variables. ■ STORAGE VARIABLE(S). Names that are generated by simple assignment statements entered in the equations display such as (space) PI=3.1415926 (enter). They are similar to independent variables and can be used in all equations, expressions and calculations. The storage variables and their ----------------------------- 1.21 -- Equations Display, What is it? --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 19 -- values are saved and recalled separately from the equations using the "!]" and "![" commands. Their values are usually L 830 hidden unless requested with the "Z" or "Y" commands which toggle through their names or by typing the variable name followed by equal sign: (space) VARNAME= (enter). ╒════════════════╕ │ CALCULATOR ??? └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.22 How to Use the Calculator in the Equation Display. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 840 The "blinking cursor" or "=>" is located between a variable name and its value. It begins the ABOX3 command line just like a DOS prompt. Information is passed to the program by typing appropriate characters. Just about any calculation can be performed and stored by assigning its value to a variable name, one that already exists or a new one. Variables that do not appear on the equations display screen are called "storage variables". For example, if the cursor is on variable B, then one can perform a calculation and save it as a storage variable named Q1: L 850 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Comment --> Equation of a straight line. Y=M*X+B Y = 4 12:25:04 03-07-1981 B => q1=23.45+56.78+12.98-34.56-12.78 (enter) X = 0 L 860 F1 hlp, F2 appl hlp, F3 exit, F4 shl, F5 com, F6 equ, F7 dir, F8 get, F9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- When "(enter) is typed, the program will evaluate the expression, assign its value to Q1 and display the result on the time/date line. Note, because most letters represent commands, it is wise to start such calculations with a space. Expressions can reference any previously defined variable: L 870 dependent, independent or storage. For example (space) x=2*B-y+3*m (enter) or q1=q1+67 (enter). The current values of storage variables can be displayed with the storage toggle commands "Y" and "Z" or by typing their name followed by the --------- 1.22 -- How to Use the Calculator in the Equation Display. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 20 -- equal sign and enter. For example, (space) Q1=(enter). Storage variables can be used in the equations, if previously defined. Multiple assignment can be made with the 'VAR apostrophe command. For example: 'var y=3 b=4 x=-5 (enter) The storage variables are saved independent of the equations with the command "!]". See below for more discussion on L 880 storage variables. ╒═════════════╕ │ AUTO-SEARCH └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.23 How to find Things With Auto-search Function ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── This entire file can be automatically searched for words, phrases and other characters using the auto-search command "A". L 890 Type "A" and then enter the characters. Search is in uppercase and is case-insensitive. To continue the search, type "A" repeatedly as required until wrap around occurs. To perform another search, it may be necessary to first type "(space)" then "A". For example, to find "Help File:", type "A", then (end esc) help file: (enter). However, this will only get you back to this line because the search starts at the top of the screen! Type "A" again to continue and find another "hit". Type "A" a few times to get back to here. L 900 ╒══════════╕ │ COMMANDS └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.24 Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The following discussion may assume that the "default" equations or amortization equations are currently being displayed. To load these equations from the main equation display, type (F6) or "!/" and type (end esc) "" (enter) in L 910 response to the "-- ? Equations ->" prompt. **** Commands, keystrokes, functions and explanations follow **** -> Activate variable: A !A @A Use "A" to activate an equation and its dependent variable. Used to mark equations which participate in other commands like the "G" and "D" commands used for integration and differentiation, respectively. Only active equations are L 920 ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 21 -- integrated and differentiated. Also used to specify equations set equal to each other in the intersection command "U" or plotted with the plot command "P". Initially, all equations are active. Inactive equations do not have an "=" following variable name. Use !A to activate all dependent or independent variables at once. The location of the cursor determines which set. Use @A to activate all variables at once. One can also use the apostrophe command 'ACT VARNAME (enter) to perform activation. See below. Use the commands I, !I or @I to inactivate variables and equation(s). L 930 -> Background/foreground colors: !N @N "!N" toggles next foreground color. Use "@N" to toggle next background color. Colors are normal-intensity black, blue, green, cyan, red, magenta, brown and white and the high-intensity shades. For monochrome monitor, default values are recommended. Color settings are saved with equations. If fore/back colors are equal then displayed info becomes invisible. Use "!(esc)" to reset monochrome colors: Fore, L 940 white (green); Back, black. "!(esc)" sets monochr colors: Fore, white (green) #7; Back, black #0. "@ (esc)" sets monochr colors: Fore, black #0; Back, white (green) #7. One can also use the apostrophe command 'COL color1, color2 (enter) to perform this function. 'COL (enter) resets monochrome colors. See below for more details. -> Bottom line command scrolling: J !J @J K !K @K "J" toggles to previous command menu display at bottom of L 950 screen. "!J" turns on auto-scrolling about every 10 seconds. "@J" turns off auto-scrolling. "K" toggles to next command menu display at bottom of screen. "!K" turns on auto-scrolling about every 10 seconds. "@K" turns off auto-scrolling. -> Calculate dependent variables: C (enter) (esc) "C" calculates the values of all dependent variables using the current values of the independent and storage variables. "(enter)" calculates dependent variables if used after a valid L 960 number or allowed expression is entered. "(esc)" recalculates equations and redraws the display. Also, use the apostrophe command 'CALC (enter) to recalculate without entering a variable. -> Chaining calculated values to other equations (overlaying equations) ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 22 -- Use "@[" to get a file of equation(s), comment and variable status only. Common variables are assigned existing values and new variables are initialized to 0.0. Allows overlay or chain L 970 operations to other equation(s) with identical variable names. -> Changing displayed precision of dependent variables: !\ @\ Use "!\" for the single-precision display (default) of dependent variables of equations with varname displayed before current value: ABC = 1.234567. Use "@\" for the double-precision display of dependent variables of equations without variable name displayed before current value: = 1.234567890123456. To see the full precision of an independent L 980 variable, type "\". and then type (enter) to return to the blinking cursor ">". Also, use the apostrophe commands 'PRE SINGLE (enter) or 'PRE DOUBLE (enter). -> Changing number of displayed decimal digits in main equation display The number of decimal digits displayed in the main equation display can be globally changed with the 'DEC apostrophe command. For example, to set 2 decimal digits, type 'DEC 2 (enter). To set none, type 'DEC 0 (enter). To reset, type L 990 'DEC (enter). The decimal operator attached to a variable name will override the global default. For example, a variable named MONEY.2 will always display 2 decimal digits no matter what the global default. Global defaults also apply to the displayed values of the storage variables and numbers displayed on the plot. -> Clock display: !C Use "!C" to display full-screen clock/calendar in which the L 1000 alarm is set. Type $ to exit back to the equation display. See below for a summary of the clock commands. Also, use the apostrophe command 'CLO (enter) to jump to the clock. -> Copy an equation Move the cursor to the desired equation, type "@/" and type "(esc) or "(ctrl Q)" to exit to the equation display without any changes. Remember that the immediate calculation buffer (command "|") now contains this equation. Type (F6) or "!/" to L 1010 edit the displayed equations. Move the cursor to the location where the equation is to be inserted and type "(alt 9)" to ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 23 -- insert. Remember to add spaces where needed to separate equations and remove or change the other equations/dependent variables. Also, the name of the dependent variable of each equation must be unique. Also, see command "!F", "@F", "!M", "@M", "!L" and "@L" for other ways to copy equations. -> Cursor movement: B F L M N arrow keys (tab) (shift tab) (backspace) L 1020 "B" and (shift tab) move the cursor ">" backwards to preceding variable. Also use (backspace) for the same purpose. "F" moves the cursor ">" to the first dependent variable "L" moves the cursor ">" to the last independent variable. "M" moves the cursor ">" to the middle or first independent variable. "N" and (tab) move the cursor ">" to the next variable. Also use (enter) and (ctrl enter) for the same purpose. Arrow keys - Use edit keys: (Home) (up arrow) (PgUp) (left arrow) (right arrow) (End) (down arrow) (PgDn) to move blinking L 1030 cursor. Note: Keys (up arrow) and (down arrow) move cursor vertically through variables Keys: (left arrow) and (right arrow) move cursor through independent variables only. The (tab)/(shift tab) and backspace keys moves the cursor to the next/previous variable. -> Cut and Paste (copying equations): !F @F !M @M !L @L These commands save equations in the immediate calc text buffer. This buffer is accessed by the | command and its L 1040 contents are further saved in the immediate calc text stack. The contents of this buffer can be "pasted" into equations and other text fields while in the edit mode using the (alt 9) function. "!F" adds the immediate calc text buffer to the text stack, clears the immediate calc buffer and inserts all INACTIVE equations into it. Inactive equations have variable names that are not followed by an "=" sign. The immediate calc buffer can be inserted while in the edit mode using the (alt 9) function. L 1050 Use A and I commands to activate/inactivate equations before using these commands. "@F" adds the immediate calc text buffer to the text stack, clears the immediate calc buffer and inserts all ACTIVE equations into it. Active equations have variable names that are followed by an "=" sign. ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 24 -- "!M" appends all INACTIVE equations to the immediate calc text buffer without appending to the text stack. L 1060 "@M" appends all ACTIVE equations to the immediate calc text buffer without appending to the text stack. "!L" clears the immediate calc buffer of all text. The buffer is displayed with the | command. "@L" clears the immediate calc text stack. This stack is used to save the immediate calc buffer. L 1070 -> Directories of *.EQU, *.STO and *.HLP: (F7) or * !* @* "(F7)" or "*" gives directory of *.equ in directory of specified path. "!*" gives directory of *.sto in directory of specified path. "@*"gives directory of *.hlp in directory of specified path. Enter path for desired directory in response to prompt. For example: (end esc) \project1\analysis (enter). A filename can be included in path but it must have a period. For example (end esc) \calc\*.dat (enter) or \calc\beta???. If no extension, then the default extension is used. Use cursor L 1080 keys to locate file and (enter) to select. Program will always load file as EQU, STO or HLP even if extension differs from default. Use (esc) or (ctrl Q) to exit. Use "(space)" to get information about the current highlighted file. -> Designate coordinate variable O - Designate an independent variable as the coordinate for the X-axis of a plot. One or more equations can be plotted vs. a single coordinate. A ":" designates a coordinate and will L 1090 appear in place of the "=". Use A or I to change status to active or inactive as required. -> Display all 16 digits of variables value \ - Display the full 16 digit precision and position the cursor for editing the number. Type (enter) to return to the blinking cursor. For example, to subtract 1000 from the current number, type "\", and type (end) -1000 (enter). After typing "\", the cursor is always positioned at beginning of number. Type (end) L 1100 to move the cursor to the end of the number and (esc) to clear the number. Always type (enter) to perform a calculation or exit. ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 25 -- -> Display entire comment: (comma key) Type the comma from the equations display in order to see the entire text of the comment. If the comment ends in "...", then it was terminated because of a lack available screen space. If the "||" pairs are used within a lengthy comment then only the L 1110 part enclosed by the || is displayed. If a double single quote '' is used, then only the part before the '' is displayed. In these cases, use the comma command to display the full text. Type any key to return to the main equation display. -> Display/remove storage variables: Y !Y @Y Z !Z @Z "Y" displays the name and value of storage variable, if any. Repeat "Y" to toggle to previous storage variables and so on. "!Y" displays the current storage variable without toggling. L 1120 "!Z" has the same functions as "!Z". "@Y" removes all storage variables. Program will prompt "? equations" to check for any references to the erased storage vars. If present, they now become independent vars. "Z" displays the name and value of storage variable, if any. Repeat "Z" to toggle to next storage variable and so on. Up to 256 storage variables can be entered with user-defined names. For example: =PI=3.1415926 (enter) (spc) DATA1=: (ent) Always start first with "(space)" or "=" because most commands begin with letters. "!Z" like "!Y" displays the current storage variable. Use "@Z" to remove the L 1130 current storage variable. If a storage variable is removed, the immediate calc buffer (command "|" ) is assigned: VARNAME = value. To restore storage var or assign value to storage var which has become independent var, type "|" (enter). Storage variables are not displayed like other variables. To display the value of any storage variable, type (space) VARNAME= (enter). The storage-index counters are positioned on this variable. Type "!Z" to check and type "@Z" to remove, if necessary. Type "|" to recall this calc, if it needs to be recovered. L 1140 -> DOS shell: !E @E "!E" executes DOS command and then returns control to program. Type the DOS command in response to the prompt. "@E" shells by exiting to DOS. The program is still memory resident. Enter DOS commands and other operations. Must type EXIT (enter) to return to program. -> Edit an individual equation: @/ L 1150 ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 26 -- "@/" edits a single equation and updates the immediate calc buffer with that equation. Move cursor to dependent var of desired equation and type "@/". To inspect and return to equation display without changes, type "(esc)" or "(ctrl Q)". To update, type changes followed by "(enter)". To remove equation, type the null string "" (enter). Can also be used to copy and/or move equation. See "Entering Equations", below. "@/" always causes immediate calc ( | ) to be updated. L 1160 -> Entering comment: (F5) / Use "(F5) or "/" to enter or modify a comment only. Comment can contain up to 1840 characters (23 lines). Use "||" pairs to designate segment of comment to be displayed. If the text is "first part || second part || third part" then the displayed comment will be "second part". Use the double single-quote "''" to indicate the end for the displayed comment. If the text is "first part''second part" then only "first part" is displayed. A double single-quote "''" or four "|" at beginning L 1170 of text: "'' rest of text" or "|||| rest of text", suppresses comment. To view entire comment, type (comma key). Type any key to exit. The amount of the displayed comment depends on number of equations/variables. Quotes are not required for strings but may be needed to prevent string compression or loss of desired spaces. Complete equations and comment are save with screen dump. See command "V" for more details. -> Entering equations: (F6) !/ L 1180 Type "(F6) or "!/" to enter 1 or more equations. Equations are entered in BASIC symbolism. Leave at least one space between each equation. Read rules discussed below. Total equations can contain up to 1840 characters (23 lines). Current maximum of 63 equations with up to 66 independent and dependent variables. -> Entering number without calculating main equations: (ctrl enter) To enter a number into a variable of the main equations without L 1190 calculating the dependent variables type the number and terminate it with (ctrl enter) instead of (enter). -> Escaping from the "? Enter Equation(s)" prompt. If the equations contain only constants, then typing (esc) will ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 27 -- result in program termination. For example, starting with ABOX3 45.19+56.78+89.34 (enter) and then typing (esc) will get to the "? Enter Equation(s)" prompt. Typing (esc) now will terminate the program. L 1200 In some situations, the (ctrl Q) or (esc) sequences may not return to the equations display. This event will usually occur when a previously-entered valid equation does not exist. For example, if the program is started with an improper equation entered on the DOS command line, then one must either correct the equation or type (end esc) then "" (enter) to load the default equations. To exit from the program while in the edit mode, one must use the apostrophe command: 'exit (enter). L 1210 -> Exit program: E Use "E" to exit from the program. If equations or storage need to be saved, the program will inform you. Save them immediately because the use of "E" clears the reminders. If necessary type "E" a second time to exit. Type Y (enter) to exit/terminate. or N (enter), "(enter)", "(ctrl Q)" to return to equation display. -> Generate "Definition of variables" template as comment: ! (comma) L 1220 "! (comma)" will generate a comment which is a template of variable names each followed by the define character "≡". The comment must be empty for this to happen. If the comment contains text, set it to a null comment by typing (F5) then (end esc) "" (enter) or type the apostrophe command 'com "" (enter). If the equation is y=m*x+b then the comment will look something like: Definition of variables. Y ≡ B ≡ M ≡ X ≡ Type (F5) to edit the comment and type in the meanings of the variables. L 1230 -> Get/save file of equations: (F8) [ (F9) ] "(F8)" or "[" gets a file of equations and the values of variables. Enter the path/filename followed by "(enter)" in response to prompt. "(F9)" or "]" saves a file of the equations and the values of variables. These two commands save equations, dep and ind vars but not storage vars. Filenames can be specified with paths. For example: \data\results.001, \project\z21\analysis.equ, d:\appl\line.equ. Default extension L 1240 for equation files is ".EQU". Use "." at end of filename if does not have extension. For get operation, if .HLP is the ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 28 -- extension, then program will re-initialize and attempt to read file as application file. The extension .HLP cannot be used with a filename for the save (F9) operation. -> Get/save file of storage variables: ![ !] Use "![" to get a file of storage variables and values only. Note: Use "!*" to generate a directory on the screen from L 1250 which the name of an existing file can be located and selected. Use "!]" to save a file of storage variables and values only. Default extension for storage files is ".STO". Use "." at end of filename if does not have extension. If .HLP is the extension, then program will re-initialize and attempt to read file as application file. -> Help files: Using on-line help file, user-manual help file and application help file. L 1260 To use the on-line help file, type (F1) or the letter "H". To use the on-line user-manual, type "!H" or type (F2) and enter its name. To use the application help file type "(F2)" or "@H". Type the name followed by "(enter)". After reading the application help file, to get the program to prompt for a new name, first type "@C" to display version number or type "(F1)" to access the on-line help file. Type "(esc)" or "E" to exit and then type "(F2)". Set DOS environment variable ASTRO3 to the path where ABOX3HLP.HLP can be found prior to running this program. L 1270 Summary: (F1) or H Read on-line condensed help file ABOX3HLP.HLP. !H Read on-line user-manual help file ABOX3MAN.HLP. (F2) or @H Read application help file *.HLP. Enter filename in response to prompt. If found, program will not prompt unless (F1), H, !H or @C is typed. L 1280 -> Inactivate variable: I !I @I "I" inactivates an equation or variable. The "=" will disappear. Used to indicate dummy eqns for D, G and U. Inactive equations are not plotted. "!I" inactivates all dependent or independent variables at once. The location of the cursor determines which set. "@I" inactivates all ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 29 -- variables at once. Also use the apostrophe command 'INA varname (enter) for the same purpose. See below for more L 1290 details. Use the commands "A", "!A" or "@A" to activate an equation or variable. -> Inspect a too-long-to-display equation Move the cursor to the desired equation, type "@/" and type "(esc) (enter)" or "(ctrl Q)" to exit to the equation display without any changes. Remember that the immediate calc buffer (command "|") now contains this equation and it can be dumped with the "(alt 9)" command in the edit mode. L 1300 -> Modify an equation: @/ Move the cursor to the desired equation, type "@/" and make changes. Type "(enter)". Remember that the immediate calc buffer (command "|") now contains the original equation. -> Multiple calculations: apostrophe command 'IMM The apostrophe command 'IMM allows multiple calculations to be L 1310 performed from the main equation display. These calculations can reference any defined variable and if a calculation results in the creation of a new variable it is assigned as a storage variable. The main display equations are not evaluated during/after these calculations. For example the immediate calc: 'IMM y=sqr(2*x)+b z=2*y (enter) would assign variables Y and Z the results of these calculations. The immediate calc buffer is updated following this calculation. The ":" implies the value of the variable the cursor resides on. For example the immediate calc: 'imm sqr(2*:+45) (enter) would use the L 1320 value of the variable the cursor is on and would assign the result to this variable. -> Plot equation: P "P" plots the active equation(s) vs. coordinate. See below for a complete discussion of the additional commands that can be used while the plot screen is displayed. The cursor should reside on the independent variable to be the coordinate of the x-axis, if some var is not already designated. A coordinate L 1330 variable has a ":" following its name. -> Printer initialization: !P @P ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 30 -- Use "!P" to initialize printer for NLQ (double strike) printing. Use "@P" to reset printer and cancel NLQ printer. -> Program name and version number: @C Use "@C" to recalculate with the program name and version #. L 1340 -> Recalling last immediate calculation: | "|" displays the last immediate calculation and position the cursor after an imbedded apostrophe ('). Use edit keys to change a calculation and use (enter) to execute. Use (alt 9) to insert the current immediate calc before the cursor when in the edit mode. Use (alt 4) and (alt 5) to toggle to previous calculations saved on the immediate calc text stack. The "|" command allows a single calculation to be entered and the main L 1350 display equations are evaluated after this calculation. On the other hand, the immediate calc apostrophe command 'IMM allows multiple calculations to be entered and the main display equations are not evaluated during/after these calculations. -> Reference to current value of variable in calculations Use ":" to designate the current value of variable on which the cursor resides while entering an immediate calculation. For example, if the cursor is on variable A which currently equals L 1360 10, then typing 2*:+6 (enter) will result in A being set to 26. -> Remove an equation: @/ Move the cursor to the desired equation, type "@/" and type (end esc) "" (enter). Remember that the immediate calc buffer (command "|") now contains the original equation. Should you wish to add it back, type "(F6) or "!/" to edit equations, locate cursor and type "(alt 9)" to insert it before the cursor. L 1370 -> Repetitive calculations without variables To perform repetitive calculations without variables such as adding and subtracting numbers, get to the "-- ? Equations(s)" prompt by typing (F6) or "!/". Type (end esc) to clear the field. Enter the calculations such as 23.45+46.78-32.00 (enter). The text of the calculations is now stored on the immediate calc text stack. Use the (alt 4) and (alt 5) keys to toggle back and forth to previous calculations. The (alt 6) L 1380 ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 31 -- key is used to insert the entire immediate calc text stack into the present calculation and the (alt 7) key is used to replace the current calculation with the entire contents of the immediate calc text stack. To exit the Program, type (end esc) "" (enter) to return to equation display and then type "E". -> Saving equation in immediate calc text buffer: !| "!