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FLASH! CAD ~~~~~~~~~~ 2D 3D animation CAD software For Architects, Designers, Engineers, Drafters Planners, Facilities Managers, Real Estate Specialists, Teachers, Students and anyone who chooses to use CAD in place of paper & pencil, effectively. April, 1994 Copyright (c) 1978-1994 by DIGITARCH U.S.A. (DIGITal ARCHitecture) Prepared by: Fardad Farhat With special thanks & gratitude to: Daniele Tommei Antonio Durbe' and the entire programming and publications staff at DIGITARCH ************************************************************************** DIGITARCH U.S.A. PO BOX 3426 THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91359 TEL: (800) 633 6564, (805)494 0163 FAX: (805) 494 3870 CompuServe 72662,2423 ************************************************************************** *** CALL DIGITARCH AND ORDER YOUR LICENSED COPY OF FLASH! *** ************************************************************************** IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE ************************************************************************** DIGITARCH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE SPECIFICATIONS AND PRICING OF ITS PRODUCTS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN PREPARED AND PUT IN CIRCULATION "AS-IS". ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This program is copyrighted by DIGITARCH U.S.A. and is licensed to you under the following conditions. You may not distribute or publish the source code of this program in any form. Furthermore, you may not alter any of the file and program files of FLASH! in any shape manner or form. THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITH ALL FAULTS. DIGITARCH U.S.A. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY VERBAL OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A SPECIFIC APPLICATION. DIGITARCH U.S.A. DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK AND DISCRETION. Copyright 1994 All rights reserved All references in the software, hardware, products and in all written materials to: DIGITARCH U.S.A. also cover and apply to DIGITARCH Laboratories s.r.l. and DIGITARCH s.r.l. and DIGITARCH and DIGITALIA and DIGITALIA Inc. This publication or any part thereof, may not be reproduced and duplicated in any way by any method for any purpose. For conditions of use and permission to use these materials, for reprints and publications in the English language or any other language contact DIGITARCH U.S.A. DIGITARCH U.S.A. reserves the right to change, revise, update and improve its products it is deemed necessary without notice at any time. This publication corresponds to this product at the time of publication. Some information may become available or may be changed after the publication of this material in which case the information may be available outside of this written material. For such information contact DIGITARCH U.S.A. This product and corresponding materials are available in other languages for use in other countries. For information on other languages available or in the process of becoming available contact DIGITARCH U.S.A. No product of DIGITARCH U.S.A. may be translated or converted to any other language in any way by any method for any purpose without a valid written consent of DIGITARCH U.S.A. DIGITARCH U.S.A. makes no warranty, expressed written or implied in any way what-so-ever of merchantability or fitness for a particular application or purpose regarding its products or written materials. Furthermore, all materials are provided on an as-is basis. DIGITARCH U.S.A. shall not be liable in no event to anyone for damages, incidental, accidental, consequential, special or of any other nature in connection to or arising out of purchase or use of its products and materials. Regardless of the form and type of action, the maximum liability of DIGITARCH U.S.A. shall not exceed 10% of the original purchase price of the product. The following are trademarks of DIGITARCH U.S.A.: DIVA, CAD2, CAD3, ANI, DL-10, DL-12, DL-25, DL-33, MAGICAD, FLASH!, FLASH, STORM, TIPS N TRICKS, FLASH! RESUME'. All brand and product names as appear in all DIGITARCH U.S.A. materials and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or manufacturers. IF YOU ARE USING THE SHAREWARE COPY OF FLASH! | Shareware copies of FLASH! are distributed with the intention to allow | | you to try the program before you pay for it. Shareware copies of | | FLASH! do not constitute either "free" or "public domain" software. You | | may use a shareware copy of FLASH! free of charge for a trial period of | | up to 30 days. Should you choose to continue to use FLASH! after that | | period, you must purchase a registered copy. If choose not to purchase | | the registered copy of FLASH! you must stop using it however you may | | keep copies and pass them along to others. To purchase FLASH! and other | | files and supplemental programs call or fax DIGITARCH at 1(800)633 6564.