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----------------------------------
LxProj
Projection Calculator
Version 1.40
----------------------------------
Copyright (c) 1990-91 Helix Software. All Rights Reserved.
Steven Hawkins - Helix Software
279 Sherbourne Street - Apt.No.5 - Toronto, Ontario - M5A 2R9
(416) 929-3807
Page 2
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
WITH THE USE OF THIS PROGRAM, THE USER ACKNOWLEDGES THIS DISCLAIMER
OF WARRANTY : 'THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPLIED AS IS. HELIX SOFTWARE
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS OF THIS
PROGRAM FOR ANY PURPOSE. HELIX SOFTWARE WILL ASSUME NO LIABILITY
FOR DAMAGES DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE USE
OF THIS PROGRAM. ANY LIABILITY OF HELIX SOFTWARE WILL BE LIMITED
EXCLUSIVELY TO EITHER PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR THE REFUND OF THE
PURCHASE PRICE.'
PURCHASE AND LICENSE INFORMATION
This program is NOT public domain but is being distributed via the
"Shareware" concept. The program may be freely distributed but it
cannot under any circumstances be sold by anyone except the author.
You may distribute the program to others provided that it has not
been modified in any way, and that all supplied documentation and
support files remain intact.
Feel free to try out the program for 30 days to see if it meets
your needs. If you continue to use the program after the trial
period then please register by sending $35.00 as a single copy
license fee along with the registration form at the end of this
document to:
Helix Software
279 Sherbourne Street - Apt.No.5 - Toronto, Ontario - M5A 2R9
A single copy license fee entitles you to execute the program on
only one machine at a time. You may move the program from one
machine to another, store the program on several machines or store
the program on a network fileserver as long as the program is only
executed on one computer at a time.
When you register, you will receive much more extensive, printed
documentation, a copy of the latest version without the Shareware
reminder screen, notification of and a discount on any future
updates, and unlimited tech support.
Volume discounts, site licenses, LAN licenses etc. are available
under very reasonable terms. Please send any reports of bugs or
requests for multiple copy licensing to the above address.
Page 3
COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION
Shareware distributors or bulletin board operators may distribute
the program only under the following conditions :
- LxProj must be distributed as a complete system with all original
files included.
- LxProj and its accompanying files may not be modified in any way.
- No form of documentation may be added to the system.
- No other software may be included on the diskette (or in the .ARC
or .ZIP file in the case of a bulletin board posting)
- No purchase fee may be charged, a nominal handling and shipping
fee of $10 or less is allowed.
SHAREWARE
"Shareware" is a term used to describe a system for distribution of
software. Under the shareware concept, software may be freely
copied and passed along to others, or distributed through bulletin
board systems, etc.
As a recipient of a shareware program, you may use the software for
a short trial period to determine if it meets your needs. If it
does, you pay the registration fee. By paying the fee, you are
granted the right to retain the software for your use. If the
software is not suitable, then you may discard it.
The shareware system provides substantial benefits.
1) You get to try out the software before you buy it so you know
exactly what you're buying.
2) Shareware is substantially less expensive than most commercial
programs. You don't pay for costly marketing programs and fancy
packaging.
3) You get access to a much broader base of available programs.
Thousands of excellent programs have been written by expert
programmers who would never consider marketing commercially.
Through the concept of shareware, these people make their
programs available to the community. Usually, all they ask in
return is a small fee to reward them for the time and effort
they have put into the program.
The system is based entirely on the honor system, and generally
works quite well. (Most people are honest and wouldn't violate the
trust placed in them by the author of the software.) Shareware is
NOT free software - the author counts on your integrity. Please
register using the form the end of this manual.
You are encouraged to copy this software and pass it along to others
who may be interested in using it.
Page 4
== Contents ========================================================
LxProj : Introduction 5
: Installation & Files 6
: Starting LxProj 6
: Exiting LxProj 6
Calc Mode : Overview 7
: Operation 7
: Input Values 8
: Output Values 9
Functions : Reset 12
: Lens Train 12
: Projectors 12
: Map 13
: Swap 14
: Print Data 14
: Solve 15
: Fast Exit 15
: Screen Blank 15
: Restore 15
Units : Overview 16
: Set Units 16
: Conversion 17
Command Summary 18
Setup Mode : Overview 19
: Colour Options 19
: Save Option 19
: Printer Port Selection 20
: Command Line Options 20
Help : Getting Help 21
: On-Line Help 21
: Tech Support 21
Revision History 22
Technical Notes etc. 23
Other Products 24
Registration 26
Page 5
== LxProj : Introduction ===========================================
LxProj is designed to solve those tedious projection calculations
which, given the various calculators that I have seen, usually
involve a great many unit conversions, and are therefore a royal
pain to put it politely. The program is written with a stage
lighting designer in mind, but should be most useful to anyone
working in an AV house or photographic studio etc.