|" replaces immediate calc buffer with the equation on which cursor resides and updates the immediate calc text stack with L 1390 the previous contents. -> Saving comment in immediate calc text stack: @| "@|" replaces immediate calc buffer with comment and updates immediate calc text stack with the previous contents of the buffer. One can use "@|" to transfer equations/values from the comment to the equations and or variables. Once the comment is on the immediate calc text buffer it can be recalled in the edit mode by using (alt 4) and (alt 5) keystrokes. The text L 1400 can be edited to select what is desired. -> Screen dump to text file: V "V" dumps the equations display (or the plot) to a text file. Used to save calculations or plots for inclusion in reports, etc. Program name and date/time are appended. The complete equations, comment and values/status of the variables are appended at the end in the 'EQU format. These files can be used to build a user-generated application file. Enter L 1410 filename in response to prompt. Note: Filenames ending in numeric extensions from "000" to "999" are automatically incremented each time the command is used. Thus, SCRN.001 --> SCRN.002 --> SCRN.003 and so on. Filenames can be specified with paths. For example: \data\calc.001, \project\p23\screen.056, d:\appl\calc10.new If a file already exists, the program will prompt to "APPEND" or to "REPLACE". -> Set all variables to same value: ? !? @? L 1420 "?" sets values of all variables to a constant. Active/inactive status of variables not affected. Use "!?" to set all dependent or independent variables only. The location of the cursor determines which set. Use "@?" to set all variables to a constant and to change status of all variables to active. Constant may be explicitly specified or be the ------- 1.24 -- Summary of Letter Commands Used in Equations Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 32 -- current value of any variable or the result of a simple calculation such as 2*A. -> Turn sound on/off: !B @B L 1430 "!B" turns beeping sound "on" at various locations in program. "@B" Turns beeping "off" at most places including warnings. The default is sound "off". -> Universal quit: (ctrl Q) "(ctrl Q)" will cause control to return to the equation display but only if valid equations exist in the program. "The universal quit". Use the (ctrl Q) anywhere to get back to a L 1440 familiar part of the program which is usually the main equation display. ╒═══════════════╕ │ F1 - F10 KEYS └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.25 F1-F10 Keys, Commands assigned. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Key Command Purpose L 1450 F1 help Access on-line help file ABOX3HLP.HLP F2 appl help Access application on-line help file. F3 exit Exit from program F4 shell Shell to DOS, type exit (enter) to return. F5 comment "? comment" prompt L 1460 F6 equation "? equation" prompt. F7 directory "Directory of *.EQU" prompt. F8 get file Get a file of equations (*.equ) F9 save file Save the current equations (*.equ) F10 prod info List product information. L 1470 ---------------------------- 1.25 -- F1-F10 Keys, Commands assigned. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 33 -- ╒════════════════════╕ │ SPECIAL OPERATIONS └────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.26 Command Sequences Used to Perform Special Operations ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── -> Saving and inserting one or more equations into existing equations. 1) Type @L to clear immediate text stack. L 1480 2) Move cursor to each equation. Type !| 3) Type !/ to edit equations. 4) Mover cursor to place for insert, type (alt 6). Remember: all dependent vars must have different and unique names to first 8 characters. Edit as necessary. 5) Type (enter) to load equations and return to main equation L 1490 display. ╒══════════════╕ │ EDITING KEYS └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1.27 Editing Keys: Functions During Text Entry ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Editing keys can be used whenever the underscore cursor "_" is flashing on the screen. At these instances, any character L 1500 above the cursor will also blink. A summary of the editing keys follows. (esc) - Clear the entire text, line or number. If cursor on first position of field, specifies the escape sequence (ctrl Q) discussed below. Note, if the program is started with an improper equation, either correct the equation or type (end esc) then "" (enter) to load the default equations. (backspace) - Delete character directly in front of cursor. L 1510 (tab) - Move cursor 5 characters to right. (shift tab) - Move cursor 5 characters to left. (home) - Move cursor to beginning of text. (ctrl) (home) - Delete all before cursor to beginning of text. ------------------ 1.27 -- Editing Keys: Functions During Text Entry --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 34 -- (ctrl) (PrtSc) - Redraw all lines of the current text. L 1520 (arrow up) - Move cursor one line up, if possible. (arrow left) - Move cursor one character to left. (ctrl) (arrow left) - Move cursor 5 characters to left. (arrow right) - Move cursor one character to right. (ctrl) (arrow right) - Move cursor 5 characters to right. L 1530 (end) - Move cursor to end of text. (ctrl) (end) - Delete all from cursor to end of text. (arrow down) - Move cursor one line down, if possible (ins) - Insert text before cursor. Toggle on and off. (del) - Delete character at cursor. L 1540 In insert mode (large cursor), the cursor character is deleted and the entire remaining text is shifted left. In the replace mode (small cursor), the cursor character is deleted but only text on the current line is shifted left. (enter) - Used to terminate a string of information which is to be entered into the program. (ctrl enter) - Same function as enter but prevents the program from calculating the main equations when appropriate. L 1550 (ctrl Q) - Quit entry, erase information and return back into the program. Used to return to program if the wrong command was typed. "The universal quit". (alt 1) - Fill current line to end with spaces (if necessary) and move cursor to the next line. Used to provide the "carriage return" function in the text edit mode. (alt 2) - Split line at cursor. To insert a blank line, L 1560 position cursor on start of line and type (alt 2). Line is inserted before cursor. (alt -) Join function. Cursor must be on space (blank). The ------------------ 1.27 -- Editing Keys: Functions During Text Entry --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 35 -- opposite of the split function (alt 2). Removes the cursor blank and all following blanks up to first non-blank character across the entire text. (alt 3) - Add all remaining lines and fill with spaces. This is essentially full-screen edit because information can be L 1570 enter anywhere in the allowed field. (alt 4) - Toggle to previous calculation or text stored in the immediate calculation text stack and replace current text. Note: If a mistake occurs, type (ctrl Q) to exit. The imm calc text stack is updated with information from the immediate calculation, command |. (alt 5) - Toggle in opposite direction to that of (alt 4). L 1580 (alt 6) - Insert the entire text of the immediate calculation text stack before the cursor. (alt 7) - Replace current text with entire contents of immediate calculation text stack. (alt 8) - Clear all text from immediate calculation text stack. (alt 9) - Insert the text of the last immediate calculation before the cursor. The immediate calculation is command |. L 1590 ╒════════════════╕ │ EQUATION ENTRY └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.01 Entering Equations Into the Program ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── An equation or a series of equations is entered into the program in response to the prompt "-- ? Equation(s) -->". While the screen is displaying the equations, type (F6) or L 1600 "!/". Use the edit keys, as discussed above, to enter the equations. In particular note that the "(end esc)" key clears the screen. Following a successful evaluation of the equations, the program will prompt "-- ? Comment -->". At this time a comment can be added to describes the equations, their use, meaning of of variables, etc. Double quote marks are required to preserve string spacing. To clear away an old comment type (end esc) "" (enter). The "" signifies an empty or null character string. To enter three equations, one might type (F6) then: L 1610 ------------------------ 2.01 -- Entering Equations Into the Program --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 36 -- (end esc) y1=a+b+c y2=a-b-c y3=a-b+c (enter) Next, to enter a comment, one might type: (end esc) "Three equations with three unknowns." (enter) Note: The string does not have to be enclosed in quotes, however if quotes are used, make sure that there are 2 -- one at each end! L 1620 If one enters equations without any independent variables, then the program will perform the calculations and prompt "? Equation(s)". For example, one can enter a series of equations: (end esc) y1=1+2+3 y2=1-2-3 y3=1-2+3 (enter) The values of y1, y2 and y3 are remember and can be referenced in the next calculation. For example: L 1630 (end esc) y1=y1-10 y2=y2-20 y3=y3-30 (enter) Also, more than one calculation can be performed if expressions are enclosed in parentheses. For example: (end esc) (1-45) (23+45+67) (sqr(4/98)) (enter) Use the (ctrl Q) keys to abruptly and immediately terminate anything! L 1640 ╒═══════════════════╕ │ WRITING EQUATIONS └─────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.03 Writing Equations: Definition of Terms ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Before any further discussion of equations and their evaluation, the user should become familiar with the following terms: L 1650 ■ EQUATION: A symbolic recipe for calculating a number associated with a dependent variable. An equation consists of a dependent variable followed by an equal sign and ending with a series of mathematical operations involving constants, independent variables, functions and dependent variables. An --------------------- 2.03 -- Writing Equations: Definition of Terms --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 37 -- INCONSISTENT EQUATION is one in which the final value of the dependent variable depends on its initial value in some way. Counters, such as COUNT=COUNT+1, and summers, such as TOTAL=TOTAL+X, are good examples. L 1660 ■ DEPENDENT VARIABLE: A name, beginning with a letter, which identifies a variable whose value is calculated. The dependent variable usually appears to the left of the equal sign but it may also appear to the right in certain cases. Each equation must have a unique name for its dependent variable. ■ INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: A name, beginning with a letter, which identifies a variable whose value is assigned. The value of an independent variable usually does not change as the result of a L 1670 calculation. An independent variable always appears to the right of the equal sign. ■ STORAGE VARIABLE: A variable which is used similarly to an independent variable and is created as the result of an assignment statement. For example, an assignment statement might be PI=3.1415926 and an equation using PI might be AREA=PI*RADIUS^2. The values of the storage variables are saved independently of the dependent and independent variables. L 1680 ■ CONSTANT: A number whose value is explicitly defined and does not ever change. Numbers may be in the integer format (no decimal point), decimal format or floating (exponential) format. Some examples are: INTEGER: -50, 100, 0 DECIMAL: -49.95, 99.67, 0.0 FLOATING or EXPONENTIAL: -1E-3, 1.674E+6, 0.0E0, 3.2D-3 Note: L 1690 E-3 or D-3 means 10^-3 ■ FUNCTION: A special mathematical recipe that has an argument enclosed in parentheses. A special number is calculated from the value of the argument. See help file for more details. For example: E=M*C^2 AVERAGE=(ITEM1+ITEM2)/ABS(N) Y=3*COS(X)^2-1 Dependent variables: E, AVERAGE, Y L 1700 Constants: 2, 3, 1 Independent variables: M, C, ITEM1, ITEM2, N, X --------------------- 2.03 -- Writing Equations: Definition of Terms --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 38 -- Functions: ABS(...), COS(...) Math operations: * (multiplication), ^ (power), + (addition), / (division) - (subtraction) Note: Parentheses specify the order of the calculation. All equations begin with a dependent variable, whose value is L 1710 calculated by the equation. The dependent variable is followed by an equal sign "=". Following the "=" sign are a collection of constants, independent variables, dependent variables and functions. Pairs of parentheses are used to group terms and to specify the the order of a given calculation, especially when the desired order opposes the default priorities discussed below. More than one equation can be entered in response to the "? Equation(s)" prompt. If you enter more than one equation, you should be careful with the use of spaces! The equations, including spaces, cannot exceed 1840 characters (23 L 1720 lines). An example of a group of equations is: H=1+C*R1*R2/(R1+R2) A=20*LOG(X^(2*Y)) E=P*(A-D)/2 REL_MIN=SQR(1+DMIN^2) EMAX[Q]=-LOG10(SQR(1-Q^2)) L 1730 Dependent variables: H, A, E, REL_MIN, EMAX[Q] Constants: 1, 20, 2 Independent variables: C, R1, R2, X, Y, A, D, DMIN, Q