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╔════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ U.S. Philatelist Database ║
║ ║
║ Version 3.0 ║
║ ║
║ Last update : 25 Apr 92 ║
║ ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Table of Contents
Page
License Agreement .............................................. 3
Overview of Functions .......................................... 4
Registered vs. Shareware version differences ................... 5
Ordering Instructions .......................................... 6
Installing Software on your Computer ........................... 7
Overview of Program Files ...................................... 8
Detailed Description of Market Value Database .................. 9
MAIN MENU ...................................................... 11
INVENTORY Database Actions...................................... 12
add stamp(s) to inventory................................... 12
delete stamp(s) from inventory.............................. 15
modify stamp(s) in inventory................................ 16
view entire inventory....................................... 18
export inventory data....................................... 19
re-calculate stamp values .................................. 19
MARKET VALUE Database Actions................................... 20
add new entry............................................... 20
delete entry................................................ 21
modify entry................................................ 22
view all entries............................................ 24
REPORTS ........................................................ 25
create a report............................................. 25
view a report............................................... 25
print a report.............................................. 25
edit a report............................................... 26
Wantlist Report............................................. 27
Inventory Report ........................................... 32
Investment Analysis Report ................................. 33
Mailbid Report ............................................. 35
STAMP IDENTIFIER ............................................... 36
identify Washington/Franklin stamps of 1908-1922 ........... 36
identify by stamp topic .................................... 37
add new topics to identifier database ...................... 37
MAIL BID - AUCTIONS............................................. 38
add new bids ............................................... 38
delete bids ................................................ 38
print mailbid report ....................................... 38
view bids .................................................. 38
SYSTEM UTILITIES ............................................... 40
change screen colors ....................................... 40
change screen video mode to 43/25 lines .................... 40
backup/restore user data files ............................. 41
shell to DOS ............................................... 41
change name/address used on reports ........................ 41
change percentages for stamp values ........................ 42
EXIT TO DOS .................................................... 43
quit ....................................................... 43
ERROR REPORTING FORM ........................................... 44
╔═══════════════════╗
║ License Agreement ║
╚═══════════════════╝
The program is a proprietary product of Greg W. Morken and protected by
copyright laws. Greg W. Morken retains full title and ownership of the
program.
The evaluation version of U.S. Philatelist Database is NOT public domain
nor free software, but is distributed as "shareware". The shareware
concept allows for trial use of a program to decide if it will meet your
needs. If you use it on a regular basis, you are expected to pay for it.
U.S. Philatelist Database is copyright (c)1991-1992 by Greg W. Morken. All
rights are reserved. Non-registered users of this software are granted a
limited license to make an evaluation copy for trial use on a private,
noncommercial basis, for the express purpose of determining whether U.S.
Philatelist Database is suitable for their needs. At the end of this 21
day trial period, you should either register your copy or stop using this
software.
Registered users are licensed to use the program on the following terms and
conditions:
a. You may load and use this program on any computer available to you as
long as only one copy is executing at a time.
b. You may not use a subset of this program or data files with other
software application packages or reverse-engineer the object code.
Limited Warranty
The program diskette is warranted to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship for 1 year from date of delivery. Just return the disk for a
replacement. Except for the above warranty, the software is provided "as
is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including
but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, are expressly disclaimed. You assume as risk as to selection,
quality, installation, results, and performance. Greg Morken does not
warrant that the functions contained in the software will meet your
requirements or that the operation of the software will be uninterrupted or
error free.
Portions of US Philatelist contain copyrighted material from:
- Nantucket Corporation (Clipper 5.01 compiler)
- Rick Spence (Clipper Programming Guide, Microtrend)
- James Occhiogrosso (Clipper Developer's Library, Microtrend)
- John Opincar, Jr for his public domain status bar function
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Notice to shareware distributors and SYSOPs : You may include this
evaluation program into any distribution library or BBS. Your services to
the growing computer population are greatly appreciated. Shareware
distributors are requested to send me their catalog/list if they include
this program in their library.
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Overview of Functions ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
This menu-driven program allows you to keep detailed information about
every stamp in your U.S. postage stamp collection. The Market Value
database automatically determines the value of each stamp or cover. If
desired, you can override this value with a value of your own.
Other features include:
- 12 data fields including a 64K remarks field to describe each stamp in
your inventory
- 70 context sensitive help screens are just a function key away
- Spring 1992 market value database determines the values for over 6,130
stamps, postal cards and envelopes
- stamp identifier by stamp subject/topic
- stamp identifier for Washington/Franklin issues of 1908-22
- back-up/restore system user files
- user selectable screen colors
- multi-stamp browse
- built-in report editor
- support for EGA 43 line video mode (browse and edit modes)
- view databases/reports on screen before printing them
- 4 very flexible reports (user selects which data to include in reports)
Wantlist - identifies stamps you need for your collection within a
user specified price range. The user enters the range of stamp
numbers or range of years to look at within their price range.
Inventory - identifies stamps in your collection (by category, acquired
after a given date, or all stamps). The user selects which data
fields to display in this 80 or 132 column report.
Investment analysis - provides various tables showing you how your
stamps are performing as an investment
Auction report - identifies mail bids/auction bids in effect
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Registered vs. Shareware Version Differences ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Registration of this software provides you with many benefits. Not only
are you financially supporting further program developments, your
registered version will contain some additional features not enabled in the
shareware demo version.
1. All shareware screens are eliminated (no more 5 second delays!).
2. Registered version includes the latest market values database with
over 6,126 different entries. The shareware evaluation version may contain
some 'dummy' values and contains a third of the number of market value
entries found in the registered version.
3. In the registered version, when you select custom colors for the
program to use, these values are saved to disk as the 'new' default each
time you start the program. The shareware version will not save these
changes to disk but allows these new colors to be in effect for the current
session.
4. In the registered version, you can add/modify entries in the market
value database for those who want to update their own values each year. The
shareware version will let you go through all of the actions to see how
easy it is but will not let you SAVE any changes to disk.
5. Registered users can order the twice-a-year market value updates for
$10 each. Program version updates are just $5. Replacement printed user's
manuals are $5. As usual, all costs can be paid with mint, original gum,
postage stamps at face value.
6. Because of the added flexibility built into v3.0, none of the old
databases from previous shareware and registered versions (v2.26 and below)
can be used with this current version. The registered version will sense
old databases and convert them over to the new format automatically saving
the registered user time in re-entering their inventory data, etc.
7. Each registration includes a 10,000 word printed user's manual and
some great technical support. I check for e-mail daily on CompuServe, offer
telephone assistance, and also the same quick response on questions sent
via the Post Office. I try to answer all correspondence on the same day as
it was received.
Please support the shareware concept of marketing software. Through your
support (both financial and through your comments), this program will
continue to help collectors track their collections efficiently for a very
low cost.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Ordering Instructions ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════╝
You can upgrade to the registered version in two ways:
1. You can send a $28 check ($25 + $3 shipping) directly to the author.
Mint postage stamps at full face value are acceptable to pay a portion or
all of this cost.
Greg Morken
1648-A 7th Ave
Langley AFB, VA 23665-1702
Phone : (804) 865-0533 (after 5pm, anytime weekends)
CompuServe: 70403,2746
2. You can register "US Philatelist Database" using major credit cards
(MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover) using a toll-free 800
number through an arraignment with Public (software) Library (PsL).
