Tech Arsenal 1/Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tek-09/stmp2b.zip/USMANUAL.DOC

Text File | 1992-03-05 | 65KB | 1,404 lines

                    ┌────────────────────────────────┐
                    │        Users Manual            │
                    │   U.S. Philatelist Database    │
                    └────────────────────────────────┘

Table of Contents                                                 Page

  License Agreement ..............................................  2
  Overview of functions ..........................................  3
  Additional functions in the registered version .................  5
  Installing software on your computer ...........................  6
  Description of program files ...................................  7
     Description of market value database ........................  8
  MAIN MENU ......................................................  9
  ADD STAMP ...................................................... 10
      add one stamp at a time .................................... 10
      add a range of stamps ...................................... 10
  DELETE STAMP ................................................... 12
      inventory - delete a single stamp .......................... 12
      inventory - delete a range of stamps ....................... 12
      market value - delete a single stamp ....................... 12
      market value - delete a range of stamps .................... 12
  MODIFY/VIEW .................................................... 13
      modify your stamp inventory ................................ 14
      view your stamp inventory .................................. 16
      modify (add) market value entries .......................... 16
      view market value database ................................. 17
      modify name used on reports ................................ 17
      modify percentages for centering / gum ..................... 18
      recalculate inventory values ............................... 18
  REPORTS ........................................................ 19
      create reports ............................................. 19
      view reports ............................................... 19
      print reports .............................................. 19
      wantlist report ............................................ 20
      inventory report ........................................... 25
      investment report .......................................... 26
      mailbid report ............................................. 28
  STAMP IDENTIFIER ............................................... 29
      identify Washington/Franklin stamps of 1908-1922 ........... 29
  MAIL BID AUCTIONS............................................... 30
      add new bids ............................................... 30
      delete bids (individual or by date) ........................ 30
      print mailbid report ....................................... 30
      view bids .................................................. 30
  SYSTEM UTILITIES ............................................... 31
      change screen colors ....................................... 32
      set view mode to 43/25 lines ............................... 32
      backup/restore data files .................................. 32
      shell to DOS ............................................... 33
  EXIT TO DOS .................................................... 33
      quit ....................................................... 33
  ERROR REPORTING FORM ........................................... 34


version 2.20 (last revision: 5 Mar 92)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 low cost.

                           ┌───────────────────┐
                           │ 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)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
  -  Rick Spence (Clipper Programming Guide, Microtrend)
  -  James Occhiogrosso (Clipper Developer's Library, Microtrend)
  -  Thanks to 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 distributers are
requested to send me their catalog/list if they include this program (I'll be
happy to refund your postage costs).
■──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────■                    ┌────────────────────────────────┐
                    │     Overview of Functions      │
                    └────────────────────────────────┘

This program allows you to keep detailed information about each stamp in your
United States stamp collection with this powerful but easy-to-use menu driven
program.  Data fields provided for each stamp include:

   1. stamp number
   2. stamp description
   3. centering
   4. type of stamp
   5. gum condition
   6. number (if part of a block)
   7. original cost
   8. current market value
   9. date acquired
  10. source of stamp
  11. a remarks field allows up to 64,000+ characters to describe each stamp

An expanded Spring 1992 market values database is included in the full
registered version (the Winter '91 values are included with other versions)
and can be easily changed by the user.  The values supplied are based on F-VF
stamp centering.  When determining market value, the market value database
entry is adjusted by a percentage for the entire range of centering and gum
conditions that are found on stamps.  The percentages can be modified by the
user.  Although the program will automatically determine the value of each
stamp, the user can always over-ride this value and put in their own value.

In addition to standard functions such as adding or deleting stamps from your
inventory, the user can modify information for any stamp. Additionally, the
user can modify the market value and description of any stamp in the value
database.  Unlike the registered version, the evaluation copy doesn't allow
you to add new stamp numbers to the market value database.  The user can also
modify the percentages used for determining the multiplier value for the very
nice down to substandard stamps.