Functions: LOG(...), SQR(...), LOG10(...) Math operations: + (addition), * (multiplication), / (division), ^ (power) - (subtraction), - (negation) L 1740 ╒════════════════╕ │ EQUATION RULES └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.10 Rules for Writing Algebraic Expressions, Formulas and Equations ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Algebraic expressions, formulas and equations are virtually ---------- 2.10 -- Rules for Writing Algebraic Expressions, Formulas --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 39 -- identical mathematically and will all be collectively called "equations" in this Manual. The rules for writing equations L 1750 are fairly universal. Equations are entered using the conventions found in the BASIC computer language. In particular, the user should note that an implied multiplication is not allowed. Thus AB would be interpreted as a variable name and A*B, as multiplication. Also, operations of equal priority always execute from left to right. The rules are: ■ All variable names must begin with either an English capital letter. (Lower case letters will be converted to upper case) or a Greek letter such as α, ß, Γ, π, Σ, σ, µ, τ, Φ, Θ, Ω, or L 1760 δ. To enter these Greek letters use the keypad numbers. Hold down the (alt) key and type the following ASCII codes on the keypad and then release the (alt) key. α 224, ß 225, Γ 226, π 227, Σ 228, σ 229, µ 230, τ 231, Φ 232, Θ 233, Ω 234, δ 235. Variable names such as AMAX, EMIN, TIME_OF_DAY, F[T] are ok but 123ABC is invalid. The remaining characters can be any ASCII characters with values greater than ASCII 32 which is the "(space)". For example, "R║" and "R┴" may be used to define variables where the ║ (ASCII 186) conveys "parallel" and the ┴ (ASCII 193) conveys "perpendicular". If an embedded space is L 1770 desired, use ASCII 255 which is the "alternate" blank. Note, the "normal" space (ASCII 32) is a separator. ■ Variable names can be any length of characters but only the first 8 are significant. Thus variable names such as MINIMUM_, MINIMUM_HEIGHT, MINIMUM_VALUE and MINIMUM_LENGTH are all equivalent. ■ Variable names must be different from the names of the intrinsic functions described above. Thus Y=SINZ+LOGQ would be L 1780 ok but Y=SINH*LOG is invalid because SINH and LOG are the names of intrinsic functions. The names of the intrinsic functions are reserved words. Don't use them for the names of variables! ■ Equations must begin with the name of a single dependent variable. If a group of equations is entered, each equation must have a dependent variable with a unique, different and allowed name. For example, Y1=A+B Y2=A-B not Y=A+B Y=A-B. ■ The dependent variable must be followed by an equal sign and L 1790 the remainder of the equation. Intervening spaces are ok. For example: Y=M*X+B not Y-B=M*X. Operations are not allowed to the left of the equal sign. See other rules below. ---------- 2.10 -- Rules for Writing Algebraic Expressions, Formulas --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 40 -- ■ Spaces and commas are allowed within the equation(s). Most are ignored and removed by the program. Use them in numbers for ease of entry: 1,000,000 or 1 000 000 or 1000000. Y = 2,000 * ( X + 3 0 * Z ) is equivalent to Y=2000*(X+30*Z). If exponential notation is used in a number then the "E" or "D" must immediately follow the last digit of the number. Thus, L 1800 1.45E-2, 1 . 4 5E - 2 and 1.45E -2 are equivalent but 1.45 E-2 signifies two equations: The first contains the number 1.45 and the second, the variable E minus 2. Separate all equations by at least one space. ■ There must be at least one constant, independent variable or dependent variable to the right of the equal sign. For Example: Y=3, Z=X, W=SIN(0.7), A=A+1. A single equation with only constants to the right of the equal sign, such as Y=SQR(4)+ABS(-3), is calculated and then the program prompts L 1810 for a new equation. ■ Parentheses must always be matched. They must always occur in pairs. For example: Y=(3*X)-2 and Y=3*(X-2) not Y=LOG(SQR(1-X^2). ■ An empty pair of parentheses is not allowed. Y=SIN() and Y=3+()-4 are not allowed. ■ Independent variables with the same names, that are used in L 1820 different equations, always share the same memory locations. Their values are always in common to all equations. To make an independent variable unique, it should be given a unique name. ■ If a group of equations is entered, the first equation is the "nearest to start" of the string and the last equation is the "nearest to end". Calculations proceed from the first equation to the last. For example, a group of equations might be: N=N+1 L 1830 YTOTAL=YTOTAL+X YAVE=YTOTAL/N Each time that a calculation is made, the following happens. The current value of N, a counter, will be increased by 1. To the current value of YTOTAL is added the value of X. The average value, YAVE, is calculated as YTOTAL divided by N. "N" and "YTOTAL" are termed inconsistent equations because they do not represent math equalities. L 1840 ---------- 2.10 -- Rules for Writing Algebraic Expressions, Formulas --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 41 -- ╒═════════════╕ │ PARENTHESES └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.15 Rules for Evaluation of Parentheses ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ■ Nested parentheses, that is, parentheses within parentheses, are evaluated from innermost to outermost matched pairs. For example, if Y=ABS(5+LOG10(3*X+2)-6) then 3*X+2 would be performed first, then 5+LOG10(..)+6, then ABS(...). If L 1850 Y=(((X+1)/2)*3)+4, then X+1 would be performed first, then /2, then *3, then +4. ■ Matched parentheses are always evaluated from left to right. For example: if Y=(3+X)+(4-X)/(X^2-1) then 3+X would be performed first followed by 4-X and X^2-1. Finally, the results of the last two parentheses would be divided and that result added to the first parentheses. ■ The maximum number of pairs of parentheses in any equation is L 1860 128 and parentheses may be nested in any depth up to 128. ╒════════════════════╕ │ BUILT-IN FUNCTIONS └────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.20 Rules for Evaluation of Intrinsic Functions ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ■ The names of the intrinsic functions are reserved words and these names cannot be used as the names of variables. For L 1870 example, Y=SIN(X) is ok but Y=SIN+X is not allowed. ■ Operations within a function are always performed prior to the evaluation of that function. For example if Y=SIN(2*PI*X) then the order of evaluation would be 2*PI*X and then SIN(...). ■ Nested functions are always evaluated from innermost to outermost function. For example if Y=LOG(ABS(SIN(X))) then the order of evaluation would be SIN(...) then ABS(...) then LOG(...). L 1880 ■ Functions are evaluated from left to right. For example, if Y=SIN(X)+COS(X)+LOG(X) then the order of evaluation would be SIN(...) then COS(...) then LOG(...). ---------------- 2.20 -- Rules for Evaluation of Intrinsic Functions --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 42 -- ╒═════════════════╕ │ MATH OPERATIONS └───────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.25 Rules for Evaluation of Mathematical Operations ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 1890 ■ Highest priority: power (exponentiation) Y=X^2 leading negation Y=-X multiplication, division Y=3*X, Y=X/4 lowest priority: addition, subtraction Y=X+10, Y=X-7 ■ Operations of the same priority are evaluated from left to right. For example: Y=2^2^3 (=64, not 256!) L 1900 Y=8+4/4-2*5 (=-1, not 5!) Y=-4^2 (=-16, not 16!) Y=2+4*2^2/4 (=6, not 36!) ■ Parentheses can be used to change the order of mathematical operations. For example: Y=2^(2^3) (=256, not 64!) Y=((8+4)/4-2)*5 (=5, not -1!) Y=(-4)^2 (=16, not -16!) L 1910 Y=((2+4)*2)^2/4 (=36, not 6!) ■ Redundant or superfluous operations will be simplified and/or eliminated from the equations. These operations usually include multiple combinations of the "+" and "-" with themselves or other operators. For example: Y=-+A or Y=+-A --> Y=-A Y=--A or Y=++A --> Y=A Y=A^-+2 or Y=A^+-2 --> Y=A^-2 L 1920 Y=10/+A --> Y=10/A Y=A*+50 --> Y=A*50 Y=-+-+-+A --> Y=-A ╒════════════════╕ │ MATH FUNCTIONS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.30 Glossary of Intrinsic MATH FUNCTIONS and Function Operators ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 1930 The program contains intrinsic mathematical functions which ---------- 2.30 -- Glossary of Intrinsic MATH FUNCTIONS and Function --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 43 -- perform well-know calculations based on the value of their arguments. All functions have names which start with a letter and contain from 3 to 5 characters. The name is followed by an argument which may be a simple constant, a variable or an expression. The argument is always enclosed in a matched set of parentheses. For example: Y=SIND(45) has a constant, 45, as the argument. Y=ALOG(X) has a variable, X, as the argument. Y=ABS(4*X-6) has an expression, 4*X-6, as the argument. L 1940 Y=SQR(ABS(X)) has another function, ABS(...), as the argument. Functions are "built in" recipes for performing well-known mathematical operations which are described below. The argument of a function may be a number or an expression which is always enclosed in parentheses. Function operators are 2 letter suffixes attached to numbers. Thus SIND(45) and 45SD are equivalent. Function operators can be attached to any number except the constants in equations entered in response to the prompt "-- ? Equation(s) -->". There are one-to-one L 1950 correspondences between functions and operators. The allowed functions and function operators and their uses are: Op Function Purpose AB ABS(X) The absolute value of X. If X > or = 0 then ABS(X)=X, but if X<0 then ABS(X)=-X. op: -5AB 10AB -20AB func: Y=ABS(-5), Y=5. Y=ABS(10), Y=10 L 1960 OC ACOS(X) The inverse cosine of X. The result is in radians. ABS(X) must always be < or = to 1.0. op: 1OS 0OC .5OC func: Y=ACOS(1), Y=0. Y=ACOS(0), Y=1.570796 DC ACOSD(X) The inverse cosine of X. The result is in degrees. ABS(X) must always be < or = to 1.0. op: 1DC 0DC -.61DC func: Y=ACOSD(1), Y=0. Y=ACOSD(0), Y=90 L 1970 HC ACOSH(X) The inverse hyperbolic cosine of X. X must always be > or = to 1.0. op: 1.54308HC 1HC 2HC func: Y=ACOSH(1.54308), Y=1. Y=ACOSH(1), Y=0 IS ASIN(X) The inverse sine of X. The result is in radians. ABS(X) must always be < or = to 1.0. op: 1IS 0IS .707IS ---------- 2.30 -- Glossary of Intrinsic MATH FUNCTIONS and Function --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 44 -- func: Y=ASIN(1), Y=1.570796. Y=ACOS(0), Y=0 L 1980 DS ASIND(X) The inverse sine of X. The result is in degrees. ABS(X) must always be < or = to 1.0. op: 1DS 0DS .707DS func: Y=ASIND(1), Y=90. Y=ASIND(0), Y=0 HS ASINH(X) The inverse hyperbolic sine of X. op: 1.17520HS 0HS 1.5HS func: Y=ASINH(1.17520), Y=1. Y=ASINH(0), Y=0 AT ATAN(X) The inverse tangent of X. The result is in radians. L 1990 op: 1AT 0AT 2AT func: Y=ATAN(1), Y=.7853982. Y=ATAN(0), Y=0. DT ATAND(X) The inverse tangent of X. The result is in degrees. op: 1DT 0DT 2DT func: Y=ATAND(1), Y=45. Y=ATAND(0), Y=0 HT ATANH(X) The inverse hyperbolic tangent of X. X must always be > -1.0 and < 1.0 op: 0.76159HT 0HT -.435HT L 2000 func: Y=ATANH(0.76159), Y=1. Y=ATANH(0), Y=0 CI CINT(X) Convert X to an integer by rounding. The absolute value of X must always be less than 1E16 for this to be a meaningful calculation. op: -5.75CI 12.65CI 4.567CI func: Y=CINT(-5.75), Y=-6. Y=CINT(12.65), Y=13. CO COS(X) The cosine of X. X is in radians. op: 0CO 1.7CO -.567CO L 2010 func: Y=COS(0), Y=1. Y=COS(1.570796), Y=0. CD COSD(X) The cosine of X. X is in degrees. op: 0CD 90CD 45CD func: Y=COSD(0), Y=1. Y=COSD(90), Y=0 CH COSH(X) The hyperbolic cosine of X. op: 1CH 0CH 0.567CH func: Y=COSH(1), Y=1.54308. Y=COSH(0), Y=1 L 2020 DE DECM(X) The signed decimal fraction of the number X with no rounding. op: -123.456DE 456.789DE 789.123DE func: Y=DECM(-123.456), Y=-.456 ---------- 2.30 -- Glossary of Intrinsic MATH FUNCTIONS and Function --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 45 -- Y=DECM(456.789), Y=.789 Can be used to calculate the MOD(X) to base Z which may be decimal. Use Y=Z*DECM(X/Z). Y=16*DECM(19/16), Y=3 Y=.5*DECM(1.3/.5), Y=.3 EX EXP(X) The natural or Naperian antilog, base "e". L 2030 op: 1EX 0EX .51534EX func: Y=EXP(1), Y=2.71828. Y=EXP(0), Y=1. FA FACT(X) Factorial of X. X may be a signed integer or decimal. FACT(6) = 6 * 5 * 4 * 3 * 2 *1 X=0, FACT(0)=1 X>0, FACT(X)= X*(X-1)*(X-2)....*1 X<0, FACT(X)= X*(X+1)*(X+2)....*-1 op: 4FA=24, -4FA=24, 3FA=6, -3FA=-6, 0FA=1, 1FA=1 -3.3FA=-9.867, -4.3FA=+42.4281 L 2040 func: Y=FACT(4), Y=24. Y=FACT(-3), Y=-6. FI FIX(X) Truncate X to an integer. No rounding. The value of X must always be less than 1E16 for this to be a meaningful calculation. op: -5.75FI 12.65FI 4.567FI func: Y=FIX(2.3), Y=2. Y=FIX(-56.70), Y=-56. LN LOG(X) The natural or Naperian log of X. X must be greater than 0.0 L 2050 op: 2.71828LN 1LN 6.784LN func: Y=LOG(2.71828), Y=1. Y=LOG(1), Y=0. LG LOG10(X) The log, base 10, of X. X must be > 0.0. op: 10LG 1LG 1002LG func: Y=LOG10(10), Y=1. Y=LOG10(1), Y=0. NZ NZE(X) The "not zero" function. If X=0 then X=10^-30, a very small number. Useful in division to prevent divide by zero errors. L 2060 op: 0NZ 1NZ .000001NZ func: Y=NZE(0), Y=1D-30 Y=NZE(1D-15), Y=1D-15 RA RAND(X) Generates a random number from 0 to 1. The argument X controls the seeding: X<0 reseeds the random number generator. X=0 repeats the last number generate. X>0 generates the next number in the sequence. op: -1RA, new sequence. 