In LxProj, a unit of measurement can be assigned to each related
value generated by the package or entered by the user. For example,
all distances can be expressed in feet, all focal lengths in
centimeters and all slide dimensions in millimeters. Any required
conversions are done by the program automatically. LxProj supports
both slide or image dimensions and will solve for each value
simultaneously. You can enter horizontal and vertical projection
angles and accurately determine the effect and dimensions of the
resulting keystoning.
The program functions much like a spreadsheet in that data is
entered into cells, and recalculations are automatic. The generated
values are always an accurate reflection of the variables you have
entered. In addition, LxProj can be appropriately configured for a
particular type of projector merely by selecting that projector from
a presented list of choices. The program is very small, very fast,
and quite simple to use. You can be up and running in five minutes
tops! Please take the time to at least peruse this documentation
before plunging in. If you need it, LxProj contains an On-Line Help
system that displays a condensed version of this Manual.
This version of LxProj has been released under the Shareware
concept. It is the complete package, and has not been crippled or
limited in any way.
If by any chance you are wondering about the name of this program,
it is the third application I have designed and written primarily
for a stage lighting designer. The first is called LxData, a
commercial application designed to manage lighting paperwork, and
the second LxPlot, a cross section solver for plotting lighting
instruments. Just keeping it in the family !!
Page 6
-- Installation & Files --------------------------------------------
LxProj is a very small application that requires no installation at
all, merely copy your master disk to a working diskette or to
your hard disk. Please do NOT work with a master diskette, copy it
and then file it away for safety. For a full list of the files that
make up this package, please view the VENDOR.DOC file. The basic
package consists of only two files, they are :
PRJ.EXE
PRJ.HLP
The PRJ.EXE file can run on any IBM compatible XT or AT or greater
system with at least 90K of free memory. When the program is first
run, it determines your video setup and sets its colour defaults
accordingly. This information, along with any other values changed
in Setup, are then written to a file called PRJ.CNF on exit. The
next time you start LxProj, your new colours and switches are loaded
by the program automatically .
An additional file called README.DOC may exist on your disk that
contains any update information not included in this documentation.
If it exists, please read it first by entering the following command
at the DOS prompt and pressing Enter, or by using a browse utility
such as LIST.
TYPE README.DOC
Also, if you are tight on disk space and feeling cocky about your
knowledge of the program, the PRJ.HLP file can be dumped. If for
any reason the PRJ.CNF file gets trashed, LxProj will automatically
create one for you on exit from the program.
-- Starting LxProj -------------------------------------------------
To start LxProj, merely type 'PRJ', without the quotes, at the DOS
prompt and press the Enter key. The screen will clear and a title
block will briefly appear in the centre of your display. LxProj
will then display the main program block, which is described in the
next section of this Guide.
As you will see, LxProj is broken down into three principal parts,
Calc, Units and Setup. Each mode will be discussed in turn in the
remaining sections of this manual.
-- Exiting LxProj --------------------------------------------------
To exit the program, just press the F10 or Escape key from the main
screen (Calc Mode). A message confirming the Exit will appear along
with a Yes/No prompt. If you wish to exit press the "Y" key, or
press any other key to cancel the Exit command. An alternative to
F10 or Escape is to use the Fast Exit command (Alt F10) described
below under Functions.
Page 7
== Calc : Overview =================================================
Calc Mode (startup default) solves all of the required projections
values. Similar to a spreadsheet program, one can enter known
values to automatically calculate the unknowns. When LxProj starts,
the screen is divided into two distinct sections, the Input Window
on the top, and the Output Window on the bottom.
Along the very top of your display you will see a reverse video
status line containing the current function, the present status
of the Conversion function, and any error messages in the upper
right corner. Along the bottom of your display you will find very
brief descriptions of the function keys. The block separating the
Input and Output windows is used for messages or to display the
currently assigned units.
The Input Window is composed of cells, or fields of data, and one
can move from cell to cell in much the same way as a spreadsheet.
The Up and Down Arrow keys or the Enter key move you from cell to
cell, the Home key moves you to the first (upper left), and the End
key moves you to the last (lower right). In addition, the Tab key
will always move the cursor to the field immediately above or below
the present field position. Current values are always displayed
until you start to enter a new number, at which time the cell will
clear for entry and editing. Pressing either Enter or the Up or
Down Arrow key accepts the new value and moves you to the next cell.
To clear the current cell, just press the Spacebar.
The Output Window mirrors any entered values and presents as
complete a solution as possible given your entries in the Input
Window.
