ftp.whtech.com/ftp.whtech.com.tar/ftp.whtech.com/articles/limanews/CKBKWR.TXT

Text File | 2006-10-19 | 8KB | 162 lines

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN LIMA NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY
1987.  THIS SOFTWARE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN AND AVAILABLE
FROM THE LIMA UG

                CHECK-BOOK WRITER

                by Melvin Nomina
               Lima Ohio User Group

    How many TI users balance check books and keep
track of their checks with the aid of a computer
program?  The answer is,"Not many."  Although there are
several good check book programs in the libraries of
most user groups they are time consuming.  You have to
write your checks, record data in your checkbook, load
the computer program, and enter the same data into the
computer.  Most TI users prefer to use a hand
calculator and keep track of checks by hand, since it
is faster that way.

    The program that follows is different.  It actually
SAVES TIME.  The program IMPRINTS CHECKS and PRINTS
CHECK STUBS with the printer as you enter data.  All
you do is run the program, and type in the names and
dollar amounts as prompted.  When all data for a check
are entered the computer prompts you to insert a blank
check into the printer (not at all difficult, see
below), and the data are automatically printed onto the
check and onto a printed check stub.  Sheets of these
stubs can be saved in a notebook instead of manually
entering the transaction in your checkbook.  The data
are also automatically merged into a disk file which
can later be printed out or displayed on the screen
either as is, or sorted according to payee.

    Check-book Writer can keep track of 4 different
bank accounts all from the same program and all on the
same disk.  You could, for example, keep records on
your own checking account, your spouse's checking
account, a money market account with limited check
writing privilages, and one of the kid's checking
accounts.

    Using the program is easy.  It is menu directed,
and an instruction subprogram is immediately available
from most menus.  Put the program on a newly
initialized disk. Name the program LOAD and use the
disk in DSK1.  Select extended basic, and once
autobooted the program will start RUNning in a few
seconds because a prescan routine has been added.  When
you RUN the program for the first time select item (6)
from the first menu.  This routine will create all
needed data files on the disk.  You will not have to
use item (6) again until you put the program on another
disk.

    The program is designed to use normal sized bank
checks in its first three accounts (Bankbooks 1-3).
Program lines 2800-2890 control the actual allignment
and printing of normal sized checks on a Star or Epson
printer.  These program lines can be altered if your
checks are physically slightly different than mine.
Fan fold paper is left in the printer, and it is NOT
necessary to use special templates to run the checks
through most printers.  When prompted an unused check
is inserted on top of the paper and partially inside
the bar which guides the paper as it emerges on the
PLATEN in the front of the printer.  If the platen
RELEASE LEVER is open (in the "T" or tractor freed
position) this insertion is easy.  The check is lined
up with the left paper perforation and with a
horizontal line previously printed on the paper as part
of the check stub.  The platen RELEASE LEVER is then
engaged (in the "F" or friction feed position) and the
PAPER BAIL BAR (the bar with the little rollers on it
to hold the paper flat on the platen) is lowered over
the top of the check.  The check is now held firmly in
position and at the press of the <ENTER> key check
printing begins.  This description is based on
inserting checks into a GEMINI 10X or STAR SG-10
printer.  Insertion into other printers is probably
just as easy.

    Using "Bank book 4" from the first menu, the
program will permit proper printing on special large
8.5 x 11 inch checks with sprocket holes.  These
special large checks are designed to feed through a
printer in the same way as fan fold paper.  Such checks
can be ordered from some office supply stores or from
computer supply catalogs.  The cost of these large
checks is usually more than the cost of ordinary checks
you get from your bank.

    System requirements include extended basic, 32K,
and a disk system.  A printer is not absolutely
required, since all data can be displayed on the
screen, but it is certainly extremely useful.  Also
useful, but not required, is the CorComp TRIPLE TECH
card or 9900 Clock.  By removing the "!" in lines
2550-2570 you can have a time and date added to each
check record.

    The program creates 3 files for each of the 4 bank
accounts.  One printer name file is also created.  The
default printer name in this file is PIO.  If you want
to change the printer name, or examine what name is
currently stored in the printer name file, choose item
(5) from the first menu.  All files are DIS/VAR 80 and
can be edited using TI-WRITER.  The easy ability to
edit these files with TI-WRITER is an advantage if you
make incorrect enteries.
BKBBOOKx shows the account x balance. It is a one line
   file with a blank space followed by the balance.
BKNBOOKx shows the number of the last transaction or
   check used in account x.  It is a one line file with
   a blank space followed by the last check's number.
CHECKBOOKx shows (in this order) the reference (or
   check) number, the date, "For", deposit amount,
   payee, check amount, was check printed?, and new
   balance for each transaction.  This file is your
   record of all previous activity in account x.  The
   first record (line) of this file should be a null
   string (blank).
PRI-SET shows the name of the printer. Default is
   "PIO".  It is a one line file with the printer name
   starting in column 1 (no blank space before name).

    Data entry instructions can be read from within the
program.  Be sure to enter data exactly as directed.
For example, January 1, 1986 must be entered as
"01/01/86".  "1/1/86" would generate an error and
return you to the first menu.  Also amounts must have a
decimal point and cents.  Six dollars should be entered
as ""6.00", not as "6".  Deposits are recorded by
choosing item #1 (Write Checks) from the main menu.
When entering deposits, a zero should be entered for
"Amount" of check.

    I find this program a real time saver.  I sit down
once a month, load this program, and write checks for
all my bills.  Any deposits or checks written in the
meantime I temporarily record in my checkbook until I
can enter the data into this program.  When I get my
checks back from the bank I use TI-Writer to load the
CHCKBOOKx file and place an "x" next to each
transaction number (checks and deposits) listed on the
bank statement.  I also make a notation of the amounts
of any checks or deposits that are not yet recorded on
the bank statement.  I then load the program, select
the proper account number from the first menu, and
select BALANCE CHECKBOOK from the second menu.  After
entering as prompted the bank statement balance, recent
deposits, the value of outstanding checks, and any
interest or service charges not yet on the bank
statement, the BALANCE CHECKBOOK routine calculates the
new balance.  The only thing this program doesn't do
is, from within the program, bring up a check number
and allow you to check it off as having been returned
by the bank.  This is done with TI-Writer as described
above.  Maybe some good XB programer can add such a
feature.