1RA, generates the next random number. L 2070 ---------- 2.30 -- Glossary of Intrinsic MATH FUNCTIONS and Function --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 46 -- func: Y=RAND(-1), new sequence. Y=RAND(1), generates the next random number. RN RND(X) Round the number X to two decimal places. Useful in financial calculations in order to round decimal fractions to cents. op: 123.456RN -123.543RN 735.196RN func: Y=RND(123.456), Y=123.46 Y=RND(-123.543), Y=-123.54 To round to other numbers of decimal digits, use the L 2080 function CINT. For example, to round X to 3 decimal places use CINT(1000*X)/1000. SF SFACT(X) "Skip" factorial of X. X may be a signed integer or decimal. Similar to FACT(X) except decrement is by 2.0. If X is an even integer than SFACT(X) is the product of the even integers and if X is an odd integer than SFACT(X) is the product of the odd integers. SFACT(6) = 6 * 4 * 2, SFACT(7) = 7 * 5 * 3 * 1 L 2090 X=0, SFACT(0)=1 X>0, SFACT(X)= X*(X-2)*(X-4)....*(1 or 2) X<0, FACT(X)= X*(X+2)*(X+4)....*(-1 or -2) op: 6SF=48, -5SF=-15, 3SF=3, -3SF=3, 0SF=1, 1SF=1 -3.3SF=+4.29, -5.3SF=-22.737 func: Y=SFACT(8), Y=384. Y=SFACT(-7), Y=105. SG SIGN(X) Returns the sign of the argument X. op: -123SG 0SG 256SG func: Y=SIGN(-123), Y=-1. Y=SIGN(0), Y=0. L 2100 Y=SIGN(256), Y=1. SI SIN(X) The sine of X. X is in radians. op: 0SI 1.085SI .657SI func: Y=SIN(0), Y=0. Y=SIN(1.570796), Y=1. SC SINC(X) The sinc function ( SIN(X)/X ) of X. op: 0SI 3.0SC -9.9SC func: Y=SINC(0), Y=1. Y=SINC(4.9), Y=-0.200501 L 2110 SD SIND(X) The sine of X. X is in degrees. op: 0SD 90SD 45SD func: Y=SIND(0), Y=0. Y=SIND(90), Y=1 SH SINH(X) The hyperbolic sine of X. op: 1SH 0SH .56123SH ---------- 2.30 -- Glossary of Intrinsic MATH FUNCTIONS and Function --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 47 -- func: Y=SINH(1), Y=1.17520. Y=SINH(0), Y=0 SQ SQR(X) The square root of the argument X. X must be > or = to 0.0 L 2120 op: 144SQ 100SQ 256SQ func: Y=SQR(144), Y=12. Y=SQR(100), Y=10. SN SUMN(X) Summation of integers with sign. 0+1+2+3+...+X. If X<0 then SUMN(X)<0. If X is decimal than SUMN(X) is intermediate between nearest integers. op: 5SN -6SN 5.5SN func: Y=SUMN(5), Y=15. Y=SUMN(6), Y=21. Y=SUMN(5.5), Y=17.875. L 2130 TA TAN(X) The tangent of X. X is in radians. op: .815TA 0TA .312TA func: Y=TAN(3.15193/4), Y=1. Y=TAN(0), Y=0. TD TAND(X) The tangent of X. X is in degrees. op: 45TD 0TD 60TD func: Y=TAND(45), Y=1. Y=TAND(0), Y=0 TH TANH(X) The hyperbolic tangent of X. op: 1TH 0TH .3765TH L 2140 func: Y=TANH(1), Y=0.76159. Y=TANH(0), Y=0 UI UIF(X) The unit impulse (delta) function of X. If X = 0 then UIF(X)=1 or if X < 0 or X > 0 then UIF(X)=0. op: 0UI 6UI -56UI func: Y=UIF(3), Y=0. Y=USF(X-6), X=6, Y=1, X=5, Y=0. UR URF(X) The unit ramp function of X. If X > 0 then URF(X)=X or if X < 0 or X = 0 then URF(X)=0. op: 0UR 6UR -56UR L 2150 func: Y=URF(3), Y=3. Y=URF(X-6), X=6, Y=0, X=5, Y=0. US USF(X) The unit step function of X. If X > 0 or X = 0 then USF(X)=1 or if X < 0 then USF(X)=0. op: 3US -6US -56US func: Y=USF(3), Y=1. Y=USF(X-6), X=7, Y=1, X=5, Y=0. ╒════════════════╕ │ NUMBER FORMATS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 2160 2.40 Numbers: Format-free, Examples of Formats ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ------------------ 2.40 -- Numbers: Format-free, Examples of Formats --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 48 -- Numbers can be entered in many convenient forms which usually depend on their magnitudes. ■ DECIMALS: 0.567, -.903 ■ FRACTIONS: 1/4, -45/64, 16/4 L 2170 ■ INTEGERS: -1, 2, -123 ■ FLOATING POINT: 1.2E3, 1.2e3, -123e-2, 1.2D4, 34d1 (Note: E means 10^ thus 1E2 equal 1*10^2 or 100 and usage of "E" and "D" are equivalent. Thus 1E2 and 1D2 are identical. Maximum FP value of 1E+25. FP numbers with exponents greater than +25 will be ignored.) Numbers can also be entered as the result of a mathematical L 2180 expression: (34+45)/2, (10+34+56+78)*45, 2*COSD(30)-.467 and so. Commas and spaces within numbers are ignored. Thus 1,002 and 1 002 and 1002 are all equivalent. Also 18.89 and 1,8.8,9 and 1 8 . 8 9 and 1,,,8 .,,,,8 9 and so on are also equivalent. Numbers can also include references to previously defined variables. For example: PAYMT$-100, PRINCPL$+100. L 2190 Numbers can also have function operators attached: 45SD, 3*60CD-1/3 and so on. ╒════════════════╕ │ DECIMAL DIGITS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.42 Controlling the Number of Decimal Digits ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The number of significant decimal digits shown in the main L 2200 equation display can be controlled in two ways: globally with the 'DEC apostrophe command and locally for any variable by appending the decimal operator to dependent and independent variable name. The 'DEC apostrophe command sets the default number of decimal digits. For example, 'DEC 2 (enter) would specify 2 decimal digits. Global defaults also apply to the displayed values of the storage variables and numbers displayed on the plot. ------------------- 2.42 -- Controlling the Number of Decimal Digits --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 49 -- A variable such as "A" will display up to 7 decimal digits in L 2210 single precision and up to 16 in double precision. Appending a period followed by an integer from 0 to 16 to the end of the variable name will result in from 0 to 16 decimal digits being displayed. However, the internal representation of the number always has full 16 digit resolution. for example, if A =7.123456789012345 then a variable A.1 would display 7.1, A.2, 7.12, ...., A.14, 7.1234567890123 (if double precision display) and so on. A.0 or A. would round out the decimal and display 7. The decimal operator overrides the global default. L 2220 The variable names are now A.1, A.2, .... and they must be referenced that way. For example, a.3=2*x-67. The decimal operator is most useful for dependent variables since it can be used to display more digits when a lower value has been globally set with the 'DEC apostrophe command. As with the foreground and background colors, the global value of the decimal digits is saved with the equations and remains in effect when new equations are read into the program. L 2230 ╒════════════════╕ │ PROGRAM LIMITS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.45 Maximum Number of Equations, Variables and Constants ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ■ The maximum number of equations that may be entered is 63. For 61 to 63 equations, there is a maximum of 3 independent vars and the comment is not displayed. For 58 to 60 equations, L 2240 6 ind vars. For 1 to 3 equations, 63 independent vars, etc. The equations and ind vars must add up to 64 to 66 or less. The equation(s) can contain a maximum of 1840 characters (23 lines). The maximum number of operations such as additions, multiplications, etc. is approximately 1000. "% USE" is the percentage of codespace in use and is displayed after the program name/version. About 12 operations equal 1 %. If % USE exceeds 99% then immediate calculations may not have sufficient codespace. L 2250 ■ The maximum number of dependent and independent variables is 66. The maximum number of storage variables is 256. Note: With storage variables, 63 equations with 259 independent variables can be entered if the storage variables are first ------- 2.45 -- Maximum Number of Equations, Variables and Constants --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 50 -- defined. Only 3 independent variables can be displayed. Three or less equations can contain up to 319 variables: 63 independent variables and 256 storage vars. ■ The minimum number of constants is 256 and the maximum number is (322-[total number of variables]). For example, if there L 2260 are 2 dependent and 2 independent variables, then there can be a maximum of (322-[2+2])=318 constants. ╒═══════════════════╕ │ ERROR EXPLANATION └─────────────────────────────────────────────────── 2.50 Errors During Equation Evaluation and Elsewhere ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The program will evaluate the equations by the rules and L 2270 regulations discussed above. If an error is detected, then the program will display the location of the error in the equation and a brief error comment describing its nature. Type any key to continue the program. The user should correct these errors and evaluate the equations again. An equation-error summary can be found within this help file. Other errors, particularly overflows, may cause the program to display the EXEC ERROR message and return to the "? Equation(s)" prompt. Type (enter) to return to the main L 2280 equation display. Record the error # and line number and report it! See below. ╒══════════════════╕ │ DIRECTORY SCREEN └─────────────────────────────────────────────────── 3.01 Directory Screen: Commands During Display ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The asterisk commands: * or (F7), !* and @* are used to L 2290 generate a directory of 1) equation files with the default extension of .EQU, 2) storage files with the default extension of .STO or 3) application help files with the default extension of .HLP, respectively. A path for the location of the directory can be specified. If the desired directory is the current one, simply type (enter) at the prompt or (end esc) "" (enter) to clear any existing path. The extensions of the files need not be the default ones (.equ, .sto or .hlp). However, the selected file will always be loaded as EQU, STO or HLP depending on what asterisk command was used. The directory L 2300 ------------------ 3.01 -- Directory Screen: Commands During Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 51 -- does not use the DOS SHELL and COMMAND.COM is not required in any directory. PATH descriptions can be the same as for the DOS DIR command. Note: If a filename is used then it must end in a period or the default extension is used and and if there is no extension then the default extension will always be used. Wildcards "*" and "?" can be used. Some paths might be: \CALC \CALC\ANALYSIS \CALC\data??? FORMULA??. *.DAT and so on. To search for all files beginning with the letter "a", only, enter a path like \CALC\A* and so on. A summary of the commands used to locate and select a file follow: Note: If less than 8 L 2310 filenames, some commands have no function. If more than 192 files, then only the last 192 are listed. -> move to first file name of current row (home) - Move highlighted cursor to column 1, the first file of a row -> move to first file of first row L 2320 (ctrl) (home) - Move cursor to column 1, row 1, the first file. -> move to last file of current row (end) - Move cursor to column 8 of the current row, if possible. -> move to last file of last row (ctrl) (end) - Move cursor to column 8, last row, if possible. L 2330 -> move to top file of current column (PgUp) - Move cursor to top row of current column. -> move to bottom file of current column (PgDn) - Move cursor to bottom row of current column. -> move cursor to next file L 2340 (cursor) (right) or (tab) - Move cursor to next file. -> move cursor to previous file (cursor) (left) or (backspace) - move cursor backwards. ------------------ 3.01 -- Directory Screen: Commands During Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 52 -- -> move up by one row (cursor) (up) - move cursor up one file in a column. L 2350 -> move down by one row (cursor) (Dn) - move down one file in a column. -> return info on highlighted file (space) - returns date and other file info for .EQU files only. Displays date (saved with equations) and approx. 68 characters of comment and equations (if comment is less than 68 L 2360 characters). -> new path prompt \ - Prompt for new path description. Use (end esc) "" (enter) to clear the old name. -> exit directory screen to main equation screen (esc) or (ctrl Q) - exit from directory to main equation L 2370 display -> choose a file (enter) - Select file and load as EQU, STO or HLP. -> search names by first letter letters and other characters - jump to next filename starting with that character, if possible. L 2380 ╒═══════════════╕ │ PLOT COMMANDS └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 3.05 Commands Used While Plot Screen is Displayed ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Only "active equations" are plotted versus an x-axis which is one of the independent variables which is designated as a coordinate variable. Active equations have dependent vars L 2390 followed by a visible "=". If more than one equation, one must activate/inactivate equations, as desired, with commands "A" --------------- 3.05 -- Commands Used While Plot Screen is Displayed --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 53 -- and "I". If more than one independent var, one must designate x-axis coordinate with command "O" or place the cursor on the desired independent var before typing "P". A coordinate var has a ":" following its name. To plot, in the equations display type "P". Enter coordinate range (like from 10 to 20) for x-axis in form: 10 to 20 (enter) or 10;20 (enter). While in the plot screen, the following letter commands are L 2400 active. -> display cursor: C C - Use cursor. X and Y values of cursor are displayed. While ">" is displayed, the following keys are used to move it around: (Home) - Move cursor to top left corner L 2410 (Up Arrow) - Move cursor one small division up (PgUp) - Move cursor to top right corner (Left Arrow) - Move cursor one small division to left (Right Arrow) - Move cursor one small division to right (End) - Move cursor to lower left corner (origin) L 2420 (Down arrow) - Move cursor one small division down (PgDn) - Move cursor to lower right corner. 