Public (software) Library
PO Box 35705
Houston, TX 77235-5705
ORDERS ONLY: (800) 242-4PSL
FAX ORDERS : (713) 524-6398
CompuServe : 71355,470
All technical support and version upgrades are provided by the author.
Please don't call PsL for program support or upgrades!
╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Installing "U.S. Philatelist Database" ║
║ on your computer system ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝
┌─────────────────────┐
│ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS │
└─────────────────────┘
This program has been tested to run on most IBM compatible computers
(including the Apple Macintosh computers using one of the MS-DOS emulator
packages available to these users).
- all monitors from CGA to VGA are supported
- any 80/132 column printer (optional)
- requires 370K free conventional memory
- utilizes EXPANDED memory if found.
- hard disk with 950K free space (shareware demo)
1320K free (registered version)
┌──────────────┐
│ INSTALLATION │
└──────────────┘
ALL First Time Users:
Copy the STAMPS300.EXE file from the distribution disk onto your hard disk.
Type "STAMPS300" and press return. The program files will be extracted
from this EXE file automatically. You can delete the file "STAMPS300.EXE"
to conserve disk space if you wish.
Previous Registered Users:
First save the data files STAMPS.DAT, STAMPS.DBT, MAILBIDS.DAT, CV.DAT, and
CV.DBT from your previous program version.
Copy the STAMPS300.EXE file from the distribution disk onto your hard disk.
Type "STAMPS300" and press return. The program files will be extracted
from this EXE file automatically. You can delete the file "STAMPS300.EXE"
to conserve disk space if you wish.
Copy the old v2.26 and earlier files (listed above) into your directory
overwriting the files of the same name shipped in this 3.0 version. When
you start the v3.0 program, it will automatically convert these old data
files into the new format required by v3.00.
Previous Shareware Demo Users:
Save only CV.DAT, CV.DBT. Shareware users must manually re-enter their
inventory and auction data into this new version. The structure change was
necessary because of the added flexibility built into the program.
Copy the STAMPS300.EXE file from the distribution disk onto your hard disk.
Type "STAMPS300" and press return. The program files will be extracted
from this EXE file automatically. You can delete the file "STAMPS300.EXE"
to conserve disk space if you wish. If desired, copy old CV.DAT and CV.DBT
overwriting the files of the same name shipped in this 3.0 version.
All Users:
Start the program by typing "STAMPS" at the DOS prompt
╔══════════════════════════════╗
║ Description of System Files ║
╚══════════════════════════════╝
The files used by this program are briefly described below:
CV DBT User Configuration data
CV DAT User Configuration data
ID DAT Washington/Franklin stamp identifier data
MAILBID DAT Mailbid/Auction data
MANUAL DOC *User's manual
MARKET DAT Market values data
STAMPS EXE Main executable program
STAMPS DAT Inventory data
STAMPS DBT Inventory remarks field data
SUBJECT DAT Stamp Identifier by subject data
RESERVE DAT Used to convert old v2.26 inventory files to v3.0 files
xxxxx CC1 Created by program to index various data files (these
files are deleted when you exit the program)
TEMPXXX DAT Created by program for stamp identifier by subject
function (deleted after use by program)
WHATS NEW *History of changes for each version
README 1ST *Latest changes not yet included in this documentation
WANTLIST *Wantlist report
INVENTRY *Inventory report
COSTVAL *Investment Analysis report
MAILBID *Auction report
* = these files are not required for program to run properly
and may be deleted to conserve disk space if desired.
Note: RESERVE.DAT is included only in the registered version
╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Description of Market Value database ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
The 1992 market value database supplied with the shareware evaluation
version contains 2,700+ entries (regular, commemorative, and airmail stamps
from 1847 to 1991). There may be 'dummy values' and other mis-valued
entries in the shareware version but it's correct enough for you to make an
evaluation of the program and consider registering this program.
A 6,130 entry database updated with Spring '92 market values is included
with the v3.00 full registered version. The values are determined from a
number of sources (Lynn's Stamp News, price lists from major stamp firms,
and Scott Publishing Company). There are no market values listed for
extremely rare stamp types (for example: an 1847 5c Franklin plate block)
or for stamp types that don't exist (e.g. certain souvenir sheets that
don't have plate blocks).
The registered user's Market Value database includes the following entries:
Regular and Commemorative
Se-tentent issues
Airmail
Booklet panes of regular/air mail issues
Air Post Envelopes
Air Post Postal Cards
Air Post Semi-Official
Air Post Special Delivery
Air Post
Certified Mail
Stamped Envelopes
Local (selected few)
Newspapers
Official
Parcel Post
Postage Due
Postal Cards
Paid Reply Postal Cards
Postal Note
Shanghai (Offices in China)
Special Handling
Revenue, General and Documentary
Revenue, Proprietary
Revenue, Future Delivery
Revenue, Stock Transfer
Revenue, Wines
Revenue, Playing Cards
Revenue, Silver Tax
Revenue, Cigarette Tax
Revenue, Potato Tax
Revenue, Tobacco Sales Tax
Revenue, Narcotic Sales Tax
Revenue, Consular Service Tax
Revenue, Customs Fee
Revenue, Boating
Revenue, Hunting (Duck stamps)
Not only does the Market Value database contain mint and used values for
most of these stamps, many database entries also include values for "on
cover", plate blocks, line pairs and first day covers. The database also
has "year of issue" data for each stamp.
Registered users can easily add new stamp entries or modify current values
or descriptions. All values are then saved to disk. Shareware versions
allow you to see how easy the procedure is but stops short of saving the
data to disk.
Registered users are notified when the twice-a-year market value updates
are available. The updates cost $10. After v3.00, the shareware version
of the market value database will never be updated.
╔═════════════╗
║ Main Menu ║
╚═════════════╝
After the databases are initialized and indexed, the main menu appears.
The shareware version has a 10 second advertisement before the main menu
appears.
To select any menu option, use the up and down arrow keys and press <enter>
when your menu choice is highlighted. An alternative method is to press a
selection number (eg. you can press '3' to get to the Reports sub-menu).
Selecting menu option seven or pressing <esc> will stop the program, delete
index files and return you to the DOS prompt.
Options under each main menu option are shown below:
INVENTORY Database Actions
add, delete, modify, view, export, re-calculate values
MARKET VALUE Database Actions
add, delete, modify, view
REPORTS
create, view, print, edit
STAMP IDENTIFIER
identify Washington/Franklin stamps , identify by subject
MAIL BID AUCTIONS
add, delete, print, view
SYSTEM UTILITIES
change colors, view mode, backup/restore, shell to DOS, modify
name/address used on reports, modify percentages for stamp values
EXIT TO DOS
quit
╔═══════════════════════════╗
║ Add Stamps to Inventory ║
╚═══════════════════════════╝
This option allows the user to add new stamps to their inventory. You
have a choice to add one stamp at a time or an entire range of stamp
numbers that you can modify later.
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Add single stamp to inventory │
└───────────────────────────────┘
If you want to back up to the previous data field while in the "add stamps"
input screen, press the <ESC> key. Each data field in the "add stamps"
data input screen is described below:
[Catalog Number] - enter up to six characters (up to a maximum of four
numeric digits with leading prefix character and/or trailing suffix
character). Use a minimum of letters and digits as the program will expand
your input to match the format used by the program. Se-tenants and
booklets usually have an "A" suffix and are fully supported in the
registered version.