-- Calc : Operation ------------------------------------------------
Calc Mode basically works with the relationship of four types of
values; any three value types solves the fourth. These four value
types are:
Optical Centre Image Size (H) Slide Size (H)
or Distance
Focal Length Image Size (W) Slide Size (W)
To start a solution, enter any three of these four value types to
solve the fourth. The entered values and any solved variables will
then be displayed in the Output Window. Should you wish, you can
enter values for the second slide or image dimension (Width) at the
same time. You do not have to restrict both dimensions to the same
item; you can mix up Image and Slide entries. To access the Optical
Centre field, press the Shift Tab key. If you try to enter both a
Focal Length and an Optical Centre value, an error message will
appear on the top status line. Just clear one of them by pressing
the Spacebar in the appropriate field, to continue.
Page 8
The Output Window is divided into three main groups of variables.
The upper group :
Focal Dist. Img.H Sld.H
Opt.C. Magn. Img.W Sld.W
reflects a solution based on the four main Input variable types just
discussed above, and assumes that the projector is always placed
vertically and horizontally perpendicular to the projection surface.
The second group :
Ang.V BmA.V
------------------------------------
Height T.Wid.
Depth B.Wid.
reflects a solution using the same four variable types and the
contents of the Ang.V (Vertical Angle) field.
The third group :
Ang.H BmA.H
------------------------------------
Left L.Hgt.
Right R.Hgt.
reflects a solution using the same four variable types and the
contents of the Ang.H (Horizontal Angle) field. Please see the
Angle item in the next section for more information.
When you have finished with a solution, you can either press F2 to
clear both Windows, enter new values on top of the old, or press F10
or Escape to exit the program.
-- Calc : Input Values ---------------------------------------------
Focal Length : Focal Length of the projector lens ie. the distance
from the Optical Centre of the lens to its point of
principal focus.
Distance : Distance from the projector to the projection
surface.
Image Size : Size of the projected Image in two dimensions,
width and height
Slide Size : Size of the Slide in two dimensions, width and
height.
Page 9
Optical Cen. : Distance from the Optical Centre of a lens to the
Slide plane. The Optical Centre is a point,
usually within the glass of the lens, which
geometrically determines the beginning of a lens
bending effect.
Vertical : Vertical Angle off of perpendicular at which the
Angle projector sits relative to the projection
surface, the default being perpendicular (90
degrees). If the projector is tipped down, the
Angle is less than 90 degrees, if tipped up, the
Angle is greater. If you enter a value greater
than 180 degrees, then an Error message will appear
along with a short beep. You must either correct
or erase the value before LxProj will allow you to
move to another field.
Section : Top |
| +
|
-+--------- 90
|
| -
Bottom |
Horizontal : Horizontal Angle off of perpendicular at which
Angle projector sits relative to the projection
surface, the default being perpendicular (90
degrees). If the projector is swung to the Right,
the Angle is less than 90 degrees, if swung to the
Left, the Angle is greater. If you enter a value
greater than 180 degrees, then an Error message
will appear along with a short beep. You must
either correct or erase the value before LxProj
will allow you to move to another field.
Plan : 90
|
+ | -
|
Left ----------+---------- Right
Input values may be entered with up to eight decimal places.
Although the Output Window rounds them to two places, they are used
internally by the program as entered.
-- Calc : Output Values --------------------------------------------
Magnification : A Magnification factor is included here for use
with any additional calculations you may need to
make. In many publications, particularly those
distributed by Kodak, this factor is a key element
in their printed formulas, and can help you avoid
some extra calculations.
Page 10
Left Group :
Beam Angle V. : Vertical Angle of the projected beam in degrees.
Height : Distance from the centre of the projected image to
the top of the image, along the centre axis.
Depth : Distance from the centre of the projected image to
the bottom of the image, along the centre axis. At
a 90 degree Vertical Angle, the Depth will be the
same as the Height.
Top Width : Width of the Image along the top of the projection.
Bot.Width : Width of the Image along the bottom of the
projection. At a 90 degree Vertical Angle, the
Bot.Width will be the same as the Top Width.
Right Group :
Beam Angle H. : Horizontal Angle of the projected beam in degrees.
Left : Distance from the centre of the projected image to
the left side of the image, along the centre axis.
Right : Distance from the centre of the projected image to
the Right side of the image, along the centre axis.
At a 90 degree Horizontal Angle, Left will be the
same as Right.
Left Height : Full height of the Image along the Left side.
Right Height : Full height of the Image along the Right side. At
a 90 degree Horizontal Angle, the Left Height will
be the same as the Right Height.