1 to 9 - Change the increment of cursor movement when the arrows are used and move the cursor to the right by that amount. At entry, default is 1. ; - designate first and last values for range to be plotted. After ; is typed the second time, the program will prompt with L 2430 the chosen range. Modify if needed and type (enter) to plot. (ctrl Q) or most other keys - Exit back to plot. -> dump plot screen as text file: V V - Dumps the plot to a text file. Used to save calculations or plots for inclusion in reports, etc. Includes program name, --------------- 3.05 -- Commands Used While Plot Screen is Displayed --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 54 -- date/time, equations, comment. Enter filename in response to prompt. Note: Filenames ending in numeric extensions from L 2440 "000" to "999" are automatically incremented each time the command is used. Thus, PLOT.001 --> PLOT.002 --> PLOT.003 and so on. If file exists, program will ask to "APPEND" or to "REPLACE". -> exit back to equations display: E (esc) Use "E" or "(esc) to exit back to equations display. L 2450 -> plot range for x-axis: Use semicolon. ; - Set new range for X-axis. Enter a new range in the form num1 to num2 or num1;num2. For example -45 to 123 or -45;123. If a single number is entered then only the first or last limit is replaced. For example, -30 (enter) or -30 to (enter) or -30; (enter) will only cause -45 to be replaced in -45;123 and to 106 (enter) or ;106 (enter) will cause only 123 to be replaced. L 2460 -> shift plot left L - Shift plot to left along X-axis by 1 major scale division -> shift plot right R - Shift plot to right along X-axis by 1 major scale division -> zoom in L 2470 N - Move nearer to plot. Show less of X-axis. -> zoom out F - Move far away from plot. Show more of the X-axis. ╒══════════╕ │ WARNINGS └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 4.01 Summary of Common WARNINGS During Calculations. L 2480 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The warning numbers followed by an explanation follow: ------------ 4.01 -- Summary of Common WARNINGS During Calculations. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 55 -- 1 - Attempt to raise negative number to non-integer power. Operation was ignored. Y=X^W is ok if X=-1.3 and W=2 but is not allowed if W=2.1. - Also, attempt to raise number to power such that the result is greater than 1E30 (overflow) or less than 1E-30 (underflow). The number was set to 1E30 for overflow and 1E-30 for underflow. L 2490 2 - Overflow from multiplication. The result of the multiplication of two numbers exceeded 1E30 in magnitude. The result of the multiplication was set to a magnitude of 1E30. 3 - Overflow from division. The result of the division of two numbers exceeded 1E30 in magnitude. The result of the division was set to a magnitude of 1E30. 8 - The displayed values of the equation(s) may not be L 2500 accurate. In other words, the values of the dependent variables may not be related to the values of the independent variables by the recipes of the equations. The most common warning message. Will be produce if a dependent variable is set to any number. Always produced after "?" command and at the entry into a calculation. Type "C" to recalculate if uncertain about the values of the dependent variables. 15 - Attempt to take the arccosine, ACOS(...) or ACOSD(...), of a number whose absolute value is greater than 1.0. Operation L 2510 was ignored. 16 - Attempt to take the arcsine, ASIN(...) or ASIND(...), of a number whose absolute value is greater than 1.0. Operation was ignored. 18-19 - Same as for 15 and 16 but for ACOSD(...) and ASIND(...). 24 - Attempt to take the arccosine hyperbolic, ACOSH(...), of a L 2520 number whose value is less than 1.0. Operation was ignored. 26 - Attempt to take the arctangent hyperbolic, ATANH(...), of a number whose absolute value is greater than 1.0. Operation was ignored. 28 - Attempt to take a natural antilog of a number such that the result exceeded 1E30 (overflow) or was less than 1E-30 (underflow). The program set the magnitude of the result to 1E30 for overflow and 1E-30 for underflow. L 2530 ------------ 4.01 -- Summary of Common WARNINGS During Calculations. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 56 -- 31 - Attempt to take the square root, SQR(...), of a negative number. Operation was ignored. 32 - Attempt to take natural log, LOG(...), of zero or a negative number. Operation was ignored. 33 - Attempt to take log base 10, LOG10(...), of zero or a negative number. Operation was ignored. L 2540 43 - Overflow from factorial. The result exceeded FP magnitude limit. The result of the operation was set to the sign of the number at overflow times 1D+30. Currently, X must be 33 or less in FACT(X) for no overflow. ╒════════╕ │ ERRORS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 5.01 Summary of ERRORS during evaluation of equations ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 2550 The equation evaluation error numbers with an explanation follow. 1 - ILLEGAL OPERATION. All mathematical operations such as ^, *, /, + and - must have two operands. Y=A*+C is not allowed. Only leading negation is allowed: Y=-A. Y=+A is not proper. 2 - OPERATION ON WRONG SIDE OF EQUATION. L 2560 Only the dependent variable can appear to the left of the equal sign. Y+3=X+4 is not allowed. 3 - VARIABLE MUST BEGIN WITH A LETTER. 123ABC, %DEF, etc. are not allowed as variable names. 4 - UNMATCHED PARENTHESIS. All parentheses must be used in pairs. Total must be even. 5 - EMPTY OR ILLEGAL PARENTHESES. L 2570 All parentheses must enclose something. No SIN(), Y=(), etc. 6 - MISSING ARGUMENT, ALGEBRA OPERATION. All mathematical operations such as ^, *, /, + and - must have two operands. Y=A*+C is not allowed. Only leading negation is allowed: Y=-A. Y=+A is not proper. ----------- 5.01 -- Summary of ERRORS during evaluation of equations --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 57 -- 7 - ILLEGAL USE OF FUNCTION. A function name cannot be used as a variable name. Y=A+SIN*X is not allowed. Y=A+SIN(X) is proper. The name of something L 2580 that is not an intrinsic function cannot be used as a function. Y=COTH(X) is not allowed. Y=1/TANH(X) is proper. 8 - TOO MANY EQUAL SIGNS. Only one equal sign per equation is allowed. 9 - EQUATION INCOMPLETE. An equation must contain a dependent variable, equal sign and something after the equal sign. Y= is not valid. L 2590 10 - ILLEGAL CHARACTER. Only ASCII characters, decimal 33 (!) and higher can be used as characters in equations. This range includes the numbers, upper and lower case letters, and other symbols such as the Greek letters. Remember, lower case letters are always converted to upper case. Variable names such as ABC, 123, are not allowed. 11 - DUPLICATE NAME FOR DEPENDENT VARIABLE. Each equation of a group must have a different, and unique to L 2600 8 characters, name for the dependent variable. 12 - OUT OF ROOM! DECREASE CONSTANTS. Too many constants and variables, decrease one or the other. 13 - OUT OF ROOM! DECREASE VARIABLES. Too many variables and constants, decrease one or the other. 14 - OUT OF ROOM! WORKSPACE. Too many operations such as nested parentheses "((()))". L 2610 Try to rewrite the equation(s) in a more compact way. 15 - OUT OF ROOM! CODESPACE. Too many operations. Try to rewrite equation(s) in a more compact way. Make common expressions separate equations. 16 - UNDEFINED VARIABLE. An attempt has been made to reference a variable which has not been defined. Will only occur when immediate calculations are made. L 2620 17 - OUT OF ROOM! STORAGE VARIABLES. ----------- 5.01 -- Summary of ERRORS during evaluation of equations --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 58 -- Attempt to define more than 256 storage variables. Save storage variables with "!]". Use "Z", "!Z" and "@Z" to locate and remove unwanted variables. 18 - ILLEGAL USE OF STORAGE VARIABLE! Attempt to define a storage variable as a dependent variable of one of the equations entered in response to the prompt "? Equation(s)". Not allowed! L 2630 ╒════════════════╕ │ DISPLAY COLORS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 6.01 Setting Foreground/background Colors of Main Equations Screen and Program ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── For a monochrome monitor, only the default colors white on black (command "!(esc)") or the opposite colors black on white L 2640 (command "@(esc)") should be used. For color monitors, there are 16 shades of foreground colors and 8 shades of background colors. The text of the comment, equations and variables are in the foreground color. The clock display and bottom-screen menu are in reverse video of these colors. Colors by number are: 0=black, 1=blue, 2=green, 3=cyan, 4=red, 5=magenta, 6=brown, 7=white and 8 to 15 are corresponding high-intensity shades. Use command !N to toggle the next foreground color and use command @N to toggle the next background color. If the foreground and background colors are equal, then the displayed L 2650 information becomes invisible. Colors wrap around from #15 to #0. Use commands "!(esc)" to set fore=#7 (white or green) and back=#0 (black) or command "@(esc)" to set fore=#0 and back=#7. Colors (except white on black, the default) are saved with the equations and are reset when equations are read by the commands "(F8)" or "[" and "@[". Start the program with a set of equations previously saved with the desired startup colors. For example: ABOX3 CONFIG.EQU (enter). L 2660 Note: Type "!(esc)" to reset the monochrome colors before exiting or the DOS colors may remain those at the program exit. ╒═══════════════╕ │ CLOCK DISPLAY └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 6.05 Clock Screen: Commands During Display ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ---------------------- 6.05 -- Clock Screen: Commands During Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 59 -- To start the clock, type !C from the equations display. L 2670 -> restart/redraw clock screen ! - Restart the clock and redraw the display. Use if the display is overwritten. -> check/enter alarm time @ - Check the current alarm time, just type (enter) to exit, or set a new one, type y (enter). L 2680 -> changing 12/24 hour format # - Toggle between 12 and 24 hour time format (12 hr. default). -> exit back to equations display $ - Exit back to the equation display. L 2690 (ctrl Q) - Exit back to the equation display. -> Dos shell % - Shell (exit) to DOS. Type EXIT (enter) to return to clock. -> lock-up keyboard in security mode ^ - Security mode. Enter a password up to 8 characters. To unlock, type exact password. Alarm will stay active. If L 2700 program does not respond, type (enter) first and then the exact password. While in the security mode, the (alt) and (ctrl) keys are forced off. Most "TSR" programs and emulators which are activated by hot keys should be locked out! During security mode, program will remember date/time's of unauthorized use. If password contains "@", then typing incorrect password will immediately activate alarm-- displaying comment, sounding music and flashing screen! Type any key to return to clock. Password still must be entered correctly (with "@") to exit. L 2710 The apostrophe command 'clo can be used to display the clock, to display the clock and lock with a password and to set the alarm time and comment. Apostrophe commands can be entered ---------------------- 6.05 -- Clock Screen: Commands During Display --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 60 -- almost anywhere in the program. Some examples: 'clo (enter) Display the clock, exit to equations. 'clo =big (enter) display the clock and lock-up with a security password "big". The "=" is used to indicate a password but is L 2720 not part of the password. 