There are several reports available.  They can be viewed on the screen or sent
to any 80 column printer connected to LPT1 (commonly called the parallel
port). The last two reports for each kind of report are stored on the disk.
The most current report doesn't have an DOS file extension
(e.g. WANTLIST).  The previously created report will have a "BAK" extension
(e.g. WANTLIST.BAK). All reports can be viewed on screen using 43 lines
(EGA/VGA systems only) or the default 25 lines.  The various reports are
described below:

  1. Four different varieties of wantlists:
     a. list only stamp numbers for approval dealers, etc.
     b. list stamp numbers and market values for your use at stores or stamp
        shows
     c. both reports list above can include a stamp description for each
        number




  2. Eight different inventory reports providing stamp number, type, gum,
  centering, price paid, source, adjusted market value, and remarks.
     a. list your entire inventory
     b. list all stamps acquired after a certain date
     c. list each type of stamp (mint, used, plate block, etc.). Each
        category type can be listed on its own individual report

  3. Investment analysis showing for each stamp category and source, the
number of stamps, total price paid, current value, and percentage.

  4. An auction report showing the status of all bids in effect. This report
gives the dealers name, auction closing date, lot number, description, and bid
price.

Not only can you view reports on the screen, you can also view the market
value or inventory database in a multi-stamp viewing mode using up to 43 lines
(EGA/VGA systems) shown at once.

The program contains a backup and restore function to save your critical
system data (inventory, mailbids, etc).  The backup function will write to
multiple disks and format a disk first if the user puts in an unformatted
disk.

There is a stamp identifier for the Washington / Franklin issues of 1908-1922.
Even if you don't know what the watermark or paper type is, the program
displays all possible catalog numbers based on what you DO know about the
stamp.

Another feature is the ability to track your mail bids or local auction
activity. You can view or print all bids you have entered at various locations
and the contains a company name, lot number, your bid, lot description, and
auction closing date.

The default screen colors can be changed to any color combination you want.
The registered version will save these custom colors to disk as the 'new'
default.  The evaluation version will use those colors for the current session
only.

There are over 40 context sensitive help screens available by pressing F1.                    ┌────────────────────────────────┐
                    │ Overview of Additional Program │
                    │ Functions (Registered Version) │
                    └────────────────────────────────┘

The following functions are available ONLY in the registered version:

   1. You can add your name and address to any report.  This is convenient
when mailing wantlists to approval dealers.  Your address is pre-loaded for
your convenience when your registered version is shipped to you.  Anytime you
create a report, you will be prompted to see if you want your name added to
the top of the report.

   2. You can add new catalog numbers into the market value database.

   3. All shareware screens are eliminated (no more 10 second delays).

   4. 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
evaluation copy will change the screen colors for that session only.

   5.  Only registered users can order the twice-a-year market value updates
(Spring and Winter) for $10.  The evaluation version may contain some 'dummy'
values and contains fewer market value entries then registered versions.

   6.  Registered users receive a laser printed user's manual.

   7.  Registered users are notified by mail when new versions are released or
when market value database updates are available.

   8.  Technical support is available by sending a letter to the address on
the title page or by leaving E-mail on CompuServe. My CompuServe user number
is 70403,2746.  I usually check for mail every day and offer prompt responses
to all users.  Registered users will receive my home phone number for
immediate assistance.
                      ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                      │  Installing the program on   │
                      │       your computer          │
                      └──────────────────────────────┘

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
    This program has been tested to run on most IBM compatible computers
(including Macintosh and Sun workstations using one of many MS-DOS emulator
packages available to these users).  All monitors from CGA to VGA are
supported.  The program requires 370K free conventional memory and will use
EXPANDED memory if found (for the swap file).

INSTALLATION:
If you are installing this program for the first time, use the INSTALL program
to install the program files onto the drive and subdirectory of your choice.
You will need approximately 770K free disk space to load the shareware version
or 900K free disk space for the registered version.  The market value database
is larger in the registered version.

An alternative method is to copy the disk files into a subdirectory of your
choice.


***************
*   WARNING   *
***************

DO NOT USE THE INSTALL PROGRAM if you have entered information into the
shareware evaluation version and want to use it with the registered version or
you are updating to a newer registered versions. The install program will
overwrite your current databases with new empty databases.


