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1992-11-13
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MM MM IIIIII CCCC RRRRRR OOOOO
MMM MMM II CC CC RR RR OO OO
MMMMMMM II CC RR RR OO OO
MM M MM II CC RRRRRR OO OO
MM MM II CC RR RR OO OO
MM MM II CC CC RR RR OO OO
MM MM IIIIII CCCC RR RR OOOOO
MM MM AAA PPPPPP PPPPPP EEEEEEE RRRRRR
MMM MMM AA AA PP PP PP PP EE E RR RR
MMMMMMM AA AA PP PP PP PP EE E RR RR
MM M MM AA AA PPPPP PPPPP EEEE RRRRRR
MM MM AAAAAAA PP PP EE E RR RR
MM MM AA AA PP PP EE E RR RR
MM MM AA AA PPPP PPPP EEEEEEE RR RR
Screen Designer
Version 3.6
Released Date: 921111
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald
All Rights Reserved
Micro-Mapper Documentation
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................... 1
Programming Language Compatibility ......................... 1
Copyright Notice ........................................... 1
Permission to Distribute on BBS's .......................... 1
Shareware Distribution Companies ........................... 2
Registration ............................................... 2
Personal Registration ...................................... 2
Site Licenses .............................................. 2
Liability Exclusion ........................................ 3
How to Get an Update or Replacement Disk ................... 3
Acknowledgements ........................................... 3
Bug Reports ................................................ 3
Mouse Usage ................................................ 3
Mouse Notes ................................................ 4
Micro-Mapper Hardware Requirements ......................... 4
Installation Instructions .................................. 4
Software Requirements ...................................... 5
Configuring Micro-Mapper ................................... 5
Start-Up ................................................... 6
Screen Format .............................................. 6
Undo ....................................................... 7
Text Mode .................................................. 7
Main Menu .................................................. 7
* Area Commands ............................................ 7
1 - Draw single line box ................................. 7
2 - Draw double line box ................................. 7
3 - Draw double line top/bottom - single line side box ... 7
4 - Draw single line top/bottom - double line side box ... 7
C - Change the color of the area ......................... 7
F - Find/Change a Color or Character within area ......... 8
A - Change Color to Another Color .................... 8
C - Change Character to Another Character ............ 8
D - Change Occurrences of Color to Another Character . 8
E - Change Occurrences of Character to Another Color . 8
D - Delete the area ...................................... 8
L - Line Color change .................................... 8
M - Move the area ........................................ 9
T - Save Area in ANSI Format ............................. 9
R - Replicate(copy) Area ................................. 9
S - Save Area in ASCII Format ............................ 9
U - Save Area in MEM Format .............................. 9
W - Save Area in Wild Cat 3 BBS Format ................... 9
Z - Zap One Color ........................................ 9
* Block Character .......................................... 9
* Change Color ............................................. 11
A - Alter ................................................ 11
L - Line ................................................. 11
ESC - Exit ............................................... 11
U - Use .................................................. 11
* Draw ..................................................... 11
A - Use Color ............................................ 11
C - Color Change ......................................... 11
D - Double Line .......................................... 11
S - Single Line .......................................... 11
R - Repeat Character ..................................... 11
T - Text ................................................. 11
U - Use Character ........................................ 11
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page i
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
* Eraser ................................................... 12
A - Use Color Under Cursor ............................... 12
B - Change Erase Color to Black on Black ................. 12
C - Change Erase Color ................................... 12
K - Keep Color of Character When Erasing ................. 12
T - Return to Text Mode .................................. 12
* Find/Change .............................................. 12
A - Change Color to Another Color ........................ 12
C - Change Character to Another Character ................ 12
D - Find Color, Change Charater .......................... 12
E - Find Character, Change Color ......................... 12
* Get Area (Load saved area) ............................... 13
* Information .............................................. 13
* Load Screen .............................................. 13
- A - ASCII .............................................. 13
- B - BLoad .............................................. 13
- C - Com ................................................ 13
- G - General Ansi ....................................... 13
- M - Memory ............................................. 13
- N - ANSI ............................................... 13
- U - USER ............................................... 14
- W - Wild Cat 3 BBS ..................................... 14
* Map Field ................................................ 14
- ENTER - Define Field ................................... 14
- A - Change Field Color to Color Under Cursor ........... 14
- C - Change Color Chart ................................. 14
- D - Define Field ....................................... 14
- E - Erase Field ........................................ 14
- M - Move Field ......................................... 14
- R - Replicate Last Field ............................... 15
- T - Return to Text Mode ................................ 15
- U - Use current color .................................. 15
* New Screen ............................................... 15
* Options Edit ............................................. 15
- A - Name of Large Character File ....................... 15
- B - Mouse Button Delay ................................. 15
- C - Color of Information Line .......................... 16
- E - Color of Message ................................... 16
- F - Change Color of FOOTER Line ........................ 16
- G - Get Contents of MAPPER.CFG ......................... 16
- K - Save the Definitions to MAPPER.CFG file ............ 16
- M - Change Color of Pop-up Menu ........................ 16
- R - Reset Configuration ................................ 16
- S - Change Start Up Screen Color ....................... 16
- Z - Change Zap Screen Color ............................ 16
- ESC - Exit Editor ...................................... 16
* Print Screen to Printer .................................. 16
* Quit ..................................................... 16
* Save ..................................................... 16
- A - ASCII .............................................. 16
- B - BSave .............................................. 16
- C - Com ................................................ 16
- M - Memory (Binary) .................................... 17
- N - ANSI ............................................... 17
- U - User ............................................... 17
- W - Wild Cat 3 BBS ..................................... 17
* User ..................................................... 17
* Window ................................................... 17
* XChart ................................................... 17
* Zap ...................................................... 17
Map Field Definition Record Format ......................... 17
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page ii
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
== Introduction ==
Micro-Mapper was born of the desire to program smarter, not harder.