| *****DO NOT PROCEED UNLESS YOU UNDERSTAND & AGREE WITH THE DISCLAIMER***** *** AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS DESCRIBED IN THE FILE: LICENSE.DOC *** ~~~~~~~~~~~ ********************* ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLD WIDE ********************** We would like to hear from you. Please write your comments/suggestions to: DIGITARCH U.S.A. P.O. BOX 3426 Thousand Oaks, CA 91359 Print this document and use it as a reference while working with FLASH! ========================================================================== The following topics are covered in this text: * Registering your copy of FLASH! * Installing FLASH! * Configuring FLASH! * FLASH! workstation requirements * Should you encounter installation problems * The first time you activate FLASH! * Using FLASH! for architecture or engineering. . <<<VERY IMPORTANT>>> * Menus * Geometric shapes * The golden rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <<<VERY IMPORTANT>>> * Lines * Quitting FLASH! * Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <<<VERY IMPORTANT>>> * Mouse & digitizer * HELP * ON-LINE manual * Implicit functions of the keyboard . . . . . . <<<VERY IMPORTANT>>> * The cursor * The cursor coordinates * Measuring Horizontal & vertical distances . . <<<VERY IMPORTANT>>> * Measuring angles & distances at angles * Zooming * Panning ************************************************************************** ****** Registering your copy of FLASH! ****** Call or write DIGITARCH for the latest pricing & product availability at: DIGITARCH U.S.A. PO BOX 3426 THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91359 TEL: (800) 633 6564, (805)494 0163 FAX: (805) 494 3870 Your personal registration code (required for tech support), appropriate documentation and files will be mailed to your address immediately. ************************************************************************** ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INSTALLING FLASH! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In the following installation procedure it is assumed that you install 5.25" disks from drive A and 3.5" disks from drive B. (<CR> refers to pressing of the ENTER key). 1. Insert the disk into the appropriate floppy disk drive (A or B). 2. At the C:\> prompt enter A: <CR> or B: <CR> to log to the floppy drive. 3. Type INSTALL C (to install on drive C) or INSTALL D (to install on drive D) <CR>. 4. Follow the instructions on the screen and print the reference files that are important to understanding FLASH!. 5. Type FLASH! <CR> to activate the program. Do not forget the exclamation point. You may also type one of the other choices as outlined on the screen to run various instructional/demonstration programs of FLASH! The installation program will create a directory called FLASH! containing the appropriate files. When FLASH! is activated for the first time it configures itself. If you run FLASH! using the command FLASH! DEMO2D or FLASH! DEMO3D FLASH! runs an auto-demonstration showing off its enormous power, speed and simplicity. At this time the intention is not to learn any commands that FLASH! executes. Simply observe the exciting possibilities. Demonstrations run at the top speed of your computer. If your computer is 486-33 or better, then DEMO3D and DEMO2D complete in less than 5 minutes. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CONFIGURING FLASH! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FLASH! does not need to be configured if you use a mouse and your computers various parameters are set properly. If you plan on using a digitizer, read the following paragraph and refer to your digitizer's documentation. Upon start, FLASH! assumes that you are using at least a mouse. If a mouse is not found then the keyboard will be automatically activated for the control of the cursor (use the direction arrows & the CTRL key for faster cursor movement). When the on-line help is not on the screen, pressing ALT+D allows you to choose the type of input device followed by identification of the input port (COM port). For the fastest command communication to FLASH! use a Summagraphics 961 compatible digitizer with a pen (stylus). The following are the parameters used by Summagraphics 961 protocol compatible digitizers. Unless the digitizer driver sets up the communication protocol, add this line to your FLASH! batch file if digitizer is connected to COM2 : MODE COM2: 9600,O,8,1,P ++++++++++++++ FLASH! CAD WORKSTATION EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS ++++++++++++++ To run FLASH! your computer must be equipped as follows : * Color Monitor with EGA resolution of 640x350. * A mouse or a digitizer with a pen (stylus) compatible with the Summagraphics 