If you are converting over to a registered version or you are updating this
program with a newer version, use the following procedure to keep using your
current data files:

   a. Copy all files from the v2.20 disk into a new subdirectory separate from
      your old one.
   b. Copy your current STAMPS.DBT, STAMPS.DAT, MAILBID.DAT into the new
      subdirectory









Registered users ... please don't hesitate to call if you need ANY assistance
in loading the new program.  The phone number was given on the letter you
received with your package.


                      ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                      │  Description of system files │
                      └──────────────────────────────┘



The files used by this program are briefly described below:

CV       DBT       User Configuration data (includes stamp id info)
CV       DAT       User Configuration data (colors, name, EGA mode, etc)
ID       DAT       Washington/Franklin stamp identifier data
INSTALL  EXE     * Loads the program onto the hard disk
MAILBID  DAT       Mailbid-Auction data
USMANUAL DOC     * User's manual
MARKET   DAT       Market values data
STAMPS   EXE       Main executable program
STAMPS   DAT       Inventory data
STAMPS   DBT       Inventory remarks field data
xxxxx    CC1       Created by program to index various data files (these
                   files are deleted when you exit the program)
WHATS    NEW     * History of changes for each version



            * = these files are not required for program to run properly and
                may be deleted to conserve disk space if desired.












Important note:  Data files from version 1.x can't be used with version 2.x
except with four files:
     1. market values date file  (MARKET.RPT must be renamed to MARKET.DAT)
     2. inventory data file      (STAMPS.RPT must be renamed to STAMPS.DAT)
     3. inventory remarks        (STAMPS.DBT)
     4. mail bids                (MAILBID.RPT must be renamed to MAILBID.DAT)



                 ┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
                 │  Description of market value database │
                 └───────────────────────────────────────┘

The 1991 market value database supplied with the shareware evaluation version
contains 2,600 entries (regular, commemoritive, 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 5,200+ entry database updated with Spring '92 market values is included with
the v2.20 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).  No market values are 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).

This Spring '92 market value update (included in the $25 registered version)
includes the following items:
  Regular, Commemorative, Airmail stamps (including booklet panes and
     se-tenant entries)
  Special Delivery
  US Offices in China (Shanghai)
  Official
  Newspaper
  Parcel Post
  Parcel Post Postage Due
  Special Handling
  Carrier
  Hunting Permits (duck stamps)
  Postage Due
  Revenue
  Postal cards
  Stamped envelopes
  Special printings


IMPORTANT: when entering stamp numbers, this program converts the user
supplied number into a format used by the market values database.

For issues whose catalog numbers begin with a number, the translation process
converts all numbers to 4 digits and then, if necessary, adds any suffix
letter.

For issues that begin with a single alphabetic letter (i.e. E12, C10), the
first letter is capitalized, then the numeric digits are converted to four
digits followed by any suffixes (i.e. C10a = C0010a).

The above two conditions will correctly change numbers to the proper format no
matter how many digits were entered (C0010a could be entered C10a, c010A,
C0010a).

For issues that begin with two alphabetic letters (i.e. UX12, RW1), the user
input is not converted so if the program doesn't find the description, be sure
to use the minimum of digits to describe the stamp number.                               ┌─────────────┐
                               │  Main Menu  │
                               └─────────────┘

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 the
selection number (e.g., you can press "1" to add stamps to your inventory).
Selecting menu option eight or pressing <esc> will stop the program and return
you to the DOS prompt.

Each main menu option contains the following sub-options:

  ADD STAMP
      add one stamp at a time
      add a range of stamps
  DELETE STAMP
      inventory - delete a single stamp
      inventory - delete a range of stamps
      market value - delete a single stamp
      market value - delete a range of stamps
  MODIFY/VIEW
      modify your stamp inventory
      view your stamp inventory
      modify (add) market value entries
      view market value database
      modify name to go on the reports
      modify percentages for good/bad stamps
      recalculate inventory values
  REPORTS
      create reports
      view reports
      print reports
      wantlist report
      inventory report
      investment report
      mailbid report
  STAMP IDENTIFIER
      identify Washington/Franklin stamps of 1908-1922
  MAIL BID AUCTIONS
      add new bids
      delete bids (individual or by date)
      print mailbid report
      view bids
  SYSTEM UTILITIES
      change screen colors
      set view mode to 43/25 lines
      backup/restore data files
      shell to DOS
  EXIT TO DOS
      quit
                              ┌─────────────┐
                              │   ADD Menu  │
                              └─────────────┘

    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.