The following chart will help illustrate these dimensions :
Top Width
+---------------|---------------+
| | |
| Height |
Left | | | Right
Height -|---- Left -----+---- Right ----|- Height
| | |
| Depth |
| | |
+---------------|---------------+
Bottom Width
Please be aware that the Vertical and Horizontal Angles are very
tightly integrated and that changing one of them will affect values
displayed in the other Angle group (Left or Right). The grouping
merely keeps the most pertinent values affected by a specific Angle
change together.
Page 11
If the Input information is insufficient to solve a particular
equation, then the affected Output field will remain blank, as will
any other equations that use that solved value. LxProj will do its
best to reconcile the missing values and present as complete a
solution as possible, but it can't read your mind!
Negative Distance or Dimension values usually indicate that either
the Angles of the projector are too severe to be relevant, or the
Unit assigned to Distance values bears no relation to the entered
value, for example an entry of 20 feet with an assigned Unit of
millimeters. Please see the section on Units for more details. If
this happens, the lower groups of variables (Angles) may be blank,
because the program does not solve with negative input or solved
values. Also, if the entered Angles are too severe, a beep will
sound and the message "Range" will appear in the upper right corner
of the status line to indicate a "Range Error". Modifying the
appropriate Angle will remove the message.
Output values are solved internally with an accuracy of eight
digits. If a solved variable exceeds the numeric format of LxProj
(five digits to the left and two decimal places), it will be
displayed in exponential format.
Page 12
== Functions =======================================================
-- Func : Reset (F2) -----------------------------------------------
The Reset command clears all entered and solved variables and allows
you to start with a clean slate. Both the Input and Output Windows
are also cleared. Even though you are prompted to confirm the
Reset, please be careful.
-- Func : Lens Train (F3) ------------------------------------------
If you cannot obtain a lens of the desired Focal Length, and you
have to make one up by combining two other lenses, the Lens Train
function will tell you how far apart these lens have to be in order
to achieve the desired Focal Length.
When you press F3, the cursor will hop to the Foc.A field in the top
block of the display. Enter the focal length of the first lens and
then press Enter to move to the next field. Enter the second focal
length and press Enter or the Down Arrow key to move out of the
Foc.B field. The distance required between the two lenses will
appear in the 'Len D' block in the upper right corner.
In order for this function to work, a Focal Length must be either
entered or solved by LxProj. Also, the Lens Train function requires
that entries be in Focal Length Units, should the Conversion feature
be switched on. The generated 'Len D' value will also be in the same
Units. To return to the Input Window, press the F10 key.
-- Func : Projectors (F4) ------------------------------------------
For convenience, LxProj can set itself up for a particular type of
slide projector. The principal elements affected when loading a
projector type are the specific dimensions of the Slide and the
Focal Length and Slide Size Units. To load a projector, just press
the F4 key.
The centre block will then present a list of choices, with each
containing a highlighted letter.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Proj. : Kodak Pani Reiche 13cm - Vogel 18cm Strand 252 RDS |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Just press the letter key of the appropriate choice, and LxProj will
automatically load both Slide dimensions and set the Focal Length
and Slide Units to their appropriate values. The Conversion
function will be switched On if currently Off, and the new Units
will be displayed in the centre block. The Distance Unit is never
modified, as it is usually set according to personal taste. Please
Page 13
see the section on Units for more details. LxProj will then
recalculate all variables to reflect the changes made. If you do
not wish to select a projector, just press the Spacebar or F10 to
return to the normal display.
Once loaded, you can continue to enter new variables etc. Please be
careful with the Reset function, as it will erase the new Slide
values. It is usually better to just enter new values where needed,
and erase old ones by pressing the Spacebar in the appropriate
field. If you wish to use LxProj with the same projector setup
every time, I suggest that you set the Save Input Data switch On, as
this will preserve the Slide values from session to session. The new
Units are automatically saved regardless of this switch.
Most of the choices in the projector list should be quite clear,
with one possible exception. The Reiche & Vogel projectors use two
different slide sizes, 13 and 18 centimeters. The 13 cm. choice
uses the R letter key and the 18 cm. the V key. These two choices
are not for projectors made by different manufacturers.
-- Func : Map Angle Dimensions (F7) --------------------------------
For those of you to whom a picture is worth a thousand words (or
numbers), you can display the associated Vertical and Horizontal
Angle dimensions in a more graphic form. When you press the F7 key
from within Calc Mode, the Output Window clears and presents a
screen resembling this one on the next page.
11.56
Ang.V 75.00 +-------------------------------+
| | |
BmA.V 36.80 | 9.67 |
| | |
------------ 25.00 |--- 7.27 -----+---- 8.58 ----| 27.00
| | |
Ang.H 85.00 | 11.78 |
| | |
BmA.H 29.56 +-------------------------------+
15.39
I am sure you can recognize it a visual representation of the values
from the lower Left and Right Angle groups. The variables are
mapped out for you as in a previous illustration. This display is
Not a graphic representation of the specific shape created at
varying Vertical and Horizontal Angles, but a simple picture to more
clearly show the meaning of the solved numbers.