961 protocol. * Any PC AT compatible system using a 80X86. A math coprocessor is recommended. An extended keyboard (with 12 function keys). * 5 megabytes of hard disk space is required. * An EGA card (or a VGA card capable of displaying EGA) 16 colors with 512K or more of Video RAM. Although accelerated VGA cards should work just fine not all VGA cards or accelerated VGA cards have been tested. If your card is compatible with the Trident or Tseng Lab chip set you should have no problems. * 640K of RAM. * MSDOS version 3.3 or higher. MSDOS version 5.0 is highly recommended. If you are using version 3.3, your hard disk drive may be divided into disks C, D and perhaps E. MSDOS version 3.3 limits the number of files and directories that may reside on your hard disk. If the number of files and/or directories are near the limit then you may experience problems at the time of installation. +++++++++++++ SHOULD YOU ENCOUNTER INSTALLATION PROBLEMS ++++++++++++++++ Depending on various factors you may experience problems during the first or the second phase of the installation process. Here are some examples: * ERROR WHILE READING A FILE FLASH! is attempting to open a file and it is not possible. This is most often due to the way your CONFIG.SYS file is set up. Consult your DOS manual for more information. solution: systemeandltryiagain.e to your CONFIG.SYS file then reboot FILES=30 OR Your CONFIG.SYS file specifies too low of a number. Increase number of files & reboot. * PKUNZIP: CAN NOT CREATE: . . . . . During installation, you may experience this or a similar problem ,if you are not using DOS version 5.0. This error indicates that you are exceeding the limits associated with your hard disk drive as set by your version of DOS. solution: Reinstall FLASH! using INSTALL D to install FLASH! on disk drive D. OR Upgrade to MSDOS version 5.0 then install FLASH! using INSTALL C. OR Your original disk may be damaged. Call DIGITARCH for a new one. You may also experience problems if your system does not have the necessary 5 Megabytes of disk space. * At the C:> prompt the typing the name FLASH! causes the message: Bad command or file name Solution: Be sure that you are in the FLASH! directory. Your C:>PROMPT should read: C:\FLASH!> if you have installed FLASH! on hard disk C. * When in FLASH! you get the message: Mouse driver not found. Please use the keyboard. Solution: Be sure your moused driver is loaded prior to launching FLASH! Then to activate your mouse, press ALT D. Four choices are displayed. Select option one by pressing key "1". Your mouse driver should be memory resident prior to activating FLASH! For more information on errors and trouble shooting see appropriate appendix in the operations manual available from DIGITARCH U.S.A. =========================================================================== F L A S H ! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +++++++++++++++++++++ EVERY TIME YOU ACTIVATE FLASH! +++++++++++++++++++++++ Every time you activate FLASH! without a demonstration you are asked to enter your name and press ENTER. The name ARCHI (ARCHITECT) is the default name and you may use it. Otherwise enter your name and follow instructions on the screen. Next a blank screen with a row of menus on top and a row of menus on the bottom of the screen is displayed. Use the print out of the files TEMPLATE.NUM and TEMPLATE.KEY to operate FLASH!. For example the row of menus on the bottom of the screen are called the QUICK MENUs. To see the CONSTRUCTION or GROUPS menus press the key "1" (either from the row of numbers across the top of the keyboard or from the numeric keypad with the NUM LOCK key on) or to zoom down (zoom out) press key "2" etc. Here are some good tips for getting started. 1. Turn ON your "Caps Lock" & "Num Lock" keys on the keyboard. 2. Many important commands are associated with the number keys of your keyboard. Therefore use the numeric key pad of your keyboard. See "Implicit functions of keyboard" below and files TEMPLATE.NUM and TEMPLATE.KEY in the FLASH! directory. 3. Getting used to the automatic panning takes practice. If you seem to experience unnecessary panning, press the HOME key on the keyboard and the cursor is moved to the center of the screen thus panning stops. See Panning below. 4. When using FLASH! look at the function bar at the upper left corner of the screen. It should read either CONSTRUCTION AREA or GROUPS AREA. To change from one area to the other press key "5". Then press "1" for the menu of that area. 5. From the "Groups Area" menu select "MANUAL" and either page down or use the submenu "FIND" and type in: "SECTION 2" and find section two of the on-line manual. Some of the most important information about working with FLASH! is here. Pay special attention to the topic of RESOLUTION. 