One of the most tedious jobs in programming is designing and coding
screens(maps). Usually you go through several screen revisions,
continually changing the code before you get it just right. Using
several languages languages further complicated the task.
With Micro-Mapper you can now create screens for your programs without
writing code. Paint the screen the way that you want with the
desired colors and save it in one of several built-in formats, or
design your own format, for later use by your programs. Creating
screens without writing code enables you to make changes and
experiment("what-if-ing") without the pain of changing and
re-compiling program code.
When you have your screen drawn, use the Map Field function to define
field names, sizes, types, etc. The field definitions can then be
used by your programs by Micro-Coder or Micro-Run.
Micro-Coder is a code generator and may be purchased by registered
users. Micro-Run is a Screen executor available to registered users.
== Programming Language Compatibility ==
Micro-Mapper screens may be used with the following languages: ADA,
80x86 Assembler, BASIC(GW, ZBASIC, Power BASIC, Multi-BASIC, True
BASIC), C/C++(Borland, Microsoft, Turbo, WATCOM, ZORTECH, SMALLC,
etc.), COBOL, COBOL85, FORTRAN, Modula, Oberon, Pascal, SNOBAL,
BATCOM, EBL, etc.
== Copyright Notice == 1990, 91, 92 by Mark McDonald
Micro-Mapper is the intellectual property of the author, Mark
McDonald, who reserves all rights. This software and manual are NOT
public domain or freeware. Sale of this program, manual or its source
code, in any form, is expressly forbidden without written permission
of the author. Users of this program are allowed to evaluate it for a
period of two weeks after which, the user is required to register the
program with the author to obtain a licensing agreement or discontinue
its use.
== Permission to Distribute on BBS's ==
Bulletin Boards may provide this program (shareware version) for
downloading by its users provided the programs and documentation files,
as distributed by the author, are in their original form. If
you have any doubts as to whether the software and/or documentation is
authentic, please request a shareware version by sending a stamped
self addressed envelope(for 3.5 disk) to the registration address. If
you need a 5.25(360k) disk send $1.50(sorry for the charge, but 5.25
is more expensive to mail than 3.5) to the registration address. The
BBS may not charge a fee for this software other than that normally
required to download any other software on the BBS. The charge by the
BBS does not relieve the downloader of the requirement to register
with the author and pay the registration fee.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 1
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
== Shareware Distribution Companies ==
Shareware Distributing Houses may provide this program as long as the
diskette or compressed file contains only the original programs and
documentation file for the shareware version as provided by the author
and only a nominal distribution fee is charged.
== Registration ==
Micro-Mapper is marketed as Shareware, a system that allows you to try
out the software before purchasing it. You are allowed to use
Micro-Mapper for two weeks to decide its usefulness to you. If after
that time you find that you desire to continue using it, you are
required to register your copy.
This program required MANY hours of design and coding. It would be
appreciated if you would take the trouble to register it. The
registration fee has been kept low to make it easy to register. I
understand how hard it is to buy good utilities, especially when they
cost $100.00+. So I kept the price low and rely on BBS's, users, etc.
to distribute the program. Shareware is for those of us who just
don't make the mega bucks but still need useful utilities. Your
support of the shareware concept makes it work. It is up to you.
== Personal Registration ==
To register your copy of Micro-Mapper, run RESISTER.COM or print the
REGMAP.COM screen and fill it out, send $20.00, your name, address,
company name(if for a company), floppy size and Micro-Mapper version
number to:
Mark McDonald
P.O. Box 31533
Aurora, Colorado 80041
You will be sent a registered copy of the latest version of
Micro-Mapper and be able to purchase companion software that will
make Micro-Mapper even more useful.
== Site Licenses ==
Site Licenses for Corporate, Educational, and Government users are
available on request. Use the following chart calculate site license
fee:
Number of Computers Fee
------------------- ---------
1 to 10 $20.00 each
11 to 100 $17.00 each
101 to 200 $15.00 each
201 to 500 $13.00 each
501 to 1000 $10.00 each
Send your site license request on corporate/government letter head
with company check to the registration address. Please specify exact
type of business and number of computers to be licensed.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 2
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
== Liability Exclusion ==
By using this utility, you agree that the author may not be held
responsible or liable in any manner or for any reason, should anything
happen while using or due to the use of this program. This includes,
but is not limited to, any real(or otherwise) monetary loss should
unforeseen circumstances arise causing data or productivity loss.
Simply put, use it at your own risk.
== How to Get an Update or Replacement Disk ==
Registered personal users may obtain an update or replacement copy of
Micro-Mapper by sending $10.00 for each registered version to the
registration address. Please specify whether you want a replacement
disk or an update. If I am close to releasing a new version, I will
not send out an update disk to you until the newest version is
released to ensure that you get the latest version. If you need a
replacement disk real quick, please say so.
Corporate/Government site licensed users may obtain a master
replacement for $10.00. Update notices and fee schedules will be sent
automatically.
Please note that 3.5 inch(720k) floppies will be sent unless you
specify otherwise.