  ┌─────────────────────────┐
  │ Add one stamp at a time │
  └─────────────────────────┘

If you want to quit while in the "add stamps" input screen, press the <ESC>
key.  This will discard all changes made so far and return you to the main
menu without saving this record.  Each data field in the "add stamps" data
input screen is described below:

  [Catalog Number] - up to six characters (up to four numeric digits with
leading prefix character or trailing suffix character allowed).  For example:
an  airmail stamp could be entered in any of the following formats: C10, C010,
C0010. You can add a suffix letter to any of the above examples if from a
booklet (ie. C10a).  When entering se-tenants (e.g., 1331-2, the space twins
pair), use the proper catalog number. For this example, the previous pair is
actually 1331a according to Scott Publishing Company.

  [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 "modify menu" for more information).  Only registered users can add new
entries into the market value database.

  [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, delete
each character using the space bar until you are left with "  /  /  " and
press <enter>.

  [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>.  Contact me to have other
choices added to 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>.

  [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 the 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 MODIFY/VIEW main
menu option.  The user can override the computer generated value by entering
their own estimate of the stamp's value and pressing <enter>.

  [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 stamp in the inventory
database, 'N' to reedit 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
whether to go on to the next stamp or exit 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  │
  └─────────────────────────┘
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 will see the same
add screen as you have for adding 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'.
  ┌─────────────┐
  │ DELETE Menu │
  └─────────────┘

This option allows the user to remove stamp(s) from their inventory or market
value database. Selecting this option from the main menu will display a
"delete" sub-menu with 4 choices.

  ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
  │ Inventory - delete a single stamp   │
  └─────────────────────────────────────┘

    The user enters the catalog number of the stamp 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. For example: an airmail stamp could be entered in any of the
following formats: C10, C010, C0010. You can add a suffix letter to any of the
above examples if from a booklet (ie. C10a).

    If a match is found, the user is shown the stamp record and 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.


┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Inventory - delete range of stamps │
└────────────────────────────────────┘

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.


┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Market value - delete a single stamp  │
└───────────────────────────────────────┘

The description and actions for this choice is similar to "a delete single
stamp" described above but allows an entire range to be deleted from the
market value database.

┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Market value - delete range of stamps │
└───────────────────────────────────────┘

The description for this choice is similar to "delete single stamp"  described
above but allows an entire range to be deleted from the market value database.
The actions are similar to the 'delete individual stamp' instructions above.  ┌──────────────────┐
  │ MODIFY/VIEW Menu │
  └──────────────────┘

     This option allows the user to view or modify the inventory and market
value records, modify the name or address placed at the top of each report,
adjust the percentages used to adjust a stamp value because of centering or
gum considerations, and recalculate inventory value based on any changes
you've made to the market value database or to the percentages for
centering/gum.




   Inventory
      Modify individual record
      View multiple records

   Market Values
      Modify individual record
      View multiple records

   Modify name/address used on reports

   Modify percentages for centering or gum conditions

   Recalculate inventory values

                      ┌───────────────────────────────┐
                      │  Modify your stamp 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:

  [Catalog Number] - up to six characters (up to four numeric digits with
leading prefix character or trailing suffix character allowed).  For example:
an  airmail stamp could be entered in any of the following formats: C10, C010,
C0010. You can add a suffix letter to any of the above examples if from a
booklet (ie. C10a).  When entering se-tenants (e.g., 1331-2, the space twins
pair), use the proper catalog number. For this example, the previous pair is
actually 1331a according to Scott Publishing Company.

  [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 "modify menu" for more information).  Only registered users can add new
entries into the market value database.

  [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, delete
each character using the space bar until you are left with "  /  /  " and
press <enter>.

  [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>.  Contact me to have other
choices added to 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>.

