The Business Master (4th Edition)

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M e ga C A D The Efficient Program for Drawing and Constructing MegaCAD is a highly efficient CAD program for professional use. This program is not a public domain software or "freeware". All rights are reserved by the program's author. MegaCAD's Shareware Version is restricted in various points as in comparison to the full version. Several additional modules provided with the full version are not included. Nevertheless this is not a demo version, but a fully functioning programm. The software was developed by MEGATECH Software GmbH. MEGATECH is a software house for graphical computer programs located in West Berlin, FRG, specialised in the field of construction and production. Much capital has to be invested for the development of good CAD programs of this quality, so they obviously cannot be sold as low-cost programs at dumping prices. Furthermore, it always takes quite some time to become familiar with a program of this quality and complexity. It may take only a couple of minutes to get a first impression, but before buying it, you would surely want to be totally convinced of its efficiency and whether the software is suited for your daily use. Many CAD programs have to be sold at a high consumer price due to costly sales negotiations and program demonstrations by the supplier. Shareware is a unique marketing concept which avoids high marketing costs and simultaneously offers the possibility of buying software without any risks. Many software companies in the USA have been using this concept successfully for a couple of years now. This shareware version is meant to convince the buyer that the full version is an excellent product. The interested customer has the unique opportunity to test MegaCAD on his own hardware. Surely you don't mind that the shareware version is restricted as in comparison to the full version. Many PC users will find the capabilities of this shareware version to be sufficient. For professional use, though, it will be necessary to acquire the full version in order to be able to use the product in an economical manner. It is permitted and also desirable to hand on the absolutely free and therefore non-commercial shareware version. In this case it is not allowed to charge a commission for copying or other services. Commercial distribution or charge-free handing-on in connection with hardware or software is only allowed with written permission from MEGATECH Software GmbH or the distributor Kirschbaum Software GmbH. Among other reasons this measure is to avoid the distribution of no longer current shareware versions. Although the information provided on MegaCAD's Shareware Diskette should be sufficient, we would like to ensure professional consultation by the shareware supplier. For more information please contact : Kirschbaum Software GmbH Kronau 15, D-8091 Emmering b. Wbg. West Germany Tel. 08067/1016 Fax. 08067/1053 As Megacad is continuosly being developed, the functions and the arrangement of the software are subject to change without prior notice. Our shareware users' requests and experiences are of vital importance for further development of our software. We are therefore open to your suggestions and/or complaints. Differences in the full version vs. the shareware version 1. Dimensioning module with no restrictions 2. Hatching module with no restrictions 3. Text with various fonts Additional fixed fonts using vectors, and a program enabling you to generate and edit fonts of your own. 4. Plotter driver Drawing output on all common plotters, with a plotter program for the arrangement of drawings and details of drawings, simulated on the screen. 5. Laser Driver for all HP compatible laser printers. 6. Printer Driver for high resolution output up to 360*360, in color on all common printers. 7. Interface for Desk-top Publishing Program graphical adoption in HP GL format 8. No restrictions on editing functions 9. Memory space not restricted by paging on hard disk or EMS memory after 4.0 10. Coordinate Interface not restricted 11. Reading and generating of DXF formats 12. Window driven menu program In order to work with the modules mentioned above, the full version of Megacad must be purchased. Important Information for a Fast Lead-in ======================================== - Program Installation On the Shareware Diskette you will find the file 'INSTALL.BAT'. This program is used for installing MegaCAD. For installation you have to enter the graphic card in use, and where MegaCAD is to be stored. Insert Shareware Diskette 1 into disk drive A: and type the following at the DOS-prompt : A:INSTALL <ENTER> MegaCAD requires a hard disk for installation. Basic requirements for the use of MegaCAD include DOS 2.1 or higher, a Microsoft compatible mouse, at least 512 KByte RAM, and an EGA or Hercules graphic card. Versions for other graphic cards (such as Olivetti) are available on request. We strongly recommend the use of a fixed disk, as only with a hard disk is it possible to make full use of the program's efficiency. In addition you should use an AT, even better a 386. MegaCAD automatically uses the co-processors 8087, 80287 and 80387 if installed, increasing the speed 10 to 20-fold, depending on the application. - Getting started Type MEGA <ENTER> at the DOS-prompt for EGA or Hercules graphic card. During the installation a file named MEGACAD.INI is created where search paths for drawings and macros are stored. This file is automatically created on installation, but it can be modified using an editor. - Example for CONFIG.DAT: PRT:C: MEGACAD PRT *.PRT /* Drawing path */ MAC:C: MEGACAD MAC *.MAC /* macro path */ CDL:C:\MEGACAD CDL *.CDL /* coordinates file path */ FNT:C:\MEGACAD TFONT*.FNT /* path text font */ MAS:C:\MEGACAD TFONT*.FNT /* path measure font */ TMP:C:\*.TMP /* disk drive TEMP file */ SPE:8 /* mouse speed */ MOV:10 /* number of moved elements */ CAL:1 /* calculator */ DEG:360 /* 'degrees' per full circle */ MOD:MODE : 0 VGA /* graphic mode */ BIO:0012 0000 0000 0000 /* BIOS +calls */ DIM:639 479 16 30 80 /* card parameter */ RET:10.8*8.1 /* display monitor */ Some mice are too fast or too slow. You can modify the speed of the mouse movement by entering a number between 1 and 10 in the line starting with SPE, 1 being the slowest speed, 10 the highest. The value is preset to maximum speed. And now a short software description. Please excuse that for now, only a description outline is available. Every user will certainly find it easy to get started with MegaCAD due to the consequent use of graphic symbols. It is unfortunately not possible to realize all of the possibillities of the program by the window driven shell alone, or even by reading the following abridged instruction manual. Abridged MegaCAD Instructions on Diskette ========================================= The Mouse Control All Microsoft compatible mice are supported. The mouse buttons are always occupied by the functions 'select' and 'delete' (cancel function). The left button is always used for choosing one of the options on the menue or for confirming a drawing function. The right button cancels a function, either going back one step for a new choice, or cancelling the function altogether. ║ ┌─────────╩──────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ MOUSE │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├────────────────────┤ │ ┌──────┐ ┌──────┐ │ │ │left │ │right │ │ │ └──────┘ └──────┘ │ └────────────────────┘ │ │ ┌─────┘ └─────┐ selection button cancelling button Starting the program The program is started by entering MEGA. Please note that the mouse driver must be loaded ! The entry menue and the mouse cursor appear, which will displayed as '█'. "Entry Menu" ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░M░ │ │░E░ │ │░N░ █ │ │░U░ │ │░E░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ > STATUS-INFO TEST.PRT X: > COMMAND-INFORMATION Y: On the left side of the screen/display monitor you find the menue selection strip. This strip is used for choosing the various selection menues. The lower two lines are reserved for program output. In the last line the program tells you, what it expects you to do next, depending on the current function. One line above this there is a short explanation of the currently active command. If, for example, you choose the option 'points' and the mode 'end points' is active, this line reads 'points - end points' The current drawing or macro name is also displayed on this line. In the lower right-hand corner of the screen the coordinates of the cursor position are displayed. The position appears in X and Y coordinates. The Selection Strip This field is not part of the drawing area, but is used for selecting functions. In order to choose a selection menue, move the mouse cursor to the menue field. A window with the function options is displayed. The window is erased my moving out of the menues into the drawing area, or by pressing the left button on the mouse. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░M░ │ │░E░ │ │░N░ │ │░U░ │ │░E░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░┼ <--- Origin │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ > STATUS-INFO TEST.PRT X: > COMMAND-INFORMATION Y: When the program is started, the origin is located on a 1:1 scale in the bottom left corner of the screen. Mode Selection When a function is active, the mode strip appears in place of the selection strip on the left side of the screen. This area is always accessible when it appears. This gives you the opportunity of selecting the position of your drawing elements according to various criteria. For further information on mode selection see the chapter "Modes". ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░M░ │ │░O░ │ │░D░ <------ █ For mode selection, move the │ │░U░ mouse into this area │ │░S░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The 'Mode' Options The mode selection strip on the left side of the screen appears in all active drawing functions like points, lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, and in generating text, inserting macros and saving macros while setting a reference point. When accessed by the mouse on the lower left, this strip displays a list of graphical symbols which describe mathematical operations the program performs upon command. These mathematical operations are to help you construct a drawing. For instance, the program finds the end or centre point of an element. After selecting a symbol you only need to select the desired element by mouse; the position is found automatically. It is at all times possible to re-select the options in the mode strip. You could, for example, begin a line as the center of an arc, then switch to the 'end points' option, and catch the end point of a rectangle line, etc. On the mode strip you also find the options 'return to main menue' (top), 'back one menue item', and 'change line type or layer'. In the following illustration, the fields of the mode select window are represented by numbers, there are graphical symbols on the screen. The following descriptions refer to the numbers in the sketch. ┌──────┬──────┐ cursor free --> │ │ │ <-- cursor on grid │ 1 │ 8 │ ├──────┼──────┤ catch points --> │ │ │ <-- catch center point │ 2 │ 9 │ ├──────┼──────┤ catch end point --> │ │ │ <-- distance to element │ 3 │ 10 │ ├──────┼──────┤ catch elements --> │ │ │ <-- distance from element │ 4 │ 11 │ ├──────┼──────┤ catch intersect. --> │ │ │ <-- intersect. point, 2 elements │ 5 │ 12 │ ├──────┼──────┤ catch tangent point-> │ │ │ <-- tangent point, 2 elements │ 6 │ 13 │ ├──────┼──────┤ keyboard input -> │ │ │ <-- multiple generation │ 7 │ 14 │ └──────┴──────┘ 1. With this field the catching of grid points is turned of. You can now move the mouse cursor freely in the drawing area and position or select any arbitrary drawing element. 2. The catching of points is activated by the second field. The cursor of the mouse turns into a square. All points within this square are automatically found by the program. 3. Calculation of end points of lines and arcs. The area around the selected lines and and arcs is taken into account. It is not necessary to select the element exactly at the end point; just get close to it. 4. 'Elements' is a special function. This function helps you with element points that are not clearly defined, but are to be connected to another drawing element. If, for example, the end point of a line is not clearly defined, but is to lie on an arc at a freely defined position, select this function. Move the mouse cursor to the immediate proximity of the point where the line is to be connected to the arc. After pressing the left button, the program automatically finds a point in the cursor area located on the arc, and connects the line with the arc. This is of course possible with all other drawing elements. 5. This field causes the calculation of intersecting points of two drawing elements. The possibilities are: intersecting points of two lines, a line and a circle, a line and an arc, two circles, and a circle and an arc. Move the mouse cursor to the immediate proximity of the desired intersecting point, then press the left button of the mouse. If no intersecting point is found, the following message is displayed : ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░ no elements in cursor area ░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ cancel ░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 6. Finding a tangent point of a line and a circle (or arc). Move the mouse cursor to the immediate proximity of the tangent point and press the left button of the mouse. The point is calculated. If the program does not find a tangent point, an error message is displayed. If a tangent point must exist in that area, try again. 7. With this option you can enter an X-Y coordinate for an element point via keyboard. The following coordinate dialogue window appears: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Input ▓▓ ▓▓ POLAR ON/OFF ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ X-Value: 0.00 <-- ▓▓ Y-Value: ▓▓ ▓▓ INCREMENTAL ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ OK ▓▓▓ cancel ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ With this method all points can be exactly described, or lines can be defined from coordinate to coordinate. The entries are confirmed in the 'OK' field. Exit the function by selecting the 'cancel' field. To enter element points in polar coordinates, select the field 'polar'. In general, the inputted data refers to the origin X0, Y0. It is also possible to enter the coordinates incrementally. Select the field 'incremental'. The program now asks you to set a reference point. Choose the reference point via mode selection from which the values entered are to be calculated. Now enter the distance of the element point from the origin, and the angle. Confirm the entry by selecting the 'OK' field. Exit the function by selecting the 'back' field. 8. This field turns the grid on. This is also the default state for all drawing functions unless turned off in the grid window. All selected element points are now put onto the defined grid. 9. With this selection you can catch the center points of drawing elements. The program finds the center of lines (including rectangle lines), circles and arcs. 10. With this option you can catch an element with a fixed distance (angle, when applied to arcs) from the end point of the element. This distance or angle is entered, The desired end point is selected beforehand in its immediate proximity. 11. With this function you can catch a point with a given distance to an element. A point on the element is selected in the selected area of the element, and a perpendicular with the given distance is created on this point. The end point of the perpendicular is the resulting point. 12. This field causes the calculation of intersecting points of two drawing elements. The possibilities for intersecting points are: two lines; a line and a circle; a line and an arc; two circles; and a circle and an arc. The two elements are selected one after another. The desired intersecting point is calculated. 13. Finding a tangent point of a line and a circle (or arc). Both elements are selected one after another. 