== Acknowledgements ==
Thanks to my wife Susie for her patience and encouragement and to the
many registered Micro-Mapper users who have supported this tool and
made this current version possible.
== Bug Reports ==
I like to ensure that my software works, so if you do find a
bug, or wish to have a feature added, please to write the me at the
registration address. Please include the Micro-Mapper version number,
computer configuration(mono/color screen, memory, DOS version, video
card type).
== Mouse Usage==
If your mouse driver is loaded, your mouse may be used to position the
cursor and to select menu items. Use of the mouse tends to make
Micro-Mapper even easier to use.
Pressing the right button will work the same as pressing the ESC key.
When in a menu, place the mouse cursor over the letter and press the
left button to execute a function. When NOT in a menu, pressing the
left button will work the same as pressing the ENTER key.
If a mouse is found, the cursor position information area at the
bottom left of the screen will also show the mouse mickeys for column
and row.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 3
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
== Mouse Notes ==
A lot of people load their mouse drivers via the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
This generally loads a COM or EXE program. If your mouse came with a
MOUSE.SYS file, it is recommended that you place the following
statement in your CONFIG.SYS file(DEVICE = C:\PATH\MOUSE.SYS) and
remove the MOUSE.COM or MOUSE.EXE statement from the AUTOEXEC.BAT.
This ensures that no matter what a program does with the mouse, it
will be available to a subsequent program. Otherwise, a program may
turn off the mouse, depriving the next executed program from using it.
If the clicking the right mouse button causes the menu to appear and
then disappear, it is due to the CPU speed of your machine. To adjust
the mouse delay times, change the value of the mouse delay time in the
MAPPER.CFG file using Main Menu function O. The default delay time is
150(seems best for 20MHz 80486 machines. For faster machines 200 is
recommended. For slower machines, start at 10.
== Micro-Mapper Hardware Requirements ==
Micro-Mapper will run on any MS/DOS(2.11 or above version) compatible
computer system with at least 140k of free memory and a CGA, EGA or
VGA video card. Micro-Mapper may be invoked from within your favorite
editor or other programs provided at least 140k of memory is free.
Micro-Mapper will run from a floppy, but a harddrive is recommended
for best performance.
A mouse is HIGHLY recommended as cursor positioning with a mouse is
MUCH faster than with the keyboard.
To execute the DOS window function, at least 17k of memory must be
available when Micro-Mapper is loaded. Otherwise the results may be
unpredictable.
== Installation Instructions ==
For Floppy:
1. Format a floppy diskette, with or without DOS.
2. Copy the required files to the floppy using REQ.BAT:
REQ A: B: Copies from a disk in Drive A (source) to a disk
in Drive B (destination). Be sure to read the
prompts on the screen to determine which diskette
to put in the drive at each point of the copy
process.
For Hardrive:
1. Make a directory called MAPPER off of the root:
MD C:\MAPPER or MD D:\MAPPER
2. Copy the required files to the sub-directory using REQ.BAT:
REQ A: C:\MAPPER
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 4
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
== Software Requirements ==
The following programs must be the MAPPER home directory:
MAPPER.COM - Screen Editor.
MAPPER.DAT - Contains Menus and variable constants for Micro-Mapper.
TBL.MEM - Screen for ASCII character chart.
COLOR2.MEM - Change color screen.
COLOR1.MEM - Configuration change screen.
COLOR3.COM - Micro-Mapper Welcome Screen.
MAPPER.CFG - Holds your custom configuration information.
DANSI.COM - Displays ANSI screens without having the ANSI.sys
device driver loaded.
DWCAT3.COM - Displays screens saved in the WildCat 3 BBS format.
DMEM.COM - Displays screens saved in the Micro-Mapper MEM format.
DASCII.COM - Displays screens saved in ASCII format(no color).
DEF.MNU - Field definition box.
NOTE: DANSI.COM, DWCAT3.COM, DASCII.COM and DMEM.COM may be used as
stand alone screen displaying programs using this format:
DANSI filename.ANS cc,rr
DWCAT3 filename.WC3 cc,rr
DMEM filesname.MEM cc,rr
DASCII filename.ASC cc,rr
The extension must be specified. cc,rr are optional allowing
you to display a saved area. When cc,rr are not present, the
screen is cleared prior to the screen display. If cc,rr are
present, the screen is not cleared and the area is displayed
starting at column cc and row rr. Subsequent lines are started
at column cc. These programs are also used by Micro Mapper to
load a saved area onto the screen. This in effect allows you to
use your hard drive as a scratch pad.
NOTE: When an ASCII area is retrieved, trailing spaces are
not returned to Micro-Mapper by MSDOS. Therefore it is NOT
recommended that screens or screen areas be saved in this
format. Use MEM as a working format instead. I recommend that
the MEM format be used instead of ASCII in all cases. It will
save the color and is the most compact of all methods.
== Configuring Micro-Mapper ==
IF MAPPER.CFG is found, Micro-Mapper will use the values found as the
programs defaults. Here is how the file should look:
7 :'Default Zap Color NOTES:Do NOT change the number of lines.
240 :'Default MSG Color Keep Comments for Future Reference
31 :'Default Window Color
7 :'Default Footer Color
12 :'Default Cursor Info Color
150 :'Default Mouse Delay <<---- Change value up for faster CPU's
7 :'Default Start Up Color or mouse clicks will be too fast.
SMALL.MCS:'Default Block character set file name.
23 :'Default Last ANSI Row Save.