[Description] - if the catalog number you've just entered matches an
entry in the market values database, a short description of the stamp is
displayed otherwise a "not found" message is displayed. If this "not
found" message is displayed, you may want to add this new catalog number to
the market value database along with the appropriate values (see modify
market values within the "market value database actions" menu option for
more information). Only registered users can add new entries into the
market value database or save modified records to disk.
[Year of Issue] - automatically displayed when the description is found
for a given stamp.
[Date acquired] - defaults to today's date although any date can be
entered in the format Month/Day/Year. If you want to leave the date blank,
press <CTRL-B>.
[Cost of stamp] - purchase price can be any value between 0 and
$99,999.99
[Source of stamp] - a pop-up menu appears with 8 choices. Using the arrow
keys, highlight your choice and press <enter>. If you select "user
defined", you can type in a source not found in the pop-up menu.
[Type of stamp] - a pop-up menu appears with 6 choices. Using the arrow
keys, highlight your choice and press <enter>. Postal cards, stamped
envelopes, souvenir sheets, etc. are defined as either mint or used for
simplicity.
[Centering] - a pop-up menu appears with 5 choices. Using the arrow keys,
highlight your choice and press <enter>. A general guideline to use is
shown below:
Average - perforations cut into the design (1 or more sides)
Fine - perforations come near 2 adjacent sides
F/VF - perforations come near 1 side, rest are fairly centered
Very Fine - all margins well clear of design but some are not equal
Extra Fine - all margins about equal distance from the design
[Gum] - if the stamp type is mint, plate block, or coil line pair, a pop-
up menu appears with 5 choices. Using the arrow keys, highlight your
choice and press <enter>. If the stamp type is used, first day cover or
ordinary cover, this field defaults to "Not applicable".
[Multiple] - if this stamp is part of a block, enter the number of stamps
that make up this block. IMPORTANT NOTE: all plate blocks and coil line
pairs default to a 1 in this block otherwise the value of the plate
block/coil line pair will be incorrectly valued at 4 or 6 times the correct
value.
[Remarks] - describe your stamp in as much detail as you want to. This
field allows you use up to 64,000 characters for your description. For
large descriptions, the 5 line window will scroll through your entire
description using standard editing keys (arrows, PgDn, PgUp, Home, End,
etc.). Pressing <esc> will discard any changes you've just made and save
the previous contents of this field (unless reediting an entry, pressing
<esc> will leave you a blank field). To save the current description, press
<Ctrl-W>.
[Catalog value] - the program will calculate the market value of the
stamp. If the stamp is NOT found in the database (indicated by the
description field at the top of the screen) this value defaults to the
price you paid for this stamp. Otherwise it takes the value it finds in
the market value database and multiplies it by percentages based on gum and
centering. To change these percentages see 'modify percentages' option
listed under the SYSTEM UTILITIES main menu option. The user can override
the computer generated value by entering their own estimate of the stamp's
value and pressing <enter>.
[Lock value from future changes] - if you override the computer generated
value, this field defaults to 'YES' otherwise the default is 'NO'. If you
have a special stamp (either a space filler or absolute gem) you can
protect this value from being overwritten when re-calculating stamp values
in the future. Normally when you modify values in the Market Value
database, you should re-calculate inventory stamp values to reflect those
market values changes you've made. Selecting 'YES' will keep all future
price changes from affecting this stamp's stated value.
[Saving stamp data]
After the user has entered all information for this stamp, the user is
asked if the data is correct. Select 'Y' to save the this data in the
inventory database, 'N' to re-edit the fields or 'Q' to quit without saving
and return to the main menu.
[Add more stamps]
After each stamp has been entered and saved, a prompt will ask the user if
they have more stamps to enter into the program or return to the main menu.
Press 'Y' to enter more stamps into your inventory or 'N' to return to the
main menu.
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Add a range of stamps to inventory │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
In addition to adding a single stamp at a time, you have the option of
adding an entire range of stamps to your inventory at once. You enter a
range of catalog numbers to add to your inventory. You will then be asked
to enter data to use as the default data. The screen is the same as when
you add individual stamps and these values will be the default for all
stamps in the specified range. You can later modify each stamp within this
range using the 'modify option'. See the previous section (add single
stamp to inventory) for an explanation of each data field.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Delete stamps from inventory ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Delete single stamp from inventory │
└────────────────────────────────────┘
The user enters the stamp number to delete from their inventory. The
catalog number can be up to six characters (up to four numeric digits with
leading prefix character or trailing suffix character allowed). Pressing
<esc> when prompted for the catalog number will return the user to the main
menu.
If a match is found, this stamp record is displayed and the user is
prompted to confirm this is the record to delete. If you have three
different copies of a given stamp, the program will show each record asking
if this is the particular stamp record to delete. Using this previous
example, you could have deleted one, two or all three copies of this
catalog number.
If a match is not found, an error message is displayed and the user is
prompted to enter another catalog number. Press <esc> to exit back to the
main menu.
IMPORTANT NOTE: even though you successfully deleted a range of stamps,
you'll still be able to view these deleted entries using the "view market
values". Since the market value database is so large, it is not rebuilt and
compressed UNTIL you return to the main menu. After the re-build and
compression, of course, these records will be gone.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Delete a range of stamps from inventory │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
The description and actions for this choice is similar to "delete a single
stamp" described above but allows an entire range to be deleted from your
inventory database. After confirming the deletion range, the program
returns you to the market value database action menu. IMPORTANT NOTE: even
though you successfully deleted a range of stamps, you'll still be able to
view these deleted entries using the "view market values". Since the market
value database is so large, it is not rebuilt and compressed UNTIL you
return to the main menu. After the re-build and compression, of course,
these records will be gone.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Modify stamps in inventory ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
This option allows you to change any of the fields used to describe your
stamp collection (including computer calculated value for any stamp).
After selecting whether you want to modify a single or range of stamps in
your inventory, a screen of information appears (similar to the 'add stamp'
screen). If you want to edit the displayed record, enter 'Y' to the prompt
otherwise enter 'N'. You will be asked the same "edit this record" prompt
for each inventory record matching or within the range of these catalog
numbers. Each data item is described below:
If you want to back up to the previous data field while in the "modify
stamps" input screen, press the <ESC> key. Each data field in the "modify
stamps" data input screen is described below:
[Date acquired] - defaults to today's date although any date can be
entered in the format Month/Day/Year. If you want to leave the date blank,
press <CTRL-B>.
[Cost of stamp] - purchase price can be any value between 0 and 99,999.99
[Source of stamp] - a pop-up menu appears with 8 choices. Using the arrow
keys, highlight your choice and press <enter>. If you select "user
defined", you can type in a source not found in the pop-up menu.
[Type of stamp] - a pop-up menu appears with 6 choices. Using the arrow
keys, highlight your choice and press <enter>. Postal cards, stamped
envelopes, souvenir sheets, etc. are defined as either mint or used for
simplicity.
[Centering] - a pop-up menu appears with 5 choices. Using the arrow keys,
highlight your choice and press <enter>. A general guideline to use is
shown below:
Average - perforations cut into the design (1 or more sides)
Fine - perforations come near 2 adjacent sides
F/VF - perforations come near 1 side, rest are fairly centered
Very Fine - all margins well clear of design but some are not equal
Extra Fine - all margins about equal distance from the design
[Gum] - if the stamp type is mint, plate block, or coil line pair, a pop-
up menu appears with 5 choices. Using the arrow keys, highlight your
choice and press <enter>. If the stamp type is used, first day cover or
ordinary cover, this field defaults to "Not applicable".