  [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 the 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 MODIFY/VIEW main
menu option.  The user can override the computer generated value by entering
their own estimate of the stamp's value and pressing <enter>.

  [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 stamp in the inventory
database, 'N' to reedit the fields or 'Q' to quit without saving and return to
the main menu.

If there are more inventory entries matching the user criteria, the next
record is displayed and so on.
                       ┌─────────────────────────────┐
                       │   Stamp inventory viewing   │
                       └─────────────────────────────┘

This option allows you to browse multiple inventory records on the screen at
once.  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 will be able to
view more stamps this way. See the screen view option under the system
utilities main menu option for more information.

You select the catalog number to start viewing or just press <enter> to accept
the default (start of the database).  Use the standard editing keys (up arrow,
down arrow, <PgDn>, <PgUp>, <home>, <end>, etc.) to view other stamp entries.



Press the <esc> key to exit this function to go back to the modify menu.





                       ┌───────────────────────────────┐
                       │  Modify market value database │
                       └───────────────────────────────┘

This option allows you to change the stamp values or description for any stamp
in the market values database.

You have two methods to enter new values; single category and all categories.
In the single category, you can modify 1 category for all stamps in the
database (ie modify only the 'used' value for each stamp).  This method is
nice for updating when your value source has only one category listed.  The
other method is to enter all values for each category (mint, used, line pair,
etc) for each individual stamp.

Enter the starting catalog number of the stamp and fill in each of the
displayed fields with your updated market values.  After entering the new
values, you'll be asked to confirm everything is correct.  Press 'Y' to save
this record or 'N' to reedit the values.  After saving this record, you will
be asked if you want to go to the next record or quit to the main menu.

If the number you enter is not found in the database, one of two things can
happen depending on whether you have a registered or evaluation version.  A
registered user can add new catalog numbers to the database whereas the
evaluation copy will stop and give a "shareware" message that only the
registered user can add new entries.

The catalog number cannot be changed within this program, only new entries
added.

                         ┌────────────────────────────────┐
                         │ Market value database viewing  │
                         └────────────────────────────────┘

This option allows you to browse multiple market value records on the screen
at once.  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 screen view choice under the "system utilities" menu
option for more information.

You select the catalog number to start viewing or just press <enter> to accept
the default (start of the database).  Since there are more data fields then
room on the screen, press the right arrow key several times to see the other
market values for this catalog 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 values go with which 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.






                        ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
                        │ 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.

NOTE: this option is available only on the registered version.                      ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
                      │  Modify percentage for centering and gum │
                      └──────────────────────────────────────────┘

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 next option
listed on the next page.







┌────────────────────────────┐
│  Recalculate market value  │
└────────────────────────────┘

Anytime you modify the percentages used for adjusting values based on
centering and gum conditions, you must recalculate all the stamp inventory
values.  The same holds true anytime you modify the market value database or
load a new updated database.

Selecting this option allows the computer to recompute the market values of
your inventory.


WARNING: using this option will override any manual changes you've made to
your inventory values.
┌────────────────┐
│  Reports Menu  │
└────────────────┘

    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, or investment) are
saved. The oldest report has a file extension of ".BAK" and the newest report
has no file extension (e.g. WANTLIST. ).

Registered users have the option of putting their name and address on any
report if desired.






┌─────────────────────┐
│ Create, View, Print │
└─────────────────────┘

[ Create ]  Selecting 'create' option will display a pop-up window with four
choices.  Select WANTLIST to create a report listing the stamps you need for
your collection.  Select INVENTORY to create a report listing all stamps in
your collection.  Select INVESTMENT to create a report that analyzes your
stamp purchases as an investment.  Select MAILBID to create a report listing
all bids in effect right now.