14 :'Default Menu key color.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 5
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
IF MAPPER.CFG is NOT found, the above values will be set as defaults
for the session.
You may edit the MAPPER.CFG file to suit your needs with any ASCII
editor or use the Options function on the Main Menu. It is
recommended that you use the Options function to edit MAPPER.CFG.
WARNING!!!! The configuration routine is real dumb. Change the number
of lines in the MAPPER.CFG file and you won't like the results.
If the mouse buttons are too fast or too sluggish, change the default
mouse button delay(Main Menu option O) until it is acceptable.
== Start-Up ==
To start Micro-Mapper, enter MAP and press ENTER. Note that you may
rename the batch program, MAP.BAT, as desired without affecting its
function.
When Micro-Mapper is started, the current screen is saved in the
"Undo" buffer. To retrieve this screen, press F10 when the welcome
screen is cleared.
Micro-Mapper automatically starts out in TEXT MODE. There are three
modes, TEXT, DRAW, and ERASE. Each of these modes is indicated as T,
D or E on the status line at the bottom of the screen.
== Screen Format ==
Rows 1 through 24 are available for screen painting and only those
lines are saved and loaded into Micro-Mapper.
The 25th screen line is reserved for Micro-Mapper's use. This allows
it to display the following information:
ccc,rr│asc│atr│MR│ff,bb│aaaaaaaaa│mccc,mrr│<<-Message Area->>
^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
| | | | || | | | | +--- Mouse Column in mickeys
| | | | || | | | +------- Mouse Row in mickeys
| | | | || | | +-- ANSI Color Sequence
| | | | || | +- Background Color Number
| | | | || +---- Foreground Color Number
| | | | |+------- Drawing Character
| | | | +-------- Mode (T=Text, D=Draw, M=Map) & current color
| | | +----------- Color at cursor position
| | +--------------- Decimal character code
| +------------------- Cursor Row
+---------------------- Cursor Column
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 6
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
== Undo ==
Micro-Mapper has a six level circular undo buffer. Whenever the ENTER
key is pressed in the Text, Draw or Erase modes or the ESC key is
pressed to call up the Main Menu, the screen is saved. When six
screens have been saved, the first buffer is overlayed when either key
is again pressed.
You may retrieve a prior screen by pressing F10. Each time you press
F10, the prior buffer is restored to the screen. Thus you may peruse
the last six saved screens. The current screen is not saved unless
ENTER was pressed prior to pressing F10.
== Text Mode ==
In text mode, all keyboard characters are accepted. In addition, use
of the number pad(with num lock on) and the alt key will enable you to
enter non-keyboardable characters (127-255), though it is easier to
use the character chart(Main Menu option X).
While in text mode, use the arrow keys or mouse to position the
cursor. Pressing F2 while in this mode, will cause the color under
the cursor to be used for any subsequent typing.
== Main Menu ==
The main menu allows access to all sub menus. To activate the menu
press the ESC key (remember that the current screen is saved).
Pressing the ESC key again will terminate the menu and restore the
screen. Remember that pressing the right mouse button will issue an
ESC for you.
The following describes the commands available under the Main Menu;
* Area - allows you to mark off an area of the screen(may be the whole
screen or just one character) and perform one of several functions
against the area. Press A and you are prompted to position the
cursor to the first corner of the area(usually the upper left).
Press ENTER and you are prompted to move the cursor to the
second/opposing corner(usually the lower right) of the area. Press
ENTER or left mouse button and the Area menu is now displayed.
Under the Area menu you may select;
1 - Draw a single line box.
2 - Draw a double line box.
3 - Draw a box with double line top/bottom and single line
left/right sides.
4 - Draw a box with single line top/bottom and double line
left/right sides.
C - Change the color of the area. Press C and the color chart will
be displayed. Notice that all 256(0-255) color combinations are
displayed. The current color (that is the color at the cursor
position prior to invoking the menu) is displayed toward the
bottom of the screen in brackets []. Pressing the U key will
change the current typing color to this color. If you desire to
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 7
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
use another color, place the cursor over the desired color and
press ENTER or the left mouse button. Any subsequent typing
will now use that color.
F - Find/Change a Color or Character within the area. This menu
offers the following powerful sub-functions:
A - This function allows you to change a color to another color.
This is different from the Color Change option in that only
the specified FROM color is changed. When this function is
selected, a color chart is displayed and you are prompted to
position the cursor over the color that you wish to change
FROM and press ENTER. Now you are asked to position the
cursor over the TO color and again press ENTER. All of the
matching FROM colors in the area are now changed to the TO
color. Note that you may press ESC prior to pressing ENTER
and you will exit the area function.
C - This function allows changing a character to another
character within the area. When selected, an ASCII chart is
displayed and you are prompted to place the cursor over the
FROM character and press ENTER. Next you are asked to place
the cursor over the TO character and again press ENTER. All
characters in the area matching the FROM character are
changed to the TO character. Note that you may press ESC
prior to pressing ENTER and you will exit this function.
D - This function allows finding all occurrences of a color and
changing the character with that color to another character.
When selected, the color chart is displayed and you are
prompted to place the cursor over the color to find and
press ENTER. Next the Character Chart is displayed and you
are prompted to place the cursor over the character to
change to and press ENTER. Pressing ESC at any time will
exit this function.
E - This function allows finding all occurrences of a character
and changing the color of that character within an area.