[Multiple] - if this stamp is part of a block, enter the number of stamps
that make up this block. IMPORTANT NOTE: all plate blocks and coil line
pairs default to a 1 in this block otherwise the value of the plate
block/coil line pair will be incorrectly valued at 4 or 6 times the correct
value.
[Remarks] - describe your stamp in as much detail as you want to. This
field allows you use up to 64,000 characters for your description. For
large descriptions, the 5 line window will scroll through your entire
description using standard editing keys (arrows, PgDn, PgUp, Home, End,
etc.). Pressing <esc> will discard any changes you've just made and save
the previous contents of this field (unless reediting an entry, pressing
<esc> will leave you a blank field). To save the current description, press
<Ctrl-W>.
[Catalog value] - the program will calculate the market value of the
stamp. If the stamp is NOT found in the database (indicated by the
description field at the top of the screen) this value defaults to the
price you paid for this stamp. Otherwise it takes the value it finds in
the market value database and multiplies it by percentages based on gum and
centering. To change these percentages see 'modify percentages' option
listed under the SYSTEM UTILITIES main menu option. The user can override
the computer generated value by entering their own estimate of the stamp's
value and pressing <enter>.
[Lock value from future changes] - if you override the computer generated
value, this field defaults to 'YES' otherwise the default is 'NO'. If you
have a special stamp (either a space filler or absolute gem) you can
protect this value from being overwritten when re-calculating stamp values
in the future. Normally when you modify values in the Market Value
database, you should re-calculate inventory stamp values to reflect those
market values changes you've made. Selecting 'YES' will keep all future
price changes from affecting this stamp's stated value.
[Saving stamp data]
After the user has entered all information for this stamp, the user is
asked if the data is correct. Select 'Y' to save the this data in the
inventory database, 'N' to re-edit the fields or 'Q' to quit without saving
and return to the main menu.
[Add more stamps]
After each stamp has been entered and saved, a prompt will ask the user if
they have more stamps to enter into the program or return to the main menu.
Press 'Y' to enter more stamps into your inventory or 'N' to return to the
main menu.
┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Modify a range of stamps to inventory │
└────────────────────────────────────────┘
You can also modify an entire range of stamps in your inventory. You enter
a range of catalog numbers to add to your inventory. The screen is the
same as when you modify individual stamps. See the previous section
(modify single stamp in inventory) for an explanation of each data field.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ View stamps in inventory ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
This option allows you to browse your inventory records on the screen.
There are two screen modes available; 25 lines and 43 lines. If you have
an EGA or VGA system, select the 43 lines option. You can view more stamps
this way. See the "change screen video mode" option under the "system
utilities" main menu option for more information.
You can select the stamp number to start viewing or just press <enter> to
accept the default (start of the database). If the stamp number you enter
is not found in your inventory, the next higher stamp number is selected.
Since there are more data fields then room on the screen to display them,
press the right arrow key several times to see the other data fields for
this stamp number. The stamp number is listed twice in the display. It is
shown in the far right and far left columns to make it easier to see which
information goes with which stamp number.
Use the standard editing keys (up/down arrows, <PgDn>, <PgUp>, etc) to view
other records. Press the <esc> key to exit this function to return to the
modify menu.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Export inventory data ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
This option is used to extract your inventory data for further processing
in a spreadsheet or database.
The first prompt asks if you want to select all data fields.
a. If you answer "Y", the next prompt asks you for a delimiter symbol to
separate each field. Although the comma is the default delimiter, any
character including a blank can be specified.
b. If you answer "N", the user selects which data fields to export and
also specifies the delimiter symbol. Any symbol including a blank can be
used as a delimiter.
The program then extracts the data and puts it in a file called EXPORT.TXT.
If this file already exists, it is renamed to EXPORT.BAK and a new
EXPORT.TXT is created.
After the export function is complete, you are given the opportunity to
view or edit this file. IMPORTANT NOTICE: this file as shown on the screen
may not look the same as the copy on disk. If a line of data is over 78
characters, it will wrap around on the screen making it look garbled. If
you select most of the data to export, these lines will easily exceed 78
characters and will be easier to view/edit at the DOS prompt using an
editor that allows up to 256 characters per line.
When editing data, press <CTRL-W> to save your changes or <ESC> to quit
without making any changes. When viewing data, press <ESC> to return to
the Inventory Database Actions menu.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Re-calculate stamp values ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
Use this option whenever you make modifications to either the market value
database or to the percentages table used to determine below/above average
stamps. All stamps that do not have the 'LOCK' field turned on will get
updated values based on your changes. The LOCK feature is usually 'on'
when you override the computer generated value. View your inventory to see
which stamps have this lock ON.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Add New Entry in Market Value Database ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝
This option allows the user to add new stamp value entries to their
market value database. The shareware demo version will allow you to go
through the entire process to see how easily it can be done but will NOT
save any information to disk. Values are saved to disk only in the
registered version.
┌───────────────────────────┐
│ Add new stamp value entry │
└───────────────────────────┘
When you select this option, you fill in a screen full of data for this
stamp number. Press <ESC> anytime to abort without saving any information
and return to the main menu. Anytime you add a new stamp to the market
value database you should also add this stamp topic to the stamp identifier
to keep that database up-to-date (optional). Each data field is briefly
described below.
[Catalog Number] - enter up to six characters (up to a maximum of four
numeric digits with leading prefix character and/or trailing suffix
character). Use a minimum of letters and digits as the program will expand
your input to match the format used by the program. Se-tenants and
booklets usually have an "A" suffix and are fully supported in the
registered version. You MUST enter at least 1 digit in this field to go on
to the next data field.
[Description] - enter up to 35 characters to describe this stamp number.
The normal format would be the denomination (5c, $1.00, etc) followed by
the stamp topic and possibly the color.
[Year of Issue] - Enter the 4 digit year when this stamp was issued. You
must enter a year between 1842 and the current year + 1 to go on to the
next data field.
[Market Value - Mint] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp is worth
in fine/very fine centering and with never hinged gum.
[Market Value - Used] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp is worth
in fine/very fine centering with light to medium cancels.
[Market Value - Plate Block/Line Pair] - Since the same stamp number
can't exist as both a plate block and a line pair, this data field is
shared by these two forms. Enter a value that you feel this plate block or
coil line pair is worth in fine/very fine centering with never hinged gum.
[Market Value - First Day Cover] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp
is worth with a common cachet like the "ARTMASTER" series.
[Market Value - Ordinary Cover] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp
is worth in fine/very fine centering with light to medium cancels on a
plain ordinary cover. After the 1920s, this value should be the same as
the used stamp value.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Delete Entries in Market Value Database ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝
This option allows the user to delete stamp value entries in their
market value database. The shareware demo version will allow you to go
through the entire process to see how easily it can be done but will NOT
actually delete this entry. Deletions are saved to disk only in the
registered version.
┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ delete a single entry in market values │
└────────────────────────────────────────┘
[Catalog Number] - enter up to six characters (up to a maximum of four
numeric digits with leading prefix character and/or trailing suffix
character). Use a minimum of letters and digits as the program will expand
your input to match the format used by the program. Se-tenants and
booklets usually have an "A" suffix and are fully supported in the
registered version. You MUST enter at least 1 digit in this field to go
on.