If a complete solution is not displayed in the Output Window when
you press F7, then a message "Insufficient Data to Map!" will be
briefly displayed in the centre block, cancelling the Map function.
Pressing any key will restore the previous display immediately,
rather than timing out.
Page 14
If the Vertical and Horizontal Angles are not equal to 90 degrees,
the Map displays additional information in the form of two specific
angles (a) and (b) that are required in order to draft an Image. The
placement of these angles is shown within the Map block, and their
values are displayed to the left, as illustrated below. For more
information on using these angles, please consult the Users Guide.
+-----------------------------
a 93.24 | | a
| 9.67
| b |
25.00 |--- 7.27 -----+---- 8.58 --
| |
b 82.56 | 11.78
| |
To restore the previous display, just press any key. Please be
careful if you use the Spacebar to exit the Map function. If you
accidentally tap it twice, you can erase the contents of the Focal
Length field.
-- Func : Swap (F8) ------------------------------------------------
The Swap function swaps the contents of the Slide and Image Height
cells with those for Width. In LxProj, the Image and Slide Height
fields take precedence over the Width cells. Focal Length and
Distance calculations can be solved using the Width fields if and
only if both Height cells are blank. If you then enter a Height
value, LxProj will attempt to find a solution. To solve based on
the Width fields regardless of the Height values, just press the F8
key.
This function is also very handy when using the Projector function,
should you need to rotate the slide from its default orientation.
-- Func : Print Data (F9) ------------------------------------------
The Print Data function creates a one sheet report of the current
Input and Output variables, along with a copy of the Map output.
This can be very handy if you wish to take the information away
to cut slide masks etc..
When you press F9 you are prompted to choose the paper size format,
either Condensed or Normal. The Condensed option prints the report
in condensed type with a page layout of 5.5 x 8.5 inches. This
format is a standard three ring notebook size. The Normal option
prints to a regular 8.5 x 11 inch sheet. Please make sure that your
printer is connected and on-line before you select an option. Also,
the print routine does not send a form-feed prior to printing, so
make sure you are at the top-of-form.
Page 15
If you change your mind about printing, just press F10 or Escape to
return to the main screen. If you select an option and your printer
is not ready, then a message will appear to that effect. Just turn
your printer on, or on-line, and press any key to continue.
The printout is arranged much like the various screen elements in
LxProj, the Input Window is duplicated at the top of the report,
followed by the contents of the Output Window. At the bottom you
will find a mock up of the Map display. The rules regarding the
display of angles (a) and (b) is the same on the report, if the
either the Vertical or Horizontal Angle is 90 degrees, then the two
angles will not be displayed. Once a report has been sent to the
printer, you will be returned to the main screen.
-- Func : Solve (Alt F9) ------------------------------------------
If for some reason you are unsure of the solution displayed in the
Output Window, you can force LxProj to recalculate by pressing Alt
F9. Because the program recalculates automatically, this function
should be seldom, if at all, needed.
-- Func : Fast Exit (Alt F10) --------------------------------------
The normal way to exit LxProj is to press either the F10 or Escape
key. The centre block presents a prompt asking you to confirm the
exit to DOS by hitting 'Y'. If you wish to bypass this prompt
entirely, use the Alt F10 key combination, which will write your
data to disk if the Save Input Data switch is on, and exit directly
to DOS.
-- Func : Screen Blanking (Alt B) ----------------------------------
In addition to the commands discussed above, LxProj contains a
function to blank the screen from within the program. This can be
most useful if you wish to leave the program running while you do
other things, and not have the image burn into your monitor. To
blank the display, just press the Alt B key combination. All but
the top status line of your screen will clear and a short message
will be displayed. Press any key to restore the previous display.
-- Func : Restore Last Value (Alt R) -------------------------------
Should you enter a new value in any field and then change your mind,
you can easily recover the original by pressing the Alt R key
combination. This function will automatically advance you to the
next field, and will only work within the current field. As soon as
you move to the next field the original value is lost.
Page 16
== Units : Overview ================================================
As was previously mentioned, a unit of measurement can be assigned
to each related value generated by the package or entered by the
user. For example, all distances can be expressed in feet, focal
lengths in centimeters, and all slide dimensions in millimeters. Any
conversions that are required for a solution are done by the program
automatically.
The Conversion function can be toggled On or Off as you please. If
Off, all inputs are expected to be in the Same units of measurement,
if On, the entered Units take effect in all calculations and
displays. If you toggle the Conversion function when a complete
solution is displayed, LxProj will solve again to reflect the new
status of the variables.