When selected, the character chart is displayed and you are
prompted to place the cursor over the find character and
press ENTER. The color chart is then displayed and you are
prompted to place the cursor over the color to change to and
press ENTER. Press ESC at any time to exit.
D - Delete the area. Press D and you are prompted to verify the
deletion. Press Y to delete the area, N or ESC to not delete
the area. The area is filled with spaces. The color of the
space is the same as the current screen attribute.
L - Line Color change. This function allows you to change the color
of the semi-graphics characters(lines) within the area. Press L
and the Color Change window pops up. Use this menu the same as
when changing the character colors. Place the cursor over
the desired color and press ENTER. The area is searched for any
character between decimal 179 and 218. If found, the color is
changed to the selected color. Note that if you have block
characters in the defined area and they are made up of
characters between 179 and 218, that the color of those
characters will also change.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 8
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
M - Move the area. After marking the area, press M. You are
prompted to position the cursor to the new upper/left-hand
position of the area. Press enter when you have located the
position and the area is moved to the new location. Note that
the old position is filled with spaces using the current screen
color.
T - Save as ANSI. This function saves the marked area as a ANSI
file (with color) called SA#.ANS.
R - Replicate area. This function allows you to copy a marked area
to another location on the screen. After marking the area,
press ENTER. You are prompted to position the cursor to the
copy location. Press ENTER when positioned and the area is
copied. Note that the attributes of the area are also copied.
S - Save Area. This function allows you to mark an area, and save
it to your current disk as an ASCII file called SA#.ASC. This
allows you to quickly create boxes or windows with text and
include them in your code using your favorite programming
editor.
U - Save area as MEM. The name of the file is SA#.MEM. The area is
saved in a character attribute ... format.
W - Save area as Wild Cat 3 BBS format. The name of the file is
SA#.WC3.
Note: Each area file is saved with its own extension. MEM for
Memory, ASC for ASCII, WC3 for WildCat 3, and ANS for ANSI.
Each area is saved as a unique file name using the # to
make it so. Up 999,999 files for each of the three types
may be saved in any one directory. Each SA file is saved
in the current directory. Each SA file is saved as a
sequential file, each line of which corresponds to a line
on the screen. ANSI SA#.ANS files may be typed to the
screen as well as SA#.ASC files. Don't type SA#.MEM files
to the screen as the results can be most annoying.
Z - Zap One Color. This function allows you to increment(+) or
decrement(-) a specified color in the area. Press ESC to exit
and restore the area to original attributes or press ENTER to
keep changes.
* Block Char. A very handy function that allows you to create large
block letters, useful for titles, etc. Press B, Enter the desired
character (A-Z, 0-9, ?,/,!,:,-) and press enter. You are now asked
to position the cursor to where you want the character printed. The
position is the upper-left hand corner of the block character.
Remember to take this into account when positioning the cursor. If
you change your mind, press ESC before pressing ENTER.
Six block character sets are provided with Micro-Mapper.
BLOCK.MCS - contains the original set of large letters composed of
ASCII character 218.
WIRE.MCS - contains the same character set but is slightly smaller
and is composed of double lines.
LLET.MCS - contains characters the same size as BLOCK.MCS but each
letter is composed of its own letter, i.e. the A
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 9
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
character is composed of capital A's.
SMALL.MCS - Character set made up of lines.
MEDIUM.MCS- Same as SMALL only a little larger.
LARGE.MCS - VERY useful for welcome screens.
You may change from one character set to another by using the Options
function on the Main Menu.
Each character set is an ASCII file that may be edited with your
favorite editor. You may also create and use your own character
sets provided you follow these rules:
1. The entire character set 0-9, A-Z, ?, /, !, :, -, must be
represented or at the very least, a hole left for each
character in the file.
2. The first line MUST contain a two digit number representing
the width of each character, a space and a two digit number
representing number of lines used to form each character.
3. All characters must use the same number of lines or at least
that space reserved for each character is the same number of
lines.
4. Each line must be terminated with a asterisk "*" at width + 1.
If your character set is 4 characters long, the asterisk will
be in the fifth position.
5. The character set file must be a standard ASCII/MS-DOS
sequential file where each line is terminated by a carriage
return and line feed character (CHR$(13) CHR$(10)). Most
editors will put these characters on for you automatically.
6. All the above rules MUST be adhered to or the Mapper will not
read in your characters properly. To get performance in the
character retrieval routines, the sequential file is accessed
randomly, calculating relative starting position of each
character based on the width and length defined in the first
line and a number obtained from a list kept internally
defining the order of the characters. Be sure that your
characters are in the same order as found in the provided
character sets.
Note that you can use Micro-Mapper to create letters out of
graphics characters in the Draw mode. When each letter is
finished, save it as an ASCII area and assemble the areas into a
file using your programming editor. All of the Micro-Mapper's
character sets were created with Micro-Mapper.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 10
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
* Chg Color. When this function is selected, a color chart is
displayed. Place the cursor over the color/number and pressing:
ENTER allows you to start drawing or typing characters using that
color.
A - Alter. This handy function allows you to change the color of
each character on the screen. The characters remain the same,
only the color is changed.
L - Line allows you to change the color of all single and double
lines on the screen. Only the line characters are changed.
ESC - This function allows you to change your mind and restore the
current screen color to its original value.
U - Use. Picks up the color attribute at the current cursor
location and sets the screen attribute to that color.