If a match is found, the stamp record is shown and you are asked to
confirm the delete action.
If a match is not found, an error message is displayed and the program
goes back to the market database actions menu.
When you exit the market values menu (back to the main menu), the market
value database is re-built and compressed.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ delete a range of entries in market values │
└────────────────────────────────────────────┘
This option is similar to deleting a single entry (described above). Enter
a range of catalog numbers to delete. After confirming this is the correct
range to delete, all records between these two numbers are deleted. When
you exit the market values menu (back to the main menu), the market value
database is re-built and compressed.
If a match is not found, an error message is displayed and the program
goes back to the market database actions menu.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Modify Entry in Market Value Database ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝
This option allows the user to modify stamp value entries in their
market value database. The shareware demo version will allow you to go
through the entire process to see how easily it can be done but will NOT
save any information to disk. Values are saved to disk only in the
registered version.
┌───────────────────────────┐
│ Modify single value entry │
└───────────────────────────┘
Use this option to change any information in a singe record. The most
likely reason to use this option is to correct errors in the market value
database. Each data field is briefly described below.
[Catalog Number] - enter up to six characters (up to a maximum of four
numeric digits with leading prefix character and/or trailing suffix
character). Use a minimum of letters and digits as the program will expand
your input to match the format used by the program. Se-tenants and
booklets usually have an "A" suffix and are fully supported in the
registered version. You MUST enter at least 1 digit in this field to go on
to the next data field.
[Description] - enter up to 35 characters to describe this stamp number.
The normal format would be the denomination (5c, $1.00, etc) followed by
the stamp topic and possibly the color.
[Year of Issue] - Enter the 4 digit year when this stamp was issued. You
must enter a year between 1842 and the current year + 1 to go on to the
next data field.
[Market Value - Mint] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp is worth
in fine/very fine centering and with never hinged gum.
[Market Value - Used] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp is worth
in fine/very fine centering with light to medium cancels.
[Market Value - Plate Block/Line Pair] - Since the same stamp number
can't exist as both a plate block and a line pair, this data field is
shared by these two forms. Enter a value that you feel this plate block or
coil line pair is worth in fine/very fine centering with never hinged gum.
[Market Value - First Day Cover] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp
is worth with a common cachet like the "Artmaster" series.
[Market Value - Ordinary Cover] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp
is worth in fine/very fine centering with light to medium cancels on a
plain ordinary cover. After the 1920s, this value should be the same as
the used stamp value.
┌────────────────────────────────┐
│ Edit a range of value entries │
└────────────────────────────────┘
Use this option to change any information in a range of market value
entries. The most likely reason to use this option is to update all values
due to market changes in the stamp collecting world. Each data field is
briefly described below.
[Catalog Number] - In most cases just press <enter> as the stamp number
will not be changing.
[Description] - In most cases just press <enter> as the description will
not be changing.
[Year of Issue] - In most cases just press <enter> as the year of issue
will not be changing.
[Market Value - Mint] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp is worth
in fine/very fine centering and with never hinged gum.
[Market Value - Used] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp is worth
in fine/very fine centering with light to medium cancels.
[Market Value - Plate Block/Line Pair] - Since the same stamp number
can't exist as both a plate block and a line pair, this data field is
shared by these two forms. Enter a value that you feel this plate block or
coil line pair is worth in fine/very fine centering with never hinged gum.
[Market Value - First Day Cover] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp
is worth with a common cachet like the "Artmaster" series.
[Market Value - Ordinary Cover] - Enter a value that you feel this stamp
is worth in fine/very fine centering with light to medium cancels on a
plain ordinary cover. After the 1920s, this value should be the same as
the used stamp value.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ View Market Values ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
This option allows you to browse the market value records on the screen.
There are two screen modes available; 25 lines and 43 lines. If you have
an EGA or VGA system, select the 43 lines option. You can view more stamps
this way. See the "change screen video mode" option under the "system
utilities" main menu option for more information.
You can select the stamp number to start viewing or just press <enter> to
accept the default (start of the database). If the stamp number you enter
is not found, the next higher stamp number is selected. Since there are
more data fields then room on the screen to display them, press the right
arrow key several times to see the other data fields for this stamp number.
The stamp number is listed twice in the display. It is shown in the far
right and far left columns to make it easier to see which information goes
with which stamp number.
Use the standard editing keys (up/down arrows, <PgDn>, <PgUp>, etc) to view
other records. Press the <esc> key to exit this function and return to the
modify menu.
IMPORTANT NOTE: even though you may have successfully deleted market value
entries, you may still be able to view these deleted entries using this
option. Since the market value database is so large, it is not rebuilt and
compressed UNTIL you return to the main menu. If you had just deleted some
entries and went straight to this option, those deleted entries will look
like they are still there but rest assured, they'll be gone after the re-
build and compression.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Reports ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
This option allows the user to create, view or print a variety of
reports. If you create a report, a copy is always made to disk. This allows
you to print the reports at your convenience anytime at the DOS prompt.
The last two generated reports for each type (inventory, wantlist,
investment, auction bids) are saved. The oldest report has a file extension
of ".BAK" and the newest report has no file extension (e.g. WANTLIST. ).
┌─────────────────────┐
│ Create a Report │
└─────────────────────┘
Selecting this option will display a pop-up window with four choices.
a. Select WANTLIST to create a report listing the stamps you need for
your collection.
b. Select INVENTORY to create a report listing all stamps in your
collection.
c. Select INVESTMENT to create a report that analyzes your stamp
purchases as an investment.
d. Select MAILBID to create a report listing all bids in effect now.
┌─────────────────────┐
│ View a Report │
└─────────────────────┘
Selecting this option will display a pop-up window with four choices.
Select the report you want to view on the screen. If its already been
created, the report will be displayed on the screen. If you have an EGA or
VGA display, select the 43 line screen option under "system utilities" to
see more of the report on the screen. If the report has not been created
yet, a message will tell you it must be created first before it can be
viewed.
┌─────────────────────┐
│ Print a Report │
└─────────────────────┘
Selecting this option will display a pop-up window with four choices.
Select the report you want to print. If it has been created already, the
most recent report will be printed to the parallel port (LPT1). If the
report has not been created yet, a message will tell you it must be created
first before it can be printed.
If you have a serial printer, set up the printer as you normally would
using the DOS's MODE command (something similar to MODE COM1:96,,,,P). Make
sure you also use the following command at the DOS prompt: MODE LPT1:COMx
where x is the serial port your printer is connected to.
These reports can be printed on any 80 column printer (laser or dot
matrix). For best results, when printing the wantlists to a laser printer,
use the eight lines per inch setting on your printer.
Error messages are displayed when the printer is found offline or turned
off.
┌─────────────────────┐
│ Edit a Report │
└─────────────────────┘
A simple full screen editor allows you to make changes in any report (as
long as the file size is less then 64K). The program checks for this size
limitation and displays a message if the requested file is more then 64,000
characters.
The editor starts in type-over mode. This means any characters you type
will replace the characters currently under the cursor. Press the <INSERT>
key to edit in the insert mode. This will insert the new characters in
front of the character the cursor is currently on. Pressing <Enter> will
insert a blank line.
Press <CTRL-W> to save all changes and exit. Pressing <ESC> will discard
all changes made so far and exit back to the menu.