[ View ] Selecting 'view' option will display a pop-up window with four
choices.  Select the report you want to view on the screen.  If it has been
created already, the most recent 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 ] Selecting 'print' 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.  ┌─────────────────┐
│ 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 catalog numbers 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 varieties are shown on the next four
pages.
A type 1 wantlist report is shown below:




U.S. Philatelist Database v2.20                Copyright (c)1991 Greg Morken
                                               Listing created: 01/20/92

                     WANTLIST - United States Stamps

Mint Stamps


  0003   $  928.00     5c Franklin      brown
  0007   $  530.30     1c Franklin      blue
  0009   $  371.20     1c Franklin      blue
  0010   $ 1007.50     3c Washington    orange/brown
  0011   $  137.90     3c Washington    dull red
  0014   $ 2121.10     10c Washington   green
  0015   $ 2121.10     10c Washington   green
  0018   $  795.40     1c Franklin      blue
  0020   $  477.20     1c Franklin      blue

Used Stamps


  0007   $   86.70     1c Franklin      blue
  0009   $   77.00     1c Franklin      blue
  0010   $   38.50     3c Washington    orange/brown
  0011   $    6.70     3c Washington    dull red
  0024   $   21.70     1c Franklin      blue
  0025   $   26.50     3c Washington    rose
  0026   $    2.70     3c Washington    red                    A type 2 wantlist report is shown below:




U.S. Philatelist Database v2.20                Copyright (c)1991 Greg Morken
                                               Listing created: 01/20/92

                     WANTLIST - United States Stamps

Mint Stamps

│ 0009    371.20  │ 0011    137.90  │ 0020    477.20

Used Stamps

│ 0007     86.70  │ 0009     77.00  │ 0010     38.50  │ 0011      6.70  │
│ 0024     21.70  │ 0025     26.50  │ 0026      2.70  A type 3 wantlist report is shown below:




U.S. Philatelist Database v2.20                Copyright (c)1991 Greg Morken
                                               Listing created: 01/20/92

                     WANTLIST - United States Stamps

Mint Stamps


  0009      1c Franklin      blue
  0011      3c Washington    dull red
  0020      1c Franklin      blue

Used Stamps


  0001      5c Franklin      brown
  0003      5c Franklin      brown
  0007      1c Franklin      blue
  0009      1c Franklin      blue
  0010      3c Washington    orange/brown
  0011      3c Washington    dull red
  0014      10c Washington   green
  0015      10c Washington   green
  0017      12c Washington   black
  0018      1c Franklin      blue
  0020      1c Franklin      blue
  0022      1c Franklin      blue
  0023      1c Franklin      blue
  0024      1c Franklin      blue
  0025      3c Washington    rose
  0026      3c Washington    red
  0028      5c Jefferson     red/brown
  0029      5c Jefferson     brown
  0030A     5c Jefferson     brown                  A type 4 wantlist report is shown below:




U.S. Philatelist Database v2.20                Copyright (c)1991 Greg Morken
                                               Listing created: 01/20/92

                     WANTLIST - United States Stamps

Mint Stamps

│  0009  │  0011  │  0020


Used Stamps

│  0007  │  0009  │  0010  │  0011  │  0024  │  0025  │  0026  ┌─────────────────────────┐
│ Create inventory report │
└─────────────────────────┘

This report contains detailed information on each stamp in your inventory.
The report contains stamp number, type, gum, centering, original cost, current
adjusted value, date purchased, source and remarks.

  A short sample inventory report is shown below:






U.S. Philatelist Database v2.20                Copyright (c)1991 Greg Morken
                                               Listing created: 11/12/91

                    INVENTORY - U.S. Postage Stamps


Cat #   Type    Gum    Cent    Cost   Cur Value   Purchased  Source

0011    Used    NA     VF    $ 10.00   $ 8.90     10/23/91   MAIL BID
Left margin single with nice CDS cancel

0230    Mint    NH     VF    $ 10.00   $30.00     12/25/90   OTHER
Christmas gift from Aunt Hilda, plate number single

                                                                        ┌───────────────────────────────────┐
│ Create investment analysis report │
└───────────────────────────────────┘

This report shows the financial aspects of your collection.  The report
contains a wide variety of data including the number of stamps in your
collection, original cost of your stamps, current market value, net gain/loss,
and average value/cost of each stamp.  The middle part breaks down the same
information just presented by stamp types.  This way you can see how each type
(mint, used, etc) has appreciated/depreciated for you. The last section breaks
down the same information by source.  This shows the source of the biggest
bargains you've obtained.