All assigned Units are automatically saved to disk on exit and
reloaded on entry to LxProj. The status of the conversion function
is also retained by the program.
-- Units : Set Units (F5) ------------------------------------------
Units apply to three main groups of data, Focal Lengths, Distances
or Dimensions, and Slide Sizes. From my experience, these three
groups are the most distinct and require separate conversion.
To assign Units to any of these three groups, just press the F5 key.
The centre block will display each group name and the unit currently
assigned. The first Unit (Focal Lengths) will be displayed in
reverse video. To change the Unit, just press the Up or Down Arrow
key to move through the available options. These options are Inches
(in), Millimeters (mm), Centimeters (cm), Feet (ft), or Meters (m.).
When the desired Unit is displayed, either press F10 to exit the
function, or the Left or Right Arrow key to move to the next group.
When the Units are set, pressing the F10 key will return you to the
normal display. If the Conversion function is switched On, the new
values will be displayed in the centre block. If the Units are
changed when the Conversion function is active, then all values will
be recalculated when you exit by pressing F10. If the Conversion
function is Off, then the new values will be retained by LxProj for
future use.
Internally, LxProj converts all values to Inches before solving;
therefore it is useless to set All Units to Inches. This would be
the same thing as toggling the Conversion feature Off. By default,
the standard Units are Focal Lengths in Inches, Distance and
Dimensions in Feet, and Slide Sizes in Inches.
Page 17
-- Units : Conversion (F6) -----------------------------------------
To activate any entered units, just press the F6 key. The indicator
on the top line of your display will show the current status of the
function. When activated, all inputs Must be in the appropriate
units, as displayed in the centre block.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Units : -- in -- ---------- ft ----------- -- in -- |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
The F6 key acts as a toggle to turn the Conversion function On or
Off. By default, the Conversion function is turned Off. Whenever
the F6 key is pressed, all values in the Output Window will be
recalculated to reflect the current status of the Conversion
function.
Page 18
== Command Summary =================================================
Function Keys :
Key Label Function
--- ----- -------------------------------------
F1 - Hlp - Help System
F2 - Rst - Reset System
F3 - Len - Enter Lens Train values
F4 - Prj - Select Projector values
F5 - Unt - Modify current Units
F6 - Cnv - Toggle Conversion function On or Off
F7 - Map - Show Angle dimensions in Graphic form
F8 - Swp - Swap Height and Width Fields
F9 - Prn - Print current data
F10 - Exit - Exit program or current function
Alt F9 - - Recalculate variables
Alt F10 - - Fast Exit to DOS
Command Keys :
Escape - Same as F10
Alt B - Blank screen display
Alt R - Return contents of current field to
its original value.
Alt S - Enter Setup facility
Edit & Movement Keys :
Up Arrow - Move to Previous cell
Down Arrow / Enter - Move to Next cell
Left Arrow - Move to Previous digit
Right Arrow - Move to Next digit
Tab - Move to cell immediately above or
below current cell.
Spacebar - Clear current cell
Shift Tab - Access the Optical Centre field
Page 19
== Setup : Overview ================================================
The Setup section of LxProj allows you to configure the main display
colours to your liking and to control the operation of some of the
programs functions. Setup is entered with the Alt S key combination
from within Calc Mode. When called, the screen will clear except
for the status line and you will be presented with a list of
changeable values on the left and a box of colour values on the
right.
Also, in the upper right corner you will see an indicator showing
the amount of memory currently available on your system, and along
the bottom, a display of available command keys. Each item on the
left can be accessed by repeatedly pressing the Enter key until you
get to the one you want. Pressing the Escape key exits Setup.
-- Setup : Colour Options ------------------------------------------
In LxProj, each colour value is a single number containing both the
background and foreground attributes. Whenever you have selected
one of the colour choices listed below, the present value will be
highlighted in the colour box on the right. Moving about in the
colour box with the Arrow keys etc. selects the desired colour,
which is then assigned when you press Enter.
General Colour : Normal background and foreground colour
combination used by LxProj.
Highlight Colour : Colour value assigned to any solved values, or
input not currently being edited.
Edit Colour : Colour value assigned to any value currently
being edited.
Header Colour : Colour of the top Status line. Usually reverse
video.
Command Key Colour : Colour of the Keys displayed on the command
line at the bottom of your screen and any on
screen prompts.
-- Setup : Save Option ---------------------------------------------
Save Input Data : When On (Yes), any values currently displayed
in the Input Window will be retained on exit
and reloaded when you return to LxProj. If No
(Off), the Input Window will be clear except
for the Angle value which will be set to the
default 90 degrees. To toggle the status of
this switch, just press the Spacebar.