┌─────────────────┐
│ Create wantlist │
└─────────────────┘
This option allows the user to go through their stamp collection and
identify the stamp numbers of blank spaces in their album they want to
fill. The user selects each stamp category (mint, used, etc), range of
stamp numbers (or year range) and price range to include on the report.
There are 4 varieties of wantlists available:
type 1: This report contains a stamp number, market value, and
description for each stamp you need in your collection.
type 2: This report contains a stamp number and the F-VF base market
price for each stamp you need in your collection (for your use at stamp
shows and retail stores).
type 3: This report contains a stamp number and description for each
stamp you need in your collection.
type 4: This report contains only stamp numbers (for sending to
approval dealers, etc). For each stamp category (mint, used, etc), a
comment can be added to the stamp category title in the report.
A sample page for each of these wantlist reports varieties are shown on the
next four pages.
A type 1 SAMPLE wantlist (number, value, description) report is shown below
(your name and address will be in your report):
U.S. Philatelist Database v3.00 Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
Listing created: 04/21/92
WANTLIST - United States Stamps
Greg Morken
1648-A 7th Ave
Langley AFB, VA 23665-1702
Mint Stamps - strong F-VF or VF, lightly hinged acceptable
0123 $ 329.20 1c buff (special printing)
0124 $ 379.90 2c brown (special printing)
0133 $ 202.60 1c buff (special printing)
0135 $ 425.00 2c Jackson red brown
0136 $ 325.00 3c Washington green
0145 $ 152.00 1c Franklin ultramarine
0146 $ 60.80 2c Jackson red brown
0147 $ 101.30 3c Washington green
0148 $ 227.90 6c Lincoln carmine
0149 $ 303.90 7c Stanton vermilion
0150 $ 227.90 10c Jefferson brown
0156 $ 55.70 1c Franklin ultramarine
0157 $ 141.80 2c Jackson brown
0158 $ 40.50 3c Washington green
0159 $ 177.30 6c Lincoln dull pink
0160 $ 354.60 7c Stanton orange vermilion
0161 $ 202.60 10c Jefferson brown
0178 $ 141.80 2c Jackson vermilion
0179 $ 177.30 5c Taylor blue
0182 $ 101.30 1c Franklin dark ultramarine
Used Stamps - strong F-VF+, lightly or barely canceled copies
0133 $ 128.90 1c buff (special printing)
0134 $ 60.00 1c Franklin ultramarine
0135 $ 37.50 2c Jackson red brown
0145 $ 6.20 1c Franklin ultramarine
0149 $ 46.40 7c Stanton vermilion
0150 $ 10.30 10c Jefferson brown
A type 2 SAMPLE wantlist (number, value) report is shown below (your name
and address will be in your report):
U.S. Philatelist Database v3.00 Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
Listing created: 04/21/92
WANTLIST - United States Stamps
Greg Morken
1648-A 7th Ave
Langley AFB, VA 23665-1702
Mint Stamps - strong F-VF or VF, lightly hinged acceptable
│ 0123 329.20 │ 0124 379.90 │ 0133 202.60 │ 0135 425.00 │
│ 0136 325.00 │ 0145 152.00 │ 0146 60.80 │ 0147 101.30 │
│ 0148 227.90 │ 0149 303.90 │ 0150 227.90 │ 0156 55.70 │
│ 0157 141.80 │ 0158 40.50 │ 0159 177.30 │ 0160 354.60 │
│ 0161 202.60 │ 0178 141.80 │ 0179 177.30 │ 0182 101.30 │
Used Stamps - strong F-VF+, lightly or barely canceled copies
│ 0133 128.90 │ 0134 60.00 │ 0135 37.50 │ 0145 6.20 │
│ 0148 10.30 │ 0149 46.40 │ 0150 10.30
A type 3 SAMPLE wantlist (number, description) report is shown below (your
name and address will be in your report)::
U.S. Philatelist Database v3.00 Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
Listing created: 04/21/92
WANTLIST - United States Stamps
Greg Morken
1648-A 7th Ave
Langley AFB, VA 23665-1702
Mint Stamps - strong F-VF or VF, lightly hinged acceptable
0123 1c buff (special printing)
0124 2c brown (special printing)
0133 1c buff (special printing)
0135 2c Jackson red brown
0136 3c Washington green
0145 1c Franklin ultramarine
0146 2c Jackson red brown
0147 3c Washington green
0148 6c Lincoln carmine
0149 7c Stanton vermilion
0150 10c Jefferson brown
0156 1c Franklin ultramarine
0157 2c Jackson brown
0158 3c Washington green
0159 6c Lincoln dull pink
0160 7c Stanton orange vermilion
0161 10c Jefferson brown
0178 2c Jackson vermilion
0179 5c Taylor blue
0182 1c Franklin dark ultramarine
Used Stamps - strong F-VF+, lightly or barely canceled copies
0133 1c buff (special printing)
0134 1c Franklin ultramarine
0135 2c Jackson red brown
0145 1c Franklin ultramarine
0149 7c Stanton vermilion
0150 10c Jefferson brown
A type 4 SAMPLE wantlist (number only) report is shown below (your name and
address will be in your report if desired)::
U.S. Philatelist Database v3.00 Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
Listing created: 04/21/92
WANTLIST - United States Stamps
Mint Stamps - strong F-VF or VF and Never Hinged
│ 0302 │ 0303 │ 0304 │ 0305 │ 0307 │ 0308 │ 0319F │ 0320A │
│ 0323 │ 0324 │ 0325 │ 0326 │ 0329 │ 0332 │ 0334 │ 0335 │
│ 0336 │ 0337 │ 0338 │ 0339 │ 0340 │ 0344 │ 0352 │ 0353 │
│ 0371 │ 0376 │ 0377 │ 0378 │ 0379 │ 0384 │ 0386 │ 0387 │
│ 0392 │ 0393 │ 0394 │ 0395 │ 0396 │ 0399 │ 0401 │ 0405B │
│ 0406A │ 0414 │ 0415 │ 0416 │ 0417 │ 0418 │ 0424D │ 0425E │
│ 0427 │ 0428 │ 0429 │ 0430 │ 0431 │ 0432 │ 0433 │ 0434 │
│ 0435 │ 0443 │ 0444 │ 0447 │ 0457 │ 0458 │ 0462 │ 0462A │
│ 0463A │ 0464 │ 0465 │ 0466 │ 0468 │ 0470 │ 0471 │ 0473 │
│ 0474 │ 0498 │ 0499E
Used Stamps - strong F-VF+, lightly or barely canceled copies
│ 0700 │ 0720B │ 0723 │ 0732 │ 0733 │ 0734 │ 0735A │ 0750 │
│ 0750A │ 0751A │ 0752 │ 0753 │ 0766A │ 0767A │ 0768A │ 0769A │
│ 0770A │ 0771 │ 0772 │ 0773 │ 0774 │ 0775 │ 0776 │ 0777 │
│ 0778 │ 0778A │ 0778B │ 0778C │ 0778D │ 0782 │ 0783 │ 0784 │
│ 0785 │ 0786 │ 0787 │ 0788 │ 0789 │ 0790 │ 0791 │ 0792 │
│ 0793 │ 0794 │ 0795 │ 0796 │ 0797 │ 0798 │ 0799 │ 0800 │
┌─────────────────────────┐
│ Create Inventory Report │
└─────────────────────────┘
This option will create a report listing the stamps you have in your
inventory. The report is flexible enough to list only certain types of
stamps and also which data fields to include on the report.