6. Simply put, except for zooming, panning and other cursor and image control functions of FLASH! (controlled through the keyboard) all other commands are selected from either the "Construction area" menu or the "Groups area" menu. With creative combination of commands such as "Rectangle", "Circle", "Copy", "Move", "Stretch" etc. drawings are created. It is important to have an understanding of drafting & design. =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++ USING FLASH! FOR ARCHITECTURE OR ENGINEERING ++++++++++++++ As you activate FLASH! you are prompted to type in your name. If your name has not previously been entered you are prompted to create a new user name. After typing your name (8 characters max) press ENTER twice and respond YES by pressing key "Y". Your name is then recorded as a user. If your name has been previously entered then you are asked if you wish to continue the previous CAD edit session. Responding yes allows you to see and work with what you had on the screen as you quit FLASH! last time. If you respond No to this prompt, then the contents of the screen are erased and the and you may start with a clean screen. There are three sample operators on the disk: "ARCHI" for architectural drawings. "DETAILS" for drawing architectural details & "ENGINEER" for drawing engineering drawings. The operator name "METRIC" is identical to "ARCHI" with the difference that it's RESOLUTION is 5.0 Millimeters. The operator name "METRIC" is suitable for creating METRIC drawings. These four operator names, have the following preset parameters: ARCHI DETAILS ENGINEER (METRIC) Color green green green Level 11 11 11 Resolution 0.0625" (1/16") 0.015625 (1/64") 0.01" (1/100th") Coordinate system Inches Architec. Inches Architec. Inches Engineering Text font FONT27 FONT27 FONT2 Dim. terminators Slashes (tick) Slashes (tick) Arrows Dim. level number 10 10 10 Dim. line color Cyan Cyan Cyan There is also an operator's name called STANDARD and is used automatically each time you run a tutorial or a demonstration. Whatever operator name (other than STANDARD) you start a CAD session with causes two additional functions to be performed by the system. * FLASH! continuously saves your drawing on the disk without interrupting or slowing you down. * FLASH! allows you to continue the previous CAD session ended perhaps the day before. =========================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MENUS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FLASH! uses two different menus. To bring onto the screen a menu press the key "1". To see the other menu press key "5". One menu is called "Construction area" menu and the other is called "Groups area" menu. Use the functions of The "Construction area" menu to create one building block of your drawing at a time. An example of a building block is a chair made from lines/arcs. Then with function "WINDOW CC" (located near the lower left corner of the "Construction area" menu) draw a window around all elements of that chair. The chair is displayed in a dot pattern. Now use the functions of the "Groups area" menu to manipulate (copy, rotate, move etc.) the chair as a symbol or a group (block). =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GEOMETRIC SHAPES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ All geometric shapes are drawn by the process of selecting a command, such as "RECTANGLES", from the "Construction Area" menu and activating the cursor at least two times to draw a geometric shape. =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE GOLDEN RULES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The golden rules are a series of very good ideas and practices that help you avoid some problems. You must be somewhat familiar with the functions and the operation of FLASH! to fully understand and appreciate some of these rules. The golden rules apply to most users of FLASH! most of the times. Within the golden rules, the reference to "geometric shape" is described as a collection of vectors in the construction area that together define a unique symbol and are intended to be grouped together. For example, there may be several lines and arcs (vectors) that geometrica- lly define a plan view of a chair. While these vectors are still in the construction area they are referred to as a geometric shape. Upon completion of this shape then all vectors are groups together using one of 4 different ways of creating groups (blocks). THE GOLDEN RULES: 1. Create one geometry in the Construction area at a time. Upon compl- etion group that geometry (unique symbol) creating a group or a block. The Construction area remains empty. Now begin creating the next geometric shape. 2. Following the above rule, you must have a maximum of one collection of geometric shapes in the Construction area at any given time. 3. Explode or transfer a group to the Construction area only when the physical appearance of that group must be altered such as its color, size but not its rotation. Groups may be stretched using the function "STRETCH PC" of the Groups area. 4. Save your drawing frequently. 