14. With this option you can create multifold elements. Enter the number of elements and their distance to each other. Several elements are then generated with their respective distances from one another. Mode Selection of an Object The mode selection of an object (drawing element) is necessary for selecting objects for editing, such as deleting elements individually, the entire screen, all elements in one window, etc. In contrary to the previously described mode selection of coordinates, there is no calculation of coordinates, but a manipulation of existing drawing elements. This manipulation consists mainly of functions like changing the color, line type, text attributes, the shifting of elements, the selection of an outline for hatching, etc. In all these functions the mode selection can be performed in the mode field in the lower left-hand corner. Example: Changing the colors of elements Select the option EDIT in the main menue, then the function COLOR in the EDIT window. Define the new color and activate the function by selecting the text 'COLOR'. The program now asks for the element to be manipulated. When the mode field is accessed, the mode selection window appears. If, for example, you select the option SCREEN, all elements on the screen are changed to the new color. Elements can be masked off via the upper fields the mode selection window to prevent a certain element type from being changed. The Main Menu : ================ All the basic functions of MegaCAD are listed in the main menu, which is accessed by moving the mouse into the selection strip on the left side of the screen. All options are selected by pressing the left button of the mouse. ░░ Points ░░ ░░ Lines ░░ ░░ Circles ░░ ░░ Arcs ░░ ░░ Text ░░ ░░ Dimensioning ░░ ░░ Hatching ░░ ░░ Grid ░░ ░░ Macro ░░ ░░ Drawing ░░ ░░ Seperate ░░ ░░ Erase ░░ ░░ Redraw ░░ ░░ Zoom ░░ ░░ Edit ░░ ░░ Layer ░░ ░░ Defaults ░░ ░░ Group ░░ ░░ Exit ░░ In the following chapter you will find a detailed description of each menu item. 1. Points The following options can be selected in the point selection window: - points individually - points as segments on elements - points with given angle on circles - star-shaped dot patterns - points as corners of polygons - points as a net between elements 1. Points individually (free) The definition of points FREE is determined by the possibilities of the mode options. After selecting the options you can define the points as: - free points - points on a grid - center points of lines, arcs and circles - points as end points of lines and arcs - points on elements in the cursor area - points as intersecting points - points as tangential points of a line and a circle - points by direct entry of coordinates - points in polar coordinates The mode 'select' is activated by selecting the option FREE. 2. Points as segments on elements Each element, be it a line, a circle or an arc, can be split into several segments of the same size by the SEGMENT function. Enter the desired number of segments and select the elements. 3. Points with a defined angle on circles Select this function in order to define points on circles with a defined angle as in relation to the zero angle. Enter the desired angle of the point, and select the circle. 4. Star-shaped dot patterns With this function a star-shaped dot pattern is generated. Please note the instructions in the help window. 5. Points as a polygon This function creates a polygon consisting of points. After entering the values in the window, the center point has to be defined via mode selection. 6. Points as a net between elements This function generates a net of dots between two elements, such as lines, circles and arcs. Enter the desired number of net segments, and then select the elements in the proximity of one of their end points. The end points should be located opposite to each another. Attention! In the shareware version, the number of segments is limited to five. 2. Lines There are many different ways of defining lines in MegaCAD In the line window you will find the following options: - lines, modus selection FREE - lines tangent circle circle - lines horizontal - lines horizontal/vertical - bisecting line of an angle - line at distance - net of lines - freehand line - tangent, point and line - tangent, circle with angle - line vertical - rectangle - angle, two lines - perpendicular to line - polygon consisting of lines - spline 1. Lines, mode selection FREE The definition of a line FREE is also determined by the possibilities of mode options. By selecting mode options, lines can be defined as: - free from cursor position to cursor position - from grid point to grid point - from center point of element to center point of element - from element to element in cursor area - from end point of one element to end point of another element - connection of intersecting points of elements - connection of tangent points of a line and a circle - parallel lines - end point with free coordinate entry - start and end point in polar coordinates All possibilities are interchangeable , thus a multitude of line definitions are available. 2. Line as a tangent to two circles With this option a tangent betwenn two circles is gereated. The created tangent depends on the points selected on the circle. Press the mouse button on the circles in the proximity of the tangent points. 3. Horizontal lines Draws a horizontal line. The line is limited by the screen, i.e. it is constructed from one end of the screen to the other. The line can be positioned by mode selection. 4. Lines horizontal/vertical Draws horizontal and vertical lines. The lines are limited by the screen, i.e. they are constructed from one end of the screen to the other. The lines can be positioned by mode selection. 5. Line at bisecting angle Creates a line between two lines at half the angle between those two lines. The length of the line is entered, which can be negative, causing the line to be generated in the opposite direction. 6. Parallel line in given distance This function creates a line at a defined distance from a line. The distance of the new line is entered. Then select the reference line and move the mouse to that side of the line, on which the new line is to be created. Then press the left button of the mouse again. 7. Net of lines This function generates a net of lines between two elements, which can be lines, circles or arcs. Enter the desired number of net segments and select the elements in the proximity of an end point. The end points should be located opposite to each other. Attention! In the shareware version, the number of segments is limited to five. 8. Freehand line Creates a 'curved' line by moving the mouse and simultaneously keeping the left button pressed. The line can be generated either in grid modus or in free modus. The line is saved as an individual element. 9. Tangent point to circle With this option a tangential line to a circle origining in a point is created. First, select the point The created tangent depends on where the circle is selected, so press the mouse button on the circle in the proximity of the tangent point. 10. Tangent on circle with angle With this option, a tangential line with a given angle is created on a circle. First the angle is entered. The created tangent depends on where the circle is selected, so press the mouse button on the circle in the proximity of the tangent point. The line is then drawn and limited from one end of the screen to the other. 11. Line vertical Draws a vertical line. The line is limited by the screen, i.e. it is constructed from one end of the screen to the other. The line can be positioned by mode selection. 12. Rectangle This function draws a rectangle from a defined starting point. The starting point is set by the mouse cursor. Then the rectangle can be drawn up to the desired size by moving the mouse in all four directions. The rectangle is confirmed by pressing the left button of the mouse. For setting the start and end points, again all possiblities of mode selection are available. 13. Angle line to line Draws a line at a defined angle to a reference line. The lines created always have the same length as the reference line. The angle can be entered as a positive or negative value. The created line is defined by the angle and the selected point on the reference line. 14. Perpendicular to line 'Perpendicular to line' draws a line which meets the the reference line at a 90° angle. The length of the perpendicular line is entered as a positive or negative value. The location of the perpendicular on the reference line is defined by this entry. 15. Polygon of lines This function generates a polygon consisting of lines. After entering the values in the window, the center point of the polygon has to be defined by mode selection. The radius of the polygon can refer to the inside or outside of the polygon, depending on the selection in the input window. 16. Splines MegaCAD offers five sorts of splines. Attention! The shareware version offers option 1 only. A spline is defined by any number of supporting points. Set the supporting points via mode selection. MegaCAD then prompts you for the number of supporting points to be calculated in between the ones entered. Here we recommend any number between 10 and 30. The spline is stored as an individual element. 