The first thing to do when creating this report is to select the stamp
categories to include. Although most users will want all of their stamps
to be listed, you can have an inventory report listing only your mint
stamps, etc. You can also create a report listing all stamp categories
purchased after a certain date. You just enter the starting date and all
stamps purchased after this date will be listed.
The next step is for you to select the data fields to be included in this
report. The default is all fields except the description, year of issue,
and remarks. Enter a 'Y' or 'N' in each of the listed data fields.
Next step is to enter the width of the report wanted. The two acceptable
choices are 80 or 132 columns. The program will try to fit as much
information as possible on each line but normally the stamp description and
year of issue are put on line 2 and stamp remarks start on line 3 of the
individual stamp entry.
Two typical formats are shown below:
a. no description, year of issue, or remarks selected
INVENTORY - United States Stamps
Number Cat Cent Gum Mult Purchased Price Paid Curr Value Source
0001 U F-VF NH 1 06/18/91 $ 305.00 $ 450.00 Retail Store
0024 M F-VF NH 1 08/19/91 $ 26.00 $ 105.00 Mail Bid
b. every data field selected (using 80 column format)
INVENTORY - United States Stamps
Number Cat Cent Gum Mult Purchased Price Paid Curr Value Source
0001 U F-VF NH 1 06/18/91 $ 305.00 $ 450.00 Retail Store
(1847) 5c Franklin red-brown
Nice fresh color with blue "paid" cancel at very bottom
0024 M F-VF NH 1 08/19/91 $ 26.00 $ 105.00 Mail Bid
(1851) 1c Franklin blue
Huge margins showing portions of adjoining stamps to left and
right, black CDS in lower right, fresh color
┌───────────────────────────────────┐
│ Create Investment Analysis Report │
└───────────────────────────────────┘
This option will create a report to show how well your stamps are doing as
an investment. The report is pretty much self explanatory and a SAMPLE is
shown below (your name and address will be in your report):
U.S. Philatelist Database v3.00 Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
Listing created: 04/21/92
INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - U.S. Postage Stamps
Greg Morken
1648-A 7th Ave
Langley AFB, VA 23665-1702
Total number of stamps in collection : 440
Original cost of collection : $ 3216.51
Current market value of collection : $ 8911.71
Net gain/loss : $ 5695.20
Average value per stamp : $ 20.25
Average cost per stamp : $ 7.31
Totals by stamp type:
Stamp Type Total number Original Cost Current Value Net Gain Pct
----------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ---------- ---
Mint 367 2348.48 6748.73 4400.25 187 %
Used 67 832.78 1744.77 911.99 109 %
Plate Block 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 %
Coil LP 2 100.25 372.83 271.58 271 %
FDC 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 %
Ord. Cover 4 34.00 45.38 11.38 33 %
------------ ------------- ------------- ----------
TOTALS 440 3316.51 8911.71 5695.20
Totals by source:
Source Original Cost Market Value Gain/Loss
------ ------------- ------------ ---------
Mail Bids 1606.52 2983.23 86 %
Auctions 46.00 71.81 56 %
Retail Store 0.00 0.00 0 %
Mail Order 446.69 683.21 53 %
Approvals 516.15 1117.30 116 %
Post Office 0.00 0.00 0 %
Stamp Shows 218.75 307.91 41 %
Other 382.40 3748.25 880 %
Totals by Centering (Quality Listing):
Centering Number Original Cost Market Value Gain/Loss
--------- ------ ------------- ------------ ---------
Average 3 $ 28.69 $ 45.59 59 %
Fine 24 $ 358.75 $ 503.74 40 %
Fine/VF 188 $ 1734.09 $ 6080.40 251 %
Very Fine 149 $ 1012.43 $ 2163.46 114 %
Extra Fine 15 $ 82.55 $ 118.52 44 %
This report is a 1 page report but had to be split up to fit in this
documentation.
┌───────────────────────┐
│ Create Auction Report │
└───────────────────────┘
This option will create a report to show all mailbids you've entered into
the mail bid - auction data file.
You'll be prompted to select how you want this report sorted. The default
is by the auction closing date but you can select any other data field
including company name, lot number, stamp description, bid amount or even
unsorted if you want.
A sample report is shown below:
U.S. Philatelist Database v3.00 Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
Listing created: 04/21/92
Auction Bids in Effect
Auction Company Name Bid Close Date Lot # Description
──────────────────── ─── ────────── ───── ───────────
Company name 1 100.00 05/20/92 39 Cover with #17 on it
US Stamp Co, INC 40.00 05/05/92 120 5,000 copies of #300
US Stamp Co, INC 10.00 05/05/92 146 Used VF #314
So Cal Stamps & Coins 60.00 05/12/92 2 Used #120 blue CDS
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Stamp Identifier ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
This option is actually two completely different stamp identifiers. The
first will identify the Washington/Franklin series of 1908-1922. The
second will identify a large number of stamps based on either the stamp
topic or by the words on the stamp.
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Identify Washington/Franklin series │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
This option allows you to identify stamps issued for the Washington /
Franklin series of 1908-1922. Even if you don't know what the watermark or
paper type is, all possible catalog numbers are shown based on what you DO
know about the stamp. Each data field is described below:
[perforation]
A pop-up menu of many choices is shown. Select the number of perforations
(horizonal side first, followed by vertical side). Use a perf gauge to
measure these.
[watermark]
A pop-up menu with 4 choices is displayed. Select your choice by moving
the selection bar over your choice and press <enter>. If you are not sure
of the watermark, select unknown.
[printing method]
A pop-up menu with 5 choices is displayed. Select your choice by
highlighting your choice using the arrow keys and pressing <enter>. If you
need more help identifying the printing method, select 'identify' and some
additional help is available. Select 'unknown' if you are unable to
determine the printing method.
[portrait on stamp]
A pop-up menu with 2 choices is displayed. Select your choice by
highlighting your choice using the arrow keys and pressing <enter>.
[face value]
Enter the face value of the stamp (1 cent to $1.00).
[stamp type]
Two and three cent stamps were printed with plates with slightly different
characteristics (1 mark versus 2 marks on ribbons, more dots on the face,
etc.). Select 'identify' to help you with these small differences. Select
'unknown' if you are unable to determine the type of stamp.
[paper type]
There are various paper types for those stamps with perforation 12x12.
Select your choice by highlighting your choice using the arrow keys and
press <enter>. Select 'unknown' if you are unable to determine the stamp
paper type
Based on your data entries, the program will determine all stamps with the
characteristics you've selected.
┌─────────────────────────┐
│ Identify by stamp topic │
└─────────────────────────┘
This identifier can help you identify many stamps when you don't have a
catalog nearby.
First enter a phrase found on the unknown stamp or the subject. For
example, if you have a stamp with Walt Disney on it, enter "Walt Disney"
into the "enter a stamp subject" block and press <enter>. All identifier
data file entries that have Walt Disney anywhere in the identifier
description is listed. You can also enter just "disney" or "dis" and it
too will find this record. As these search strings become smaller, they may
match more and more unrelated entries (try entering a single vowel as the
search subject to see what I mean).
All entries matching your search criteria are listed on the screen with its
associated stamp number. This list is displayed using either 25 or 43
lines depending on which video mode you've selected (see 'change screen
video mode' under the SYSTEM UTILITIES main menu option)
┌────────────────────────────────┐
│ Add new subjects to identifier │
└────────────────────────────────┘
Not all stamps are included in this subject identifier. Registered users
can add new subjects and associated stamp numbers and the author will add
new entries as I discover the need for them. Shareware demo users can see
how easy it is to add new entries but the program stops short of saving
their data to disk.