A sample report is shown on the next page.U.S. Philatelist Database v2.20                Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
                                               Listing created: 01/20/92

                  INVESTMENT ANALYSIS - U.S. Postage Stamps


             Total number of stamps in collection :        406
             Original cost of collection          : $  2446.21
             Current market value of collection   : $  4255.79
             Net gain/loss                        : $  1809.58
             Average value per stamp              : $    10.48
             Average cost per stamp               : $     6.03



Totals by stamp type:

 Stamp Type    Total number  Original Cost   Current Value   Net Gain   Pct
-------------  ------------  -------------   -------------  ----------  ---
 Mint              348         1816.08         2863.81       1047.73     57 %
 Used               53          598.88         1310.66        711.78    118 %
 Plate Block         0            0.00            0.00          0.00      0 %
 Coil LP             2            1.25            0.69         -0.56    -45 %
 FDC                 0            0.00            0.00          0.00      0 %
 Ord. Cover          3           30.00           80.63         50.63    168 %
               ------------  -------------   -------------  ----------
  TOTALS           406         2446.21         4255.79       1809.58



Totals by source:

 Source         Original Cost            Market Value           Gain/Loss
 ------         -------------            ------------           ---------
Mail Bids          1362.52                  2477.48                181 %
Auctions             22.00                    38.60                175 %
Retail Store          0.00                     0.00                  0 %
Mail Order          446.69                   648.02                145 %
Approvals           407.65                   516.68                126 %
Post Office           0.00                     0.00                  0 %
Stamp Shows         169.95                   229.39                134 %
Other                28.40                   331.01                116 %
┌───────────────────────┐
│ Create mailbid report │
└───────────────────────┘

This report will show the mail bids - auction bids you have made to various
companies.  The information is entered using the 'mail bid' main menu option.
An example MAILBID report is shown below:




U.S. Philatelist Database v2.20                Copyright (c)1992 Greg Morken
                                               Listing created: 02/28/92

                     Mail/Auction Bids in Effect

Auction Company Name        Bid   Close Date  Lot #   Description
--------------------        ----  ----------  -----   -----------

Company ABC                 55.00  02/26/92   302     $2.40 Moon sheet
Company #2                  50.00  03/16/92   27      119 Used
Company #2                  70.00  03/16/92   2       14 sheet margin green cl
XYZ Company                 13.00  03/18/92   73      1953-2002 MNH
XYZ Company                  5.50  03/18/92   107     1980 Def Mint set (PO)
XYZ Company                 15.00  03/18/92   75      2286-2335
XYZ Company                  4.00  03/18/92   42      554C
XYZ Company                 18.00  03/18/92   264     Mixture box                             ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
                 │ Identify Washington/Franklin issues │
                 └─────────────────────────────────────┘

This option allows you to identify stamps issued for the Washington / Franklin
issues 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).

  [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.
                      ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                      │ Tools for mail bids/auctions │
                      └──────────────────────────────┘

This menu option contains many utilities to help you track bids made to mail
bid 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 and bid amount.  You must then either
save the information, reedit it or quit to main menu without saving this
entry.



    ┌──────────────────────────────┐
    │ Delete individual mail bids  │
    └──────────────────────────────┘

Select this option to delete individual mail bids .  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 see all lot numbers using the view option listed below if you
can remember the lot number.


    ┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │ Delete mail bids that closed over xx days │
    └───────────────────────────────────────────┘

Select this option to delete all mail bids in auctions that closed over
certain number of days ago.  You enter a number from 1 - 999 and all bids
older then this number in days are deleted.


    ┌─────────────────────────────┐
    │  Print mail bids in effect  │
    └─────────────────────────────┘

Select this option to send the mail bid database entries to the printer.  The
program sends the report to 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 report on the screen.                                ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                      │       System Utilities       │
                      └──────────────────────────────┘

Selecting this option allows you to access functions that affect system
performance and 'feel'.  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 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 optimum color combinations for monochrome screens.


[Set colors to the standard color default]
   Sets the colors to the original 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.  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 any floppy drive "A"
through "D".  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-D 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.




                      ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                      │         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.

                      ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                      │     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)

■──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────■

■──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────■

■──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────■