* Draw allows you to draw single/double line boxes and repeating
characters to accent your screen. After pressing D, use the arrow
keys to draw. Note that if you have a mouse installed, you may use
the mouse to position the cursor WITHOUT drawing. While in the draw
mode, pressing ESC will bring up the draw menu or you may select a
draw function by pressing;
A - use color. Changes drawing color to be same as under cursor.
Position the cursor over the color you wish to use and press A.
Note that this only works with a mouse.
C - Color Change. A color chart will be displayed. Position the
cursor over the desired color and press ENTER. All subsequent
drawing will use that color.
D - Double Line. Press D to toggle to the double line mode.
S - Single Line. Press S to toggle to single line mode.
R - Repeat Char. Press R to enter repeating character mode. An
ASCII character chart is displayed. If this is the fist time,
position the cursor over the desired character and press ENTER.
If a character had already been specified, just press ENTER to
continue to use it.
T - Text. Press T to exit the drawing function and return to Text
mode.
U - Use Character. Changes draw character to one under cursor.
+- Increment/Decrement drawing color by 1.
*/ Increment/Decrement drawing color by 16.
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Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
* Eraser - Allows you to erase the foreground character. Pressing ESC
or M will display the sub-menu for this function though you may just
press the letter of the command desired to save time. Press T to
return to Text Mode.
A - Use the color under the current cursor position when erasing.
B - Changes erase color to black on black.
C - Change the erase color(works the same as draw mode). Press ESC
to not choose a color.
K - Keeps attribute of character when erasing. The erase color will
change as the color of the character being erased changes.
NOTE! often the background color is completely obscured by the
foreground color and character. Sometimes this function will
not return the color you think it should.
T - Return to Text Mode. The current erase color is saved and the
current screen color is returned to its prior value.
-+ Increment/Decrement erase color by 1.
*/ Increment/Decrement erase color by 16.
* Find/Change Color or Character to another color or character. This
is great for "what-If-ing" colors.
A - This function allows you to change a color to another color.
This is different from the Color Change option in that only the
FROM color is changed. When this function is selected, a color
chart is displayed and you are prompted to position the cursor
over the color that you wish to change FROM and press ENTER.
Now you are asked to position the cursor over the TO color and
again press ENTER. All of the matching from colors on the
screen are now changed to the TO color. Note that you may press
ESC prior to pressing ENTER the second time and you will exit
this function.
C - This function allows changing a character to another. When
selected, an ASCII chart is displayed and you are prompted to
place the cursor over the FROM character and press ENTER. Next
you are asked to place the cursor over the TO character and
again press ENTER. All characters on the screen matching the
FROM character are changed to the TO character. Note that you
may press ESC prior to pressing ENTER the second time and you
will exit this function.
D - This function allows finding a specified color on the
screen and changing the character. When selected, the color
chart is displayed and you are prompted to place the cursor over
the color to FIND and press ENTER. Next the Character Chart is
displayed and you are prompted to place the cursor over the
character to change TO and press ENTER. Pressing ESC at any
time will exit this function.
E - This function allows finding a character on the screen and
changing the color. When selected, the character chart is
displayed and you are prompted to place the cursor over the FIND
character and press ENTER. The color chart is then displayed
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 12
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
and you are prompted to place the cursor over the color to
change TO and press ENTER. Press ESC at any time to exit this
function.
* Get Area. This function allows you to get an area that was
previously saved. MEM is the recommend save/get format for an area.
Use of the Get function requires that the DASCII, DANSI, DMEM,
DWCAT3 programs be in the Micro-Mapper directory to be able to load
your saved area. Select G at the Main Menu. You are prompted to
position the cursor to the column and row that you want the area to
start at. Pressing enter will display format selection menu. Press
the letter of your choice or press ESC to return to the screen
editor. Now the file directory is displayed showing all the files
that have the appropriate .ext. Enter the name of the file to get
and press ENTER. The area is now loaded.
* Info. Displays copyright information and author's address.
* Load. Allows you to load a previously saved map or a screen capture
(using CAPTURE.COM supplied with Micro-Mapper), in the current
directory into Micro-Mapper. The following formats are supported:
- ASCII. The ascii format loads a screen of characters. Each line
of the ascii file(every 80 characters) needs to be terminated with
a carriage return/line feed combination. This allows you to save
an entire screen and reload it latter. Remember, the colors are
not loaded, only the characters. File must have a .ASC extension.
- BLoad. This is the format created by BASIC when the BSAVE
command is used to save a screen. File must have a .BSV
extension.
- Com . This format is unique as it allows you to de-compile your
generated screen programs(see SAVE) and load the screen characters
and colors for further modification. File must have a .COM
extension.
- General Ansi. This choice allows you to load an ANSI file without
having an Ansi driver loaded. This is NOT foolproof. There are
MANY combinations of ANSI commands that may be used in an ANSI
file. The only commands recognized are #J, #;#m, and #H. If your
screen is not properly displayed, load your ANSI device driver in
your CONFIG.SYS file, re-boot the computer to install the driver,
and use option A. Save the screen in ANSI or other format. From
that point on, the mapper will be able load the screen properly.
For this function to work properly, Micro-Mapper must be able to
find DANSI.COM(supplied in the MAPPER zip file). Make sure it is
in a directory mentioned in your DOS path. File must have a .ANS
extension.
- Memory. This format loads a map in a character then color format,
often called binary. Screens captured using the supplied
Micro-Mapper TSR, CAPTURE.COM are saved in this format. It is the
most compact format of them all. File must have a .MEM
extension.