Default = No
Page 20
-- Setup : Lpt Port ------------------------------------------------
Lpt Port : This switch allows you to direct any printouts
to the printer port of your choice. Sucessive
presses of the Spacebar will increment the
value up to 3 and then back to 1. Just press
Enter when you've hit the port number you
require.
Default = LPT 1
-- Setup : Command Line Options -------------------------------------
You can, in addition to the Setup Options just discussed, direct
some of LxProj's actions from the DOS command line. These choices
are entered as parameters after the 'PRJ' program name, and are
separated by either a forward slash (/) or a minus sign (Unix
style). You do not need to enter spaces between parameters, but the
separator is essential. Parameters are case insensitive.
Please note that the status of these switches, with the exception of
the /b switch, is not preserved by LxProj when you exit the program.
They must be added to the command line when you run LxProj. If you
consistantly use them, then write a simple batch file to load LxProj
with the appropriate parameters.
/b : This switch forces LxProj to load its default monochrome
colour values, regardless of the type of monitor in use.
This can be most useful if you are using a two colour monitor
with a CGA or EGA card. The multiple colour defaults may
result in a display that is somewhat difficult to read. This
switch need only be used once as any assigned colour values
are automatically saved to the configuration file on exit.
/c : This switch overrides the status of the Save User Data option
if on, forcing LxProj to come up with blank fields and not
load any saved data. It will Not turn the Save User Data
option off. It can come in handy when you know you want to
dump the last set of variables and start fresh.
/s : This switch activates a display of the current status of both
the Capslock and Numlock keys. Two indicators will appear in
the lower right corner of your screen.
NB. This function is included as a command line switch only,
due to a potential problem with some system setups. If
you have a memory resident program loaded that traps the
keyboard interrupt, it may clash with the /s option and
lock up your system. I know that having Sidekick loaded
memory resident will do this for sure ! I suggest that
you run LxProj with the /s switch from a scratch copy on
a diskette to make sure that it functions properly before
using the option regularly.
/? /h Either the /? or /h switch will display a brief list of the
command line switches and not run LxProj.
Page 21
== Getting Help ====================================================
There are basically two ways to get Help if you have questions about
using LxProj, or are having any technical problems. First and
foremost is an integrated On-Line Help system that contains a more
concise version of this manual. This facility is a simple file
viewer that allows you to browse the Help file. Secondly, you can
call me at the number found below.
-- Help : On-Line Help ---------------------------------------------
LxProj contains On-Line Help in the form of a condensed version of
this manual. A Help file viewer is integrated with the package and
available by pressing F1 from within Calc Mode. The Help file is a
simple Ascii text file that could be viewed by another utility
outside of LxProj should you find it preferable. To use Help, just
press F1, and the Output Window will clear and load in the Help
file. The first screen will present a list of main headings
throughout the text. The headings are broken down in the same
fashion as this Guide, main headings are defined by a double line
header and sub-headings by a single line. To move through the file,
use the PgUp, PgDn, or Up and Down Arrow keys. The Home key will
always return you to the top of the file. To exit Help, just press
either Escape or F10.
-- Help : Tech Support ---------------------------------------------
Should you have questions about using LxProj that are not covered in
this manual, please feel free to call or write. I will gladly
answer basic questions about the package from un-registered users,
and will fully support those who register. I am by profession a
stage lighting designer and could be out of town if you call, but
someone here will be able to give you a number for me.
I will not accept any collect long distance calls, and would very
much appreciate it if you could be aware of time zones and not call
any earlier than 11:00 am. or later than 9:00 pm. Eastern Standard
Time. Many Thanks !!
Steven Hawkins - Helix Software
279 Sherbourne Street - Apt.No.5 - Toronto, Ontario - M5A 2R9
(416) 929-3807
I can also be reached via the Inet2000 system under S.Hawkins, or
in Toronto via the Rose Media BBS (416) 733-2285 as Steven Hawkins.
I would be most grateful to anyone reporting any bugs they find in
the program. I have tested it as extensively as possible before
this release and use it in my own work, but I do not have ten
computers each with different hardware configurations, so who knows
!! I would also be glad to hear ideas for any extensions or new
options that would improve LxProj.
Page 22
== Revision History ================================================
vr.1.30 August 7, 1990
Initial Shareware Release
vr.1.31 August 17, 1990
Fix minor bug in Print routine.
Slight reduction in executable file size.
vr.1.32 August 29, 1990
Minor fixes to Setup section.
Change default values for colour displays
vr.1.33 October 25, 1990
Recompile under Basic vr.7.10
vr.1.40 January 15, 1991
Remap various keys to make the most used functions more easily
accessable and consistant with other products. The affected
keys are F3, F4, F8, F9.
Add Fast Exit (Alt F10) command.
Add Printer Port selection to Setup.