3. Circles In MegaCAD there are many ways to define a circle. In combination with the possibilities of free mode selection a great number of definition options are available. The selection is performed on a selection menu with graphical symbols. We chose this form of selection in order to support easy learning of the program (according to our experience) and to meet the demand for easy operation with maximum efficiency. In the following illustration, the options for defining circles are represented by numbers, there are graphical symbols on the screen. The following descriptions refer to the numbers in the sketch. ┌───────┬───────┐ Centerpoint and radius--> │ │ │ <-- two points aun radius │ 1 │ 8 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Center and edge point --> │ │ │ <-- Centerpoint and tangent │ 2 │ 10 │ ├───────┼───────┤ through three points --> │ │ │ <-- 2 points, tangent to line │ 3 │ 11 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Tangent L. L. with R. --> │ │ │ <-- 2 points,tangent to circle │ 4 │ 12 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Tangent C. C. with R. --> │ │ │ <-- tangent to three lines │ 5 │ 13 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Tangent L. C. with R. --> │ │ │ <-- with distance to circle │ 6 │ 14 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Point + tangential L. --> │ │ │ <-- Input X-Y-R │ 7 │ 15 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Point + tangential C. --> │ │ │ <-- Input M,A,R Polar │ 8 │ 16 │ └───────┴───────┘ 1. Centerpoint and radius The circle is defined by entering a radius and then selecting the centerpoint using the mouse. 2. Center point and edge point The circle is defined by selecting the centerpoint and an arbitrary edge point using the mouse. The radius is calculated automatically. 3. Through three points The circle is defined by selecting three points on its perimeter. The radius value is calculated automatically. 4. Tangent to two lines with defined radius A circle tangential to two lines is created. The lines are selected by mouse. The radius, which is also needed for the calculation, is entered either via keyboard or is determined by mode selection. 5. Tangent to two circles with defined radius A circle is defined as a tangential circle to two other circles. The circles are selected by mouse. The radius, which is also needed for the calculation, is entered either via keyboard or is determined by mode selection. 6. Tangent to a line and a circle with defined radius A circle is defined as a tangential circle to a line and a circle. The line and the circle are selected by mouse. The radius, which is also needed for the calculation, is entered either via keyboard or is determined by mode selection. 7. Point and tangential to a line and radius The circle crosses a point and is tangential to a line. The elements are selected by mouse. The radius, which is also needed for the calculation, is entered either via keyboard or is determined by mode selection. 8. Point and tangential to a circle and defined radius The circle crosses a point and is tangential to a circle. The elements are selected by mouse. The radius, which is also needed for the calculation, is entered either via keyboard or is determined by mode selection. 9. Two points and defined radius The circle crosses two points. The points are selected by mouse. The radius, which is also needed for the calculation, is entered either via keyboard or is determined by mode selection. 10. Center point and tangent The circle is defined by its center point and is tangential to a line. The line is selected by mouse. The centerpoint is entered either via keyboard or is determined by mode selection. 11. Point and tangent point on a line The circle crosses two points its perimeter. One of the points must be a line (tangent point). The radius is calculated automatically. The points are selected by mouse. 12. Point and tangent point on a circle The circle crosses two points. One of the points must be on a circle (tangent point). The radius is calculated automatically. The points are selected by mouse. 13. Circle to three tangential lines The circle is tangential to three lines. The radius is calculated automatically. The lines are selected by mouse. 14. With distance to existing circle This function draws a circle around or within an existing circle. The radius of the new circle is determined by the distance from the previous circle. The distance can be entered positive for an outer circle or negative for an inner circle, or it is defined by mode selection. 15. Input X-Y-R The circle is defined by entering the coordinates of the center point and the radius via keyboard. 16. Input (M,A,R polar) The circle is defined by entering the center point in polar coordinates plus the radius via keyboard. Attention! All functions that cannot be accessed, are available only in the full version. 4. Arcs With MegaCAD there are many ways of defining arcs. The number of definition possibilities is enhanced by the free mode selection. The selection is performed in a selection window with graphical symbols. In the following illustration, the options for defining arcs are represented by numbers, there are graphical symbols on the screen. The following descriptions refer to the numbers in the sketch. ┌───────┬───────┐ Centerpoint R. A. A. --> │ │ │ <-- Centerpoint R. A. A. T. │ 1 │ 8 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Centerpoint D. A. A. --> │ │ │ <-- Tangent L. C. R. A. A. │ 2 │ 9 │ ├───────┼───────┤ two points and angle --> │ │ │ <-- By Distance to arc, D+- │ 3 │ 10 │ ├───────┼───────┤ three points --> │ │ │ <-- Tangent C. C. R. A. A. │ 4 │ 11 │ ├───────┼───────┤ Center and edge point --> │ │ │ <-- touching 3 lines, A. A. │ 5 │ 12 │ ├───────┼───────┤ │ │ │ Tangential to circle --> │ 6 │ 13 │ <-- Tangential to end of Line ├───────┼───────┤ │ │ │ Arc polar --> │ 7 │ 14 │ <-- Tangential to two lines └───────┴───────┘ 1. Center point, radius, start and end angles Defines an arc after entering the center point, the radius and the start and end angles of the arc. The entry can be performed via keyboard or by mode selection. 2. Center point, diameter, start and end angles Defines an arc by entering the center point and the diameter, plus the start and end angles of the arc. The entry can be performed via keyboard or by mode selection. 3. Two points and angle This arc is defined by entering both end points and the angle enclosed by the two points. The points are selected via mouse, with free modus selection. 4. Three points The arc is defined by entering both end points and one point on the arc. The radius is calculated automatically. 5. Centerpoint and edge point Here, the centerpoint and one of the end points of the arc are entered. The second end point is defined via selection by mouse. MegaCAD now asks you, which of the two possible arcs you want. Select the desired arc using the mouse. 6. Tangent to circle This function draws an arc as a tangential continuation of another arc. The program asks you to select the arc. Then the following appears in the dialogue window: ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ ARCS ▒▒ ▒▒ Tangential ▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ Radius : 5.00 <-- Enter Radius ▒▒ Angle : 0.00 ▒▒ <-- Starting and increment angle ▒▒ ▒▒ ▒▒ + - ▒▒ <-- Increase or reduce size ▒▒ Angle : 10.0 ▒▒ <-- Current angle ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒ OK ▒ Cancel ▒▒ <-- leave function with Cancel ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ First the arc radius and angle are entered. It is possible to state the immediate end angle. The program then draws the arc up to the end angle entered. If, however, you enter a small angle of let's say one degree, the end angle can be modified by pressing the '+' or '-' keys after selecting the 'OK' field. The arc is confirmed by selecting the 'OK' field and is then drawn in its final position. Exit this function via the 'cancel' field. 7. Arc in polar coordinates Same as in '1.', except the center point is in polar coordinates. 8. Center point, radius, start and end angles, tangent Defines an arc by entering the center point, the radius and the start and end angles. The entry is performed via keyboard. The program displays a dialogue window. 9. Tangent, line, circle, radius, start and end angles This arc is defined as a tangent to a circle and a line. The radius and the start and end angles are entered via keyboard or by mode selection. Both elements, the line and the circle, are selected using the mouse. 