5. Save your drawing before making a significant change to the drawing. 6. Use a convention for proper color and level assignment to the vectors and groups. Follow it religiously. 7. If you notice a group is on the wrong level use the function "CHANGE" in the levels section of the Groups area menu and correct the level assignment. 8. Save your drawing before you leave your computer unattended. 9. Do not leave your monitor on during your lunch or dinner breaks. Leave your computer on during these breaks. 10. Understand the contents of the section one of this manual better than any other part of this document. Sections 3 & 4 can be referenced when necessary to clarify various functions. Section 1 describes the very basis of FLASH! 11. Use tutorials as often as necessary. Save any valuable drawing prior to running any tutorials since all is erased and reset by activating tutorials. Register your copy of FLASH! in order to use the technical support hot-line and have your questions answered. =========================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LINES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ As mentioned above, all geometric shapes are drawn using the "Construction area" menu. The only exception applies to drawing lines. Lines are drawn without using a menu. While in construction area (The cursor appears in the shape of an "X", the function bar at the upper left corner of screen reads "CONSTRUCTION AREA") simply activate cursor and lines are drawn in the active color (the color of the function bar) between consecutive activ- ating of the cursor. To draw straight lines press key "7" (ortho mode). Also see "Implicit functions of the keyboard" below and "Drawing the first line" in the on-line manual, activated by selecting the function "MANUAL" located on the "Groups area" menu and using option "FIND" to search for a key word in the title such as "FIRST LINE". =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUITTING FLASH! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To quit FLASH! select with your mouse or keyboard the function QUIT from either menu. =========================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ TUTORIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Use the TUTORIALs of FLASH! to learn how various functions of FLASH! work and to learn how to combine the various functions to create drawings. The list of the available tutorials is in the file TUTORIAL.LST in the FLASH! directory. To select the TUTORIAL function at any time press key "1" to bring a menu on the screen. The name of that menu is written on the function bar on the upper left corner of the screen and it should read "GROUPS AREA MENU". If this menu reads: "CONSTRUCTION AREA MENU" then press key "5". The other menu called: GROUPS AREA MENU appears on the screen (see function bar on the upper left corner of the screen). Near the upper right corner of the "Groups area menu" you find the function TUTORIAL. Select it & follow the instructions. WARNING: RUNNING A TUTORIAL ERASES THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF YOUR SCREEN AND SETS THE PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM BASED TO "STANDARD". THE "EVERSAVE"(tm) FEATURE OF FLASH! IS ALSO DISCARDED. So before running a tutorial: 1. Be sure to save your drawing to a file. 2. Exit FLASH! and restart it and enter your name as the operator's name to reset the system parameters. You may use ARCHI, DETAILS or ENGINEER as operator names to draw ARCHITECTURAL, DETAILS or ENGINEERING drawings. =========================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MOUSE & DIGITIZER ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If the presence of a mouse is detected at installation your mouse is automatically activated. If mouse/digitizer is installed later, activate it. To activate your mouse, press ALT D. Four choices are displayed. Select option one by pressing key "1". Your mouse driver should be memory resident prior to activating FLASH! If your digitizer works as a mouse load its drivers and proper parameters (consult digitizer documentation) then follow the mouse installation procedure above. If your digitizer is compatible with Summagraphics 961mm series and you have installed its 961 driver, press "ALT D" and press key "2" to select the 961 mode. If you are using your digitizer as mouse then press key "1". =========================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HELP +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The on-line help for any function is displayed by pressing the key "H". Depending on which function you are in help screen for that function