Modify Status Line to display current selected function.
Page 23
== Technical Notes etc. =============================================
LxProj was written with the Multi-Edit editor and compiled under the
Microsoft Basic Professional Development System, Basic vr.7.10 to the
rest of us ! It relies quite heavily on the QuickPak Professional
Library published by Crescent Software. If you do any serious Basic
programming then you owe it to yourself to check out their products.
Crescent Software
32 Seventy Acres
West Redding, CT
06896
(203) 846-2500
Thanks should also go to Randy MacLean of FormGen Corporation for his
strong arguments persuading me to release LxProj under the Shareware
concept. His excellent product, FORMGEN (a Shareware package) was
also used to rough out the screen designs for this product, and his
DUP utility is busy cranking out the registered version disks.
FormGen Corporation
13 Holland Drive
Bolton, Ontario
L7E 1G4
(416) 857-0022
Page 24
== Other Products ===================================================
-- LxData -----------------------------------------------------------
LxData is a high speed database application intended for the stage
lighting designer. It provides all of the tools required to set up
and maintain both the electrics and the cueing paperwork for one or
two shows, or two shows in a repertory situation. The designer can
quickly and easily access or modify this information and present it
in a great many forms, either on screen or on paper.
LxData extends the options found in most stage lighting packages, and
adds some important and useful new functions to assist the designer,
or an assistant. Some of these enhancements are as follows :
- Fully implemented cue structure to allow the designer to record
and document all cue information.
- Integrated or stand alone multi file text editor to view any
reports sent to a file, or any other file in Ascii format.
- Full support for hard disk directory structures.
- A Run command to execute any program or DOS command and return to
LxData.
- Pull Down Menu structure to allow fast and simple access to the
program's functions without memorizing commands.
- Password protection for use on a system widely shared by other
users.
- Split screen Edit to allow you to concurrently open a window to
refer to other records you may need information from.
- Full global Replace options with a complete 'Undo' function,
Sub-String support, and a Preview Mode to view selected records
before executing the Replace command.
- A Find command to quickly locate any record or group of records
based on any criteria.
- A Query command to view or print a group of records sharing a
common criteria.
- Filter options to screen out unwanted records when editing or
viewing.
- Automatic saves to disk so that data won't be accidentally lost.
- Ability to send a text file to the printer in the background.
- dBase compatible file formats and built-in translation utility to
allow easy import and export of data to and from other software.
Page 25
- An online reference utility to provide specs on all common
instrument types and Ansi coded lamps.
Specifications : IBM or 100% Compatible
448K Ram, 512K Suggested
Dot Matrix Printer Required
65,000 records
99 lamps per location
999 channels, 99 repatches
Largest circuit number: 999z
65,000 lamp types
65,000 location codes
799 cues plus point and part cues
Pricing :
LxData is currently priced at $195.00, which includes complete
on-line documentation, free updates for six months from date of
purchase, unlimited tech support, and free updates of the Reference
Data files.
-- LxPlot -----------------------------------------------------------
LxPlot is a small application very similar to LxProj that calculates
a complete lighting cross-section and provides integrated reference
data on every major lighting instrument and bulb type in common use.
The package can save the stage lighting designer hours of drafting
time, and ensures the accurate placement and choice of any lamp he or
she plots. LxPlot can even calulate the affect of top or bottom
shutter cuts ! LxPlot also provides complete performance data to
tell you how much light you are getting from the lamp with a certain
gel and at a pre-determined channel level.
The user can extract information from the reference files to create
any number of personal data files. You could for example create a
file for each theatre or venue you work in. Each user file can be
edited and new records can be added to include any lamp types not
found in the main reference. User files can also be printed in
either of two page size formats.
The program functions much like a spreadsheet and is very easy and
very fast to use.
Requires : IBM or 100% Compatible
180K Ram
DOS 3.00 or greater
Pricing :
LxPlot is available in two versions, depending on your needs. The
full package with Reference data and related functions currently
costs only $90.00. The package with just the solver section of the
program costs $40.00. Both version include complete printed
documentation and full tech support.
Page 26
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| LxProj Registration |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
By registering, you will have a printed manual with more detailed
information, an update of the program including any new features,
and a clear conscience. If you prefer, you can print out the file
ORDER.FRM included with this package.
The registration is a very reasonable price that helps me to make a
living and to continue to maintain and improve the program. If you
do not register, but continue to benefit from the use of my program,
you are clearly violating the terms of my copyright.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Please register me as a LxProj User! Enclosed is my $35.00
registration fee.
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Name : |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Company : |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address : |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| City : Prov : |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Postal Code : |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
Mail to:
Helix Software
279 Sherbourne Street - Apt.No.5 - Toronto, Ontario - M5A 2R9