'clo 13:23 meeting in cr 864 (enter). Set the alarm at 1:30 pm and set the comment to "meeting in cr 864". Clock is not displayed. ╒═════════════════════╕ │ APOSTROPHE COMMANDS └───────────────────────────────────────────────── 6.10 Apostrophe Commands: What They Do and How to Use Them L 2730 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The apostrophe commands can be entered at most locations in the program as well as in the 'EQU fields of application help files. The apostrophe commands begin with an apostrophe and the first three letters of the key words described below. Only the first three letters are significant. Thus 'variable, 'var, 'variety, etc. all imply the same apostrophe command: 'var. apostrophe L 2740 command are case insensitive except for the 'EQU field designator in an application help file. Apostrophe commands perform many of the functions that are also performed by the single-letter commands discussed above. Some examples: Enter an equation: 'equ y=a+b*x+c*x^2 (enter) Enter a comment: 'com This is a second-order polynomial. L 2750 (enter) Assign values to many variables at one time: 'var x=1 a=2 b=3 c=4 (ent) or 'x=1 a=2 b=3 c=4 (enter). Note, if a variable name is the name of an apostrophe command, use the 'var first; otherwise, the program will interpret the variable name as an apostrophe command. For example if a variable were named COL then 'col=1 (enter) would be interpreted as an improper use of the apostrophe command 'col; but, 'var col=1 (enter) is OK. Assign all variables the value of sqr(2): 'var #all=sqr(2) L 2760 ------ 6.10 -- Apostrophe Commands: What They Do and How to Use Them --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 61 -- (enter). Make X a coordinate variable: 'coo x (enter) Change the colors to high-intensity white on red: 'col hwhite red (ent) Move the cursor to variable X: 'cur x (enter) or '' x (enter) A summary of the apostrophe commands follows: L 2770 PURPOSE COMMAND SIGNIF. SYNTAX ABBREV. Activate variables 'activate 'act 'act varname1,varname2... 'act #all Calc dependent vars 'calculate 'cal 'cal display clock 'clock 'clo 'clo L 2780 clock with password 'clo =password set alarm time and 'clo hr:mn:se comment comment Make coordinates 'coordinate 'coo 'coo varname1,varname2... 'coo #ind Set display colors, 'color 'col 'col forecolor,backcolor Color names below L 2790 Set Comment 'comment 'com 'com text...... Set decimal digits 'decimal 'dec 'dec 2 Move cursor to 'cursor 'cur 'cur varname1 variable varname1 or '' ''varname1 Get an equation file 'eget 'ege 'ege mycalc named "mycalc.equ" Save equation file 'esave 'esa 'esa mycalc L 2800 Enter equations 'equation 'equ 'equ equation1.... Erase storage vars 'erase 'era 'era #all Exit from program 'exit 'exi 'exi ------ 6.10 -- Apostrophe Commands: What They Do and How to Use Them --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 62 -- Read application help 'help 'hel 'hel \calc\science file "\calc\science" Only 'help will access L 2810 last opened help file. Immediate calculation 'immediate 'imm 'imm y=25-sqr(144) 'imm y=2*4 z=sqr(144) Inactivate variables 'inactivate 'ina 'ina varname1,varname2... 'ina #dep Lite mode. 'lite 'lit 'lit Removes (F5), (F6), L 2820 (F9), Y, Z functions Set precision 'precision 'pre 'pre single or double Turn off sound 'quiet 'qui Assign values to 'variable 'var 'var varname1=value1... variables. Create 'var #all=value2 storage variables. or '' ''varname1=value1... ''#all=value2 L 2830 Get a storage file 'sget 'sge 'sge mystor named "mystor.sto" Jump to spreadsheet 'spread 'spr 'spr (equations display) Save a storage file 'ssave 'ssa 'ssa mystor L 2840 The options #ALL, #DEP and #IND specify ALL variables, only the DEPENDENT variables or only the INDEPENDENT variables and can be used with 'act, 'ina, 'coo and 'var. Foreground (forecolor) and background (backcolor) colors are: 0. BLACK 5. MAGENTA 10. LGREEN 1. BLUE 6. BROWN 11. LCYAN 2. GREEN 7. WHITE 12. LRED 3. CYAN 8. GRAY 13. LMAGENTA L 2850 4. RED 9. LBLUE 14. YELLOW 15. HWHITE ------ 6.10 -- Apostrophe Commands: What They Do and How to Use Them --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 63 -- Note: Enter the colors not numbers in 'COLOR command. L means light and H means high-intensity. Also, Only colors from 0 to 7 should be used as backgrounds. The screen dump command "V" appends the complete equations, comment, and variable values and status to the screen display in the 'EQU field format. These files can be used to build user-generated application help files from which equations etc. L 2860 can be directly loaded into this program as the help file is read. See the ASTRO3 Utility program, A3UTIL.EXE and documentation for more details. ╒══════════════════╕ │ DOS COMMAND LINE └──────────────────────────────────────────────────── 7.01 Information After Program Name on DOS Command Line. How the Program Uses It and What It Does. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 2870 Perform certain functions from information entered after program name in DOS command line. ■ Become permanently resident with "hot key" (alt) Q. ABOX3 RESIDENT P 1 (enter) or ABOX3 RESIDENT Q (enter) Note: See above for complete instructions on how to become resident using different modes including the memory-stingy file or disk-swap mode. L 2880 ■ Start with a previously stored file of equations like MYCALC.EQU: ABOX3 MYCALC.EQU (enter) or ABOX3 "MYCAL.EQU" (enter) Note: Use quotes if file name contains symbols = + - * / ( or ^. Foreground/background colors are those saved with equations. ■ Start with both storage variable file and equation file: ABOX3 MYVAR.STO MYCAL.EQU (enter) Note: Storage file must come before equation file. Default extensions are ".STO" for storage and ".EQU" for equations. If math symbols are in filename(s), enclose both filenames L 2890 in single set of quotes: ABOX3 "STO++ EQU--" (enter). ■ Start with equation(s) like Y=A*X+B: ABOX3 Y=A*X+B (enter) Note: Equation(s) must contain at least one independent variable. Foreground/background colors are the defaults. ■ Start with a directory listing of a directory such as \calc or a: -------- 7.01 -- Information After Program Name on DOS Command Line. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 64 -- ABOX3 \calc\ (enter) or ABOX3 a:\ (enter) Note: Directory must be enclosed in "\". "\\" signifies the root L 2900 directory and "\" signifies the current directory. The directory of a drive must end in "\". ■ Perform a single-shot calculations like: ABOX3 23+36+67 (enter) or ABOX3 60,123,456,789.02-40,123,456,789.01 (enter) Note: Single-shot calculations calculate one or more results and prompt "Type any key to continue...". Type (esc) to continue the program or any other key to terminate program and return to DOS. Information must not be enclosed in quotes, L 2910 must not contain independent variables, and must have at least one operation such as = + - * / ( or ^. ■ Enclose each separate calculation in parentheses: ABOX3 (23+78-90) (32-SQR(56)) (2*SIND(87)) (enter) ■ Example of a single-shot calc with 4 dependent variables: ABOX3 A=1 B=2 X=3 Y=A*X+B (enter) ■ To start a program by reading an application help file such L 2920 as SCIFIN.HLP, simply include the filename with the .HLP extension anywhere on the command line. Note, must maintain order of .STO and .EQU files as discussed above! For example: ABOX3 MYVAR.STO MYCAL.EQU SCIFIN.HLP (enter) or ABOX3 SCIFIN.HLP MYVAR MYCAL (enter) or ABOX3 MYVAR SCIFIN.HLP MYCAL (enter) or ABOX3 SCIFIN.HLP MYCAL (enter) ABOX3 ? (enter) and ABOX3 ABOX3HLP.HLP (enter) are equivalent. ■ Do not mix equations or calculations and filenames! L 2930 For example: Y=A*X+B MYCAL.EQU should not be entered! ╒═════════╕ │ LICENSE └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8.01 Product License and Warranty. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Software License Agreement (Registered Users) L 2940 If you are a registered user, PCSCC grants you the right to use this Software for a single-user computer or a workstation not attached to a network. You may not rent or lease this Software without the expressed written permission of PCSCC. You may not ------------------------------ 8.01 -- Product License and Warranty. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 65 -- decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, copy, create a derivative work, or otherwise use this Software except as stated in this agreement. The license authorizes you to create and use an extra copy of the Software on a home or laptop computer, as long as the extra copy is never loaded at the same time this Software is loaded on the primary computer on which L 2950 you use this Software. If any provision of this agreement is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, then that provision shall be severed from this Agreement and will not affect the validity and enforceability of any of the remaining provisions. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. The Software and accompanying materials are provided with L 2960 Restricted Rights. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of The Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, or subparagraphs (c) (1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software--Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable. Contractor/manufacturer is PC SuperComputer Capital, Incorporated, at the address listed below. Non registered users must comply with the Shareware policy L 2970 described elsewhere in this software Pacakage. Type T to return to the Table of Contents. Warranty Information PC SuperComputer Capital, Inc. (PCSCC) hereby disclaims all warranties relating to this Software, whether express or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. PCSCC L 2980 will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect or similar damages due to loss of data, loss of profits, lost savings or any other reason, even if PCSCC or an agent of PCSCC has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall PCSCC's liability for any damages ever exceed the price paid for the license to use Software, regardless of the form of the claim. The person using the Software bears all risk as to the quality and performance of the Software. This Software is licensed AS IS. L 2990 ------------------------------ 8.01 -- Product License and Warranty. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 66 -- Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought in a STATE or FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said courts. Type T to return to the Table of Contents. ╒══════════════╕ │ USER SUPPORT └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 3000 8.03 User Support. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── This program has undergone over 5 years of "beta testing" around the world. The algorithms have been in use since 1976, are user-friendly and believed highly reliable. However, comprehensive programs of this nature may require clarification or may develop what are called "bugs". User support is provided to all registered users for a minimum of 3 months L 3010 without charge. Registered users can receive such help via phone, regular mail and E-mail. Registration also enrolls the user for notification of "bug" fixes, upgrades, new versions, new products and many more benefits. For the phone number/mail addresses see below or position the jump line here and type J. ∙Registration∙. Support will be provided to non-registered users and users beyond the free support period on a time and materials basis. ╒═════════════╕ L 3020 │ ARBITRATION └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8.04 Ombudsman/Arbitration Policy. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── PCSCC, Inc. will follow arbitration guidelines as set forth and published by the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). The current ASP policy is stated here: "This program is produced by a member of the Association of L 3030 Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' ------------------------------ 8.04 -- Ombudsman/Arbitration Policy. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 67 -- products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536" L 3040 ╒═══════════════╕ │ PRODUCT INFO └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8.05 Product Information and How to Order Complete Package. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AstroShadowBox 3 is the pop-up resident member (TSR) of the Astro 3 team. Provides math support for other DOS programs. Pop-up via hot key, surround calculation in "shadow box", and L 3050 type "(enter)" to pass result down through keyboard buffer or pop up, enter calculation and pass result down. Great for adding powerful and interactive math capabilities to DOS text editors such as Brief (tm, Borland), PE2 (tm, IBM) or WordPerfect (tm, WordPerfect). Extensive features also include screen dumps with appends as DOS text files or as parsed columns in 123 (tm, Lotus) .WK1 files. Requires as little as 15K of main memory. Includes program ABOX3.EXE and on-line help file ABOX3HLP.HLP L 3060 This productivity-enhancing tool has been developed by the team at PC SuperComputer Capital, Inc. Order the complete Astro 3 Package today! ╒════════════════╕ │ OTHER PRODUCTS └────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8.06 Software Included in Astro 3 Registration ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 3070 Register for Astro 3 math programs and receive, in addition to the most recent version of ABOX3.EXE and ABOX3HLP.HLP, these 3 powerful math analysis programs: AstroEquationSolver 3, AstroDataFitter 3 and AstroShadowBox 3. Each has its own extensive and interactive on-line helpfile written just like the one your reading now. A print program is included which prints theses helpfiles to the standard printer or to a DOS text file. All Astro 3 programs are written with the same high-level user-friendly front-end requiring minimal effort to setup and execute relatively elaborate calculations. All data L 3080 sets and helpfiles are compatible among members of the family. A brief summary of the other members of the Astro 3 shareware ------------------ 8.06 -- Software Included in Astro 3 Registration --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 68 -- family included with the registration package follows: ■ AstroFormulaCalculator - General Spreadsheet/Calculator Functions. AstroFormulaCalculator 3 is a unique and innovative mathematics tool which offers productivity enhancements not found in any other software package either retail or shareware. This hands-on program combines the functions of both a spreadsheet and calculator; but it is better. Why? Because it is right L 3090 between the two: Easier than a spreadsheet and more powerful than a calculator. With its special format-free interface, formula or equation-based iterations are much easier to set up than in a spreadsheet. It is designed to be "smarter" which makes it very user-friendly for Professionals of all levels, especially for the infrequent or "computer-shy" user. Broad applications exist in many disciplines where calculations with formulas, equations or other math recipes are required such as in Economics, Genetics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulics, Finance, L 3100 Physics, Statistics and even Nursing. Features include: ■ DOS or Windows as non-Windows application. Runs on all PC compatibles. DOS 2.1+, Monochrome display, 200K RAM, floppy or disk. ■ DOS command line support for any direct calculation such as addition, multiplication, subtraction and division. ■ Format-free entry of up to 63 equations with at least 256 L 3110 independent variables and 256 constants. Smart and "hassle-free" interpreter. ■ Equations and formulas are written according to the BASIC conventions. Versatile library of built-in functions. ■ Advanced calculator functions including many automated numerical methods such as: ∙ Newton-Raphson for solving x in y=f(x) L 3120 ∙ Advanced simplex for solving x at W=Y=Z in W=f(x), Y=g(x), Z=h(x) ∙ Numerical integration (two methods) ∙ Numerical differentiation ∙ Summation ∙ Finding maxima and minima ∙ Plotting equations ∙ Saving/retrieving data files with full file management ------------------ 8.06 -- Software Included in Astro 3 Registration --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 69 -- support ∙ Screen dumps as DOS text files for inclusion in documents L 3130 ■ Highly-structured documentation, on-line with Table of Contents, Glossary and search function. Interactive with program. ∙ On-line helpfile. Comprehensive summary of commands/functions with step-by-step examples on uses of all advanced functions. ∙ On-line user manual. A "learn by example" document which illustrates the universal nature of problem-solving with many L 3140 step-by-step examples from Science, Engineering and Finance. ■ Full support for ACTION21 and ACTION11 data sets. ■ Comments from users: ∙ "... calculate circuit board drilling and routing speeds...easy to use, versatile and powerful with good documentation." J. L. New York ∙ "...used the integration capability to determine defect density...do L 3150 not have any tool (either PC or host based) that does for me what ...(AstroFormCalc 3)...does." J. R. Virginia ∙ "...for Electrical Engineering practice it is better than a spreadsheet and a calculator..." C. B. Florida ∙ "...used to do frequency spectrum work and calculations on circuits, ...of real value and a productivity tool." E. S. California ∙ "...one of a handful of scarcely available packages...in the types L 3160 of numeric problems they solve." W. C. Chile ■ AstroEquationSolver 3 - Solves both linear and nonlinear simultaneous equations with up to 30 unknowns. Characterized by extremely easy setup. Uses active/inactive method of AstroShadowBox 3 to select variables. Strictly high level. No reference to matrices at all!. Includes program ASOL3.EXE and extensive on-line help file ASOL3HLP.HLP that includes many learn-and-use examples. L 3170 ■ AstroDataFitter 3 - Fit data to any algebraic expression. Nonlinear optimization. Fully-automated polynomial regression with automatic "equation generator". Easy to use, even by a ------------------ 8.06 -- Software Included in Astro 3 Registration --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 70 -- novice. Will generate interpolated tables from fitted equations. Up to 30 "active" variables. Up to 500 data points. "Smart" algorithm requires minimal user input to solve problems. DOS text plots of "fit". Point-by-point listing of fitted data. Residual variance, correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination and much more! Includes program L 3180 AFIT3.EXE and extensive on-line help file AFIT3HLP.HLP that includes many illustrated examples. If you like Engineering, Science or Finance and you have ideas that you could transform into an interactive helpfile like SCIFIN.HLP (The Astro 3 Science Manual) or PHYCAL.HLP ( The Astro 3 Physics Manual) or FINCAL.HLP (The Astro 3 Finance Manual), then you should write one and market it! If you write it in a commercial spreadsheet format, you will not likely be L 3190 able to distribute a fully functional package which is the mark of a true Shareware program and the policy of the Association of Shareware Professionals! However, the AstroUtility 3 program provides the tools needed to generate an Astro 3 interactive application file with a minimum of effort AND REGISTERED USERS OF THE Astro 3 Utility PROGRAM RECEIVE A LIMITED DISTRIBUTION LICENSE WHICH ALLOWS INCLUSION OF ANY OR ALL OF THE ASTRO 3 PROGRAMS IN YOUR PACKAGE! ■ AstroUtility 3 - Support for authors to construct their own L 3200 on-line application help files. Develop equation files in your favorite editor and translate them into .EQU format for final "test and touch-up". Likewise, develop an application file in your favorite editor, automatically include information from previously developed .EQU files, and then compile a full-feature .HLP with automatic Table of Contents, line numbers and so on. .HLP files support all apostrophe commands and many other useful features such as CalcMerge with lets you dynamically stuff values calculated in the main equation display into the application file. As with the other Astro 3 L 3210 programs, AstroUtility 3 comes with its own interactive and extensive on-line help file which can be printed, if needed. Application files can contain up to 32,000 lines! See below for instructions on ∙Registration∙. 8.07 Order/Registration Form L 3220 ------------------------------------ 8.07 -- Order/Registration Form --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 71 -- ╒══════════════╕ │ REGISTRATION └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8.07 Order/Registration Form L 3220 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── If a printer is available, position the order form (part 1) on the screen and type the "(print screen)" key to make a copy. Then, advance the text and position the order form (part 2) on the screen and type "(print screen)" again to finish. ASTRO 3 Products Order/Registration Form Name:________________________________ Title:________________ L 3230 Company:_____________________________________________________ Address:____________________________ City:___________________ State:___________ Zip:_____________ Country:______________ Date:_____/_____/_____ (Fill out form completely) --------------------------------------------------------------- L 3240 Product # Price/ea S&H Total --------------------------------------------------------------- AstroShadowBox 3 ___ _$29.95_ _$5.00_ _______ Complete Package includes ACAL3, ASOL3, AFIT3 + ABOX3 AstroUtility 3 + ASTRO3 ___ _$99.95_ _$5.00_ _______ distribution license * Canadian Orders, Add $2.00 per copy _______ * International Orders, Add $6.00 per copy _______ * CT Residents add appropriate sales tax _______ TOTAL ENCLOSED __________ L 3260 Disk Size: [ ] 5-1/4" [ ] 3-1/2" [ ] Check [ ] Visa [ ] MC Card# __________________________________ Exp. Date ________ Signature ______________________________ How did you hear about our Products? [ ] BBS [ ] Friend [ ] Other _____________________________________________________ Mail Completed form with Payment to: L 3270 PCSCC, Inc. Dept. AB3H P. O. Box 173 Botsford, CT 06404 USA Support ONLY, 1-203-270-9079 E-mail to CIS, 72263,1657 [Mar 1994] Prices subject to change without notice. Type T to return to the Table of Contents. L 3280 ------------------------------------ 8.07 -- Order/Registration Form --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 72 -- ╒═════════════════════╕ │ MANUAL INSTALLATION └───────────────────────────────────────────────── 8.08 Instructions for Manually Installing Package. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The following are minimal instructions for manually installing AstroShadowBox 3. L 3290 ■ Minimum distribution files: README.1ST, ABOX3.ICO, ABOX3.EXE, and ABOX3HLP.HLP ■ These files will probably be bundled in a compressed file such as BOX311.ZIP, BOX311.LHZ, or something similar. Please unload. ■ Create a DOS directory named ASTRO3 and change to it: cd\ (enter) md\astro3 (enter) cd \astro3 (enter) ■ Copy ABOX3.EXE, ABOX3HLP.HLP and ABOX3.ICO into the directory ASTRO3 L 3300 ■ Add these statements to AUTOEXEC.BAT in the base directory: SET ASTRO3=C:\ASTRO3 append to existing PATH statement ;C:\ASTRO3; ■ Running Under Windows as a Non-Windows Application Follow the installation instructions and install on the hard drive C. Start WINDOWS (tm, MicroSoft). Click on FILE then click on PROPERTIES. Enter the following information for each of the fields. Description: L 3310 AstroFormCalc 3, Command: ABOX3.EXE, Working Directory: \ASTRO3. Click on CHANGE ICON. Enter Filename: C:\astro3\abox3.ico. Click on -------------- 8.08 -- Instructions for Manually Installing Package. --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 73 -- OK to exit and click on OK to exit FILE. The AstroFormCalc 3 icon should appear in the accessory window. Click on it to run ABOX3. ■ To start with user manual: cd\astro3 (enter) ABOX3 ? (enter) To start with equation like y=a*x+b: ABOX3 y=a*x+b (enter) To start with calculation like 45.67+56.23: ABOX3 45.67+56.23 (ent) Type (esc) to enter another calculation or any other key to exit. L 3320 Access on-line help (file: ABOX3HLP.HLP) from equations display with (F1) key. ╒═════════════╕ │ AUTHOR ???? └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 8.09 Interested in Becoming the Author of Your Own Interactive Application File? ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 3330 Many technologies are based on math/algebra. AstroShadowBox 3 and its interactive, problem-solving application files offer distinct advantages to the Author. The *.EQU templates are easy to develop and PCSCC offers complete support for compiling these into the interactive application files such as the help file ABOX3HLP.HLP which you are currently reading or SCIFIN.HLP (The Astro 3 Science Manual) or PHYCAL.HLP (The Astro 3 Physics Manual) or FINCAL.HLP (The Astro 3 Finance Manual). Application files can be written for any level of user from the very beginner to the Ph.D. and distributed with any or all of L 3340 the ASTRO 3 family of programs. See the OTHER PRODUCTS section above for more details. To automatically jump type "J" if the jump bar is highlighted on those words. ╒═══════════╕ │ HELP FILE └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 9.01 Help File: Summary of File Viewing Commands ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── L 3350 A - Auto-search of entire text for user-supplied string. Search is in uppercase and is case insensitive. If string found, type A to continue or to enter new string, type (space) A. B,N - Move back or ahead 18 lines. Also use (backspace) for "B". E, (esc) - Exit from help file to equations display. F,T,K - Jump to the first (beginning), T.O.C or last (end) line. G - Skip to Glossary of terms or summary of functions, if present. J,(ent) - Search line on │JUMP│, Reference is after . Jump to ---------------- 9.01 -- Help File: Summary of File Viewing Commands --- -------- ABOX3HLP.HLP ----------- ABOX3 Help File -------------- 74 -- line number or perform autosearch ahead if text reference. L,P - Jump to line/page. Type Lxxx(ent) or Pyy(ent) to jump to L 3360 line #xxx or page #yy. With + or -, ahead or back 56 lines. S,R - Skip ahead (S) or back (R) in help file to major headings W - Skip to Summary of useful calculations or warnings, if present 1 to 9 - Typing 1 to 9 advances the text by 1 to 9 lines. (ctrl Q) - Exit from help file. Same as command "E". Edit keys - Use edit keys: (Home) (up arrow) (PgUp) (left arrow) (right arrow) (End) (down arrow) (PgDn). Entry into the application file is at/near the last position. Type: T to return to Table of Contents or E to exit the file. L 3370 ---------------- 9.01 -- Help File: Summary of File Viewing Commands ---