appears. =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ON-LINE MANUAL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The on-line manual is available by selecting the function "MANUAL" from the Groups area menu (see menus above). =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++ IMPLICIT FUNCTIONS OF THE KEYBOARD ++++++++++++++++++++ Many keys of the keyboard have been assigned a specific function. Initially only concentrate on learning the functions of the following keys: "0" through "9" , "." , "F1, F2 ,F10" and the "ENTER" key. Later attempt to employ other keys. Below is the description of all keys. |ENTER| Is equal to pressing the left button on mouse or pressing down on the digitizer's pen (stylus). |HOME| Brings the cursor to the center of the screen. | . | Cancels the current function and erases the functions submenu. Erases the Construction or Groups area menus form the screen. Disconnects any rubber banding window or geometric shape. | 0 | Set the coordinates to zero, disconnect rubber banding line (mouse right button). | 1 | Call to screen the Construction area menu or the Groups area menu. | 2 | Zoom down. The image appears smaller. | 3 | Zoom up. The image appears larger. | 4 | SNAP on/off. The cursor moves equal to resolution (off) or larger distances see SNAP. | 5 | Go from Construction area to Groups area and vice versa | 6 | Switch display between the work screen and overview screen. This key is pressed twice. Once to display the overview screen (overview screen is updated by key F1) & a second time after putting the white frame at a desired location that represents the area you wish to display on the work screen. | 7 | ORTHO on/off. Used for drawing lines at every 45 degrees when on. | 8 | Recall last command. | 9 | Hooks. Forces cursor to grab end points and intersections of vectors. see CURSOR in the manual. | * | Midpoint. Forces cursor to grab the midpoint of a vector when key 9 is active. Make sure key "9" is active then move cursor and hold it over any part of an existing line such that the four hooks that form an imaginary square touch the line. Do not activate the cursor but press the key "*" and the cursor jumps to the midpoint of that line and activates itself. | / | Switch between the tables 1 & 2. | , | Zoom on the overview screen. | + | Erases the last line drawn. | - | Make a Group (block) and Explode a Group. see ALLVECTORS. | +/- | Rotate a single group. See MOVE/COPY A SINGLE GROUP. | Insert | Inserts markers. used for easy alignment of screen elements. Markers create intersections with themselves and other shapes that are recognized by the hooks (see key 9). Up to 10 markers can be placed on the screen. Markers disappear after one use. or when the Delete key on the keyboard is pressed. |Delete| Erases markers. Any white window and pickup point on the screen disappear. |Alt+D | Select the type of inputs device by answering prompt on the data line. |Alt+F | Set directory for temporary work files (Assign to RAM disk for faster operation). |Alt+I | Speeds up /Slows down tutorials | H | & | ? | On-line HELP.. | F1 | Updates and displays the overview screen. Press key "6" to display the work screen. | F2 | 3D perspective wireframe. Press key "6" to display the work screen. | Alt+F2 | 3D perspective with hidden lines removal. A perspective drawing is generated and is placed on the passive table. See "TABLES" in the manual. | Alt+F3 | 3D perspective with shaded surfaces. | F4 | Panning on/off. Try not to use this function since one of FLASH!'s most powerful features is its ability to pan at any time within any function. | F5 | Trace mode on/off. | F6 | Reserved. | F7 | Switches the display of cursor coordinates between Relative and absolute modes.. The letter "A" next to the coordinates indicates the Absolute mode otherwise it is in the Relative mode. | F8 | Switches the display of cursor coordinates between Cartesian (a.k.a. Rectangular) and Polar modes. The letter "P" next to the coordinates indicates the Polar mode otherwise it is in the Cartesian mode. | F9 | Reserved. | F10 | & | Backspace | Manual numeric data entry of coordinates from the keyboard. The prompt corresponds to the coordinate mode the cursor is in. Use this to draw any geometric shape of a specific size. For example, to draw a horizontal line that is 10 units long when cursor is in its normal Cartesian/Relative mode: Start a line. (See Line in section 3 of the manual) Press key "F10" . Respond with 10.0 <CR> to Horizontal & 0 <CR> to the Vertical. Also see "CURSOR & CURSOR COORDINATES" in this text. | F11 | Reserved. | F12 | Superimposes the contents of the two working tables TV01 & TV02. =========================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE CURSOR ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The cursor changes its appearance to communicate various