╔════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Mail Bid - Auctions ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╝
This menu option contains many utilities to help you track bids made to
mail bid auctions or floor auctions.
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│ Add active mail bid to database │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
Select this option to store all the bids you make at mail bid auctions.
Enter a company name, closing date, lot number, description and bid amount
in the data entry screen. Press <esc> to return to the main menu without
saving this last record.
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ Delete individual mail bids │
└──────────────────────────────┘
Select this option to delete individual mail bids or all bids over x days
old. Fill in the lot number to delete and the program will locate it, and
if found, displays the record on the screen asking for confirmation to
delete this entry. If the entry is not found, a message informs the user
to determine the correct lot number and try again. You can always view all
lot numbers using the view option listed below if you can't remember the
lot number to delete. The other option will delete all bids that are over
a specified days old.
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ Print mail bids in effect │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Select this option to create a mail bid - auction report and sent it to the
printer. The program sends the report to LPT1 (usually the parallel port
unless you've re-directed your serial printer to accept characters from
LPT1). It will sense if the printer is off-line or turned off and pop-up
message will ask you to correct the problem.
┌────────────────────────────┐
│ List mail bids in effect │
└────────────────────────────┘
Select this option to view the mail bid database entries on the screen. It
will be shown in either 43 or 25 lines depending on the video setting
you've selected (see 'change screen video mode' under the SYSTEM UTILITIES
main menu option).
╔══════════════════════════════╗
║ System Utilities ║
╚══════════════════════════════╝
Selecting this option allows you to access functions that affect system
performance and user selectable options. In the next several pages, each
option is fully described in detail.
CHANGE SCREEN COLORS
change screen colors using custom colors
set colors to the monochrome support
set colors to the standard colors default
CHANGE VIEWING MODE (25/43 LINES)
set viewing mode to 43 lines (EGA/VGA systems only)
set viewing mode to 25 lines (all systems)
BACKUP/RESTORE SYSTEM DATA FILES
backup user data files to floppy disk
restore data files from floppy disk
SHELL TO DOS
CHANGE NAME/ADDRESS USED IN REPORTS
CHANGE PERCENTAGES FOR STAMP VALUES
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ Change screen colors │
└──────────────────────────────┘
There are 3 choices under this menu option.
[Change screen colors using custom colors]
Select this option to change the colors that the program uses. The left
side of the screen shows the 127 possible color combinations that you can
choose from. The right side shows a sample screen. After you select all
the colors for each section of the screen, the sample screen will be
updated with your colors. Enter 'Y' to the question, everything correct?,
to save these color choices. Enter "N" to reedit the color choices. The
registered version will save these color combinations to disk for the next
time you start the program. The evaluation version will save your
preferences for this session only, they won't be remembered the next time
you start the program.
[Set colors to the monochrome default]
Sets the colors to the default color combinations for monochrome
screens.
[Set colors to the standard color default]
Sets the colors to the default color combination for color screens.
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ Change to 25/43 lines │
└──────────────────────────────┘
On systems equipped with EGA or VGA screens, you can utilize the extra
lines allowed by these screen types to view extra lines of any report or to
view databases onto the screen. If you select 43 lines and your screen
doesn't support it, the default 25 lines will be used.
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ Backup / Restore data files │
└──────────────────────────────┘
Nobody expects their hard disk to crash but it is possible. It is highly
recommended that you save your files periodically (weekly ?) so you can
reload the program and your data files with a minimum of reentering the
data back into the program. The following files are saved: CV.DAT, CV.DBT,
STAMPS.DAT, STAMPS.DBT, MAILBID.DAT, MARKET.DAT, SUBJECT.DAT. The other
files are not saved because they can easily be reloaded from the master
distribution disk. There are 2 steps in this operation; backup and restore.
[backup]
This option will store your critical user data files to floppy drive "A" or
"B". After selecting this option, you enter the drive letter of the floppy
disk drive to use. The program then determines the size of all the data
files it will backup and shows the information on the bottom of the screen.
The user is prompted to insert a backup floppy disk in the drive they
earlier specified. All files are deleted on the floppy disk (if any). If
the program couldn't delete a file on the floppy disk (e.g. hidden, system
files), the program asks you whether to insert a new disk or to continue
using the current one. Another possibility is when a user puts an
unformatted disk into the drive. The program will sense this condition and
will format this disk automatically (assuming the FORMAT.COM program is
accessible through your DOS path). The program will also back up data over
multiple floppies.
[restore]
This option makes it easy to restore data files in cases of system or user
malfunctions (accidently deleted subdirectories, corrupted files, etc).
First reload the program files from the master distribution disk (if
necessary). Then select the restore menu choice and press <enter>. Enter
the floppy drive to restore from (drives A-B are supported) and insert the
disk to restore.
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ Shell to DOS │
└──────────────────────────────┘
Selecting this option will allow you to temporally exit to DOS. System
memory will be reduced 370K while you are at the DOS prompt. Make sure you
return to the stamps directory before entering 'exit' otherwise the program
won't be able to find its data files and abort. Typing 'EXIT' at the DOS
prompt returns you to this program.
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Modify name/address used in reports │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
Use this option to modify the name and address used at the top of the
various reports. Normally this field is pre-loaded with your shipping
address when this software package is mailed to you.
Up to 4 lines are available to enter your name and address.
┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Modify percentages for stamp values │
└──────────────────────────────────────────┘
Rather then having a huge database of values for every possible centering
and gum condition that a stamp might have, another method was used. Since
most people are more interested in the approximate value (rather then the
exact to-the-penny value) of their collection, percentages are multiplied
with the F/VF value for those really good stamps or space fillers. The
default values should be adequate for normal usage.
In those circumstances that this method doesn't work, the user can manually
change the adjusted market value. If you modify any of the percentages,
it's suggested you recalculate all the inventory values using the "re-
calculate values" option listed under the Inventory Database Actions menu
option.
If you want to know the full market value without regard to the stamp's
centering and gum condition, change all percentages to 99 or 100% depending
on the number of digits in the input field.
╔══════════════════════════════╗
║ Exit to DOS ║
╚══════════════════════════════╝
Selecting this option allows you to quit the program and return to DOS.
All index files used for the data files are deleted when you exit as
they're no longer needed. These index files end with the .CC1 extension.
Other housekeeping chores such as file compression are also done when you
exit the program but the user is not made aware nor should be interested in
these actions.
╔══════════════════════════════╗
║ Error Reporting Form ║
╚══════════════════════════════╝
All software products are not 100% error free. Although this product has
been thoroughly tested, some bugs may have slipped through. Please send the
following form (or information on it for CompuServe messages) to:
Greg Morken
1648-A 7th Ave.
Langley AFB, VA 23665-1702
CompuServe #70403,2746
Version # ───────────────────────────
Product Name ───────────────────────────
Circle your responses
DOS version 2.x 3.x 4.x 5.x
Computer type 8088 80286 80386 80486 APPLE
Display Screen VGA EGA CGA Hercules MCGA OTHER(specify)
Color or monochrome screen ───────────────────────────────────
Printer type ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Description of Error:
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Error messages if program crashed
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Your name/address (phone number optional)
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
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