- NANSI. Loads an ANSI screen, complete with colors. This function
requires that your ANSI device driver be installed. File must
have a .ANS extension.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 13
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
- USER. Calls a LUSER.EXE, .COM or .BAT to allow your to load
scrrens saved in your format.
- Wild Cat 3 BBS format. Loads the new WC3 format. File must have
a .WC3 extension.
After choosing one of the above formats, the screen will clear and a
list of possible files are displayed. Enter the desired file name
and press enter. Press ESC to return to the text mode screen.
NOTE: If you specify a file that is not loadable by the Mapper, it
will still attempt to load it. This may cause the screen to look
pretty strange. If this occurs, use the NEW function under the Main
Menu to clear the screen and start over.
* Map Field. This function allows you to specify field definitions
for a location on your map. Definition is then saved in a file of
the same name as the map but with a .DEF extension. When at the
Main Menu press M. Micro-Mapper will look in the current directory
to find filespec.DEF where filespec is the name of your map. If
filespec.DEF is NOT found, one is created. If filespec.DEF is
found, all of the defined locations will be marked with a (decimal
16) character in the color defined for the field as well as
displaying a string of underscores _, to represent the length of the
field. If the field is defined as 10 characters, then __________
(10 underscores) will be displayed. When in the Mapping mode,
pressing;
- ENTER - will bring up the field definition box for that screen
location. If the location has already been defined, those values
are displayed on the screen. Note that Micro-Mapper does not care
what is put into each field in the box. No editing is performed.
You may write your own program to use your definitions or as a
registered user you may purchase Micro-Coder or Micro-Run. Note
that entering a number greater than 0 as the subscript will tell
Micro-Mapper and Micro-Coder(a code generator to write
input/output code and available only to registered Micro-Mapper
users) that this field is an array field which will allow
automatic subscript incrementing when replicating a field.
Pressing ESC will exit the field definition box without saving the
field definition to filespec.DEF. Use the up and down arrows to
move from one field to another.
Pressing ENTER on any field in the definition box will cause the
field definitions to be saved to filespec.DEF. Press ESC to
cancel changes to this field/screen location.
- A - Allows you to change the current color to the color under the
cursor.
- C - Brings up the color change screen to allow color selection
from the color chart.
- D - Define field. Brings up the field definition box.
- E - Erase a field. Place the cursor over the field mark to be
deleted and press E.
- M - Move a field. Place the cursor over the field to move and
press M. You are prompted to move the cursor to the new field
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 14
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
location and press ENTER. Pressing ESC will abort the move.
Note: If the position that you are trying to move to already
contains a field mark, the move is aborted. If you still want to
move a field to that position, erase(option E) the field from the
desired position first and then move the new field to that
position.
- R - Replicate Last Field. Use this function to "copy" or
replicate a field definition as another field. This function will
NOT work after you have erased a field or if you have not looked
at the definition (D) of a field or if you try to replicate a
field over one that already exists. To replicate a field for the
first time, place the cursor over the field to replicate and press
ENTER and then Escape(ESC). Now place the cursor at the spot that
you wish to "copy" to and press R. The definition box will pop up
and will contain the same data as defined for the last defined
field. Change the definition as needed and press ENTER. Pressing
ESC will abort the replication process. If the field that you are
replicating is a subscripted field, where subscript is greater
than 0, then the subscript will be incremented automatically for
you. Note that the held definition that is "copied" is that of
the last defined field. In other words, if you define field A and
replicate it as field B then the next replication will use the
definition for B, etc.
- T - Return to Text Mode. When selected, the field marks are
removed and the screen is restored.
- U - Use current color. This option allows you to change the color
of a field. Change the current color using the A, +, /, *, -, or
C options, place the cursor over the field mark and press U. The
field mark will change to its new color and filespec.DEF will be
updated.
+-*/ Change current color(same as draw mode).
* New. Clears the screen and starts the mapper all over. All
characters/colors previously displayed are lost.
* Options Edit. When Micro-Mapper in invoked, it tries to find and
load the contents of MAPPER.CFG. This file contains the
configuration information. Using this function, you may change the
configuration, Reset the configuration back the the original(author
set) values, Get the config file, or Save the current configuration
to be used at next start-up.
When this option is chosen, the mapper looks for the MAP
"COLOR1.COM" and displays it. You will see the familiar color chart
along with instructions and information on the current settings.
- A - Allows you to specify the name of the large character to be
used when the block character function is selected. Six files are
provided: BLOCK.MCS, WIRE.MCS, SMALL.MCS, MEDIUM.MCS, LARGE.MCS
and LLET.MCS. You may also specify your own. Please read the
Block character main menu option for information on creating your
own block character set.
- B - This option allows you to specify the mouse button delay
value. On my computer 150 seems to work fine.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 15
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
- C - Allows you to specify color in which the cursor and mouse
information is displayed. Place the cursor over the desired
color/number on the color chart and press C. You should see the
change immediately.
- E - Changes the color of the Message. Position the cursor over
the desired color/number and press E.
- F - Changes the color of the FOOTER line. Place the cursor over
the color/number and press F.
- G - Get the contents of the MAPPER.CFG file.
- K - Saves the current definitions the MAPPER.CFG file.
- M - Changes the color of the pop-up menus. Place the cursor over
the desired color/number on the color chart and press M.
- R - Resets the definitions to those originally specified by the
author.
- S - Changes the Start Up screen color. Position the cursor over
the desired color/number and press S.
- Z - Changes the Zap Screen color. Place the cursor over the
color/number and press Z.