10. With distance from arc D+- Draws an arc with a defined distance from an existing arc. The distance can be entered as a positive or negative value. The entry can be performed via keyboard or by mode selection. 11. Tangent, two circles, radius, start and end angles This arc is defined as a tangent to two circles. The radius and the start and end angles are entered via keyboard or by mode selection. The two circles are selected using the mouse. 12. Touching three lines, start and end angles Drawing an arc as a tangent to three lines. The start and end angles of the arc are to be entered. The radius is calculated by the program. Select the lines using the mouse. 13. Tangent to a line This function draws an arc as a tangential continuation of a line. The program prompts you to select a line using the mouse. Then the dialogue window is displayed. First, the radius, then the angle of the arc are entered. It is possible to enter the actual end angle. The program then draws the arc up to the entered angle. If, however, you enter a small angle of let's say one degree, the end angle can be modified to the desired size by pressing the '+' and '-' keys after selecting the 'OK' field. The arc is confirmed by selecting the 'OK' field and is then drawn in its final position. Exit the function by selecting the 'cancel' field. 14. Tangent to two lines Two lines are selected by mouse, and the radius is entered. Then the start and end angles are entered. If the start and end angles are not entered, the desired arc is selected using the mouse. 5. Input and display of text The MegaCAD program enables you to enter and place text in any position and angle in the drawing area on the screen. In the shareware version you can select among four different fonts. Moreover, the attributes of all fonts can be modified. In order to enter text, select the option "text" on the main menue. The following entry possibilities appear in the 'text' window: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Text ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Font - No : ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Text-height: 1 <-- ▓▓ Text-width : .5 ▓▓ ▓▓ Text-angle : 90 ▓▓ ▓▓ DistanceL.X: .2 ▓▓ ▓▓ DistanceL.Y:0.0 ▓▓ ▓▓ angle-pos. : 0 ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ line of text ▓▓ ▓▓ block of text ▓▓ ▓▓ cancel ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ The text font is defined by entering a number between 1 and 4. The height and width of the text, as well as the angle of the letters can be modified. The height and the width are entered in millimeters, the angle of the letter in degrees. The distance L.X defines the distance from one letter to another in millimeters on the X axis. The distance L.Y defines the distance from letter to letter in millimeters on the Y axis. This entry enables you to create text in a staircase shape. The angle position defines the angle of the text relative to the X axis. If, for example, you wish to place text in a perpendicular position, enter an angle of 90 degrees. Confirmation of 'text-line' prompts you for the entry of text. MegaCAD displays a text entry window: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ -->▓ ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ OK ▓▓▓ cancel ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ You can now enter the text, line by line. After selecting the OK-field, the text can be positioned on the screen. For this puspose, the line of text is represented by a rectangle which has the exact size of the text and can be moved around the screen with the mouse. All snap options in mode selection are accessible. Confirm the position for the text by pressing the left button, cancel without writing the text by pressing the right button. Note that not all fonts contain small letters. The option 'text-block' works exactly the same, except that here a full screen editor with capabilities of merging, copying, replacing etc. is used for the input. Whole blocks of text can saved or loaded and then placed on the screen. ATTENTION: In the full version of MegaCAD, a window driven font editor is included with which you create as many fonts as you like according to your own imagination. 6: Dimensioning Dimensioning is invoked by selecting the appropriate field in the main window. The dimensioning window with many different possiblities and settings is displayed. The following options are available in this version : - horizontal dimensioning - vertical dimensioning - parallel dimensioning - dimensioning a diameter - dimensioning a radius - dimensioning an angle - dimension value left, right or middle - type of arrows - dimensioning of distance - absolute dimensioning - incremental dimensioning - edit dimensioning - modify dimensioning positions - modify dimensioning dimension When you select a non-active function, a corresponding message appears. These options are selected using the mouse. Just like in other functions, the mode selection is a great help in defining the dimensioning. The dimensioning number is displayed as a rectangle for positioning. An example: You wish to dimension incrementally, with the dimensioning number in the center. You would like circles as 'dimensioning arrows'. 1. Using the mouse, select the dimensioning arrow 'circle'. 2. Select the option 'incremental'. 3. Select the field 'dimensioning number center'. The basic operation mode is now set. You can now select the method of dimensioning (horizontal, etc.). The program now switches into the mode area. By selecting the center points, the end points, or whatever, dimensions are set. Exit the function by pressing the right button of the mouse. The dimensioning window for modification of the dimensioning method appears. 7. Hatching (Crosshatch shading) With MegaCAD there are many ways of hatching of an area. We are going to explain the option of hatching a outline, since this is the main application. The function hatching is selected via the 'hatching' symbol on the main menue. Then the hatching selection window appears. In this window you select the desired hatching type. Attention! In the shareware version only type 7 is available. Enter the desired distance of the hatching, plus the angle. The function is activated via the 'OK' field. The program switches to mode selection. Move the mouse to the lower left-hand corner of the screen. The mode selection window is displayed. Select the option 'outline'. You are now prompted to select the start and end elements of the outline. Please note that only a closed outline can be used to build a crosshatch. MegaCAD now selects the outline automatically. If there are intersecting points with other elements on the outline, MegaCAD asks for the next element on the outline. The element found last is marked with a circle. Islands are selected after the outer outline for hatching, circles must be selected twice. When all outlines are selected, press the right button of the mouse. A crosshatch can be erased as a whole or as individual elements. (each line in the crosshatch). 8. Screen grids and catching grids Grid points provide a visual help while constructing drawings. They serve as an orientation for the dimensioning system of the drawing area. For easier operation, the setting of grid points can be modified. MegaCAD displays grid points as simple pixel points. The calibration of the grid is entered in millimeters. Using the 'catching' function, the program finds the point positioned closest to the cursor when the left button of the mouse is pressed in a drawing function. This point is used as an element point. The calibraton is chosen by selecting the corresponding field in the window using the mouse. The turning on/off of the catching and grid options is performed by selecting the two fields using the mouse. The on/off entry alternates accordingly. Moreover you find the following options in the grid window: - define measuring units - modify keyboard reference point - move/shift grid reference point - set number of decimal digits - set screen to match drawing sheet sizes according to DIN - create star-shaped grids - create angle grids 12. The macro management Macros in the MegaCAD program are complete drawings which are simply managed separately as macros. Often used drawings are thus integrated easily and quickly into any other drawing. Macros can be placed and integrated anywhere in the drawing area. They can also be enlarged or reduced and rotated by an angle. In order to create a macro, select the option 'macro' on the main menue. All drawings created by this function are named with the extension .MAC on the data medium. If you wish to declare an existing drawing as a macro, you can just copy file at the DOS prompt DOS (COPY NAME.PRT NAME.MAC). Please note the description at the end of this chapter. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Macro ▓▓ <═══ The Macro-selection menu ▓▓ ▓▓ ======================== ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ Management ▓▓ ▓▓ View ▓▓ ▓▓ Create/edit ▓▓ ▓▓ Insert ▓▓ ▓▓ Save ▓▓ ▓▓ Delete ▓▓ ▓▓ Print ▓▓ ▓▓ clip ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ cancel ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ Macro file list The selection of a macro via the file list is invoked by selecting the field 'file list' using the mouse. A window with all existing macros on the data carrier is displayed. The macros must be located in the subdirectory created for this purpose at installation time. If more macros exist than can be displayed at one time, switch to the next or previous page by selecting the fields <-- or -->. A macro is chosen by selecting the macro name. by pressing by pressing the left button of the mouse or by pressing the return key while the name is inverted. The name of the selected macro appears in the lower right-hand corner of the window. If you want to choose a different macro, simply select a new macro name. Finish the selection by selecting the field 'return'. The macro can now be inserted into the selection window or into the drawing area, depending on the function you chose. ┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬─────────┐ │ │ ┌────────┴──────────┴──────────┴─────────┤ │ │ │ test1.MAC │ │ │ │ test2.MAC │ ├──────────┼─┤ test3.MAC │ ├──────────┴─┤ test4.MAC │ │░░░ │ test5.MAC │ │░M░ │ │ │░O░ │ │ │░D░ │ │ │░U░ │ │ │░S░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ <-- --> return .MAC │ └────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘ View macros: The function 'View macros' displays the desired macro in the macro selection window located in the upper screen area. This selection window always appears after choosing the option 'macro' on the main menue. Five macros can be displayed in the window at one time. Once the macros are chosen, they are saved and preserved even after exiting the program; they are available upon re- initiation of the program. New macros are inserted by modifying the window contents. Now how do we get a macro into the selection window? The program lets you choose one of four possibilities : ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Macro ▓▓ ▓▓ View ▓▓ <--- After selecting the function ▓▓ ▓▓ view, this window appears. ══> ▓▓ Keyboard ▓▓ Select the desired method ══> ▓▓ Window ▓▓ of input. ══> ▓▓ File list ▓▓ ══> ▓▓ File display ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ cancel ▓▓ <--- Exit this fuction by selecting this ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ field. 1. View macros with keyboard input This function calls a dialogue window for the program name. You can now enter the desired macro name via keyboard. The macro is then selected by pressing the mouse on the 'OK' field. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Macro ▓▓ ▓▓ View ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ File name : ▓▓ ▓▓ <--▓▓ <══ Enter macro name here ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ OK ▓▓▓ cancel ▓▓ <══ Quit function with 'cancel'. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ Now MegaCAD prompts you to select the area in the selection window (at the top of the screen) where the macro is to be displayed. Select the lower part of the fields with the macro names : ┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬─────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼─────────┤ ├──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴─────────┤ │░░░ ^ ^ │ │░M░ │ │ Select one of these │ │░E░ fields ! │ │░N░ │ │░U░ │ │░E░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ L: <<Select Window>>" R: <<Select window>> After selecting the field, the macro is drawn, and the selection menue is displayed. 2. View macro via window: Here the macro selected in the selection window is to a different position. 3. Select a macro from the file list: The selection of a macro is also possible via the file list. A selection window with all existing macro names is displayed as explained in 'file list'. Select a macro and place it into the desired window. 4. View macrosacro in a 'file display': This function displays macros in a window. The selection window appears, containing the graphics of the existing macros. Select the macro using the mouse, and position it in the drawing. Creating macros In order to create a macro, the 'create macro' function must be invoked. Macros are managed separately aside drawings. The selection of macros to be created is performed again by the functions 'keyboard', 'window' and 'file list'. New macro names can be entered, or existing macros can be modified or over-written. New macros are created by entering a macro name in the 'keyboard' function. Existing macros can be selected by all three functions. When selecting an existing macro, the following window appears: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ File already exists ! ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Overwrite ▓▓ <--- Move mouse cursor to ▓▓ change ▓▓ <--- a field and select ▓▓ new name ▓▓ <--- ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ You can choose, whether a macro should be overwritten (i.e. the existing macro is deleted and a new one is created), whether you wish to modify (edit) a macro, or whether you want to enter another name. If you choose to over-write or modify, and there already is a current drawing or macro, MegaCAD asks, whether the existing drawing should be saved. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓Save current file ?▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ YES ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ NO ▓▓▓ <══ Select yes or no ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ATTENTION! If NO is selected, all current data is lost ! Inserting macros In order to insert a macro into a drawing, choose the 'insert' option. The selection of the macro to be inserted is performed by the functions 'keyboard', 'window', and 'file list'. After having selected the macro name, you have the option of modifying the macro size and angle. The entries are performed in the window shown below. If no modifications are desired, immediately select the 'OK' field in the window. If the angle is to be modified, enter the angle. The macro is saved on a 1:1 scale. This scale can be changed by entering a factor. > factor 0.5 corresponds to a scale 1:2 > factor 0.1 corresponds to a scale 1:10 > factor 2.0 corresponds to a scale 2:1 > factor 10.0 corresponds to a scale 10:1 ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Macro ▓▓ ▓▓ insert ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ rotate macro ▓▓ ▓▓ Angle : 0.00 <-- ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ modify size ? ▓▓ ▓▓ Factor: 1.00 ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Macro name ▓▓ < if more than one macro was chosen ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ for selection ▓▓ OK ▓▓▓ cancel ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ After having entered the desired data, the macro is inserted. Each macro is given a reference point during the saving process. Now place the mouse cursor onto the position where the macro is to be inserted. The macro reference point is positioned onto the mouse position. You can let MegaCAD calculate the reference point For this, all mode selection options are available. With this method, you can select the center point, end point, etc. of an element to serve as a reference point. After having defined the position of the macro by pressing the left mouse button, the macro is drawn. Upon completion MegaCAD asks, whether the macro has been inserted correctly. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ Macro ok ? ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ YES ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ NO ▓▓▓ <══ Select yes or no ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ If you select 'NO', the macro is deleted. In both cases the window for modification of the macro data appears. Once the macro is selected, in can be integrated again until you select the 'cancel' function in the modification window. Saving macros This function is needed for saving an existing macro. Before saving a macro, a reference point has to be selected. This reference point is used for positioning a macro into a drawing. MegaCAD automatically asks for the reference point. A reference point can be defined by the options in the mode window. After defining the reference point, it has to be confirmed. Only then the macro is saved under the entered name. ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░M░ │ │░O░ │ │░D░ │ │░U░ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ │ │░S░ ▓▓ Reference pt ok ?▓▓ │ │░░░ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ │ │░░░ ▓▓ YES ▓▓▓▓▓ NO ▓▓▓ │ │░░░ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ > Save-Macro-Grid Test.MAC X:45 L: <<Reference pt>> R: <<Reference pt>> Y:111 Print macros With this function a simple hard copy is sent to an IBM graphics printer. Please note that your printer has to be set up accordingly, and be turned on. 13. Creating drawings In order to create drawings, select the option 'drawing' on the main menue. All drawings created in this function are saved with the extension '.PRT'. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Drawing ▓▓ <══ The drawing selection - menu ▓▓ ▓▓ ============================ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ Management ▓▓ ▓▓ View ▓▓ ▓▓ Create ▓▓ ▓▓ Save ▓▓ ▓▓ Delete ▓▓ ▓▓ Print ▓▓ ▓▓ Clip ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ cancel ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ Drawing file list The selection of a drawing via the file list is performed by selecting the field 'file list'. A window with all currently existing drawings is displayed. If more drwings exist than can be displayed at one time, switch to the next or previous page by selecting the fields <-- or -->. The desired drawing is chosen by selecting the drawing name. The selection is performed by pressing the left button of the mouse or by pressing the 'return' key. The name of the selected drawing appears in the lower right-hand corner of the window. If you wish to choose a different drawing, simply select a new name. Confirm the selection by selecting the field 'return'. ┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬─────────┐ │ │ ┌────────┴──────────┴──────────┴─────────┤ │ │ │ test1.PRT │ │ │ │ test2.PRT │ ├──────────┼─┤ test3.PRT │ ├──────────┴─┤ test4.PRT │ │░░░ │ test5.PRT │ │░M░ │ │ │░O░ │ │ │░D░ │ │ │░U░ │ │ │░S░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ │ │░░░ │ <-- --> cancel .PRT │ └────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘ View drawings The function 'view drawings' displays the desired drawing in the drawing selection window located in the upper screen area. This selection window always appears after choosing the option 'drawing' on the main menue. Five drawings are displayed in the window at one time. Once the drawings are chosen, they are saved and preserved even after exiting the program; they are available when the program is restarted. New drawings are inserted by modifying the window contents. How do we get a drawing into the selection window? The program lets you choose one of three possibilities : ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Drawing ▓▓ ▓▓ View ▓▓ <--- After selecting the function ▓▓ ▓▓ view, this window appears. ══> ▓▓ Keyboard ▓▓ Select the desired method ══> ▓▓ Window ▓▓ of input. ══> ▓▓ File list ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ cancel ▓▓ <--- Exit this fuction by selecting this ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ field. 1. View drawings with keyboard input This function calls a dialogue window for the program name. You can now enter the desired drawing name via keyboard. The drawing is then selected by pressing the mouse on the 'OK' field. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ drawing ▓▓ ▓▓ View ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ File name : ▓▓ ▓▓ <--▓▓ <══ Enter macro name here ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ OK ▓▓▓ cancel ▓▓ <══ Quit function with 'cancel'. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ Now MegaCAD prompts you to select the area in the selection window (at the top of the screen) where the macro is to be displayed. Select the lower part of the fields with the macro names : ┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬─────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼─────────┤ ├──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴─────────┤ │░░░ ^ ^ │ │░M░ │ │ Select one of these │ │░E░ fields ! │ │░N░ │ │░U░ │ │░E░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ │░░░ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ L: <<Select Window>>" R: <<Select window>> After selecting the field, the drawing is drawn, and the selection menue is displayed. Select a drawing from the file list: The selection of a drawing is also possible via the file list. A selection window with all existing drawings is displayed as explained in 'file list'. Select a drawing and place it into the desired window. Creating drawings In order to create a drawing, the 'create drawing' function must be invoked. The selection of the drawing to be created is performed again by the functions 'keyboard', 'window' and 'file list'. New drawings can be entered, or existing drawings can be modified or over-written. New drawings are created by entering a name in the 'keyboard' function. Existing drawings can be selected by all three functions. When selecting an existing drawing, the following window appears: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ File already exists ! ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Overwrite ▓▓ <--- Move mouse cursor to ▓▓ change ▓▓ <--- a field and select ▓▓ new name ▓▓ <--- ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ You can choose, whether a drawing should be overwritten (i.e. the existing drawing is deleted and a new one is created), whether you wish to modify (edit) the drawing, or whether you want to enter another name. If you choose to over-write or modify, and there already is a current drawing or macro, MegaCAD asks, whether the existing drawing should be saved. ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓Save current file ?▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓ YES ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ NO ▓▓▓ <══ Select yes or no ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ATTENTION! If NO is selected, all current data is lost ! Saving drawings This function is needed for saving an existing macro. Megacad prompts for a name, if one hasn't already been entered. if 'overwrite' was specified, the existing file is overwritten. Print drawing See print macro 11. Separating drawing elements The separating of drawing elements is used for later editing of drawings. With this function, elements can be seperated at certain places. The superfluous parts can be discarded in the process. For circles, which have not yet been separated, two separation points are needed. The separating of a circle now serves as an example. The circle is divided into two halves by a line. Only one half of the circle is needed for the drawing. The following steps are necessary: - Select the 'separate' function on the menue. - Select the circle to be separated. - Select the first intersecting point. - Select the second intersecting point. - Exit the function by pressing the right mouse button. - Select the 'delete' function. - Delete the superfluous arc by selecting it using the mouse. 12. Deleting elements There are three methods for deleting elements: 1. Deleting individual elements 2. Deleting individual elements with masks 3. Deleting a section on the screen ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Delete ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Text ON ▓▓ <-- ▓▓ Points ON ▓▓ <-- ▓▓ Lines ON ▓▓ <-- Mask elements not to be ▓▓ Rectangles ON ▓▓ <-- deleted ▓▓ Circles ON ▓▓ <-- ▓▓ Arcs ON ▓▓ <-- ▓▓ Dimensions ON ▓▓ <-- ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ individual ▓▓ <-- delete individual elements (Masked or free) ▓▓ Screen ▓▓ <-- delete whole visible area ▓▓ section ▓▓ <-- delete all elements in section ▓▓ Group ▓▓ <-- Delete all elements in group ▓▓ layer ▓▓ <-- Delete all elements in layer ▓▓ undo -1 ▓▓ <-- Undo last delete operation ▓▓ cancel ▓▓ <-- quit function ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ 1) With this option all elements can be deleted individually from the drawing area. The option is invoked by selecting the 'individual' field. The element to be deleted is selected using the mouse. Exit the function by pressing the right button. 