information and visual identification. The cursor appears either as a cross or a square: In Construction area the cursor appears as an "X". In Groups area the cursor appears as a square. When selecting a function or a submenu option the cursor appears as a white rectangle. The cursor coordinates always follow the cursor dynamically changing based on cursor's horizontal and vertical movements. Cursor is surrounded by four crop marks known as hooks when key "9" (capture) is active. The crop marks disappear when key " 9" is pressed and hooks are deactivated. Remember to always deactivate hooks as soon as they have served their purpose. Cursor is surrounded by four dots when key "7" (ortho mode) is active. The four dots disappear when key "7" is pressed and ortho mode is deactivated. Remember to always deactivate the ortho mode as soon as it has served its purpose. Whether a Construction area or a Groups area cursor the cursor's appearance can change by the use of key "7" (four dots surround the cursor) and key "9" (hooks appear around the cursor forming an imaginary square). Note: Keys "7" & "9" must be deactivated immediately after use to avoid unpredictable results. =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE CURSOR COORDINATES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The cursor coordinates are a pair numbers that follow the cursor at all times. The cursor coordinates display the distance between the last two locations of the cursor. This is called the RELATIVE mode. The cursor coordinates can display the distance between the current location and the center of the drawing area. This is called the ABSOLUTE mode activated by pressing key "F7". In the absolute mode the letter "A" appears next to the coordinates. The distance between any two points can be measured in two ways. 1. The horizontal and vertical distance between the two points known as the CARTESIAN or RECTANGULAR coordinate system. 2. The length of an imaginary line between the same two points and the angle of the line from an imaginary horizontal line. This is known as the POLAR coordinate system. The letter "P" appears next to the cursor. The key "F7" toggles between RELATIVE and ABSOLUTE modes. The key "F8" toggles between CARTESIAN and POLAR modes. ****************************** IMPORTANT ********************************** 1. Depending on which mode the cursor coordinates are in, pressing key "F10" (allows for manual entry of distances and angles) prompts you to enter numerical values of: HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL for Cartesian mode. LENGTH & ANGLE for Polar mode. 2. Keys "F7" and "F8" may be pressed at any time in any function except while you are entering distances and angles having pressed key "F10". The most frequently used coordinates setting (system default at the time of installation) is RELATIVE / CARTESIAN. In this mode the cursor coordinates display the horizontal and the vertical distances between the current position of the cursor and the last point at which the cursor was activated. Note: In the RELATIVE mode (Cartesian or polar) the coordinates are automatically set to zero every time the cursor is activated or the key "0" is pressed. =========================================================================== ++++++++++++++++ MEASURING HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL DISTANCES ++++++++++++++++ To measure any horizontal or vertical distance between any two points, simply put the cursor coordinates in the Relative (see key F7) Cartesian (see key F8) mode. Move cursor to the first point and press "0". The cursor coordinates are set to zero. Move cursor to the second point and read the horizontal (top number) or the vertical (bottom number) values of the cursor coordinates. +++++++++++++++++ MEASURING ANGLES & DISTANCES AT ANGLES +++++++++++++++++ The procedure is the same as above with one difference. Simply put the cursor coordinates in Relative Polar mode and repeat the above. Cursor coordinates display the length (top number) and the angle (the bottom number) between two point. The angle is measured with respect to an imaginary horizontal line going through the first point at which the cursor coordinates were set to zero. Note: To ensure accurate measurements, zoom up as much as necessary to be sure that you have set the correct point to zero and are reading the cursor coordinates at the exact location of the second point. You can use key "9" ( the Hooks) when zeroing out the first point. This eliminates the need to zoom up. Next turn off the hooks and zoom up to the second point and read the cursor coordinates. Dimensioning as opposed to measuring (described above) is the process of measuring and FLASH! automatically writing the measured distance on the screen. See automatic dimensioning. Whether dimensioning or measuring the distance may be