- ESC - Press ESC or the left mouse button to exit the editor. Note
that any changes made are not saved to the MAPPER.CFG file but are
used for the rest of the session. NOTE: If the configuration
screen just displays the numbers, it is because the mapper could
not find COLOR1.MEM which is the screen for the configuration
editor. Make sure that all of the needed files are in a directory
mentioned in your DOS PATH.
* Print. Prints Screen to Printer.
* Quit. This function terminates Micro-Mapper. It does NOT save your
work. Be sure to save your work prior to leaving the mapper.
* Save. This function allows you to save your map in, in the current
directory, one of the following formats;
- ASCII. Saving your map in this format saves just the characters
and lines. The colors are not saved. The map is saved in 80
character lines with each line terminated in the MSDOS standard of
a carriage return and line feed combination. A map saved in this
format is easily loaded into your favorite programming editor for
inclusion into your source code.
- BSave. This format saves the screen in a GWBASIC/ZBASIC
compatible BSAVE/BLOAD format.
- Com. This format is special in that it creates a .COM program
that can display your map very quickly on even the slowest
computers. Both the characters and colors are displayed, just as
you painted them. There are two execution formats for the
stand-alone map;
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 16
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
Mapname - This causes your generated map to be displayed until a
key is pressed. At which time, the screen is cleared and
control is returned to DOS or the controlling program. Works ok
for quick and dirty slide shows.
Mapname /F - This displays your generated map and immediately
returns control to calling program or DOS level without clearing
the screen. This allows you to display a map from within your
program via the DOS SHELL command common to most MSDOS supported
languages. Imagine, no more coding to display a screen. Just
paint it with Micro-Mapper and have your program display it.
Example: in your program, the command SHELL "MAPNAME/F" would
execute the generated map MAPNAME and return control to your
program. For dBASE use: RUN MAPNAME.COM /F
- Memory. This format saves your map in a character and then color
format. Such a map could subsequently be loaded into your source
code as data statements and displayed via a reading loop. The
total size of the file is 3840 characters, 1920 characters and
1920 attributes. Note this format is sometimes referred to as a
Binary format as it is a direct dump of video memory to disk.
Each byte is an integer.
- NANSI. Saves the screen as an ANSI screen. This does NOT require
that your ANSI device driver be installed(applies to save only).
IF your ANSI driver is installed, use the TYPE command to view the
map. Screens saved in this format may be loaded using option G on
the load menu - without having an ANSI.SYS device driver loaded in
CONFIG.SYS.
- User. This will call a .COM, .EXE, or .BAT program by the name of
SUSER. This allows your to paint your screen with micro mapper
and then save it using your own custom format, such as ISPF.
- Wild Cat 3 BBS format.
* User. Allows you to call a program(BAT, EXE or COM) that you have
written. Such a function could be used to display a ANSI screen,
and then call a routine that you have written that would then read
the screen and develop a screen displayable in a format peculiar to
your application. Remember, most batch programs write to the
screen. If you desire to use a batch program to issue various
commands without clearing the screen, it is recommended that you
compile the BAT file using one of the sharware batch compilers
available on most boards. This will prevent the commands from being
displayed and also prevent user tampering should you decide to
distribute the batch file.
* Window. This function allows you to open a window to DOS. Note that
enough memory must be available or the results will be
unpredictable. Most of the time the function will refuse to
operate. If you have a 384k or larger memory and the Micro-Mapper
is at the 1st level, there will be enough memory. If you have
called Micro-Mapper from within your programming editor, there may
not be enough memory. Be careful! Experiment before putting any
work to risk. At least 17k of free memory is need to open a window
to DOS. ALWAYS save your screen before using this function.
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 17
Copyright 1990 by Mark McDonald - All Rights Reserved
* XChart. This function is available to assist with entering
non-keyable characters. When this function is selected, a ASCII
chart containing all 256 character is displayed. Place the cursor
over the desired character, press ENTER and the character is placed
on the screen. You may also use the ALT NUM to enter such
characters.
* Zap. This command allows you to replace the current contents of the
screen with a text pattern. Select Z from the main menu and the
ASCII chart is displayed. Position the cursor over the desired
character and press ENTER. The screen will be cleared and all
positions will contain the zap character.
== Map Field Definition Record format ==
The filespec.DEF file created/updated by the Map Field function is an
ordinary ASCII(sequential) file, each record terminated with a
carriage-return and line-feed combination.
Columns - Purpose
-------- -------
1 - 6 Cursor Column,Row
7 - 15 Mouse Column,Row
16 - 18 Decimal Color Attribute Number
19 - 23 Foreground, Background Color Numbers
24 - 32 ANSI Color Attribute Numbers
33 - 62 Field Variable Name
63 - 65 Length of Field
66 - 69 Array Subscript Value
70 - 70 Protected Field Flag
71 - 71 Skip Field Flag
72 - 72 Justify Field Flag
73 - 73 Padding Character
74 - 74 Trim Spaces Flag
75 - 75 Return Case Flag
76 - 76 Entry Required Flag
77 - 150 Field Picture
151 - 224 Field Edit Message
225 - 298 Field Error Message
299 - 312 Field Edit File Name
313 - 326 Field Code File Name
327 - 340 Inclusion File Name
341 - 354 Exclusion File Name
355 - 355 Carriage Return (Decimal 13, Hex 0D)
356 - 356 Line Feed (Decimal 10, Hex 0A)
Micro-Mapper v3.6 Page 18