2) With this option, all drawing elements on the screen can be deleted. All elements located completely within the boundaries of the screen are deleted. 3) With this option, all drawing elements in a certain section can be deleted. The section is drawn like a rectangle. All elements located completely within the section are deleted by pressing the left mouse button. When using any of the delete functions, individual kinds of drawing elements can be excluded (masked). Masking therefore means that these elements cannot be deleted. This possibility is of great help in many cases. If you wish to delete points, and these points are located on other elements, such as circles or lines, you can exclude these elements. In doing this, you can ensure that only the points are deleted. 13. Redrawing of the screen contents 'Redraw' erases the whole drawing area and re-constructs the drawing, taking the active layers into account. 14. Details with zoom The zoom function provides the the possibility of getting a close up look at some part of the drawing. It is also possible reduce the size of the drawing by half. The zoom function affects only the display on the screen and has no influence whatsoever on the drawing itself. After accessing the 'zoom' option, the zoom selection window appears: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Zoom ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ def ▓show ▓zoom ▓▓ <-- Save, view and call Zoom areas ▓▓ 1 ▓ 1 ▓ 1 ▓▓ ▓▓ 2 ▓ 2 ▓ 2 ▓▓ ▓▓ 3 ▓ 3 ▓ 3 ▓▓ ▓▓ 4 ▓ 4 ▓ 4 ▓▓ ▓▓ 5 ▓ 5 ▓ 5 ▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ Factor 0.5 ▓▓ <-- Reduce size by 1/2 ▓▓ Autozoom ▓▓ <-- Optimal Drawing size ▓▓ Total (1:1) ▓▓ <-- set scale to 1:1 ▓▓ Direct zoom ▓▓ <-- direct zooming of an area ▓▓ Pan ▓▓ <-- change displayed area ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓ cancel ▓▓ <-- Quit zoom ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ 1. Saving and viewing zoom areas The field 'def, show, zoom' in the selection window is used for saving zoom areas and for quick displaying of saved zoom areas (see also 'function keys'). In order to define an area, select the 'def' function with the desired number from 1 to 5. The program now prompts you to define the desired section. Select one of the corner points of the new zoom area with the mouse by moving to the position and pressing the left button. Now a rectangle can be drawn by moving the mouse. Enclose the area you wish to enlarge, and again press the left mouse button. The zoom area thus defined is now saved. In order to display zoom areas which have already been defined, select appropriate number field below the 'show' field. A rectangle with the corresponding number area appears. A saved zoom area is invoked by selecting the number field below the field 'zoom'. MegaCAD immediately displays the zoom area on the screen. 2. Reducing the scale If you wish to see the periphery of the area displayed on the screen, select the option 'factor 0.5'. The drawing scale is doubled each time this field is selected. Thus you can gain an overall view of your entire drawing. If a grid is active, it is no longer displayed if the scale gets too big. 3. Automatic zooming It is often necessary to see the entire drawing on the screen. This is why 'autozoom' was included in the program. The scale is automatically set to such a factor, that the drawing fills the entire screen. 4. 1:1 scale This option automatically switches the screen display to a 1:1 scale. The display appears in the same area as at the start of the program. The zero point of the drawing area is again located in the lower left-hand corner. This is the scale in which all drawings are saved and initially displayed. 5. Pan Use this fuction to shift the displayed part of the drawing. When invoked, select the point on the screen which is to become the new center point. 15. Editing The 'edit' option consists of several functions for modifying drawings and drawing elements. The following functions are accessible: - edit text - change text lines to text blocks - shift elements between groups - shift elements between layers - copy and move drawing elements - reduce and enlarge drawing elements - mirror drawing elements - rotate drawing elements - information about drawing elements - coordinate interface - round drawing elements - bevel drawing elements - trim drawing elements - modify drawing elements - stretch drawing elements - break up drawing elements 16. Group The 'group' option enables you to assign drawing elements to groups. This function allows for complete drawing groups to be manipulated. 256 groups can be formed, all of which can be activated as you please. Thus, you can assign drawing elements to different groups, and then modify or edit a complete group. 17. Fixed When this field is selected, MegaCAD saves all currently valid settings, such as text attributes, grid calibration, etc. These values are then set initially the next time MegaCAD is called. 18. Layer The 'layer' option enables you to assign drawing elements to layers. The 256 availabe layers can be activated as you please. During construction you can place elements into different layers; during construction they can be switched to be 'visible' or 'invisible'. 19. Exit The 'exit' option ends the program. If the current drawing has not yet beeen saved, you are asked, whether the drawing is to be saved. 20. The function keys For quicker processing of drawings, various functions have been placed on function keys. Although the menue strip can be accessed very quickly, the selection via function keys has proven to be more useful in certain cases. This makes working with MegaCAD even faster. The following key combinations are possible: a = automatic zoom of all elements w = immediate zooming by drawing rectangle h = reduce image by factor 0.5 (half zoom) ALT + p = pan zoom ALT + 1 = save set scale as zoom 1 ALT + 2 = save set scale as zoom 2 ALT + 3 = save set scale as zoom 3 ALT + 4 = save set scale as zoom 4 ALT + 5 = save set scale as zoom 5 ALT + 0 = set scale to initial values 1 = invoke saved zoom 1 2 = invoke saved zoom 2 3 = invoke saved zoom 3 4 = invoke saved zoom 4 5 = invoke saved zoom 5 R = redraw c = direct access to 'delete' function t = direct access to 'separate' function ALT + t = direct access to 'trim' function ALT + r = direct access to 'round' function ALT + b = MODE tangential point 1/2 ALT + s = MODE intersecting point 1/2 ALT + 1 = MODE element distance ALT + e = MODE end point distance f = MODE free g = MODE grid p = MODE point s = MODE intersecting point simple c = MODE center point b = MODE tangential point l = MODE element e = MODE end point k = MODE keyboard SHIFT = MODE selection (window selection) ALT + S = style selection ALT + ... means pressing the ALT key plus another key, while the ALT key is still pressed. The functions are always active, when no window is on the screen which means only one function can be directly accessed at a time. Exit the direct functions by pressing the right button of the mouse. Example: You are drawing a few lines. Now a circle crossed by a line is to be separated directly, and one of the arcs is to be deleted. 1) Press ALT + T. Select the circle as the element to be separated, using the mouse. Then select the intersecting points as separating points. First, select the intersecting point via mode selection. Exit function by pressing the right mouse button. 2) Now the arc which is not needed anymore is to be deleted. Select the delete function directly via ALT + C. The mouse arrow turns into a small square. Now select the arc using the mouse, and the arc is instantaneously deleted. Exit function by pressing the right mouse button. 3) Now you can go on drawing lines without further selection, since you never left the function for drawing lines. One more useful application of the function keys lies in accessing the zoom saving areas. After having defined areas in the zoom function, these areas are accessible at all times by the keys ALT + 1-5. Thus, you can jump from one zoom area to another within one drawing function, without having to exit the selected function. ------------------------------------------------------------ (c) 1989, 1990 copyright by MEGATECH-Software GmbH West Berlin