displayed in one of 9 different Metric or Imperial formats set by the function COORDINATE in the construction area menu. FLASH! has a default coordinate system of Meters upon start up the first time. If this is changed to INCHA (INCHes Architectural display) then coordinates register distances accordingly until changed. Important: When measuring a distance or dimensioning between two points, be sure that the hooks are turned off (key "9"). When measuring disable key "7" (ortho mode). An active ortho mode (key "7" on) is signaled by the display of 4 dots surrounding the cursor. This can cause undesirable effects. =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ZOOMING +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Zooming is referred to the process of changing the size of the image on the screen to better visualize more or less of the contents of the screen. In larger zoom factors (zoom up) more detail is visible on smaller areas of the drawing. In smaller zoom factors (zoom down) less detail is visible on larger areas of the drawing. One of the most powerful features of FLASH! is its ability to Zoom at anytime while in any function during any stage of that function. Simply press key 2 to zoom down (make the image smaller) and press 3 to zoom up (make the image larger). =========================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PANNING +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Panning (as in panning a video camera) is referred the process of looking at a different part of the contents of the screen (or drawing). This is another powerful feature of FLASH!. To pan simply bring the cursor close to any edge of the screen and attempt to move the cursor beyond the screen's boundary. The image is panned in the opposite direction. Panning is available at all times in any function. FLASH! has a very powerful edge panning capability. Until you get used to it remember that pressing the "HOME" key on your keyboard brings the cursor to the center of the screen and it stops panning. *************************************************************************** DIGITARCH's creative staff is constantly updating and creating new functions and features to add more power, flexibility and user friendliness to the current products. Due to be introduced in the subsequent releases of FLASH! are: - FLASH! 486 ******** AVAILABLE NOW ******** - FLASH! 386 ******** AVAILABLE NOW ******** - Flashlyt 386/486 inteded for occasional CAD user & student.**AVAILABLE** - Direct interface with ADI drivers **** ADI PRINTER INTERFACE **** - Intelligent associative dimensioning ******** AVAILABLE NOW ******** - Macro utility ******** AVAILABLE NOW ******** - Parametric drawing - RAY, a 3D color rendering program with Ray Tracing ** AVAILABLE NOW ** - Shadow casting of 3D models w/ multiple light sources** AVAILABLE NOW ** - 3D Boolean operations - Automatic Isometric & Axonometric views of 3D models ** AVAILABLE NOW ** - 3D-DXF for export of 3D models to other 3D programs ** AVAILABLE NOW ** - Raster data handling for scanned drawings - Refinement of some of the existing functions - A new supplemental package called "Tips N Tricks". - Practical symbols for Architecture, Engineering & Interior design. - Third party developed details and symbols libraries in Metric & Imperial - New text fonts. ******** AVAILABLE NOW ******** - Automated 3 dimensional terrain contour mapping - Architectural and structural engineering details ** AVAILABLE NOW ** - And much more Our new DXF import and export has been greatly enhanced making it even easier to exchange data with other CAD softwares. *************************************************************************** **** If you have a suggestion for enhancement of FLASH! drop us a note **** *************************************************************************** For more information contact DIGITARCH U.S.A. at: Mailing address: P.O. Box 3426 Thousand Oaks, CA 91359 1(800) 633 6564 or 1(805) 494 0163 fax: 1(805) 494 3870 CompuServe 72662,2423 =========================================================================== REGISTER YOUR COPY OF FLASH! AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES OFFERED BY DIGITARCH FOR A MORE PRODUCTIVE USE OF FLASH! - Printed & bound manual - Technical assistance via HOT-LINE - Technical assistance via Fax - New features - New updates - New sample drawing files - New tutorials - New Techniques to increase throughput of FLASH! - Access to the latest software updates and other S/W packages - Plotting/Printing service via Modem - Architectural/Interior design/Mechanical/Structural symbols - Architectural/Structural details type IV & V construction FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mailing address: PO BOX 3426 Thousand Oaks, CA 91359 1(800)633 6564, 1(805)494 0163 Fax 1(805)494 3870 CompuServe 72662,2423